Review: BMW 730Li (G12) – Efficient Opulence

At the lowest point of its
century-long history
, BMW came within a whisker of being bought over by
Mercedes-Benz
. The intervention of Herr Herbert Quandt, however, kept the firm afloat and independent. The decades that followed saw BMW growing in size and stature to the point where it is seen as equals to the company that very nearly swallowed it.
Yet, whilst the 3 and 5 Series models have consistently held their own against their contemporary C- and E-Classes, BMW has never quite managed to get the measure of the S-Class in five iterations of its 7 Series flagship to date. It’s not for the lack of effort, mind. Every generation of the 7 Series receives the best engineering and innovations that BMW has to offer, but the result every time round is a familiar one – the
towkay balak’s
default choice continues to be the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Far from giving up on a seemingly futile chase, BMW has redoubled its efforts to take on Stuttgart’s best with its latest
sixth-generation G11/G12 7 Series
. This time, BMW aims for the
7 Series
 to beat its age-long nemesis at its own game by loading its flag-bearer with
even more technology
 to give it a legitimate claim of being the future of the automobile.
Specifications:
Price: RM698,800 (100
th
 anniversary celebration pricing – RM598,800)
Engine: 2.0-litre, inline-4 longitudinal, turbocharged, petrol direct injection
Power: 258hp @ 5,000 – 6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 1,550 – 4,400rpm
Transmission: 8-speed torque converter automatic, RWD
Safety: 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, ISOFIX (rear), Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Origin: Fully-imported from Dingolfing, Germany.
Overview?
Where do we even start? This is, make no mistake, BMW’s most concerted and perhaps most credible effort to bring the 7 Series out of the S-Class’ shadows. Besides building on traditional 7 Series strengths in the department of driving dynamics, BMW also piled on the innovations in its latest flagship, trickling down goodies from its
i
 division to produce a genuine technological
tour-de-force.
Perhaps the most important bit of technology transfer from the likes of the i3 and i8 is the incorporation of carbon fibre in its monocoque frame. Blended with high tensile steel and aluminium, the 7 Series’ Carbon Core construction gives the current model superior strength to its predecessor whilst making it weigh significantly less. At 1,755kg as tested, our 730Li test car is a full 100kg lighter than its predecessor, which admittedly carried the weight of a bigger capacity engine.
Will this fancy mix of exquisite materials potentially affect repair costs? It sure does, but let’s put it this way, if your 7 Series comes out of an accident with the carbon fibre sections damaged, the car would probably be better-off declared as a total loss.
The previous model’s 3.0-litre engine was among the last surviving members of BMW’s famed naturally-aspirated inline-sixes that made way for downsized four-cylinder turbos that delivered equivalent or better performance with improved emissions. So, here in the 730Li, we have, for the first time in a BMW 7 Series, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
Essentially the same B48 powerplant that also features in the 330i, the engine is tuned to more potent outputs of 258hp and 400Nm (up from the 330i’s 252hp and 350Nm). The previous 730Li, in comparison, generated the same amount of power, but had to make do with 90Nm less torque.
If you must have your 7 Series with a 3.0-litre engine, the
740Li
 gives
you outputs of 326hp and
 450Nm to play with for RM888,800.
Although it is the cheaper of
two variants available in our market
, the amount of standard kit packed in the 730Li is nevertheless impressive – adaptive LED headlights, all-round parking sensors with 360-degree camera, panoramic glass roof, paddle shifters, and a key fob that almost resembles a smart phone – remember to charge it regularly. It also comes with Driving Assistant Plus, a system which actively intervenes in the vehicle’s directional control upon detection of an imminent collision.
Whilst it is an impressive overall package, all of the 7’s technical innovations will be for nought if it continues to play second fiddle to the S-Class, an already formidable opponent further strengthened by competitive pricing made possible by EEV incentives. BMW’s special 100
th
 anniversary celebratory pricing (which wipes RM100k off the price tag of both 7 Series variants) does at least put the 730Li on pricing parity with the S 400 Hybrid.
We believe, however, there is more to this story. The recent announcement that BMW plans to make Malaysia the
export hub for the 3, 5, and 7 Series to Vietnam and the Philippines
 by 2018 effectively confirms that locally-assembled variants of the 7 Series are due to enter our market at the same time. Watch this space for more.
Exterior
The new 7 Series in its long wheelbase guise that is standard for our market measures a massive 5,238mm long by 1,902mm wide. To put its size into perspective, it is wider and almost as long as most pick-up trucks. More pertinently, it is longer than most parking lots you’ll find in downtown KL. Be sure to have your chauffeur along, or spare a few more ringgits for the parking jockeys.
The sheer size of its footprint gives the 7 Series commendably imposing presence, amplified by its enlarged kidney grilles. Yet, the overall bodywork is notably free from overtly fussy details. Some commenters have remarked that BMW’s styling effort here is lacking in adventure, but we find it tasteful and dignified in a manner that befits a stately flagship.
The little details are good too. It may miss out on the fancy-sounding laser lights as fitted in the 740Li, but the standard Adaptive LED headlamps in our 730Li test car is no less sophisticated a piece of lighting hardware. Its built-in DRLs illuminate in a distinctive double-C pattern first pioneered in the
facelifted F30 3 Series
. Standard 19-inch alloys ensure that the 730Li is not let-down by under tyred proportions.

Interior
BMW cabins have always been more functional than fashionable. They have never been the last word in plushness, but typically excel in providing easy-to-use clarity of ergonomics. For keen drivers like us, it’s an agreeable compromise, but for those in the mind of buying luxury vehicles as a status symbol, being merely functional is not quite enough.
Judging from its efforts this time, BMW has evidently learned the lesson well enough. The new 7 Series sports what currently is the best cabin of the BMW line-up by a huge margin. It does not exceed the high standards set by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, mind, but the gap in overall quality and ambiance is much narrower compared to what its predecessors had to contend with.
Material selection demonstrate an impressive leap from BMW’s current standards, whilst clarity of switchgear is consistent with other members of the BMW family. Stepping inside treats you to a sense of occasion that is typically amiss from most BMW cabins. It would have been even more impressive if BMW were able to offer its Executive Lounge Package for our market, but that feature has yet to be made available for right-hand drive markets.
The latest iteration of BMW’s iDrive infotainment platform debuts in the 7 Series and its already class-leading user-friendliness levels are further elevated with the incorporation of touchscreen and gesture control. Rear passengers are also given access to the iDrive system via a detachable tablet supplied by Samsung, from which they can also control various other interior features of the car – sun blinds, seat adjustment, air-conditioning, and others. Our brief video below shows some of these features in action.
How does it drive?
Can a 2.0-litre engine properly power a 7 Series? If you look at it purely from a performance standpoint, BMW’s previous N20 was already good enough to match the outgoing model’s 3.0-litre inline-6 for outputs. The bigger challenge is to engender the kind of gentle yet relentless power delivery that does not come naturally for a turbocharged engine and gets progressively harder to achieve as you ramp up boost levels.
For the most part, the new B48 powerplant does adequately to fill in the shoes of a larger engine. Helped along by ZF’s excellent 8HP automatic transmission, the engine responds to throttle inputs with sufficient immediacy. Its revs are accompanied by pleasing engine tones, and it’s hardly short on muscle in its mid-range. An electronic limiter is needed to cap its top speed to 250km/h, and BMW claims 6.3 seconds to hit 100km/h from rest – a mere 0.7 seconds longer than the more powerful 3.0-litre 740Li.
Besides being frugal on fuel, the benefits of a smaller engine include a lighter nose, which in turn benefits handling. Granted, the 7 Series is an exceptionally light vehicle in its class, but even with that fact kept firmly in mind, the agility of this car and the alertness of its steering feels borderline supernatural, such is the impressively even keel it exhibits when dealing with cornering forces. We’d like little bit more feedback to trickle through the steering, but there is otherwise very little to complain about the way this car drives.
At high speeds, the 7 Series feels no more bulky or intimidating to steer than a
5 Series
. It is only when the space around you shrinks that the car’s sizeable dimensions really trouble a less-than-skilled driver; a good thing, therefore, that BMW specced a 360-degree camera package as standard with this car. Supplemented by all-round parking sensors, the system has a good knack of self-activating at the right time, and BMW’s advanced image extrapolation software is even able to generate a projected visual of the vehicle’s surrounding from a variety of well-judged angles.
How comfortable is it?
More than any other model in the BMW range, the 7 Series is evaluated more critically from the comforts of its rear quarters. As far as BMW’s target clientele for this car is concerned, a great driving experience counts for naught if this is not a comforting vehicle to be driven in.
Thanks to its light, rigid, and exceptionally well-setup chassis, the 7 Series does a fairly convincing job of balancing the much-lauded alertness and agility we talked about earlier against the need for a cosseting ride. Long undulating surfaces are well coped with, but we could not find a selection within the car’s adaptive damper that gave us a suspension setting that was able to seamlessly absorb sharper intrusions.
Overall, it is a compromise, we suspect, that those of a slightly more enthusiastic mind will be happy to accept in exchange for the 7’s dynamic superiority over its peers in other areas.
How economical is it?
BMW’s claimed fuel consumption of 5.8 litres/100km in the European combined cycle was never going to be realistically replicated in the real world. We did not come close to achieving even the official urban average of 7.5 litres/100km, but a reading of 12.9 litres/100km on our test car’s computer averaged over a 360km mixed route represents a decent return for a petrol-driven vehicle in this segment.
The last time this writer was behind the wheel of a previous-gen BMW 7 Series, the test car asked for 15.5 litres/100km. For further comparison, the Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid claims an official fuel consumption of 6.3 – 6.8 litres/100km whilst offering outputs of 302hp.
As with all BMWs, the 7 Series is covered by BMW Malaysia’s comprehensive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty programme in addition to a 5-year / 100,000km free service package, which covers labour, lubricants, filters, spark plugs, and brake fluids. Brake pads and wipers are on your own.
Conclusion
There are times when you’ve got to wonder if the BMW 7 Series’ purpose in life is to play second-fiddle to the S-Class, such is the overwhelming dominance of the Mercedes-Benz in the decades of their respective existence. Whilst technically good cars in isolation, previous versions of the 7 Series were always found lacking in some area or another that make them less-than-convincing options for industry captains and politicians.
This time round, BMW has upped its ante like never before. The new 7 Series retains much of what its predecessors were good for – exceptional dynamics within the segment – whilst also going for the jugular with impressive technology. BMW’s decision to steal a march over its rivals (bar the
Jaguar XJ
) in betting big on a small engine to power its flagship is a courageous call, and one which we anticipate will be handsomely rewarded in markets such as ours that are displacement-sensitive.
The latest 7 Series still has some way to go before Mercedes-Benz’s segment crown is seriously threatened, but perhaps for the first time, Stuttgart’s flagship will do well to look over its shoulder at a competitor breathing down its neck closer than ever.


