Tesla Owner In Hong Kong Gets RM92k Bill To Replace 'Flooded' Battery

Larry Campbell - a 54-year-old financial services consultant, Hong Kong resident of over 30 years, and owner of a Tesla Model S - found himself faced with a bill of roughly HK$171,000 (roughly RM92,000) from the EV maker to replace
the car’s lithium-ion battery
.

Last October 8th, as reported by the
South China Morning Post
, the Model S was used by his wife, Carolyn, to pick up their children from school through heavy rain and strong winds. Earlier that day, the city issued the highest-level black weather alert as Tropical Storm Lionrock was about to make landfall.

Eventually, the Model S became inoperable due to a failure with its electric powertrain and was forced to pull over. However, due to worsening conditions, Tesla staff were only able to tow the vehicle away at around 6pm, and based the aforementioned repair cost on their findings that the battery
had been through a flood (or deep water)
.

“Tesla chose to assume with no conclusive evidence that my car was driven through a flood in order to refuse liability for replacing the failed battery under warranty.”, said Campbell, who had originally bought the Model S brand new in 2016 “in an effort to reduce my personal carbon footprint and try new technology,” for HK$710,000 (about RM381,000).

Following the incident and its towing away, 3 weeks went by before Mr. Campbell was handed that extraordinarily large repair bill, which apparently necessitated the outright replacement of the Model S’ high voltage lithium-ion battery pack.
So much for 'Boat Mode'
.

“We had driven in heavy rain, but no heavier than any well-designed and engineered car should have been able to handle,” he said. However, due to the ‘flooding’ argument, Tesla declined to have the battery pack replaced under warranty, under which the unit was covered for 8 years or 160,000km.

It took months of back and forth between the owner and Tesla representatives before the bill was slashed to about HK$91,000 (approximately RM49,000) in early January 2022, which the EV maker says was out of goodwill toward their customers and maintains they are not to blame.

While the battery pack is sealed and fairly weather-resistant as a result, there would no doubt be additional complications from submerging the undercarriage in water, a Tesla spokesperson said. Separately, another source within Tesla told the SCMP that the checks done on the vehicle showed human error - such as a cracked battery casing from a pothole - caused it to be flooded.

Nevertheless, this runs contrary to the belief that somehow EVs are less susceptible to flash floods due to their components being tightly insulated. If hard objects on the road are able to compromise the integrity of the battery or its protective casing and this damage not spotted earlier, it leaves them potentially more vulnerable to freak weather such as tropical storms
and flash floods
.

While internal combustion engines can be ruined by water inadvertently entering the combustion chamber, causing a catastrophic hydraulic lock (or hydro-locking) that bends and contorts internals components, they almost always able to wade through ankle high water without mechanical failure.

There might be several reasons why the battery pack in this particular Model S failed in this case, but the impact of its replacement/repair is much more severe to an owner as this one component is responsible for the bulk of weight, volume, and cost of every EV.

Being a wear-and-tear item, it will
eventually degrade to the point of requiring a replacement
. At that point, for most buyers, it would make more sense for them to buy another vehicle outright given the cost if the warranty coverage was void or expired.


Tumpahan Minyak Di Tapak Pembinaan Lebuhraya SUKE, Kos Cuci Dan Gilap Akan Ditanggung

Kecoh baru-baru ini apabila minyak tar daripada
Lebuhraya Sungai Besi Ulu Klang (SUKE)
yang masih dalam pembinaan telah meleleh dan menitik ke atas kereta orang awam yang menggunakan
MRR2
.

Walaupun lebuh raya ini telah dibuka pada
16 September lalu
, namun hanya fasa pertama sejauh 16.6 kilometer bermula dari persimpangan Cheras-Kajang ke persimpangan Bukit Antarabangsa manakala selebihnya masih belum di buka dan masih ada bahagian yang masih dalam pembinaan.

Minyak Tumpah, SUKE Tanggung Kos Cuci & Gilap

Menerusi aduan orang ramai serta ciapan di akaun rasmi Lebuhraya SUKE, beberapa pengguna jalan raya di MRR2 telah ditimpa tumpahan minyak ketika melintasi tapak pembinaan Lebuhraya SUKE berhampiran Bandar Tasik Selatan.

Disebabkan isu itu, pihak kontraktor dan bahagian Projek Lebuhraya SUKE telah menghubungi mereka yang terkesan dengan isu itu bagi menanggung kos mencuci dan menggilap semula kenderaan yang terbabit.

Hubungi SUKE Untuk Ganti Rugi

Dalam pada itu, SUKE memohon maaf atas segala kesulitan yang berlaku serta menegaskan agar mereka yang terlibat dalam insiden itu untuk tampil menghubungi hotline atau emel SUKE untuk tindakan seterusnya.

Terdahulu, salah seorang pengguna telah menyatakan kekecewaannya di Twitter setelah minyak tar yang digunakan di tapak pembinaan SUKE telah turun dan menitik ke atas keretanya. Apabila aduan cuba dibuat dengan menghubungi pejabat SUKE, mereka menyuruhnya untuk menghubungi talian hotline. Namun bila hubungi nombor hotline SUKE, tiada jawapan pula.

Diharapkan isu ini sudah selesai memandangkan pihak SUKE sendiri telah membalas ciapan tidak puas hati pengguna jalan raya ini di Twitter dengan menyuruhnya mengemukan aduan melalui emel mahupun hotline.


Porsche To CKD 'Sports Cars' in Malaysia

Sime Darby Berhad will go into a partnership with Porsche AG to locally assemble
sports cars
 (CKD) for the Malaysian market. This will also be the first Porsche plant outside of Europe.

Production is scheduled to begin in 2022 and initially,
CKD operations
 will be limited to the Malaysian market only for now.

“This partnership with Porsche marks a coming of age of our relationship with the brand. To be entrusted to assemble cars for one of the world’s most admired sports car brands speaks volumes of the highly qualified and competent Malaysian talent we have at Sime Darby and our ability to provide meaningful value to our partners,” Sime Darby Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson said.

“The assembly portfolio is a key element in our growth strategy, and we are pleased to extend our relationship with Porsche from retail and distribution to include assembly,” he added.

“Malaysia and the whole ASEAN is a region of great potential and we look forward to the first locally assembled models reaching our Malaysian customers next year,” said Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “As Porsche is moving into a new era of mobility, Malaysia and the ASEAN region are gaining increasing importance. This step now is part of a long-standing initiative to keep pace with rapidly evolving customer and market demands.”

“Every Porsche assembled by Sime Darby will go through the same rigorous standards and processes as its European counterparts. Quality will be a shared key commitment between Porsche AG and Sime Darby to all our customers, in assembling Porsche vehicles. We will continue our close engagement with Porsche AG to ensure that we meet the Porsche standard every step of the way,” Dato’ Jeffri added.

Two things that require further clarification regarding this much-awaited confirmation is:

a. Where will the Sime Darby plant be located? Will it be in
Kulim
 as earlier speculated?

b. The press release mentions sports cars, not SUVs. It was earlier speculated that local CKD operations would encompass the Cayenne and Macan SUVs.

Currently, Porsche Malaysia lists the 718, 911, Taycan, Panamera as available for sale in Malaysia. If however, the Sime Darby assembly plant is to assemble the 718 and 911, dare we expect a drastic reduction in price?

We await more news regarding this development.


In Car Entertainment Through The Ages!

It’s amazing how far entertainment systems have come. We’ve gone from pure radios, to tiny little screens in huge wooden boxes with tiny black and white images, to full on colour displays and now even curved screens that offer excellent views for anyone across the room. Sound systems have also evolved to increase the level of immersion, and connectivity is through the roof – you almost don’t need a traditional TV box anymore because a lot of media is available online.

That same evolution is true for cars. There was once a time when even having a radio in a car was considered a pretty big deal – at least in the 60s and 70s. As media formats evolved from cassettes to discs, we began to see multiple tape and CD decks occupying space in the glove box or trunk – a true mark of luxury if your car were to come equipped with it. This carried on well into the 1990s and early 2000s - until, of course, solid media started going out of style.

Even things like navigation have grown leaps and bounds. Primitive gyroscope based systems have been around since the 1980s with Honda’s inertial navigation system as well as Toyota’s colour display. By 1990, Mazda introduced a proper GPS-based navigation system and ever since it has featured in a variety of cars – even down to mass market models today. GPS systems are so integrated that they can even interact with on-board cruise control systems as well as the transmission for the right kind of gear selection.

But of all the things to truly make a shift, who would have thought it would be our mobile phones? USB drives and SD cards loaded with MP3s made an appearance for a couple of years through the early 2010s, but the biggest shift would be the introduction of Bluetooth connectivity. Not only did it allow you to make and receive calls hands-free, it also allowed some form of audio streaming so you could play music directly off your phone.

And as phones became more and more complex with features and functionality, in-car entertainment systems evolved to match. The mobile phone went from being something purely for sending and receiving messages and calls, to miniature personal computers that occupied a great deal of our daily lives. It was only natural for car-makers to start developing ways to better integrate our phones with our cars.

As we moved towards big screens for our infotainment systems, it was the prime environment to develop a sort of tethering system that would basically mirror our phones on the car’s screens. With systems like Android Auto, Apple Car Play and Mirrorlink, that’s basically what carmakers did – and in most cases, the integration is seamless.

Nowadays we don’t even see cars needing on-board navigation systems when we rely on Waze or Google Maps on our phone for better, more detailed directions and information. In that sense the burden has been taken off car manufacturers as maps don’t need to be updated as regularly, but the next challenge introduced is ensuring that infotainment systems have the right up-to-date protocols to match smart devices.

But now that we’re here, what’s next? Well, natural language voice control is on the rise – MBUX being one of the most outstanding options we’ve seen that has both an amazing UI, and is amazingly easy to use. These systems do need a solid cellular data package though – and many luxury cars are now offered with sim cards pre-installed on a package through the course of ownership.

