Proton cranks up new family of six engines for 2017 introduction

After over a decade relying on the aging Campro engine range, Proton has taken the first steps to revitalize its powertrain offerings. A totally new engine family, which Proton claims is good enough to meet the next generation of European emission regulations Euro 6c, is currently undergoing development in collaboration with England-based engineering consultant Ricardo.
Development process began in March 2015, with some 20 Proton engineers currently being stationed in England working on the project together with engineers from Lotus and Ricardo. Their work has culminated in the first firing of a prototype engine at Ricardo’s facilities today in Shoreham, England.
According to Proton CEO Dato’ Harith Abdullah, the new engine programme will cost Proton RM600 million in development costs with the first variant ready for commercial launch by the end of 2017. The full range of engines will consist of six variants.
Dato’ Harith explains that despite Proton’s comparatively low volumes in comparison to some of the world’s biggest players, the engine’s modular design enables multiple variants to be spawned off with minimal increase in cost. He further revealed that the engine features design patents in combustion strategy that Proton co-owns with Ricardo that was developed as far back as 2012.
Focusing on petrol power, the engine range is derived basically from 4-cylinder cast iron blocks offering displacements of 1.3 and 1.5 litres. Having fully acquired the design of the Petronas E01 back in 2012, Proton is transferring the E01’s direct injection technology to both the 1.3- and 1.5-litre versions of the engine.  Other innovations to be incorporated include integrated exhaust manifold, timing chain, dual variable valve timing, and lengthened service intervals.
Both engines will additionally be available in naturally-aspirated and turbocharged format, giving a wide range of possible outputs that tops off at an estimated 180hp and 250Nm for the 1.5-litre turbocharged flagship engine.
Three-cylinder engines are also being developed. They are made to be mechanically simpler than the 1.3- and 1.5-litre engines, utilizing conventional port fuel injection but nevertheless still featuring VVT technology.
According to Dato’ Harith, the 1.0- and 1.2-litre three-pots are derived simply by knocking a cylinder off the four-cylinder versions, meaning they are relatively cheap spin-offs of the range. Additionally, a turbocharged version of the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine is also in the works, but priority is focused on the core group of six engines mentioned above.
Compared to the brand’s current range of engines, the new engine family is targeted to deliver improvement in fuel consumption by an average of 25% whilst offering up to 20% better performance. The 1.0-litre variant is targeted to achieve a rated fuel consumption of under 5.0 l/100km and carbon dioxide emission not exceeding 99 g/km.
In total, Proton has estimated a ten-month duration for design, analysis, and prototype construction to take place at Ricardo’s facilities. After 14 months, prototypes will be transferred to Proton’s own premises in Lotus. Final stages of testing will take place back in Proton’s own headquarters in Shah Alam, with the first series of prototypes set to be transferred beginning September 2016. In total, the engines will undergo trials that equivalent to 4.8 million kilometres of actual road usage in varying conditions.
Finally, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, which is a further advancement of the E01 mill, is also being worked on to complete the range. This development confirms the earlier report
we picked up from
The Malaysian Reserve
 which claimed that a total of seven engines are in the works at Proton.


300 Unit Perodua Ativa Hibrid Bakal Temui Pelanggan - Bukan Untuk Dijual, Hanya Untuk Dilanggan

Perodua
sedang memulakan kajian pasaran serta model bisnes langganan kereta melibatkan 300 unit kenderaan
 Perodua Ativa hibrid
 dalam usaha mereka ke arah elektrifikasi.

Kajian ini dibahagikan kepada dua bahagian:

Untuk memahami sikap pemanduan pengguna hibrid di bandar utama seperti KL, JB dan Pulau Pinang

Untuk melihat maklum balas serta penerimaan rakyat Malaysia terhadap servis langganan kereta selama 5-tahun di bawah EZ MOBi

300 Unit Ativa Hibrid Temui Pelanggan Pada Pertengahan Oktober 2022

Sebanyak 300 unit Perodua Ativa Hibrid bakal dihantar kepada 300 pemiik terdiri daripada:

Pembeli Ativa yang masih belum menerima kereta

Pelanggan yang berminat dengan sistem langganan kereta

Pembeli kereta hibrid

Model penjenamaan semula daripada Daihatsu Rocky Hibrid ini menggunakan sistem
series hybrid
 di mana motor elektrik menggerakkan tayar sementara enjin pula bertindak sebagai generator untuk mengecas bateri.

Motor elektriknya juga lebih besar berbanding model hibrid lain di mana hanya sedikit sahaja pembakaran minyak diperlukan untuk menjalankan generator dan Ativa hibrid ini dicanang mampu bergerak sejauh 31.3km/liter.

Sistem ini membolehkan menghasilkan kereta hibrid yang praktikal serta mampu milik dihasilkan. Walau bagaimanapun, hanya satu varian serta satu warna yang bakal ditawarkan seperti di dalam gambar.

Apa Yang Berbeza?

Berbeza dengan Ativa sebelum ini, Ativa hibrid menggunaakan enjin tiga silinder 1.2L (WA-VEX) yang digabungkan bersama motor elektrik yang menghasilkan 107 PS serta 170 Nm tork. Untuk perbezaan,
Ativa 1.0 turbo
menghasilkan 98 PS dan 140 Nm tork. Jenis transmisinya juga ditukar daripada CVT berkembar kepada HEV Transaxle.

Di bahagian luar, terdapat perbezaan pada:

bampar hadapan serta belakang

tanpa lencana varian di belakang

saiz nombor plat belakang

Jumlah skru dan saiz tayar (Ativa: 4 lubang, saiz 205/60 R17) (Ativa hibrid: 5 lubang, saiz 195/60 R17)

Di bahagian dalam pula, ada perbezaan pada:

Reka bentuk kawalan penyaman udara

Kawalan penyaman udara automatik

Parkir brek elektronik (EPB)

Auto Brake Hold

Corong pengudaraan bateri

Tiada tayar simpanan, hanya diberikan kit baikpulih tayar sahaja bagi memuatkan bateri diletakkan di situ

Apa Yang Menarik?

Pelanggan perlu membayar wang deposit RM2,150 dan bayaran bulanan sebanyak RM500 dibawah EZ MOBi. Had perbatuan bagi tempoh lima-tahun itu adalah 100,000 km.

Alat pengesan GPS akan dipasang untuk Peroduak mengkaji dan menilai corak penggunaan dan pemanduan kereta hibrid di bandar bandar utama seperti lembah klang, Penang dan Johor Bahru.

Yang paling menarik, Perodua akan menanggung segala-galanya terhadap kos pemilikan Ativa ini seperti:

Servis berkala mengikut jadual

Insurans

Cukai jalan

Tetapi sayangnya, ketika ini kesemua 300 unit itu telah pun ditempah memandangkan lebih 600 penyertaan telah diterima ketika Perodua membuka penawarannya kepada siapa yang berminat sebelum ini. Bagi anda, adakah sistem langganan kereta ni boleh pergi jauh atau anda lebih gemarkan sistem beli kereta dan jual kereta secara traditional?


Johor Traffic Offenders Will Be Handed Maximum Fines During Festive Season

Because of the high number of road accidents and fatalities during the Hari Raya festive period last year, traffic offenders caught in the state of Johor will be dealt the maximum fines this time around.
The Star
 reports that this is in response to the 24 road accidents and 25 lives lost during the Hari Raya traffic surge last year, as explained by Johor police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Rusli Ahmad during the launch of Ops Selamat 2015 near the Skudai toll plaza along the North-South expressway.
“Maximum compound fines will be imposed for six traffic offences to reduce the accidents statistics during the festive period. The offences include speeding, driving on the emergency lane, overtaking at double lines and failure to adhere to the traffic lights,” he said.
The fatalities recorded during Ops Selamat in 2014 are taken very seriously, which involved nineteen motorcyclists and pillion riders, two lorry drivers, as well as other types of vehicles. Rusli also said that police issued some 27,103 traffic summonses during the operation.
He encouraged motorists to drive safety during their journey back to their hometowns during the Hari Raya season, pointing to the use of rest areas for a break or a driver switch if needed.
Rusli also wanted to reiterate how those returning to their hometowns should also
inform the nearest police station
 as part of this year’s Safe Home Campaign. Last year, he said, police made over 14,487 visits to over 7-thousand vacant homes.
“We have provided forms for holiday-goers to fill in their particulars so that we can check the areas that need extra patrols. We will conduct patrols at least twice a day around the homes of those who seek our assistance,” he said.


2022 BMW iX xDrive40 Price Drops By RM27k, Now Starts At RM352k

With prices revised to reflect the government incentives for EV adoption in 2022,
the BMW iX
 now starts at a more attractive RM352,396 in xDrive40 guise, giving would-be buyers of Munich’s most advanced zero emissions machine a big smile (to go along with its big nose).

BMW Malaysia were pretty early to introduce both
the iX3 (based on the G01 X3) and more premium iX
 electric vehicles to the market in later 2021. They came at a time when the proposed ‘tax-free’ prices for EVs were not quite in full effect. Since then, the car’s price remained in limbo with everyone certain it would drop but not knowing exactly when or by how much.

Price of the BMW iX in Malaysia

2022 BMW iX

Normal Price

+ Extended Warranty

xDrive40

RM 352,396

RM 370,766

xDrive40 with Power Package

RM 356,996

RM 375,366

xDrive40 Sport

RM 396,714

RM 415,084

xDrive40 Sport with Power Package

RM 401,314

RM 419,684

For those wondering, onwards from 2022, new passenger vehicles powered by electric propulsion are exempt from import tax and excise duty, though sales tax does still apply. However, that 50% SST discount is only due to last until June 30th. Additionally, owners will
not have to pay any road tax
 until after 2025.

The aforementioned iX xDrive40 can also be purchased with an ‘Extended Warranty & Service Package’ which, when bundled in, increases the price to RM370,766 and bumps manufacturer coverage to 5 years. This is definitely the way to go since the standard 2-year, unlimited mileage warranty does seem pretty slim. Regardless, all variants have a separate 8-year, 160,000km warranty for the battery.

You could also throw in another RM4,600 for the Power Package on top of the xDrive40 or xDrive40 Sport which nets you a public charging cable (pretty essential in our estimation) as well as a 22kW wallbox for home installation. Disappointingly, the iX only supports up to 11kW AC charging.

That said, find
a beefier DC station
 out in the wild and it can flex its fast charge abilities, supporting up to 150kW that fills its reserves up to 80% in 31 minutes.

BMW iX Powertrain

Powering both variants of the Malaysia-spec iX are twin 120kW electric motors that deliver a combined output of 240kW (or 326PS) and 630Nm, supplied by a 76.6kWh floor-mounted lithium-ion battery for a range of 425km (WLTP). It is capable of launching the 2.5+ tonne electric SUV to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds thanks to its instantaneous torque delivery.

BMW Malaysia will likely be bringing in more variants of this electric flagship model, such as ones with more power and a larger battery for additional range, or both to suit a variety of preferences. For now, however, at least the xDrive40 feels like a rather balanced offering that’s paired with a pretty attractive price.