Grab Planning To Use Facial Recognition As A Security Measure

Grab Malaysia, the technology company that connects drivers with passengers, has listed facial recognition among its list of improvements to safety measures in a bid to better protect all parties.
Speaking to reporters from
The Malaysian Reserve
, Sean Goh, Country Head for Grab Malaysia operations, said there are rising concerns on new drivers who are reluctant to upload an image of their identity cards which can be easily fabricated.
Goh said this process is part of the registration process to be a driver using the Grab e-hailing platform.
“As such, we propose to use advanced facial recognition technology. In other words, a ‘live’ selfie. This will verify there is a real live human in the car and an image is there to prove it,”
Screen-capture
 from Grab website.
Goh said the implementation of this new technology, which is expected to be rolled out by the end of March, will form a better trust system for the drivers and lower friction for passengers.
Another item that is on the agenda of the discussion with Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke is the requirement of yearly inspections for vehicles that are above three years old.
Based on internal data, Goh said customer complaints were on rides in vehicles that are about 10 years old.
As such, Goh suggested that the Ministry amend the vehicle age to seven years old and above to undergo the proposed yearly inspection that carries an RM55 fee.
The new regulations were first announced by the Transport Ministry in July 2018 to better regulated the e-hailing industry, and companies involved were given a grace period of one year to comply.


Is This The New Geely EV Pickup Truck?

Geely
's first-ever all-electric pickup truck has been hot on the news in the past few months. Reported to be parked under the
Geely truck division
, Radar, it seems that someone has leaked a photo of it online.

While the photo is of poor quality (seriously folks, it's 2022 already. Why does the image look like a UFO sighting from the 80s?), this EV pickup truck from Geely has been on everyone's '
radar
' since the end of last year.

What does Radar even mean?

Radar which stands for "Rational, Alone, Discovery, Accompany, Romantic" will most likely focus on developing its EV offerings specifically for the rugged outdoors lifestyle. This EV pickup truck is said to make its official debut sometime next month (July 2022).

Looking more closely at the image, the Radar EV pickup truck is finished with some sort of bright orange exterior colour. All LED lights that are joined at the front give it a sleek facade, and those wheel arches and curves from front to back won't look out of place against the current ICE pickup trucks.

How big is it?

While the info about this EV is still very limited, the Chinese media have repeatedly compared it to the likes of the
Tesla Cybertruck
 and
Ford F-150 Lightning
 (due to all of them being EVs). Size-wise, Geely's external PR manager, Ash Sutcliffe, stated that the first Radar EV model has roughly the same dimensions as a Toyota Hilux.

Other noteworthy speculations include the possibility of it being developed using
Geely's SEA platform
 (Sustainable Experience Architecture), Leishen Hi-X hybrid technology, and lastly, being offered for purchase in 2022 itself. Thoughts?


Shell Motorsports Collection Bluetooth-Controlled Cars Launched

Shell Malaysia
 has officially launched its latest campaign called the Shell Motorsports Collection and it might just be the best one yet - Bluetooth RC cars!

Featuring seven different models of Bluetooth-controlled cars, each collectible and limited-edition Shell Motorsports Collection unit represents the brand's vast support and partnerships in one of the world's most exciting segments ever - motorsports.

Seven models to collect each week

Starting from 8 October 2022, a new model will be launched at all participating
Shell petrol stations
 across the country. These models include:

Ferrari SF90 Formula 1

BMW M4 Motorsport

Nissen Formula E Gen 2

Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC

Shell V-Power Racing Team Ford Mustang GT

Team Penske Indycar

Team Penske Ford Mustang GT

Each model can be fitted with the proprietary rechargeable Smart Battery that offers Bluetooth connectivity. This will allow the user to remotely control the cars using their smartphones via the Shell Racing app. which is available on the App Store and Google Play.

RM30 a piece with a minimum RM50 fuel purchase

The campaign will run its course from 8 October to 8 December 2022. A new model will be released weekly and you can grab one for RM30 with a
minimum fuel purchase of RM50 at Shell stations
 across Malaysia (the same goes for the Smart Battery priced at RM30 as well, sold separately).

If you happen to purchase any of the selected Shell Helix lubricant 4L packs, you can get the Ferrari SF90 model plus the Smart Battery for free. For serious collectors, there's also the Motorsport Collectors Box available at RM80 with a minimum purchase of RM80 for the Shell V-Power Racing fuel.

Activation campaigns at KL Sentral & Mid Valley

Shell will also be organising an event to commemorate the launch of its latest Shell Motorsports Collection at KL Sentral from 17-23 October 2022 and Mid Valley Megamall from 26-30 October 2022. If you've missed any models from the previous weeks, you can find them at these events.

There will also be a Hyundai i20 WRC replica that'll be present at both event locations to hype up the event. These are said to be limited, so get your hands on the complete set now and who knows, it might fetch a pretty penny in the future. To watch us have fun with these beauties,
CLICK HERE
.


UMW Toyota Recalls Certain Toyota Corolla Altis, Lexus RX and NX Models- Airbag Sensor

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has issued a recall to certain units of Toyota Corolla Altis, Lexus NX and Lexus RX models to inspect and if required, replace the
airbag sensor
.
Its principal, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) started global Special Service Campaign regarding an airbag sensor which was announced on 31
st
 January. Based on information received from TMC, the number of affected models which are
manufactured from June 2015 to January 2016
 are:
Toyota Corolla Altis: 2,800 units
Lexus NX and Lexus RX: around 500 units
The defect relates to manufacturing issues as there are possibilities that the insulation of Integrated Circuit (IC) chips in affected Pressure sensors and G sensors could peel off over time, creating an open circuit in the IC chip.  If this were to occur, the airbag warning light will illuminate.
Further, the side/curtain airbags and/or front airbags can become deactivated and will not deploy when required to. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants in the event of a crash.
UMWT will notify affected owners once the replacement parts are available. The work should take about 30 minutes to 4 hours (depending on model) and all costs for the replacement will be borne by UMWT.
Owners of affected cars can first check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at
Toyota’s Special Service Campaign (SSC) website
. Owners can also contact any authorized Toyota Service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at
1800-8-869682 (TOYOTA)
.
For Lexus owners, customers can contact Lexus authorized dealers nationwide or contact its Freephone at
1800-88-53987 (LEXUS)
.
To those who have installed the Toyota Drive apps, there is a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN checker.


Tukar Warna Kereta Perlu Kelulusan JPJ – Memudahkan Urusan Insurans

Nak tukar
warna cat kereta
? Boleh saja! Tapi anda perlu memaklumkan kepada pihak
JPJ
bagi memudahkan segala urusan, terutamanya melibatkan insurans.

Sebelum ini, warna kenderaan ada dinyatakan di dalam Kad Pendaftaran Kenderaan (RC), Namun setelah
Kad Pendaftaran Kenderaan (RC) ditukar kepada Sijil Pemilikan Kenderaan (VOC)
 bermula Jun 2016, maklumat tentang warna kenderaan tidak lagi terdapat pada geran terbabit.

Walaupun maklumat ini tiada pada geran, tapi pemilik tetap perlu mengemaskini warna baharu keretanya kepada JPJ. Yang pasti, ianya percuma sahaja!

Panduan Tukar Cat/ Warna Kenderaan

Panduan Tukar Cat/ Warna Kenderaan

Cat dahulu kenderaan.

Apabila siap dicat, hadir ke Pejabat JPJ.

Jika kenderaan diwarnakan melebihi dari 1 warna, warna yang paling banyak atau dominan di anggap warna kenderaan tersebut.

Isi Borang JPJ K8 (pindaan butir-butir kenderaan) dan serah pada Pegawai JPJ yang bertugas.

Pegawai bertugas akan mengemaskini dalam sistem MySikap.

Tiada bayaran dikenakan.

Kenapa Kena Tukar?

Penukaran warna cat kereta perlu dimaklumkan bagi tujuan urusan-urusan penting seperti menuntut insurans. Jika terjadi apa-apa seperti kemalangan, warna kenderaan yang didaftarkan akan dijadikan rujukan bagi mengelakkan sebarang masalah yang tidak diingini berlaku.

Jika warna kereta anda berbeza dengan apa yang tercatat pada insurans ada, mungkin akan berlaku sedikit kesulitan untuk menuntut insurans. Kalau insurans tak lulus sebab warna kenderaan ditukar tanpa pengetahuan JPJ, kan naya tu?

Kesimpulannya, meskipun warna kenderaan tidak lagi dinyatakan dalam geran, namun JPJ masih lagi mengambil kira maklumat terbabit untuk dimasukkan ke dalam MySikap sebagai rekod. Lagipun proses ini hanya percuma. Jangan sesekali ambil mudah!

Untuk membaca tentang mengubah suai kereta mengikut piawaian JPJ, rujuk
di sini


Perodua Myvi AV 2022 vs Iriz Active 2022 – Nak Beli Mana Satu?

Perodua Myvi 2022 varian AV
 dan
Proton Iriz Active 2022
 merupakan kereta hatchback buatan Malaysia terkini yang boleh dikategorikan sebagai kenderaan mampu milik. Namun antara kedua-dua kereta ini, mana satu yang lebih baik dan sesuai untuk dibeli? Jom kami senaraikan perbandingan antara kedua-dua varian tertinggi hatchback ini.

Iriz Active telah dilancarkan pada Ogos 2021 manakala Myvi 2022 pula dilancarkan pada November 2021. Kedua-duanya telah menerima penambahbaikan dari segi dalaman mahupun luaran. Untuk membantu anda membuat pilihan, kami telah menguji kedua-dua kenderaan ini.

Prestasi

Seperti kebanyakan versi facelift yang lain, tiada perubahan dilakukan pada enjin kedua-dua kereta ini berbanding edisi sebelumnya. Walau bagaimanapun, Perodua Myvi 2022 kini menggunakan transmisi
D-CVT
, sama seperti
Perodua Ativa
 yang membuatkan respon enjin 20% lebih pantas berbanding sebelumnya.

Perodua Myvi 2022 AV:

Enjin: 1.5L 2NR-VE, DOHC with DUAL VVT-i

Kuasa: 103 PS

Tork: 137 Nm

Transmisi: D-CVT

Proton Iriz Active 2022:

Enjin: 1.6L, In-line 4-Silinder, 16 Valve DOHC, VVT

Kuasa: 109 PS

Tork: 150 Nm

Transmisi: CVT

Di atas kertas, Proton Iriz mempunyai sedikit kelebihan berbanding Myvi dari segi jumlah tork dan kuasa kudanya. Setelah memandu kedua-duanya, Iriz ternyata mempunyai lebih kuasa, tetapi Myvi baharu dengan
Power Mode
 memberikan pecutan yang lebih baik berbanding Iriz.

