CES 2019- Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Unveiled, Encourages You To Stay Fit

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has just been unveiled at the ongoing 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA.
The emotive compact four-door coupe now resembles the
larger CLS-Class
, and the distinctive head lamp design which features 18 individually controllable LEDs separates it further from
the new A-Class (W177)
.
“With the first CLA we created a totally new segment with a four-door coupe and celebrated a huge success by selling some 750,000 CLA and Shooting Brake,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.
“The new edition of the CLA has been developed further in an intelligent way and is even more emotional and sportier than its predecessor. Coupled with new operating systems, it sets new benchmarks for the entire class,” she added.
Low height matched with a wide, planted stance are necessary for a coupe presence and dimensions of the all-new CLA-Class don’t disappoint.
The width has grown significantly to 1,830 millimetres, over 50 millimetres more than the predecessor. The all-new CLA-Class shares the same wheelbase as the
all-new A-Class sedan
 and hatchback. Frameless doors also continue to be a highlight of the new four-door coupe.
While the overall vehicle is lower by 2 millimetres, occupants at the front will enjoy 17 millimetres more headroom, while the space in rear headroom only increased by 3 millimetres.
Inside, the all-new CLA-Class shares the same interior design as the other new compact A-Class siblings. The
 famed
MBUX
 (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system has been updated with the capability to answer more complex queries- for example, sports results, calculations, general knowledge, as well as eateries matching the specific demand of the driver.
The updated MBUX Interior Assist also features interface through non-contact hand gestures. One great feature that doesn’t even interface with the display screen is the ‘smart’ lighting system.
If a driver reaches over towards the unoccupied front passenger seat in the dark, it will be illuminated automatically.
The new service-based Energizing Coach can even recommend one of the Energizing programmes. The aim is for passengers to feel well and relaxed even during demanding or monotonous journeys.
The vehicle on display features the familiar turbocharged 2-litre engine with the ‘250’ nomenclature. Engine outputs are 225 hp and 350 Nm of torque, transmitted to the wheels via a 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission.
More engine options, as well as an all-wheel drive configuration, will be available once the all-new CLA-Class officially goes on sale.
Mercedes-Benz will offer an option for the adaptive suspension system, allowing drivers the choice between comfort or a more uncompromising sporty setting. The largest tyre and wheel combination available will be 225/40 R19 wrapped over 19-inch wheels.
Advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) from the S-Class will trickle down to the all-new CLA-Class. The new four-door coupe will be able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations.
The all-new CLA-Class will be manufactured at the
 Kecskemét plant in Hungary
, alongside the all-new A-Class, and will be available for sale at key markets from May this year.


New Mini EV charging facility opens in Penang at Gurney Plaza

Auto Bavaria has introduced the first
Mini EV charging facility
 in the northern region located in Penang.

The Mini charging facility is located at Gurney Plaza Penang (sixth floor) and there are three units of the Mini Gen 3 Wallbox chargers available for use and yes, they are open for public use.

These wallbox chargers offer up to 22kW of AC charging for those looking to get your charge on for both fully-electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). There are currently four EV charging stations at the location, and three of them are nicely dressed in the Mini livery. All are open for use from 10am to 10pm daily.

According to Vi Thim Juan, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Bavaria, "In 2022, the Mini Electric accounted for over 30% of the Mini models delivered by Auto Bavaria Penang, demonstrating a growing demand for Electric Vehicles in these parts of Malaysia. The new facilities for charging Mini vehicles at Gurney Plaza aim to support this growing demand for electric vehicles as well as offer more access to public charging in the northern states."

"Gurney Plaza is the ideal location for our charging facility as it is a popular mall strategically located in the heart of Penang, making the location convenient for EV owners to charge their vehicles while they are out and about shopping at the mall," added Vi.


New Toyota After-Sales Centre By Crestmax Auto Opens In Sungai Penchala

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced the official opening of an upgraded Toyota 2S centre (service and spare parts) that is located in Sungai Penchala, Kuala Lumpur.
The new 2S centre, operated by Crestmax Auto, started its operation in early October 2018 with eight service bays.
The location in Sungai Penchala provides more convenience to owners residing in the surrounding areas such as Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Mutiara Damansara, Damansara Perdana, Bandar Utama, and Kota Damansara. Crestmax Auto also have their sales outlet located in TTDI.
While waiting for their Toyota vehicles to be serviced, customers can relax in the lounge which has amenities such as refreshments and free Wi-Fi service.
Crestmax Auto 2S centre is located at PT 8541 Jalan Sungai Penchala, Mukim Batu, 60000 Kuala Lumpur. The 2S centre is located directly behind the Empire City Damansara development. For enquiries, please call 03-7731 7292.


Frankfurt 2015: Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA – A Real-Life Transformer For The Road

We’re reporting to you live from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, where
Mercedes-Benz
 has unleashed an all-new concept model, or real-life Transformer as we’d like to think of it, called the Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile or Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung).
Said to be the forming of “two cars in one,” the Concept IAA is said to be an “aerodynamics world champion” and a four-door coupe with “irresistible design.”
Boasting an extremely slippery body through the wind with a drag-coefficient value of Cd 0.19 (Cd 0.25 in its regular form), the Concept IAA is actually able to ‘transform’ itself between a stylish four-door coupe (Design mode), to an “aerodynamic champion” (Aerodynamic mode) as Mercedes-Benz chooses to call it.
The lower drag coefficient body is a clear step ahead of the current production vehicle benchmark, also a Mercedes-Benz, a variant of the CLA-Class that has a Cd value of 0.22.
It’s a Transformer, really.
Now, car's the flex certain panels at speed aren't new: you've seen how the Ferrari 458's front bumper bits can reshape themselves for better aeros at speed, and rear wings to act giant air brakes aren't new either. But this Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA is quite the different monster.
You can ‘transform’ the car by either manually pressing a button, or automatically upon reaching driving speeds of 80km/h. What happens then? Well, it’s quite impressive, really.
From the regular 'Design' mode that you start with, the transformation to 'Aerodynamic' mode sees eight segments extend at the rear of the car, increasing its overall length by another 390mm. Front flaps in the front bumper extend by 25mm forwards, and 20mm rearwards, improving air flow around the front end and front wheel arches.
The ‘Active Rims’ change their cupping from 55mm to zero, and the lourve in the front bumpers moves 60mm towards the rear to improve the air flow under the vehicle. Like we told you, this is as close as it gets to being a real-life Autobot or Decepticon, for now.
Prof. Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, said,
“Fascinating and technically sophisticated cars form the core of Mercedes-Benz. The 'Concept IAA' applies intelligent innovations to resolve the conflicting aims of functionality and aesthetics and shows that we still have plenty of ideas on how to achieve further improvements in efficiency."
Exterior and Interior Design:
Clearly, this is no normal Mercedes-Benz we’ve seen before. Although, its makers do tell us that the new concept is a continuation, or next step, to the design lines of the S-Class and S-Class Coupe.
Overall, the Concept IAA you see here measures in at slightly smaller dimensions to a short-wheelbase W 222 S-Class (keep in mind that Malaysia gets the long wheelbase version).
The concept here is 5,040mm long in its regular Design mode, but as mentioned, the additional panels extended when the car is transformed to its Aerodynamic mode, allow the car to extend its length to 5,430mm.
It is also 1,995mm wide, and 1,305mm tall – a little bit wider than an S-Class Coupe, but also much lower that one, too. The wheelbase of the Concept IAA measures in the 2,975mm, with the front track set at 1,710mm, whilst the rear track is 1,770mm.
The long bonnet is a clear indication of where you’ll find the engine of this car as well, while the overall exterior look is said to preview things to come for Mercedes-Benz future vehicles, whilst maintaining some of its signature settings like the horizontal lourves with a central star on the front grille.
Inside the car then, and we’re also told that the Concept IAA is yet another look of things and tech to come from Mercedes-Benz future models. A continuation of the current S-Class and S-Class Coupe designs as well, you’ll find lots of high-quality materials here, paired with nothing short of the latest tech from the Benz brand.
One key development is previewed by the Concept IAA’s touch-based operating philosophy where car controls matter. Just like the fully autonomous F 015 Concept, touch and gesture control will be coming to Mercedes-Benz cars in a big way in the future, and here’s a further look of what you can expect.
There’s also a new Optical Finger Navigation (OFN) technology, which has been incorporated to the new two-spoke design steering wheel. The OFN control buttons is a new way for drivers to control the displays and functions on the instrument panel ahead, all the while allowing drivers to maintain eyes on the road, and hands on the wheel.
Mercedes-Benz also explains that the some of the tech developments showcased by the Concept IAA isn’t visible at first glance:
“The study features Car-to-X technology, for example, which enables the study to communicate with other vehicles or other sources of information. This represents a major advance in helping to avoid accidents, as obstacles or events which are not visible to the vehicle itself can be detected - the "Concept IAA" is able to look around the corner, as it were.”
Performance:
As expected, Mercedes-Benz has put forward its latest petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for its Concept IAA, seen here delivering a total system output of 279hp. A top speed of 250km/h has been mentioned, but we haven’t been spared any further details on its performance aspects.
What we do know is that in its regular Design mode, the Concept IAA yields 31km/g of CO2, whilst offering 62km of full electric driving range. In its Aerodynamic mode, these figures are improved to 28g/km of CO2, and a full electric driving range of 66km.
What will it become?
If or not the Concept IAA previews a specific model for the future, we can’t say so surely just yet. Yes, it would be easy to call this a glimpse of the next CLS-Class, or even an all-new S-Class-based model.
Either way, it’s no time to be making any assumptions just yet. It does looks very much like something for the distant future, like the F 015 Luxury In Motion Concept.
Clearly, however, Mercedes-Benz has said that this “visionary concept” does offer a “foretaste of the business saloon of the near future.”


