Isuzu Introduces the Most Powerful Single Cab Pickup Truck in Malaysia

Isuzu Malaysia today expanded its product line up with the 3.0L D-Max single cab.
The 3.0L D-Max Single Cab variant also happens to be the most powerful single cab pickup truck in the country with a maximum output and torque of 177PS/380Nm.
Similar to the 2.5L, the 3.0L single is also equipped with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
The other prominent improvement is its new heavy duty leaf spring, which is aimed to better endure the load even when the vehicle is used under the harsh road conditions.
Inside, the 3.0L Single Cab comes with a new meter cluster with Gear Shift Indicator (GSI), while everything else remains similar with the 2.5L model.
Available only in Magnum White Solid colour, the Single Cab D-Max is priced from RM84,543.40 for the 2.5L and from RM90,250.40 for the 3.0L (on-the-road price inclusive of GST and insurance).


Chevrolet Colorado breaks cover in Thailand

Late last week, our neighbours up north were presented with the latest generation of the Chevrolet Colorado. As Chevrolet’s mid-sized pickup offering, it is an extremely important model for their Thai market- and we will eventually be seeing this model in our local market as well.
For Thailand, the Colorado is offered with the singular 2.5 litre VGT Duramax turbo-diesel motor, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. As pickup trucks become more and more complex and urbanised, the focus on improvement with each generation is on improving refinement and ride quality. The chassis is more rigid, which allows for a suppler ride without compromising handling ability. The Colorado sports digressive dampers- an advanced form of damper design that handles both high speed and low speed shocks with the appropriate amount of force.
A variable geometry turbocharger has been implemented to improve engine performance across the entire rev range. Outputs have been pushed up to 180 hp and 440 Nm of torque from just 2000 rpm. The engine is more efficient and has lower emissions, maintaining its Euro-4 compliancy. For the manual variant, the ratios in the gearbox have been revised to take advantage of this increase in performance.
Exterior design falls in line with Chevrolet’s current global design language- a sporty front end and aggressive hood and lamps help to distinguish the Colorado from its competition. The interior layout has become more streamlined and intuitive, boasting an eight-inch colour touchscreen in higher-spec variants, as well as a MyLink infotainment system. Chevrolet claims that this is the first pickup truck to be made available with Apple Car Play for the Thai market.
Depending on variant, the Colorado also sports a number of driver assistance features. Besides the standard electronic safety systems (ABS, EBD, ESC), the Colorado comes specified with lane departure warning and forward collision alert, along with a front and rear parking assist system. Remote start makes a return here, something we first saw here in the Chevrolet Malibu.


Daihatsu To Spearhead Toyota’s Compact Car Development From 2017

Toyota Motor Corporation and its
fully-owned subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd
 will be establishing a new internal company to be responsible for developing compact vehicles for emerging markets. The new company will be known as the ‘Emerging-Market Compact Car Company’.
The setting up of the new company was earlier announced on 4 Oct 2016, but a new statement from Toyota released today sheds more light on the new company’s operating structure.
According to the statement, the new company is being founded with the objective of establishing new work processes to enable the development of higher quality and more competitive compact cars from emerging markets by tapping into Daihatsu’s expertise in the segment.
A key organizational change related to this development sees Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Engineering and Manufacturing Co Ltd (TMAP-EM) based in Bangkok being renamed as Toyota Daihatsu Engineering and Manufacturing Co Ltd (TDEM) and parked under the new EMCCC.
EMCCC itself will consist of three divisions:
Product & Business Planning:
 To conduct overall planning for products and business operations for both Toyota and Daihatsu models. Also responsible for proposing strategy and line-up for Toyota models in emerging markets.
Product Planning:
 Final product development for Toyota brand vehicles.
Quality Planning:
 Final quality development for Toyota brand vehicles.
It is also stated that Daihatsu will, under the operation of the new EMCCC, henceforth be responsible for spearheading development of compact cars specifically for emerging markets.
The soon-to-be-renamed TMAP-EM, meanwhile, will be responsible for supporting the production of Daihatsu compact vehicles in emerging markets.
Daihatsu President Masanori Mitsui is to be appointed chairman and Toyota Managing Officer Shinya Kotera is to be appointed president of the new internal company.


Proton Enters Joint Venture With China's Goldstar

Proton has entered tripartite joint venture agreement with Britain's Lotus Group International Limited and China's Goldstar Heavy Industrial Co. Ltd. to produce Lotus-branded passenger vehicles in China.
Proton's press release did not specify any particular model that will be produced under the joint venture, but they are likely to be Proton models rebadged as a Lotus. A similar arrangement already exists with another Chinese company, Youngman Automobile Group, which assembles and sells the Persona and Gen.2 in China as the
Lotus L3 Sedan and L3 Hatchback
 respectively.
Proton
 also did not explain what will happen to the partnership with Youngman, but sources in China have suggested that the agreement with Youngman has already expired and will not be renewed.
Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton said, “The JV Agreement will see the establishment of a new JV Company for the purpose of undertaking research and development (R&D) activities in the use of efficient and advanced technology. The JV Company will then produce and sell Lotus branded passenger cars as well as provide after sales services in connection with its products in the People’s Republic of China."
Proton also confirmed that Lotus will continue to manufacture its current range of Lotus sports cars (Evora, Exige and Elise) exclusively in Hethel, England.


Honda Is Inviting Everyone To Its Biggest Party Of The Year

Honda is calling all Malaysians to share the joy of achieving 900,000 sales units in a span of seventeen years since its establishment in Malaysia. All Malaysians are welcome to join the celebration at the “Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign” Grand Finale with free entry scheduled on 28th and 29th September 2019, at the open-air car park of Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “In July 2019, we launched the “Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign” with the tagline “Terima Kasih 900K”, to thank Malaysians for their unwavering support towards Honda Malaysia by giving away nine Honda models as a reward. I am pleased to note that the giveaway campaign is getting active participation from customers nationwide,”

He added, “I would like to invite all Malaysians to celebrate this meaningful occasion with us and join the activities at the Grand Finale, which are specially arranged for Malaysians, from kids to adults. At the event as well, we will be previewing the New Civic to the public.”

More than just a celebration, Honda Malaysia will also organise a variety of informative and fun activities such as its “Frontier of Innovation” showcase where visitors can experience Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Technologies such as Sport Hybrid i-DCD X-ray Scanner as well as the Sport Hybrid i-DCD and VTEC Turbocharged Game Tower.

In addition, Honda Malaysia is preparing various exciting games and activities that are suitable for families to enjoy, such as the Giant Water Slide, Insta-Luminous displays, Pedal Cart, Racing Simulator and many more. On top of that, Malaysians who are interested in the Honda models can make a visit to the Grand Finale to test drive the cars too.