Dari segi pemanduan, Proton Iriz ternyata lebih menyerlah dari segi kawalan stereng serta keselesaan pemanduan. Kawalan sterengnya yang lebih baik membuatkan anda lebih yakin untuk memasuki selekoh. Walaupun D-CVT Myvi terasa lebih lancar berbanding Iriz, namun bunyi bising memasuki ruangan kabin Myvi yang hadir ketika pecutan dibuat membuatkan Iriz jauh lebih selesa dan seronok dipandu.

Penggunaan Minyak

Penggunaan minyak merupakan antara faktor yang perlu diambil kira dalam jangka masa panjang. Kami telah membawa kedua-dua kereta ini dari Sri Hartamas ke Genting Highlands dan berpatah balik untuk melihat mana satu yang lebih jimat.

Walaupun Power Mode digunakan ketika mendaki bukit, Perodua Myvi tampil sebagai kereta yang lebih jimat setelah hanya perlu mengisi sebanyak RM16.20 atau 7.902 liter sahaja untuk memenuhkan semula tangki minyaknya setelah bergerak lebih 100km berbanding Iriz yang mencatatkan RM19.97 sen atau 9.743 liter. Perlu diingatkan, Iriz dipandu dengan berhati-hati dan menggunakan Eco Mode untuk cuba mengalahkan Myvi yang dilenjan ketika naik dan turun Genting. Tapi dari segi minyak, memang Myvi
King
.

Walaupun Proton telah melakukan penambah baikan pada penggunaan minyak bagi Iriz, namun ia masih tidak mampu untuk menjadikan Iriz sebagai sebuah kenderaan EEV (
Energy Efficient Vehicle
) seperti Myvi.

Exterior

Dari segi exterior, Myvi facelift tampil dengan penambahbaikan secara minimal sahaja. Myvi kali ini muncul sebagai Myvi pertama dalam sejarah yang datang bersama lampu nyalaan siang (DRL). Rekaan bampar hadapan dan belakang Myvi juga lebih kemas dan garang.

Berbeza dengan Iriz Active, ia tampil sedikit berbeza dengan rupa ala-ala Crossover dengan rel bumbung dan pelindung
cladding
 plastik pada bahagian wheel arch kereta. Pada mulanya, ia kelihatan agak pelik pada Iriz namun lama kelamaan, boleh tahan juga.

Interior

Di sini kami ingin menyatakan bahawa ruangan dalam Iriz Active terasa lebih premium dan selesa untuk dipandu berbanding Myvi. Penggunaan warna merah yang minimal pada ruangan dalaman Iriz lebih menyerlah berbanding Myvi yang terlalu menyerlah dengan tempat duduk berwarna merah terang.

Rekaan tempat duduk separa kulit pada Iriz membuatkan ia lebih selesa untuk diduduki berbanding kerusi Myvi yang terasa kecil dan kurang selesa. Walau bagaimanapun, dari segi ruangan dalaman, Myvi jelas terasa lebih luas berbanding Iriz, cuma interiornya kurang menarik.

Sistem Keselamatan

Sistem keselamatan yang ada pada Myvi menjadikan ia jauh meninggalkan Iriz dari segi teknologi. Myvi kini dilengkapi dengan
Perodua Smart Drive Assist
 yang merangkumi:

Advance Safety Assist (A.S.A.) – Pre Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control, Front Departure Alert

Headlamp Assist – Auto High Beam (AHB)

Driving Assist: Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

Parking Assist – Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), reverse camera, front/rear corner senso
r

Pendek kata, ia merupakan kereta pertama di Malaysia yang mempunyai
pemanduan autonomi (ADAS) level 2
 pada harga di bawah RM60,000. Iriz walau bagaimanapun hanya tampil dengan ciri keselamatan asas sahaja seperti ABS, EBD,
stability control, traction control
, EBD dan
hill start assist.

Harga

Proton Iriz Active 2022: RM54,800

Perodua Myvi 2022: RM58,800

Dengan ciri keselamatan yang lebih canggih, Perodua Myvi dijual RM4,000 lebih mahal berbanding Iriz Active. Kesimpulannya, berikut merupakan antara ringkasan kelebihan kedua-dua model ini.

Kelebihan Perodua Myvi AV 2022:

Jimat minyak

Enjin lebih responsif dengan D-CVT dan Power Mode

Interior yang lebih luas

Ciri keselamatan terkini

Kelebihan Proton Iriz Active 2022:

Pengalaman pemanduan yang lebih selesa dan menarik

Handling dan suspensi yang lebih baik

Interior yang lebih premium

Rupa ala-ala SUV/Crossover

Jadi dengan bajet dibawah RM60,000, anda pilih kereta yang jimat minyak atau kereta yang seronok untuk dipandu?


Stay Healthy, Take A Road Trip: Best Cars To Get Away

Cars offer us sheer freedom and adventure, but most of us forget that we
could
 just get in and end up in a totally new place - exciting and foreign and exotic - at the end of our journey. That notion still gives me pause and an itch to jump in and just start driving.

Given the global health climate discouraging us from mingling in crowded cities or resorting to air travel, perhaps the open road is the best means of a getaway. Wide lanes, curving bends, sweeping vistas, and good music on the stereo (hopefully). Few things in motoring are so pure.

The Car And A Case For Taking The Long Way/Route

Fact: The quickest route between two points is also probably the least interesting. Taking a trip by road forces you to consider your journey just as much as your destination. Even if you plan everything down to the finest detail, often times the uncertainty of not 100% knowing where you’ll end up is the surest way to something memorable.

An equally important ingredient to a perfect road trip is, of course, the car. Pick your weapon wisely. What kind of drive are you after? What comforts can you live without or insist on? And how many rear-ends will need seating? All questions that need answering before setting off.

For an occupant count between 1 and 2, we’ll assume you’re choosing a solo trip or one with a co-pilot for good reason. We’re also assuming you want something a little spicier to stir the emotions. But sometimes experiences are best shared more widely, shifting your 'ideal' road trip machines to a  different sort of vehicle. Here’s some you might be interested in:

Mazda MX-5

No route is wasted in an MX-5. The lightweight roadster is a dream to carve around corners as the SkyActiv-G engine screams near redline. And when the road opens up, let the top down to allow the breeze and sunshine to envelope every nook of that cozy cabin as you compose the car for the calm sunset highway cruise. Boot space, especially on the RF thanks to its folding metal roof, is at a high premium, so remember to pack light. It goes without saying but please choose the manual.

Toyota GR Supra

No convertible action here but what you have instead is a head-turner that blends BMW’s silky turbocharged inline-6 with Japanese quirkiness in a rear-driven 340hp coupe. The short wheelbase and engine placement gives it a nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution with swift direction changes.

The 8-speed ZF automatic is a beauty too, able to adapt its character depending on whether aggression or tranquility are on your mind. Same could be said about the Supra’s ride, which blends sharpness with the kind of comfort you’d need on a road trip.

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe 4Matic+

This might be beyond reach for some but there’s something elementally elegant about the E-Class Coupe’s proportions. The C-Class Coupe is clearly trying to replicate this but is less than successful, in this writer’s opinion. Park it outside a fancy hotel and it will look just as impressive as an Italian or British luxury grand tourer costing four times as much.

The one to get is the AMG 53, which blends a 3.0-litre straight-6 turbo with a mild hybrid they term as EQ Boost. Enjoying the landscape, it might be hard to keep the 435hp powertrain in check. It still drips with luxury, though, while offers shocking amounts of boot space. Those rear seats aren’t a gimmick either.

Subaru XV

It might be the only crossover worthy of the title given that it retains the style and compact dimensions of hatch but has the all-terrain ability of a true SUV, the XV is Subaru’s best seller because it is such a balanced vehicle.

That’s what you want for total peace of mind when embarking on a cross-state/country trip. You’re unshackled from the limits of the paved road thanks to four-wheel drive which, on the tarmac, gives the the impression of limitless grip. There’s ample room for luggage and a quiet and composed ride, just don’t go looking for outright sportiness from its 2.0-litre engine or CVT transmission.

Volkswagen Passat

The performance of a Golf GTI but in an accomplished and refined executive saloon - that’s basically the Passat in a nutshell. This dual personality is a killer combo that’s tough to walk away from.

Apart from looking excellent in the office parking lot, there’s little to stop this VW gem from being the consummate road tripper. Laden with tech, safety features, and dressed up in a leather-clad cabin, it comes as a surprise just how much fun there is to be extracted from this four-door chameleon.

Kia Grand Carnival

Sometimes you just need the extra space. People have started to call MPVs like the Grand Carnival ‘people movers’ for a reason. You won’t get the same level of involvement or performance from some of the other cars on this list, but then again none can match what this excels at either. Plus, the Kia boasts the best looks in its class.

With seating for up to 8, the 2.2-litre turbodiesel pumps out the kind of relentless torque needed to cope with such a feat. With fewer to transport, the boot expands for enough luggage space to sustain a family of 5 on an extended excursion in comfort and style.

Mazda CX-9

Another entrant that has its class competitors licked when it comes to looks is the CX-9, Mazda’s largest, most practical, but also most handsome SUV. The upright bonnet and strong shoulder lines cement its road presence, but so do its 20-inch wheels. Inside, the material choices and high quality finishes elevate the experience a good few notches, making it extremely compelling as an object.

Three rows of seats give it supreme versatility but somehow Mazda has managed to hold on to its famed driving experience as a core priority, which is much easier said than done in vehicles this big. The 2.5-litre turbocharged engine is athletic but also responsive and refined, matching the CX-9’s character almost perfectly.

So pick a ride and plan that road trip. Also be safe out there folks.


Toyota Confirms That The Supra Will Return To Super GT In 2020

With the final production version of the all-new Toyota Supra set to make its global debut in a matter of hours in Detroit, Toyota has confirmed that a racing version of the car will compete in next year's Super GT championship in Japan.
Toyota revealed the GT-spec Supra at the ongoing Tokyo Auto Salon last Friday and also highlighted that it is developing the production Supra to be a true driver's car.
The company also underscored its focus on using motorsport to help accelerate development of production models such as the all-new Supra, just like how it did with the predecessor back in the 1980s and 1990s.
No mechanical details have been revealed yet but rumour has it that the car will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine.
Along with its front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, the concept's dramatic bodywork features wide front and rear bumpers, front splitter and rear diffuser, side skirts and a large rear wing.
The last Supra which competed in the JGTC from 1995 actually won Toyota four championships before it was replaced by the Lexus SC 430.
Lexus has represented Toyota in Super GT ever since, most recently with the 2017 championship-winning LC 500.