Honda Rolls Out 1,000,000th Vehicle in Indonesia

PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM), the authorised distributor of Honda vehicles in Indonesia celebrated its one millionth unit production milestone in the country at the Karawang factory yesterday.
Having begun local production in Indonesia in February 2003 with the Honda Stream, Honda managed to roll out a million vehicles in just 14 years at the aforementioned factory located in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia.
The Karawang Factory was initially built on an area of 512,500 m2 with an initial investment worth of 700 billion rupiah, with an annual production capacity of 80,000 units. The company then HPM started constructing its second factory on a total building area of 145,760 m2 in 2012 with an investment worth of 3.1 trillion rupiah.
Upon inauguration in January 2014, Honda’s annual production capacity increased from 120,000 units to 200,000 units, comprising seven models – the Mobilio,
BR-V
,
HR-V
, Jazz, Brio RS, Brio Satya, as well as the CR-V.
According to HPM, the Karawang Factory plays an important role in Honda’s global automobile component export worldwide. The export destinations include neighbouring ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, other Asian countries such as India and Pakistan, as well as Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. HPM added that it is also delivering components to Japan.
With all the achievements, Indonesia was ranked as the fourth biggest market for Honda globally, behind only US, China and Japan.
“Indonesia has always been and always will be an important market for Honda. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to doing business in Indonesia and the expansion of automobile production capacities with new factories is a testament to that commitment,” said Seiji Kuraishi, Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Co., Ltd


Transport Ministry Says Child Car Seats To Be Compulsory In 2019

According to Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi, the enforcement of child seats in vehicles will only be implemented by 2019.

The reasoning behind the four year time frame to put the law into effect is because there are certain procedures that must be undertaken before beginning with gaining public feedback within two years and another two years to trial the enforcement, he told reporters from
The News Strait Times
.

This refutes an earlier proposal by the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) to make the use of
child seats in cars compulsory by 2017
.

Aziz added that child seats have become a bigger necessity following a statistic from 2013, where out of 53 road accidents involving children in that year, 13 have died.

Malaysia is a member of the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations (WP29) and as such, should adopt the rules of the United Nations as a quality benchmark for automobiles. In the beginning of 1
st
 January 2015, all car makers are required to adhere to the ISOFIX standard in their vehicles.


Temporary Closure Of 18 Roads Surrounding Dataran Merdeka For National Day Prep Work

Eighteen roads that surround Dataran Merdeka will be temporarily closed from August 25
th
, to Monday August 31
st
 to accommodate Malaysia’s national day preparations and celebrations.
As
The Sun Daily
 reports, city traffic police chief ACP Mohd Nadzri Hussain has issued advisories to the public that the roads will be closed each day for the duration from 6am, and expected to reopen in stages by noon each day.
"Only those on duty on National Day will be allowed to be stationed at Dataran Merdeka through Bulatan Dato Onn - Jalan Gereja and park their vehicles in the underground parking lot. They need to prepare appropriate car stickers to enter Dataran Merdeka," he said.
Jalan Travers/Jalan Damansara (Muzium Negara); Jalan Mahameru/Jalan Damansara (Carcosa); Jalan Mahameru/Jalan Damansara (Muzium Negara ramp);
Bulatan Hishamuddin/Jalan Lembah (Masjid Negara); Jalan Perdana/Jalan Lembah; Jalan Kinabalu/Bulatan Hishamuddin (Dayabumi); Jalan Kinabalu/Jalan Hishamuddin (Susur Bukit Aman);
Jalan Lembah/Jalan Cenderasari; Leboh Pasar Besar/Jalan Hang Kasturi; Leboh Ampang/Jalan Tun Perak; Jalan Dang Wangi/Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman;
Jalan Kuching/Bulatan Dato Onn; Jalan Kinabalu/Bulatan Dato Onn; Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman/Jalan Raja (Dataran Merdeka); Jalan Hishamuddin/Jalan Raja (Dataran Merdeka);
Jalan Parlimen/Bulatan Dato Onn (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur); Jalan Dato Onn/Jalan Raja (Kelab Diraja Selangor) and Jalan Mahkamah Persekutuan.
There will be exceptions to this, however, as VIPs, ambassadors and those with official invitations will be allowed to access the publicly restricted areas during the closures. Additionally, buses will be allowed in certain areas to drop off and fetch participants near Dataran Merdeka, however only allowed to use designated routes. Drivers are required to obtain special permission from traffic officials.
"We will allow the buses to drop off participants at Dataran Merdeka until 7am, but after that participants will have to be dropped off outside the cordoned areas,"
"Forty officers will be on duty at Dataran during rehearsals and more than 70 officers will be working on National Day celebrations. Stern action will be taken, including issuing summonses, against individuals who park at the cordoned areas and obstruct traffic," he added.


Ford Launches Ranger Splash As A Lazada Exclusive, But It’s Black?

The Ford Ranger Splash is one of those models that holds a dear place in our heart. The bright yellow pickup was an icon among off-road enthusiasts and a budding crowd of lifestyle-oriented pickup truck owners – and Ford has brought it back in partnership with Lazada for their annual 11.11 Shopping Festival in November.

There’s only one problem – it’s not yellow in colour anymore. This new Ranger Splash is mostly black, and will be limited to just 19 units – all sold exclusively on Lazada’s eCommerce platform at a price of RM 138,888. As is the case with cars previously sold on Lazada, the way it works is that you pay a booking fee of RM 1,389, or 1%, on Lazada during the sale in order to claim the car.

From there, a Ford representative will contact you to complete the purchase of the Ranger Splash at your preferred Ford showroom. If you’re quick and among the first 11 to put your booking fees down, you will also receive an RM 500 Petronas gift card if you successfully purchase the car outright. If you’re especially itchy you can use Lazada’s Chup Dulu function to put a small booking fee of just RM 139 from the 28th of October to the 10th of November, and pay the balance on 11.11 itself.

This particular special edition model starts off as a Ranger XLT+, which means it’s powered by a 2.0-litre single turbo diesel, mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission that offers both 4x2 and 4x4 driving capability. What distinguishes the Splash from the XLT+ is its matte black front kangaroo bar, special front grille, side mirror cover, rear bumper, sport bars, alloy wheels and fender flares, as well as a built-in toll reader, 360-degree Around View Monitor Camera, and Ranger Splash decals in a fluorescent yellow along the sides.

To check out the model for yourself, you need only come to Ford Petaling Jaya 2 as the only location the pickup truck will be displayed is within the Sime Darby Auto ConneXion showroom. For those who aren’t familiar with the XLT+ variant, it comes loaded with features like an Easy Lift Tailgate, keyless entry and start, LED daytime running lights and HID headlights, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen display that operates on SYNC 3 for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.


Transport Minister: Drivers May Have To Pay 'Congestion Charge' To Enter KL

Driving into the city centre won’t just cost you petrol anymore as the government is looking into imposing a ‘congestion charge’, and this will, of course, start with Kuala Lumpur.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said this congestion charge is intended to be implemented alongside the completion of the
Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 (MRT3) project
, itself scheduled to enter service around 2030.

The minister cited other major capital cities as examples of dense urban areas that have imposed such congestion charges, which levies a fee to drive into a certain location depending on the time of day and or, well, level of congestion. He probably means Singapore which was the first city to implement
electronic road toll collection
.

“Once it is completed in 2030, we will look back at the fee structure for vehicles entering the city,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. “When we have a completed public transport network system, then it is time to look at this particular component. This is the correct trend (to introduce the fee), not only for entering vehicles but in terms of environmental protection too.”

In theory, this will encourage more people to enter the city via public transportation or other means, hence the coinciding completion window of the MRT3 line, that will not add to the traffic woes and air pollution that result from having a gridlock of too many vehicles, especially at peak travel hours such as the morning, mid-day, and evening.

That being said, it would mean an additional source of direct revenue for the government taken out of the pockets of everyday motorists.

This is where
a multi-lane free flow toll system
 such as the one portended by the much-maligned RFID system comes into play where a gantry could be set up at major roads leading into central KL.

Drivers will then be charged as they pass below it just as they would if they would a toll booth in the present day. However, we wouldn’t be paying highway concessionaires since these are roads that have existed for decades. Although, this still leaves the possibility of many drivers
intentionally dodging
 the major routes into KL.

Should such a congestion charge really be in the city’s future, a GPS-based toll charge system will have to be implemented to ensure every car is charged an equal amount regardless of how they got there. That’s another can of worms.

As for how much such a congestion charge could cost the Rakyat, that’s a mystery. But for a little reference, London charges its drivers £15 daily (RM82) if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone from 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. Sounds fun.


PUSPAKOM Offers 5,000 Free Vehicle Safety Inspections This Raya Season

From the 6
th
 (next Monday) to the 15
th
 of July this Hari Raya season, PUSPAKOM will be offering 5,000 vehicle safety inspections throughout the nation.
Its CEO, Mohammed Shukor Ismail, said, “Unchecked vehicles that have been left unsafe to drive are amongst the many causes for accidents during the season, and we hope private vehicle owners will jump at this opportunity to make sure their vehicles are safe to the long distance travel (Balik Kampung) to be with their families.
“I hope that through this campaign, PUSPAKOM can also raise lots of awareness towards the importance of making sure your vehicles are safe for the road, and also through this, we help reduce the accident rate this Raya season.
The vehicle inspection offered for free is a 25-point full vehicle check, to which drivers may call in to their nearest PUSPAKOM branch in advance to book their appointments.
For more information, see the inspection schedule provided below, or call PUSPAKOM direction at 1-800-88-6927.
Operational hours:
All branches (excluding Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Johor)
Monday to Saturday: 8am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Johor
Sunday to Thursday: 8am to 5:30pm
Saturday: 8am to 5pm (only limited branches)
PUSPAKOM also wishes to make known that its Shah Alam branch will only serve heavy commercial vehicles (BDM 6,000kg or more).


Skim Kereta Pertama Untuk Graduan – Perangkap Belia Untuk Muflis?

Skim graduan adalah satu kemudahan yang diberikan oleh bank kepada
graduan
 untuk membeli kereta pertama, namun adakah skim ini satu perangkap yang memudahkan seseorang
belia
 untuk muflis?

Tidak dinafikan, skim graduan ini sudah banyak membantu para graduan yang baru mula bekerja untuk memiliki kenderaan sendiri. Tetapi jika para graduan tersalah pilih kereta kerana mementingkan gaya, pilihan tersebut boleh menjerat mereka di kemudian hari.

Kenali Skim Graduan

Skim graduan ini ditubuhkan untuk memberi peluang kepada graduan baharu memiliki kereta pertama. Berbeza dengan
pinjaman biasa
, skim ini tidak memerlukan penjamin atau guarantor. Berdasarkan pencarian Carlist.my, berikut adalah perbezaan lain antara skim graduan dan pinjaman biasa:

Pinjaman biasa memerlukan pemohon memiliki sekurang-kurangnya satu komitmen hutang contohnya kredit kad untuk bank melihat trend pembayaran anda. Skim ini tidak memerlukan apa-apa komitmen. (bergantung pada bank)

Pinjaman biasa memerlukan slip gaji 3 bulan, tetapi skim ini tidak memerlukan slip gaji bagi mereka yang baru berkerja tidak sampai sebulan.