With two winners already announced, there are seven more Honda models still up for grabs for lucky Malaysians to drive home. To register or for more information on the “Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign”, customers can log onto the campaign’s website or visit the
Honda Malaysia Facebook page
.

For the best deals on Honda vehicles, click
here
.


New 2016 Toyota Vios Might Gain EEV Incentive - Better Value For Money New Vios For Malaysia?

The Toyota Vios has recently been refreshed in Thailand, dumping the aging 1NZ-FE 1.5-litre VVT-i engine and 4-speed automatic in favour of a more fuel efficient, all-new 2NR-FBE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine paired to a CVT with seven virtual ratios (CVTs don’t have physical gears within it).
Apart from the new engine and transmission, the Thai-market Vios also gets electronic stability control (ESC) - VSC in Toyota’s lingo - as a standard feature across all variants. Airbag count however, remains capped at just two, still lower than the Honda City’s six.
Review: All-New 2014 Honda City - Is It Better Than The Competition?
The Thai-market Vios’s engine is also tuned to accept E85 gasohol fuel, which grants it further discounts in excise duty.
We expect the new Toyota Vios to make its Malaysian debut in the final quarter of 2016.
Considering that the Vios’s chief competitor Honda City benefits from generous incentives under the National Automotive Policy’s promotion of the so-called Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV), it is only logical to expect UMW Toyota Motor to apply for the same.
Currently, the Honda City has a huge price advantage over the Toyota Vios. The City starts at RM76,100, undercutting the Vios’s RM77,980 starting price.
The highest specifications City V is priced at RM89,240, and comes with six airbags, ESC (VSA), and a rather sophisticated infotainment system, on top of the standard car’s premium-like cabin and space-efficient packaging. None of it is available in the most expensive Vios TRD Sportivo, priced at RM97,980.
Understandably, UMW Toyota would not comment on its upcoming future models but chatter in the market place suggests that the company is working on a plan to lobby for the so-called customised EEV incentives to be extended to the new Vios.
Apart from assembling the Vios locally, UMW Toyota also has a metal stamping plant in Malaysia. The Vios is the only non-national car to have its body panels manufactured in the country.
While Toyota has not released any official information regarding CO2 emissions and fuel consumption figures of the new Vios, it is safe to say that it is significantly better than before.
The introduction of the new, more fuel efficient and cleaner emissions Vios coincides with Thailand’s introduction of a new CO2 emissions-based excise duty structure (enforced in 1-January 2016), which replaces the previous engine capacity-based excise duty structure.
The new Vios’s powertrain specifications also closely matches the City’s, using the same fuel-sipping CVT-type automatic transmission. Thus, it’s reasonable to expect the new Vios to more or less match the City’s environmental credentials.
Does this mean that the new Vios will be cheaper? Unlikely. Assuming that UMW Toyota managed to secure the necessary EEV incentives for the new Vios, we expect prices to more or less remain, but the new model might offer better value – newer and more fuel-efficient powertrain, better safety features with minimal increase in prices.


UMNO Member Dismisses Himself As Owner Of Crashed Porsche 911 GT3

A
Porsche 911 GT3
 went viral earlier this week when the
RM1.7 million supercar
 crashed into a tree in Damansara.

Several news portals like the
Malaysia Sentinel
 reported that the bluish purple
Porsche
 belonged to UMNO Subang Division’s Chief, Dato’ Armand Azha Abu Hanifah. However, that's not really the case.

"Those are just speculations"

It seems that Dato' Armand recently spoke to
The Vibes
 and stated openly that these reports which said that the Porsche belongs to him were mere speculations. Refusing to comment further, the UMNO Subang Division's Chief will leave it up to the police to investigate the matter at hand.

Before concluding, Dato' Armand did comment "Was there documentary proof to show the car belongs to me? And was there proof that I was the person driving the vehicle? These are all just hearsay. I can sue them. In fact, I will be sending legal letters to the portals that have alleged me as the owner of the Porsche," as reported by The Vibes.

A bad week for Porsche owners in Malaysia

Nevertheless, it was a beautiful Porsche 911 GT3 that crashed into a tree in Damansara. Luckily, there were no casualties reported. Then there was also the 996 GT2 which crashed near a toll plaza. Also equally bad with no major injuries reported.

On a different note, a
Porsche 911 Carrera
 got its side mirror kicked off by a Shopee delivery rider for allegedly trying to switch lanes while carefully trying to avoid motorcyclists that were lane-splitting. More on that story
HERE
.


Geneva 2017: Mercedes-AMG GT Concept – Affalterbach’s Four-Door Hybrid Monster

Unlike the performance arms of rival brands, Mercedes-AMG is noteworthy for being the only one that develops its own vehicles independent of the mainstream line-up. There was the SLS AMG in 2009 followed more recently by the
AMG GT
 in 2014, and soon will come a third model appropriately timed to mark the division’s 50
th
 anniversary.
Having seen them roll out two V8 sports cars, one wouldn’t expect the next product in line to be a four-door hybrid but that’s exactly what Mercedes-AMG is serving up at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in the form of the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept that previews the next member of the AMG GT family.
Appearance-wise, the AMG GT Concept wears its own distinctive sheet metal that draws no parallel with any mainstream Mercedes-Benz model. The overall styling remains inspired by the two-door AMG GT boasting muscular proportions and curvaceous lines. One might think of this vehicle as being developed with the
Porsche Panamera
 in mind as a rival.
Powertrain of the concept shows Mercedes-AMG’s unequivocal readiness to embrace electrification in its search for enhanced performance. Besides the usual measure of bi-turbocharging, performance of the AMG GT Concept’s 4.0-litre V8 powerplant is further enhanced by a performance hybrid system in a setup inspired by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 car. The driver can choose to drive purely on either petrol or electric power, or an optimum combination of both.
Definitive output figures were not given, but net system output is stated to reach up to 805hp in its final stages of development. Yes, 805hp. Let that sink in for a bit.
Mercedes claims that 100 km/h is within reach from standstill in less than three seconds.
Little is revealed about the vehicle’s traction batteries either, its capacity, or even materials, but Mercedes claims that it is ‘more powerful than conventional hybrid batteries’ and at the same time lighter and more compact. It is also built in a modular design that ensures its performance and capacity are both scalable to meet specific requirements.
To ensure safe deployment of all that power, the AMG GT Concept has a fully-variable AMG performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system that is also supported by the electric motor which directly drives the rear wheels. Additionally, the vehicle’s torque vectoring system is able to individually apportion torque to each wheel as it sees fit, maximising traction around corners.
Like the F1 car which inspires it, the AMG GT Concept also bears the ‘EQ Power+’ badge, the second AMG vehicle to do so. In the future, this badge will be given to all performance hybrid models from Mercedes-AMG.


