Flux Offers Flexibility In Car Ownership With Their All-Inclusive Monthly Car Subscription Service

Malaysians are spoiled for choice when it comes to mobility solutions. We have everything from buying a new car outright - in cash or through a hire-purchase loan - in tandem with a healthy used car market, ride sharing platforms, pay-per-hour car rental, and even the occasional leasing program.

But Flux is looking to fill a small niche with their flexible all-inclusive monthly car subscription service - one that promises to be all-inclusive with the added benefit of a concierge service to handle the more mundane aspects of owning a car - scheduled servicing, insurance, roadtax and the like.

The idea is similar in design to a lease, but the key difference is that members of the program can choose to change the car that they use on a monthly basis for a standard transfer fee. What it means is that if you don't need to run an SUV around for 90% of the year, you can make do with a compact car that will fulfil your daily requirements.

And for the times that you do need something a little more spacious with a little more luggage space, it only needs a little bit of pre-planning. This is ideal for those festive seasons when you have to make your way back to your home town, or when you need a larger car to move items around. There's even a 3-day Risk Free Return clause that lets you swap a car back if it's not for you.

Mileage caps are available in either Lite, Standard, and Unlimited, with a 1,250 kilometre, 2,000 kilometre, and cap-less mileage respectively. The Lite mileage cap comes for no additional fee, while you can top up on a month-to-month basis for the higher mileage packages if necessary.

The range of cars available is vast, and will only get larger over time. For now there are 55 models to choose from, ranging from compact hatchbacks like the Toyota Yaris, to premium crossovers and sedans like the Volvo XC40 and BMW 530i, and even full-on SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Toyota Fortuner.

As you would expect, the membership fees include everything from maintenance to insurance and road tax, and there's even a telematics system for better security and 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance. Membership pricing varies with the most cost-effective being a 36-month term, but flexibility even down to a month-by-month basis.

Both Malaysians and non-Malaysians can become Flux members as long as they have a Malaysian credit card, mobile contact number, and are above 25 years of age. Both Malaysian and International driving licenses are accepted as well.

You can check out their range of cars and other services at their website
here
.


Isuzu Introduces 4x2 D-Max - Aimed At Those Who Will Mainly Use Their Truck On Asphalt

If you find yourself not needing the 4x4 capabilities of a pick-up truck, but like the idea of owning one for all other reasons, Isuzu has you covered as they have just launched the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L, priced at RM 100,999.20 on the road without insurance.

Joining the
lineup
 of hard-working Isuzu D-Max's in Malaysia is a new variant called the Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L, which is basically the new third-generation D-Max without 4x4 capabilities.

According to Isuzu, with only 28% of Malaysian pick-up truck users frequently engaging their vehicle’s 4x4 system, the 4x2 variant is an
ideal variant
 that offers lower rolling resistance from its less-complex drivetrain, less maintenance, and a lower kerb weight making this model a boon for urban-based traders, high-mileage drivers and owners who predominantly ply asphalt surfaces.

“In these challenging times, the new Isuzu
D-Max
 Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L brings a new level of relief by offering affordability and capability in a well-appointed and stylish package. This new D-Max variant that we are introducing today will be the sole 4x2 offering in its class that comes with an automatic transmission, ” said Kenkichi Sogo, Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia.

By omitting the transfer case, front differential and ancillary drive system, the D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L is 85 kilograms lighter than the 4x4 variant, which will save you running costs in the long run.

The D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L is still powered by the fantastic new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC engine that produces a healthy 150PS at 3,600rpm and 350Nm of torque available from between 1,800 – 2,600 RPM.

In the 4x2 variant, all power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Its ratios are identical to the 4x4 variant and have been carefully matched to exploit the engine’s dynamic performance characteristics.

The two-wheel-drive Isuzu is still mounted to the
Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform
, which delivers impressive stability and excellent flex resistance, making it a competent vehicle regardless of load.

The standard suspension rating is still specified for the double-wishbone set-up upfront and 3-leaf semi-elliptical springs in the rear, which provides the variant with great payload capabilities.

Despite losing its 4x4 capabilities
, the  D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L still comes with a host of safety features, including Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Brake Override System (BOS).

This superior combination of advanced electronic aids and a well-engineered body structure has earned the entire Isuzu D-Max range with a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest pick-up trucks on the market today.

On the outside, the 4x2 variant still carries the bold and dynamic looks of the third-generation Isuzu D-Max double cab, with its stylish and purposeful stance, handsome front with matte grey grille, Bi-LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, and inset fog lamps integrated into the flanks of the bumper.

The high-ride model sits on stylish 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/65 R17 HT radials that offer excellent ride and durability. The door handles are body coloured to offer a clean look, allowing the D-Max’s stylish accent lines to stand out. Stylish and practical side steps come as standard equipment together with the bed liner.

The ‘4x2 Auto Plus’ decals at the rear differentiate
the 4x4
and 4x2 variants and keen-eyed D-Max fans will also notice the reverse camera mounted in the tailgate handle of the 4x2 variant as well as four reverse sensors embedded into the integrated rear bumper.

These offer visual assistance to the driver via the 7-inch infotainment system and an audible one that will give accurate readings of the surroundings when reversing. In addition, a 4-zone graphic is also displayed in the e-LUMAX display meter cluster to indicate the location and distance to obstacles to ease manoeuvering in tight spaces.

Speaking of the inside, the 4x2 variant comes with woven texture fabric seats that are both hard-wearing and easy to clean. In addition, the seats themselves are generously proportioned with ample support for comfort over long periods. The driver’s seat can even be manually adjusted in six ways to offer fatigue-free motoring.

In the centre console sits a generous 7-inch multimedia system with touch screen conveniences, offering a host of connectivity options including USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink, Miracast, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The system offers endless entertainment through its 6-speaker system.

Power for your electronics will be readily available through a 12-volt 120W power socket upfront and a USB port for front passenger and rear users. The rear port is located above the central air-conditioning vents and a neat receptacle is able to conveniently hold a mobile phone in place while it is charging.

All five body colour choices are available for the D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L, including Splash White Solid, Mercury Silver Metallic, Onyx Black Mica, Sapphire Blue Mica and Valencia Orange Metallic.

The Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L will be available for booking immediately with deliveries beginning early November 2021. For more information on this model and the rest of the Isuzu D-Max variants, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my where you can find e-brochures and make online requests for a test drive.


Singapore Puts Up 5 EV Charge Points At Public HBD Car Parks On Their Way To 60k

If anywhere in Southeast Asia is primed for the jump to mass EV adoption,
it’s Singapore
. This has proved to be a little more true as EV charging points were set up at Housing and Development Board multi-story car parks.

Specifically, five locations were selected to start, three of which are in the Jurong West area, the others in Yishun and Ponggol, all under a tender by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), according to
Channel News Asia
.

Minister of Transport S Iswaran made the announcement over his Facebook page days ago, saying: "These charging points will progressively become available for public use in the coming weeks,” noting that some 600 charging points would eventually be made available at more than 200 car parks by Q3 2022.

Of course, the density of charging stations there is set to balloon with multiple consortiums that have been granted permission or similar tender to install and operate their own charging infrastructure.

This is all in line with
Singapore’s aim of establishing
 more than 60,000 EV charging points across the island by 2030 with 40,000 of that being in car parks while the remaining 20,000 in private premises.

If Malaysia
is to usher in a similar EV adoption boom
 with the groundwork laid by the mostly tax-free prices of new electric cars from 2022, how will it take to see more charging stations mushroom across the country? Will it be enough to make EVs a practical alternative for the Rakyat?


Lotus To Tackle Macan With New China-Built Lightweight Crossover

The subject of an SUV might be weighing heavy on the mind of the Lotus' head honchos, particularly CEO Jean-Marc Gales. The Hethel-based sports car specialists' foray into the SUV/crossover market could be just the boost the company needs to really start thriving.
According to Autocar, Gales is quick to give assurances that
Lotus
' DNA will not be tarnished by this new non-sports car product; that it will remain “a real Lotus” and “the world’s first lightweight SUV”. This is the first major development to emerge from the triangular corporate relationship between Lotus, its Malaysian parent company
Proton
, and Goldstar Heavy Industrial.
This future SUV’s development is said to be on a fast track and slated for a 2019 production timeframe, possibly the first phase in an orchestrated attack on the Chinese market seeing as how it will be made in an all-new factory in southeast China. Although, it is possible that it just makes more financial sense to move Lotus’s production concern offshore, at least partially. Lotus’s centre of engineering, management, and design still remains firmly based in Hethel, as Gales made clear.
It’s not clear if the company’s previous concept crossover, the APX (shown above) that it showed at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, will act as a springboard for this future production model but it does give us some idea of the possible production methods Lotus could employ: alloy corner castings linked by extruded aluminium beams, for example. As for its powertrain, Lotus’s extensive use of Toyota engines in its current line-up could mean the company need not look far. The 3.5-litre V6 unit from the
Evora
 seems like a good fit – for comparison, the APX concept had a 300hp 3.0-litre V6 engine that could shove it to 100km/h from standstill in 5.4 seconds with a 245km/h top speed.
A bold turn into the SUV market is what could result in the most successful model Lotus has seen in its 67-year history and its long-pursued mainstream market penetration, a familiar path that
Porsche
 has taken to great success with its
Cayenne
 and, more recently, the
Macan
 that has found new life catering to the burgeoning Chinese market.


Carsome Certified: Creating A New Standard

So you want to buy a pre-owned vehicle? But there are so many choices in the market. How do you choose? Who do you trust? Who do you buy from?

Just before you decide, let’s go on a journey together. A trip that should help you understand how the Carsome Certified Lab gives you a
Carsome Certified
 vehicle.

Firstly two definitions:

Carsome Certified Lab - The
Carsome Certified Lab
 in Selangor is one of the largest vehicle refurbishment facilities in the SEA region, the over 185,000 square feet fully-functional lab is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to transform pre-owned vehicles almost as good as new.

Carsome Certified vehicles - Carsome Certified vehicles are vehicles that have had a strict 175-point inspection, gone through a refurbishment process (the process is covered in more detail below), and come with a 1-year Extended Warranty, 5-day money-back guarantee, plus fixed prices with no hidden fees. When browsing online look out for the Carsome Certified banner on the vehicle listings to determine Carsome Certified vehicles.

The Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process

The Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process is a 5-step process, as below:

Stringent Selection

Mechanical and General Repair

Body and Paint

Detailing

Final Quality Check

1. Stringent Selection

Each vehicle that qualifies to be Carsome Certified has gone through a 175-point inspection to ensure selected cars are free from major accidents and is also free from frame, flood, or fire damage before they are refurbished. The selection criteria for a Carsome Certified vehicle are very stringent.