We won’t even try to dissect the design again, but it is an unconventional look for the company even at a time when BMW isn’t short on contentious design choices. Inside, though, I think we all can agree that the iX boasts a beautiful cabin that certainly lives up to its ‘flagship’ status.

There are plenty more tech and features we have not mentioned here, so be sure to peruse our
past writings
 that go more in-depth. Also, look out for our full review of the iX sometime in the future.


smart#1 Production Model Seen For The First Time - Will Be Sold By Proton Edar In Malaysia

The unveiling of the smart #1 will take place soon, and here is what the Malaysian bound EV will look like.

Proton Edar new distributor of smart

Last January, Mercedes-Benz's compact car brand, smart, transformed from an ICE vehicle brand into a fully electric brand.
Proton Edar did not waste time jumping on the bandwagon
 and announced that smart would be sold in Malaysia and
Thailand
 through its new distributor, Proton Edar.

The reason why Proton Edar got the jump over others is because smart is now part of
the big Geely family
, and its new generation model, smart #1 was developed and will be produced by Geely, while Mercedes-Benz will handle its design.

The first look at the smart#1 production model

Previously, the smart #1 only appeared in the form of a concept model, and the prototype unit was being tested. As you can see, this is no longer the case as this is the first appearance of the electric crossover in actual production form. Like the previously leaked patent image, the actual production look of smart #1 seems to be almost identical to its concept version.

Although still in full camouflage, you can see that the body of smart #1 is designed to be round and curvaceous. Other similar details from the concept model include the front and rear lights, the span of its entire width, trapezoid-shaped lower front air vents, flush door handles, thick C-pillars and frameless doors.

The interior of the smart #1 also receives a minimalist design and is given a simple dashboard that connects to a relatively high tunnel console without physical control switches. The meter cluster display looks compact and slim, but there is a relatively large infotainment screen standing alone in the centre of the dashboard.

The proper unveiling is just around the corner

There are no technical details of the smart#1, but it has been said that the electric SUV was developed using the Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform, which is a platform produced by Geely specifically for fully electric cars to be used for its other brands including Geometry and Zeekr.

According to sources, smart #1 is currently undergoing its final tests and is
almost ready to enter the market
. The model will be fully unveiled in Berlin, Germany on April 7.


Increased Toll Rates For Major Highways Start Thursday, October 15th

Starting from Thursday, October 15
th
, toll rates along the Kajang Traffic Dispersal Ring Road (Kajang-SILK Highway), Maju Expressway (MEX), Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK), KL- Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR) Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Sungai Besi Highway, New Pantai Expressway (NPE), and the SMART tunnel will face increases, The Star reports.
Sistem Lingkaran-Lebuhraya Kajang Sdn Bhd said earlier today that their newly revised toll rates for passenger cars will be raised to RM1.80. With the exclusion of buses, for vehicles with two axles and five or six wheels, the rate will be RM3.60.
On the toll rate increase, SILK Holdings said: “The implementation of the new toll rate structure,is expected to contribute positively to the revenue from toll collection for SILK Highway, although this is expected to be off-set by a reduction in revenue from toll compensation payable to SILK Highway,
“All in all, the implementation of the new toll rate structure is expected to have a positive impact on group revenue in the medium to longer term.”
For the DUKE, Thursday’s price increase will see cars having to pay RM2.50 for access to the highway, regardless of their ingress at the Ayer Panas, Sentul Pasar or Kampung Batu toll plazas.
Concessionaires Konsortium Lebuhraya Utara-Timur, under Ekovest Bhd, said the increase was in accordance to the agreement signed with government on August 12
th
, 2004, which applied to all classes of vehicles except buses.
MEX's toll rates will be increased for cars to RM2.00 at the Salak South toll plaza and RM3.50 at the Putrajaya toll plaza.
As for motorists travelling along the KLK, the rate has been increased to RM6.00 at the Gombak toll plaza and RM3.50 at the Bentong toll plaza.
Meanwhile, motorists driving along Latar will have to pay an increased rate of RM2.50 at the Ijok, Kuang Timur, Kuang Barat, Templer toll plazas and RM1.30 for the Kudang Timur and Kudang Barat plazas.
Concerning the Sungai Besi Highway, Besraya (M) Sdn Bhd announced the new toll rates as RM2.00 for Class 1 vehicles such as passenger cars, RM4.00 for Class 2 vehicles, RM2.00 for Class 4, and RM1.30 for Class 5.
For the NPE, however, the new toll rates for Plaza Tol Pantai Dalam and Plaza Tol PJS5 for Class 1 (passenger cars) would be RM2.30, RM4.60 for Class 2, RM6.90 for Class 3, RM1.20 for Class 4 and lastly RM1.60 for Class 5.
Finally, users of the SMART tunnel will face a new toll rate of RM3.00.


2023 Range Rover L460 launched in Malaysia - RM2.4 million

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has officially launched the new 2023 Range Rover L460 here in the country.

Those who prefer the finest things in life, including what you drive around in, can look forward to owning one of these beauties with a very affordable price tag of RM1,268,000 before duties, but with all the taxes thrown in, that's a cool RM2,488,000 for you.

Built on the latest Land Rover Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA-Flex), the fifth-gen Ranger Rover luxury SUV is both contemporary and modern in design that'll certainly fit into any high-end occasion. The main highlights of its smooth design and proportions are further enhanced with the additions of flush elements, expansive surfaces, and the world's first hidden-until-lit taillights.

In other words, the new 2023 Range Rover L460 offers a stiffer and longer chassis combined with better comfort thanks to a 24% improvement in noise transmission. Speaking of noise, you'll be hearing a lovely tune coming from its P530 powertrain - a 4.4-litre V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with twin-speed transmission for 'better low-speed control in off-road situations' that produces 530PS and 750Nm of torque.

Other highlights include:

13.1-inch curved floating glass touchscreen

Active Noise Cancellation technology

Electronic Air Suspension

Standard All-Wheel Steering

22-inch alloy wheels

Semi-aniline leather seat upholstery + more

And for those who are eager to know about its performance, the 2023 Range Rover L460 can hit 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds before hitting its top speed of 250km/h.


A closer look at the Haval H6 and Haval Jolion coming to Malaysia

GWM has confirmed that the Haval H6 HEV and Jolion HEV are part of their plan for Malaysia, so what are they like? We got a taster at the recent 2023 Malaysia Autoshow.

At the recent 2023 Malaysia Autoshow, Great Wall Motor (GWM) had one of the most prominent booths out of all the manufacturers that were there that weekend.

Although one of the most displayed cars at their booth was the Ora Good Cat electric vehicle, the vehicles that actually stole the show were the Haval H6 HEV and Haval Jolion HEV.

Here's a quick brief if you still need to familiarize yourself with GWM and how Haval is linked to them.

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is a Chinese automobile manufacturer with several brands, including Haval. Haval is a brand of SUVs produced by GWM and was launched in 2013.

In other words, Haval is a sub-brand of Great Wall Motor and operates under its umbrella. Haval specializes in producing value-for-money SUVs that are designed to compete with other major automakers in the global market.

Over the years, Haval internationally has become one of GWM's most successful brands, with a reputation for producing reliable, high-quality SUVs that offer excellent value for money.

Although they have been previously received in Malaysia as a company that offers budget and unattractive SUVs, this might all change soon
when Haval introduces the H6
and Jolion in Malaysia.

We only need to look at our border neighbours to see how they have been received there. Haval has been making waves for itself in the Thai market, and both the H6 and Jolion have been well-received by Thai consumers and automotive media outlets alike.

In fact, the Haval H6 even managed to outsell the Honda CR-V for a few months in a row, and although that's not such a big feat because that was the old CR-V, it still tells you a story of how it has been accepted.

Anyway, we're here to take a quick closer look at the Haval H6 and Jolion because from what we saw at the Autoshow, they have all the potential to be your next SUV.

Haval H6 HEV

The Malaysian offering schedule should be roughly comparable to that of Thailands, where all H6 units are
sold as a series (non-plug-in) hybrid
 that pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor for maximum power and torque figures of
243PS
 and
530Nm
.

The interior has a stylish design and all the mod cons for modern needs, such as Apple Car Play and Android Auto, but the materials used for some parts of the interior are not plush but instead hardy, where it will stand the test of time.

The interior is not as plush as the Proton X70 or Chery Omoda, but the other two Chinese-based SUVs do not have such a mighty powertrain as the H6 HEV. So you win some, lose some.

Haval Jolion HEV

Just like the Haval H6 HEV, the interior of the Jolion is stylish, and there are all the mod cons you will ever need. Digital meter cluster, large infotainment screen, rear air conditioning vents - you name it, it's got it. Yes, the materials used and placed are designed for longevity, so don't expect perishable soft-touch materials.

Once again, one of the best features of the Jolion is its powertrain grunt because when its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine works together with the electric traction motor, it has an overall output of 375Nm.

Both SUVs also return good fuel consumption, with the Jolion's coming at a quoted 5.1l/100km and the Haval H6 HEV coming in at 6-7l/100km.

As for safety, they both have a long list of innovative safety technologies, including the all-important autonomous emergency braking and something called Intelligent Dodge, where apparently when activated, the system will control the vehicle to ensure that a safe distance is kept when overtaking large vehicles.

Once the vehicle has moved past the truck or long vehicle, it will move back to its correct position between the lane lines.

Will they be a better offering than the Proton SUVs is hard to say because they will probably be CBU SUVs, so we'll have to wait and see what their prices are like to give a final conclusion.

They are good-looking SUVs with a lot of grunt and practicality, so it all boils down to price, which usually dictates everything.


Malaysia Is The Only Country Outside Of Japan To Have Toyota GR Garages

In conjunction with the official launch of the all-new
Gazoo Racing (GR) A90 Supra
, UMW Toyota Motors also unveiled its new GR Garage, a "Shop in Shop" concept store that retails GR products – starting with the GR Supra, GR high-performance aftermarket products, and GR lifestyle merchandise.
Malaysia is the only country outside Japan that will house GR Garages, and as a start, there will be five outlets at selected dealer outlets – 3 in the Klang Valley, and 1 each in the North and South regions respectively.
UMW Toyota Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama added, “The TGR Festival, Vios Challenge, and Toyota Velocity Esports Championship have shown how Toyota is injecting more passion into its motorsports activities,”
“However, we find that this is not enough to cater for car enthusiasts and motorsports fan’s needs in Malaysia. So we have come up with a new platform - the GR Garage, a place where they can gather and talk about their passion of cars… especially sports cars and motorsports.”
For the best deals on Toyota vehicles, click
here
.


First Glimpse At BMW's All-New 4 Series, Is It Hiding A Huge Nose?

BMW are wrapping up final testing on their next-generation 4 Series coupe, successor to the bootylicious F32. Things all seem to be on the right track, but that until all that camo comes off and we see that front end, there’s every possibility that the questionable full length kidney grille could make a return in production form.

Admittedly, even in this squiggly patterned camouflage wrap, the car does tick all the right boxes for a sporty two-door BMW. There’s the slightly more angled headlights and DRL array that we’ve already seen on the G20 3 Series (it’s closest relative) as well as the recently leaked 5 Series facelift, but that kidney grille cover job looks oddly out of shape.