Pinjaman biasa memerlukan anda telah berkerja di syarikat anda sekurang-kurangnya 6 bulan. Skim ini tidak perlu di mana graduan yang baru berkerja sehari sudah boleh memohon.

Skim ini pinjaman adalah 100%. Tiada wang pendahuluan/deposit diperlukan.

Syarat Permohonan

Setiap bank mempunyai syarat-syarat yang berbeza. Tetapi secara umumnya, jika anda berumur 20 hingga 30 tahun dan bekerja kurang daripada setahun, anda sudah layak memohon skim graduan. Berdasarkan laporan relevan, berikut merupakan syarat-syarat lain untuk memohon skim graduan:

Anda perlu sekurang-kurangnya tamat pelajar pada peringkat diploma daripada pusat pengajian tinggi tempatan dan luar negara yang diperakui. Pastikan anda sudah tamat pengajian dengan rasmi supaya fakulti atau pihak universiti boleh mengeluarkan surat tamat pengajian.

Tidak pernah memiliki kereta sendiri. Jika sebelum ini sudah pernah memiliki kereta sendiri, anda tidak layak untuk memohon skim graduan baharu yang ditawarkan oleh mana-mana bank.

Mempunyai pendapatan sekurang-kurangnya RM1,800 ke atas.

Tidak mempunyai masalah tunggakan Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN). Sekiranya masih mempunyai tunggakan PTPTN, langsaikan segala tunggakan baru layak untuk memohon skim graduan baharu.

Kesilapan Biasa Dalam Membeli Kereta Pertama

Baru-baru ini Carlist.my telah dihubungi seseorang yang bertanyakan di antara
Toyota Yaris
 dengan
Honda City Hatchback
, yang mana satu lebih sesuai untuk mereka yang bergaji RM2,500. Walaupun terkejut kerana
Perodua Axia
 langsung tidak menjadi pilihannya. namun kami faham bahawa skim graduan telah menjadi antara sebab mengapa golongan ini berasa tidak mustahil untuk bergaya pada usia muda.

Mana taknya, bayaran deposit serta guarantor pun tidak diperlukan. Yang penting cuma perlu bayar sahaja. Walau bagaimanapun, bagi mereka yang tidak tahu, bila tiada wang pendahuluan, secara automatiknya bayaran bulanan dan
interest
 bank juga akan jadi lebih tinggi.

Mungkin di usia muda ketika menetap dengan ibu bapa, graduan ini masih mampu untuk membayar sehingga RM1,000 untuk pembiayaan bulanan kereta, namun apabila mahu membina keluarga atau membeli rumah, kesesakannya akan terasa.

Selain itu, bayaran bulanan yang tinggi telah membuatkan graduan kehilangan kemampuan menyimpan. Bukan sahaja menyimpan untuk membeli rumah atau untuk membiayai perkahwinan, malah sesetengah daripada mereka juga menghadapi masalah menyediakan simpanan kecemasan 3 bulan gaji oleh kerana komitmen yang tinggi.

Berdasarkan maklumat Jabatan Insolvensi Malaysia, jumlah belia muflis pada 2020 sehingga Jun 2021 adalah 10,137 orang. Menurut Timbalan Menteri Belia dan Sukan Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, walaupun pinjaman peribadi menjadi punca utama belia muflis, namun pinjaman kenderaan juga menjadi salah satu punca belia muflis di negara ini.

Tips Beli Kereta Pertama

Proses beli kereta memerlukan pengetahuan dan tips yang betul bagi mengelakkan graduan tertipu atau terbeban dengan komitmen bulanan yang tinggi pada masa akan datang. Berikut merupakan tips membeli kereta pertama:

Bezakan Keperluan Atau Kehendak

Kenapa anda perlukan kereta itu? Adakah ia benar-benar satu keperluan atau hanya kehendak? Ini merupakan perkara paling penting yang perlu ditentukan sebelum rancangan membeli kereta itu diteruskan. Apa pun alasannya, pastikan anda pertimbangkan kos pemilikan keseluruhan seperti bayaran bulanan, kos penyelenggaraan, insurans kereta, harga tol dan petrol, kadar susut nilai dan lain-lain.

Cantikkan Skor Kredit

Skor kredit akan mempengaruhi kadar faedah pinjaman kereta di mana skor kredit yang baik membolehkan anda mendapatkan kadar faedah yang lebih kompetitif. Biasanya, permohonan pinjaman kereta akan ditolak jika skor kredit CCRIS dan CTOS pemohon berada pada tahap yang lemah, kebiasaanya di antara 300 hingga 651 mengikut CTOS.

Skor kredit yang buruk bukan sahaja menjejaskan peluang anda untuk mendapatkan pinjaman, malah boleh menyebabkan permohonan kredit anda ditolak dan terpaksa membayar kadar faedah pinjaman yang lebih tinggi.

Cara cantikkan skor kredit:

Kemas kini maklumat peribadi anda

Langsaikan hutang sedia ada dengan segera

Bayar bil anda secara konsisten, tepat pada masa

Bina sejarah kredit yang baik dengan membayar balik mengikut jadual

Kereta Idaman Tak Patut Jadi Kereta Pertama

Jika anda bukan anak orang kaya, kereta idaman anda tak patut jadi kereta pertama anda. Walaupun ia bukan satu kesalahan, namun ia tidak sepatutnya menjadi keutamaan. Bagi mereka yang berjiwa kelajuan dan mahukan kereta berprestasi tinggi, ia tidak sesuai untuk kegunaan harian kerana ia mungkin menelan belanja yang tinggi untuk penyelenggaraan dan kos petrol.

Kesimpulan

Mengikut trend pembelian di Malaysia, pembelian kereta biasanya menjadi pembelian kedua terbesar rakyat Malaysia selepas rumah. Diharapkan para graduan tidak tersilap langkah dalam memanfaatkan skim graduan yang ditawarkan oleh bank ini. Skim ini memudahkan graduan, namun pada masa yang sama juga boleh menjeratkan.

Paling penting untuk para graduan tahu bahawa niat asal bank adalah untuk membuat keuntungan. Hanya kerana permohonan anda untuk memiliki sebuah Honda baharu boleh diluluskan, tak bererti anda patut. Sebelum membeli apa-apa kereta. ukurlah baju di badan sendiri.


Time To Change That Wallpaper: 2015 Geneva Motor Show Edition

Now that the dust has settled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, we take a look back at some of the most exciting and exotic machinery that have made their debuts and will be put into production. Each one of these pieces of machinery has a certain appeal about them be it their unique and attractive looks or impressive engineering details and we feel they should be put on display.
And the best way to have them on display? By placing them right on your very desktop PC or laptop of course! So we’ve picked out a few wallpapers to adorn your screens with and here they are in no particular order (click to expand):
*All wallpapers are at 1920x1080 resolution
Koenigsegg Agera RS
Koenigsegg Regera
Lamborghini

Aventador

LP750-4 Superveloce
Honda

Civic

Type R
Porsche

911

GT3 RS
Honda NSX
Ferrari

488 GTB
Audi R8 V10


Renault's New D-Segment Sedan To Be Called The Talisman

Renault
 have revealed the name of its new D-segment sedan – Talisman which according to the brand, symbolises their “style and personality” in all the markets where they are sold.
The new model serves as the spiritual successor to the Laguna and will look to compete with the
Volkswagen

Passat
,
Mazda
 6,
Ford Mondeo
,
Honda Accord
,
Toyota Camry
, and
Peugeot 508
, among others.
If the Laguna name sounds familiar, that’s because in 2010, the coupé version of the model was sold in Malaysia. However, the Laguna name is more well-known in Europe while in Australia, it is referred to as the Latitude. The new ‘Talisman’ name isn’t new either because it has been used for a while in Asian markets where in China, the Renault-Samsung partnership resulted in the production of the Renault Samsung SM7 (or Talisman).
The mood film reveals little of the new Talisman, providing glimpses into some of the features of the car. From what we can see, there are LED headlamps and taillights, a heads-up display, and funky looking rims.
Renault will provide more details on the Talisman’s design and features which promises to deliver “intense driving enjoyment founded on a genuinely sensorial experience” on 6 July, 2015.


Best Petrolhead Valentine's Day Pick-Up-Lines

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

We hope y'all have a great day and manage to spend it with the one you love or the one that you will love.

Now, if you have a partner or a potential partner who is a petrol head and the language needs to be 'petrolheady' oh boy do we have some lines for you courtesy of gotlines.com.

Here are some for you to try out, who knows, you might just be able to blow off your partner's Apex seals.

Is your battery dead? Cause I’d love to jump you.

If you were a car door, I would slam you all night!

If I was a car, I'd need some coolant, because you've got my engine overheating.

I'd drive a million miles for one of your smiles.

Do you believe in love at first site or should I drive by again?

I've got a bed in the back of my truck, seems there's too much room for one...

Last but not least from the team here at Carlist, we wish you all miles of pleasure...

If you have some other good pick up lines, share it with everyone by typing it down at the comments section


How To Visually Check Whether Your Car Needs An Oil Change?

How to know when your car is due for an oil change especially given the fact that our cars have not moved much at all in the past 18 months? Is there a visual inspection we can conduct on our car's engine oil?

If you have a car, you need to know when to change its engine oil, as it is an essential part of vehicle maintenance practice that ensures your car is always in good condition.

But still, it can't hurt to have another method of finding out if it's time to
change your engine oil
. If like us your car has not moved much at all in the last 18 months, you're probably asking yourself if you should follow the service intervals at all? Or maybe you're in a bit of a tight spot financially and you're wondering if you could stretch your service interval a bit longer.

First let's bear in mind that the lack of engine oil maintenance will cause unnecessary wear to the engine, eventually leading it to break down. When this happens, you will need to spend a lot more money on repairs.

So, in this article, we will explain to you how to visually inspect the engine oil so that you know when it is time to
change
 it and other signs that show it is time for an oil change.

Image credit: gtautomotive.com

1. Dark, Dirty Oil

New and clean engine oil is actually golden brown in colour and translucent like honey. So if it changes to a desaturated and darker colour, this is a sign that it is no longer new and could do with a change.

With time, engine oil becomes filled with particles collected from the engine and turns darker. Unfortunately, it's not apparent when this begins to happen, so it's best to check your engine oil at least once a month to know when it is due for a change.