2. Mechanical and General Repair

This is where essential functions such as powertrain and safety systems are tested and fixed to be in optimal condition.

Lubricants, brakes and the air-conditioning are then serviced, where wear and tear items such as brake pads or air filters are changed.

Taking it one step further and going beyond global standards, the Carsome Certified refurbishment process also ensures that brake pads are above 4mm and the tyre tread is above 2.2mm before moving on to the next part of the process.

Body and Paint

Next in the Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process is the exterior of the car, where the car's scratches and dents are marked according to strict criteria that determines if any body panel resprays are required. Only reputable and OEM paints are used along with a 3-step high-performance paint correction. Last but not least is wax polishing to create that mirror-like finish.

Detailing

In step 4, a detailed car wash, covering the exterior as well as the engine compartment is then undertaken to make sure the vehicle is spick and span. The interior of the vehicle is wiped clean, vacuumed, and sanitized.

Once the vehicle is clean, anti-bacterial fogging then takes place to make sure the vehicle touchpoints are free from harmful bacteria and virus-based microorganisms.

If any leather or fabric refurbishment is required, it is done before the vehicle is passed on for the final quality check.

5. Final Quality Check

Each vehicle then goes through Carsome's final quality check by a Carsome consultant to ensure the vehicle is safe, comfortable, free of blemishes, and aesthetically top-notch!

Following this each vehicle will go through a photoshoot, covering both the interior and exterior to provide you a transparent view online. Rest assured, none of the images are digitally enhanced.

With each and every Carsome Certified vehicle, what you’re getting is:

transparency with close-up pictures and the inspection report on the vehicle listing

a vehicle that is professionally cleaned and sanitized

a vehicle delivered to your doorstep!

The Carsome Certified Lab can refurbish up to 2,000 vehicles per month at optimum operational capacity, turning them into
Carsome Certified vehicles
 - Carsome believes that managing the refurbishment process from A to Z helps them maintain a high standard of quality in order to give buyers peace of mind when purchasing pre-owned cars.

Now that we are at the end of our journey, we hope you’re a little more enlightened on why a Carsome Certified vehicle should be your choice too! Don’t settle for anything less than Carsome Certified!

You can browse for all the Carsome Certified vehicles
here
 on Carlist.my.


The BYD Denza D9 EV MPV - 3,000 Bookings In 30 Minutes

3,000 bookings in just 30 minutes - what is the BYD Denza D9 EV?

When Mercedes-Benz
puts its magic wand over a vehicle
, it just seems to fly off the showroom floors - case in point, the newly launched Denza D9, which amassed 3,000 bookings in just 30 minutes after its launch.

The Denza D9 is the latest model from Chinese manufacturer Denza, a car company created in a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. It is available in four-seater or seven-seater configurations.

The seven-seater D9 has a starting price of 390,000 yuan (RM254k), and it can go up to 460,000 yuan (RM299k) depending on the trim level chosen by the customer. The four-seater version is
positioned as a more luxurious option
, priced at 660,000 yuan (RM430k).

To give you a rough idea of its size, it
sits between the Toyota Alphard and the Hyundai Staria
. It's available in a couple of different powertrain options, including a full EV.

BYD's Blade battery powers the Denza D9 EV, but the kWh capacity for it has yet to be revealed. What is being told is that it can provide a range of up to 600 kilometres, with a maximum charging rate of 166 kW.

For those who prefer the security of an ICE engine
, Denza also sells a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the D9 that uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a smaller electric motor and battery. This PHEV model can still be charged using a DC current supply at a rate of 80 kW.

The full electric range for the hybrid model is 190 kilometres, while the total range is 1,040 kilometres.

The interior of this MPV gets a variety of luxurious bits of trim, such as a large panoramic roof, captain seats in the second row with 10-way adjustment and ventilation as well as massage function, footrest, refrigerator under the front armrest and wireless charger.

For now, the Denza D9 is only available as a left-hand drive vehicle, and since it is a specialised Chinese market brand, it's pretty hard to see it being exported any time soon.


New Mazda 6 and CX-8 Coming Soon

The new Mazda 6 flagship sedan, only recently revealed at the LA Auto Show last November, and the new 3-row Mazda CX-8 SUV are coming to Malaysia, after making their presence in the Philippines.
This is according to sources familiar with Bermaz Auto Berhad, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles and spare parts in Malaysia and the Philippines.
According to RHB Research, Bermaz Auto Berhad is set to shift into the next phase of growth. Since the launch of the
popular all-new Mazda CX-5 in October 2017
, the share price of Bermaz Auto has risen nearly 10%, closing at RM2.29 as of end of trading on Friday.
The stronger Ringgit is also a big contributing factor to a better 2018 for Bermaz Auto, as
 they export the CX-5 model to Thailand and the Philippines
.
The
new Mazda 6 updates the front and rear design
, together with improved cabin materials as well as revised chassis dynamics for better ride comfort and refinement.
The current fully-imported Mazda 6 in Malaysia is offered in a range three engine choices, 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engines, and 2.2-litre diesel SkyActiv-D.
It is unknown if Bermaz Auto will be offering the new Mazda 6 later with the new 250 hp, 420 Nm 2.5 SkyActiv-G 2.5T direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine in the Malaysian market.
Meanwhile, the CX-8, recently launched in Japan, has a seat configuration of either a 6-seater, which customers can opt for captain seats on the second row, or a traditional bench for 7-seater arrangement.
Engine choice for
Malaysia is expected to be limited to the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated
, as the larger, CX-9 flagship SUV is already enjoying the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine.


CarlistBid Offers Contactless Inspections For Added Peace Of Mind

Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused so much of our daily lives to be reevaluated. The process of buying and selling cars has also been impacted, but
CarlistBid
 continues to offer a hassle-free way to get your vehicle inspected and appraised without the worry.

As before, our inspection hubs remain operational over the course of the
Movement Control Order
 but extra steps have been added to ensure that health and safety of our existing customers, new visitors, and that of our staff remain a top priority.

Be sure to don your mask upon arrival at your nearest inspection hub as a mandatory temperature check and MySejahtera check-in will be required to proceed inside, where hand sanitisers are readily available. Physical distancing of at least 1 metre is also strictly adhered to throughout the hub premises.

We will want you to spend as little time as possible outside your home so will do our best to make the inspection process done quickly but thoroughly. However, prior to that, a complementary disinfection of your vehicle will be carried out.

During the inspection itself, CarlistBid personnel will be wearing face masks and gloves at all times to prevent any cross-contamination and reduce as much surface contact as possible.

And once that is over, processing of any transaction and handover of vehicles will be handled in a contactless manner as well, taking all precautions to keep the end-to-end experience as safe and health conscious as possible.

Thinking of buying a new car or just want the best price on your existing vehicle?
Click here to visit CarlistBid
 for more information.


All-New 2017 Volkswagen Polo Mk 6 World Debut – MQB Platform, Passat-Level Tech In B-Segment

The
Volkswagen Polo
’s much-awaited entry into the MQB platform family has finally taken place as the sixth-generation model of VW’s famed B-segment hatchback makes its world debut in Berlin.
Along with the
Golf
 and
Passat
, the Polo has grown to become a core model in Volkswagen’s line-up. Over more than four decades, Volkswagen has sold a combined 16 million units of the Polo and its various derivatives.
The original Polo introduced in 1975 was a compact three-door hatchback that barely exceeded three metres in length and weighed 760kg – the size of a Perodua Kancil. Today’s Polo is a much bigger vehicle, however, stretching past four metres for the first time in the nameplate’s history and having dropped the three-door model from its line-up.
A telling comparison with the Golf Mk 4 introduced in 1997, the Polo Mk 6 is wider, taller, and has a longer wheelbase, consequently making it roomier on the inside.
The Polo launches with a total of five trim levels with the option of three styling packages. There are the familiar Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims alongside a special edition Polo Beats and the range-topping Polo GTI. Customers can then specify any one of R-Line, Black, or Style packages in conjunction with any of the five trims summarized below:
Trendline:
 Base version of the Polo and already equipped with LED daytime running lights, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and 14-inch wheels as standard with a staring price of €12,975.
Comfortline:
 The traditional mid-spec variant adds a higher grade Composition Colour touchscreen infotainment, LED ambient interior lighting, Driver Alert system, centre armrest, one-touch power windows all-round, multi-function steering wheel, and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Highline:
 Highest among the mainstream variants adds parking sensors and leather trim on the steering wheel, gear lever, and hand brake.
Beats:
 A special edition targeted at young buyers, the Beats edition features a 300W sound system by the famous US headphone producer of the same name, 16-inch alloy wheels, along with other novel decorative touches and trim. The 300W sound system itself can be optioned in other trim variants as well.
GTI:
 Performance flagship gets an enhanced 200PS 2.0-litre TSI engine and a stiffer sport chassis which can be optionally upgraded to a Sport Select chassis. Standard wheels measure 17 inches with 18-inch items offered as optional upgrades. Typical Volkswagen GTI touches include honeycomb air vents, ‘Clark’ tartan seat upholstery, and the distinctive red stripe running across the radiator grille. Customers who upgrade to LED headlights see that red stripe stretch into the headlamp assembly.
A total of nine engines variations are on offer, all with auto stop-start and regenerative braking as standard. A 1.0-litre three-cylinder configuration underpins nine of the five engines available, one of them being the natural gas-powered 1.0 TGI with maximum power of 90PS.
Remaining eight engines are the usual mix of petrol and diesel mills. The 1.0-litre petrol is available in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged formats with outputs ranging from 65 to 115PS. Just below the 200PS GTI sits the 150PS 1.5 TSI EVO engine earlier introduced in the
Golf 7 facelift
. A pair of 1.6 TDI diesel engines, with outputs of 80 and 95PS, complete the range.
Manual transmission is standard offering for all engines; the three highest-rated petrol engines get six speeds whilst the rest make do with five gears. Engines with outputs rated 95PS and above have the option of upgrading to a 7-speed DSG.
Typical with other models of the MQB stable, the all-new Polo offers evolutionary styling changes from its predecessor. The shape remains distinctly Polo, but appropriately sharpened with powerful lines to give a more updated yet timeless look.
More significant changes take place inside the cabin, where we see a blank slate renewal from the outgoing model’s functional if slightly unimaginative cabin. The Beetle-inspired trim strip spanning the dashboard is the most noteworthy visual signature, and it encapsulates a wide-spanning high-gloss panel that conjoins the instrument cluster and infotainment screen into one unit in similar fashion to the latest
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213
.
The new Polo is the first model in the entire Volkswagen Group to debut a new generation active instrument cluster offering improved clarity and ease-of-use over existing versions. Depending on vehicle grade and option, the infotainment screen adjacent to the instrument cluster measures 6.5 to 8.0 inches.
Advanced driver assistance systems have also found their way down the food chain from the Golf and Passat to the Polo here. As mentioned earlier, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection is standard, as is speed limiter and tyre pressure monitoring.
Optional upgrades on offer include adaptive cruise control (DSG-equipped vehicles get Stop & Go to go with it), blind spot detection, rear traffic alert, and park assist. In this version of park assist, the system only assists with steering, driver is still required to operate the brake and accelerator, but VW adds a ‘maneuvering braking function’ to spare owners of unfortunate grazes with low-lying obstacles.
The Polo is yet to go on sale, but European markets can expect to receive it before the end of the year. Based on this timeline, we are not expecting the vehicle to reach our shores for at least another year and a half to two years.