Faulty RFID Tags To Be Replaced Free Of Charge

Plus Malaysia Berhad (Plus) has confirmed that should an
RFID
 tag be undetectable, a coupon for a full detection diagnostic at the nearest Touch N Go fitment centre will be provided and should the RFID tag still have detection issues after the test, Touch N Go will replace the RFID tag for free.

Highway customers can breathe a sigh of relief should they experience
RFID tag
 detection issues. Should this be you, firstly, Plus will have toll personnel on standby with handheld devices to scan your RFID tags to get you through the toll.

If the tag remains undetectable, a coupon for a full diagnostic will be provided. Customers can then visit the nearest Touch N Go fitment centre to run tests. If the test finds the RFID tag still has detection issues then Touch N Go will replace the
RFID tag
 for free.

The question to the highway customer or you, my fellow Malaysian is this, is the hassle described above worth RM35? Or is it just easier to throw away the undetectable
RFID tag
 and get a new one? Beware though that the transfer from one RFID tag to another is not as seamless as you think but we'll cover that in another article.

One must also wonder at the logistics of the above arrangement/ solution? So say I get stuck in an RFID lane because my tag is undetectable. A Plus personnel walks up to my car, scans my RFID tag with a handheld device. If it detects it, I'm free to pass but do I still need to get my RFID tag inspected?

Should the handheld device not be able to detect my RFID tag, then I assume I am given a coupon to get my tag inspected but where does this happen? Am I first allowed to pass the boom gate and do I have to pull over in the middle of two lanes? Or do I pull over all the way over to the left where the Plus administration building is? Or maybe it all takes place behind the boom gate before I am allowed to pass? And all the while I'm holding up traffic behind me, annoying I'm sure my fellow Malaysians for something that's not really my fault.

According to Plus, after its implementation on January 15 across the North-South Expressway, there has been a migration rate of 10 percent for RFID transactions.

Plus also assures us that after receiving feedback from the public that the company has doubled up on teams to assist customers at toll plazas, together with improving the visibility of directional signages.

Should you have some feedback on the RFID implementation thus far, you are welcome to provide feedback through the 1800-88-0000 PlusLine or Plus chatbot P.U.T.R.I via the Plus App, 24/7.

Cover image courtesy of New Straits Times


Proton Ertiga Launched; Three Variants, From RM58.8k

Proton’s promise of launching four all-new models is fulfilled with the Suzuki-engineered Ertiga compact MPV officially making its bow today.
Available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, the Ertiga is offered in the Malaysian market with a selection of three variants priced as follows (on-the-road with insurance):
Executive M/T - RM58,800
Executive A/T - RM61,800
Executive Plus A/T - RM64,800
Meant to complement the Exora as a smaller, more economical MPV in the model portfolio, Proton targets to sell 1,500 units of the Ertiga per month. The Ertiga is assembled in Proton's Tanjung Malim plant with CKD packs supplied from Suzuki's plant in Indonesia. At present, the vehicle only sports 15% local content, but Proton plans to progressively increase that proportion.
Overview
Built on an extended version of the Swift’s platform, the Ertiga also receives the popular hatchback’s peppy 1.4-litre K14B powerplant as its sole powerplant, producing rated outputs of 94hp and 130Nm.
Fuel consumption is rated at 5.7 litres/100km for the manual version and 6.0 litres/100km for the auto. Both numbers are obtained from testing under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and thus qualify the Ertiga as an energy efficient vehicle in Malaysia.
Cabin
Inside, the Ertiga’s spacious cabin features three rows of seats for six occupants. There is physical room for a seventh occupant in the middle of the second row, but it cannot be legally occupied as seat belts are not provided for that perch.
Rear passengers in the Ertiga get their dose of cold air with roof-mounted multi-speed blowers. These blowers take in cold air from the front section of the cabin but get a dedicated cooling coil.
Safety
As tested in its Suzuki format, the Ertiga is rated four stars by ASEAN NCAP, but unlike recent models, none of the variants on offer have electronic stability control – Suzuki didn’t design the vehicle this feature in mind, and Proton was not given liberty to exercise any engineering changes to the vehicle.
As such, the safety kit of the Ertiga reads rather short by today’s standards – dual frontal airbags, ABS, EBD, and ISOFIX mounts.
Equipment
The Ertiga
Executive
 comes with the following equipment levels:
Steering - tilt adjustment
Headlamps - halogen reflectors with level adjustment
Fog lamps - front and rear
15-inch alloy wheels
Beige fabric upholstery
Rear blowers with dedicated cooling coil
Front seat back pockets - passenger side only
2nd row seats - 60:40 split fold and slide, central armrest
3rd row seats - 50:50 split fold
Audio: 2 DIN head unit, CD player, MP3, USB, iPod, and iPhone connectivity
4 speakers
12V power socket - 2X
Reverse sensors
The
Executive Plus
model receives the following additional items:
Steering - tilt adjustment, audio switches
Side mirror - power folding, integrated LED signal lights
Driver seat height adjustment
Front seat back pockets - driver and passenger side
4 speakers + 2 tweeters
Read more about the Ertiga in our
first driving impressions review here
.


What You Need To Know About The All-New 2021 Isuzu D-Max

Proper generational changes for pickup trucks are few and far between, so when Isuzu launches a new pickup truck we pay attention.

No, no - don't run away! This is a proper full model change for the
Isuzu D-Max
, not the hundredth
face-lift
 or special edition model that automakers release to keep their pickup truck sales relevant - and you should be as excited as we are. This third-generation model marks the end of
Isuzu's partnership
 with Chevrolet (the old Isuzu D-Max and Chevrolet Colorado were twins), and an era of pairing up with Mazda and their BT-50.

While the full model change was actually launched in Thailand back in 2019, a year of closed borders and slow industries has pushed the global rollout to, well, this year. The UK got the D-Max back in January, while the Philippines got theirs in March, and India is expected to see models on their shores by April. You can expect Malaysia to not be far behind.

As mentioned earlier, the platform of this product is shared with the BT-50 as are the engines (which are engineered and produced by Isuzu). The 150 PS, 350 Nm 1.9-litre turbodiesel makes a return, as does the larger 190 PS, 450 Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine option that we may or may not see here. You can get it in either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, with 4x2 or 4x4 variants across a number of different body styles.

In keeping with the times, the Isuzu D-Max scores a full
five-star rating
 in both ASEAN and Euro NCAP testing - thanks largely in part to the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that seem to come as standard even on entry-level UK models. Higher trim levels include things like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, and the cream of the crop even get large 7-inch touchscreen displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

From a positioning standpoint, it's clear that the D-Max hasn't lost its utilitarian, workhorse roots - but it definitely has stepped up in a number of areas when it comes to the more lifestyle-oriented variants. The interiors look at home in a mid-range Japanese sedan, with material choices that may seem unorthodox for a pickup truck, yet would be appreciated by all occupants in a greater range of use cases.


Miss Car Shows? Check Out Volkswagen's First Ever Virtual Motor Show

Following the cancellation of this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, the VW brand show stand can now be visited online.

Starting today, visitors can experience all the new models of the brand for two weeks around the clock from their own homes
here
.

The 360° tour offers an interactive digital experience allowing visitors to immerse themselves into the show. They can stroll across the booth, view vehicles from all sides and also change colours and wheel rim configurations using easy-to-use functions.

All the vehicles and the booth planned for Geneva have been digitally processed for the 360° experience and gives visitors a three-dimensional experience of being at the show.

The main focus is on the new products of 2020: this range from the future electric vehicle ID.31 to the new R2 with plug-in hybrid technology and the latest generation of the iconic sports versions of the compact Golf, the GTI, GTD and GTE.

Finally, users are guided to a registration page where they can create their VW ID to receive personalized offers in the future.

“Our first digital booth is only the opening chapter in our new sustainable concept for future innovative online experiences,” says Jochen Sengpiehl, Chief Marketing Officer of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand. “Exploiting the opportunities offered by virtual reality is part of our digitalization strategy. It will become an integral component of our experience marketing, the entire external presentation of the brand and interaction with customers and fans.”

The virtual motor show can be visited online free of charge. The website is available in German and English until April 17, 2020.


Geneva 2018: New Mercedes-AMG Four-Door Model Teased Ahead Of Debut

Those of you who are following the Mercedes-AMG official Facebook page would have noticed that the company shared a few teaser images of its new four-door GT road car being tested.
According to Tobias Moers, the CEO of Mercedes-AMG, his team is in the final testing phase before the upcoming world premiere of the car next month in Geneva.
The production version of the
Mercedes-AMG GT Concept
, which is tentatively dubbed the GT4 (not to be confused with the GT4 race car), would most probably go up against the likes of Porsche Panamera from the looks of it.
Visually, the overall styling remains inspired by the AMG GT Concept, boasting a rakish windscreen, a dynamic roofline, and an aggressive front end with the Panamericana grille, complemented by the LED headlights similar to the ones on the new A-Class and the CLS.
At the rear, the latest member of the Mercedes-AMG family features a pair of slim LED taillights similar to the AMG GT, and the brand’s trademark quad-exhaust tips.
Powering the AMG GT will be Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-litre V8 engine which is further enhanced by a performance hybrid system in a setup inspired by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 car.
Output figures have not been revealed yet but net system output is stated to reach up to a massive 815 hp in its final stages of development, enabling the car to do the century sprint in less than three seconds.
That being said, full details of the car will be revealed during the launch next month in Geneva.