Companies like AMSOIL say that the only surefire way to
determine
 if the oil has reached the end of its service life is to perform oil analysis, as discolouration does not necessarily mean that it is bad, but you can usually tell when the oil is beyond its efficiency as it will be completely black-brown in colour. Plus, who has an oil analysis machine at home?

Here's how to check your car's engine oil:

Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a lint-free cloth.

Put it back into its hole and take it out again and check the colour as well as oil level.

If the oil colour is darker and murky, this is a clear indicator that you need an engine oil change.

If the engine oil seems golden brown in colour, you are fine, but if the engine oil level is below the low-level indicator, oil should be added to prevent damage to engine components.

For newer cars that do not have a dipstick, these telltale signs below should indicate when it is time to change your engine oil. Yes, you can leave it to your car's ECU to prompt you to do so, but sometimes, it's best to know the signs that your car needs an oil change.

2. The engine is louder than usual

If your car's engine sounds louder than usual, this may be a sign that your engine oil is not up to spec. Also, it may indicate that your engine oil is depleted or dirty.

This will cause the metal components to rub and can cause severe damage. So it's best to check/change the engine oil as soon as possible.

3. Bad fuel economy

If you find that you have to refuel your car more often than usual, this may indicate that it is time for you to change your engine oil.

This happens because your engine oil's viscosity level is no longer suitable as it is old and dirty. Not only will it get you lousy fuel economy, but it can also cause damage to your car's engine as it has to work harder than before.

4. Engine oil service notice comes on

This is probably the clearest indicator that it is time for you to change your engine oil. A notice will usually pop up on your meter cluster, which is generally prompted by a
service interval
schedule set by the factory.

As we said before, an engine oil change is a must if you wish to keep your car in good condition so it's best to keep on top of it. For newer cars, you can always just follow the recommended intervals set out by the manufacturer and for older cars, it's best to do it every six months or 10,000km (whichever comes first).


2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+ Launched In Malaysia. RM1,118,888 For 612HP Super Saloon

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s range of fast AMG models has just been expanded with the introduction of the E 63 S 4Matic+, specifically the refreshed (or facelifted) version of the car for the 2021 model year.

Like the super saloon it supplants in the line-up, it’s based
on the W213 E-Class facelift
, but has now been updated with styling changes, and an optimised equipment list, and a price tag of RM1,118,888 on-the-road without insurance with includes 10% SST.

This does indicate that, despite its Malaysian launch in 2021, deliveries of these fully imported Mercedes-AMG’s are only expected to be carried out in 2022 when the sales tax exemption period has expired - unless, of course, the government chooses to extend it yet again beyond the
current December 31st, 2021 deadline
.

Over the pre-facelift car, this E 63 S 4Matic+ receives the much more aggressive Panamericana grille up front flanked by a very subtly tweaked headlamp design and slimmer tail lights to match the most recent non-AMG E-Classes that arrived in late July. The E 63 S also gains the AMG Night Package as standard, giving gloss black accents to certain exterior elements such as the side mirror caps, window frames, and bumpers.

Its 20-inch alloys are also of a different design with twin 5-spokes, and hiding behind them are 390mm front brake discs up front and 360mm discs at the rear, all accented with red callipers. The AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I has also been added to the list of standard fitments, from which the E 63 S receives a carbon front splitter, rear apron strip, and fender trim made from the lightweight material.

Mercedes-AMG has seemingly left the
M178 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine
 untouched with this 2021 revision, which produces identical peak figures of 612PS and 850Nm as its 2017 forebear. Armed with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission and the AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, the 0-100km/h sprint is dealt with in just 3.4 seconds while top speed is 300km/h.

To ensure the new E 63 S rides as serenely as a Mercedes-Benz should despite its performance credentials, each car is fitted with the AMG Ride Control+ multi-chamber air suspension system, ADS+ adaptive dampers, and speed-sensitive steering for a highly engaging but customisable driving experience through AMG Dynamic Select.

With the system set to RACE, there’s even an integrated Drift Mode that’s activated through the shift paddles when the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is manually disabled, allowing the car to decouple the front wheels and lock the electronic rear differential, effectively becoming a rear-drive tyre shredder.

Additionally, each E 63 S gets Mercedes-Benz’s MULTIBEAM LED headlights, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, 360-degree camera, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, Driving Assistance Package which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control (though Mercedes-Benz calls it Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC…..)

Inside, even when hooning around, the E 63 S’ cabin remains a space of luxury, craftsmanship, and refinement. Like the regular E-Class, it now
adopts MBUX with its
 expansive twin 12.3-inch displays that integrate infotainment and a fully digital instrument cluster.  Of course, there’s built-in LTE connectivity for Mercedes me connected car services, Qi wireless smartphone charging, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The AMG Performance Steering Wheel is also standard fitment along with Nappa leather upholstery with Dinamica microsuede, powered front sport bucket seats, a panoramic sliding roof, Nappa leather dashboard trim, and ambient interior lighting.


AirAsia Bakal Lancar e-Hailing Guna Alphard Dan Vellfire

Terdahulu, Ketua e-dagang bagi AirAsia Super App, Lim Ben-Jie berkata struktur perkhidmatan e-hailing bakal diterokai oleh AirAsia dan ia sedang diperkemaskan sebelum dilancarkan tidak lama lagi. Menariknya, syarikat perkhidmatan
e-hailing
 yang bakal beroperasi itu bakal menggunakan kereta
MPV
 mewah!

Menerusi satu hantaran di media sosial milik Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AirAsia Group,
Tony Fernandes
, beliau telah mendedahkan barisan awal kereta yang bakal digunakan bagi perkhidmatan e-hailing tersebut yang bakal beroperasi kelak. Menerusi gambar terbabit, sebanyak 10 kereta MPV yang terdiri daripada
Toyota Vellfire dan Alphard.

Melalui hantaran tersebut, kita boleh putuskan bahawa kesemua kenderaan MPV mewah ini bakal digunakan oleh AirAsia sebagai kenderaan untuk menghantar penumpang seperti
Grab
, MyCar mahupun Uber.

Tetapi menurut Fernandes, ianya merupakan sesuatu yang baru dan sedikit berlainan jika nak dibandingkan dengan syarikat e-hailing lain berdasarkan budaya yang berbeza, kabin yang berbeza dan macam-macam lagi.

Bagi Fernandes, AirAsia sentiasa merupakan sebuah syarikat penghantar. Sebelum ini, AirAsia bertindak menghantar penumpang ke serata dunia menggunakan kapal terbang. Namun ekoran wabak COVID-19 yang masih tersebar luas telah memaksa AirAsia untuk mencuba sesuatu yang baru.

Kini, AirAsia menjalankan khidmat menghantar makanan, pakej, produk fintech serta juga pembelajaran atas talian bagi meneruskan kelangsungan perniagaan. Kalau sebelum ini AirAsia bergerak di udara, kini ia bakal bergerak di atas jalan pula. Meskipun laluannya kini berbeza, namun motifnya tetap sama iaitu menghantar penumpang.

Persoalannya, adakah syarikat e-hailing milik AirAsia yang bakal menggunakan kenderaan mewah ini turut bakal hadir dengan layanan istimewa daripada pramugara atau pramugari seperti seolah-olah berada di dalam sebuah kapal terbang? Walau bagaimanapun, segala perincian lanjut tentang perkara ini masih belum didedahkan pada waktu ini.

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
Auto News
.

Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at
Carlist.my.

Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at
CarlistBid.my
.

Get your latest
new car promotion
 here also.


Updated Malaysia Price List After Sales Tax discount

We compile the revised pricing from all car manufacturers in one location for your consumption.

The reduced car pricing from manufacturers based on the government's PENJANA short term economic recovery plan is starting to roll out now, and to make life easier for those who would like to see what the price differences are, we've compiled them all together in one place.

On the 5th of June 2020, the government announced that sales tax would be waived for all new CKD cars until the end of the year. Although not as significant as CKD cars, CBU cars will also enjoy a tax break incentive and see their sales tax cut down to 5 percent.

Although it doesn't sound much at first, the list down below shows that it has shaved quite a sum off the original prices. If you're also wondering why there are no pickups on this list it is because they are classified as commercial vehicles and do not qualify for the sales tax exemption.

BMW

Volvo

Honda

Volkswagen

Toyota

Lexus

Mazda

Mercedes Benz

MINI

Renault

Perodua

Mitsubishi

Proton

KIA

Citroen & DS

Nissan

Peugeot

Audi

Porsche


Falken ZIEX ZE310R ECORUN - The Everyday Tyre For the Everyday Driver

With the ZIEX ZE310R Ecorun tyres, Falken set out to bridge the gap between their Ultra High Performance (UHP) offering, the acclaimed
AZENIS FK510
, with more versatile attributes to meet the needs of everyday drivers.

Armed with the resources of a Top 5 global tyre manufacturer, Japanese-based parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries spent years engineering and testing the bespoke compounds and unique tread patterns that would come to be featured on the ZIEX ZE310R Ecorun, which can be seen as a ‘baby’ version of the aforementioned UHP flagship, the FK510.

Without a doubt, the tyres on your car are one of the most important parts of any driving equation, yet so often overlooked. Some people are of the mind that “as long as it isn’t totally worn down and not punctured, why worry about it?”

However, even when someone does take the time to consider what tyre is being put on their vehicle, it’s easy to get sucked into purchasing a set that isn’t the right fit for your car or driving style. Like most things in the automotive space, tyres come with their own set of trade-offs.

Typically, you might be dispensing with ride quality and low noise when fitting a high-performance tyre, gaining improved grip and steering response. Conversely, these attributes are less of a priority in comfort or touring-oriented tyres, which will yield a much calmer drive but might be out of its depth if driven aggressively.

The Falken ZIEX ZE310R Ecorun intends to merge the two ends of that spectrum, offering outstanding levels of grip in both wet and dry conditions and confident steering feel for quick direction changes while also delivering on long wear life and premium levels of comfort and refinement.

It is through these qualities that the new ZE310R proves itself as an ideal choice to contend with Malaysia’s challenging roads and weather conditions, ensuring you remain comfortably in control of your car at all times.

At a quick glance, the ZE310R Ecorun’s overall design bears an obvious relation to the AZENIS FK510, Falken’s UHP flagship tyre from which it also derives its name and plenty of performance-optimised innovations.

Like its bigger brother, ZIEX ZE310R Ecorun has won international acclaim from sites such as Autobild and Auto Motor und Sport. The ZIEX ZE310R also scored high marks in multiple high profile independent tyre performance group tests with experts praising its dry handling and wet weather ability. The tyre features multiple main grooves to quickly and effectively evacuate water and maintain a wide contact patch with the road surface even in very rainy weather.