The future then, it seems, is headed in the opposite direction from smart device connectivity and integration – because car manufacturers are simply circumventing this with the aforementioned cellular data packages. With over-the-air updates, infotainment systems can stay relevant without exposing the car to possible routes of entry for hackers, or having to deal with update after update from smart device manufacturers.

The small details are things like gesture control or augmented reality systems, but really it’s the broad strokes that matter – and as cars evolve from being possessions to functioning as a service, so too will the on-board systems change. In a world of driverless cars, we might even find a convergence between our home entertainment systems and those in our cars – only time will tell.


Jaguar Classic Reveal 60th Anniversary Tribute To The Iconic E-Type

Come March 15, Jaguar will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of its iconic E-type and to commemorate it Jaguar Classic is creating six limited-edition pairs of restored E-types inspired by the 9600 HP and 77 RW.

Enzo Ferrari called the
E-type
 “the most beautiful car in the world” when he first laid eyes on it at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show.

Both the 9600 HP and 77 RW E-types made their world debuts in Geneva, a time those that had the privilege to live in came to be known as the Swinging Sixties. If you were lucky enough to have been around way back then you might remember stories of the Opalescent Gunmetal Grey coupe ‘9600 HP’, driven flat-out by Bob Berry to make the launch itself, and the British Racing Green roadster ’77 RW’, driven by Norman Dewis who was told to drop everything to get to Geneva the next day.

Now sixty years later, the
E-type
 60 Collection will pay homage to these two legends from the Blackpool outfit.

The E-type 60 Collection cars, which will be sold as a pair (one E-type 60 Edition coupe, one E-type 60 Edition roadster) is finished in exclusive Flat Out Grey and Drop Everything Green paint colours respectively. These colours are inspired by the original 1961 colours and won’t be used on any other Jaguar.

Dan Pink, Director, Jaguar Classic, said: “Sixty years after its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the talented team at Jaguar Classic are releasing the ultimate birthday present to the E-type: The E-type 60 Collection. The attention to detail demonstrates how this project has been a labour of love for our designers, engineers, craftspeople and partners. Exquisite detailing combined with enhanced usability ensure these E-types will be coveted and enjoyed for decades to come by their discerning owners, starting with a once-in-a-lifetime Coventry to Geneva pilgrimage for our six customers and their guests in summer 2022.”

A labour of love more than profit, all 12 models were restored and refined by Jaguar experts at their base in Coventry.

The most significant mechanical update comes in the form of a specially-developed five-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on all ratios, helical cut gears and a reinforced aluminium casing to enhance reliability affording these classics many more years of motoring fun.

The 3.8-litre, 265hp six-cylinder engine has had its cooling system improved with the addition of an electric cooling fan coupled with an electronic ignition system for everyday usability. A new stainless steel exhaust system adds a deeper tone as you cruise the B-roads of your youth.

The visual enhancements on both the coupe and roadster were undertaken by world-leading engraver King Nerd. The stainless steel centre consoles of all 12 cars have been inscribed with a bespoke etching relevant to each E-type 60 Edition.

Come summer of 2022, the six customers of these Jaguar E-type 60 Edition will take part in a pilgrimage from Coventry to Geneva to experience the trip that was first taken more than 60 years ago. It is sure to be a trip down memory lane...


Nissan's Concept Showroom Format Makes Debut In Thailand

Nissan Thailand has launched the first Nissan Retail Environmental Design Initiative (NREDI) concept showroom in Thailand.

The Nissan Retail Environment Design Initiative is basically characterised by transparency and openness, exclusive delivery areas, a large glassed-view service area, and even a customer lounge set up as part of the showroom.
In addition, there will be an increased use of digital elements such as service and sales screens, configurator touch screen tablets, and digital wheel stands.
According to Nissan, the new facility, situated in Kanchanaburi province, was designed to connect customers with the entire service operation, whether they have come to buy a new vehicle or just to get their existing vehicle serviced.
Operated by Ch.Erawan Motors Kanchanaburi, the showroom, which spans across 8,800 square meters, comprises a specially laid out car display space with a capacity of nine units, a customer welcome area painted in red, a waiting lounge, free Wi-Fi, and more than 10 sales consultants at any given time.
"The new concept showroom will not only meet the needs of customers in Kanchanaburi, but also nearby provinces. I believe that this accomplishment will not only excite and satisfy our customers, but draw in many new ones,” said Khun Wiwat Chanwaowarm, chairman of Ch. Erawan Motors.


Renault Just Leased Out Its 100,000th EV Battery

Renault just announced that it has signed its 100,000th electric vehicle battery leasing contract in Europe.
Having offered battery leasing since the launch of its first electric vehicle, 93 per cent of the brand’s European customers lease their E.V. battery.
The list of electric vehicles offered by Renault at the moment includes the Zoe, Twizy, Kangoo Z.E, Fluence Z.E, as well as the SM3 Z.E

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 Because of Renault’s lifetime warranty on leased batteries, this option brings considerable peace of mind to users. If the battery fails, or if its energy capacity drops significantly, Renault will change or repair it for free, for the duration of the vehicle’s lifecycle.
Used car buyers thus benefit from a guaranteed level of battery performance, which is a significant advantage for owners who wish to re-sell their E.V.
Thanks to battery leasing, as of spring 2017 owners of a ZOE equipped with a 22kWh pack can upgrade to the Z.E. 40 battery without changing their vehicle, and benefit from increased range (NEDC range of 400km, real-world range of 300km).
With the arrival of the new Z.E. 40 battery pack, Renault has introduced a more streamlined pricing scheme with no minimum length of commitment, consisting in two options.
The first, Z.E. Flex, is a pay-as-you-drive system whereby the rate is calculated as a function of the distance actually covered. The second option, Z.E. Relax, is reserved for retail customers and offers unlimited mileage.
These options facilitate the control of running costs for ZOE owners. What’s more, customers get optimal flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing personal needs, since they can switch options at any time.
An increasingly popular trend in France is the all-inclusive leasing package, which covers the battery and the vehicle itself. This option is chosen by more than 60 per cent of ZOE customers, who enjoy the advantages of battery leasing and the ability to control their overall vehicle budget.


Don't Expect A C53 AMG For This Generation Of C-Class

By now, we're used to seeing Mercedes-AMG models coming in various performance levels, from the 45s found in the A-Class based models to the 43s and 63s found in the rest of the range. The 43 AMG variants were previously known as 450, but were essentially the same with 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 engines pushing between 362 hp and 396 hp.
But fans of the brand were thrown into confusion when Mercedes-AMG announced the 53 AMG variants, which come with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 engine that produces a whopping 429 hp and 527 Nm of torque, commonly paired with the EQ boost function that temporarily adds 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque.
During an
interview with GoAuto
, Mercedes-Benz stated that the 53 AMG powertrains would not be coming to the C-Class for this generation, being limited to the E-Class and larger. Part of the reasoning for this was due to the fact that the C-Class is substantially lighter and hence doesn't need more performance, although another reason could be packaging issues. The longer inline-6 engine may take a bit more space than the C-Class platform is capable of currently providing.
For now, the only C-Class variant with the EQ Boost function
is the C200
, which has been downsized to a 1.5-litre engine producing 184 hp and 280 Nm of torque, and the EQ boost function adds another 13 hp to the equation. In the interim, the
facelifted C43 AMG
 receives a healthy 390 hp and 520 Nm of torque, although our local models are still the pre-facelift variants.


Perodua Bezza's Auto Start/Stop – 10-15% Costlier Batteries

At its RM50k price tag, the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Advance is notable for being the most affordable vehicle to come with auto start/stop, as well as being the first locally-manufactured vehicle to do so.
According to Perodua’s data, the auto start/stop system - referred to by Perodua as 'Eco Idle' - implemented on the range-topping Bezza has the effect of reducing official fuel consumption by 0.3 litres/100km over the regular 1.3 Premium X automatic without this feature.
Already a common feature in many higher range cars, the auto start/stop function automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop (i.e. while waiting at a traffic light). The engine restarts again as soon as the brake pedal is released, or when the cabin temperature rises above a certain level and the air-conditioning needs to be restarted. Depending on how well the system is designed, some juddering is to be expected everytime the engine restarts, and there will be some reduction in the air-conditioning's cooling performance. At stop-go traffic however, especially in a hot afternoon, the feature might cause a bit of discomfort and it might be better to switch it off.
Official fuel consumption:
Bezza 1.3 Premium X A/T: 4.8 litres/100km
Bezza 1.3 Advance A/T: 4.5 litres/100km
In other words, the Bezza 1.3 Advance is 6% more fuel efficient than the Premium X model.
But how much will you be actually saving over the long run?
Whilst we applaud Perodua for making this highly advanced feature available for the masses, it is important to note that vehicles with auto start/stop typically require more powerful batteries, alternators, and starter motors than vehicles that don’t. This is true for cars of any brand.
Perodua officials speaking at the Bezza launch were unable to provide specific numbers, but have acknowledged that consumers can expect to spend 10 to 15% more in part replacement costs for these two components.
Because the Bezza’s engine was developed with this feature in mind, the expected lifespan of these components are claimed to be identical to corresponding parts used in vehicles without auto start/stop.
Follow the links below to read more on the all-new Perodua Bezza:
First Driving Impressions
Launch Report


New App Wants To Send Your Road Complaint Directly To Authorities

As Malaysians, we have a
bottomless pit of complaints
, grievances, and opinions of dissatisfaction for those in power and responsible for the governing bodies in the country. But we’re usually left to shout our criticisms (usually with scathing language) into the wind, or
on social media - same thing
. Now there’s an app for that.

It’s called RepotLah and besides this writer not knowing the word ‘report’ had made its way into common slang, the developers have actually seemed to have put some good choices in how their app functions.