Porsche Introduces The New 911 GT3 RS In Malaysia, Previews The Cayenne Turbo

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, has just introduced the new 911 GT3 RS at their roadshow at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. This is the second GT road-approved sports car launched within the same year by SDAP, following the launch of the
911 GT2 RS in late June
.
The GT3 RS is powered by a four-litre, naturally-aspirated flat-six that has been fettled to deliver 520 hp (20 hp more than the previous GT3 RS and the current gen GT3) and spins up to 9,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a specially calibrated seven-speed PDK gearbox, rotating only the rear wheels. These rear wheels are massive too, measuring 21 inches in diameter and wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres in 325/30 ZR21 size.
The new 911 GT3 RS is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 312 km/h. For the record, the new 911 GT3 RS set a lap time 6:56.4 of at the famed 20.6-kilometre Nürburgring Nordschleife, 24 seconds faster than the previous model.
The Weissach package, a limited-run package that focuses on reducing weight, features carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) exterior panels that consist of the front bonnet, the roof, side mirrors, and the large rear wing that also carries the “Porsche” brand lettering.
Porsche says when combined together with the magnesium wheels, a weight reduction of around 30 kilograms can be expected.
Inside, the Weissach package replaces the “standard” steel-made Clubsport roll cage to a lighter titanium material (less 12 kilograms). To communicate the fitment of the lightweight option, the headrests of the lightweight seats feature the Weissach logo. The lightest configuration of the 911 GT3 RS tips the scales at just 1,430 kilograms.
How does the 911 GT3 RS differ from the non-RS? What about the recently launched 911 GT2 RS?
Learn more about how each variant of the current 911 model differs here
.
The retail base price for the new 911 GT3 RS starts from RM 2,230,000, which includes a four-year warranty, all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance.
The example in Racing Yellow being displayed here has other personalized optional features such as:
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB)
Front-axle lift system
Chrono Package
Window triangle trims in carbon fibre
Painted air vents
Racing Yellow seat belts
Bose Surround Sound System
SDAP also previewed the top-of-the-range Cayenne model, the Turbo. The 550 hp, 770 Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine accelerates the Turbo from rest to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 286 km/h. SDAP has launched the Cayenne and Cayenne S earlier and
more information can be found here
.
The Cayenne Turbo is also the first SUV to have an adaptive roof spoiler as a component of its active aerodynamics. The active rear spoiler provides both downforce for cornering grip, as well as an ‘airbrake’ position to reduce braking distance from higher speeds.
With so much performance, the braking system now features massive aluminium brake calipers with 10 pistons that clamp on 415 mm diameter tungsten carbide coated front brake discs. The rear disc brakes (also similarly coated) meanwhile measure 365 mm diameter and are equipped with aluminium 4-piston brake calipers.
The new 911 GT3 RS, Cayenne, and Cayenne Turbo are available for viewing at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from today until Sunday, 14th October 2018. Visitors can also browse and take home their favourite Porsche merchandise at the roadshow event, with many items on special promotional prices.


Open toll payment AGREED by 12 highway concessionaires

12 different highway concessionaires have agreed to implement the
open toll payment system
 and they will start with the transitioning process as soon as September.

According to a report by
Bernama
, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi mentioned that the highways that will be offering multi-payment methods are:

Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)

Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP)

Western KL Traffic Dispersion Scheme Expressway (SPRINT)

Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS)

SMART Tunnel

Maju Expressway (MEX)

Sungai Besi Expressway

New Pantai Expressway (NPE)

Ampang-KL Elevated Expressway (AKLEH)

Guthrie Corridor Highway

Penang Bridge

Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE)

Malaysia's Works Minister also stated, "So far, these are the highway concessionaires that have agreed to implement the open payment system, negotiation is still underway with the others and we hope that more will come forward to participate."

It's been a long time coming for the implementation of the open toll system but some security issues had to be ironed out first before anything can take place. By offering other payment methods apart from TNG cards, SmartTag, and RFID, things like the use of debit and credit cards have to be taken into extra consideration for the sake of security.

In other words, it won't be long before you can tap that debit card for toll payments. With the added options for toll payments, do you think it'll solve the congestion issues, particularly near the toll plazas?


Eco-Stickers Now Compulsory For All New Vehicles Sold In Thailand

Starting 1-October 2015, all new cars (including pick-up trucks) sold in Thailand must have an ‘eco-sticker’ affixed on the front windscreen, displaying the vehicle’s carbon emissions, fuel consumption, compatibility with E85 gasohol fuel, and compliance with UN safety regulations.
An initiative by Thailand’s Ministry of Industry, the ‘eco-sticker’ is similar to the ones already implemented in Singapore, Australia, USA, Canada, the European Union, Chile and Brazil.
Other than showing the environmental aspects of the car, the sticker also shows if the vehicle comes fitted with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC), as well as compliance with UN regulations, specifically pertaining Regulations R13 and R13H (braking performance), R94 (frontal impact protection) and R95 (side impact protection).
These regulations are already compulsory in Malaysia since 1-January 2012, but it appears the Thai government has opted to take a different path. Rather than making these regulations compulsory, which might raise the prices of cars, the Thai government is promoting self-regulation among car makers by educating consumers to only buy cars with meet these UN standards.
Vehicles manufactured or imported before June 1, or those whose production lines have ended, will be exempted from the requirement.
Starting 1-January 2016, Thailand will be implementing a new carbon emissions-based excise structure, replacing the current system which only considers a vehicle’s engine capacity.
Related:
2016 Will Be The Year of SUVs And Trucks – Here’s Why


Tokyo 2017: Suzuki To Unveil At Least Three Concepts This Year

While many of us are still not done drooling over the cars unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show a couple of weeks back, the buildup for the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017 has already begun.
All set to be held from 27 October to 5 November at the Tokyo Big Sight, manufacturers like Suzuki here, have already started disclosing details on what we can expect at this year’s show.
With “Excitement for everyone, in everywhere” as the theme, Suzuki said that it will be unveiling three new concepts at this year’s show – the e-Survivor, the Spacia Concept, as well as the Xbee (Crossbee).
First, we have the e-Survivor – a compact SUV of the future powered by an electric motor and electric four-wheel-drive system which inherits many design cues of the current Jimny and the Vitara.
And then, there is the Spacia Concept; a tall miniwagon with low floor, spacious cabin, and rear sliding doors on both sides.
Last but not the least, we have the XBee (cross-bee), a crossover wagon which combines a spacious cabin of a wagon with the rough-road drivability of an SUV.
According to Suzuki, three different versions of the Xbee will be shown – the standard version, Xbee Outdoor Adventure and Xbee Street Adventure – with various cosmetic details to cater to different groups of customers.
These concepts aside, The Suzuki Safety Support new range of safety features which includes automatic braking, false start prevention function, and other preventive safety technologies, will also be launched at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.


Honda BR-V Hits 11,000 Sales in Just 6 Months

Honda Malaysia today announced that the BR-V has exceeded its annual sales target of 10,000 units within only six months of its launch, recording a total of close to 11,000 units.
Based on company records, the range-topping V variant leads the number of sales at 80% with the remaining 20% sales made up by the entry-level the E Variant.
In terms of colour preference, Taffeta White and Modern Steel Metallic appears to be the favourite among the customers, recording 27% and 25% sales respectively whereas the Dark Ruby Red Pearl, Golden Brown Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic shared similar sales percentage at 16% to 17%.
Regionally, Klang Valley contributed the highest sales figures at 44%, followed by the Southern region with 20% and the Northern region with 18%.
In terms of owners’ demographics, Honda Malaysia says that most BR-V owners are those who upgrade from National cars, and also those with growing families who are looking for an affordable seven-seater.  It is said that the BR-V was also the choice of about 14% of first time car buyers.
The crossover has also been well accepted in Sabah and Sarawak where it contributed 34% to the overall sales in East Malaysia.
Despite the high demand, Honda Malaysia reassured that the expected delivery period for the BR-V remains at 1 to 2 months, and that it is taking all necessary steps to ensure fast and efficient delivery to customers without compromising on vehicle quality control. The Company appreciates the patience and understanding of all Honda customers.
Honda Malaysia said it is working closely with all 91 dealers nationwide to constantly improve and upgrade the dealership services in order to enhance customer experience and prolonged care for all Honda vehicles.
Read more:
Review: 2017 Honda BR-V – The One Car That Middle-Class Malaysia Needs
Going Behind The Scenes – Understanding How The 2017 Honda BR-V Was Developed
2017 All-New Honda BR-V Launched In Malaysia – From RM85,800
Review: 2017 Honda BR-V - The all-new 7-Up


2020 Hyundai Kona Spotted In Malaysia -  Launch Imminent

The Hyundai Kona has been spotted in Malaysia, launch is now imminent!

We're glad to see that the Malaysian automotive industry is back in full swing and while some are moving at an expected slower rate due to the current ongoing pandemic, some have really got going.

The most recent company ready for an assault on the market is Sime Darby Hyundai and to be honest, we were quite surprised by this one.

A couple of days ago, a spy shot of a crossover roaming around Oasis Damansara (Hyundai Sime Darby Headquarters) was seen all over social media. To the amazement of our eyes, it was the
Hyundai Kona
, a crossover that we never thought we would see in Malaysia. The picture showed two of them with trade plates heading we assume for testing. Without any camouflage or any stickers trying to hide what it is, we suppose we can expect the launch of the vehicle very soon. But what is the Hyundai Kona and what kind of features can we expect in it?

What is the Hyundai Kona?