There are a total of 3 grooves for tyres under 195mm width to maximise profile stiffness and tyre footprint while tyres above 205mm width receive 4 channels to enhance straight-line performance in the wet.

Speaking of measurements, there are 63 different sizes for the ZIEX ZE310R Ecorun that fit wheels between 15 and 18-inches in diameter, but at the moment local distributors have 37 sizes. They plan to bring the full selection of sizing in based on market demands. These include 40-65 series profiles with speed classes of H, V, and W (210km/h - 270km/h).

To meet these diverse objectives, Sumitomo Rubber’s top engineers used advanced 4D Nano Design technology to develop a softer compound for the ZE310R that would yield UHP-like levels of traction and stability but with the long wear life and lower rolling resistance qualities typical of a harder compound material.

Another advance is its familiar Adaptive Constant Pressure (ACP) tread design. This works in conjunction with Falken’s proprietary Tension Control Technology and new multi-function SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) to absorb shock while providing enhanced handling capability via the rigid outside shoulder tread and bead area of the sidewall.

This pattern was specifically designed to quickly and intelligently adapt to different surface conditions and driving styles to maximise the surface area which is in contact with the road, expanding and contracting the compound spread for greater adhesion.

The result is high levels of directional stability, lower noise levels, and most importantly, an even level of wear throughout the life of the tyre.

No matter which car you own, the ZIEX ZE310R Ecorun is able to provide drivers with the long-lasting comfort, fuel efficiency, and refinement they need on a daily basis, but is always more than ready to reveal its impressive levels of traction, confident wet performance, and high-speed stability when you need it the most.

For Retail Branches, contact:

Glenmarie Tyre Mart: Hwa
https://wasapp.me/+60176691219

Cheras Tyre Mart: James
https://wasapp.me/+60197317988

FB:

Falken Malaysia

IG:
Falken Malaysia


Geneva 2017: SsangYong Teases XAVL 7-Seater Concept

With only two weeks remaining before the 2017 Geneva Motor Show opens its doors to guests and enthusiasts from all over the world, participating manufacturers are getting busy already, teasing us with some of the cars that will be revealed.
One of them is none other than SsangYong, which released a few sketches of the XAVL (Exciting Authentic Vehicle Long) concept ahead of its reveal at the show next month.
According to the company, the concept is actually based on the XAV Concept that was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015. Ssangyong added that the XAVL also takes inspiration from the classic Korando of the 1990s.
Judging by the teaser images released, the XAVL, which basically previews how the brand’s SUVs will look like in the future, boasts an aggressive design with angular lines.
The overall look is carried on into the car as well, where the cabin has a minimalist layout with futuristic lines. From what we can see, an infotainment system is taking center stage, with a rotary dial sitting on the center console for gearshift usage, complemented by a few jet-styled controls.
Additionally, SsangYong says that the new XAVL also carries a suite of safety aids for pedestrians, driver and passengers, and takes power from "both petrol and new clean-burning diesel engines".
While this latest concept from the Korean company is highly likely to make it into production, we expect it to be positioned between the Korando and Rexton.


Honda Begins Testing Bi-Directional Charging Technology At Its Plant In Germany

Honda has installed an advanced bi-directional charging technology at its European R&D site in Offenbach, Germany in an effort to store energy more efficiently across the facility.
The installation follows the debut of the domestic Honda Power Manager Concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, which takes power from the grid and return stored energy from electric vehicle (EV) batteries via ‘Vehicle-to-Grid’ or ‘V2G’ technology.
This latest trial installation at Honda’s Offenbach site applies the same principles, but on a larger scale.
How the bi-directional energy transfer works is that electricity (drawn from the grid or generated by solar panels) is used to charge EVs plugged in to the system, and while the EV is plugged in, the energy held in its battery can also be transferred back to help stabilize the grid at times of short or surplus supply.
With the help of the bi-directional technology, Honda aims to optimize energy management at its European R&D campus, maximizing the use of renewable solar power in particular.
According to Honda, the new charging system is a test bed for hardware that will be available to private households in the future.
The state-of-the-art 940V facility, which is compatible with various types of connectors, can deliver up to 150kW of energy, enabling as many as four vehicles to be charged simultaneously.
Since its installation in June, the EV charging station has supplied power for 447 charge sessions and has saved 3.87 tonnes of CO2.


February 2016’s New Vehicle Sales Still 18 Percent Down From 2015

Following the 35.7 percent drop in new vehicle sales recorded in
January 2016
, market demand remains weak for February 2016, with total industry volume dropping by another 15.1 percent month-on-month.
This was partly due to the short working month in February, which observed three days of public holidays – Federal Territory Day and Chinese New Year. Another factor was the heavy discounting seen in December 2015, which saw many consumers bringing forward their purchase. A drop in sales in the subsequent months is to be expected.
Compared to the same Jan-Feb period last year, total industry volume is lower by 18.3 percent.
Nearly all major brands experienced sold less cars than in January. Among the higher volume mainstream brands, Peugeot, Kia and Ford suffered the biggest drop, with sales off by 69.1 percent, 51.9 percent, and 52.9 percent respectively month-on-month.
While the Ford Ranger is still selling well, poor performance of Ford’s passenger cars range continue to weigh down Ford’s overall performance.
Ford sold only 193 passenger cars in the first two months of 2016, versus 655 in the same period last year. This was partly due to phasing out of the pre-facelift Ford Focus. The
new Focus
 launched on 10-March is expected to lift improve Ford’s fortunes in the coming months.
Earlier in January, Kia launched the Rio Sedan, but the new model did nothing to arrest Kia’s slide, with sales nosediving by 43 percent month-on-month. The newly added
Kia Rio Sedan X
 will need to pick up the slack.
Suzuki, which is in the midst
exiting Malaysia
 to show its commitment in forming a joint-venture with Proton, sold only 3 vehicles last month.
Meanwhile, Lexus made significant gains last month, growing by 47.5 percent, boosted by attraction promotions for the NX and ES. Year-on-year however, it is still about 30 percent down from the same period last year.
The aggressive promotions by Volkswagen has improved its sales by 33 percent month-on-month. Year-on-year, sales is up by 2.6 percent.
After swapping positions with Nissan in January, Toyota has regained back some ground, but it is still trailing Honda by a huge margin, with Honda selling nearly twice as many vehicles as Toyota despite not having any pick-up trucks or commercial vans in its range.
Aggressive promotion by Toyota saw the Hilux cementing its lead in the pick-up truck segment, despite it being an aging model. Toyota sold 1,048 Hiluxes in February, versus 432 Ford Rangers, 429
Mitsubishi Triton
s, 318
Isuzu D-Max
es, and 257
Nissan Navara NP300
s.
Toyota is expected to introduce the
all-new Hilux
 sometime next month.


All-New 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake Debuts, 380 PS AWD Range Topper

Jaguar has pulled the covers off the all-new 2018 XF Sportbrake, which marks the company's return to the premium estate segment.
The new Jaguar XF Sportbrake is designed and engineered to challenge the BMW 5 Series Touring, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate and Volvo V90. According to Jaguar, the new XF Sportbrake will continue to be one of the best handling estates in its segment, following the footsteps of the XF saloon.
Thanks to Jaguar's usage of aluminium in the body construction of the XF Sportbrake, weight distribution is a near perfect 50:50 front-to-rear. Compared to the model it replaces, the all-new 2018 XF Sportbrake is both stiffer and lighter. The tailgate is a newly-designed single-piece polymer unit that helped shed some weight. Handling is further supplemented by standard air suspension and optionally, Jaguar's Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD), Configurable Dynamics system and Adaptive Dynamics dampers.
Entry-level Jaguar XF Sportbrake models are equipped with 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine, available with a manual transmission or automatic transmission. Drive is sent to the rear wheels. The range-topping XF Sportbrake will get a 3.0-litre V6 that churns out 380 PS with drive sent to all four wheels.
Built at Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich Plant, the Jaguar XF Sportbrake comes in at 4,955 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,960 mm. The new model is 6 mm shorter than its predecessor, but wheelbase is 51 mm longer. Boot space is a generous 565 litres, which can be further expanded to a massive 1,700 litres once the rear seats are folded down.
“As with the XF saloon, every line on the Sportbrake serves a clear purpose, creating a fast sweeping silhouette. This gives the car a sense of speed and a very dynamic appearance. As a result, I think it looks just as sporty as the saloon, if not more so,” said Ian Callum, director of design at Jaguar.


The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Is For The Fast Paced Individual

It was a car that came as a little bit of a surprise - the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe was a car that nobody really expected the company to execute, although it's fast becoming an extremely desirable posterchild for the Mercedes-AMG range. Perhaps it's the fact that it's a car with no mass-market pedestrian variants in the regular Mercedes-Benz range that it can be tangibly tied to, which makes it almost like a Panamera of sorts.
Whatever the case is, Mercedes-AMG is keen to push the image that the GT 4-Door Coupe can give as good as it gets, whether it's in day to day life or hammering sideways around a racetrack at over 150 km/h. The idea of a one-car-do-all is always appealing, even if not the most practical solution, and the GT 4-Door Coupe can hold its own when it comes to outright class and luxury as well.
This latest ad from the performance division of the three-pointed star showcases this sentiment, with a GT 4-Door Coupe rocketing along a race track littered with various day-to-day activities along the way, paired with a monologue about how the car is meant for those who want to get the most out of their days, and do so in style.


Audi Wants To Sell 800,000 Electric Cars In 2025

By the year 2025, Audi plans to have hit a total production and sales volume of 800,000 electrified vehicles - i.e. fully electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles. That's an ambitious goal to have, but it's very much a part of the Vorsprung durch Technik spirit that lives on at Audi. They're looking at becoming number one among luxury manufacturers, with products suitable for everyday use, uncompromised, and delivering driving pleasure to boot.
2025 is also the year that Audi plans to have electrification across the board, so it's less of an unachievable target when you blend the current sales figures from Audi into a potential expansion of the range through the introduction of all-electric cars like the Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT, and so on and so forth. Production for these electric cars are slated to be at Ingolstadt and Neckarslum to begin, and there are over 20 electrified models to be launched over the next 7 years.
Development of these electric models come as a mixture of the Volkswagen Moduler Electric Toolkit, and a joint platform for electric luxury vehicles developed by Audi and Porsche - one which will be scalable for various sizes of electric cars. On the infrastructure side, Audi's joint venture with Ionity is starting to see results, as their e-tron will be the first car to use a 150 kilowatt charging station. In just under 30 minutes, the e-tron will be ready for its next long haul, with a maximum range of over 400 kilometres.
Audi is looking at more than just environmentally-friendly cars, as the common criticism of electric cars has been environmentally unfriendly production. The e-tron was the first premium car to be certified as carbon-neutral in production for high production volumes, and this treatment will be extended to all of Audi's production centres by 2030. By 2025, roughly 40 billion Euros will be put into this endeavour, developing areas like e-mobility, autonomous driving, and digitization.