These include the
reporting of potholes
, broken street lights, malfunctioning traffic lights, and the uploading of traffic offences captured on photo or dashcam video via the app, which is available for download now on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

As time goes on, Repotlah Tech Sdn Bhd, the team behind the app, have said they will be adding support for users to submit their complaints on matters besides those encountered on the road, possibly even expanding to emergency related matters. In the shorter term, complaints on double parking,
noise pollution
, rubbish, and smoking at restaurants will be added in the coming weeks.

That being said, submissions of these complaints will first be filtered for authenticity and accuracy by the RepotLah team before being forwarded to the relevant authorities. The status of a user’s complaint report can be monitored via the in-app My Activity tab and they can even be notified if progress was made.

According to RepotLah’s Privacy Policy, only a limited amount of relevant information will be sent to the authorities to act on the complaint should there be a need to confirm the matter. However, there will also be an anonymous option to further guard a user’s privacy.

For now, since its early days, RepotLah co-founder Keasavan Hari Krishnan confirmed that the app is currently undergoing testing in the Kinrara and Subang area of the Klang Valley with more locations due to be added soon.

Several lawmakers and members of parliament have also voiced their support for RepotLah, including Kapar MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, Kota Damansara MP Shatiri Mansor, Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, Subang MP Wong Chen and Selangor executive councillor Izham Hashim.

The app interface looks to be cleanly designed with a focus on community interaction, allowing users to like, comment, and share the complaints submitted by others.

Given how many incidences of double parkers, triple parkers, red light runners, potholes, and broken traffic lights the average urban-dwelling Malaysian encounters on a daily basis, it’s easy to imagine the RepotLah team quickly becoming overwhelmed at the sheer volume of complaints, especially since they have seemingly confirmed that each submission will be verified by a human (not just a bot).


2015 Mazda 2 SkyActiv-G 1.3: Petrol Variant Makes Debut For The Thai Market At Bangkok Motor Show

Mazda
 Thailand had
previously teased on its website
 that the
2015 Mazda 2 SkyActiv
 would be receiving a petrol variant, powered by the 1.3-litre SkyActiv-G engine and this is it, making its appearance at the 2015 Bangkok Motor Show.
Previously, the Mazda 2 was only available in Thailand with a 1.5-litre diesel SkyActiv-D engine for both the sedan and hatchback body styles. For us over in Malaysia, the B-segment car is offered with just the 1.5-litre petrol SkyActiv-G engine.
(Check Out Our Mazda 2 SkyActiv Launch Report Here)
The 1.3-litre SkyActiv-G power unit outputs 93PS @ 6,000 rpm and 123 Nm torque @ 4,000 rpm and sends its power through the SkyActiv-DRIVE six-speed torque converter automatic and on to the front wheels. Some of the features that are still present on the petrol variant for the Thai market include i-Stop Idling Stop System (auto start/stop), and i-ELOOP (regenerative braking system).
Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the list of variants for the 2015 Mazda 2 SkyActiv G 1.3 and its pricing in Thai baht is as follows:
Mazda 2 SkyActiv G 1.3 Hatchback
Sports Standard – 550,000 baht (RM 61,821)
Sports High – 610,000 baht (RM 68,526)
Sports High Plus – 665,000 baht (RM 74,644)
Mazda 2 SkyActiv G 1.3 Sedan
Sedan Standard – 550,000 baht (RM 61,821)
Sedan High – 610,000 baht (RM 68,526)
Sedan High Plus – 665,000 baht (RM 74,644)

Pictured above is the High Plus-spec's interior, which is near identical to our local market Mazda 2 model. The familiar features are here including the MZD infotainment unit with Commander Control knob, auto air-conditioning (single zone), Active Driving Display, aluminium pedals, leather seats with centre-positioned red stripe, leather-wrapped steering wheel with on-wheel controls, and digital speedometer counter.
Which begs the same question again, how much would you like to see a Mazda 2 with a 1.3-litre SkyActiv-G engine being offered here in Malaysia?


Amazing Real Life ‘Batman’ Who Visits Sick Children Dies In Tragic Car Crash

Do you know the name Batman – Bruce Wayne? Most likely. How about the name Lenny Robinson? No? You should, actually. This man, who has just tragically passed away, is much more the hero than the caped crusader is in this reality. Let us explain why.
You see, Lenny has a big ol’ heart. So big that he visits children with life-threatening illnesses in the hospital in his spare time, for free, in a Batsuit, pretending to be Batman to bring wide smiles to the kids’ already wide eyes. They don’t know he’s actually Lenny with the
Lamborghini

Gallardo
 Spyder (which he rolls up in, calling it his Batmobile. In black, of course) but that’s the magic, and they believe the magic.
Lenny, himself a wealthy businessman, was made famous when his Lambo got pulled over by the cops, with him in his heavy and rather meticulous superhero garb, and instantly became an internet sensation when the dashcam footage went viral. That was in early 2012, and later that year he had ordered himself, at great expense, a custom Batmobile – like the one used in the 1960s TV show – to really complete the look. He used it to toured all over the United States to visit sick kids in hospital as the Dark Knight.
Over the course of at least three years since then, he would be in full Dark Knight character while visiting the sick children at the hospitals, with the stern but righteous voice, posture, stride, and speaking patterns that mimicked the character to a fault. He would then hand out Batman trinkets, comics, toys, and always autographed “Batman” along with an encouraging message before he left.
Lenny worked closely with the Hope For Henry foundation for sick children, which was founded by Laurie Strongin and Allen Goldberg after their son passed away from a rare disease.
There are just so many stories of Lenny’s good deeds, incredible generosity of spirit, and how it had touched many lives in desperate need of joy, hope, or just a good laugh.
The world has lost a hero.
Because on the night of August 16
th
, 2015 Lenny was killed in a car accident according to a report by
The Washington Post
. The 51-year old’s custom-built Batmobile had broken down on the way from a car show in West Virginia, so Lenny stopped it on the shoulder. When he was inspecting the vehicle it was rammed from behind by a
Toyota

Camry
 at high speed, and was struck by his own car.
An excerpt from the Post’s about Lenny's kind exploits reads:
On one visit to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, he reflected on the health of his own three children. “We’re lucky,” he said.
At Children’s, there were kids with tubes in their noses, with IVs in their arms. He handed out gifts: Batman books, rubber Batman symbol bracelets and other toys.
Batman made those kids smile. They all thought he was Batman, a hero.
“I’m just doing it for the kids,” he said.
We also highly recommend reading the full report to paint a clearer picture of his life and contributions.

Lenny B. Robinson & Hope for Henry
Lenny B. Robinson was such a good friend to Hope for Henry. We lit up the Bat Signal whenever we had an event at a local hospital and Lenny would jump in the Batmobile and respond immediately. He joined us for our most recent Superhero Celebration at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital where he helped tell the story of Hope for Henry and its work improving the quality of life for children fighting serious illness. We will always love Lenny and our hearts go out to his family and all who mourn his death.
Posted by
Hope for Henry
 on Monday, August 17, 2015


Honda Malaysia Expands Recall To 143,970 Vehicles For Airbag Fix

Honda Malaysia have announced today that they are issuing a recall for 143,970 vehicles consisting of the Honda City, Civic, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Insight, Jazz, and Stream that are manufactured between 2006 to 2012. The recall is made to replace the driver front airbag inflator with newly produced inflators.
For a breakdown of the affected models and their corresponding year of manufacture (YM), refer below:
Honda City (2006-2012 YM)
Honda Civic (2006-2011 YM)
Honda Civic Hybrid (2007-2011 YM)
Honda CR-V (2007-2011 YM)
Honda Insight (2011-2012 YM)
Honda Jazz (2009-2012 YM)
Honda Stream (2007-2012 YM)
Affected customers will be notified by Honda Malaysia through notification letters, which will include details of the product update. Customers who receive these letters are advised to send their vehicles to the nearest authorised Honda dealer for inspection.
Honda Malaysia will bear the cost of parts and labour for the replacement works to be carried out.
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. continues to urge owners of Honda vehicles affected by the airbag inflator product updates to get their vehicles checked and parts
replaced at any authorized Honda dealers as soon as possible.
Honda Malaysia also reiterated that all current selling models are not affected by this issue. For more information, customers can contact Honda’s toll free number 1-800-88-2020 or log on to
www.honda.com.my
, or visit any authorised Honda dealer.


Tun Mahathir Defends National Carmakers With Sarcasm, Takes A Swing At MAI

In his most
recent blog post
, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took a rather sarky swing at the CEO of the Malaysian Automotive Institute for his comments on wanting to open the local market to further competition from foreign car brands.
Madani Sahari, CEO of the Malaysian Automotive Institute, was allegedly reported to say to The Edge that he welcomes more foreign competition in the local market, and that it would benefit local consumers by way of more affordable cars, and the industry itself by allowing it to further explore the export market.
Here, Madani is referring to a sort of ‘equalisation,’ in a sense, of the auto industry, that would allow national and non-national makes to be priced closer together, possibly by way of further reducing the excise duties/ import taxes levied on foreign brands, or removing them altogether – this is an idea that has been teased on multiple occasions in the past, but to no avail.
Expectedly, this has irked the former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir, who is also the chairman of Proton. In his personal blog, Tun M snapped back. He said:
“It is therefore good that the Malaysian automotive industry should compete with cars imported from Japan, Korea, China and Germany. Incidentally these countries impose conditions and standards which prevent Malaysian cars from being imported into their countries to compete. So the consumers in Japan, Germany, Korea and China cannot enjoy the benefits of competition like their Malaysian counterparts.
“Some of us may have noticed that in sports, for example, competition is between people of the same category by age or in football by division. In golf handicaps are given so that the competition would be fair.”
In the process, Tun M seemingly declares itself at a “handicap” against some of the globe’s biggest carmakers.
He went on to say that, “We may win in a Quran competition but not, I think, in the automotive field. We do well in badminton and squash but not in football.”
Tun M also highlighted that the ‘equalisation’ or the opening of the local market to foreign brands may in turn affect “a hundred thousand or so” employees who may lose their jobs with local brands who may have to close down in light of the new, foreign competition.
“If we lose we may have to close down. A hundred thousand or so workers, engineers and managers will lose their jobs. Their families will suffer. But that is alright because the consumers will get better cars at lower prices from foreign countries.
“Of course a lot of Malaysia’s money would flow out to the rich countries and their workers will get higher incomes. But it is Government policy to support imports and we have to accept it.
“So let us compete and let our consumers enjoy the benefit. The people who lose their job would not be able to consume. But that is a small price to pay,”
 he said, sarcastically.