The Hyundai Kona is
Hyundai's B-segment
 crossover which first debuted in 2018. Named after a place in Hawaii, the Kona actually won the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year in 2019, a first for a subcompact crossover vehicle.

Exterior and Interior Styling: 2020 Hyundai Kona

Its styling is quite radical and will surely turn heads. It was designed by Christopher Chapman, the same person who came out with the design for the 1st gen BMW X5 as well as the 1st gen BMW 1 series hatchback. Chapman said he took his inspiration from a Spartan Helmet while Hyundai says the Kona looks like an Urban Smart armour. Chapman said the Kona will have to share the roads with big and intimidating SUVs so he thought he would design a car that will make its presence felt.

Its interior design is nothing to shout out about and portrays Hyundai's typical functional and longlasting interior design and materials. However, it is quite current and on-trend and should have a nice modern feel to it.

Performance: 2020 Hyundai Kona

While its performance from the 1.6-litre 175hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission is quite gutsy, we're unsure whether it will be equipped with that powertrain here. If Sime Darby Motor Group decides to fit the Kona with a non-turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, worldwide reviews have mentioned that the crossover is still a fun car to drive despite the lack of 30ish-hp. The Kona can also be had in AWD configuration but we expect the Kona in Malaysia to come in an FWD configuration.

Interior Space: 2020 Hyundai Kona

The Kona can comfortably sit four adults but the rear headroom drew complaints from tall and bulky European and American journalists. Seeing that we are cute and petit Asians, we expect that complaint to not be as severe here. Cargo space is not as generous as its rivals, but it can quite easily fit luggage and bags for four adults headed for a holiday.

Competition: 2020 Hyundai Kona

The Kona has many competitors worldwide but for the Malaysian market, we expect it to go up against the likes of the
Honda HR-V
,
Renault Captur
,
Toyota CH-R
,
Mazda CX-30
 and most probably the
Perodua D55L and Proton X50
. If the pricing is right, it might just have a fighting chance but Hyundai Sime Darby Motors will have to up their game when it comes to Hyundai after-sales service to make it a truly exciting proposition.

Price: 2020 Hyundai Kona

Since the Hyundai Tucson is priced from RM123,888, we don't expect the Kona to cannibalise its bigger brother. With this in mind, we think the crossover might have a price of around the RM100k mark. With stiff competition from the Japs and national cars, it might be even lower than that, it could possibly even start from around RM90k.

Liking the look of the 2020 Hyundai Kona?


CNY Promo From Volkswagen – Win An ‘Angpow’ Packet Worth RM66,888

From now till 15 February 2017, Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia (VPCM) is running a Chinese New Year ‘angpow’ campaign that will see buyers of new Volkswagen cars rewarded with cash-backs ranging from RM388 up to RM1,288.
In addition to that, customers who purchase a Volkswagen will also stand a chance to win an ‘angpow’ packet of RM66,888.
The promotion is applicable for the Polo, Golf, Beetle,
Vento
,
Jetta
 and the
all-new Passat
.
To qualify for this, all vehicle bookings must be made within the promotion period and is subject to terms and conditions while stocks last.


Proton X90 To Come With A Mild Hybrid System? - It Sure Seems Like It!

The stars seemed aligned for Proton to introduce the X90 as a mild hybrid vehicle.

Geely's 7-seater SUV, the Haoyue has been
spotted a fair few times
 now in Malaysia (some have already dubbed it the Proton X90), leading us to believe that it will be the next Proton to be launched.

Photo credit: Facebook

A particular easter egg by Proton during the
launch video of their Gallery of Inspiration
 has got us believing that the 7-seater SUV might just be the
first Proton
 to be equipped with a mild-hybrid system, and here's why.

Proton recently virtually launched their new brand gallery at their Center of Excellence complex in Subang Jaya, Selangor. Part of the launch video included the introduction of a gallery showcasing the history of Proton as well as a section where Proton displays their current and future technologies.

In one of their "Our Technology" displays, Proton placed three powertrains surrounded by tablets equipped with AR features that can rotate 360 degrees around the engine, showing the engine's specifications.

The powertrains featured are engines of the X70 and X50 models - 1.8L TGDi and 1.5L TGDi, and a peculiar 1.5L TGDi engine with BSG (Belt Starter Generator). Putting two and two together, we believe that this is Proton's statement that it will release a hybrid vehicle soon, probably via the X90.

The reason we believe the X90 will come with a Mild Hybrid system is not that far fetched either, as the Geely Okavango (Geely Haoyue in the Philippines) is already using a similar setup. The Okavango is powered by a 1.5L TGDi engine with BSG, producing 190 PS and 300 Nm of torque.

Photo credit: Facebook

It also makes sense for the Proton X90 to have this extra oomph, as the X90 SUV is a large vehicle and offers up a
serious amount of interior/cargo
 space that can fit up to seven people or a king-size bed. With the seats folded flat, Geely claims the rear horizontal interior space extends to 2.2 metres, equivalent to a king-size bed.

BSG is one of the components that helps generate power for a Mild Hybrid vehicle. The motor-generator unit works with a
 48-volt battery pack
 to help give the vehicle a seamless start/stop function, a short duration of added torque, and better fuel efficiency.

Should a hypothetical Proton X90 with BSG materialise, it would surely put some real fear in the hearts of rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Mazda CX-9. Prices for the Haoyue start at just 103,600 yuan in China, which is about RM63,000.

That's an unbeatable - even impossible - price point should it ever appear with a Proton badge. There's still no doubting that an X90 would probably still be the least expensive 7-seater on sale here, but one that could still be stuffed to the gills with cutting edge tech, safety features, premium amenities, and a modern electrified engine, albeit even if it is a simple one.


Porsche World Roadshow 2016: A Day To Remember

More than 280 people across the Asian continent were recently given the opportunity to be a part of the Porsche World Roadshow (PWRS) at the Sepang International Circuit  -  an event which aimed to provide an ideal platform to experience the sensation of driving the complete Porsche model range.
The PWRS is a long established professional driving event which has been held in over 45 countries around the world for many years, and it has attracted more than 42,000 potential customers and car enthusiasts to date.
Led by professional Porsche certified instructors, participants (including us, the members of the press) were not only able to enjoy the thrill of driving a wide range of Porsches at the Sepang International Circuit, but also got the opportunity to learn a few things from the pros, and most importantly, get our hands on
the newly launched 718 Boxster
 .
The PWRS programme included a few exercises such as braking, slalom, vehicle handling and an off-road experience, and with us were a total of 22 Porsche cars ranging from the latest
911 models
, the new 718 Boxster, the
Cayman
, the
Panamera
 as well as the
Macan
 and
Cayenne
 models.
When we were there during the press day, there were close to 50 participants from the Southeast Asian region, divided into four different groups that went on to do different exercises simultaneously.
Our day began with the ‘Handling 1’ exercise, in which we drove the Panamera Turbo, Panamera GTS, Macan GTS, as well as the base Macan. With two participants in each car, we drove a full lap in each model and our favourite model in this exercise was none other than the Panamera Turbo.
For a car its size, how it performs around a race track is simply mindblowing. Yes, its competitors like the 7-Series and S-Class take things to the next level in terms of luxury and what not, but this car is for the high and almighty who still have a driver hiding in them.
After 'Handling 1', we headed over to the main straight of SIC for braking and acceleration exercises, where we got to experience how it feels to sprint from naught to 100km/h in less than 3 seconds in the new 911 Turbo S. After that, we got into the new Boxster 718 through a slalom course to see how beautifully it handles.
Ah, a mid-engined car with almost near-perfect weight distribution, complemented by 300hp and Porsche’s quick-shifting PDK gearbox… It was the perfect starter for our lunch which was next in agenda.
After lunch, it was time for some off-roading in the Cayenne,
which we wrote about a couple of days back
, and last but not the least, we headed back to the track to have a lap each in the 911 Carrera S, Carrera 4S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, the 718 Boxster, 911 Targa 4S, and the 911 Turbo.
The highlight here was obviously the new 718 Boxster which was launched earlier this week. On paper, the car might not sound that impressive next to the 911s but on track, it could keep up with the 911 Carrera 4S without any issues. Now, how impressive is that for a 2.0-litre turbo?
By the time we were done with the beasts, it was past 5. While each participant was given a certificate, the fastest participants through the slalom course were rewarded before everyone headed home.
In all, it was a memorable experience for everyone, and the best part is that there are rumours saying that the PWRS, which returned to Malaysia after more than a decade, could take place next year as well. So, owners and enthusiasts who missed it this year could actually have their chance in 2017.
Looking for a Porsche? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Honda Opens Europe's Most Advanced Vehicle Charging Station in Germany

Honda has just launched the most advanced public charging station for full EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Europe at its research and development (R&D) facility in Offenbach, Germany two days ago.
The station, which uses state-of-the-art 940V technology, enables up to four vehicles to charge simultaneously with different types of connectors.
According to Honda, the public charging station is powered by renewable energy sources, which includes a photovoltaic carport canopy. Its 940V capability can deliver up to a maximum of 150kW of energy across four simultaneous connections.
Operated by Honda R&D Europe, the charging station is claimed to be ‘future-proofed’ for the next generations of electric vehicle technology, as the facility can be used not only by current models of plug-in cars, vans, bicycles or scooters, but also vehicles from the future,  thanks to the maximum high-voltage capability.
In a later phase of the research project, Honda R&D Europe announced that it also intends to install a new hydrogen filling station with integrated hydrogen generation at the Offenbach site.
Like the 940V plug-in charging station, the hydrogen can be supplied exclusively with power from renewable energy sources. It will also have intelligent back-to-grid energy storage and transmission capability for the local power networks.
Honda R&D Europe’s investment in the charging station is said to be part of the ‘Smart Company’ research project within the city of Offenbach, which aims to develop more intelligent and efficient ways of using energy resources.
Facilities like the charging station forms part of Honda’s commitment to an electric future in Europe, with a specific aim to have electrified powertrains in two thirds of European cars sold by 2025.


IPSOS: Perodua Is The Most Trusted Brand In Malaysia

IPSOS Malaysia’s recently concluded Annual Trust Index Study finds that Perodua and Petronas are tied for the first position, as the most trusted brands in Malaysia.