MITI Formally Announces Implementation Of New Open AP Policy, Now Unlimited Permits

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has actually implemented the new Open AP (Approved Permit) Policy since the start of the year, after a delay of two years due to uncertainties in the Malaysian automotive landscape.
In a statement by MITI, the objectives of the new policy - which permits qualified Bumiputera companies to import reconditioned vehicles - includes promoting the development of new Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the automotive industry and contribute back to socio-economic goals.
File photo from
Facebook
 page of MITI
MITI also hopes the new policy will create a competitive market that will benefit the consumers especially in terms of the prices and services.
Under the new policy, there is no limit to the overall number of APs to be released throughout the year and companies may apply for additional APs based on their sales performance.
Data from MITI also details that there has been a rise in the issuance of Open APs for passenger vehicles- 21,947 in 2017 increasing to 28,316 in 2018.
Back in 2016, MITI received nearly 300 applications for the formation of an Open AP company. Only 164 companies (128 existing and 36 new) made the cut, which included an audit by a qualified independent auditor.
The conditions required, apart from the obvious 100% Bumiputera ownership and key management posts, include a strong financial position and a minimum of two years experience in sales and distribution of motor vehicles. A showroom with office space and a display area is also amongst the requirement by MITI.
Age of the imported vehicle is also a criterion that is set by MITI, where reconditioned vehicles
aged only between one to five years
 from its first date of registration at its country of origin are allowed for sales. Open AP companies are also required to provide a warranty coverage for a minimum of one year to buyers.
MITI said they will continuously monitor and audit these Open AP companies and will take drastic measures that include suspension of AP allotment as well as blacklisting of companies who breach any of the conditions.
Last year, MITI blacklisted nine companies that failed to meet the stipulated conditions.


Porsche readying 1,000hp tri-motor Taycan to demolish Model S Plaid

Tesla jokes notwithstanding, the Porsche Taycan is
a ludicrously fast car
, especially in its most potent (but nonsensically named) Turbo S guise, but Zuffenhausen is apparently hard at work on something even faster.

Photos of a more hardcore Taycan have been snapped by spy photographers around the Nurburgring where the prototype EV was seen undergoing performance testing. The development of the car seen here with its prominently large rear wing is also coinciding with the Taycan’s first facelift, scheduled to be unveiled some time in 2023.

Back to the extra fast one, there’s plenty of speculation that Porsche is keen on cementing the crown of fastest fully electric vehicle to lap the Nordschleife from Tesla, which used an early unit of a Model S Plaid to achieve the currently standing
individual
lap record.

Technically, the Taycan Turbo S
still holds the official record
 with a time of 7:33 taken as an average of 2 laps. The Tesla, meanwhile, achieved a best single lap time of 7:30.909, and that 3 second margin is the final nugget that’s keeping Porsche awake at night (probably).

This has also led to the assumption that this 'Taycan GT3' (or GT2 since it's pretty excessive on power), so to speak, will be lighter (thanks to a construction with more CFRP components) and significantly more powerful than the Turbo S, likely utilising three electric motors
much like the Model S Plaid
 - 1 up front, 2 at the rear axle.

Apart from the very obvious rear aero, the car also boasts a revised front splitter and rear diffuser package alongside a set of wheels that look to be more favourable to weight saving and improved heat dissipation from the carbon ceramic brakes, indicated by the yellow callipers.

We’re not sure if the car will receive an all-new suspension setup or retain the 3-chamber air springs that, while extremely competent in normal-to-spirited driving, comes with a sizeable weight penalty.

Other creature comforts will also likely have to be axed to achieve the Taycan’s expanded performance targets, chiefly being to beat the Tesla’s best individual lap time of 7:30.909 seconds.

Either way, it looks like we’re in for a newer and improved range of what most agree is the
best all-round performance electric vehicle
 on the market capped off by a very quick range-topping variant. A slight price increase is also expected, though not exactly celebrated, to compensate for the rumoured bump equipment level and feature set across the entire range.

We’ll bring you more coverage on that as it comes to light, especially when it concerns anything to do with a Malaysian premiere.


Paris 2016: 2017 LR Discovery Revealed Ahead of Show

Land Rover has just taken the wraps off the all-new Discovery in the UK ahead of the Paris Motor Show where it was initially supposed to make its world debut.
Unveiled at the company’s headquarters in Warwickshire earlier today, the new Discovery is bigger, lighter, more powerful, and cleaner than
the outgoing model.
Design wise, it is obvious that the fifth-gen ‘Disco’ is inspired by the Discovery Vision Concept, featuring more curves compared to the rather boxy predecessor.
Powering the new Discovery is JLR’s 340hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V6 Ingenium engine which will be available on all trims, paired to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, with a choice of single or two-speed Torsen-based torque biasing center gearing. It is said that a 254 hp 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine will also be available.
Thanks to Land Rover’s decision to replace the steel ladder chassis with aluminium monocoque frame, the Discovery is now lighter by about 400kg.
Measuring at 4,970mm long with a wheelbase length of 2,923mm, the new Discovery is now 140mm longer, and promises to offer a significantly roomier cabin than before. Besides that, the vehicle’s ground clearance which has increased by 43mm now enables the Discovery to wade water that is 900mm deep.
Dubbed as Land Rover’s most capable SUV to date, the new Discovery comes with many new and innovative features such as:
Stadium seating
Powered, remotely controlled seats
10-inch touch-screen
Independent self-levelling air suspension
Terrain Response 2 System
All Terrain Progress Control
Up to 9 USB ports
In-car 3G Wi-Fi Hotspot
Activity Key
Split rear tailgate
Expected to go on sale globally in mid-2017, JLR said that the first 600 units of the new Discovery seven-seater will be badged as high-spec launch editions.
It is said that there will also be a Stealth edition which will feature leather trim, sports wheels and pedals, privacy glass and a two-tone paint job.
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2017 Toyota TS050 Hybrid WEC Race Car – Sixth Time The Charm?

In a seemingly immediate response to Porsche’s 2017
919 Hybrid WEC race car
, Toyota have introduced their updated TS050 Hybrid race car which will carry its hopes in the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and this year’s Le Mans 24 hour competition.
The team has a clear target to earn its first Le Mans victory, after coming close no less than on five different occasions, including the extraordinary near miss in 2016.
Developed across its two technical centres in Higashi-Fuji and Cologne, the 2017 car includes a new engine, optimised hybrid system and updated the aerodynamics to suit FIA’s 2017 regulations of (miximum) two aero configurations per car.
The TS050 is powered by a new 2.4-litre V6 turbo-charged petrol engine combined with the 8MJ hybrid system.
The new engine optimises thermal efficiency by increasing the compression ratio via development of the combustion chamber, cylinder block and cylinder head. Motor generator units (MGU) have been reduced in size and weight while the high-powered lithium-ion battery has been developed further.
Toyota Gazoo Racing has modified its aerodynamics of the TS05 using computational fluid dynamics modelling and wind tunnel testing to meet the new regulations. A raised nose and sharp undercut to the side pods are the most noticeable modifications.
The 2017-specification TS050 HYBRID has already recorded over 30,000km in testing this year, comprising five tests, at Paul Ricard, Motorland Aragon and Portimao, and including four 30-hour endurance tests.
The 2017 driver line-up includes former World Champions and multiple WEC race winners such as Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway and Sebastien Buemi.
Toyota Gazoo Racing heads to the season opener on 16 April at Silverstone with great determination, but expecting a close and exciting nine-race LMP1 season with Porsche.
Histake Murata, Toyota Racing Hybrid project peader adds, “Although the TS050 HYBRID shares the same name as the 2016 car, its performance has been greatly improved by reviewing the powertrain and enhancing efficiency in all areas. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s biggest goal for this year, as always, is winning Le Mans.


All-Electric Kia EV6 GT Beats A Bunch Of Supercars

By now, you should kind of expect electric performance to be so potent!

The latest Electric Vehicle to pop up on your social media feeds? It's the
Kia EV6 GT
 - the new flagship model for the Korean brand, and packing front and rear electric motors with an output of 577 hp and 740 Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of over 300 km/h. These are not figures to sniff at and to show just how quick it is, Kia decided to throw it into a quarter-mile drag race with a bunch of supercars. Rather surprisingly, the EV came in second place.

In a 400 metre drag race (a little short of a quarter mile) there are a number of things to consider when it comes to setting the best time. Arguably one of the most important things is your launch and how quickly you get off the line - and fortunately, that happens to be something electric motors are pretty good at. The electric motors are unmatched when it comes to getting off the line quickly, which is also why hybrids are so quick from a dead stop.

But perhaps more important than that is the fact that the competition consisted more of sports cars than supercars. Let's take a look carefully; fighting the EV6 GT was a
Lamborghini Urus
 (heavy), a
Mercedes-AMG GT
 (the lowest powered variant), a
McLaren 570S
 (the baby of the McLaren range), a Porsche 911 Targa 4 (the weakest Porsche 911 with the heaviest body and drag), and the
Ferrari California
 T (an outdated, unloved Ferrari).

It's no surprise then that the EV6 GT would take home such a position, but even then it is a very impressive step forward for the Korean brand. Even if the EV6 GT wasn't fighting against the pinnacles of performance, it shows that such a vehicle can still hold its own compared to more contemporary rivals. The EV6 will also be available with lower-end variants, from a 168hp rear-wheel-drive model, up to a 321 hp all-wheel drive unit with a long-range battery pack.

With expected prices starting at 45,000 USD, if
Kia
 even decides to bring it into
Malaysia
 it would cost close to RM 300,000. It's not a bad amount to pay for a relatively modern engineering package.

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Spyshot: All-New 2018 Daihatsu Terios Spotted, Possibly New Perodua SUV?