Hyundai and Kia See Green Car Sales Boom As Korean Government Supports Them

Everybody could use a little bit of help every now and then. Hyundai and Kia have grown immensely over the past few decades, going from strength to strength as their product line-ups have grown and become streamlined, but on the whole moving towards a positive future. But some things require a little bit of a leap - and in the case of these two Korean car makers, they may not have been around long enough to prepare for this eventuality.
But thankfully, the Korean government - more specifically, the Ministry of Environment - is
helping these two companies
 with their growth within their domestic market. With a massive budget of 680 billion won (RM 2.5 trillion), electric vehicles and hybrids are expected to grow in number even more than the 10% increase year-on-year between January and November. A total of 257,861 units were sold during this period, consisting of 52,370 electric vehicles, 25,967 plug-in hybrid vehicles, 798 fuel cell electric vehicles, and 178,726 hybrid vehicles.
Next year, this big budget is going to go towards increasing the number of fuel cell electric vehicle sales to 4,000 units, as well as building 30 charging stations, while subsidies for electric vehicles have gone up to 42,000 units from 20,000 units, along with a proposed 1,200 high speed charging stations to be built. It's an ambitious, solid plan that plays a double role in bolstering their national automakers and promoting the use of cleaner automobiles.
This level of performance is not necessarily achievable in other countries or regions as it depends heavily on the aforementioned support from the government. All companies struggle - after all, hybrid and electric vehicles are vastly more expensive than their conventional counterparts, which makes them a difficult purchase proposition unless a customer is comfortable making decisions based largely on lifestyle and environmental choices. That being said, Hyundai and Kia are pushing for 38 green car models, 14 of which will be electric vehicles, by 2025.


Paris 2016: Audi RS3 Sedan Debuts With 400hp 2.5 TFSI Engine

The most dynamic model of the Audi A3 range has debuted in Paris in the form of the Audi RS3 Sedan, following on from the introduction of the RS3 Sportback earlier this year in February.
Taking the
2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI
 engine from the
TT RS
, the RS3 Sedan interestingly enjoys a 33hp advantage over the five-door Sportback equivalent, making 400hp from 5,850 to 7,000rpm. On top of that comes a 15Nm boost in maximum torque to 480Nm produced between 1,700 and 5,850rpm.
On top of turbocharging to maximize outputs, the award-winning five-pot is able to vary the lifting of its exhaust valves for improved efficiency. The engine also employs a dual injection fuel system that alternates between traditional port injection and high pressure direct injection into the combustion chamber according to engine load.
Mated to the engine is a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that connects the 2.5 TFSI engine to a permanent all-wheel drive system. An electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch at the heart of the drivetrain continuously varies front-rear torque distribution for optimum grip and traction. When an aggressive style of driving is detected, the system will shuffle a bigger share of torque astern.
Fully deployed, the engine's power and drivetrain is able to propel the RS3 from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. Customers who opt for de-restriction of its top speed can potentially see their RS3 hit a top speed of 280km/h.
The RS3’s electronic stability control software incorporates a brake-actuated torque vectoring control system that brakes the inner wheels around a corner for sharper turn-in. When switched to sport mode, the ESC is tuned to allow controlled drifts; full de-activation of the nanny is also allowed.
Besides getting flared wheel arches and wearing bigger wheels, the RS3 does get some significant chassis enhancements over a regular A3 Sedan. The body sits 10mm lower, whilst the front and rear tracks are both widened by 20mm and 14mm respectively.
Behind enlarged 19-inch wheels lined with 235/35 tyres come similarly enlarged brake discs which can be optionally upgraded to carbon-fibre ceramic items for fade-free stopping power.


Volvo C70 Celebrates 20th Anniversary

When one mentions ‘C70’, the first thing that pops up the minds of many is the Honda C70 underbone bike. However, there is another iconic C70 which some of you would’ve never heard of – the
Volvo C70
, which celebrates its 20
th
 birthday this year.
First shown to the world at the 1996 Paris Motor Show, the C70 was Volvo’s first “proper” coupé since the 1800 model, and it was also the first time Volvo had cooperated with engineering firm TWR on a new car. Furthermore, it was to be built partly using new methods at a newly opened plant in the Swedish town of Uddevalla.
The C70’s story started at the beginning of the 1990s when Volvo decided to expand its passenger car programme with a coupé and a cabriolet based on the
850
.
With limited experience in developing such a characteristically niche product and limited time, a small project group was formed in early 1994 led by Håkan Abrahamsson, who chose to cooperate with the British engineering firm TWR, Tom Walkinshaw Racing, who were already involved with Volvo’s racing team in the BTCC.
The team had just a couple of months during 1994 to define the project, and they got to work almost straight away with a comprehensive competitor analysis. The project group had to cancel their holidays and instead headed to the south to France to rent and try out coupés and cabriolets from their key competitors.

While most of the design and development work took place at TWR near Oxford in England, Volvo was responsible for the basic technical structure.
It is said that the project group was given an unusually free hand in terms of shaping the car, and head of design Peter Horbury wanted to change the idea that Volvo design was angular and boxy.
When TWR’s Ian Callum showed sketches of a coupé that featured a significantly arched roofline and sculpted sides following proposals that had been considered “too Volvo”, the matter was decided. The design would go on to remain almost unchanged right up to production.
The new car had the same wheelbase as the Volvo 850 and was the same length, but it still gave the impression that it was rather more dapper. As it was already known from the beginning that the car would also be produced as a cabriolet, the development team ensured that the design worked both with and without a roof.
And so, after 30 months of studying, researching, and developing, the Volvo C70 finally entered production.
While the front clearly linked to Volvo, the rest of the body was significantly curvier than anything previously released by the company - at least the first in a long time.
In fact, the C70 was the car responsible for heralding a new design direction that would characterise many future Volvo models.
According to Volvo, freedom of choice was what it wanted the C70 to offer customers. For instance, there were 17 different paint colours to choose between. Solid, metallic and pearl. As for the interior, there were 40 different interior combinations with differences in material and colours, making the choices almost endless.
As good as it looked, it was crucial that the C70 performed just as well. The C70 was therefore launched exclusively with five cylinder turbo engines. The strongest engine, at 2.3 litres and 240 hp, was shared with the Volvo 850R. A calmer version, at 2.5 litres and 193 hp, was also released at the same time, and there were also 2 litre versions offering 180 and 225 hp respectively for markets where cylinder volume determines taxation levels.
The news that the Volvo C70 Coupé would be joined by a cabriolet was announced at the same time as the coupé was launched. The C70 Cabriolet was unveiled
one year later
 and it was the first convertible Volvo of the modern era.
The design stood the test of time and did not change significantly during the nine years of life enjoyed by the first generation. The Volvo C70 Coupé was manufactured until 2002, while the cabriolet lived on for a further three years until April 2005. By this time, 76,809 C70s had been built, of which 27,014 were coupés and 49,795 cabriolets.
The second generation C70 convertible, featuring a three piece retractable hardtop and built by Pininfarina, was launched at Paris Motor Show in September 2005.
Looking for a Volvo? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Honda CR-V Facelift Unveiled - 1.5L TC-P 4WD Variant Added To The Line-Up

The Honda CR-V facelift has finally arrived, and this should be some great news for those who have made their bookings since
October
.

For those who haven't booked it, now is your chance to purchase it straight, as the Honda CR-V facelift is touted to have raised the SUV benchmark for its class.

Continuing to power the CR-V is Honda's small yet powerful turbocharged plant - the
familiar
 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged engine, which produces up to 193PS and 243Nm.

The biggest news to come out of the facelift line up is the addition of a new 4WD variant (previously 4WD was only available on the 1.5 TC variant) called the 1.5L TC-P 4WD which Honda says provides improved drivability and maximises fuel economy. The all-rounder SUV is now available in three variants, which are 2.0L 2WD,1.5L TC-P 2WD and the new variant, 1.5L TC-P 4WD.

Apart from that exciting 4WD piece of news, the CR-V now sports a refreshed exterior look keeping up with the current modern designs which include a new black Grille combined with the Honda signature LED headlights and a new front bumper with new wing-style chrome fascia. The appearance of the new CR-V is further enhanced with a masculine rear design comprising of a new rear dark chrome theme, new smoked finish taillights, rear bumper garnished with new wing-style chrome fascia and twin tailpipes. Completing the facelift look of this model are the 18-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels with a new design.

The interior of the New CR-V is said to have been further refined to improve convenience for customers while maintaining its stylishness and classiness. The New CR-V's consoles are designed with greater versatility and usability in mind starting with the front console which houses two USB Ports located underneath the gearshift, allowing both driver and front passenger to charge their devices at the same time.

 As always, the CR-V continues its high level of comfort with a roomy cabin and spacious cargo space. Complementing the convenience and accessibility of the cargo space is the Hands-Free Power Tailgate which can be activated by a foot motion (1.5L TC-P 2WD & 1.5L TC-P 4WD variants only).

One of the new features of the New CR-V is remote engine start (1.5L TC-P 2WD & 1.5L TC-P 4WD variants only), where it will allow drivers to start the engine with the press of a button where the air conditioning will also activate before they get into the car.

The New CR-V is also equipped with a full suite of
Honda SENSING
 features which have helped it get a five-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP. The New CR-V offers a host of other standard safety features, which are Honda LaneWatch, six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Walk Away Auto Lock and Driver Attention Monitor.