It’s no secret that the Munich-based automaker has been on a nostril-enlargening streak as of late, most prominently with the 7 Series and X7, but the Concept 4 from last year took things to another level.

Like the camouflaged test mule pictured here, the Concept 4 looks incredible from about every other angle than squarely front facing where its kidney grille(s) have merged and grown to take up pretty much half its face. It caused a stir back at the last Frankfurt Motor Show, but back then we could shrug it off as ‘just a concept’ despite it looking exactly like what the incoming 4 Series would, especially suspicious given the timing.

BMW said that the all-new car has finished cold weather testing in Arjeplog in Sweden and high speed trials at the Nurburgring in Germany, boasting a 57mm lower suspension than the current 3 Series and a 23mm wider rear track for sharper dynamics and - hopefully - a rear end as voluptuous as its predecessor.

That’s all great, and there’s little doubt in my mind that BMW won’t come out swinging with anything less than a best in class sports coupe in the handling department. They’ve even shed some light on the M440i xDrive which will be the range-topping model until the M4 comes around (which might also be all-wheel drive, by the way).

It’s turbocharged inline-6 cranks out 374hp and will feature 48V mild-hybrid tech, if you’re curious. Drive goes through an 8-speed automatic that sounds nearly identical to the characteristics of past ZF-sourced ‘Steptronic’ boxes. Long story short, it’ll be proper quick (as expected). What surprises me is that the M440i will apparently be fitted with 18-inch wheels, which seems a little ‘humble’ for a car this capable.

But, back to that front end, which could greatly colour my overall opinion on the new 4 Series, when we do eventually see the full car. The full length grille treatment hasn’t grown on me at all since Concept 4 last September and perhaps never will, especially if its main competitors offer up objectively more attractive faces for us to admire.

Maybe my distaste for it isn’t so much to do with the size but that it seems so pronounced and bulbous. Basically, there’s a right way to do vertical kidney grilles, and a wrong way. They’ve done it before, after all. One of my favourite BMWs of all time, the 2002 GT4 Coupe Frua from 1969, demonstrates this perfectly.

So far, every recent BMW concept car unveil even loosely tied to the 4 Series has adopted a much taller, wider grille, even the Concept i4 that was meant to be shown at last month’s (cancelled) Geneva Motor Show which, guess what, is shaped pretty much like what a 4 Series Gran Coupe would be. It’s purely visual too, given that the i4 is fully electric and needs no airflow through its bonnet.

We reckon it’s clear that BMW is locked-in with this new design direction, but I do still hold out some hope that they would not go all-in on this particular design choice, mostly because all other parts of their cars look quite good.

Then again, I’m the guy that laughed at the new 7 Series’ big grille but loved it after I saw it in person.

Below: BMW Vision M NEXT. This grille is bigger, but much better to look at. Definitely a winner.


Lockdown 3.0: Travelling During Lockdown – Distance Allowed And Roadblock Locations

The current nationwide lockdown 3.0 – enforced between 1st-14th June 2021 – will see increased enforcement of travel between districts and further restrictions on where you can and cannot go. In the light of national daily case counts rising past the 8,000 mark and more lethal variants of the virus, the latest range of SOPs aims to restrict any unnecessary travel while still allowing essential services and industries to function normally.

The government has increased manpower for enforcement, from 37,000 officers (during the PKP 3.0) to 55,000 officers currently ranging from the police, army, immigration forces, and the People's Volunteer Corps (RELA). Alongside, approximately 20,000 officers will be tasked with enforcing the SOPs with random spot checks at common public areas and various economic sectors.

The current lockdown will be enforced over three phases, gradually reopening sectors if the current measures are successful in managing and reducing the severity of the pandemic:

Phase 1 (June 1st – June 14th): Total lockdown on
all economic sectors except essential services
as listed by the National Security Council (NSC)

Phase 2 (4 Weeks post Phase 1): Gradual reopening of sectors that do not include large gatherings, in compliance with social distancing SOPs.

Phase 3 (MCO as previously enforced): Reopening of most economic sectors with strict SOPs, limited workplace presence.

In addition, 800 roadblocks, up from 600 during the PKP 3.0, will be set up to control movement and penalise drivers that go against the travel restrictions.

Here’s a handy guide if you are still required to travel during the current lockdown:

Only two occupants per car (per household), except during medical emergencies, where the patient and two others are allowed in the same car.

10km travel from point of residence allowed barring no interstate or interdistrict travel.

Travel for vaccination and medical attention allowed, but only to the nearest facility.

No time curfew of travel.

Members of the public advised to travel only for essential daily items and medical supplies, and return home by 8.00 PM.

Petrol stations allowed to operate between 6.00 AM and 8.00 PM, except locations along highways.

Petaling Jaya/Subang Jaya/Damansara/Bangsar

Gerbang Darul Ehsan, Federal Highway Klang bound

Kota Damansara Toll Exit

Damansara Toll Exit

Subang Toll Exit

Plaza Toll USJ 8 ELITE

Plaza Toll Putra Heights

Sungai Buloh Toll Exit

LRT Jalan Bangsar, KL bound

Shah Alam

Plaza Toll Shah Alam

Plaza Toll Setia Alam

Klang

Plaza Toll Bukit Raja (Exit)

In Front Of AEON Bukit Raja (Bandar Baru Klang)

Batu 10, Jalan Kapar (Pekan Papar)

Susur MPK (Majlis Pembandaran Klang)

KESAS Toll

Jalan Langat

Kampung Delek

Jalan Dato Ahmad Sidin

Hulu Selangor

Plaza Toll Tanjung Malim

Plaza Toll Bukit Beruntung

Plaza Toll Lembah Berdingin

Plaza Toll Bukit Tagar

KM 79 KL – Ipoh – Dusun Bay

Gohtong Jaya Checkpoint

Taman Selesa (Jalan Bukit Fraser – Raub)

KM 34 Jalan Ipoh -Kuala Lumpur – Serendah

Plaza Toll Sungai Buaya

Sungai Buloh

Plaza Hospital Sg Buloh

Plaza Toll Rawang

Jalan Selangor – Kepong KM 12

Jalan Sungai Buloh – Shah Alam

Gombak

KM 14 From Rawang To KL

KM 14 From Kuala Lumpur To Rawang

Second Rawang Toll Plaza

Gombak Toll Plaza From Both Directions

SJR Jalan Utama Desa Aman Puri

Serdang

LRT BK 5 – Bandar Kinrara

Jalan Puchong – Klang Lama

Jalan Putra Permai

Jalan Utama Serdang Raya 8

Ampang Jaya

Jalan Hadapan Desa 288

Jalan Pandan Indah – Cheras Indah

MRR2 In Front of Petronas Klang Gates

Kuala Langat

ELITE Toll, Bandar Saujana Putra

JLN BT 7 Sijangkang

SKVE Toll

Jalan Seri Cheding

In Front Of Petronas Olak Lempit

Kuala Selangor

Plaza Toll Ijok (Latar)

In Front of Tanjung Karang Police Station

Kajang

Beranang Police Station

Jalan Broga – Mantini

Plaza Toll Bandar Seri Putra (Exit)

Plaza Toll Kajang (Exit)

Eco Majestic Toll (Exit)

Plaza Toll Bangi (Exit)

Besraya Highway

Sepang

Nilai – Bandar Baru Salak

Serimas Toll / Pekan Salak

Salak Road – Kg. Jijan

Sabak Bernam

KM 74 Jalan Klang Teluk Intan

Jalan Lama Kuala Selangor Sg. Besar

Jalan Besar KM 113 Klang Teluk Intan (Jalan Bagan Nira)

KLIA

SJR Jalan Labohan Dagang – Nilai

SJR Jalan Nilai Labohan Dagang

Jalan Kuarters KLIA

Image: FB @ Chris Aaron

List of roadblocks correct at time of writing and subject to change and updates as PDRM has also informed that while some roadblocks will remain static, some will be roving.

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Luxury, Safety, Practicality - Who is this SUV unicorn?

As we climb the ladder of success after the grind and graft, the vehicle we drive should also be a testament to the work that’s gone in to attain the level of success you now own.

It’s not as simple as that though is it? Especially when it comes to vehicle shopping in Malaysia, like your favorite restaurant - the options extend past six pages and you’re left scratching your head, more confused than ever!

So let’s nail down the list of priorities first:

High seating position

A touch of luxury and comfort

Safety - active and passive

Practicality - to suit your active lifestyle

Now based on the above, we can narrow it down to an SUV, sits four comfortably - if got reclining rear seats even more power, must come with Android Auto/ Apple Carplay, has a hands-free power back door, and must obviously look good while being all of the above too!

Is the above you?

Because if so, we may have just found you a Lexus that does it all with aplomb!

Presenting the Lexus NX300 and here’s why you should consider it too!

A face that sets all mouths agape - drive down the road in a Lexus NX300 and just observe how many heads turn to admire that spindle grill - I know because I’ve seen it.

235 hp, 350 Nm of torque - more than the power you’ll need for a city run-about vehicle that is equally adept for those long balik-kampung drives.

Lexus Safety System (LSS+) - Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Pre-collision System, Adaptive High-beam System, Blind Spot Monitor System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, wide-angle cornering lamps, and eight SRS airbags are all included to keep you safe and secure - for a more comprehensive understanding of what these features do, click here.

With 60:40 split rear-folding seats, you can also carry your expensive road bike safely, no more ugly or unsightly bike racks all over the car.

Of course, it now being pandemic season, it may be a little harder to get to a Lexus showroom to test-drive the NX for yourself but fret not, kita ada jalan:

Book for a test drive from home
here
, and we’ll bring it to you. Easy-peasy.

Browse through Lexus’ virtual showroom and #ExperienceAmazing, you will get to see the car you like in and out
here
.

Lexus employs strict safety and hygiene protocols to ensure you are safe before and after test-drive sessions.

And there you have it, seven reasons why you should consider the Lexus NX300 and how you can go about getting a test-drive on your way to owning one!

Prices for the Lexus NX300 start from RM303,117.00 for the Lexus NX300 Urban while the NX300 Premium is priced from RM321,850.50 and the NX 300 F SPORT from RM336,018.50 until December 31, 2020.


Report – Geely Planned To Use Tg Malim As Lynk & Co Export Hub

Geely Automobile had plans to use Proton’s underutilized Tanjung Malim plant as a hub to manufacture right-hand drive versions of its
newly-launched Lynk & Co 01 SUV
 as part of its now-aborted bid for a controlling stake in the national carmaker, according a report by
Autocar
.
The British magazine quoted an unnamed company official who spoke on the condition of anonymity further added that the Tanjung Malim-made vehicles could then be exported to other RHD markets including the UK, Australia, and South Africa.