How Honda Malaysia Technicians Replace Defective Takata Airbags At Used Car Dealers

The Takata airbag recall is the largest recall in the history of the automotive industry, affecting over 100 million cars made by over 30 brands around the world. In Malaysia, over 520,000 cars made by five brands are affected, two-thirds of them Honda.
To date, Honda Malaysia has made commendable progress in carrying out the recall. Its over 72 percent completion rate for driver-side airbag (as of January 2017) is higher than Honda USA’s 59 percent.
Honda Malaysia also happens to be the only Honda office in the world to have secured 100 percent availability for replacement part for the most crucial driver’s airbag module. There is however, still a shortage of replacement parts for the passenger-side airbag and some waiting period is still necessary, just like everywhere else in the world, doesn’t matter if the vehicle is a Honda or not.
Honda Malaysia is also the only brand in the country affected by the Takata recall to communicate news of its defective airbags on a large scale - not just on websites, but also on newspapers, and shopping malls (during Honda road shows). It has even setup mobile service hubs at various locations – Petron and Petronas stations, Tesco and AEON outlets, as well as going door-to-door at selected neighborhoods.
The biggest challenge for Honda Malaysia remains used Honda vehicles which has been sold and re-sold multiple times. Contrary to popular opinion, obtaining the address of the vehicle owner is not as simple as downloading an Excel sheet from JPJ’s database. Honda Malaysia is already working with JPJ to get the latest address of affected Honda models but there is a limit to how updated this information is.
One particular challenging task is locating cars that are in-between owners - cars that are sitting on used car dealers’ lots.
As Malaysia’s leading online classifieds for cars, Carlist.my has offered its assistance to Honda Malaysia to direct Honda technicians to locate dealers where affected Honda models are currently parked at. The partnership with Honda Malaysia will continue until the recall campaign is over.
If you are shopping/have purchased a used Honda, be sure to verify if any of its airbag modules require replacement (not all models are affected while others might already been corrected). You can do this by entering the vehicle’s chassis number (VIN) at
productrecall.honda.com.my
.
The replacement is free of charge, and will take no more than 45 minutes. If your vehicle’s passenger-side is affected, you might have to make another visit at a later date. As explained earlier, there is a worldwide shortage for replacement parts.
The defective airbags can be replaced either at a Honda authorized service centre, or at one of Honda’s mobile service hubs. As the mobile service crew is always on the move, their location changes from time to time. You can check their latest location at their website.
The Takata airbag recall affects not just Honda models, but also Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi. You can check the affected models
here
.


ECU Tuning, And Why Many Are Doing It Wrong – Steve Dinan

Steve Dinan is one of the godfathers of ECU tuning. He has been hacking into car engines' electronic control units since 1982, on his own BMW 325i, which he says uses only a 4k memory chip back then. To help him crack the hexadecimal codes on the chip, he hired a software engineer from Silicon Valley and that was the beginning of the California-based Dinan Cars, a renowned tuning house that specialises in BMWs.
Unlike most aftermarket-tuners, Dinan backs up its products with a warranty package that matches the car’s manufacturer’s warranty.
According to Dinan’s website, Dinan products are warranted for the remaining term of the vehicle manufacturer’s new car limited warranty and are transferrable to the next owner, just like a regular manufacturer’s warranty.
With over 30 years of experience in ECU tuning, Steve Dinan has seen it all. Today, Steve Dinan is no longer directly involved with Dinan Cars, having left the company to join Chip Ganassi Racing but he still does some consulting work with Dinan Cars.
In this interview with /Drive, Steve explains the basics behind ECU tuning, and why he thinks many competing products out claiming to offer 20 to 30 hp gains from by just changing the chip alone is rubbish. He also explains about the benefits of high octane fuel in a naturally aspirated engine versus a turbocharged one, and how ECU tuning needs to be matched with the correct hardware.
Steve explained in most present day cars, tuning the ECU alone doesn’t do as much as they used to anymore, as the electronics that are fitted in today’s cars are intelligent enough to know that the car has been tuned, so a ‘piggyback’ ECU no longer works.
“Still there are people today, chip tuners selling by the thousands, all over the country, with outrageous claims claiming that they are making 20, 30, 40, 50 horsepower software when they making just this much,” he said while holding up his hands to make a zero.
“Don’t waste your money on software, unless you have hardware. Now if you have hardware like intakes and exhausts, and you know….headers, the engine has to be recalibrated for the hardware to work properly, and that’s the other thing people don’t do properly. They don’t put (the right) hardware in and then they run into drivability problems, because the fuel mixture and ignition timing are not matched to the hardware itself. Just the software alone won’t do anything, it hasn’t done anything since the ‘90s," said Steve.


PATRIOT 1 Number Plate Sells For RM1.308 Million

A “confidential bidder” has secured the highly covered ‘PATRIOT 1’ number plate for a staggering RM1.308 million.
The auction for the
‘PATRIOT’ number plate series
 numbered 1 to 9999 first began on 1
st
 June by Yayasan Patriot Negara Malaysia (YPN), in collaboration with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to raise funds to promote moderation after having acquired rights to the series from JPJ at RM1 million.
It is reported by
FMT
 that five bidders have been competing to obtain the “PATRIOT 1” plate, where a certain bidder “from the south” had put in a bid exceeding RM1.3 million, YPN previously announced. YPN vice chairman Nadzim Johan however quashed rumours that the bidder was Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ismail.
YPN had set a target profit of between RM10 million and RM15 million from this auction with reserved pricing for plates numbered ‘PATRIOT 1’ to ‘PATRIOT 10’ reportedly set at RM380,000.
With the amount of money paid to secure the ‘PATRIOT 1’ number plate, you could
buy a BMW i8
 or a
Mercedes-AMG GT S
.


Subang Businessman Has Two Luxury Cars Worth RM800k Stolen & Returned In One Day

On June 19, two luxury cars worth approximately RM800,000 belonging to a businessman were stolen from his home in Taman Subang Heights. They were found at a hotel in Klang and retrieved within the same day.
Cover image courtesy of
SJ Echo
.
Bernama reports that the missing
Audi

Q7
 and a
Bentley

Continental GT
 belonging to Datuk Seri Wong Ing Soon were found on different levels in the same premise in Persiaran Raja Muda, Pandamaran, Klang and are believed to have been taken by a syndicate, according to Subang Jaya District Police chief ACP Yahya Ramli.
He said, "The cars were found on the second and third floor in the building. We do not rule out that the syndicate has a group responsible for stealing and storing the cars. There is also another group whose task is to dispose of the cars such as placing them in containers and exporting them."
ACP Yahya said the suspects entered the owner’s house at around 5am by forcing open a window on the ground floor and taking the keys which were located on the second floor. The CCTV footage of Wong’s house showed two men, while police believe the case to involve four people or more.
After the theft, the cars we detected via Global Positioning System installed in the cars at 6.30am that same morning.
Once the location was determined, a police team was dispatched to monitor the building the cars were kept in for five hours. The syndicate's members, however, did not return to the cars, being seemingly aware of the police presence.
"We decided to take away the cars at 11.30 am, on the same day it was reported missing," said ACP Yahya.
Here's a video report from The Star.