The study has shown that companies with high consumer trust are “organizations that take actions which are authentic, credible, and effective are the most likely to see reputation gains, while at the same time have the greatest impact on the community,”

More than ever, in the time of a global pandemic, consumers and the general public are inclined to believe advertising and try products from organizations that are trusted. IPSOS expands, “Trust is the outcome when stakeholders compare the elements such as identity and image with the reality of an organizations’ behaviour and capabilities. Where the promise matches or exceeds the reality,”

Trusted companies also reportedly spend less on marketing and advertising because they have established a baseline of credibility. These are the Top 5 most trusted brands in Malaysia according to the study

Perodua: 74 points

Petronas: 74 points

KWSP/EPF: 72 points

Maybank: 69 points

POS Malaysia: 68 points

The study also found that the effects of the pandemic showed an increase in trust level for local and familiar companies and institutions.

On all counts, it’s hard to fault IPSOS’ findings and
Perodua’s
 achievements. The most successful automaker in the country, from the outset, their products always matches or exceed customer’s expectations. A large portion of this is down to the design, capability and overall value of their vehicles, and how well placed, both in terms of pricing cars such as the Axia, Bezza, Myvi, and Aruz are.

However, one could argue that selling your customer a good car is only half the story. The aftersales experience and service are what retains a customer for a lifetime. To this end, Perodua has aced aftersales processes and value-added services such as having a good network of 3S centres, App-based service appointment scheduling, and even extended warranty for older cars. Not to mention all Perodua cars are cheap to maintain.

Perodua’s neighbour Proton can take a page out of their book as the latter seeks to improve the quality of their sales and service experience with a rapidly expanding service centre network, and other initiatives such as the
Proton Customer Appreciation Plan
 and
Certified Pre-Owned
 service.


Apakah Fungsi Daytime Running Light (DRL) Kereta Anda?

Apabila memandu di jalan raya, pasti anda perasan sesetengah kereta yang lampunya menyala walaupun pada siang hari. Ini dipanggil Daytime Running Lights atau DRL.

Jika dahulu, kebanyakan kenderaan mewah dan model segmen D sahaja diberikan ciri DRL, hari ini kita menyaksikan model segmen B turut diberikan DRL seperti Honda City, Toyota Vios dan terbaharu,
Perodua Myvi 2022
.

Apakah fungsi DRL?

DRL adalah ciri keselamatan yang bertujuan meningkatkan penglihatan pengguna jalan raya yang lain terhadap kereta anda dan akan menyala secara automatik apabila enjin dihidupkan.

Berbeza dengan lampu hadapan, cahaya DRL adalah sedikit malap dan tidak menerangi jalan seperti
pancaran lampu hadapan
. Warna DRL juga berbeza-beza, ada yang berwarna kuning, kuning-jingga, putih dan biru-putih. Sebab itu ada yang beranggapan DRL ini adalah aksesori kereta yang mencantikkan kereta anda.

Harus diingat, DRL tidak menggantikan lampu utama kereta anda yang wajib dihidupkan (secara manual) pada waktu malam, atau
lampu kabus
 untuk cuaca buruk seperti hujan lebat.

Di Malaysia, walaupun kita ada cahaya matahari yang cukup, terdapat keadaan misalnya, memandu di awal pagi untuk ke tempat kerja dan juga pada waktu senja mulai jam 6 petang, yang tidaklah secerah pada waktu tengah hari. Penggunaan DRL ini sedikit sebanyak membuatkan pengguna jalan raya yang lain lebih
alert
 dengan kereta anda pada waktu-waktu sebegini.

Jika memandu kereta tanpa DRL, penulis akan menyalakan lampu malap (dim light) ketika memandu pada awal pagi bagi memudahkan pemandu lain melihat kehadiran kereta penulis di jalan raya. Jadi, penting sebenarnya ciri DRL ini bagi meningkatkan penglihatan pengguna jalan raya terhadap kereta anda.

Asal usul DRL

DRL mula diperkenalkan pada 1970-an di negara-negara beriklim sejuk seperti Norway, Iceland dan Sweeden yang mempunyai cahaya kurang pada waktu siang

Sejak 2012, kereta yang dipasarkan di Eropah wajib dilengkapi DRL mengikut undang-undang Kesatuan Eropah bagi tujuan keselamatan jalan raya

DRL menggunakan
lampu LED
 yang mematuhi peraturan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) dengan kekuatan cahaya antara 400 candela hingga 1200 candela sahaja

Kebanyakan pengeluar kenderaan menghasilkan rekaan DRL yang lebih menarik kerana LED lebih kecil, mudah digayakan dan senang untuk dihasilkan dalam aneka warna

Pendek kata, DRL sebenarnya berfungsi untuk membolehkan kenderaan anda dilihat dan bukannya untuk menerangi pemanduan anda di waktu malam. DRL tidak menggantikan fungsi lampu utama kereta anda, jadi jangan memandu pada waktu malam tanpa menyalakan
lampu hadapan dan belakang
 dan mengharapkan DRL semata-mata yer!

Sebuah portal kereta di Amerika Syarikat, Carbuzz pernah melakukan eksperimen DRL pada waktu malam dan mendapati biasan cahaya DRL dari
BMW X2
 begitu terang seakan menyalakan lampu utama! Ini antara penyumbang ramai pemandu yang menganggap telah memasang lampu utama ketika memandu, walhal DRL yang sedang menyala.

Kalau semua faham fungsi sebenar mungkin tiada masalah, tapi
isu lampu kabus belakang
 pun masih ramai tak faham-faham kan. Jadi, jangan 'kedekut' untuk pasang lampu utama walaupun DRL kereta anda sudah memberikan cahaya yang optimum ketika memandu pada waktu malam.

Pada yang suka pasang semua lampu di kereta ketika memandu sampai habis
silau orang lain di jalan raya
, penulis sarankan rujuk balik buku manual kenderaan anda. Setiap fungsi lampu itu kan berbeza, jadi gunakan ia mengikut aturan sepatutnya, boleh?


DBKL Assembles Special Task Force To Help Reduce Traffic Congestion

DBKL(Kuala Lumpur City Hall) has assembled a special task force in the hopes that they can help reduce the worsening traffic congestion in the capital. Avengers assemble!

Chaired by Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, the special team will oversee and study the traffic flow in Kuala Lumpur.

The team under DBKL would start immediately and also work with the police to disperse traffic on major roads during peak hours.

According to The Star, task force personnel would be mobilised to 85 traffic hotspots to regulate traffic in the morning and evening.

"A total of 72 locations will be monitored by the police while DBKL officers will man another 13."

"These include the morning and evening sessions, namely from 6.30 am to 9.30 am and 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm, daily," said Jalaluddin.

The task force was set up as a response to an outcry by urban dwellers who are frustrated over the current congestion problems around the Klang Valley.

Long-term measures to tackle congestion

Jalaluddin said the task force has proposed long-term measures to tackle congestion in the capital. The proposal included expanding public transport networks, as well as encouraging their use among the public.

“It also involves the re-enforcement of bus lanes and a need to integrate between the different highway concessionaires to ensure better traffic dispersal.

“Another proposal being considered is to build more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure such as underpasses and underground tunnels,” said the deputy minister.


2015 Honda CR-V Facelift 2.4L 4WD Quick Review – The Best Gets Better

Some might say that the CR-V’s success was due to Honda’s foresight to stick their foot in the door of the SUV market and establish its name before its populartiy really took off. But if that was so, the CR-V would have been a flash in the pan. And yet, four generations on and the CR-V still reigns as the most popular SUV here in Malaysia.
What better way to examine the CR-V's success than having the chance to spend a day behind the wheel of the f
acelifted Honda CR-V 2.4L 4WD
 on a road trip from Damansara to Port Dickson.
2015 Honda CR-V 2.4L 4WD Specifications
Price: RM167,887
Engine: 2,354cc 4-cylinder i-VTEC
Power: 190hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 222Nm @ 4,400rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Rated Fuel Consumption: 8.49L/100km
Call it an exercise in reacquaintance, but spending a day with the facelifted CR-V reminded us why, despite the growing number of pretenders to the throne, the CR-V’s place in the market is still unassailable. Forget all notions that SUVs – who were descended from rugged 4X4 vehicles – are bought by people who want to do a spot of off-roading on the weekends. Though subjecting the CR-V to small sandy inclines and stone-littered fields was part of the itinerary, the CR-V’s off-road capabilities are better described as token.
Its 4WD system would only send power to the rear wheels when neccessary, and when fitted with smooth road-going tyres, the CR-V is only good at taking on the occasional spot of light off-roading, and nothing more challenging than that.
Not that it mattered, Honda knew that the CR-V wouldn't be bought by people who traverse fields and dunes on their daily commute. Instead they focused on families, giving them what all families need, space, and this fourth-generation CR-V is the perfect embodiment of this ideal. Though it isn’t just the abundant of rear legroom and headroom that makes the CR-V stand out. It is the way it utilises that space.
King of Space
To demonstrate the CR-V’s utilisation of space, Honda parked their CR-V next to two of its biggest competitors, the Mazda CX-5 and the new Nissan X-Trail, both of which were procured from owners. Side-by-side the boot space of both the Mazda and Nissan doesn’t come anywhere close to the CR-V’s cavernous 589-litres of space. But the CR-V’s
piece de resistance
 is how easy it is to utilise it.
Should you need to lower the rear seats, the job is simple with the use of its one-touch folding seat mechanism. At a single pull of a lever a spring loaded mechanism would be released, automatically dropping the rear seat head rests, fold the lower seat cushion upwards and forward, while the rear seatbacks tumble down to form a flat floor without any additional effort needed on your part to move the seatbacks. A brilliant display of mechanical motion that easily boosts the boot space to a commodious 1,146-litres, with both parts of its 60:40 split-folding seats folded down.
By comparison, getting the rear seats folded in either SUV proved to be a bit of a chore. This was especially troublesome on the X-Trail which had a tiny third-row of seats that got in the way, lacked the second row seatback release levers found on both the CX-5 and CR-V, and a second row of seats that proved difficult to fold down.
Furthermore thanks to its wide rear aperture, high roofline, and low floor, loading bulky items onto the CR-V was notably easier than it was with the CX-5, with its narrower tailgate opening and lower roofline, and the X-Trail’s high floor. If you need to pack in necessities for your toddler or elderly grandparent on a regular basis, the CR-V’s generous space and ease of loading cargo can prove to be a real boon.
Mind you, the CR-V's load capacity and versatility hasn't been changed with the facelift, and yet none of its newer competitors has come close to what the CR-V has to offer in terms of practicality.
Adding a Facelift to its Looks
Though in previous years Honda's facelift work would rarely amount to anything more than added chrome striping here and there, the new facelift work done on the CR-V is a little more extensive. Its new HID headlight cluster, complete with LED daytime running lights, is complemented by a twin chrome grille bar that lends it a sleeker and modern front fascia.  Round the back the tailgate gets a big chrome garnish over the number plate holder, and the 2.4L 4WD variant gets striking new 18-inch rims.
On the inside, t
he CR-V is furnished with added silver trimmings and garnish which lightens up the cabin, and t
his being the top-of-the-range model, the 2.4L 4WD comes with an
 exquisite duotone woodgrain finish that shimmers in the sun certainly adds a touch of sophistication to the 2.4L 4WD’s interior.
Improved Safety
Also new to the 2.4L 4WD is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is hooked up to Honda’s LaneWatch system. First introduced on the current Accord, the LaneWatch system utilises a small camera mounted to the left wing mirror to help drivers peer into the CR-V’s blind spots. The LaneWatch system is activated automatically if the driver turns on the left indicator, or can be activated at the press of a button that is mounted on the indicator stalk.
Unlike the standard Blind Spot Information System, which uses sensors to detect objects in the car’s blind spot, often at the discretion of the electronics' own logic, the LaneWatch system is more effective by letting drivers see for themselves what objects are in their blind spot.
Aside from the LaneWatch, the 2.4L 4WD is equipped with all the necessary safety features, including six airbags, stability control, ABS, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Ride and Handling
Though the CR-V had established itself as a SUV with car like manners, there has been a number of competitors that had outclassed the CR-V's handling prowess since, from newer rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Kuga. But that is not to say that the CR-V is a swine to drive. While the facelift work hasn't touched the CR-V on-road nature, its still rather good to drive with a precise steering and good cornering stability thanks to the ample amount of traction delivered by its 4WD system.
Its 190hp/222Nm 2.4-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine on the other hand is an eager revver, whereas its 5-speed automatic has all the right ratios and is ever willing to keep the gears low and the revs high at the slightest provocation of the driver’s right foot. Even so the 2.4L 4WD CR-V remains as one of the only SUVs in its class to retain steering-mounted paddle shifters, which will make the job of cycling through its ratios all the more easier. A strange addition to the CR-V considering Honda Malaysia's insistence that such shifters were 'non-essential'.
That being said, therein also lies the chinks to the CR-V’s appeal. For starters the engine’s peak torque of 222Nm is only available from 4,400rpm, which is too high up the powerband. Even for a rev-happy i-VTEC engine and adequate torque figures, it takes a little too much effort to get this big Honda up to speed.
Though the CR-V’s suspension is well sprung, it curiously lacks proper fine damper tuning that enables it to iron out any rough patches of road. As such the CR-V’s otherwise smooth ride is often interrupted by slight jolts when going over the odd lump of debris, or unflatten asphalt, leaving it a strange ride quality that can be described as 'wooden'.
Conclusion
Nevertheless those shortcomings aren't deal-breakers, and even though better handling and fancier equipped rivals has come along in an attempt to steal the CR-V’s thunder, Honda SUV retains their place in the hierarchy by having all the right ingredients to suit everybody's tastes. From the family soccer mom to the active outdoor youths, the CR-V's versatility is its main strength.
Not only has the facelift work improved the CR-V’s looks by several increments, the addition of the LaneWatch feature on the 2.4L 4WD variant is an excellent complement to the CR-V’s already comprehensive list of safety features. Its ingenious utilisation of space and sheer practicality in its commodious storage spaces still remains unrivalled in its class. At the end of the day, that is all the necessary essentials you would need and appreciate from an SUV.