Related Articles

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The official also added that with Geely now re-positioning itself as a mid-level brand back in its home market, plans were also in place to establish Proton as a new entry-level brand within the group.
“Geely has established itself as a reputable middle-class brand in China thanks to its links with Volvo. The purchase of Proton would give it a new entry-level point, which is considered crucial to further growth,” the official said.
In addition to acquiring Proton, Geely also had eyes on Lotus which, according to the official, was high on Chairman Li Shufu’s agenda.
“My chairman is desperate to buy a sports car maker. We’ve spoken to Aston Martin and others, but Lotus has always been the target,” he said.
An earlier report from Reuters mentioned that Geely had also included its
GC9 D-segment sedan and Boyue five-seater SUV
 in its offer for Proton.
The souring of Geely’s interest in Proton had been rumoured for sometime, but was
officially confirmed
 by President An Conghui to the
South China Morning Post
 on Wednesday.
Yesterday, Second Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan told
The Star
 that ‘
there were a few other bidders
’ in the picture for Proton and that an announcement will be forthcoming in May.


7 Perkara Wajib Tahu Sekiranya Terlibat Dalam Kemalangan Jalan Raya

Terlibat dalam kemalangan? Ini perkara wajib yang perlu anda lakukan bagi memudahkan urusan anda.

Mesti pernah nampak orang lain terlibat dalam kemalangan kan? Tak kira lah depan mata mahupun menerusi video. Yang pastinya, tiada siapa mahu berada dalam situasi tersebut. Banyak perkara nak kena uruskan nanti dari pelbagai segi. Sebab itu penting untuk pandu cermat dan sentiasa peka dengan keadaan lalu lintas di sekeliling.

Namun kita tidak boleh jangka bila perkara seperti ini akan menimpa diri. Kadang-kala, kemalangan yang berlaku bukan berpunca daripada diri kita sendiri. Jangan panik sekiranya anda terlibat dalam kemalangan jalan raya. Sebaiknya, lakukan perkara-perkara seperti berikut:

1. Bertenang

Siapa yang tak panik bila terlibat dalam kemalangan, kan? Perkara itu tidak dapat dinafikan. Walau bagaimanapun, jangan biarkan emosi mengambil alih sepenuhnya kebolehan anda untuk berfikir. Sebaliknya, tarik nafas dan kenal pasti situasi yang menimpa diri anda dahulu. Sekiranya anda tidak tersepit atau tidak mempunyai sebarang kecederaan serius, keluar dari kereta dan pastikan anda pergi ke kawasan yang lebih selamat seperti di tepi jalan sebelum mendapatkan bantuan.

Sekiranya kemalangan melibatkan pihak lain, jangan ditumbuk pula muka pemandu tersebut. Seeloknya, berbincanglah dengan cara baik dan elakkan menuding jari. Hal ini lebih mudah sekiranya kedua-dua pihak saling membantu. Sesungguhnya menggunakan kekasaran itu bukanlah pilihan yang bijak melainkan anda seorang Khabib yang sedang menentang McGregor di pentas MMA. Silap haribulan, anda yang kena balun kerana memulakan pergaduhan.

2. Dapatkan Maklumat Penting

Setelah keluar dari kereta, dapatkan butiran-butiran penting seperti berikut:

No plat kereta terlibat

Lokasi dan punca kemalangan

Kedudukan kereta semasa kemalangan

Bahagian kereta yang dilanggar

Nombor kad pengenalan dan nombor telefon pemandu terlibat

Butiran seperti ini bakal memudahkan urusan anda untuk membuat laporan polis nanti. Selain mendapatkan nombor pendaftaran kenderaan, kenal pasti juga jenama, model serta warna kenderaan tersebut. Lebih banyak informasi lebih bagus. Paling mudah, tangkap sahaja gambar menggunakan telefon bimbit anda. Pastikan anda turut mengambil gambar situasi kemalangan, bahagian kereta yang terjejas. Kalau anda keluar kereta dan terus hentam pemandu yang menyebabkan kemalangan, ingat ada masa ke nak buat semua ni?

Kalau kemalangan tersebut berjaya dirakamkan oleh
dashcam
 anda, simpan klip tersebut untuk laporan polis. Bukan apa, takut nanti kalau pemandu tersebut tak mengaku salah, sekurang-kurangnya anda dah ada bukti kukuh. Itu lah pentingnya dashcam!

3. Simpan Nombor Telefon Saksi

Sekiranya kemalangan teruk berlaku dimana anda memerlukan bantuan untuk keluar daripada kereta, minta orang pertama yang membantu anda ditempat kejadian untuk mengambil gambar serta maklumat penting seperti yang dimaklumkan di atas. Ambil juga nombor telefon saksi tersebut untuk mendapatkan semula gambar serta maklumat tadi. Saksi berkenaan boleh menjadi ‘Saksi Bebas’ dalam kes ini untuk membantu anda membuat dakwaan bahawa anda telah dilanggar, lebih-lebih lagi sekiranya anda tidak mempunyai dashcam.

4. Hubungi Ejen Syarikat Insurans

Secara lazimnya, bila anda kemalangan, longkai atau penarik kereta semestinya akan menjadi antara yang terawal untuk membantu anda. Untuk mengelakkan mereka daripada mengambil kesempatan ke atas kemalangan anda, hubungi perkhidmatan bantuan kemalangan yang disediakan oleh pihak insurans (jika ada) atau bantuan kemalangan. Jangan sesekali memberikan tanda tangan anda pada sebarang dokumen yang diberikan oleh penarik kereta kerana penarik kereta boleh menerima sehingga 10% komisen daripada insurans anda.

Penarik kereta juga amat terlatih untuk memberi tahu apa yang perlu anda lakukan selepas berlakunya kemalangan. Jika penarik kereta mencadangkan untuk hantar kereta anda di bengkel mereka, kekal tenang dan jangan mudah terpedaya kerana mereka tidak mempunyai bengkel. Sebenarnya, orang yang paling tepat untuk membantu anda ialah ejen atau wakil insurans anda sahaja. Mereka akan membantu menyediakan perkhidmatan tunda serta membawa kereta anda ke bengkel panel yang berdaftar.

5. Dapatkan Rawatan Di Hospital

Sekiranya terlibat dalam kemalangan yang menyebabkan anda cedera, sebaik-baiknya pergilah mendapatkan rawatan lanjut di hospital terlebih dahulu. Kadang-kala, badan kita masih berada dalam keadaan terkejut dan kecederaan masih belum dirasai sepenuhnya. Penting untuk pergi ke hospital bagi memastikan tiada kecederaan dalaman berlaku. Tapi kalau anda cedera teruk, ambulans akan tiba bagi membawa anda ke hospital.

Selain itu, jangan sesekali melambatkan urusan ini sekiranya anda cedera. Bukan apa, ini bagi mengelakkan sebarang isu bagi menuntut insurans atas kecederaan anda kelak. Kalau hari ini kemalangan tapi dua hari kemudian baru nak pergi hospital, susah lah. Risau pihak insurans kata kecederaan mungkin bukan berpunca daripada kemalangan tersebut sebab sudah dua hari tempoh kemalangan berlalu.

6. Buat Laporan Polis

*Kredit Foto: The Star

Ketahuilah bahawa laporan polis amat penting bagi proses tuntutan insurans. Oleh itu, membuat laporan polis selepas kemalangan amat penting! Ceritakan segala-galanya serta serahkan segala bahan bukti yang telah anda kumpulkan tadi kepada pihak polis yang mengambil keterangan tersebut. Seeloknya, buatlah laporan bersama pemandu lain yang terlibat dengan kemalangan sama. Ingat, pastikan laporan polis dibuat dalam tempoh 24 jam selepas kemalangan. Kalau lambat, anda boleh dikenakan denda serta berpotensi untuk dituduh mereka cerita dalam membuat laporan. Ada sahaja kes menipu dalam membuat laporan demi mengaut keuntungan.

Kalau tiada lesen sekalipun, jangan takut sekiranya anda terlibat dalam kemalangan yang melibatkan kecederaan. Sekiranya anda dilanggar, anda masih mempunyai hak di bawah undang-undang untuk menuntut ganti rugi atas kecederaan yang anda alami. Tetapi apa-apa pun, saman tetap saman atas kesalahan anda yang memandu tanpa lesen. Selepas pihak polis mengambil keterangan daripada dua-dua pihak, keputusan kes akan dikeluarkan dalam masa beberapa hari. Anda akan diberikan nombor rujukan laporan tersebut dan anda boleh ikuti status laporan tersebut dengan menghubungi nombor telefon yang disediakan.

7. Proses Tuntutan Insurans

Akhir sekali, setelah selesai melakukan segala proses diatas, anda perlu pergi ke bengkel panel yang membaiki kereta anda bagi urusan tuntutan insurans keatas kerosakan kereta anda. Bagi melengkapkan proses ini, pastikan anda mempunyai 3 maklumat penting seperti:

Salinan laporan polis

Keputusan siasatan

Gambar kerosakan pada kenderaan

Sekiranya anda mengalami kecederaan akibat kemalangan tersebut, simpan juga salinan laporan perubatan tersebut. Tahukah anda bahawa anda boleh menuntut ‘loss of use’ daripada pihak insurans? Sebagai contoh, nilai kos ‘loss of use’ anda ialah RM30 sehari (ikut jenis
insurans
) dan bengkel memerlukan 30 hari untuk menyiapkan kereta anda. Jadi anda bakal menerima RM30 untuk 30 hari. Pendek kata, RM30 x 30 hari = RM900. Siapa yang bagi kan? Hubungi ejen insurans anda untuk menuntut bayaran ini.

Sekarang anda dah tahu apa yang perlu dilakukan ketika terlibat dalam kemalangan. Jadi tidak perlu lagi untuk panik tak tentu hala. Info ini bukan sahaja berguna untuk mereka yang terlibat dengan kemalangan, malah ia turut berguna bagi mereka yang berniat untuk membantu mangsa kemalangan.

Kongsikan info ini untuk kebaikan kita bersama!


Bermaz Welcomes 126 New Graduates From Their Mazda Training Centre

With the way our workforce and economy is going, in a couple of decades skilled labour is going to be in extremely high demand. The extreme push for students to work towards a degree or masters has resulted in an oversupply of graduates with degrees, and a lack of vocational school graduates who are equally skilled in a specific craft or trade. In many parts of Europe, vocational training is viewed as being on par with a college or university education, and vocational school trainees see internship placements even at top tier companies.
The sentiment is slowly but surely spreading here as well. The cost of tertiary education puts it out of reach for so many, and there's not much use going into severe debt for a piece of paper that doesn't even guarantee you a job. The Mazda Training Centre was established as part of the movement back to vocational education, or TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programs. Their latest batch of 126 graduates will be entering the workforce soon, in various parts of Bermaz' after-sales network.
Of the 126 students, 26 were from the Mazda Apprenticeship Program, 51 were from the Mazda Mechanic Program, and 49 were from the Body & Paint Program. The Mazda Training Centre is endorsed and accredited by Mazda Motor Corporation, the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) UK, and our local Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK). The syllabus for the programs are also inspired by how Mazda Motor Corporation conducts their training, a combination of the Motor Vehicle Mechanic syllabus and Mazda Master Program.
To find the best deals on Mazda's lineup, click
here
.


Pan Borneo Feeder Road Destroyed Due To Flash Flood

If you're thinking about heading to the
Murum Dam
 in central Sarawak, it's going to be a tough drive since a section of the
Pan Borneo Highway
 feeder road has collapsed.

Non-stop rain resulted in a flash flood which swept half of the said feeder road away and it's a problem since it connects the populated settlements upriver to the outside world.