The New CR-V is available in five colours; Lunar Silver Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic and a brand-new option, Platinum White Pearl.

Prices of new CR-V

Variant

Price With Sales Tax Exemption

Price Without Sales Tax Exemption

1.5L TC-P 4WD

RM162,910.18

RM169,900

1.5L TC-P 2WD

RM157,615.91

RM164,300

2.0L 2WD

RM139,912.53

RM145,400


Dego Ride Can Help Solve KL's Traffic Jams

Motorcycle taxi and delivery service provider, Dego Ride, said that the demand for a
motorcycle-based ride-hailing service
 is higher than ever thanks to the worsening
traffic congestion
 in the Klang Valley.

While the demand is there, Dego Ride CEO Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj said that the company is still waiting for approval from Putrajaya in order for it to operate legitimately, particularly in offering
ride-hailing service
s using motorcycles.

Dego Ride struggling to find riders

While the demand continues to rise, particularly as a possible solution to the first mile-last mile public transportation issues, Dego Ride has been struggling to find riders for fear that it might still be illegal. It's been two years since the trial run was approved, but it's been quiet ever since.

According to Nabil, "As of April 2022, since the restrictions started loosening up, we saw traffic becoming worse and we saw there is an increase in demand for our service. Today we have been struggling to cope with demand. We need more riders to support us but the issue is that the riders were afraid to join us, they were skeptical if we are allowed or not allowed."

500 riders on the road (so far)

With around 500 riders working for Dego Ride, the company is still struggling to cater to the rise in demands in densely populated areas within the Klang Valley. Services like DegoFood, DegoRun, and DegoDelivery have risen in popularity, particularly in areas like Lembah Pantai.

If Putrajaya is able to greenlight Dego Ride to its full potential, it might even convince more folks to opt for public transportation instead since it can be a more affordable solution in connecting the Klang Valley's patchy public transport system.

*Image credit: Malay Mail

Key election issue for 15th GE?

Solving traffic congestion will most likely be one of the key talking points in the next general election. Dego Ride truly believes that they can help solve this matter up to a certain degree with more agile vehicles like motorcycles and scooters.

Policymakers are divided in approving motorcycles to be used to ferry people around due to safety concerns (which was why it was banned in 2017). Dego Ride's counter was the fact that there were no fatalities reported during its trial run back in 2016.

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil fully supports services like Dego Ride. He said "If you already have that type of mobility, why not look at ways to legalise and also generate tax? I think if it's done the right way it can help many people."

"It's particularly applicable in these densely populated areas where there will be a high volume of traffic at peak hours for people to travel to transit hubs. So I hope the services by Dego Ride or any type of similar public transit service provider will be welcomed by the government and lawmakers," added Fahmi.


A Tour Inside Volkswagen's Automotive Assembly Plant In Pekan, Pahang

Nine years. That’s how long Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) have established themselves in our country and in all that time, they’ve continued to build closer ties with Malaysians not just in terms of business, but also with their treasured customers. To celebrate this milestone and their ninth anniversary, VGM were kind enough to invite 50 members of the media to go on an exclusive tour of their Automotive Assembly Plant in Pekan, Pahang for the first time ever.
This inaugural visit, dubbed the “Volkswagen Werkstour”, which translates to “Factory Tour” saw members of the media experience first-hand the various stages during the production of the four current locally-assembled Volkswagen cars: the Passat, Jetta, Polo Sedan and Polo Hatchback. Those four models were part of a drive tour that ferried the participants nearly 300 km to Pekan.
Greeting the members of the media upon their arrival at Pekan was Volkswagen Malaysia’s Managing Director Mr. Armin Keller, Marketing Director Ms. Martina Berg, and Volkswagen Pekan Plant Manager Mr. Bruno Torres, alongside Mr. Shamsuddin Mohamed Yusof, CEO of Hicom Automotive Manufacturer Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Officially opened in March 2013, the Volkswagen Malaysia Automotive Assembly Line was established following a partnership signed between Volkswagen and DRB-HICOM Berhad in December 2010 to establish such an operation. And the very first car to roll off the assembly line in March 2013 was none other than the Volkswagen Passat (B7). This was swiftly followed by the Volkswagen Polo Sedan in October 2013, Volkswagen Polo Hatchback in January 2014, and the most recent model to join the locally-assembled line-up in April 2014 was the Volkswagen Jetta.
The RM1.6 billion plant produces more than just cars, it produces talent as well. Of the 589 people employed at Pekan, the large majority of them are local Malaysians who are trained by international staff from Volkswagen to be perfect their knowledge and expertise. Not only that, they are also able to work with state of the art technology to produce cars with the level of quality expected of a Volkswagen.
“The Pekan plant is part of our long term strategy for sustainable growth and expansion in Malaysia. This plant is a key milestone for us, as it enabled us to produce affordable German engineered vehicles for Malaysians. Additionally, we have created highly qualified job opportunities here,” said Keller.
During the tour in the busy plant, members of the media were able to witness the
Laser Welding System
. This unique technology joins the car’s roof to the body sides in one continuous go for a high quality finish and allows for better sound proofing. The plant is also the world’s only automotive assembly line capable of putting together four different models of cars on a single Body Shop line using the exclusive VW Framer equipment.
Quality control is also highly prioritised at the Pekan plant which is why there is a dedicated measuring room that is maintained at a constant cool temperature. Why? The Coordinate Measuring Machine that takes over 4,500 points of measurement across the car body is so sensitive that a change in temperature can affect its reading.
Finally, when the car has been fully assembled and topped up with all its necessary fluids, it is then brought to a test track that simulates the various surfaces, rough and uneven, that the car will meet on its daily travel to ensure that it performs flawlessly before signed off as a ready for sale product.
According to Bruno Torres (Volkswagen Pekan Plant Manager), “Volkswagen is at the forefront of automotive innovation, leading the charter on developing an extensive range of world-class products and models. Here in Malaysia, we set a high benchmark consistent with the Das Auto concept when producing cars locally.”
By the end of the tour, it was pretty impressive to see what goes on behind the scenes during the making of a Volkswagen. Suffice to say, it isn’t just putting on a series of panels but is certainly a complex procedure to meet the Das Auto concept.
Infographic (click to view larger):


Proton To Develop Alto-Based Axia Fighter Or B-segment SUV? MoU Signed With Suzuki

We’re reporting live to you from the
Proton
 Centre of Excellence In Shah Alam, where in attendance sits its chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir, Datuk Mohamed Radzaif, DRB-Hicom’s COO, and
Suzuki
 Motor Corp’s president, Osamu Suzuki – all here for a Memorandum of Understanding & License Agreement between them.
Will it be for a new Proton model?
Yes, quite likely. But we cannot say for sure yet just what will come of the proposed agreement. But our guesstimates and what has been spoken here today leaves us with a few ideas.
On top of the technology sharing between the two companies, it is understood that they will be working together towards the production and development of a “
small Proton compact car
” that will enter the Malaysian market in 2016.
It was also mentioned that this model will be unlike anything Proton has in its range right now, which leaves us to think that this could be a vehicle slated for fight head-on with the Perodua Axia – could it be something based on Suzuki’s exisiting Alto compact car?
Further supporting this notion is the fact that Proton said it has approached Suzuki for its "depth of knowledge and experience with compact vehicles".
However, Tun Dr Mahathir has said that this all-new model is to fill a niche in the market. Then, it could also mean that he may be referring instead to the
Proton Iriz Activ concept
: a compact SUV based on the new Proton Iriz, perhaps? That would be equally fitting of a niche market model in Malaysia, with only the
Great Wall M4
 filling that price and size segment in Malaysia, since the Perodua Kembara of old. And, Proton has repeated in the past that it has many roles for its all-new compact platform to fill.
*Proton Iriz Activ Concept:
An Iriz-based SUV concept
.
While other Memorandum of Understandings in the past may not have come through, Tun Dr Mahathir has mentioned that, “Because I am in charge, I will be seeing this through.”
Proton has long since looked for the backing of a Japanese manufacturer, with Tun Dr Mahathir recently making a speech that essentially boils down to Proton never being able to compete with Perodua, because of their Japanese influences and backing (see video below) – he is believed to be talking about Daihatsu Motor Company’s significant ownership stake in Perodua, and Perodua’s adopting of Daihatsu’s methods.
With Daihatsu’s backing,
Perodua
 is also able to utilise architectures and powertrains designed by the Japanese manufacturer for its vehicles such as the Perodua Myvi and Axia.
Perodua’s coming sedan model
 will also be underpinned by a Daihatsu platform, which Perodua will be responsible for everything else from the ground up.


Lexus Found The Balance Between Tranquility And Excitement In The All-New ES

The
all-new Lexus ES
 is looking to be a car that punches far above its weight when it comes to the luxury segment. It's easily the most popular Lexus vehicle available, especially the generation that is currently on sale, but the next generation is promising to be something quite mature and competitive. One of the most important aspects of a luxury vehicle is refinement, and for Lexus that begins with noise reduction.
A true soundless environment can be a little unnerving and unsettling, which is why the aim was for a car that could be superlatively quiet. A quiet car is one that's relaxing to drive or be a passenger in, and after three years of development, Lexus feels that they have achieved the result that they set out for. The benchmark was their own flagship LS model, which is definitely a tough vehicle to beat considering it usually scores top marks against its rivals.
The task then came to noise and sound elimination, insulation, and absorption - but not in its totality. An attempt to blanket cancel noise in the 1 kHz range - one that's most readily picked up by human ears - resulted in a stifling, nauseating environment that proved incredibly uncomfortable. The task fell upon engineer Hirotaka Tsuru to find the sounds that needed cancelling, and the ones that didn't.
Where wind tunnels are usually used to test aerodynamics, Tsuru used a wind tunnel to refine the components on the outside of the ES that would generate noise. By moving and adjusting the position of these items, he could reduce airflow across them and in turn reduce the noise and vibrations these elements generated. He then focused on ways to reduce noise from entering the car through gaps in the bodywork, which he achieved with sealant and sheet metal. This was all complemented with absorption material on the suspension towers, fenders, undercarriage, and other areas.
But perhaps the most defining characteristic of the all-new Lexus ES, in terms of sound quality, is that it is available with a 3.5-litre V6 engine. The engine is said to give the car its identity, especially the F SPORT model, and the engine note overrides many of the unpleasant noises by introducing something a lot more pleasant. While we don't know if this particular engine is going to be available locally, it is definitely an interesting counter piece to the idea of tranquillity and serenity.