GIIAS 2015: Daihatsu Shows Off All-New FT Concept SUV

Premiering alongside the
FX Concept
 we showed you yesterday, here is the
Daihatsu
 FT Concept, a full-on rear-wheel drive SUV right out of Japan.
Very little was officially shared about the two all-new concept models when they were first mentioned, apart from the fact that the FX Concept you’ve already seen is to become a crossover five-seater model, while the FT Concept you see here will be a larger SUV fit for seven-passengers (three-row seating) and that it would feature a front-engine, rear-wheel drive chassis.
Reporting to you live from the show, Daihatsu themselves are keeping mum about further details apart from what’s open obvious to see.
For starters, the concept itself measures in at 4,350mm long, 1,750mm wide and 1,690mm tall, offering a wheelbase of 2,685mm. To give you an idea of what those dimensions look like in the metal, it’s just over 200mm shorter than a Honda CR-V’s total length, and just about 80mm narrower for width. But it’s also a little bit longer than a HR-V, for example.
Everything else we know about the car is as you see it here: sporting a very futuristic and expressive exterior and interior design, but not so much so that you couldn’t almost see what a production-ready car might look like.
The FT-Concept is bestowed with a lot of toughening panels around it, suggesting some off-roading capacity.
Stay tuned for more as we make our way through the halls of the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2015.
Read more:
GIIAS 2015: Daihatsu FT Concept Previews Next Perodua SUV Model?


2016 Renault Koleos: More Details Emerge Ahead Of Launch

As we mentioned
before
, the all-new 2016 Renault Koleos SUV is open for booking and it is due to be launched officially very soon.
First unveiled at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, the Koleos shares much of its underpinnings with the Nissan X-Trail, and comes with a 2.5-litre petrol engine outputting 168bhp and 226Nm that is mated to a CVT gearbox.
According to Laurens van den Acker, senior vice president of Renault Corporate Design, the all-new Koleos completes the styling renaissance of the Renault range that began with the new Clio in 2012.
He said that the challenge was to imagine an SUV that was elegant, modern and dynamic without diluting the traits that are traditionally associated with SUVs.
With exterior features such as the door protective mouldings, aluminium roof bars, high ground clearance of 210mm and approach and departure angles of respectively 19 and 26 degrees, Renault claims that the Koleos is more capable and versatile than the outgoing model.
With a 2,705mm wheelbase – for a total vehicle length of 4,672mm – the Koleos counts amongst the longest in the class, boasting record-breaking interior space to position itself as a D-segment SUV.
Another major highlight is Renault’s Full LED Pure Vision head lights that are 20 per cent more powerful than a halogen beam for enhanced night-time vision.
Other interesting features offered in the Koleos include:
18-inch alloy wheels (225/60/R18 tyres)
Combination leather interior
Dual-zone climate control
8.7-inch R-LINK 2 Infotainment system, 7-inch TFT colour screen instrument display
Interior ambient lighting
Keyless system with ‘walkaway lock’ as standard
Arkamys 3D 8-speakers sound systems
Blind Spot warning (BLIS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS and EBD, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as standard.
Six-airbags
Offered in four body colours - Universal White, Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Meissen Blue and 18-inch Argonaute alloy wheels, the all-new Koleos is Slated for launch in September, the introductory price for the all-new Renault Koleos is RM172,800 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM116,800 in Langkawi (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance and for private registration).


Toyota bZ4X EV officially launched in Thailand - RM235,000

The all-electric Toyota bZ4X EV SUV is now available for purchase in Thailand with a price tag of 1,836,000 baht or around RM235,000.

Being the first ASEAN country to offer the all-electric SUV from Toyota, the Toyota bZ4X is now ready to take on the EV segment in Thailand as well as Indonesia. Malaysia is surely next in line, but it might only come sometime in 2023.

215hp, 337Nm, All-Wheel-Drive

The price for our lovely Thai neighbours seems to be an interesting one thanks to the country's government EV incentives which include lower customs duties as well as subsidies. Spec-wise, the Toyota bZ4X offers a dual-electric motor setup (plus AWD) that produces a combined output of 215hp and 337Nm of torque.

Based on the e-TNGA platform, the Toyota bZ4X also comes with a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is said to have a WLTP range of up to 411km. AC charging supports up to 6.6kW and DC fast charging up to 150kW. If the latter is hooked up, the bZ4X can be charged from 0-80% in 30 minutes.

Five-year vehicle & eight-year battery warranties

While the Indonesian offering might be far lower in terms of performance thanks to its single-electric motor setup with 201hp and 266Nm of torque, the warranty packages are the same - five years for the vehicle (or 150,000km) and eight years for the battery (or 160,000km).

Other notable specs include:

20-inch alloy wheels

Panoramic sunroof

All-LED lighting system

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

Two-tone exterior colours with black roof + more

What will UMW Toyota bring to the table in 2023? Will it follow the specs similar to Thailand or the less powerful (and perhaps longer distance) variant from Indonesia? Stay tuned for more updates, folks.


Frankfurt 2015: Porsche Mission E Concept Previews Next Panamera? Or Pajun?

At the Volkswagen Group Nite in Frankfurt yesterday, Porsche presented its all-electric Mission E concept car ahead of tomorrow’s opening of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.
600 hp, 500 km driving range, 15 minutes charging time
With an exterior design that shares a strong resemblance to the current generation Panamera, the Mission E is a hint of what lies ahead for the four-door Porsche(s). No dimension details were released but the Mission E could point not only for the next generation Panamera, but maybe also the long rumoured sub-Panamera model, codenamed
Pajun
.
Under the hood is an all-new electric powertrain that uses two permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), one on each axle – similar to those used in this year's
Le Mans winner
, the 919 hybrid – to deliver 600 hp to all four wheels.
0-100 km/h is done in under 3.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 200 km/h in under twelve seconds.
Aiding the all-wheel drive traction is a need-based Porsche Torque Vectoring system.
Porsche claims a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of under 8 minutes is possible.
The four-seater electric Porsche has a driving range of over 500 km on a single charge, thanks a new 800-Volt power system, double that of the 400-Volt system used by conventional electric vehicles.
A flap on the front left wing in front of the driver's door gives access to the charging port for the innovative “Porsche Turbo Charging” system. Via the 800-Volt port, the battery can be charged to approximately 80 per cent of its capacity in around 15 minutes – which Porsche says is a new record for electric vehicles.
Of course, 800-Volt charging port is not always readily available, but Porsche says the car is also compatible with regular 400-Volt charging stations, but charging time will be longer.
It also supports inductive charging technology, where the vehicle can be charged by simply parking it over a coil embedded in the floor.
Porsche is coy about the capacity and chemical composition of the traction battery used, but says it is ‘based on the latest lithium-ion technology.’
OLED instruments, eye-tracking cameras
Inside, the Porsche signature instrument panel has now been interpreted differently, using  OLED technology. As a result, the instrument panel is curved, low-profile and free-standing.
An eye-tracking system detects, via camera, which instrument the driver is viewing. The driver can then activate the menu of the instrument in focus by pushing a button on the steering wheel and navigate in it.
The driver sits lower, higher or leans to one side, the 3D display of the round instruments reacts and moves with the driver. This eliminates situations in which the steering wheel blocks the driver's view of certain key information, for instance.
There's also a
holographic display that extends far into the passenger's side. It shows individually selectable apps, which are stacked in virtual space and arranged by priority with a three-dimensional effect. The driver – or passenger – can use these apps to touch-free control primary functions such as media, navigation, climate control, contacts and vehicle. The desired symbol is activated by gestures that are detected by sensors. A grasping gesture means select, while pulling means control. Moreover, driver or passenger can use a touch display on the centre console to control secondary functions such as detailed information menus.