The new generation Daihatsu Terios, also known as the Toyota Rush has been spied for the first time ever in Indonesia.
Autonetmagz posted several spy photos of the new SUV doing its run around Jakarta wearing what appears to be a production-ready body and trim.
From the spy photos, it appears that the new Daihatsu Terios could be bigger in size than its predecessor, likely with a third row option. A couple of year back when the Toyota Rush was introduced here, the model was sold as a seven seater SUV and Perodua introduced the Nautica, which was essentially a five-seater version of the Rush.
The photos also showed us that the new Terios could feature two different design for its wheels.
Additionally, Autonetmagz also posted a leak of the Daihatsu Terios’ front and rear bumper design. From the photo posted, it is evident that the new Daihatsu Terios is inspired heavily by the
DN Multisix Concept
 that made its debut at the 2017 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).
Seeing that the upcoming Daihatsu Terios could be a six seater SUV, it is possible that Perodua could be looking to introduce its own version some time in 2018. The new model from Perodua is a likely candidate to replace the ageing Alza and discontinued Nautica.
Photo credit:
Autonetmagz


Renault Announces CNY Promotion With Cash Prizes, Discounts For Captur And Koleos

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia has announced its ‘Capture More with Renault’ campaign offering customers the chance to win up to RM8,888 in cash in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities.
Firstly, there is the ‘Guess and Win’ challenge where customers can test their powers of estimation. While the first prize winner will win RM8,888, the second prize winner will take back RM3,888, and the third prize is worth RM1,888.
To participate, customers who purchase any Renault vehicle within the campaign period have to guess the total number of Mandarin oranges that will be packed in the boot of a Renault Captur.
The featured Captur will be on display at all eight Renault showroom branches located in Petaling Jaya, Glenmarie, Puchong, Setia Alam, Setapak, Butterworth, Ipoh, and Johor Jaya.
In addition to the ‘Guess and Win’ challenge, TCEC is also offering promotions for the Captur and Koleos SUVs.
Throughout the campaign, the Captur crossover is being offered at RM99,999 (normal price RM105,980). The promotional price includes a free service package inclusive of parts and labour for five years or 100,000km (whichever comes first), as well as a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage.
As for the Koleos, limited units of Koleos 2WD are priced from RM169,840 (normal price RM173,840), with a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage, and free five-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) service package, inclusive of parts and labour.
Additionally, customers will also enjoy an extra free gift in the form of a Raytech Solar and Security tint worth up to RM1,800.
“The ‘Capture More with Renault’ campaign reflects our desire to give more to our customers as we offer them more rebates on Renault vehicles, more cash prizes to enjoy and more reassurance for their travels on the road,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn. Bhd.


2021 JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 Launched In Malaysia - RM99k Gets You A 2.0-litre Turbodiesel and 8-speed ZF Transmission Amongst Others

Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM), a subsidiary of Tan Chong Group's Warisan TC Holdings has just launched the 2021 JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 pickup truck, priced on the road without insurance for RM98,888 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM100,888 in East Malaysia.

As we reported
before
, the 2021 JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 is China's second best-selling truck.

The JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 comes with a Ford-derived 2.0-litre turbodiesel VGT engine capable of producing 141 PS and 340 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, and the 4WD drive system is from Borgwarner with 2H, 4H and 4L mode settings. The truck also features a rear differential lock from Eaton.

For those intrigued by the drivetrain's technical aspects, the 2.0-litre turbo engine is closely related to the
2.2-litre Puma engine
 found on the Ford Ranger, and the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is the same transmission you find in most new
BMWs
.The Eaton differential lock doesn't work like traditional diff-locks in the sense that you have to engage it, as it is more autonomous in function, something like the Toyota Hilux's Auto LSD.

The truck has a quoted fuel consumption of 7.8L/100km and has a payload rating of 850kg.

Safety-wise, the truck comes with antilock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability programme, hill start assist, hill descent control and a front dual airbag system.

Suspension-wise, the 2021 Vigus Pro is made of an independent double-wishbone at the front and a live axle with leaf springs at the rear. Stopping power is governed by ventilated disc brakes all around. The new truck comes with 16-inch two-tone alloy shod with 265/70 Maxxis all-terrain tyres.

In terms of its lighting and conveniences, the 2021 Vigus Pro is equipped with automatic halogen projector headlamps, C-shaped LED daytime running lights that surround the fog lights, powered and heated auto-folding side mirrors with LED repeaters, front and rear parking sensors, speed sensing auto door locking, auto wipers and side steps.

On the inside, the interior features an intriguing two-spoke steering wheel, 'Fighter' shift lever, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity with USB, that doubles up as a reverse camera screen. The seats are fabric, and the car is operated through a traditional key start. The steering wheel also features paddle shifters.

The 2021 JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 comes with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty and is supported by what JMC calls JMCCare, where 18 additional benefits are added to the insurance plan.

The JMC Vigus Pro is available in one variant with four different colours to choose from – Steady Brown, Solid White, Brilliant Silver and Glossy Black.

The 2021 JMC Vigus Pro is locally assembled at the modern
Tan Chong Motor
 plant located in Serendah and is now available for viewing and test drive across 13 ATM dealerships across the nation with a complementing network of 13 aftersales services workshops.

This to rule over all other
Chinese trucks
 in Malaysia? And take a few Japs with it? Let us know what you think in the comments.


Proton Will "Kau Tim" GST For Customers Who Buy or Service Their Cars Before June

In line with the recent announcement made by our new government that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would be zero rated from 1 June 2018, Proton will offer its customers an interim pricing scheme to ensure everybody benefits from the change.
With immediate effect, all Proton cars sold and registered from 16 May to 31 May 2018 will include service vouchers equivalent in value to the difference between the current and new price of the car after GST is zero rated.
Additionally, Proton Customer Care is offering a 6% discount on periodical maintenance (labour and periodical maintenance parts only) to all owners who bring their car in for servicing at authorised service centres from 19 – 31 May 2018.
As for customers who service their cars from 16-18 May 2018, a 6% discount will be given at their next scheduled service (subject to showing the receipt from their previous service).
These offers are in addition to the current “Kosong-kosong” promotion where buyers of the Proton Iriz (Executive and Premium variant), Proton Ertiga (all variants) and Proton Exora (all variants) who sign up for 9-year loan tenures with Hong Leong Bank are eligible for 0% financing for the first year.
Those who opt for the Proton Saga or Proton Persona instead and finance their purchase with a 7-year loan from Proton Commerce are eligible to receive free 3-months instalment, subject to terms and conditions.


Toyota halts sales and deliveries of the Yaris Ativ in Thailand

Toyota Motor Thailand pulls the Yaris Ativ down from its website, adding more fuel to the fire caused by the recent safety irregularities on new DNGA-based cars.

Word is going on around the web that Toyota Motor Thailand has stopped sales and deliveries of its Yaris Ativ. This is an important bit of news as the
Yaris Ativ is basically their version of our Vios
.

A little bit of investigation by visiting their website has confirmed this rumour, as the Toyota Yaris Ativ is no longer listed there, with only the regular Yaris being part of their compact vehicle lineup.

According to JThe apan Times, Toyota has stopped sales and deliveries of its Yaris Ativ in Thailand after its affiliate Daihatsu rigged part of the door in side-collision safety tests.

This follows a press conference held in Bangkok, where Toyota’s Asian Region CEO, Masahiko Maeda said that the problem may have occurred due to pressure during the development of the Ativ model.

“If development had been carried out under appropriate conditions, this kind of problem would of course not have happened,” Maeda said.

“I think the fact that it still happened, means there was some kind of pressure at the development site,” he said, adding that the vehicle’s relatively large size may have posed a challenge to Daihatsu, which specializes in the production of small cars.

Daihatsu disclosed last month that there were irregularities in some of their safety tests (crash assessments in particular), affecting 88,000 units sold into various markets - Malaysia included.

They are investigating how part of the door in side-collision safety tests carried out for some 88,000 small cars had been changed for the purpose of side-on crash safety testing.

Toyota said that they are working with the Thai government to resume sales. Perodua and Toyota Malaysia have
deflected any claims that their Axia and Vios are unsafe
 and have continued selling the cars with no recalls intended.


Next Generation Mitsubishi ASX In The Works

Perhaps one of the more senior models in Mitsubishi’s lineup, the ASX, is going to be replaced in the near future.
Launched in 2010, the Mitsubishi ASX is now a 7-year old product in a rather competitive segment. That could soon change, as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation corporate vice-president of product strategy Vincent Cobee said that a replacement model is “not far” from being revealed.
Speaking to GoAuto, he said that the new generation ASX will not simply be a rebadged model from the Nissan-Mitsubishi-Renault Alliance as the ASX is one of the company’s core models.
Mr Cobee said that the upcoming ASX could share its platform from the Alliance, though the new model will have its own unique Mitsubishi flavour. “We can borrow assets from the Alliance, but we want to cook them in a way that represents the Mitsubishi brand,” he told GoAuto.
He also added that platform components will be shared with other Alliance models as much as possible to maximize modularity, but development will be done by Mitsubishi.
Timing for the new ASX remains unknown in this point of time, but Mr Cobee did mention that Mitsubishi will refresh the Pajero Sport before working on other models.
“We are working on the next Outlander, which will come in some years … so we launched Eclipse Cross, we launch Triton, we touch on Pajero Sport, and then the two missing ones are Outlander and ASX, and they will come in continuation, so we’re talking some years, but not a lot of years,” he said.


New Range Rover Evoque: The Compact SUV You Need Has Finally Arrived

Wait no more, the new Range Rover Evoque has just made its debut in Malaysia.

After nearly a year of its international debut, the new Range Rover Evoque has finally touched down on Malaysian soil.

For RM426,000 (RM475,000 R Dynamic variant), you can now grab a sleeker and more technologically advanced Evoque which includes a new design language, advanced driver assistance technology, ground-breaking off-road technology, and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system.

For those who think that the Evoque looks similar to the old one, we don't blame you, but according to Land Rover, everything except for the door hinges in the new Evoque is well, NEW. It pretty much has borrowed a lot of styling cues from the ultra-sleek Range Rover Velar and now comes with a host of new bits - including those swanky pop-up doors handles from the Velar.

Among the exciting offerings in the new version is the inclusion of ClearSight technology, such as the ClearSight Rear View Mirror that 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.

The world-first ‘ClearSight Ground View’ 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.

The new Evoque is also the first Land Rover model to feature Smart Settings, a system that uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn a driver’s preferences. The system will then use the driver’s preference to automate comfort and driver-specific media settings throughout the drive.