May take up to six months to repair

According to Sarawak PKR information chief Abun Sui, "An entire section of the highway has been swept away. It cracked apart after being swamped by flash floods caused by water torrents from the nearby mountains during the past days of non-stop rain."

The particular section which is located 300km from Bintulu is now completely shut off from the public to commence safety check-ups and procedures, as well as devising a temporary exit strategy for the thousands who use the road on a daily basis.

These include the folks that are living in areas such as Long Menapa, Long Peran, Long Tangau, Long Luar, Long Singu, Lusong Laku, SK Matalun, Long Wat, Long Malim Kenyah, Long Malim Penan, Long Lawen, SK Tegulang, and a number of logging and plantation plants.

Authorities have stated that it might take up to six months to repair the damaged section of the road.


All-New 2018 Renault Megane RS Interior Leaked

When Renault Sport
previewed
 the upcoming 2018 Megane RS last week, the car in question was still wrapped in camouflage that paid homage to Renault's 40th anniversary in Formula One.
Thanks to one Facebook page called Megane RS Online, close up photos of the new Renault Megane RS have surfaced. These photos include an unmasked Megane RS at what appears to be the company's production facility.
The back end was first
unmaked earlier
 in May, giving us a better view at the new hot hatch's rear end. The new photo from the Facebook page now allows us a good look at the side profile of the Megane RS. Here, we can see that the new hot hatch from Renault Sport will wear a set of dual-tone alloy wheels with split design. The car also receives black side mirrors and side air vents. Hiding behind the large alloy wheels are Brembo brakes.
Apart from the rear three quarter view of the new Megane RS, the source also posted two photos of the Renault's interior. From the photos posted, the Renault Megane RS' interior is adorned with a generous helping of red stitching, present on the seats, gear shifter, arm rest and steering wheel. The rest of the interior looks identical to the
regular Renault Megane
, though it appears that the RS badging has been covered up, as seen on the bottom of the steering wheel and dashboard.
For the first time ever, Renault will be offering the Megane RS with the option of a manual or dual-clutch EDC transmission. The car pictured here is equipped with the latter, evident from the steering column-mounted paddle shifters. The company will be officiating the new model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Photo credit:
Megane RS Online


Federal government will provide funds for Penang LRT project

The
Malaysian federal government
 will be providing some additional funds for the proposed Penang LRT (Light Rail Transit) project.

According to a report by
FMT
, our beloved Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, made this statement in a bid to improve the state's ongoing traffic congestion issues. The Penang LRT project which is said will be funded by the Penang South Islands (PSI) project will also be scaled down due to rising concerns from some of the locals.

As part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), the federal government will meet up with the state government to finalise the funding matters which has been an issue that was not allegedly funded enough. Even with two bridges, the issue of congestion is still an unresolved matter and Putrajaya will be lending a helping hand in a bigger way this time around.

According to PMX, "In a week or two, we will meet up with the state government to set up the scheme as it involves a large amount of loans that require the involvement of the federal government."

Additionally, it was also reported that Putrajaya will fully undertake the Penang LRT project as mentioned by our current Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

As for the scaling down aspect of the PSI project, the federal government has looked into concerns of the some of the Penang locals and fishermen as it involves the reclamation of three islands between Permatang Damar Laut and Gertak Sanggul. Putrajaya will be looking into the reduction of scope in terms of area coverage as well as the initial estimated project figure of RM10 billion.

With the federal government finally lending a bigger hand in this particular matter, will it finally solve the congestion issues on the Penang island? We sure hope so, we love our food travels to the North and it would be a much more pleasant experience if we didn't have to sit through hours of traffic.


Audi R8 LMS Cup Returns To Sepang This May

The sixth season of Audi’s thrilling Audi R8 LMS Cup one-make race series is all set to tear across the Asian region, starting at the Sepang F1 circuit in May. The sport's hottest young talent will battle it out against Asia’s leading motorsports stars, the likes of Malaysian Alex Yoong, who returns as the defending champion.
Alex, the series champion for
the past three years
 also keeps up his record, having competed in every series thus far.
This year, Alex will again take on 23-year old Alessio Picariello (MGT Team by Absolute), who narrowly missed out on last year’s top honours after a dramatic season finale to finish second overall in 2016. And 20-year old Martin Rump of the Champion Racing Team will be looking to better his last year’s third overall ranking – in 2017.
Former F1 driver, Will Stevens will make his series debut in 2017 – racing for the Asian arm of the prestigious Belgian-based Team WRT, Stevens finished second in Le Mans 2016 and has 18 Grand Prix starts under his belt.
Series stalwarts Marchy Lee and Cheng Congfu also return in 2017 – Lee will pilot the Audi Team Hong Kong entry while Congfu gets behind the wheel of the FAW-WA Audi Racing Team car.
As the leading sprint race series in Asia, the Audi R8 LMS Cup campaigns GT3-spec Audi R8s, a racing car with over 200 international race victories. It boasts a reliable V10 engine and aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF). The series has features the second-generation Audi R8 LMS since 2015 which shares around 50 percent of its technical base with the
road-going Audi R8
.
Round 1 and 2 of the 2017 season takes place May 6 and 7. Round one start at 1645 HRS local time on Saturday (May 6) and Round 2 happens 1250 HRS on Sunday May 7. The Audi R8 LMS Cup series is operated by Audi China and is a part of the Audi Sport Customer Racing Program.
Besides experiencing the action at the track, fans across the world can also watch the race live at
www.audir8lmscup.com


Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia Announces 3 Year Free Maintenance Plan

If you buy any Volkswagen model from the 1st of January 2018, you will enjoy a 3-year, 45,000 km free maintenance program (whichever comes first). The programme covers all maintenance costs, as per the standard maintenance schedule with the exception of wear-and- tear parts such as brake discs, pads, windscreen wipers and bulbs.
The owners of the cars will also need to follow the service schedule at authorised Volkswagen service centres or risk voiding the coverage. This is a great initiative by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia to get people into Volkswagen products. As long as an owner follows that service schedule, they can have a worry and cost-free ownership experience. In addition to this, all variants of the Passat are now available at a low interest rate of 0.88% per annum.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Announces 3Q 2018 Results – Record Sales and 16% Growth

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) continues to be the leader in the premium segment in Malaysia, delivering a total of 10,143 units in the first nine months of 2018.
This figure marks an increase of 16% compared to last year’s year-to-date (September) performance of 8,771 units. Based on internal data, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia expects a market share of 2.5%, a 0.2% increase.
Out of the grand total:
Compact cars: 1,268 units (+4% vs. previous year)
Sedans: 6,344 units (+21.1% vs. previous year)
SUV: 1,960 units (+3.4% vs. previous year)
Dream Car range: 570 units (+40% vs. previous year)
A total of 479 units of Mercedes-AMG models have also been delivered by MBM in the first nine months of 2018. Mark Raine, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said that the locally-assembled Mercedes-AMG C43 and GLC43 models have been very well accepted by the Malaysian driving enthusiasts.
In terms of after-sales, MBM’s dealer network of 31 service centres registered a service volume of 109,927 units, an increase of 16% compared to the same period last year.
MBM also shared that its financing arm, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) has now reached a serviced portfolio of over RM 2.5 billion, with over 18,000 active Mercedes-Benz customers.
Entering the last quarter of 2018, MBM will continue to launch new models in the Malaysian market. A total of six new models are planned to be introduced by the end of the year, comprising of compact car models (A-Class), limousines (C-Class), SUVs (G-CLass?, GLC 63?), and Dream Cars (Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door?).


The Final McLaren P1 Has Rolled Of The Production Line, Long Live The McLaren P1

McLaren
, the supercar maker that had only recently entered the market in earnest with their first completely in-house product, the
MP4-12C
 of 2011, has ceased production of their hybrid hypercar, the P1, after all 375 examples have rolled off the production line at their Woking headquarters.
The final example of McLaren’s only ‘Ultimate Series’ car was given a pearlescent orange shade, matching the final example of the McLaren F1. However, they do have some remaining units of their track-only P1 GTRs left to produce, and is expected to complete those by early 2016.
As far as other variants go, McLaren will reportedly not offer any follow-up P1s. Which means we won’t see any special editions or convertibles, the complete opposite what Bugatti did with the Veyron and its many editions before they finally put their foot down on the final unit, or the Pagani Zonda at that.
This closing down of the P1’s manufacture means McLaren’s Ultimate Series will also rest dormant without a car to occupy it, that is until a successor comes along. But don’t hold your breath for that, because it’s unlikely to break cover until we’re closer to 2020.
Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer at McLaren Automotive commented: “The McLaren P1™ has achieved more than we ever expected of it since it was first previewed little over three years ago, both as a new generation of supercar, and in enhancing the McLaren brand globally,”
“As the direct ancestor to the fabled McLaren F1 – and the first in a new breed of hybrid-powered supercars – it had big shoes to fill, and it has more than succeeded. It has established itself as a true contender, proving to be more than a worthy rival on both road and track against long established rivals. It has done a fantastic job of becoming the halo product for the McLaren Automotive brand as we have grown the business into the three tiered, profitable outfit that we are today.”
The P1 was McLaren’s first proper hypercar, and a spiritual successor to their firstborn, the F1, which in its time was the world’s fastest production road car. Making its international debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show as a concept and later at the Geneva Motor Show in production form, the P1 used the same technologies pioneered with the development of its MP4-12C supercar - a fully carbon monocoque tub, an in-house designed and engineered 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
However, this time, McLaren used an electric motor to augment the petrol engine in a process they call 'torque fill', creating a car with a combined power output of 903hp sent to the rear wheels that’s capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 349km/h.
It was delivered into customers’ hands at roughly the same time as
Ferrari
 did with their LaFerrari and
Porsche
 with their 918 Spyder, creating the famed hybrid-hypercar trilateral. And with its production limited to just 375 units, the P1 is also the most exclusive among the three.
Every McLaren P1 was constructed by 105 workers at McLaren's facility in Woking, England, each taking 800 hours over 17 days to complete, with production ramped up to produce one each day while working at peak efficiency. No two P1s were made alike, with customers given customisation options to ensure a bespoke touch per the individual’s choice.
It’s an end of an era at McLaren, but the P1 announced them as a major player in the supercar arena with tremendous style and presence. And it has set the stage for McLaren's other cars - the 650S, and the recent launched (in Malaysia)
570S
 - to shine.