MICHELIN Brings You Performance From The Track To The Street

From its many successes in the world of Le Mans 24 Hours racing, and various other GT and Formula series, MICHELIN is no stranger to the art of developing ultra-high-performance tyres. Over the last 125 years, MICHELIN has provided its expertise and partnered with performance car makers such as Porsche, BMW and Audi to develop nothing short of race-winning machines with each.
Most recently, tuning powerhouse, Carlsson, has teamed up with MICHELIN: selecting three of the brand’s sportiest road tyres for its markets: The MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3, MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport, and MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
“It made perfect sense for Michelin to become our tyre supplier,” said Markus Schuster, CEO of Carlsson. “We’ve conducted many tests over the past three years, and MICHELIN tyres have always been the ones to offer the highest, most consistent level of performance, on both the track and the open road, in dry as well as wet weather.
“The three MICHELIN tyres that we’ve selected are now being used to equip our most powerful models and are offered to all of our customers, regardless of the extent to which their car is tuned.”
MICHELIN’s obsession with providing race- and sports-car drivers with nothing but the best in high-performance driving everywhere – hence their business being taken from the tracks to the streets.
Today, everyday drivers may choose from a full range of MICHELIN tyres that cater to that very point (high-performance driving), all the way to various noise-reducing and energy-saving rubbers.
But for the hardened enthusiast that settles for nothing but the best, MICHELIN has these three options for you: the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3, MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport and the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2.
MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3
With prices ranging from as low as
RM258* (185/55R15),
 the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 offers incredible value for money. Its Anti Surf System offers optimum grip on wet surfaces by ensuring a greater contact patch with the road at all times – this is courtesy of a curved shoulder design that allows the tyre to cut into standing water more effectively.
The MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 is also lauded for its durability to withstand high-performance driving, which draws up high operating temperatures. Further benefits include reduced rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency and tyre longevity – all of which come from breakthroughs from MICHELIN’s 10 consecutive Le Mans 24 Hour victories.
MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport
Providing the traction beneath the Koenigsegg Agera R’s six Guinness World Records, the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport was also developed for the streets together with Porsche, BMW M and Ferrari – three performance brands that need no introduction.
With greater stability developed through its TWARON® BELT, Dual Compound and Variable Contact Patch 2.0 technologies, the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport is the ideal choice of tyre for the performance enthusiast with passions for optimal road grip through the fast bends.
MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2
Proven to be up to 1.8 seconds faster over five laps around the Jerez circuit (19-inch wheels, Porsche 997 GT3), is the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2
.
The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 utilises MICHELIN’s Track Longevity Technology 2.0, which when combined with the brand’s Variable Contact Patch 3.0 tech and a 20% deeper tread depth against the tyre’s predecessor, is bound to deliver up to 50% more track laps – as proven by a Porsche 911 Carrera 2 and a Renault Megane RS around the Jerez track, with a set of 19-inch wheels strapped on.
Mercedes-AMG, Porsche and Ferrari were also largely involved in the development of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, with which you’ll see them providing traction for the AMG SLS Coupe Black Series, the 911 GT3 (991), the 918 Spyder and the 458 Speciale.
*MICHELIN Recommended Retail Price. Actual price may vary at retail outlets


New Toyota Corolla Debuts In Japan

Toyota has recently given its Japanese market Corolla model a mid-lifecycle update. The facelifted Corolla now features a sportier exterior styling and is also the first Toyota to be equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense C package.
The Corolla model seen here is only available in Japan and is different from the ones sold in Europe, USA and other parts of Asia. In Japan, the Corolla is mostly used as a corporate fleet car, thus explains its conservative styling compared to other Corolla models sold elsewhere.
As before, the Corolla is available in two bodystyles - the Corolla Axio sedan and the Corolla Fielder wagon.
The 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle 2NR-FKE engine is also a new unit, and features VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor), a variation of the Dual VVT-iE technology first used in the Lexus LS.
When combined with other fuel-saving measures like idle start-stop system and a CVT automatic, it delivers a fuel economy of 23.4 km/litre (23.0 for the Corolla Fielder) when tested under Japanese regulations (which is different from the European regulations that is more commonly followed elsewhere), making it eligible for government subsidies and tax incentives for environmentally friendly cars.
There's also a hybrid variant, which uses a 1.5-litre 1NZ-FXE engine from the Prius c, available for both the Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder.
Making its first debut in a production Toyota is the Toyota Safety Sense C package, an active safety system which uses a laser radar unit and a camera to provide the following features - Pre-collision System (PCS) for autonomous braking, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB).
Prices start from 1.4 million Yen for the Corolla Axio and 1.6 million Yen for the Corolla Fielder.


2015 Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv GL Launched, From RM130k: Stock Available Now

Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd has unveiled a new base variant for the 2015
Mazda CX-5
 Skyactiv range, called the GL.
Priced from RM129,552k (with insurance and GST), the new
Mazda
 CX-5 GL takes over as the base variant in the CX-5 4x2 Mid Spec. However, do bear in mind that this isn’t the
facelifted CBU model we showed you recently
 – those are 4WD 2.5-litre variants that start from RM173k apiece.
In any case, Bermaz Motor (official distributors of Mazda vehicles here) say that stock is available right now, which is a very rare thing considering how hot the CX-5 has been since it was first launched. We've heard of waiting lists that stretch well into the six-month mark.
The pre-facelift CX-5 GL here maintains a two-wheel drive (FWD) configuration and continues to feature the company’s Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a Skyactiv-DRIVE six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
But if you’re thinking this base variant has been completely deprived of an exciting spec sheet, you may want to think again. The CX-5 GL is still equipped with lots of premium creature comforts (which we’ll list for you below), not forgetting the impressive SkyActiv engine, transmission and architecture.
Here’s a quick look at the standard equipment highlights.
Interior Features:
Radio with 6 Speakers, MP3 and Bluetooth
Reverse Camera with TFT Colour Display Screen
Automatic Headlamps On/Off, Front Wiper with Rain sensor
Smart Start System (Engine Push-Start)
Auto Cruise
Sill plates with blue illumination (4pcs)
Leather Steering
Floor Mat
Exterior:
Dual Exhaust Tail Pipe
Safety:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution System (EBD) with Brake Assist (BA)
Six Airbags (Dual Front, Side, Curtain)
4-eye Rear parking sensor
Tyre Pressure Monitor (TPM)
Burglar Alarm System
Tyre Inflator
First Aid Kit
Optional Accessories:
Full leather seat RM2,900
Mazda Security Film RM1,900
Sill plates with blue illumination (4pcs): RM310
If you’re looking for something a little more premium, however, do check out the
Mazda CX-5 Facelift, which rolled into showrooms earlier this month
.
Or check out the
Mazda 6 Skyactiv Facelift that was also launched in Malaysia
 recently.


Suzuki Recalls Two Million Cars Over Ignition Switch Issue, Mostly In Japan

The Suzuki Motor Corporation has said that recent findings have prompted a recall campaign that concerns more than two million vehicles over an ignition switch defect. But don't worry, as far as we know it doesn't involve cars sold in Malaysia
According to Reuters,
Suzuki
 said in a filing with Japan’s transport ministry that there have been 67 reports of smoking ignition switches. This latest recall is a follow-on from an incident on March 31
st
 when the Japanese automaker ran a separate recall for 168,000 cars over the same issue after reports of burning or smoking ignition switches surfaced in Japan that affected 18 police cars and 12 civilian cars.
It appears that this defect is much more widespread than previously thought. A Suzuki spokesperson said the latest recall involves nine vehicle models and 1,873,000 cars in Japan as well as 133,700 cars in markets such as Australia and Europe. They include:
Suzuki
Alto
, WagonR, and
Swift
 built between 1998 and 2009. (Japan)
Chevrolet

Cruze
 – Built by Suzuki for General Motors Co. (Japan)
AZ-Wagon and Carol, both are sold as Mazda models but made by Suzuki. (Japan)
Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Alto and Chevrolet Cruze. (in Australia and Europe)
As long as this defect has existed, there have been no reports of it causing any injury or leading to any accidents. Suzuki has, so far, not been willing to disclose the monetary impact that this recall will incur.


Why The Toyota JPN Taxi Will Last A Lifetime

Launched at last year’s Tokyo Motorshow, the
Toyota JPN Taxi
 is the latest in a long line of Toyota taxi vehicles, which began in 1936 with the introduction of the Toyota Model AA.
In a new informative video, Toyota gives us a glimpse of the JPN Taxi production line at the Higashi-Fuji Plant; and the relevant production and quality control processes that ensure the JPN Taxi will be a reliable workhorse for years to come.
The JPN Taxi was developed with robust usability in mind and to cater to a wide range of people, including children, seniors citizens, and even wheelchair users.
The design incorporates a low, flat floor and wide-opening rear sliding door (width: 720 mm, height: 1,300 mm) making it easy for passengers to get in and out of the taxi. The power rear sliding door (on the kerbside) accommodates wheelchair users, in addition to a regular hinge door feature on driver’s side.
The JPN Taxi is powered by Toyota's Hybrid System II powertrain incorporating the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FXP petrol engine which is suited to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The JPN Taxi is claimed to return up to 19.4 km/L on the JC08 test cycle.
Toyota also plans to use the JPN taxi to greet visitors from around the world in 2020, when Tokyo hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games.


Review: Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI – The Charismatic Swansong Of An Icon