Using ‘self-learning’ technology, the system also recognises the drivers from their key fob and phones and will thereby set their seat and steering column position on approach, allowing for up to eight profiles to be registered. After a few journeys, the Evoque is able to remember the driver’s preferred temperature settings, media preferences and commonly dialled numbers, depending on the time or day of the week - very cool.

Drivers will also get to immerse themselves in the vehicle’s digital interior experience with the Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro Duo infotainment system that combines two sleek 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreens and a 12.3-inch driver display behind the steering wheel. The result is a beautiful, ‘hidden until lit’ interior filled with state-of-the-art digital interfaces.

Other new interesting features in this new Evoque include the Lane Keep Assist which helps the driver to stay in lane by adding the necessary steering correction and initiating a gentle steering input to return the vehicle to its intended position.

Driver Condition Monitor technology is another added safety feature that is based on the driver’s steering inputs. Should the technology detect jerky, non-linear movements that are typical symptoms of a fatigued driver, it will automatically trigger an audible and visual warning in the instrument cluster.

The new Evoque also comes with a much larger and wider cargo area in the boot which can easily fit prams, bicycles to golf club sets. Luggage space of 591 litres can be further increased to 1,383 litres when the flexible 40:20:40 second-row seats are folded.

The New baby Range Rover also features a new 2.0L Petrol Turbocharged Ingenium engine that supplies fast response to throttle demand due to its immediate delivery of boost pressure. The Ingenium engine is paired with a state-of-the-art nine-speed automatic transmission which helps deliver from 200 - 250hp (depending on variant) and 365Nm of torque that the vehicle has.

Building on the original model’s instantly recognisable design, the new Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the original’s distinctive coupe-like silhouette, typified by its fast roofline and rising belt line that identify the Range Rover family at first glance.

The introduction of new slim LED headlights and tail lights emphasise the vehicle’s new design language while flush door handles add to the smooth, sculpted aesthetic.

There is an offer going on at the moment where early birds can grab a free RM3,000 accessory voucher to help kit out your Evoque.

More to come when we get our hands on one for a test drive.


Honda Continues To Dominate, But Weak Ringgit and GST Weighing Down Market

Honda
 Malaysia ended the first half of 2015 by selling 43,597 cars – 17 percent higher than the same period in 2014, making it the best-selling non-national brand in Malaysia.
As of June 2015, Honda’s market share in Malaysia’s new vehicle market stood at 13.5 percent, 2.3 percent higher than the same period last year.
Honda says it is on track to meet its annual sales target of 85,000 cars for 2015.
The company adds that nearly all of the company’s models are best-sellers in their respective segments – the City, Jazz, HR-V, CR-V and Accord lead the B-sedan, B-hatchback, crossover, SUV and D-segment respectively.
The City remains the company’s best-seller, contributing 41 percent of Honda Malaysia’s sales, followed by the Jazz at 19 percent and the HR-V at 17 percent.
Earlier this year, Honda Malaysia announced that the company will be expanding its presence in East Malaysia, and had recently setup an East Malaysia Centralized Distribution Centre logistics hub to support Honda dealers in Sabah and Sarawak.
The first six months of 2015 saw Honda’s sales in East Malaysia increased by 32 percent over the same period last year.
By 2016, Honda Malaysia aims to increase its annual sales to 100,000 cars, aided by an expanded network of 90 dealers (up from the current 82 dealers).
Challenging Market Conditions Ahead
Amidst the stellar results, Honda Malaysia’s outlook for the rest of the year is mildly pessimistic. The company is revising its forecast for Malaysia’s new vehicle sales for 2015 downwards by 3.9 percent to 670,000 units, down from the 697,000 forecasted earlier this year.
Honda says the reduction was due to the weakening Ringgit, implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and petrol price fluctuation that have caused weak market sentiment.
However the company is maintaining its target of securing a 12 percent market share and 85,000 annual sales by the end of 2015.


Review: New Mercedes-Benz C200 – Cruising With Higher Refinement

When the current Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class was launched in 2014, many were impressed by its interior and a vast range of engine choices. As the C-Class is the best-selling product for the company, more attention and care was taken to ensure the changes to the refreshed or facelifted model were done effectively while maintaining the consumer price level.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the new 1.5-litre engine with EQ Boost as part of the company’s effort to increase electrification in its range of products. Together with the 48-volt on-board electrical system, EQ Boost in the new C200 not only provides an increase in straight line acceleration performance, but also a reduction in exhaust emissions.

Specifications for the Mercedes-Benz C200 (EQ Boost)

Price: RM 259,888 (OTR without insurance)

Engine: 1.5-litre, inline-4, turbocharged with EQ Boost belt starter/alternator (M264)

Power: 184 hp @ 5,800 rpm to 6,100 rpm (EQ Boost +13 hp)

Torque: 280 Nm @ 3,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm (EQ Boost +160 Nm)

Transmission: 9-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Safety: 7 airbags, Blind Spot Monitoring, Collision Warning and Assist, ESP

Origin: Locally-assembled in Pekan, Pahang

Overview

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia currently only offers two variants of the mainstream new C-Class- the C200 Avantgarde and the C300 AMG Line. Standard features in the new C200 include the beautiful digital instrument display, blind spot warning, open-pore wood trim, 10.25-inch media display in wide format, smartphone connectivity, and steering wheel with Touch Control.

The C300 (RM 304,888) meanwhile adds AMG Line bumpers, 19-inch wheels with staggered sizing, Airmatic air suspension, adaptive LED head lamps, Burmester sound system, active lane keeping assist, panoramic moonroof, and surround view camera system.

The company also unveiled the
new Coupe models
 and they feature the same powertrain and differences in features.

Exterior

The biggest indicator of the new C-class facelift range is the pair of head lamps. The C200 features LED head lamps that look like they are made up of an array of eight glass cubes. The grille in the Avantgarde trim continues to feature the integrated star with two louvres.

The same level of updates was applied to the rear design- just a change in the tail lamp graphics that now illuminates the signature light in a C-shape and a change to the design of chrome trim at the bottom of the bumper.

The 18-inch wheels meanwhile are a multi-spoke pattern in dual-tone finishing.

Interior

The interior sports a much more noticeable upgrade in features. Mercedes-Benz has managed to house a 12.3-inch digital instrument display within the original meter hood. The amount of information being displayed as well as customization is truly astounding.

The driver can choose between three different design themes and selection is from the new steering wheel with Touch Control. Layout and function of the controls are as intuitive as it can be- left spoke controls the left media screen while the right spoke controls the right screen, which is the driver’s display.

Occupants also have more controls to the ambient lights, now updated to have a colour palette of 64 colours.

Everything else in the great Mercedes-Benz C-Class interior remains, following the old adage of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. High-quality materials together with the open-pore wood trim still make the interior a benchmark that still hasn’t been beaten.

Driving Experience

During the drive event organized by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we spent most of our time in the new C200.

All of us were keen to experience the significant reduction in displacement of the new C200 engine. While the peak output remains the same at 184 hp, the torque sees 20 Nm less when comparing the new 1.5-litre engine to the outgoing 2.0-litre engine.

Straight out of the Cycle and Carriage Bintang TREC City Store, the new C200 surprised us with more pliant suspension tuning over the badly paved roads.

In city traffic, the new engine does not exhibit its lack of displacement. The EQ Boost blends very well to the acceleration requirements, adding 160 Nm to the main crankshaft for a brief period of time.

One does not actually feel the torque boost, as the belt-driven starter/generator is designed to assist in acceleration mainly from a standstill or low speeds before the turbocharger builds up to full pressure.

The EQ Boost and charging function are all done automatically. There is no option for the driver to select more boost or deploy boost for overtaking. On paper, the new C200 is just 0.5 seconds slower from rest to 100 km/h compared to the old 2.0-litre C200 (7.7 seconds versus 7.2 seconds).

The route from the city centre then brought us to the Karak highway, famous for its long ascent and descent combined with fast sweeping curves. While the C200 with comfort-tuned suspension soaked up all irregularities incredibly well in KL city, this suspension tuning unveiled its major compromise on this highway.

The new C200 did not like certain sections of the highway with wavy areas. The suspension was still busy settling down, giving the driver and occupants a reduced sense of surefootedness.

Only on smooth, straight stretches of highway, the new C200 felt more comfortable. There is barely any noise from the road and engine. However, wind noise over the A-pillar is still very apparent. This is surprising as we were told the dealers have a remedy for this wind noise matter.

In our brief time in the much more powerful C300 variant, the vehicle certainly felt very different compared to the C200. Acceleration is a lot more urgent and it sounds much sportier inside the cabin.

Thanks to the fitment of the Airmatic air suspension system, highway drives are certainly well sorted out, as the body movement is properly contained. Other than that, the ambience in the interior felt no different thanks to the generous features that are already found in the more accessible C200.

Conclusion

The new engine with micro hybrid electrification certainly did not disappoint. It might look half a second slower on paper, but in the real world, the new engine with EQ Boost has all the credentials of a respectable engine.

Quiet, smooth, and punchy in a comfort-oriented suspension tuning are qualities that many buyers appreciate, especially with Klang Valley’s deteriorating road conditions. Added to the beautiful and highly digitized interior and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class continues to be the benchmark for premium sedans that many of us aspire to own.


PSA Group Acquires Opel, Official Announcement On Monday

France’s PSA Group, maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars has agreed to acquire USA’s General Motor’s loss-making European brand Opel, reports Reuters, adding that an official announcement on the matter will be made on Monday,
Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the report by Reuters said Group PSA’s board have approved the deal on Friday.
The value of the deal have yet to be disclosed but the PSA Group is reportedly taking on USD 10 billion in Opel’s pension liabilities. GM has initially offered to cover up to USD 2 billion of the pension liabilities but the PSA Group had asked for a significantly higher amount, in return for the new Opel brand to not compete with GM’s Chevrolet brand in China.
Opel is also known as Vauxhall in the UK. Apart from outliers like China, Opel is a predominantly European market focused brand but some Opel models like Astra and Insignia are also sold under GM’s Holden brand in Australia.
On a related matter, the PSA Group is also the sole remaining suitor for tie-ups with Proton and its subsidiary Lotus Cars. Yesterday, Bloomberg reported that China’s Geely is pulling out of negotiations with Proton, with Geely’s founder and CEO Li Shufu saying that Proton’s constant flip-flopping of directions is a source of annoyance.
Li told Bloomberg on Friday “They keep changing, today it’s this, tomorrow it’s that,” adding that Proton appears to be undecided on what it wants.