DBKL Pasang 3,000 CCTV Dengan Ciri AI Di Sekitar Kuala Lumpur

Sejumlah 3,000 kamera litar tertutup (CCTV) dengan ciri kecerdasan buatan (AI) sudah dipasang oleh Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (
DBKL
) di kawasan strategik sekitar ibu negara.

Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan
Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim
 berkata, 3,000 CCTV berkenaan telah dipasang bagi pengurusan sistem trafik pintar, pemantauan jenayah, pemantauan komuniti dan pemantauan aset DBKL.

"Sistem AI yang diguna pakai boleh mengesan kejadian dan situasi masa nyata seperti
jalan berlubang
, tumpahan simen dari lori serta penjaja haram di jalanan,” katanya dalam ucapan perasmian penjenamaan semula Pusat Pengurusan Pengangkutan (ITIS) kepada nama baharu Kuala Lumpur Command and Control Centre (KLCCC), lapor Bernama.

Beliau berkata, fasa kedua untuk baki 2,000 CCTV lagi akan dipasang menjelang akhir tahun ini untuk kegunaan Polis Diraja Malaysia (
PDRM
) bagi pemantauan jenayah.

Pemasangan 5,000 CCTV ini sejajar dengan usaha DBKL untuk merealisasikan program menjadikan Kuala Lumpur Bandar Raya Selamat.

"Selain itu, usaha DBKL juga melibatkan pemasangan 140 unit VMS (Sistem Pemantauan Kenderaan) jenis warna penuh, pemasangan 42 butang panik di taman awam serta pemasangan 78 unit pembesar suara yang akan siap sepenuhnya pada penghujung tahun ini," katanya.

Beliau berkata, pemantauan kerosakan jalan, meneliti garisan jalan yang telah pudar, kerosakan lampu jalan dan lampu isyarat, pokok tumbang serta pengesanan kesalahan trafik yang menyebabkan kesesakan juga boleh dilakukan menerusi sistem tersebut.

*Kredit semua foto: DBKL


2016 Honda Accord Facelift Previewed To Media

Surprise, surprise.
Honda Malaysia
 has just previewed the new
2016 Accord facelift
 at Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur to members of the Malaysian automotive media.
Coloured in Honda’s new Obsidian Blue Pearl colour, the new 2016 Accord was shown to us in its range-topping 2.4 VTi-L guise showing off all its external features and design.
Notable enhancements from the outside start with a bolder chrome grille blanked by all-new all-LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights and bumper-integrated LED front fog lamps. As before, the LED daytime running lights are expected to be standard across the board, but it is unknown if the 2.0-litre models will get full LED lights as well.
Less immediately obvious is re-sculpted bonnet carrying a more pronounced bulge to give the Accord more substantial road presence.
The 2.4 VTi-L display vehicle was also shod in newly-designed 18-inch alloy wheels, but it continues with existing 235/45-size Michelin PS3 tyres. The excellent Lane Watch camera apparently remains, but we wonder if it will trickle down to the 2.0-litre models as well.
Over at the back, the tail lights also get reworked to sport a three-bar LED design akin to the BMW F10 5 Series. The decorative chrome bar now spans thicker and wider across the bootlid, further emphasizing the vehicle’s width.
Interior of the vehicle was closed off to us with doors of the display car locked and windows heavily tinted.
The new 2016 Accord facelift officially
opened for bookings
 earlier this week with a selection of three variants – 2.0 VTi, 2.0 VTi-L, and 2.4 VTi-L. Official launch is
scheduled for September
.


Tiada PKP, Sekatan Balik Kampung Sempena CNY, Aidilfitri

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, mengesahkan yang kerajaan tidak akan melaksanakan kembali Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (
PKP
) atau sekatan balik kampung sempena
Tahun Baru Cina
 atau
Aidilfitri
 tahun ini.

Menurut Perdana Menteri lagi jika terdapat peningkatan kes Covid-19 di sesebuah kawasan, hanya kawasan itu akan dikenakan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Diperketatkan (PKPD).

"Sudah ada orang yang buat spekulasi macam-macam, termasuk kononnya tak boleh balik raya kerana kes meningkat semula sejak beberapa hari lepas, namun jangan bimbang, kita tidak akan tutup lagi seluruh negara, atau negeri atau daerah kerana jaminan sudah diberikan.

Pergerakan rakyat juga seperti biasa, tetapi kita akan memfokus kepada kawasan sasaran yang banyak berlaku penularan kerana kita ada PKPD.

Jika kampung itu yang dikenakan PKPD, maka mereka dari kampung itu sahaja yang tidak boleh pulang," katanya pada sidang media di Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat (Kemas) Bera di Pejabat Kemas Bera seperti yang dilaporkan oleh Astro Awani.

Kes positif Covid-19 telah menunjukkan peningkatan melebihi 4000 kes sehari untuk dua hari berturut-turut pada 21 dan 22 Januari lepas.

Yang pasti, SOP tolong ikut! Jangan jadi statistik!

Kredit imej tajuk: Harian Metro


Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, 718 Spyder Unleashed – From RM970,000

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has just introduced the new range-topping performance models in the 718 family – the new 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder which are priced from RM 999,000 and RM970,000 respectively.

With the addition of the two new models, Porsche’s 718 range in Malaysia now comprises four models – the 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, 718 Spyder, and the 718 Cayman GT4.

While the 718 Cayman GT4 features a newly designed single-chamber arch rear silencer which creates space in the rear section for a functional diffuser, a fixed rear wing, and a large front spoiler lip, all of which contribute to 20% more downforce than the outgoing model, the 718 Spyder comes with new honeycomb air intake grilles that have been designed to increase airflow by reducing obstructions, a front spoiler lip with recessed ‘Spyder’ lettering, and a golf-ball like profiled surface below the front end to guarantee a constantly low drag coefficient.

Unlike the GT4, the 718 Spyder possesses a distinctive rear spoiler that automatically extends at speeds in excess of 120km/h which helps to reduce lift for more driving stability.

Thanks to the functional diffuser, it is the first model in the Boxster family to generate aerodynamic downforce at the rear axle. Both models get 20-inch wheels as well.

Sharing a technical base for the first time, both models feature the same 420 hp four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine as the 911 Carrera model series, which is paired to a rev-matching 6-speed manual gearbox.

With a maximum torque of 420 Nm at between 5,000 and 6,800 rpm, the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 can accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds from a standing start, with top speeds that break the 300km/h barrier.

For the first time ever, the new 718 Spyder makes its debut with the same high-performance GT chassis as the 718 Cayman GT4. Delivering particularly agile handling and good driving stability even at high speeds, the chassis provides the ideal foundation for maximum performance and pure driving pleasure.

Further complementing the powertrain package are features like the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damping system with sports, Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear differential lock, an optional Clubsport package, and the optional Spyder Classic interior package.


Facelifted Honda BR-V Officially Introduced – 2 Variants, Starting From RM89,900

Having opened their
order books
 for the new BR-V in March, the launch has now come full circle, with Honda Malaysia offering two variants priced as follows:

BR-V ‘E’ Variant: RM89,900

BR-V ‘V’ Variant: RM96,900

Quoted prices are OTR without insurance.

The facelifted model prices are marginally higher than the
outgoing models
, which started at RM85,800 and RM92,800 for the E and V variants respectively -  possibly due to the revised customised incentives first announced in February of this year, which increased Honda vehicle prices between 5- and 9-percent depending on model.

As for the new highlights, the facelifted model offers a timely update of aesthetics and major equipment levels – listed according to variant below:

Standard equipment on the E variant includes

Honda BR-V E Variant

New Front Grille

New Front Bumper with Lower Bumper Garnish

New 16-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheel Design

New Shark Fin antenna

New rear Bumper with lower bumper garnish

Tweeter speakers

Cargo light

Cabin filter

Auto air-conditioning

Keyless entry

Push start button

The top-spec V variant adds the following:

Honda BR-V V Variant

7-inch Display Audio

Paddle Shifters

Leather Seats with Red Finishing

Gear Knob with Red Stitching

Elsewhere, the powertrains are the same as before – a 120 PS, 145 Nm 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine powers this compact people mover, and allows it to remain the most powerful in its segment. Power is sent to a CVT-type automatic transmission. Third-row seats are still adjustable with a 50:50 tilt and tumble split to maximize boot space, in true Honda packaging wizardry fashion.

The new BR-V is also offered with a fresh new colour dubbed Marine Purple Pearl, in addition to White Orchid Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Passion Red Pearl.

The BR-V is offered with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, inclusive of free-labour service packages (up to 5 times within 100,000km/5-years).

Also, in a thoughtful nod to current times, Honda Malaysia has tied the official release of the facelifted BR-V seven-seater crossover in conjunction with two Community Relief Campaigns designed to support nationwide COVID-19 relief efforts.

The two campaigns include:

Be Kind With BR-V
: 2nd-31st June – For every BR-V sold, Honda donates a portion of proceeds to COVID-19 relief efforts.

Honda Dealer Donation Drive
: 1st-31st June – Honda customers can donate basic necessities to their nearest dealership, Honda will compile and distribute them to affected communities.

Hence, BR-V buyers are both doing good and getting a superbly practical vehicle at one go.