Top 5 Things We Want To Try Out On The New Evoque

The Evoque is one tricked out SUV, but here are the 5 things we are looking forward to the most.

The long wait is over, the Range Rover Evoque has finally arrived in Malaysia, and we can't wait to get our grubby little hands on it. It's been a while since we have been able to call a compact luxury SUV a quintessential vehicle, but the Evoque is precisely that.

It has a sleek style, plenty of safety features, a powerful engine, off-roading prowess and a host of unique tech that is not available on any of its competitors.

To give it a proper welcome to Malaysia, we thought we would talk about the five things we are looking forward to testing out on the new Range Rover Evoque.

1. Now you see me, and now you don't

One of the biggest problems with having a coupe type body shape is that the rear window will always be small.  Due to this, rear visibility was one of the things that people complained about in the previous generation Evoque and to solve this, Land Rover installed a pretty tricked out rearview mirror called the ClearSight Rear View Mirror. The mirror transforms into an HD video screen when engaged. Should rear visibility be compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver can flip a switch on the underside of the mirror, and a camera feed from the top of the car will display what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. The video screen provides a 50-degree field of vision and superior visibility in low light.

2.View from down under

When off-roading, or facing mall parking spaces, the biggest complaint is that you can never really see what is directly underneath the front of the car. To solve this, Land Rover installed some cameras at the front to give you a clear view of what is going on there. Called the 'ClearSight Ground View', this technology is also designed to allow drivers to virtually see through the hood and under the front end of the vehicle by projecting a 180-degree view of the ground onto the vehicle's upper touchscreen. This is useful when navigating through tight parking spaces, high city curbs or tackling rough terrain.

3.Direct boost baby!

Land Rover is pretty proud of their Ingenium engine. The reason for this is because not only is it sturdy and lightweight, but because it also supplies a fast response to throttle demand due to its immediate delivery of boost pressure. Although we haven't had the pleasure of trying it out, it's been reported that the throttle response is crisp and doesn't feel too computerised.

4.Orchestra in the cabin

Yes, we know most cars these days have an okay-ish sound system, but the 11 speaker Meridien sound system in the Range Rover Evoque should give you that bright and full orchestra feeling. Some car companies list the Meridian sound system as an optional extra, so we're glad that the new Range Rover Evoque equips this as standard.

5.Auto Terrain response

We are in 2020, so do we really need to fiddle around with buttons and knobs to adjust the car to the terrain it is tackling? According to Land Rover, no because it has equipped the Evoque with Terrain Response 2. We could go on and explain how it works, but we think it is best that Land Rover show it to you themselves through the miracle of HD video.


All You Need To Know About The Just Unveiled 2022 Golf R

The new 2022 Golf R has been unveiled and it's as impressive as we expected it to be.

After months of rumours, teasing and pictures of it testing around the Nurburgring, the 2022 Golf R has finally be unveiled - confirming that it is the most potent factory-made Golf to date as well as the most technologically advanced.

As expected, the 2022 Golf R packs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 315 bhp and 420 Nm of torque, which represents a 27 bhp and 15 Nm increase compared to the
previous model.

This engine performance helps give the flagship Golf a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 secs and a top track speed of 155 mph.

Also as expected, the 2022 Golf R comes standard with 4Motion all-wheel drive – with a new rear differential. That new rear differential is able to distribute power variably between the axles, giving the new VW extra options in drive mode which include two new subcategories called Special and Drift. The former replicates the ideal tuning chosen for the Nurburgring while the latter makes the car a bit playful enabling it to go sideways.

VW has also stiffened up the overall suspension by 10 per cent as well as lowered it by 20-millimetre compared to the previous version. With more performance comes the need for more stopping power and VW have increased the size of the front rotors to 14.1 x 1.3 inches as opposed to the previous generation's 13.4 x 1.2. An R-specific master cylinder also helps deliver precise braking response and feel.

Visually VW had no intention of turning the new Golf R into a big gawking and shouty hot hatch, and have kept the exterior look as understated as usual. Some might even say that the Golf R looks similar to the
new Golf GTI
, but some extra aggressive styling at certain places has differentiated it.

You can identify it by its subtle R-specific front bumper with integrated splitter and larger air intakes, satin-silver mirror caps, model-specific 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake callipers. Out behind, where it is the most apparent, there's a new rear spoiler and a unique rear bumper fascia with twin exhaust outlets surrounded by a gloss-black diffuser that looks exceptionally mean.

The cabin gets a similarly designed interior kit and layout as the new GTI, headlined through a
10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
, digital virtual instrument cluster, and touch-sensitive controllers on the steering wheel, replacing the old school analogue buttons. There's even a special and unique "R" button on the steering wheel for easy access to the Race drive mode. Typically with any Golf R, blue trim pieces and R logos adorn the dash, steering wheel and seats.

We guess the biggest surprise is that Volkswagen has decided to let people have the option of buying the car with a six-speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox, but which one as an optional extra is unclear and will be market-specific. The US and Canada market Golf R will be equipped with the manual transmission and DSG as an optional extra. Volkswagen Malaysia will most likely spec the car the opposite way when it eventually arrives.

When will it arrive? We can only hope that VW Malaysia introduces the car next year and launch the 2022 Golf R with the new GTI instead of staggering it.


Month and weeks of speculation have finally brought us the tail-end of the Proton X50 reveal but is the hype real? Has Proton shot themselves in the foot for dragging it out like they have? My advise is to forget the Proton X50!

Here are my Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Ignore the Proton X50:

1. You're a conti

I suppose you're what I would call a 'banana' or 'Oreo'. The posh England-speaking Bangsar/ Hartamas/ Mont Kiara dwelling person who only believes in everything Continental. Kudos to you if you've worked hard to get to where you can afford to shop among the more illustrious makes available to us here in Malaysia. That doesn't however, give you a reason to take a dump on everything else, in fact I would like to draw your attention to our latest SUV comparo
here
 - you might find the final results eye-opening. Also while you're at it, learn some Bahasa Malaysia lah - tak susah pun bro!

2. You don't believe in China mali

The Chinese can set up a colony in Mars - grow tofu and still you would be skeptical of their abilities. China ranks only behind the US in terms of millionaires and billionaires and while not a reflection of their technological abilities, they must be doing something right lah kan? The Chinese have given us Alibaba, Tencent, Huawei, Xiaomi and of course Geely. All brands known and used by us Malaysians yet...

Ask yourself if Proton had Volkswagen or the PSA Group as a shareholder, would you be as apprehensive?

In the 1980s Tun M coined the Look East Policy - a policy that was meant for us to learn and emulate the successes of Japan in the fields of academics, technical know-how and labour ethics. In 2020, perhaps it is time for us learn from the Chinese and their brains instead of relying on outdated rhetoric that everything that comes out of China is no good.

3. You don't like value-for-money

Admit it, the
Proton X70
 is the most value-for-money C-segment SUV in our market bar none. We put it through its paces against some of its more illustrious on-paper competitors like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Renault Koleos and Mazda CX-5 - it more than held its ground plus it was the most affordable SUV among the lot. We won't get into the whole Proton gets more favorable tax rates from the government so they are cheaper argument here - we acknowledge they do but I'm also thankful that they've kept prices affordable for the rakyat especially those in the M40 group.

4. You're not looking for a compact SUV

Then my colleague Jim would like to invite you for teh-tarik where the both of you can lament on the state of the automotive industry in 2020 and its penchant for SUV's. Jim calls it the
SUV-Pocalypse
 and while I can to a certain extent agree with him, I'm also a father so I can see the appeal of an SUV especially when you have to strap your kid into a baby seat. Bending down to fit the kid into the car is a literal pain in the back and this is where the SUV ride height is such a joy to have.

5. Like me, you don't have RM85k (agak-agak)

While official prices have not been revealed for the Proton X50, a little birdie has whispered to us (and it seems every other automotive publication) that prices of the Proton X50 should start from RM85k upwards. After dusting my cushions and looking under my bed I'm still short of RM84,954. There's always a bank loan I suppose to pad up the rest. Or I could just be happy with my trusty ol' reliable Peugeot 308 1.6 THP.

If despite all of the above you still want a Proton X50 then I'm afraid you're beyond help. Good luck to you!