Apple Says Up To 40 Models Will Adopt Its CarPlay Infotainment System

Apple CEO Tim Cook took to the stage during the company’s Spring Forward event to launch the Apple Watch. Within all the other bits of news flying around during the packed event, he did let slip the status of CarPlay, Apple’s foray into making your in-car infotainment system more integrated and intelligent through augmentation with a smartphone.
About year after Apple first announced CarPlay and started lobbying automakers to become partners, Mr. Cook said in a very straightforward manner that 40 models of vehicle that are confirmed for a 2015 release will have CarPlay integration built-in.
He also let fly that “every major car brand has committed to delivering CarPlay”. Thing is though,
Toyota
, a major car brand (ahem, the biggest), is famously missing from that list, and has been for some time. Don’t get me wrong, Toyota isn’t entirely averse to the idea and is in fact listed on Apple’s partner page for CarPlay, but they have not yet committed to a release timeline.
A point of relief for Apple is that Toyota also has not thrown their hat in with CarPlay’s competitor, Android Auto, either. Again, it’s not pushing it away, but it has not committed to placing it in its models in the near term yet.
Ceding control over the in-car screen to a third party is something that may be a tough pill to swallow as a manufacturer who has been developing a proprietary system for years now, but the response to a unified user experience between a smartphone and a car has long been called for.
Perhaps things might change when automakers like
Audi
,
Ford
,
Honda
,
Nissan
,
Volkswagen
, and
Mercedes-Benz
, over the course of the year, start the rollout that the customer interest becomes too high for Toyota to ignore. In the meantime, there are aftermarket systems already on sale from Pioneer and Alpine that do offer CarPlay capability.
Hopefully we’ll see CarPlay and Android Auto enabled cars in our showrooms soon.


All-New 2015 Nissan X-Trail Launched In Malaysia: From RM143k

Just days after
Honda Malaysia revealed its latest segment entry
, here are Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) with their mid-size SUV, the
all-new 2015 Nissan X-Trail
.

Having made its global debut late 2013 as the
Nissan
 Rogue, ETCM has taken its time to unveil what we know as the third-generation
Nissan X-Trail
 here, but aren’t we glad to finally get in on a piece of it? – those new lines are more than a breath of fresh air against the typical box-like dimensions we’ve been used to.

But with a detailed preview already published last December (2014), the only blank left to fill by ETCM was its confirmed prices, that which we can now share with you (OTR with insurance):

2015 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 2WD:
RM142,800

2015 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD:
RM165,800

KEY SPECS: 2.0L/ 2.5L

Engine: 2.0-litre (MR20DE)/ 2.5-litre (QR25DE-K2)

Transmission: Xtronic CVT with seven virtual ratios, eco mode

Power: 144PS @ 6,000rpm/ 171PS @ 6,000rpm

Torque:  200Nm @ 4,400rpm/ 233Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel Consumption: 7.1-litres/100km / 8.3-litres/100km (claimed)

Body Colours: Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, Graphite Blue, Titanium Olive

Buyer’s Guide:

While the Mazda CX-5 and now the
facelifted Honda CR-V
 have established themselves as leading favourites in the segment, we’re firm on the belief that the all-new X-Trail is more than a worthy competitor. The specifications shared with us at the pre-launch preview are more than you could ask for, if you could look past just the dual airbags. Elsewhere, there’s no faulting this beast.

While only two variants of the X-Trail are available, they both make the most respective sense: one is a more affordable, more fuel efficient 2.0L 2WD, the other a more powerful and better equipped 2.5-litre 4WD – the choice is yours to make.

Both variants are specified very competitively given what’s available to current segment contenders, if not the most.

ETCM is targeting to sell a little more than 650 units a month of the X-Trail, with the company already asserting an 1,300 units booked up to this date.

4WD Drivetrain:

With power figures all laid out for you nicely up top, one key highlight of the all-new X-Trail’s performance surround the return of its all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities. Available only on the 2.5-litre model is what Nissan coins as its ALL MODE 4x4-i. With a control dial on the center console, the X-Trail 2.5 4WD can switch between 2WD (front) and 4WD drive modes on the fly.

The control dial also has an Auto 4WD mode which uses various sensors to automatically delegate where engine torque is best distributed to, be it the front or rear wheels. During moments of understeer, torque can be automatically sent to the rear wheels to compensate. Likewise with oversteer, rear “push” is limited, with the front wheels now powering for grip.

In 4WD Lock mode, Nissan has packaged in an Advanced Hill Descent Control feature, which can help maintain the X-Trail’s descent down a slippery surface fully automatically, between speeds of 4 to 15km/h.

Exterior Styling:

Distinctly shaped away from the box-like characteristics of the out-going facelifted model, the new X-Trail is a much handsomer car than it has ever been in this writer’s view. The more sculpted lines bring more familiarity to what an SUV ought to look like (at least what’s expected of one), so you may take notice of some similarity to a CR-V (a close look side-by-side quickly reveals this). Nevertheless, this isn’t at all a negative point.

The boomerang LED daytime running lights are distinctive, and so is the familiar V-motion grille (as Nissan coins it). The headlamps differ on 2.0L to 2.5L variants, with basic halogen reflector-types on the base 2.0L, and LED projectors making an appearance only on the top-range 2.5L.

Puddle lamps integrated into the wing mirrors are a neat touch, and so are the turn signals. For wheels, both variants of the X-Trail get 17-inch alloys in a five twin-spoke design. Around to the rear, and tail lamp covers are crystal clear, with the stop lights in LEDs also shaped like a boomerang. Up top is a rear spoiler which hides the third brake light.

Interior Design:

While there isn’t a shortage of feature equipment here, the base 2.0L 2WD X-Trail does have to make-do with fabric seats – something we don’t mind too much in the black colour they’re in. Leather material in this variant is only limited to the steering wheel and shift knob.

Speaking of steering wheels, and it’s a similar-looking three-spoke design for the X-Trail, with cruise control and audio buttons in the style of almost every new Nissan model we get here.

One other fact Nissan appears keen to highlight its X-Trail’s longest wheelbase in the segment, at 2,705mm (Honda CR-V has 2,620mm). Ideally, this would translate into the most potential for leg and cargo room, but until we get to test drive these side-by-side, we’re not in any position to undermine Honda’s unbelievable cabin packaging (a.k.a. Honda Magic).

INFOTAINMENT:
 One radio head unit is no different from the other in the 2.0L and 2.5L variants of the X-Trail, being a five-inch QVGA touchscreen. iPod, Bluetooth and USB connectivity are all crucially accounted for, but the game-changer here is the availability of an Around View Monitor on both variants.