Bangkok 2017: MG ZS – i-Smart Infotainment With Thai Voice Recognition

The return of British brand MG to Malaysia has long been mooted with many parties reportedly interested at various points over the years since Brookland Motors gave up the franchise in 2005.
Now owned by Shanghai-based SAIC Motor, MG’s return to Malaysia’s shores remain shrouded in mystery, although the brand has been making decent headway in the Thailand where an assembly plant is being operated in Rayong.
The brand’s growing line-up is fast filling up various key segments of the Thai market, with the latest addition to the range being the ZS seen here on display at the 2017 Thailand International Motor Expo. The ZS is a sharply-styled compact HR-V-sized crossover boasting a class-leading infotainment system aimed to lure younger tech-savvy buyers away from the established choices.
Available in three trim levels, the MG ZS is priced from THB 679,000 to THB 789,000, all variants powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine generating 114 PS and 150 Nm. Standard transmission is a 4-speed automatic and power goes exclusively to the front wheels.
Exterior dimensions of the ZS measures 4,314 mm long by 1,809 mm wide, putting it a segment below the 4,500 mm by 1,855 mm
MG GS that we sighted at last year’s Beijing Auto Show
. For comparison, a Honda HR-V measures 4,294 mm by 1,772 mm.
A unique feature of the ZS within its segment is the newly-introduced i-Smart infotainment system with a voice command feature able to respond to Thai language. The system is activated by the user saying “Hello MG” before barking the relevant commands.
Through the i-Smart system, occupants can control various in-car functions including entertainment, GPS navigation, and climate control.
An iOS-only mobile device app is also available for download, enabling users to interact with the car via a mobile device. Functions incorporated into the app include schedule reminders, route suggestion, traffic report, weather forecast, and real-time update of the vehicle’s status.
;
In the event of unusual vehicle movement, the app can even notify the user of suspected car theft. The app also allows the user to remotely start the vehicle and turn the air-conditioning on to pre-cool the cabin on a hot sunny day.
The MG ZS is a nameplate that was started before the collapse of the original MG Rover that sparked a chain of events leading to ownership of the brand and all its intellectual properties by SAIC. The original ZS, produced from 2001 to 2005, was a compact sedan derived from the Rover 400.


Fuel Price Update: 1 – 7 March – Prices Up

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced new petrol and diesel prices for the week of 1
st
 to 7
th
 March and are as follow:
RON95 –
RM2.20
 per litre (up 3 sen from RM2.17)
RON97 –
RM2.47
 per litre (up 4 sen from RM2.43)
Diesel –
RM2.18
 per litre (up 5 sen from RM2.13)


Micro-Mobility Vehicle Regulations In Finalisation Phase - Speed Limit Of 25km/h Being Considered

Plans are being made to adapt micro-mobility vehicles to suit existing laws and regulations, and one of the considerations is to limit the speed of micro-mobility vehicles to just 25 km/h.

According to Bernama, the government will soon introduce guidelines on the use of micro-mobility vehicles in Malaysia. A proposal from the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) is in its final stages.

Picture credit: Benama

According to PLANMalaysia director-general Alias Rameli, elements such as speed limit, road markings, and
specific routes
 are among those that are being considered.

“The speed limit of micro-mobility vehicles may not exceed 25 km/h, though the vehicle can reach a speed of 50 km/h,” he said.

Alias who believes that the trend of micro-mobility is generally beneficial to the country, said that the use of such vehicles must be adjusted for the safety of other road users. Alias feels regulation is better than outright banning the vehicles as the usage of these vehicles
can help reduce carbon consumption.

Once completed, the guidelines will be tabled to the transport ministry as well as the housing and local government ministry for approval. Despite being in its finalisation phase, Alias did not provide an estimated time for its submission or announcement.

Currently, micro-mobility vehicles such as e-scooters ,mopeds, personal mobility vehicles, and such vehicles have been
restricted from being used on public roads
. However, the government did not ban these vehicles outright, and assured the public they can still be used in safe and controlled environments such as sidewalks or parks.


Geneva 2019: Honda To Bring e Prototype

Bit by bit, little by little, Honda is teasing their up and coming all-electric vehicle that will take the form of a concept vehicle shown a couple of years back. At the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, Honda is bringing out a prototype of that production model - a halfway house between the Urban EV Concept and what the actual road going version will be. This time we get a better look at the outside, as well as more detailed interior photos.
The outside is slowly beginning to look like a more feasible production model, though it isn't quite as sharp edged as the concept was. This of course is a result of crash safety requirements, but Honda is still trying its best to avoid turning this EV into a bubble car, as some manufacturers have done for their mass market models over the years. Form follows function, with neat aerodynamic tricks such as cameras in place of wing mirrors, stepless windscreens, and flush door handles.
On the inside is where things are clearly being elevated to another level - although whether this level of detail and the number of luxury touchpoints manage to survive until the production phase is something that remains up in the air. The centre of the dashboard is dominated by a huge panoramic display which doubles as an entertainment centre when not the vehicle status, while a flat floor is a quick reminder that this is: a) from Honda, and b) a practical city car.
In terms of the actual mechanicals of this future EV model, Honda says it'll go over 200 km on a single charge, with fast charge functionality getting the battery up to 80% in just 30 minutes. Rather interestingly, it's going to be a rear-wheel drive machine - much like some smaller EVs on the market - which makes sense given the kind of packaging involved and the fact that this EV is designed to be charged from the front.


2 Juta Kenderaan Di Lebuh Raya Menjelang Aidilfitri - PLUS

Menurut jangkaan
PLUS
, sebanyak 2 juta kereta akan memenuhi jalan raya pada musim perayaan nanti.

PLUS menasihatkan orang ramai supaya merancang perjalanan pulang ke kampung lebih awal bagi mengelakkan mereka terperangkap dalam kesesakan trafik pada hari-hari puncak menjelang cuti hari raya terutamanya pada akhir Ramadan.

*Kredit foto: Utusan

2 Juta Kenderaan Di Lebuh Raya

PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) menjangka dua juta kenderaan menggunakan
lebuh raya
 pada hari-hari puncak menjelang perayaan Hari Raya Aidilfitri tahun ini.

Pengarah Urusan PLUS, Datuk Azman Ismail berkata, jumlah trafik harian boleh meningkat sebanyak 25 peratus kepada dua juta kenderaan pada hari-hari puncak itu, berbanding 1.6 juta sehari pada masa ini.

Sehubungan itu, PLUS akan turut mengeluarkan Jadual Cadangan Waktu Perjalanan (TTA) dalam tempoh terdekat bagi membantu orang ramai merancang perjalanan balik kampung dan balik kota masing-masing pada musim perayaan ini

*Kredit foto: PLUS Malaysia

PLUS Bersiap Sedia Hadapi Kesesakan

Pihak PLUS, khususnya pasukan operasi lebuh raya juga bersiap siaga membantu orang ramai untuk
pulang ke kampung
 pada cuti perayaan Aidilfitri.

Berikut merupakan antara persediaan yang dibuat oleh PLUS:

Menambah jumlah pasukan PLUSRonda kepada 520 bagi membolehkan kekerapan rondaan ditingkatkan terutamanya di laluan kritkal.

PLUSRonda juga akan memberi bantuan kepada kenderaan yang terkandas di lebuh raya dalam usahanya membantu pengguna menikmati perjalanan yang selamat dan selesa ketika berlakunya lonjakan trafik.

PLUS akan menempatkan trak tunda serta kren di lokasi-lokasi kritikal di lebuh raya bagi memudahkan dan mempercepatkan proses pengalihan kenderaan-kenderaan yang terkandas terutamanya di laluan-laluan mendaki

Di laluan kritikal, PLUS juga bersedia untuk mengaktifkan Laluan Kontra di lokasi tertentu dengan bantuan polis.

PLUS juga akan meneruskan kolaborasi bersama agensi penguatkuasaan dan kecemasan seperti polis, Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) dan Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat.

Bomba dan St John Ambulance diletakkan dalam keadaan bersedia di plaza-plaza tol yang strategik dan akan dikerahkan ke lokasi insiden dengan segera dan pantas.

Kira-kira 500 anggota pasukan kecemasan (ERT) juga akan berada di lebuh raya untuk memberikan bantuan.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

Menurut PLUS, mereka telah bersedia  untuk membantu orang ramai merangkumi pelbagai aspek termasuk adaptasi teknologi untuk meningkatkan tahap keselamatan dan keselesaan orang ramai untuk pulang ke kampung pada cuti perayaan Aidilfitri.


Shocking CCTV Footage Reveals Woman Setting Man's Car On Fire At A Petrol Station

Madness is the best way to describe what you’re about to see. In Jerusalem, a 35-year old woman has been arrested for setting the gas tank of man’s car on fire after he allegedly refused to give her a cigarette. Other words that come to mind include manic, psycho, and absolute nutter.
The incident occurred mid-day at a gas station while the man’s brother sat in the car. While fuelling up his car, the woman came to ask him for a cigarette. After refusing her demands, the woman walks away but later sneaks up behind the man’s back and use a lighter to set the man’s gas tank on fire.
Immediately after, the man pulls the fuel pump out of the gas tank only to spill burning petrol onto the ground. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident.
Since then, the woman has been arrested by the police. The woman’s mother of the car told news source, Ynet that her daughter was mentally unstable.
Incidents like this are a good reminder that we should all stay alert and vigilant even while refuelling at the petrol station.


Spyshot: Facelifted Proton Iriz And Persona Caught On PLUS Highway

A month plus has passed since the introduction of the Proton X70 and it appears that Proton engineers are hard at work, this time with the facelifted Iriz and Persona duo.
Reader Ian sent these spyshots over, mentioning that he spotted the duo heading south on the PLUS Highway.
Similar to earlier spyshots of the Iriz and Persona, the rear end of both cars are masked with generous amounts of camouflage. A blurry photo depicting the rear of the Iriz without any camouflage was making its rounds on social media earlier in January, giving us a first look at what could be a new design direction for Proton.
The updated Iriz is expected to carry over its existing engines and transmissions, which include the 1.3- and 1.6-litre VVT engines mated to either a Punch-sourced CVT-type automatic or five-speed manual transmission. As for the Persona, the model is expected to carry over the same 1.6-litre VVT engine, mated to a five-speed manual or CVT-type automatic.
While the updated B-segment duo is likely to continue on with its carry-over powertrain, sources familiar with the matter did hint that the cars could be fitted with the Geely GKUI infotainment system, first found in the Proton X70. However, the cheaper Iriz and Persona could feature a simplified version of the GKUI infotainment system, not the full-fledged one found in the larger X70.


Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept Teased Ahead Of Debut

Infiniti have revealed the first look of its QX80 Monograph, the new concept that will guide the development if the next-generation QX80 full-size luxury SUV and signals the brand's intention to further develop its standing in the segment.
Designed at Infiniti's design studio in Atsugi, Japan, the QX80 Monograph aims to combine futuristic design with high-levels of spaciousness and practicality – a natural evolution of the QX80’s well-known traits.
Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti, adds “The QX80 Monograph represents a detailed study into our expertise of exterior design. QX80 Monograph shows our concept of luxury and style on the road, and is an exploration into how we could enhance our future Infiniti offering in the luxury SUV segment.”
QX80 Monograph applies the brand's latest design language and incorporates a mix of geometric and organic shapes to command a sophisticated yet powerful visual presence. Other traditional design elements are still present, such as double-arch grille, which for this vehicle is taller and wider while the crescent-cut D-pillar has been reshaped.