New 2015 Ford Focus Review In Adelaide: Beyond Just A Facelift

The Ford Focus is an integral part of the Blue Oval’s lineup. Sold in over 140 markets with the Asia Pacific region recording a total of 2.3 million units sold, the Focus is currently in its third generation with the next one due for an introduction sometime in 2017.
Before that however, Ford has decided to refresh its best-seller for the 2016 model year and you’ve already seen it make its ASEAN debut during the very recent International Indonesian Motor Show 2015 (IIMS 2015).
Boasting a bold new look, new powertrain, and updated technologies, the updated Focus certainly goes beyond its modest “facelift” designation. During our test drive of the Ford Focus in Adelaide, we were introduced to three variants: an entry-level Trend, middle-level Sport, and top-of-the-line Titanium.
However, will all these changes continue to make the Focus one of the top contenders in the C-segment battlefield? Let’s find out.
Powertrain
The highlight change in this new Focus is what lies beneath the hood. Now featuring a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine developing 177hp and 240Nm of torque, the powerplant will be available across the Asia Pacific region, so it is very likely that Malaysia units will be fitted with it when it launches here expectedly in early 2016.
Another major change is the adoption of a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission over the Powershift dual-clutch unit currently used in the Focus sold in Malaysia. According to Mark Rampling, Chief Program Engineer of the Ford Focus for Asia Pacific, the engine downsizing efforts with the EcoBoost engines were found to operate better with a conventional torque converter automatic.
However, the Powershift transmission would still be afford for the 1.6-litre Ti-VCT four-cylinder engine for markets that still demand it. We were also briefed that a six-speed manual transmission is offered for the Australian market, though we never got chance to try it out.
Vehicle Dynamics
The new powertrain is paired to improved vehicle dynamics beginning with the car’s steering which is now aimed to offer a fun, easy, and effortless driving experience. The electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) has been retuned for comfort and reduces steering effort needed. This adjustment is said to lower steering disturbances as less torque is required to steer the wheel and thus, increases the car’s agility.
The vehicle’s suspension sees a change in the rubber compound of the bushings to increase stiffness by 25% and reduce sideways movement, contributing to a more stable ride. Quieter and stronger dampers are also fitted to offer improved ride comfort as and refinement as well.
On the safety side of things, the new Focus gains an industry first Enhanced Transitional Stability (ETS) function that works with the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The system is more proactive than reactive, continuously analysing the car’s steering input and if it anticipates something beyond the ordinary about to happen, the ESP system is readied to react and intervene to bring the car back into control.
Exterior Design
According to Todd Willing, Design Director for Ford Asia Pacific, the new design of the car lends a more mature and sophisticated look.
The most noticeable change starts with a new trapezoidal grille with a honeycomb mesh at the front along with the muscular sculpted hood. There are also slimmer headlights that feature LED daytime running lights as well. However, the main headlights are not of the LED variety nor are they xenons. Instead, halogens serve as the lighting elements. Beneath them are the fog lamps that now follow a more rectangular shape. On the Sport and Titanium variants, a body colour matching lower lip can be found.
Moving to the rear, the facelift sees a thinner looking taillights that are complemented by a redesigned tailgate. Aerodynamic performance is improved courtesy of a sculpted rear spoiler as well.
Differentiating between the Sport and Titanium, the alloy wheels are the biggest indicator with 18-inch ones fitted for the highest spec variant while the Sport receives smaller 17-inchers. Other indicators include the radar sensors located on the rear view mirror housing which are not found on the Sport.
Touching lightly on the entry-level Trend, its front grille gets a “dragon scale-like” mesh instead while the coloured lower lip of the front bumper is replaced with a black-painted one of a different design instead. Smaller alloy wheels at 16 inches and a less conspicuous rear spoiler also distinguish it further.
Interior Design
Similarly, the interior gets some welcomed changes as well utilising far fewer buttons than before, thanks to the new 8-inch Ford SYNC2 multimedia unit, resulting in a “less busy” dashboard than the current model. Other minor changes are the restyled air-conditioning controls and a repositioned handbrake handle, as well as a three-spoke steering wheel, replacing the previous four-spoke.
Stowage space is increased courtesy of a redesigned glove box and expanded capacity in the centre console storage, capable of holding a one litre and 400ml water bottle at the same time. Boot space is commendable as you can tell from the photo and expandable when the rear 60:40 split folding seats are placed down.
Upholstery materials are differing from variant to variant with the Titanium receiving leather seats, the Sport with fabric ones featuring a sporty pattern, while the Trend gets standard fabric seats.
Driver Assistance
Aside from the visual and mechanical changes, the new Focus gets smarter with Active Park Assist 2 that now does perpendicular (or reverse) parking along with parallel ones as before. Speaking of parallel parking, there is now a Park Out Assist that helps you get out of a parallel park spot without the worry of scuffing the edges of your bumper.
Should you need to reverse out of a lot, the Focus now comes with a rear Cross Traffic Alert that senses a car which is about the pass behind you from 40 meters away.
On the move, the Focus comes with an adaptive cruise control function, lane keep assist, and adjustable speed limiter, of which the first two functions are only available on the Titanium variant, as is the parking assistance system.
Active City Stop also gains a bump with it now capable of working at speeds up to 50 km/h compared to 30 km/h before.
What’s It Like To Drive?
Our drive took us away from the city centre and onto the B-roads leading up to the foothills and vineyards on the outskirts. With a mix of bumpy and smooth roads, drizzled generously by the very wet weather whilst we were there, we took the new Ford Focus in Sport trim out for a run.
First up, the new powertrain is a delight to use. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine is a significant step-up over the current 2.0-litre GDI engine and doesn’t feel at all lazy when paired to the new six-speed auto. It may need a short instance to get going but when it does, it’s smooth and responsive. For fuel economy purposes, the powertrain also gains a start stop system which feels seamless in its integration and will temporarily switch off the engine when you come to a stop, regardless of how hard you press on the brakes to get there, unlike a two-press system where the engine is only switched off momentarily when the brakes are pressed a little harder when the vehicle comes to a stop.
There wasn’t a need for me to intervene much with the gear shifting partly because I wasn’t a big fan of the manual override buttons on the gear shifter, but also because the automatic box does a good job of delivering power as and when needed. On the flip side, the Focus can be specified with paddle shifters (yay) depending on the market it is sold in, and we’re hoping very much that SDAC brings it in.
The changes to the suspension resulted in a ride that is firmer than before. On roads that we drove on, the Focus delivered a sporty drive which was also pretty comfortable save for the odd bump on the road. Then again, the Australian roads were a tad bit better in terms of quality (less potholes) than what we have here.
Tackling the twisty sections of road, the retuned steering is not only precise but easier to handle as well, requiring less turns to navigate the hatch.
Overall, the Ford Focus is still a very good handling machine and with its new powertrain and revised handling details, the car is even nicer to drive than before. The firmer ride might not be agreed on by all but it does lend a sportier feel to the car which I welcome.
What About It Being Smarter?
During the drive, Ford also took the effort to schedule a demonstration session to highlight the upgraded Active Park Assist 2 found on the Focus. Swapping our Sport variant for the Titanium, we were introduced to the new semi-automatic reverse parking capabilities of the car. With a Ford test driver at the wheel, it was a matter of approaching a spot, hitting the Park Assist button beside the gear shifter, and when the car senses an appropriate spot, it will signal to the driver to begin the procedure by following the onscreen instructions.
With only the driver controlling the steering and brakes, the car will control the steering of the vehicle as it guides itself into the parking spot. This semi-autonomous technology is also demonstrated with the familiar parallel parking function as well but now features a Park Out Assist function as well that guides the vehicle out of a parallel parking spot, useful if the driver has difficulty in judging the front of the car.
Getting out of a spot by reversing out, the rear Cross Traffic Alert system worked as advertised, signalling the driver via audio cues when a car was approaching from behind even before we could see the car. Finally, we also got to experience Active City Stop which stopped the car on its own as we hurdled towards a barrier at 30 km/h. In the interest of safety due to the rainy conditions, we opted not to test the system out at 50 km/h although it is capable of that.
Final Thoughts
Ford touts the new Focus as a facelift but it is anything but. The new looks are merely a precursor to a whole slew of changes that revitalises the Focus for the upcoming model year. The new powertrain is at least to me, a major step up from the one found in the current model while the handling changes give it a sportier feel than before, at a price.
The updated interior is also well received thanks to a cleaner dashboard layout, which includes the intuitive SYNC2 multimedia unit.
When the new Ford Focus does eventually make its way to Malaysia sometime in early 2016, we expect a sedan bodystyle to join the lineup as well though we never got the chance to drive one in Australia (we did see one though). However, whether the cars will be specified in the manner described remains to be seen.
Competition for the Focus will be in the form of the Mazda 3 Hatchback, Volkswagen Golf, and Honda Civic.


Charging Station Spotted at Porsche Centre – Taycan Launch Around the Corner?

Electrification has been all the rage in the global automotive industry lately, and one of the brands that is right at the forefront of the charge is Porsche.

Earlier this year, the brand announced that a total of 2,000 charging networks will be set up across the globe as part of its electrification strategy, which includes providing the support and infrastructure for its cars, especially the electrified ones like the Porsche Taycan.

And guess what? Out of the 2,000 charging stations, some are already here in Malaysia!

Our recent visit to the Porsche Centre in Sg.Besi turned out to be an eventful one as we actually spotted a
high speed
 charging station set up at the facility, which could only mean one thing – the Porsche Taycan is going to arrive here very, very
soon
.

While Sime Darby Auto Performance had already announced that the Taycan will be launched here this year and that the charging stations will first be available at the Porsche Centre in Ara Damansara, Sg.Besi, as well as Penang, we were not informed when exactly.

But looking at how the facilities have already been set up amidst very little fan fare, it looks like the
Porsche Taycan
 could be launched any time now.

Said to be the car that will show Tesla how electric vehicles (EVs) are supposed to be, the all-electric Porsche Taycan will come with all-wheel drive, driven by a pair of electric motors producing over 600 hp in combined output.

The sprint from
0-100 km/h
 will be achieved in less than 3.5 seconds, while driving range will be in excess of 500 km. In terms of design, it will closely resemble the Porsche Mission E Concept.

It will ride on an all-new platform that places the battery under the floor, and when charged with a suitably equipped fast charger, it can deliver 100 km of driving range with just four minutes of charging. A full charge can be completed in less than 20 minutes.

As you can tell, the Porsche Taycan is one launch we're VERY VERY excited about!


BMW Malaysia Now Charges Monthly Fees To Keep Your Butt & Hands Warm

Something strange is
happening at BMW
. Basically, they’ve started charging customers a monthly fee (subscription) for features their cars already are equipped with. Worse, it has now reached Malaysia and can only get worse.