AROUND-VIEW MONITOR:
 If you haven’t been clued-in on what AVM is, you are missing out. Combining the displays from four different cameras around the car, the AVM displayed on the five-inch screen gives you a full surrounding birds-eye view of your vehicle – especially useful when you’re in a tight spot. Via a split-screen function, you can also have various camera display combinations as necessary: birds-eye view + rear view, bird-eye view + front view, etc.

SEATING:
 The all-new X-Trail does come with “+2” seats to make this at best a 5+2-seater, bear in mind however that the third row seats are purely “contingency” seats, so you can expect very limited spatial accommodation for most adult-sized passengers. Nevertheless, it gets three-point seatbelts.

CARGO SPACE:
 When maintained as a strict five-seater, 550 litres of cargo area is more than enough to withhold what’s typical expected of a proper SUV. Demand even more room, and you can fold the 60:40-split second row backrest to create a maximum 1,520 litres of cargo capacity. The tonneau cover is easily stashed under the luggage board in the floor of the boot.

2.5L 4WD:
 Of course, the 2.5-litre variant of the X-Trail benefits from a few extra items on the spec-list, and these most notably include a 10-way electric-powered driver seat, four-way front passenger power-seat, leather upholstery throughout, rain-sensing wipers, and a unique design on the interior panel finishing.

Safety Features:

With most of the most recent Nissan model (Teana, Sylphy) launches, we’ve had absolutely no cause for complaints: six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control, ABS, EBD… the works across the board, from the base model upwards. With the X-Trail, what’s immediately noticeable is that both variants of the car only come with two airbags, with no option to increase the count in sight. Bummer.

To make up for the minimum airbags offered are however a trio of active safety tech otherwise known collectively as Active Chassis Control. Standard on both X-Trail variants sold in Malaysia are
Active Ride Control
 (modulates brakes, engine toque to reduce body pitching over bumpy roads),
Active Engine Brake
 (uses CVT gear ratio to apply engine braking to slow the car) and
Active Trace Control
 (applies small amounts of braking to individual wheels when too much throttle is applied in a corner – torque vectoring, almost).

Optional Accessories:

V-Kool Elite Security: RM4,400

V-Kool Armorcoat: RM2,850

Solar Gard: RM1,450

Leather Seats: RM2,800

Ultra Glass Body Coating NEO: RM2,350

Multi-media Navigation: RM3,800


We're Not Kidding, Audi Has A Department Where People Smell Steering Wheels

You know how certain smells leave a lasting impression, smells from Subway or Rotiboy are so distinct that you recognize the smell a good 50 metres away before you even see the stores. You can say the same about a new car too!

It's part of the unique new car experience and really does send a message to the brain that the car rolled off the factory not too long ago. It's not really a fresh smell but definitely one that gives off the vibe that your car is brand spanking new.

The smell is a combination of many things, but mainly the new car smell is caused by organic compounds used by manufacturers to build the vehicle. For Audi, however, they would like to make it publicly known that they take car smell seriously because they have this unique bunch of people who test the scents of their cars.

These select group of people are called the Audi Nose Team, and their sole purpose of existence is to make sure that Audis smell good for the lifetime of the car - no wonder Audi interiors are the best of the best aye. In existence since 1985, this team of five operate out of Audi's main quality centre in Bavaria and grade different materials and chemicals used inside Audis to make their interior smells as neutral as possible.

The tests are done with scores that scale from one to six and to pass their sensitive noses; materials must be four or less as apparently five or six are irritating. You'd think only things like leather and cloth would be tested but not at Audi, because odourless materials such as glass and metal also get tested by this unique team.

From time to time, this team will also do spot checks and pull up random Audi cars to test whether the smell of the car is up to their standard - talk about olfaction!  Should they not, the team will look to make changes in the manufacturing process to ensure the issue does not persist.

Heiko Lüßmann-Geiger, a member of the Audi Nose Team has previously said that he believes a car's interior smell is an important part of an ownership experience.

"At the tip of this hierarchy pyramid is the well-being of the customer, right at the base is the smell. If the customer is now irritated by this odour from below, he will no longer correctly perceive all the other positive comfort properties of the vehicle. He is too irritated by the stress brought about by the odour," says Lüßmann-Geiger.

On a side note and away from the impressive Audi Nose Team, have you ever wondered why most European car interiors smell like crayons? In cars that were manufactured before the last 5 years, the crayon smell is probably due to the insulation of the vehicle. Especially in our blazing hot sun, the smell can be apparent due to the release of odor from the waxy coating on the insulation. People used to say it was the leather, well it was but also the combination of the insulation smell.

How good is your nose?


Jaguar XJs Of Past And Present Convoy From UK To Paris To Celebrate Model’s 50th Anniversary

A unique convoy representing the past and present of the Jaguar XJ will journey from the Jaguar Castle Bromwich plant in the UK to the Paris Motor Show to celebrate 50 years of the flagship luxury saloon.
The line-up, which will feature all eight generations of XJ produced since 1968, will be led by the car that started it all, the Series I, and finish with the most recent XJ50 special edition, which was revealed earlier this year. The convoy will also include significant models such as the Series II Coupé and X350 XJR.
Starting at Castle Bromwich where the luxury saloon is produced, the 839km drive will take in a series of important locations, including Jaguar Classic, Bicester Heritage Centre and the Goodwood and Le Mans race circuits, which have played a significant role in the life of Jaguar and the XJ. Journey’s end for the convoy is the Paris Motor Show, where the Jaguar XJ Series I made its debut in 1968.
Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, said “The Jaguar XJ story is one of design, desirability and performance and over the past 50 years it has become a true giant in the automotive world and it’s only right that we pay homage to it in this special way.”
The cars taking part in this one-off journey:
Jaguar XJ Series I: 1968
Jaguar XJ Series II: 1973
Jaguar XJ Series II Coupé: 1973
Jaguar XJ Series III: 1979
Jaguar XJ XJ40: 1986
Jaguar XJ X300: 1994
Jaguar XJ X308: 1997
Jaguar XJ X350: 2003
Jaguar XJ X351: 2009
Jaguar XJR575: 2017
Jaguar XJ XJ50: 2018
Paris has a special significance to the Jaguar XJ. In 1968 the XJ made its debut at the show, with Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons revealing his vision for a saloon car with the handling of an E-type.
Since then, the presentation halls of Paris have played a regular role in the life of the XJ. While the XJ ‘X300’ was unveiled at the event in 1994, the XJ ‘X350’ also made its debut in Paris in 2002.
That being said, the XJ’s 50th anniversary celebrations began with the introduction of the XJ50 earlier in 2018.
The special edition model includes Autobiography-style front and rear bumpers, purposeful new 20-inch Venom wheels, black front grille and unique badging to the rear and side vents.
Inside, the luxury cabin features an embossed leaper on the headrests, an XJ50 logo on the centre armrest, unique intaglio branding, and XJ50-badged illuminated treadplates.