Rolls-Royce Dawn Gets the Black Badge Treatment

In an effort to cater to overwhelming demand from a new, more radical breed of customers for edgier models, Rolls-Royce introduced the Black Badge series last year with the Wraith and the Ghost being the first two models to get the brand’s bespoke division’s unique touch.
Featuring a darker appearance with generous dose of blacked out components including the ‘Spirit of Ecstacy’ hood ornament, the front grille and even the tailpipes, the Black Badge series is dubbed as the brand’s darker ‘alter-ego’.
While many expected the Black Badge series to stop with the two aforementioned models, Rolls-Royce today announced that a third member has joined the family – the Dawn.
All set to make its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, the Dawn Black Badge is presented in a deeply intense shade of black, where multiple layers of paint and lacquer have been applied and hand-polished in a process that amounts to what the brand describes as the most exhaustive painting and polishing process ever used for a solid paint colour.
Complementing the colour is the roof which is also only available in black canvas, and the rear deck finished in black leather.
The Dawn’s transformation to a darker aesthetic extends to certain chrome surfaces including the front grille surround, boot lid finisher, exhaust pipes and air inlet finisher. The ‘Double R’ signifiers on the Rolls-Royce badges are also inverted in colour.
The edgy design ethos extends into the cabin as well, which features a generous dose aircraft grade aluminium bonded in carbon fibre, black leather seats with Mandarin highlights, and a strip of orange highlight which encircles the cabin at hip-height.
Powering the Dawn Black Badge is the same 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine and 8-speed automatic gearbox as the standard Dawn, but with a completely new exhaust system.
Thanks to the new exhausts, the car now produces 30PS and 20Nm more than the normal Dawn, bringing the final output and maximum torque numbers to 563bhp and 840 Nm respectively.
The Dawn Black Badge’s brakes are also new and larger (by an inch) than the standard production version, offering improved stopping power. Last but not the least, the steering-rack has also been quickened and engineered for more feedback.
According to Rolls-Royce, the combination of the new exhaust system, larger brakes and the tweaked steering have resulted in the car offering a more spirited driving experience compared to the standard Dawn.
Available for commission through Rolls-Royce, the Dawn Black Badge will make its first official public appearance this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.


Lagenda Rali Negara, ‘Flying Sikh’ Kembali Beraksi – Terima Tajaan Baharu Selepas Bergelut Dalam Masalah Kewangan

Pelumba
rali
 lagenda Malaysia, Karamjit Singh akan membuat kemunculan semula dalam sukan perlumbaan rali tahun ini buat kali pertama selepas 3 tahun.

Difahamkan, lagenda ini bakal kembali beraksi pada Kejuaraan Rali Kebangsaan yang bakal berlangsung di Sepang pada 26-27 Jun ini. Beliau sudah tentu bakal menjadi tumpuan peminat sukan permotoran rali di negara ini.

*Kredit foto: Facebook National Rally Championship

Peringkat pertama Kejuaraan Rali Kebangsaan yang sepatutnya berlangsung pada 3-4 April tahun ini telah dibatalkan ekoran Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan yang dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan Malaysia. Kejuaraan Rali Kebangsaan yang mempunyai empat peringkat ini akan berakhir pada bulan November.

Kemunculan semula Karamjit banyak dibantu oleh Cisco Academy, iaitu sebuah anak syarikat sebuah firma keselamatan, Cisco (M) Sdn Bhd yang menaja Karamjit. Pengarah Urusan Cisco, Rabin Nijhar menyifatkan Karamjit sebagai hero negara, pelumba hebat serta lagenda yang telah menyumbang kepada kegemilangan negara ini di mata dunia.

Pengarah Urusan Cisco, Rabin Nijhar

“Kami sukakan komitmen dan semangat beliau. Kami juga amat gembira dengan masa hadapan kami bersama Karamjit setelah berjaya menjadikannya sebagai duta jenama,” kata Rabin.

Kemunculan semula ‘Flying Sikh’ pada perlumbaan rali kelak bakal menandakan era baharu yang lebih menyeronokkan untuk sukan ini dan secara tidak langsung bakal membuka lebih banyak peluang untuk syarikatnya, tambah Rabin. Beliau berharap kerjasama syarikatnya dengan Karamjit bakal meletakkan Malaysia kembali di mata dunia dalam perlumbaan rali.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

Kisah hidup lagenda negara ini agak sedikit unik dimana pada permulaan kariernya, beliau telah dinobatkan sebagai juara dunia rali pada percubaan pertamanya pada tahun 2002 sekaligus menerima anugerah atlet terbaik tahunan pada tahun yang sama. Walau bagaimanapun, lagenda ini hampir melupakan hasratnya untuk kembali berlumba setelah hampir terpaksa menjadi pemandu
e-hailing
 ekoran wabak COVID-19 dan kemelut ekonomi yang melanda.

Karamjit mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Cisco yang memberi kepercayaan kepadanya dan beliau tidak sabar untuk kembali beraksi bagi membolehkan beliau menambah lagi trofi kejuaraanya. Setakat ini, sebanyak 500 trofi yang telah dimenanginya semenjak 1994.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

“Saya sangat gembira dengan pengembaraan baharu bersama keluarga yang tidak putus-putus memberikan sokongan,” ujar Karamjit, yang sebelum ini bergelut dalam usaha untuk mencari penaja semenjak beberapa tahun lepas oleh kerana oleh minat yang rendah ditunjukkan dalam sukan rali oleh syarikat kerajaan dan swasta.

Karamjit menegaskan bahawa beliau bakal memanaskan enjin kereta ralinya, Proton Gen2 yang telah terbiar lama di rumahnya semenjak perlumbaan terakhirnya pada tahun 2018 untuk dibawa melalui jalan-jalan seperti jalan gravel, jalan tarmac dan jalan basah.

“Saya masih sihat dan saya bercadang untuk meneruskan legasi saya sekurang-kurangnya lima tahun lagi memandangkan tiada had umur untuk perlumbaan rali,” kata lagenda yang berumur 58 tahun itu.

Karamjit mencipta nama setelah memenangi FIA World Rally Championship Production Car dalam percubaan pertamanya pada 2002 bersama pemandu pembantu, Allen Oh. Mereka merupakan orang Asia pertama yang memenangi gelaran tersebut.

*Kredit foto: The Star

Pada tahun 2002 juga, beliau berjaya mengekalkan kejuarannnya di Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Dua tahun berikutnya, beliau berjaya memperoleh tempat ketiga pula dalam kejohanan yang sama.

Kebangkitan Petronas EON Racing Team (PERT) sering dikaitkan dengan prestasi cemerlang Karamjit yang banyak membantu memperoleh kemenangan bersama pasukan berkenaan.

*Sumber foto: Wikipedia

Walau bagaimanapun, apabila Edaran Otomobil berhad (EON) kehilangan hak pengedaran kereta Proton pada tahun 2003, pihak pengurusan baharu telah berhenti menaja sukan ini ekoran perbelanjaan kewangannya yang besar.

Oleh sebab itu, bermula lah episod duka lagenda ini yang membawa kepada masalah kewangan yang mendalam sehingga memaksa Karamjit untuk menjual pangsapuri serta tiga buah kereta miliknya termasuk
Proton Waja
 kesayangannya untuk menanmpung perbelanjaan karier perlumbaan beliau sejak 2012 lalu.

Diharapkan lagenda negara ini dapat kembali mengharumkan nama Malaysia di pentas perlumbaan rali dunia sekaligus dapat membina masa depan yang lebih baik untuk dirinya serta keluarga.


Mazda SkyActiv-X Details Revealed – 180 PS, 224 Nm

Back in October 2018 when Mazda revealed the all-new 3 alongside the revolutionary SkyActiv-X engine, the company kept mum on details of its new engine.
Fast forward a couple of months and Mazda has confirmed the power figures, fuel consumption, and more importantly, the CO2 emission figures.
According to the Hiroshima-based company, the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) outputs 180 PS and 224 Nm.
Under the NEDC test cycle, the most fuel-efficient model (sedan, six-speed manual, FWD, 16-inch wheels) returns 4.3-litres/100 km while emitting just 96 g/km of CO2, while on the other end of the scale, the AWD hatchback fitted with 18-inch wheels and the six-speed automatic returns 5.5-litres/100 km, while emitting 123 g/km of CO2.
In comparison, the recently-introduced F40 BMW 1 Series, which this all-new
Mazda 3
 is likely to be priced close to, returns between 5.0-litres/100 km and 5.7-litres/100 km, while CO2 emissions are rated between 114 g/km and 129 g/km.
With that said, the new SkyActiv-X engine is quite something - offering diesel-like low CO2 emissions, yet at the same time not compromising on power output figures. Compared to the BMW 118i, the Mazda 3 beats the German rival with lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy.
Achieving this feat won't come cheap and the SkyActiv-X engine is currently limited only to countries where cars are taxed based on their CO2 emissions, without which there is little financial benefit in consumers opting for the SkyActiv-X.
Looking for a new Mazda? Find for the best deals
here
.


Shipments Of New Mazda CX-3 Facelift Have Arrived In Malaysia

Barely a few days after we’ve reported that Mazda’s local distributor Bermaz Motor has sold out all its stocks of the pre-facelift CX-3 (a small number of its dealers might still hold some stocks though), pictures of the new CX-3 in transit have surfaced on social media.
It would imply that the launch of the new CX-3 could happen a lot earlier than expected, well before the introduction of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) in September. Assuming that Bermaz Motor is able to get the necessary government paperwork and homologation done in time for them to release an official price before September, there could be a small window of opportunity for early buyers of the new CX-3 to not have to pay for the upcoming SST (specifics on implementation and rate have yet to be announced).
As mentioned in our earlier post, among the many improvements made for the new CX-3 are the adoption of SkyActiv Vehicle Architecture components, which improves body rigidity for better handling, as well as a quieter ride. Comfort and utility for the front occupants are also improved thanks to the inclusion a centre console box and centre armrest, made possible by replacing the outgoing model’s mechanical parking brake with a button-type electric parking brake.
The new CX-3 is differentiated from the outgoing model by its different grille, front fog lamps, and aluminium wheels.
The CX-3 was last sold at RM 126,775 without GST/SST, excluding insurance. The post on a Mazda SA’s Facebook mentions an estimated price of RM121,134, but we won’t take this very seriously until the official price list by Bermaz Motor is out.
With so many significant improvements under the familiar looking sheet metal, we expect the new CX-3 to see a slight increase in its selling price. The incorporation of SkyActiv Vehicle Architecture elements into the new CX-3, which involves new chassis structures at certain key points of the vehicle’s body, are rather costly updates.
More on the new Mazda CX-3 facelift
here
.