Do cars only become icons only after they die? It’s a question I’ve asked myself over and over. Especially in the case of the BMW E30 M3, yes it was a fast car, handled like a precision instrument and enjoyed incredible success in motorsports.
But in its day, that was about it, and even cars like the Ford Sierra Cosworth, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3L Cosworth, and VW Golf GTi all proved their mettle in similar arenas of motorsport and offered just about as much in terms of driving performance and exhilaration.
But in the case of the E30, it wasn’t until each successive generation of the M3 became more sophisticated, safer, and as a result – very bulky – that true enthusiasts longed for the simplicity, organic handling and high-revving naturally-aspirated engine from years gone by. So it’s no surprise that E30 M3s retail for nothing short of stratospheric prices these days, in some cases more than even their modern counterparts.
The Volkswagen Beetle, on the other hand, was not a performance car. The original concept was nothing more than a cheap, robust, and somewhat trendy way to mobilise entire nations. It is, however, the longest running, most manufactured car of all time, with 21-million units built over its 65-year lifespan. In fact, when the retrospective “New Beetle” model was launched in 1998, the original Beetle was still being built alongside it (for developing markets) at Volkswagen’s plant in Puebla, Mexico.
But it wasn’t a great car in some aspects, the original Beetle didn’t drive very well, wasn’t very safe, was prone to rust and despite good ‘ol German ingenuity, wasn’t extremely reliable, or quick.
Which left a lot of room to grow when Volkswagen decided to revive its transcendent motoring icon in the late-90s. The current Volkswagen Beetle generation improved on almost every aspect of its classic predecessor – better drivetrains, better practicality, and crucially a design that sported some modern moxie, despite its retrospective inspiration.
And since Volkswagen has no plans to build a successor, choosing instead to bulldoze its EV ambitions with an entirely new range of vehicles from its
I.D. sub-brand
, this could very well be your last chance to get behind the wheel of the best version of the Beetle ever. A future icon perhaps?
Overview
First launched locally in 2012, the Volkswagen Beetle received an
update in 2017
. The local Volkswagen Beetle line-up now consists of two trim levels – Design and Sport – which are powered by the same 1.2-litre TSI turbocharged engine previously available, coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission.
The Design package gets you fabric seats, a 5.8-inch touchscreen display with an 8-speaker audio system and halogen headlights. The Sport variant featured here adds leather seats, Bi-Xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink connectivity, and cruise control.
Visually, the updated Beetle sports a redesigned front bumper and subtle updates on the rear bumper, in addition to the new headlamp design and graphics. On the inside, besides the infotainment system update, everything else is pretty much the same.
In terms of competition, spiritually and historically, the Beetle goes up against the likes of the MINI Cooper, but also newer lifestyle crossovers like the
Toyota C-HR
 which are all the rage these days, and within a similar price bracket as the Beetle.
Specifications for Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI
Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 105 PS
Torque: 175 Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
Safety: Four-airbags (combined side and thorax), electronic stability and traction control, ABS with Brake Assist
Price: RM 139,488 (Sport Package) at 0% GST, without insurance
Origin: Fully imported from Mexico
Exterior
The subtle updates, especially the redesigned front bumper with a dash of chrome highlights creates a slightly more purposeful look for the Beetle this time around. Coupled with the LED daytime lights the car delivers a more premium outlook, which is important in my opinion, given its lifestyle type credentials.
I love that there are new colour options too, in particular, Blue Silk and Habanero Orange which do a much better job of highlighting the contours of the car, without being grandstanding.
If you think the 16-inch wheels featured here are a bit drab, then you are not alone, but fret not, order a Beetle today and Volkswagen Malaysia will include their 17-inch “Rotor” alloys which do a much better job complimenting the wide arches and sporty outlook of the car.
Interior
It is probably the most understated aspect about the Volkswagen Beetle: usability. Despite having only two-doors, it’ll fit four with decent comfort, carry a surprising amount of luggage and the comfort levels are superb.
I know this because, for the better part of four years, my wife drove a (pre-facelift) Volkswagen Beetle, and rarely did we need more space or feel like we needed to swap cars to accommodate an extra passenger. Unlike say a MINI Cooper (3-dr hatch), one can use the Beetle without having to plan trips ahead of time. Also, useful cubby holes mean there’s a place to store almost anything you need, from your Smart Tag to smartphone accessories and canned drinks.
The ‘Vienna’ leather seats likewise are nicely padded and offer good thigh and lumbar support for longer journeys. Seating position up front is precise, with the driver’s seat allowing for ample adjustment of the seat height.
NVH levels are really good too, despite its frameless windows – which are a really cool design feature – very little tyre and engine roar actually make their way into the cabin space.
If I have one criticism, and it isn’t directly related to the interior, rather the equipment – the omission of auto headlights – besides the fact that all its competitors are equipped with it, even cars costing less than half boast auto headlights. I suppose it’s no deal breaker, but I suspect majority of buyers will expect these functions included for a car of this price range.
Also, do note that given its sloping rear roofline and long rear hatch – once fully opened – the leading edge of the rear hatch rises upwards of six-feet, which can be a challenge to pull down and close for less than lanky owners.
Driving Experience
The driving experience in a Beetle is one of balance. It’s a hoot to drive in town, simply because it’s very agile in its steering and overall balance. The upshot of having small rims and thick tyres is that the Beetle is extremely comfortable and soaks up the worst potholes, and road cracks with ease. The suspension, in typical Volkswagen fashion, is surefooted and full of composure.
You could drive it fast, and it surely has a chassis that can handle more power, offers loads of mechanical grip and suspension setup that firms up nicely in the corners, but for the most part – it’s a cruiser – which works best when enjoyed with composure and calmness.
While visibility outside of the vehicle is good, drivers have to be mindful of the wide arches and side skirts of the car, especially when parking or negotiating a tight carpark. The arches extend roughly a foot outwards from where the driver is seated, so we have to adjust our frames of reference to include the outer extremities of the bodywork when driving the Beetle.
The 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is punchy at low and mid-engine speeds, which, when spread over then gearbox’s seven ratios makes light work of cruising at highway speeds, and likewise urgent when driving in the city.
Ample torque is available as low as 1,500 rpm and builds nicely throughout the rev range. You have to rev it if you really need some pace but rarely did I feel like I needed much more power. On the highway, the Beetle settles into a nice cruise at around 130 km/h, which makes the long drives quite easy simply because you don’t have to keep prodding the throttle to maintain your pace.
The seven-speed DSG is responsive and engages quickly enough when trying to creep forward in traffic. I’d even go as far to say the DSG transmission is a whole lot better than I remember in the pre-facelift model. Once up to speed, it's faultless, superbly quick upshifts and intuitive downshifts which make for a relaxed driving experience and reasonably good fuel consumption.
Of which, when I was being conservative and easy going in the city, the Beetle returns around 8.9 litres/100km, the value drops to around 8.4 litres/100km on the highway, which are fairly decent real-world numbers. Drive it quite hard, especially on a twisty back road and that number can rise to around 10.9 litres/ 100km, but like I’ve said before, the Beetle is a cruiser and is best driven as such.
Conclusion
While there’s no denying the Beetle has been around for quite a while, it’s far from being over the hill; its iconic silhouette remains youthful and eye-catching, and its accommodating cabin space endows it with versatility and usability other two-doored cars would find hard to match.
The driving experience is admittedly less engaging than its spiritual competitor the MINI Cooper, but for the most part, it’s hard to fault because the Beetle’s blend of pliancy and surefootedness means it can handle the short and long trips with aplomb and is more usable on a daily basis.
Plus, it’s reasonably priced, at nearly RM50k less than the entry-level MINI Cooper with equal amounts of ‘street credibility’, the Beetle is a charming way of getting into a lifestyle vehicle without having to break the bank.
But, the Beetle’s biggest challenge, in my opinion, are newer lifestyle crossovers such as the Toyota C-HR, which combine stylish design and modern SUV practicality; admittedly are very appealing and good value for money too.
But on the measure of heritage, few if any can match the resounding popularity and worldwide success of the Beetle. And arguably, this is the best Volkswagen Beetle there ever was, which is bittersweet because while this may be the final version of an iconic vehicle, it's also a charismatic swansong for a performance that has lasted nearly 80-years.


Naza Kia Announces New Car Prices With New Zero Rated GST

Naza Kia has announced its revised price list of new cars, in line with the recent announcement by the Ministry Of Finance to revamp the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 0 percent, down from 6 percent, effective 1st June 2018.
To further benefit its customers, Kia has also introduced an interim pricing scheme, valid from now till 31st May 2018, which exempts GST from all new car purchases. During this period, customers will receive instant cash redemption when they purchase a new Kia model.
The revised price list will continue until the new Sales & Service Tax structure is implemented by the Ministry of Finance.
The revised new car prices as follows:


2016 Volkswagen Golf VII Re-Specced with Two New Variants; Price from RM150k

Volkswagen Malaysia
 has re-organized its model portfolio for the
Golf VII
 by splitting its sole 1.4 TSI variant to two trim levels, both being offered at reduced prices with the upper model getting improved levels of equipment.
From the outgoing version’s price of RM163,888 (retail, without on-road costs), the re-specced Golf VII is available in the following two variants:
1.4 TSI Comfortline – RM149,888
1.4 TSI Highline – RM159,888
As with the current model, the re-specced Golf VII for Malaysia is powered by Volkswagen’s latest EA211 1.4-litre TSI petrol direct injection engine. Takers of the new variants enjoy a 10PS hike in outputs to 150PS, which is accompanied by 250Nm of torque available from 1,500 to 3,500rpm.
Paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission as before, the Golf 1.4 TSI is able to complete the century sprint in just 8.2 seconds. Official fuel economy remains unchanged from before, being quoted at 5.0 litres/100km under the European combined cycle.
Equipment levels of the re-specced Golf VII are as follows:
1.4 TSI Comfortline
16-inch alloy wheels
Halogen reflector headlamps – Manual level adjustment
Comfort seats
Multi-function leather steering wheel
Manual climate control
Front and rear parking sensors
1.4 TSI Highline
17-inch alloy wheels
Front fog lights
LED tail lamps (like Golf R)
Bi-xenon headlamps
Sports seats
Cruise control
Auto climate control (Climatronic)
Keyless entry (KESSY)
Rest assist
Park assist – parallel and perpendicular entry
From the above items, KESSY, Rest Assist, and Park Assist are new features previously unavailable with Malaysia-spec units of the Golf.
Both variants of the updated Golf 1.4 TSI are available for booking immediately at Volkswagen showrooms nationwide, being offered with a selection of six colours – Limestone Grey, Sunset Red, Pure White, Deep Black, Pacific Blue, and Tungsten Silver


Mercedes-Benz and Daimler To Split?

The talks for Daimler to be split into two separate companies has begun.

It looks like there is a big shakeup going on at Mercedes-Benz's parent company, Daimler as they have decided to split their business into two separate companies, one for passenger vehicles and the other for Daimler trucks and busses.

Although Daimler is still in talks with its board members about this separation, it does seem likely that in the future, Daimler trucks and busses will be under the Daimler Truck moniker while the passenger vehicles will be under Mercedes-Benz.

According to reports, Daimler is moving towards this direction to differentiate itself better in the future. Mercedes-Benz would handle
electric cars
 and associated
technologies
 as well as vehicle software while Daimler Truck, would pursue zero-emissions solutions for heavy-duty trucks and busses.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board for Management of
Daimler
 and Mercedes-Benz, said,
"
This is a historic moment for Daimler. It represents the start of a profound reshaping of the company. Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans and Daimler Trucks & Buses are different businesses with specific customer groups, technology paths, and capital needs. Mercedes-Benz is the world's most valuable luxury car brand, offering the most desirable cars to discerning customers. Daimler Truck supplies
industry-leading transportation
 solutions and services to customers. Both companies operate in industries that are facing major technological and structural changes. Given this context, we believe they will be able to operate most effectively as independent entities, equipped with strong net liquidity and free from the constraints of a conglomerate structure."

From what we can understand the split will allow both companies to operate faster and more efficiently, as well as allow the companies to make better decisions regarding individual growth, future technologies, and most importantly, be more competitive.

The idea of the split will be presented further during an upcoming shareholder meeting to obtain their thoughts as well as the mandatory approvals.


State Of Charge: Should You Jump Into EVs In Malaysia?

We find ourselves shifting toward a new automotive paradigm - excuse the big words but that’s only because it’s pretty apt. In the future, cars might still have four wheels
but likely no engine in the usual sense
. What do we make of this?

First of all, there’s a couple of contenders: the first - and the one we’ll be focusing on - is the Battery Electric Vehicle or BEV.…often just called an EV. You might have also heard about FCEVs, cars that also technically uses electricity to motivate the wheels
but use hydrogen as a fuel source
.

BEVs, by comparison, are simpler to understand as we’ve all had (or seen) a remote control toy car before. The kind sold for kids, of course, not the faster and more serious hobbyist RCs that run on nitromethane.