Volkswagen Arteon Previewed In Malaysia, Ahead Of 2019 Launch

Volkswagen is set to introduce the Arteon – a fastback version of the Passat sedan, and also a more affordable version of the Audi A5 Sportback – here in Malaysia next year.
Details remain scarce but you can be certain that it will be priced above the Passat 2.0 TSI sedan’s RM195,390. That would also mean that the Arteon will be priced close to a
Mercedes-Benz C200
 (from RM259,888) or a BMW 318i (from RM202,800).
However it makes up for the price premium by delivering far better driving performance, sexier fastback styling, a more spacious cabin and boot, and an equally German heritage.
The 2.0 TSI 4Motion R-Line model on display here at the Premium Auto Car Expo in Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam is a Singapore market model (hence the ERP tag on the windscreen).
The engine pushes out 280 PS, which is 60 PS more than the Passat 2.0 TSI and 50 PS more than the Golf GTI, although torque remains the same at 350 Nm. Drive is sent to all four wheels via 4Motion and a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In some markets, that same 2.0 TSI is also offered with a lower 190 PS/320 Nm tune. There’s also a 1.5-litre TSI engine that pushes out 150 PS and 250 Nm.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is not saying much else at the moment, but more details can be expected starting early next year.
Apart from its fastback body, the biggest difference between the Arteon and Passat are the frameless doors in the former. Inside, the Arteon is largely similar to the Passat.
The boot opens like a hatchback, and has a cargo capacity of 563 litres, which is 23 litres less than the Passat sedan.


Polestar To Remain As An Independent Unit Under Volvo

Volvo
 says that its new and recently acquired in-house performance brand, Polestar, will remain “dynamic and independent” under Volvo’s control.
The statement was made by the president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, Håkan Samuelsson. To that end, he added, Polestar will have its very own management team with control over its own product strategy, research and development, as well as marketing and sales.
Polestar will also be continuing its involvement in motorsports with the 2016 Scandanavian Touring Car Championship alongside Cyan Racing, the new team set up by Christian Dahl.
“I am keen for Polestar to remain as entrepreneurial as possible,” said Mr Samuelsson. “We want Polestar to build on its racing heritage and strengthen its brand by pushing the limits in terms of engineering and technology. The best way to achieve this was for it to work as an independent unit.”
Polestar’s management, comprising of Björn Sällström as chief executive and Niels Möller as chief product officer, will report to a Board of Directors that comprise of Volvo’s executive managers.
In July 2015,
Polestar was wholly acquired by Volvo Cars
, leading to an expansion of the two main business areas of Polestar: cars and accessories. This will also be tied closely to technical developments gained from its motorsports programmes.
Global sales projections for Polestar versions of Volvo’s cars include 750 units of the 350hp
V60
 wagons and
S60
 sedans in 2015, a figure that the automaker forecasts to increase to between 1,000 to 1,500 cars a year in the medium term under Volvo ownership.


Proton X50 Tawar Pengecas Telefon Tanpa Wayar Sebagai Pilihan – Harga RM450

Sekiranya anda memiliki sebuah
Proton X50
 ataupun baru berkira-kira untuk membeli X50, anda kini boleh menambah pengecas telefon tanpa wayar untuk jentera X50 sebagai pilihan tambahan!

Seperti yang anda tahu, interior dalaman Proton X50 yang sedikit futuristik dengan warna dwi-tona, kombinasi LCD meter, serta panoramic sunroof itu kini boleh ditambah baik dengan kehadiran pengecas telefon tanpa wayar. Alang-alang menyeluk pekasam, biar sampai ke pangkal lengan!

Dengan kehadiran pengecas ini, anda tidak lagi perlu untuk membawa kabel wayar USB anda untuk mengecas telefon di dalam kereta. Anda hanya perlu meletakkan telefon anda di atas pad pengecas tersebut dan biarkan pengecas itu melakukan kerjanya. Boleh tinggal sahaja kabel pengecas di rumah supaya anda tidak perlu lagi melalui situasi seperti tertinggal wayar pengecas di dalam kereta jika anda sudah berada di atas katil. Kan mudah tu?

Sebagai aksesori asli keluaran
Proton
, harga yang ditawarkan bagi pengecas tanpa wayar ini adalah RM450 termasuk pemasangan. Pengecas tersebut berfungsi dengan standard Qi, memberikan output kuasa sebanyak 10 watt. Kedudukan pengecas ini pula berada di bahagian bawah panel kawalan pendingin haba dimana satu pad akan dipasang disitu, mengambil kuasa dari soket 12-volt.

Antara kemudahan yang hadir dengan pengecas tanpa wayar ini adalah sistem pengecasan pantas, fungsi penunjuk LED semasa mengecas serta memudahkan urusan pengecasan di mana anda hanya perlu meletakkan telefon anda pada pad pengecas untuk mengecas telefon dengan hanya menggunakan sebelah tangan. Boleh lakukan perkara ini ketika kereta sedang bergerak dengan mudah! Tiada lagi isu cas telefon tapi tak masuk kerana wayar pengecas tidak dicucuk dengan betul.

Oleh kerana ini merupakan aksesori asli Proton, anda tidak perlu risau dengan
waranti
 yang ada pada X50 anda. Pemasangan pengecas tanpa wayar ini langsung tidak akan membatalkan waranti anda. Sebaliknya, aksesori tambahan tersebut pula yang menerima waranti selama setahun.

Walau bagaimana pun, pengecas tanpa wayar ini dijual secara berasingan dan tidak termasuk dalam mana mana pakej seperti pakej aksesori Urban atau Utility yang ditawarkan bagi Proton X50 sebelum ini. Berikut merupakan apa yang ditawarkan oleh pakej Urban dan Utility.

Pakej

Aksesori

Harga

Urban

But Belakang Berkuasa (Power Tailgate)

RM3,500

Pembaca Tol Terbina Dalam (Toll Reader)

Lapik Kaki Gegelung (Coil Mat)

Pelindung Matahari Magnetik (Magnetic Sunshades)

Utility

But Belakang Berkuasa (Power Tailgate)

RM3,300

Lapik Kaki PVC (PVC Mat)

Bekas But Belakang (Boot Tray)

Plat Logam Di Ambang Pintu (Door Scuff Plate)

Bagi semua pengguna X50, jangan risau kerana pengecas tanpa wayar baharu ini boleh dipasang pada
semua varian
 Proton X50 daripada varian terendah, 1.5T Standard hinggalah 1.5 TGDi Flagship! Sekiranya anda berminat, tempahannya sudah pun dibuka. Bergegaslah ke mana-mana pengedar sah Proton untuk membuat tempahan bagi mendapatkan pengecas ini.

Anda juga mungkin tertanya nak beli Proton X50 ke Proton X70? Video ini pasti membantu!