Frankfurt 2017: MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept – The Most Extreme MINI Ever

MINI will introduce the most unbridled MINI ever, the JCW GP Concept at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The GP concept embodies the ultimate MINI for the road and track and commemorates the marque’s stellar achievements in the Monte Carlo Rally some 50 years ago.
The concept car is the third ‘GP’ generation after the 2012 MINI John Cooper Works GP and 2006 MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, which were produced in limited numbers (2,000 units respectively).
The GP Concept design study intends to marry the functional elements of a race car with the classic proportions of the MINI three-door hatch. To this effect – MINI has designed a complex bodykit which makes the car considerably wider than the base car. The GP Concept's bodykit is made out of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre which optimises the power-to-weight ratio and retains the car's trademark balanced weight distribution.
At the front, large air intakes and moulded air deflectors dominate proceedings. The hexagonal radiator grille is flanked by elliptical headlights which cover a subtle orange ring on the inside. The width of the GP Edition is further accentuated by the carbon fibre front apron, which rises up from the front splitter to meet the flared front wheel arches.
The Black Jack Anthracite exterior paint finish is contrasted by the matt-finish Curbside Red, to highlight the add-on parts. Another colour, Highspeed Orange features on a strip across the grille and the on the ring within headlamp assembly.
Along the flanks, carbon-fibre side skirts from the body’s lowest edge while 19-inch 'Racetrack' lightweight wheels in classical multi-spoke design further announce the car’s sporting intent. The badge “0059” etched on the side, points to the year the classic Mini was born: 1959. Curbside Red features as an accent colour on the wheels and body’s flanks too.
Round the back, aggressive carbon panels rise just after the door and frames the rear wheels, like the front, adds considerably to the car’s overall width. The prominent roof spoiler also slots cleanly into the geometry of the side elements, lower down, the rear bumper houses carbon-fibre air vents and air deflectors inserts. The fancy LED taillights graphics are made to look like Union Jack flag split to two, on each side - a nod to the concept car’s British origins,
On the inside, the JCW GP Concept’s major highlight is its roll cage, which compliments a pair of low-mounted bucket seats with five-point belts. A cleanly-designed instrument panel is complemented by shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The rear seat bench headliner and conventional door trim panels which are removed to reduce weight. However, elements of the roll cage and the rear compartment are trimmed in lightweight panels with a hexagonal pattern, the doors are opened using recessed grips with fabric straps.
The GP Concept also shows new 3D printing (printed parts in the doors and instrument panel) and 3D knitting techniques (used to on the seats). MINI is bringing technologies to the interior of the concept car which will enable both tool-free production and simple personalisation in the future. Again, orange and red highlight colours add a premium touch to the otherwise functional interior.
There are no modifications under the hood for the JCW GP Concept. The road-going MINI JCW is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 231bhp and 350Nm of torque between 1250 – 4800rpm. Depending on the market – the MINI JCW is offered with either a six-speed manual or automatic.


New Jaguar XJ flagship launched in Malaysia, from RM645,000

On the back of the Jaguar XF’s introduction, Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM) today launched the face-lifted Jaguar XJ full-size luxury sedan in Malaysia. A host of new features accompany aesthetic enhancements and new engine line-up that now enlists an entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.
This is how the Jaguar XJ range now shapes up:
2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol (240PS) – from RM645,000
3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (300PS) – from RM800,000
3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol (340PS) – from RM830,000
The long-wheelbase Jaguar XJs alone have been earmarked for distribution in the Malaysia market space. All three variants are supplemented with an 8-Speed automatic transmission with jaguar sequential shift.
Distinction from the pre-facelift model can be lies in the reworked grille dimensions and full-LED adaptive headlights that feature a ‘Double J’ daytime running lights (DRL) graphics.
Inside, the Jaguar XJ now receives a 20-speaker, 825W Meridian Digital Surround Sound System. Upgrades to the infotainment suite lists an 8-inch touchscreen powered by a Intel Quad Core processor for the infotainment system, beaming data onto a 12.3-inch HD TFT instrument panel display.
Jaguar’s pioneering all-aluminium body construction also includes Pedestrian Contact Sensing System. The system automatically raises the XJ’s bonnet when it senses a collision with someone on foot, thus reducing the chances of contact with the rigid engine components that lie underneath.
Every new XJ comes with Jaguar Care, which comprises a five-year/150,000km warranty, five-year or 80,000km (2.0-litre engine) or 65,000km (3.0-litre engine) servicing and three-year Jaguar Roadside Assistance.


CARSOME Teams Up With Cantona - Showcasing Their Relentless Spirit To Go Above And Beyond.

Many football fans consider 1992 to be the English football league’s big bang moment as that was the year that heralded the Premier League era. It arrived with hundreds of millions in broadcast money and a Frenchman who would come to be remembered as the first player in the Premier League's history to score a hat-trick.

Eric Cantona always brought a sense of change and achievement wherever he played. He helped his first English club win the Premier League and helped his second English club to the same achievement, which ended the club's 26-year wait for a league title.

The CARSOME & Cantona Team-Up

Not only did he mesmerize football fans the world over and spearhead change wherever he went, but he also gave fans of the clubs he was playing for a sense of confidence, just as CARSOME is doing right now when it comes to the business of buying and selling pre-owned cars.

This is one of the reasons why CARSOME has united with Eric Cantona, as both possess the same relentless drive to bring change and invoke trust to deliver greatness.

Whether it's breaking the status quo, creating a new standard, or even changing the game completely, Cantona and CARSOME share the knack of never resting until they deliver the promise of confidence and complete peace of mind.

For Cantona, it was always the indispensability of practice that made him great, and for CARSOME, their modus operandi of setting a new standard for pre-owned cars is what is going to make them great.

Like how Cantona started a new era of domestic domination for his football club, CARSOME too is working towards bringing a new era of change in purchasing pre-owned vehicles.

CARSOME Certified: The Trusted Way to Buy a Car

CARSOME Certified is more than just a seal of quality, it is a best-in-class experience. All CARSOME Certified cars go through a 175-point inspection covering the interior, exterior, and underbody and are road-tested to make sure they’re free of major accidents and flood damage. Each car also undergoes a CARSOME Certified Refurbishment Process at the CARSOME Certified Lab ensuring it delivers complete comfort, safety beyond standards, and a refurbished aesthetic. Additionally, all CARSOME Certified cars come with fixed prices and no hidden fees, 5-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty.

However, the best thing about CARSOME and Cantona is that they are both advocates for Joga Bonito (translates as 'play beautiful'). Cantona once said that liars and cheaters made a fool out of the game for too long and that the game should be about honour. Now, CARSOME is on that same path as they too seek to be trustworthy and transparent when it comes to selling cars.

Everything you see on
carsome.my
 is a promise of everything you will get when you are ready to make the purchase. There are NO hidden fees. All displayed prices are fixed, inclusive of road tax, PUSPAKOM fees, loan processing fees, and ownership transfer fees. A full 175-point vehicle inspection report (so you know the ins and outs of the car) and 360-degree view are also available to give you a detailed look at the interior and exterior of the vehicle. When it comes to transparency, there is no compromise with CARSOME!

When you combine this with the level of expert refurbishment that goes into every CARSOME Certified car, you've got peace of mind that the car you're buying will serve you faithfully for many years to come.

Delivering Trust, Transparency & Choice with the New Standard of Car Buying

With up to 30 brands, CARSOME has vehicles that suit every kind of need, be it hatchbacks, sedans, MPVs, and SUVs. From browsing to delivery, CARSOME gives you the flexibility to shop from wherever you are, the way you want.

Looking for a CARSOME Certified Car is equally hassle-free as you can browse their app, visit their website, or walk into one of the many
CARSOME Experience Centers near you
.

If you like what you are seeing, you can book a test drive any day of the week. Can't go to CARSOME? No problem, as CARSOME provides home and virtual car tours as well.

CARSOME welcomes all customers to collect their vehicles personally at the CARSOME Experience Centers. But if you prefer, CARSOME is also more than happy to deliver the car to your doorstep.

With every CARSOME Certified car, the promise you're getting is:

transparency with close-up pictures and a 360-degree view, along with  the 175-point inspection report on the vehicle listing;

a vehicle that is professionally refurbished, cleaned, and sanitized;

fixed prices with no hidden fees;

a 5-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty; and

a vehicle delivered to your doorstep! (if you want it to).

CARSOME Certified is the trusted way to buy a pre-owned car, one that King Eric is proud to endorse!

Looking to buy a car? Looking to sell your car?
CARSOME
 is the Theatre of your Car Dreams.


Great Expectations Ruined The 2023 Acura Integra

Yes, Acura messed this one up real good. That’s about as true a statement as claiming water is wet. The North American semi-luxury Honda off-shoot clearly had hopes for a very warm reception to the revival of their beloved ‘Integra’ nameplate.

Given what was known to them about the actual car, were they delusional to expect anything but a sea of disappointed faces?
It’s just a Civic
, isn’t it? It looks like a Civic, albeit one that’s very yellow, and has been surgically grafted the same generic ‘Acura’ fascia seen for years. It’s also based on a Civic, and perhaps most insultingly, is powered by the same engine as the standard Civic. It's not bad, just too 'same-same'.

Malaysians, despite having
so far been denied
 the 11th-generation version of Honda’s C-segment saloon, are already familiar with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol ‘VTEC Turbo’ unit. In the United States, this Integra reveal was
preceded by that of the Civic Si
, a more enthusiast-oriented variant with suspension upgrades, a 6-speed manual as standard, and an engine tune that bumped output up to 200hp and 260Nm. Copy and paste?

Acura is keeping silent on powertrain details, but we’re taking a stab at predicting that this will be the exact numbers we’ll see on this Integra as well, leaving them without any good answer to the question “why not just buy the Honda?”

Being a more upmarket brand, the 2023 Integra needs to be set apart to justify its inevitably higher price tag, but because the brand has handicapped itself by making such a weak case for it based on its exterior and engine, the only avenue left to make an impression in the interior. Unfortunately, this is one of the most unimportant aspects of a car to enthusiast buyers, the same who must now feel some sense of betrayal toward Acura.

Speaking of that price, a rough figure of “around $30,000” was posited, but given that the Civic Si range starts from US$27,300, it’s unlikely the Integra will swing for anything south of that 30k ballpark. And there’ll be more than a few optional extras involved too.

The brand was very happy to string along their high hopes, letting the hype build for last weekend’s ‘prototype’ reveal (it’s so close to the production version it’s not even funny) but knowing full well that there was a disconnect between their expectation and the reality of what is being developed.

Upon the announcement that a new Integra would be joining the marque’s 2023 line up, rumours began to swirl as nothing but the inclusion of that name was given official credence.
The Photoshop mob swung into high gear
 with a few very popular digital renders of what a modern interpretation of the sporty Acura coupe could look like while retaining those classic cues.

It was all looking quite promising
until the second teaser emerged
 confirming that the car, which was already known to be based on 11th-generation Honda Civic, would be a four-door sedan. While it was a touch underwhelming, it didn’t necessarily mean that hope was lost.

After all, we’re approaching a point where we’ll have 4 consecutive generations of
Honda Civic Type R
s as four-door only body styles, and the same is true for its closest competitors such as the Renault Megane RS and BMW M135i. Besides one prominent exception to the rule, the age of the ‘affordable’ is well and truly dead.

Those sympathetic to the brand’s plight could argue that the first generation Integra offered in the United States was a car that very much resembles this 2023 incarnation. Back in 1986, the Integra RS 5-Door was offered alongside a 3-door version and 4-door version, so this is kind of a throwback to that era.

However, it was the post 1990 Acura Integras that was primarily responsible for building the reputation and recognition the name now has; not so much the 2nd-generation car, which also came as either a 3-door or 4-door, but the now coveted ‘bug eye’ 3rd-generation examples.

They, along with the fourth-generation car from 2002 that by then was renamed the RSX, were credited with introducing so many in the US automotive scene to the ecstasy of screaming VTEC engines in taut front-drive chassises.

Because the 2023 car is such a departure from what everyone fell in love with about the ‘Integra’, it’s no wonder that this newest Acura prototype is being met with scathing comments. It really is hard not to see it for anything but a cynical attempt to leverage a well known and fondly regarded name to sell an otherwise lacklustre product.