Basically, an EV is an upscaled and more advanced version of that toy car. It runs on batteries
 that power an electric motor
, except now it also has a proper interior and other creature comforts.

Both eschew non-renewable petrol and diesel and their harmful exhaust emissions caused by an internal combustion engine (ICE) in favour of clean, sustainable driving. Both also seek to reduce humanity’s overall dependence on fossil fuels, the supply of which will be exhausted in our not so distant future.

Why EVs, Why Now?

Automakers are usually the first to experiment with alternative propulsion solutions, usually spurred by a fuel crisis that made routine driving and filling up hard on the wallet. Jet cars, solar-powered cars, hydrogen cars, and electric cars were all made into working prototypes before they were actually sold to the public.

Over the past 10 years especially, not only are they acutely aware of the disruptive impact of the global crude oil supply suddenly running dry, but also know that climate change is something their own customers are increasingly conscious of and concerned about.

In late 2021, the Malaysian government announced aggressive incentives and perks to buyers of electric vehicles as part of a longer-term objective for the country to gain a foothold in expanding the EV manufacturing and supply chain market. ‘Step One’ is equipping the nation with a healthy base of zero emissions motorists catered to by
a widespread charging network
.

ICE vs EV - The Big Differences

Engine vs Electric Motor

That big front section of a typical car will be much emptier thanks to the fact that a large engine is no longer present for EVs. Instead, an electric car’s internals is concentrated lower down between the front and rear wheels where the batteries are usually located. Compared to an internal combustion engine, EVs have electric motors that are quite small (about the size of a watermelon) but powerful enough to power a car and will get even more compact over time. Due to their dimensions, they can be positioned on the front or rear axle, or both.

Battery vs Fuel Tank

The fuel tank is probably the most low-tech component of any car. A tub that gets filled with petrol or diesel, rarely do you have to think about it unless it’s empty. In contrast, the battery in any EV is probably its most important single component due to its sheer volume, weight, expensive material composition, and energy capacity, all of which contribute to how much the vehicle can travel on a single charge.

Charging vs Refuelling

The equivalent of topping up a car with fuel is also much different in an EV as charging doesn’t take nearly as fast. Even our small electronic devices, which use the same base technology (lithium-ion, lithium-iron phosphate, lithium-polymer) take hours to replenish. Any way you spin it, charging an EV involves a lot more waiting. Luckily, with some perspective and a little pre-planning, this could be seen as a much smaller issue. The average passenger car spends about 80% to 90% of its existence at rest (parked), which is ample time to charge up.

AC vs DC

If you’ve perused some EV lingo, you might have heard that AC (alternating current) charging is the slower charging method. This is true as it relies on the car’s onboard converter.
A DC (direct current) charger
 will always be able to get you to 100% quicker as it offloads that conversion step to a much beefier system. The biggest practical difference here is that AC chargers are much cheaper to purchase and easier to install, making them ideal for home and public use. Due to their higher cost and additional burden on the electrical grid, faster DC chargers are more suited to specific locations such as highways where the least possible charging time is desired.

Living With An EV

Charging Network

The ideal situation for any EV owner is to not only to have an EV that can travel a reasonably long distance on a single charge, preferably as long as we can stay awake driving but also to have an abundance of charging stations - AC or DC - at our disposal so that we’re never far from getting our batteries topped up. A typical daily routine would involve walking out to a fully recharged car (since it spent the night charging as we slept) and being able to charge it easily and frequently while we’re out and about.

Home vs Public Charging

Home charging is ideal, obviously, and is the basis of an EV ‘lifestyle’. Here’s where having a landed property is a real advantage for EV owners today as most apartments and condominiums in Malaysia have very few charging options at this moment, if any at all, and are not very receptive to accommodating them. Having said that, there has been some positive traction from property developers, specifically from the likes of Sunway Property with the Alishan development, Unio Residence, Residensi Ava as well as Edelweiss to name but a few.

Public chargers (usually AC), either paid or free to use, are unfortunately still quite few and far between and a major obstacle to an increased adoption rate but again we’re seeing positive movement here. As part of the efforts to bring our nation along Malaysia’s energy transition journey, TNB has pledged to build an EV charging infrastructure along the North-South Expressway by investing RM90 million to develop and support the EV ecosystem over a span of three years. There will be an estimated 18,000 charging points by 2030 to accommodate 500,000 EVs.

The private sector with the likes of ParkEasy, chargEV, and JomCharge have also partnered up with malls to offer a seamless charging experience while you shop. It is also heartening to see manufacturers like BMW Malaysia also get on board with these initiatives.

Money Savings

Apart from obviously
not releasing any harmful emissions
 as you drive, EVs are much more economical from a simple Ringgit-to-Kilometre standpoint. Better still, since its electric powertrain is ‘source-agnostic’, it will be cheaper and more ecologically sound to run as we find cleaner and/or less expensive means to generate electricity. Now, all we need are cheap EVs….

Maintenance (Or Lack Thereof)

Any EV has much fewer moving parts compared to any car with an internal combustion engine. There are no routine oil/fluid changes, leaky head gaskets, or transmission failures since it’s literally a computer sitting on top of a big battery and electric motor(s). Only tyres come readily to mind as a ‘wear and tear’ consumable. That and windshield washer fluid…

Problems & Hurdles

Battery Degradation

This is perhaps the biggest sticking point with EVs as a whole. We all know rechargeable batteries degrade over time, meaning they will not be able to hold as much charge the older and more used it gets. It’s also too bad that an EV’s battery, as mentioned, is its largest and costliest part so replacing it won’t be easy or cheap. This puts an unwritten lifespan on any EV as a new battery might cost more than the whole car is worth. Fortunately, there is some light ahead with advancements in battery technology with graphene and solid state cells reaching maturity.

Lithium Supply

Tying into the above matter is the
EV industry’s reliance on lithium
, a metal that needs to be mined out of the ground and is, therefore, neither abundant, cheap, renewable, or environmentally friendly. Where ICE car ownership today is often beholden to the price of crude oil, the entire trajectory of electric cars could be swayed by the cost/availability of this one material.

The Way Forward

Automakers are steaming ahead with plans to convert all or the majority of their line-up to electrified or fully electric powertrains in the coming years or decades. Clearly, Malaysia doesn’t want to get left in the lurch, and the government’s initial steps to encourage the EV adoption rate while simultaneously trying to position our country as a regional hub for manufacturing is a good start. However, getting real traction could take some additional coaxing, such as:

Cheaper EV Selection -
For now, the majority of EVs offered for sale in Malaysia remain beyond what most of us will consider ‘affordable’ as next to none of them are listed below RM100,000 new. If electric mobility is ever going to see the uptake needed for a real shift away from ICE cars, that price ceiling will need to be reduced considerably. The most direct route to this
is the micro-EVs
 that are either catered for 1 or 2 occupants. Intended for urban commutes and little else, these cars are compact and only require a modest battery to deliver decent range, hence their low price. Logically this should be led by our national carmakers, Proton and Perodua. We are already seeing some momentum from the latter with the
soon-to-be-introduced Perodua Ativa Hybrid
. Whilst not a BEV, it is a step in the right direction.

Long-Term Government Support -
 Malaysia will be offering EVs whose selling price is free of both import duty and excise duty with road tax waived until the end of 2025, but beyond that, any appeal and momentum for EVs will be dramatically reduced or halted if these policies are not extended. Apart from this, the country needs to consistently push for the establishment of a thriving infrastructure if it seeks to have any chance of seeing mass EV ownership flourish.


All-New 2018 BMW X3 Launched In Malaysia - Estimated RM 320,000

Just shortly after its launch over in Indonesia, the third generation G01 BMW X3 has finally made its way to our shores and is now on sale. From launch, BMW Malaysia is assembling the all-new X3 locally in Kulim, Kedah. For now, the X3 will be available in a singular xDrive30i Luxury specification, going for an estimated RM 320,000, on-the-road, without insurance.
Of the numerous features that come with the X3 as standard, the standout items are:
Sensatec Dashboard Lining
10.25-inch Central Entertainment Display
BMW ConnectedDrive
Multifunctional Instrument Display
Park Distance Control with Parking Assistant
Contactless Tailgate
Acoustic Windscreen Glass
BMW HiFi with Navigation system Professional Audio System, 12 speakers
To break it down for those unfamiliar with BMW's variant codes, xDrive30i means that it comes with the xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, and the 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine in a 252 hp, 350 Nm state of tune. The century sprint takes just 6.3 seconds, faster than your average hot hatchback, and it peaks at a top speed of 240 km/h.
From a design perspective, this new model adopts many of BMW's most current styling cues; a hexagonal-design grille makes its debut on an X model, complementing the smoother, more fluid lines that tie in with the most recent X models in the BMW lineup. LED headlights with low-beam and high-beam functionality are matched with LED tail lights in the rear, making for a distinct look day or night. At each corner sits a 19-inch Double Spoke alloy in Ferric Grey, which pairs well with underbody protection in Frozen Grey and high-gloss Chrome.
Compared to its predecessor, the all-new X3 is up to 55 kilograms lighter, but the dimensions as a whole have grown. This new model is 60 mm longer, 10 mm wider, with a wheelbase that's 52 mm longer as well. All of these elements contribute to improved handling dynamics and interior room and practicality, with a boot space that can expand from 550 litres to 1,600 litres with the seats folded down.
The 50:50 weight distribution that BMW is known for is also applied to this X3, and it has merits both on and off road. When heading off the beaten path, the xDrive all-wheel drive system works in tandem with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system to ensure traction and control at all times. Power is distributed among all four wheels and is continuously varied to avoid losing grip when navigating slippery surfaces aided by the Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X) feature.
But let's get down to the heart of the matter. The BMW X3 is a Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW's definition, and while the "Sports" portion of that name is very much covered by BMW's chassis engineers, it's the "Activity" part where the X3 shines. There is more interior storage space than ever before - perfect for the budding family of four or more as parents can attest - which is coupled with more interior space courtesy of the longer wheelbase.
Technology makes a strong showing here as well, with Park Distance Control and Parking Assistant allowing for automatic parking in parallel and lateral parking spaces. The Multifunctional Instrument Display occupies the instrument cluster space, offering a breadth of information such as navigation and other engine parameter readouts, and the entire cluster changes theme depending on whether you're in ECO PRO, COMFORT, or SPORT mode.
Front and centre is a 10.25-inch Central Information Display, with touch control functionality and BMW ConnectedDrive for seamless connectivity. There's also a Welcome Light Carpet and interior ambient lighting, which are nice modern touches that complement the leather upholstery and Dark Oak wood trim. The leather comes in either Vernasca Black or Vernasca Mokka, with strong earthy exterior paint colours in the form of Terra Brown, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver, and Alpine White.
The all-new BMW X3 will be in showrooms nationwide by 25th of April 2018, and deliveries will commence in July 2018. Those who purchase an X3 will also benefit from BMW's 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program, their 2-Year/24 Month Tyre Warranty Program, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App and BMW White Card, and BMW Service Online. Visit
http://www.bmw.com.my
 for more info, or check out your nearest BMW dealer to see the X3 in person.
Read also our review of the European market X3
here
.