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Get lucky with Shell Helix this Chinese New Year

With the Chinese New Year festivities just around the corner, Shell Malaysia has announced that those who purchase of a 4-litre pack of Shell Helix Ultra, Shell Helix HX 7 or 4-litre/3-litre pack of Shell Helix HX5 passenger car motor oil from now till 29 February 2016 stand a chance to receive Lucky Ang Pows containing cash vouchers or free fuel vouchers.

Motorists can receive these Lucky Ang Pows in two ways – by either making a purchase from Shell Helix workshops, or by purchasing a 4-litre pack of any Shell Helix product at Shell stations nationwide.
While those who choose the first method are entitled to receive Lucky Ang Pows containing cash vouchers worth up to RM30 and stand a chance to win RM888, motorists who make their purchase at Shell stations may receive Lucky Ang Pows containing free fuel vouchers worth up to RM20.
“We want to reward car owners for using Shell Helix motor oils, especially during the hectic festive season. The cutting-edge technology in our motor oils ensures superior cleansing, better protection, and enhanced performance and fuel economy so that you can be on the road with total freedom and confidence,” said Leslie Ng, Shell Lubricants General Manager – Malaysia and Singapore.
For more information on the latest Shell Helix products and promotions, please go to
www.shell.com.my.


2023 Honda ADV160 'adventure scooter' launched - RM12,999

Boon Siew Honda has officially unveiled its latest offering here in Malaysia, the 2023 Honda ADV160 adventure scooter.

Set as the evolution of the popular Honda ADV150 and its bigger and more powerful sibling, the Honda X-ADV 750, the new Honda ADV160 is said to have great on-road commuting capabilities as well as the ability to handle some off-road excursions.

157cc single-cylinder engine with 15.8hp & 14.7Nm

The rugged exterior of this smooth city cruiser is paired with Honda's 157cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled 4-Valve eSP+ engine that produces 15.8hp and 14.7Nm of torque. Designed to deliver more power and torque compared to the ADV150, the Honda ADV160 also offers great fuel economy together with its 8.1-litre fuel tank.

Other highlighted features include the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), lowered seat height configuration (780mm), adjustable windscreen, fully-digital meter panel, 30-litre underseat storage (2 litres more than the ADV150), full-LED lights with DRLs, and many more.

RM12,999 (excluding insurance, road tax & registration)

For those who are interested in getting the 2023 Honda ADV160, Boon Siew Honda has priced it at RM12,999 (excluding insurance, road tax, and registration). For that price, future owners can opt between two colour options - Vivacity Red or Mat Charcoal Gray Metallic.

That price tag also gives you a scooter that's readily available with specs like front ABS, Honda Smart Key and alarm system, a 5V 2.1A USB charger located within the console box, and more. Not a bad daily commuter to beat that awful rush hour congestion, eh?


Malaysia Should Look At The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel For Inspiration

While Malaysia is
looking into building an underwater tunnel to connect Indonesia and Malaysia
, Denmark and Germany have actually started building one, which would slash journey times between the two countries when it opens in 2029.

According to CNN, the construction of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, which took a decade to plan, started in 2020. Since then, a harbour on the Danish side has been constructed, where it will soon host a factory that will build 89 massive concrete sections that will make up the tunnel.

German - Denmark tunnel = Malaysia - Indonesia tunnel/ highway?

"The expectation is that the first production line will be ready around the end of the year or beginning of next year," said Henrik Vincentsen, CEO of Femern A/S, the state-owned Danish company in charge of the project. "By the beginning of 2024, we have to be ready to immerse the first tunnel element."

It is called the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel because it will be built across the Fehmarn Belt, a strait between the German island of Fehmarn and the Danish island of Lolland.

Currently, there is a ferry service from Fehmarn and Lolland, which carries millions of passengers every year. The ferry takes 45 minutes to get from one side to the other, but the tunnel will allow cars to cross the two countries in just 10 minutes.

The tunnel, which will be 18 kilometers long, will be one of Europe's largest infrastructure projects, with a construction budget of over 7 billion euros (RM31.8 billion).

It won't be the longest tunnel to connect two countries, as the 50-kilometre Channel Tunnel linking England and France completed in 1993 is more than double its length. The Channel Tunnel cost the equivalent of £12 billion (RM54.6 billion) in today's money.

Suppose Malaysia actually builds the proposed 120km route
 from Melaka to Dumai, Sumatra, in that case, it will be more than six times the length of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel. It hasn't yet been decided whether it will be an immersed tunnel or just a good old bridge.


Oldie But Goodie: Old Cars that Deserve A Second Chance In Motoring Life

Old cars do not necessarily mean they are cars that are past their sell by date. They are just old-er and need a bit more tender love and care. They still function and bring a lot of joy to our lives. They are like our parents. They were once younger, healthier, and had more energy, but what they do not have in youthfulness anymore, they have an abundance of in wisdom, class, and composure, just like older cars. Somehow, no matter what, you still admire them for what and who they are.

The saying that "they don't make them like they used to" is actually factually correct because these days cars are engineered to provide short excitement spans because the next newer model will surely come with some fabulous new gadgets and tech that'll make you want them. Well, new cars were always built better to elapse older ones, but the level of high tech in new cars these days is just astronomical.

Thanks to the rapid pace of technological advancement, cars are built more efficient than ever. Still, they do come at a cost; their replacement parts are usually costly due to the tech used. This is another reason why people change cars more frequently than ever, because at the first sign that the vehicle's warranty will be coming to an end, owners will usually try to get rid of them like it is animal dung.

But you know what, even animal dung gets a second chance. They are used to fertilise the land, which in turn helps to grow those tasty fruits and vegetables we love. I'm not saying old vehicles are like animal dung, but the saying of another person's trash is another person's treasure really comes to mind here.

Our parents' generation tended to keep their cars for more than 20 to 30 years. You can still find one-owner vehicles that are 30 plus years old. Some newer cars that are just shy of two years old can already have two owners. Why is that? Because cars in our parents' generation were much more straightforward and repairable. Are they still repairable today though? Yes if you can find an old school sifu mechanic to fix them of course.

If you're looking for a cheap project car that you would love to drive on the weekends, these are the cars you need to look at. They are affordable and can provide you with a hobby of restoring a car. The hunt for them is actually where the fun is because once you've bought it, 'Bengkel Life' kicks in.

However, be mindful, these cars are cheap for a reason. They won't be in the best condition but can provide you with a base for a project. Mint condition version of these cars is usually priced much higher.

With that in mind, let's take a look at some of these old cars, cause who knows, perhaps you can give them another chance in motoring life. We're pretty sure we didn't get all those glorious old cars in this list, so chip in and let us know which old cars you love.