REVIEW: 2022 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight GT Edition - Still A Supreme Workhorse

As it stands right now, the 5th-generation Forester sits at the top of the Subaru pecking order in Malaysia, and
we all know it’s a standout SUV
, beating its closest rivals in a 4-way shootout we filmed back in 2020. So, does the newer range-topping GT Edition bring enough to the table?

We had previously taken the Subaru Forester GT out for a road test but since I wasn’t the one behind the wheel, that question continued to remain unanswered in my mind.

But then, over the recent Hari Raya week of 2022, I got a chance to spend more time with it and also put it through the rigours of a schedule-packed and often hectic festive period filled with travel, family, tension and plenty of cargo - a recipe for chaos but an ideal pressure test for this white not-so-little machine.

As SUVs have become the primary focus of vehicle type for Subaru as well as the car industry in general lately, the Forester has evolved into the Japanese brand’s staple model and one of its most popular. Its success has gone from strength to strength since its initial debut in 1997.

Despite that, the formula stays pretty consistent over the past couple of generations, indicating that Subaru has pretty much settled into a nice little groove and is keener on refining the finer details.

Still, at its launch, the GT Edition was lobbed by local distributors TC Subaru (a.k.a Motor Image Malaysia) for RM177,788, or some RM8,000 dearer
than the 2.0i-S EyeSight
 on which it’s based and shares so much. Is that premium justified?

2022 Subaru Forester GT - Exterior

This is where that extra cash goes. The GT Edition is instantly separated from ‘normal’ looking Foresters by its edgier/sportier exterior treatment that does successfully meld the functionality of that box-on-wheels shape with aesthetic flourishes that adds curb appeal while
avoiding visual excess
.

Over the 2.0i-S that it supplants, the GT adds unique wheels, side skirting, rear roof spoiler, and front/rear lips that add to its lower perimeter without compromising ground clearance much.

However, the most obvious new touch is its variant-specific 18-inch wheels with ‘GT’ centre caps. That said, its factory tyres, a set of Bridgestone Dueler H/P in 225/55 fitment, are a far cry from being sporty.

Besides that, you’ll be hard-pressed to really distinguish this apart from the lower rung Foresters, especially at a distance, but up close is where the visual alterations combine to deliver some much-needed invigoration to this Subaru’s modest styling.

2022 Subaru Forester GT - Interior

LARGE. That’s the impression when stepping into the Forester, not just the GT. This is further amplified if, like me, you happened to also be testing some of its C-segment SUV rivals back to back. Simply put, if you need maximum cabin space and general commodiousness within a 5-seat, 5-door SUV, this Subaru is undefeated.

The glasshouse is massive (you’ll need a tint) when compared to the relatively boxed-in interiors that SUVs are trending to these days with lower rooflines and coupe-like profiles, which the Forester has completely shunned, leading to exceptional headroom and airiness.

At the back, its boot not only looks massive but can swallow up 520-litres of cargo before it breaches the 2nd-row seat backs. Folding them flat in their 60:40 split reveals close to 1,600 litres of room, making it the segment leader in sheer capacity.

Something else specific to the GT Edition is the upholstery on its perforated leather seats that are finished in a two-tone shade with bright contrast stitching (to match the exterior colour).

They’re a nice addition but don’t exactly scream ‘premium!’ or overt sportiness, though its side bolstering and general feel do inspire confidence.

Finishing and build quality is solidly above par but the materials probably won’t elicit much enthusiasm. As far as design goes, the Forester shows off Subaru’s tendency for straightforwardness and functionality most prominently, though the GT does deliver a slightly extra visual flair. Everything is laid out intuitively, but if you’re after panache, look elsewhere.

2022 Subaru Forester GT - Engine & Powertrain

Buried some distance beneath that raised bonnet is Subaru’s staple flat-four Boxer engine, this one being the naturally aspirated FB20 2.0-litre petrol that produces 156PS at 6,000rpm and 196Nm at 4,000rpm that’s
paired to a Lineartronic CVT
.

That isn’t exactly impressive numbers given how much I’ve raved about how much cargo this thing can lug around. Bring along some passengers, attempt an uphill route and it isn’t hard to imagine this motor getting a little overwhelmed. Subaru isn’t a stranger to turbocharged engines, and at times this Forester (like the rest of the range) sorely needs it.

Fortunately, while not brisk by any means, even with only the driver on board, the engine was smooth and capable of keeping up with fast-moving traffic, even managing some impromptu overtakes on account of my impatience. With luggage and additional passengers, while the GT didn’t do much complaining, it didn’t get me to my outstation destinations in record time either.

The ace up Subaru’s sleeve is its ability to actually traverse rough terrain instead of just pretending it can. That engine and gearbox combo is paired with their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that enables it to do some legitimately impressive feats that its
2WD rivals (pretty much all of them) just can’t.

Though I did not get to put any of those off-road claims to the test this time around, this is an automaker with such a prolific history in rally racing and rough-going production cars that there’s really no reason to doubt any of the Forester’s abilities, unlike claims from some of its competitors.

Behind The Wheel

Redeeming its lacklustre powertrain, or perhaps emphasising it, is its on-road dynamics. We’re not quite sure if it's the low-mounted engine, all-wheel drive, or some
exceptional chassis tuning
, but the Forester GT feels surprisingly engaging to drive when pushed. Our bet is that it’s a combination of those factors.

Steering, electrically assisted, is expectedly a little numb but light for city use but also quick and precise, vitally providing the driver with feedback of directional changes and even minor adjustments.

That said, there’s a lot to potentially complain about here too, but despite not having as much power as I would have wanted, wearing less-than-sticky tyres, and
that CVT gearbox
, I am surprised at just how much more enjoyable it is to drive than the majority of its rivals.

Calming myself down, and with the exception of low-speed oomph, the Forester GT is pretty good at usual everyday driving. It’s smooth, quiet, comfortable for long journeys, and pretty frugal on fuel if you keep your right foot in check. Given its size, it’s not cumbersome. I found it also fairly easy to drive and thread through narrower parts of town.

2022 Subaru Forester GT - Safety & Tech

The tech package here is headlined by, coincidentally,
its safety systems: EyeSight
. It’s so important that Subaru even includes it in this model’s full name.

Of course, this refers to the brand’s active safety suite which is also offered in the variant below the GT. This driver-assist features include the Autonomous Emergency Braking (Subaru calls it Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management but ok), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, and even Adaptive Cruise Control for near-effortless highway cruising.

It’s a pretty extensive list and Subaru was indeed one of the first automakers to really push its inclusion in the majority of models. In addition to that, the GT does feature an upgraded infotainment system comprising of an 8-inch touchscreen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This larger canvas also allowed Subaru to integrate a very useful 360-degree camera system (Superview Around Recognition) for easy close-quarter manoeuvring.

Despite the functionality, the manner in which it is integrated leaves much to be desired. Functionality aside, the 8-inch unit does boast decent clarity, responsiveness, and viewing angles but its interface feels decidedly….aftermarket.

This is somewhat evidenced by the lack of interplay with any of the other digital readouts within the Forester such as the smaller one perched above the dashboard. The instrument cluster remains traditionally analogue which I personally prefer but could see how this lack of technological unity can hurt the impressions of cross-shopping customers, and who can blame them for expecting more.

Conclusion

As a daily driver, few SUVs can match the all-around ability of the Forester. Compared to some of its rivals that might have sacrificed some utility for style points, this Subaru stands in opposition to that entire notion. It’s a beast of versatility, plain and simple.

It’s even the best choice to explore areas off the beaten path. It is one of the only vehicles in this class with true off-road ability in contrast to the majority of today’s SUV posers that’ll get stuck faster than a rock in a hard place if you take it anywhere off a carefully paved surface. Even here, the Subaru is probably the best handler of the bunch.

So far, these are all strengths possessed by the other Foresters. The GT, unfortunately, doesn’t really have many obvious advantages over the lower-rung variants while also inheriting their shortcomings, and yes that includes that underpowered 2.0-litre engine, the sole powerplant available in Malaysia.

With a price nearing RM180,000, justifying the premium asking price of the GT over the Forester 2.0i-S isn’t an easy task, but if the cosmetic upgrades both inside and out catch your fancy and you crave a little extra spicy garnish over the standard variants, this might well be your next SUV.


Polis Tahan Lelaki Baran Pecahkan Cermin Tingkap Kereta Isteri Depan Anak

Media sosial telah dikejutkan dengan video aksi seorang lelaki yang mengamuk yang bertindak memecahkan tingkap kereta di hadapan seorang kanak-kanak.

Dalam video yang tular itu, seorang lelaki bertindak untuk menarik keluar
cermin
tingkap kereta yang hanya diturunkan sedikit sahaja menggunakan kedua-dua belah tangannya sehingga tingkap tersebut pecah betul-betul di hadapan kanak-kanak tersebut membuatkannya menangis.

Bagi mengelakkan cerita ini direka oleh mana-mana pihak, mangsa yang dikenali sebagai Amira Nabila telah menceritakan perkara sebenar di FB beliau. Lelaki itu merupakan suaminya dan difahamkan dalam proses penceraian. Mangsa turut mendakwa mereka sudah lama tidak duduk sebumbung sejak bulan April 2021.

Insiden terbabit telah menaikkan darah ramai pihak membuatkan isu ini viral sehingga mendapat perhatian pihak polis. Ketua Polis Daerah Kota Setar, Asisten Komisioner Ahmad Shukri Mat Akhir berkata, pihaknya menerima laporan berhubung kejadian daripada wanita berusia 24 tahun itu pada pukul 10.37 pagi.

Ketika kejadian, mangsa yang bekerja sebagai kerani mendakwa ketika kejadian dia memandu kereta
Perodua Axia
 sebelum beliau menyedari bahawa dirinya sedang diekori oleh suaminya yang berusia 30 tahun di Lorong Panglima Jalan Teluk Wanjah, Alor Setar.

Suspek yang menunggang Honda Wave itu terus bertindak menahan kereta mangsa lalu bertindak mengetuk cermin sebelah penumpang hadapan beberapa kali dan menyuruh mangsa membuka tingkap dengan alasan mahu memberikan wang kepada anak mangsa.

Apabila mangsa menurunkan tingkap sedikit, suspek terus bertindak merentap cermin berkenaan sehingga pecah dan tercabut. Menurut mangsa, ada serpihan kaca bertaburan yang mengenai anaknya membuatkan dia menangis. Tak pasal pasal nak kena keluar duit untuk ganti cermin tingkap.

Siasatan awal di tempat kejadian mendapati kejadian berlaku di tepi jalan berhampiran rumah mangsa yang tidak dilengkapi televisyen litar tertutup (CCTV). Namun tindakan bijak wanita berkenaan untuk merakam insiden terbabit amat membantu dirinya untuk mencari jalan keluar daripada tersepit bersama lelaki baran itu.

Menurut mangsa, ini bukanlah pertama kali suaminya berkelakuan begitu. Tindakan susulan telah dijalankan dan pihak polis telah menahan suspek pada hari sama kejadian. Hasil ujian air kencing terhadap suspek didapati negatif dadah, tapi positif bodoh.

Ahmad Shukri memberitahu bahawa suspek kini direman selama 4 hari untuk membantu siasatan. Kes ini disiasat di bawah Seksyen 427/506 Kanun Keseksaan.