Jaguar E-Pace Pounces Into Guinness World Records

The
new Jaguar E-Pace
 made one of the most epic world debuts of recent times as it set an official Guinness World Record title during its launch yesterday.
The SUV leapt into the record books with a 15.3 metre-long jump complete with a 270-degree corkscrew-like ‘barrel roll’.
According to Jaguar, the purpose of the stunt was to demonstrate the agility, precision and performance of its newest SUV, which was recently being tested for 25-months under the most extreme conditions around the world.
Available with a range of powerful and efficient Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, the E-Pace also comes with features like the Active Driveline all-wheel-drive system, Adaptive Dynamics suspension system, the company’s next-generation Head-Up Display technology, digital connectivity in the cabin, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen among others.
Jaguar also claims that the E-Pace’s chassis is capable of towing up to 1,800kg, making it ideal for customers who would want an SUV for both business and pleasure.
The E-Pace completed its world record jump at ExCeL in London – one of only a handful of venues in the UK big enough to accommodate the 160-metre run-up and run-off vital for the 15-metre leap.
Coming back to the stunt, behind the wheel of the record-breaking E-Pace was stunt driver Terry Grant, who has completed stunts on many film sets and holds an impressive 21 Guinness World Record Titles.


2021 Perodua Ativa AV vs 2020 Proton X50 Standard

Which SUV is the better buy? The Perodua Ativa AV or the Proton X50 Standard?

As much as we all know that the Proton X50 is in a completely different segment, there's just no way of avoiding the comparison between it and the upcoming
Perodua Ativa
 (D55L)
.

We suppose the reason for this is because there are both nationally produced SUVs that are high in technology and present good value for money for anyone in the market for a new vehicle.

For those who have set a budget of around RM80k, you can either go for the highest specced
Perodua Ativa
, the AV (estimated price of RM73,400) or the lowest specced Proton X50, the Standard (RM79,200), but which one is the better buy?

To determine this, we thought we deep dive into both cars' official specifications and compare them against each other.

Performance - Proton X50 Standard pips ahead

Model

Power (hp) & Torque (Nm)

Weight (Kg)

Transmission

Perodua Ativa AV

 97hp/140Nm

980Kg

D-CVT

Proton X50 Standard

148hp/226Nm

1,325Kg

7-Speed DCT

Both the Perodua Ativa AV and the Proton X50 Standard come with turbocharged engines, but the similarities end there as the Perodua has a displacement of
1.0-litre
 while the Proton comes with an
award-winning
 has
1.5 litres
 turbocharged powerplant.

On paper, the Perodua Ativa AV clearly has less power than the Proton X50 Standard but the lighter weight of the Ativa should offset some of that power difference. Generally, Dual Clutch Transmissions are geared up to provide performance while
CVTs
 exists purely as a fuel-saving tool, so expect the Proton X50 to be the livelier out of the two.

Fuel economy - Depends on who's behind the wheel, but the Ativa makes a comeback!

Model

Fuel consumption litre/100km

Perodua Ativa AV

5.3

Proton X50 Standard

6.5

In the table above are the claimed fuel consumption figures for both vehicles and while claimed fuel consumption figures from manufacturers should be taken with a pinch of salt, it does give you an indication that the Ativa fares better in this department.

Saying that however, the most important part of fuel economy depends on the driver's right foot and the type of driving he/she is doing. If the driver is constantly overworking the small engine in the Ativa, the impressive fuel consumption figures in the Perodua might be higher than expected and that also applies to the
Proton X50
. However, the Ativa is equipped with a D-CVT, so the car will try its best to make that fuel in the tank last longer.

For illustration purposes only

Safety - The Ativa AV is well endowed in this department

Model

Airbag

Passive Safety

Perodua Ativa AT

6

ESC,TCS,PCB, PCW,LKC, LDW, LDP, ACC, BSM, RCTA

Proton X50 Standard

4

ESC,TCS

Perodua has really stepped up their game in the safety department and has included a lot of advanced safety gear in the top-spec Ativa. This is Perodua's first model to be equipped with ASA 3.0 which includes features such as Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keep Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

On top of that impressive list of safety features are 6 airbags as well as an LED Adaptive Driving beam, a first from a sub RM100k. Of course, the
top-spec
 Proton X50 can match the
Ativa AV
's
 safety features but the lowest X50 variant is looking a bit empty compared to the Ativa AV.

Price - Perodua's pricing is just a beautiful thing

Model

Price

Perodua Ativa AT

 RM 73,400 (Estimated)

Proton X50 Standard

RM 79,200

Everyone knows that Perodua vehicles have the best pricing around but often they do come with deficiencies in certain areas. Not anymore it seems as the Ativa with its impressive features and equipment list surely squashes that notion.

For its price, it has to be said that the Perodua Ativa AV is one of the best value proposition SUVs around but you must still consider that it is a small SUV in the first place, being closer to the A-segment rather than the Proton X50's B-segmentation.

Still, it's impressive how Perodua has managed to slap on such a good price tag on the Perodua Ativa AV, ticking all the right boxes in the process.

If you want power and don't care about the rest, then the
Proton X50
 Standard is the one for you, but if you're willing to live with slightly less power and have great safety features as well as fuel economy then the Perodua Ativa AV might just be the better option for you.

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Review: 2020 Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan - Power Of Corners

The 2020 Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan prefers taking the corners to going straight and that's where it shines best - especially with the G-Vectoring Control + keeping it glued to the road. The
Jinba Ittai
 is strong in this one.

Is there room for the D-segment in 2020? Have you all migrated to
SUV's
 and brought about the demise of the proper full-sized sedan?

Say, however, you were in the market for a
D-segment
 sedan, would you stick with the predictable or would you tell the Joneses to stick their safe option and give another brand or make a try? Do you stand out or blend in?

Because I'm here to tell you that the Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan stands out and she's a bloody riot!

Just before I jump into the why, here is:

Specifications: Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan:

Price: RM211,148 (OTR without insurance)

Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine

Power: 195 PS

Torque: 258 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission: Skyactiv-Drive 6-Speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode

Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist.

Origin: Fully-imported from Japan

First Impression: Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan

It's got a face I can grow old with. That was the first impression that struck me after I had spent a few minutes with the Mazda 6. It was pretty today but would age to be a classic of tomorrow. It was elegant with the right curves. It reminded me of Arwen from Lord of the Rings. The Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan is the car I would be happy owning past its warranty period. It was my ageless elf.

The Drive: Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan

I've said this many times before, forget going fast in a straight line, a chimpanzee can be trained to drive fast straight but in the corners, now that's a true statement to the pedigree and potential of a car. The Mazda 6 has a length of 4865mm with a wheelbase of 2830mm and when you point that nose into a corner sharply, she tucks in and rolls out of it at speeds you should not be taking a corner in!

Let's put those numbers into a little context, the benchmark of hot hatches, the Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk7.5 has a length of 4268mm with a wheelbase of 2626mm. The Mazda 6 gives away about 200mm, but how does it remain so agile?

The answer: G-Vectoring Control + or GVC + for short.

When cornering, GVC Plus lightly applies brake force to the outer wheels as the steering wheel is returned to the centre position. This provides a recovery moment that restores the vehicle to straight-line running and achieves greater stability.

GVC +
 lightly applies brake force to the outer wheels (thereby altering the car's yaw moment) as the steering wheel is returned to the centre position. This provides a recovery moment that restores the vehicle to straight-line running and achieves greater stability - when paired with the responsive Skyactiv powertrain, the traction on the Mazda 6 is addictive.

Due to the capabilities of the GVC + and Skyactiv systems for fast and precise control, as a driver, you get the optimum amount of torque when you request for it. It's a synergy that works wonderfully.

Mazda offers three variants of the Skyactive powertrain for the Mazda 6. Besides the 2.5L I drove here, there are the 2.0L petrol and 2.2L turbo diesel. Power is sent to the wheel via a 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive Automatic transmission.

The 2.5L variant is a visceral experience, it is eager to redline, and paired with the equally quick transmission, you wouldn't be amiss in calling the Mazda 6 a sports sedan. Like the song Another One Bites the Dust, the Mazda 6 too has bass lines that provide for an aural experience to bask in. You simply must hear it for yourself.

The Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan is THAT weekday and weekend unicorn, especially for fathers.

The Interior: Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan

I'm a simple man when it comes to the interior or cabin of a vehicle. It needs to make sense to me first and foremost. I don't want to feel overwhelmed or unsure of where what is when I'm in the driver's seat. The Mazda 6 is all that plus classy. Can't go wrong with black soft-touch leather. All the dials and controls are where I expected to find them, within easy reach plus they worked as advertised including Android Auto. A flat-bottomed steering wheel would have been nice to have, it was after all capable of the spirited breakfast-run Sundays to Raub or Kuala Klawang.

In essence, it's a cockpit that emphasizes focus and attention to driving. The infotainment unit is one of the most intuitive to use paired to the centre rotary dial. The Mazda 6 is not fussy nor gadgety. It's a car that demands focus and focus you should because that is where it shines, on the road, while you're driving it!

I could never seem to find a comfortable spot for my right arm on the centre console however, it was just a tad too narrow for my liking.

The HUD unit keeps things simple with speed and blind-spot monitoring always within view.

Conclusion

Some cars you don't want to return, I had a bit of that with the Audi Q5 and a little more of it with the Mazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan when I didn't expect to. I didn't foresee her growing on me as much as she did. Perhaps being a driver's driver, I just loved how I could chuck it into a corner and it would hold its line and carry me through it with the widest grin I could muster.

I took a good friend of mine for a spin and her exact words were, 'Bloody hell dei, how much does it cost lah, I want to own one'. I concur and I understand exactly where she's coming from. The Mazda 6 blends looks, driving dynamics, comfort, practicality, space and refinement at the right price point.

How does it measure up against the OG's of the segment? I'll let you know soon as I spend some time with the Camry and Accord.

In the spiritual words of my colleague Arvinda, "the Mazda 6 is a spot-on drivers car because the chassis, powertrain, and controls go so well together - because a driver's car is rarely measured by power, its a quantum of connectivity... it must feel organic.... this is what Mazda mean by
Jinba Ittai
, the oneness of horse and rider".