On the international stage, the Munich automaker has been fielding this subscription-based feature set in other markets to test the waters such as in their home market of Germany, South Korea, and more recently North America where it was rightfully met with vehement backlash.

BMW Malaysia has a paywall to access car features

While most of us relate monthly subscriptions to such services as Netflix
and Spotify
, the concept BMW is implementing more closely parallels that of the dreaded microtransactions (MTX for short)
 in video games
 where a player would need to spend more real-world money to fully experience it.

It’s a dubious practice, to say the least, couched beneath a vague mask of 'flexibility' and 'choice'. It opens the door to so many ill and exploitative practices that seek only to siphon money from your wallet. Death by a thousand cuts.

BMW Malaysia has published a list of features that owners can ‘add’ to their cars under the
‘Digital Services’
 page of their menu (under Find & Buy), which will use the car’s ConnectedDrive system to either enable or disable. It’s a software block to let you access
features the car already has
, using hardware that it already came equipped with from the factory.

For example, heated front seats on your premium German BMW start at
 RM80 per month
,
RM780 for 1 year
,
RM1,230 for 3 years,
 or (BEST VALUE!) a
one-time payment of RM1,750 for ‘Unlimited’ use
. The same is true for a heated steering wheel, which will cost owners
RM50 per month, RM410 for 1 year, RM690 for 3 years, or RM950 for ‘Unlimited’.

Amazing. Barulah is Sheer Driving Pleasure!

The reason we’re singling those two ‘features’ is because the under-seat and steering wheel heating elements are already there, present in the car, but purposely left dorman and inaccessible by BMW until you spread open your wallet a little wider.

It isn’t as if you have to bring your car to your nearest dealer to have some new piece of hardware installed. Again, it's already there. And it's your car, which you've paid for.

More alarming is the fact that the automaker is starting to
withhold important safety features
 from its customers behind a monthly paywall as even High Beam Assistant (Automatic High Beam) is an RM40/month add-on.

By doing so, they’re seemingly willing to let their cars be a little less safe until they get more money out of you. And, once again, most amusing of all, they’re trying to package this as an advantage that serves the buyer under an illusion of flexibility and customer choice.

There's absolutely zero chance that BMWs are going to get any less expensive to buy because of this piecemeal approach. The upfront cost of a BMW will be just as high, or likely higher as time goes on, but you'll get less for your money
unless you pay...and pay....and pay again
.

Suddenly there will be an active community of DIY hackers trying their hardest to jailbreak BMWs. They're not the only ones, though. Tesla has been taking part in this kind of nonsense for years and
Mercedes-Benz seems to
 be following this shady trend as well.

We'll cover more of this in-depth in a subsequent article that'll be focusing more on why in-car feature unlocking is a chilling development and must not be tolerated. If we turn a blind eye and let it persist, it could spell a new dark age of motoring and non-existent car ownership fuelled by corporate greed and spin.


I Can’t Explain Why I Love The 2021 Toyota Mirai, But I’ll Try

Toyota made a driver-centric hydrogen fuel cell four-door coupe, and I’m in love. Yes, it’s true, I cannot really explain why I think the 2020 Mirai is one of the most significant cars to come out in the last 10 years, and it seems only apt that we had to wait so long into this decade to enjoy it - but I’ll try to anyway.

The finished production version was only recently launched in Japan and California with more markets to follow, provided they have some existing or
future production infrastructure
 or network of hydrogen filling stations.

I haven’t driven it yet, unfortunately, but regardless of how that experience might go, I don’t expect it to colour my high opinion of it or my adamance that the world needs more desirable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles out on the roads. Much the same could be said about
the Honda Clarity
 or the first-generation Mirai, but for some reason those cars don’t hold the same emotional sway.

Hydrogen fuel cells as a technology
holds a lot of promise
, so much so that harnessing it to its full potential has the capacity to not only solve the looming fuel crisis but the world’s energy needs too. This is because it eliminates the crucial step of energy storage and distribution into something that resembles the fuel we use today.

Instead of having to deal with the different voltages and wattages and charge waiting times of a battery-powered electric vehicle, a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle lets you simply refill the car with hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, at a filling station
identical to the ones we use today
.

Best of all, that tank is just a tank - albeit one that can be pressurised. It won’t inexplicably lose its holding capacity over time or cost you half the vehicle’s price (or more) to replace or eat up our Earth’s precious sources of non-renewable lithium.

In a few minutes, your tank is full, and the car is now capable of driving for many more hundreds of kilometres. That’s the wonderful simplicity of an FCEV, and with the second-generation Toyota Mirai, this technology now has the beautiful and technically advanced ambassador it always deserved.

When Toyota
revealed the all-new Mirai
 at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, it was hard to believe that the company was being serious. The car was a huge conceptual and design departure from the previous version that could have passed off as their next-generation GR saloon, only coloured blue and more subdued with its more aggressive cues.

Toyota finally recognised that FCEVs desperately needed a PR overhaul, and that their first and boldest assault plan was to be spearheaded by a sleek and sexy all-new car. It keeps the name, sure, but that long bonnet, sloping fastback-style roofline, large alloy wheels, low centre of gravity,  rear-wheel drive layout, and near 50:50 weight distribution are entirely unnecessary if maximal interior space and a compact (i.e efficient) footprint were the only goal.

This new Mirai sits on the TNGA-L platform which happens to also underpin the flagships
Lexus LS luxury saloon
 and
Lexus LC two-door grand tourer
, so there’s no doubt that Toyota wanted its occupants to be well served by the best architecture it has for luxury and driving dynamics. They knew what they were doing.

Untethered by the
previous car’s
 disjointed set of priorities, the company’s fuel cell powertrain now truly has a stage to shine. With the electric traction motor placed at the rear axle, there is some shuffling to distribute the various components. Ironically, despite this new version being a significantly larger car overall, the switch to RWD has meant a hydrogen fuel-cell stack that is lighter and smaller than its predecessor.

In its utilising the stored compressed hydrogen to generate electricity with water vapour as a byproduct, the 2020 Mirai can access an instantaneous 182hp and 300Nm via its single rear electric motor. A new lithium-ion battery stores any excess electricity generated from the hydrogen fuel cell as well as that recouped by the car’s regenerative braking system.

While power is raised, torque is down by 35Nm over the older model. However, thanks to revised gearing and a better weight distribution, this 2020 car is able to put more of that twist onto the road and boasts quicker acceleration as a result. Another upshot of its layout is the doubling of the Mirai’s hydrogen storage reserves, resulting in a claimed 30 percent increase in driving range to beyond 650km.

Still, with 9.2 seconds needed to sprint to 96km/h from rest, its performance isn’t anywhere near a match for the battery-powered Teslas and Porsche Taycans.

This is perhaps the biggest reason why Toyota was hard set on using the most capable architecture available to them so that, even if the Mirai wasn’t competitive on raw speed and acceleration numbers, it would have put its best foot forward with an impressively nimble and athletic handling matched to class-leading refinement and comfort.

Now with this car as its new figurehead, the FCEV has its best chance yet at carving a solid foothold in an automotive landscape edging to more sustainable solutions. Though Toyota and other automakers have been chipping away at the technology, we’ve only scratched the surface of what  this hydrogen fuel cells are capable of delivering.

This is the first car of its kind to bridge the consumer divide and make a compelling case for itself to the average car buyer. The emotional component of the Mirai’s appeal can’t be overstated, but it follows that up with a package that also offers effortless luxury, safety, practicality, fun factor, and zero emissions. If the network of hydrogen filling stations can keep up, the Mirai could change the world. And I still cannot wait to drive one!


If You Had To: Weather Storm Ciara

It seems like our global weather patterns are being thrown into chaos, what with wildfires and floods in Australia just a couple of weeks ago, we now have to face Storm Ciara up in the United Kingdom. This weather formation has terrorized the residents of this extremely large island, with an opening salvo that saw 160 km/h winds picking up anything that wasn’t secured properly, to flooding even right in the middle of the land mass, and blizzards that are now tearing through Scotland.

It’s the worst storm in seven years, with the largest affected area in that same duration. 190 flood warnings and 170 flood alerts have been issued, nearly 200 flights have been cancelled in the space of 48 hours, and public transport and bridge usage have been severely disrupted.

But as is the case with our perverse curiosity, we can’t help but wonder: what car would you pick if you had to weather Storm Ciara? Here are our top three picks.

Ford Ranger

By now, you know there’s probably going to pickup truck on every one of these lists. They’re still the vehicle of choice for going where the going gets tough because they’re capable of taking some pretty extreme forms of punishment without slowing down. Such is the beauty of ladder frame construction and solid live axle construction.

But why the Ford Ranger of all the options on the market? Simple: it has an extremely high wading depth of 800 mm. If you find your path blocked by floodwaters, simply dive in and push through. Anything more than that and you’ll need a snorkel, but the Ranger will get you further without needing to resort to such items.

Pre-1980s Volkswagen Beetle

You’d be surprised why we would pick such an old model, but there’s some beauty in the simplicity. It may not be the quickest thing in the world, but the classic Beetle has a couple of tricks up its sleeve. The cold weather may affect the operation of its carburetted engine, but it’s not something that can’t be fiddled with by an experienced Beetle owner.

The real party piece is the fact that the classic Beetle is designed to be airtight. Yes, that means it can float on flood waters for brief periods of time, giving you a little extra time to failure. Either that or you can break out the oars and paddle your way across whatever’s in your way.

Jeep Wrangler

If you’ve got an appetite for punishment, the Jeep Wrangler lets you do what a pickup does but with the benefit of no body panels. You won’t need to worry about water coming into the cabin when there isn’t much of a cabin to begin with – all you’ll really need to do is don a drysuit to keep yourself warm when you’re up to your proverbial balls in frigid water.

Besides, there’s something oddly beautiful about driving an open top car into a storm. You’re embracing the elements as they come, and as long as you don’t get blown away by a gust of wind, you’ll probably make it to wherever you need to go.