Mercedes Benz 300SE W126 ( starting from RM10k)

Having a title such as the "best car in the world" can be really heavy on a cars metal shell. But luckily, the W126 embraced it and still delivers that vibe till today. Even till today, people prefer this lovely German limousine over a new generation micro machine - maybe it is the best car in the world. It was introduced in 1979, but you can still find examples that are in good condition. If you're not in a hurry to go anywhere but want to drive in style and comfort, this is the car for you. Mechanical parts are still available but finding a mechanic that truly knows about them will be harder to find.

The original Mini (starting from RM10k)

We might ruffle a few feathers here, especially if you're a BMW fan, but arguably, the Mini Cooper S was the first affordable two-door sporty car, not the BMW 2002 - maybe that's why BMW bought them. It was tearing up the European and American race tracks way before the 2002. The base car wasn't bad either and can be readily found in Malaysia. Sadly, it's hard to find an original Mini Cooper S on our shores, but with a little tweaking and cups of tea and a handful of scones with a sifu Mini mechanic, you can make an original base model Mini move and feel like a Cooper S.

BMW e34
 VS
Mercedes w124
 (Starting from RM7k)

Ahh, the age-old battle, which is better, the BMW E34 or the Mercedes W124. Truthfully, they are both brilliant cars made for different demographics, with the BMW suited to sportier drivers and the Benz to laid back drivers. The prices of these cars are starting to rise now, so snap one up before the price increases. The E34 was known as the sportscar in a business suit while the W124 was claimed to be over-engineered by Mercedes Benz. Parts for these cars are still available and not all that expensive if it doesn't come anywhere near the engine or gearbox. Saying that, some engines that came with specific variants of the car were more reliable than others.

Isuzu Trooper Bighorn (Starting from RM12k)

Okay, Land Cruisers and Pajeros are much more desirable, but the prices for those vehicles are also much much more. If you need an old school seven-seater 4x4 that can probably take you off the beaten path while at the same time serve as a family bus, the Isuzu Trooper can do that. We're not talking about the first generation, but the second which was also called the Bighorn. They were so good, many other companies like Honda, Holden, Vauxhall and Opel decided to rebadge them and call them their own. The Bighorn has a lot of space inside and comes with good engines. Yes, they are big and bulky, but they provide this tank-like sensation that modern 4x4s do not have.

There are so many more good old cars out there that deserve a second chance, but these are just some examples that we like. Like we said before, chip in with your selection and share your thoughts. If money is not a constraint, your options are quite limitless.


KLIA1 and KLIA2 to be rebranded into KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2

KLIA 1 and KLIA 2 are to be rebranded as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 under the new Operating Agreement (OA 2023) between MAHB and the government.

We wouldn't want to imagine what's on Anthony Loke's plate right now, because in the past few days, we've seen him announce some of the most crucial changes in local transportation affairs.

On top of announcing the changes in
private vehicle road tax policy
 and the
repurposing of Subang Airport
, Transport Minister, Anthony Loke once again makes the front page as he announced that KLIA 1 and KLIA 2 might be rebranded into Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

According to The Star, the move was expected to take place after the inking of a new comprehensive agreement between the government and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) by the first quarter of this year.

Loke said the proposal was part of the major reforms to relieve the burden on the government to build new airports or to upgrade existing ones.

The agreement between both parties covers operations, management, maintenance and development of 39 airports and airfields in the country, including the ones in east Malaysia. Apparently the agreement will last until 2069.

He said that the rebranding might take some time as there were also administrative matters to be sorted out with relevant authorities, such as informing the changes with the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).


Proton Now Offers Customers Cash Rebate For GST Reimbursement

Following
yesterday's announcement
 that it would give customers service vouchers that are equivalent in value to the difference between the pre and post GST price of all its cars, Proton today has further enhanced the deal.
Customers now have the option of choosing between the service vouchers, or a cash rebate of the same value. The offer is applicable to all Proton cars bought and registered from 16 May to 31 May 2018 and supplements other sales promotions.
The deals are 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.
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).


Geneva 2019: Aston Martin Shows Off Vanquish Vision Concept

It looks like the Vanquish is coming back to the Aston Martin fleet, and this time as a rear mid-engined machine. Vision Concepts are a great way for manufacturers to provide a glimpse of their future, and this year's Geneva Motor Show sees Aston Martin unveiling their Vanquish Vision Concept. It will be their fourth mid-engined model, following three (yet to be released) models: the Valkyrie, the Valkyrie AMR Pro, and the AM-RB 003.
Powering this up and coming Vanquish will be a version of the V6 that will power the AM-RB 003 in hybrid turbo form. If you're a little confused, don't worry: Aston Martin took this year's motor show as an opportunity to unveil huge plans, and it seems like there will be a significant number of models added to their line-up, not least of which is the Lagonda SUV. The Vanquish will be a more road-friendly, conventional counterpart to its high brow sisters, with a bonded aluminium chassis instead of an all-carbon design.
For now there are few details besides the engine and the construction of the chassis, but you can be assured that Aston Martin will get more information out there as the development program for the Vanquish proceeds. The segment in which the Vanquish will compete in is one of the fiercest, with McLaren already pushing out model after model to fill each nook and cranny, and Porsche happily cranking out Boxsters and Caymans.
This Vanquish will be their first series production mid-engine supercar, so you can expect that there's a lot of weight resting on its shoulders. It's scheduled to enter production by 2022, which gives Aston Martin a very tight three year span to develop a working prototype, sort all the gremlins out, clock the required testing miles, and get it production ready for the proverbial masses.


MITI: Possible Collaboration With Qatar On Third National Car Project

At the ongoing World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland, Minister in the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Datuk Darell Leiking took the opportunity to meet with his Qatari counterpart, H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari.
The main objective of the meeting is to explore the possibility of having Qatar on board Malaysia’s third national car project. This is to leverage on Qatar’s investments in Volkswagen and Audi.
Photo credit:
Facebook
 page of MITI
Qatar positively welcomed the idea and reiterated on the need to deliberate the details of the joint manufacturing project. Datuk Darell Leiking also highlighted that Qatar could look at the possibility of collaborating in Malaysia in other parts of the automotive sector such as investment in automotive components or producing electric cars.
It is also reported in local dailies that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will chair a meeting on the coming Monday (January 28th), with expectations of the announcement of the company that will lead the third national car project.


2017 Lotus Evora GT430 Launched – 430hp, 60 Units Worldwide

After launching the Lotus Evora 400 and
Sport 410 models
, Lotus has once again turned up the wick on its GT model to introduce its lightest, most powerful road-going Lotus ever - the Evora GT430.
Limited to just 60 units worldwide, the Evora GT430 marks the return of a famous Lotus badge, acknowledging the Lotus Esprit V8 GT and the Esprit GT3 from the 1990s.
Like the name suggests, the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, sourced from Toyota, has been fettled to produce 430hp and 440Nm from 4,500 rpm.
The increase in torque is achieved through an air-to-liquid gearbox cooler standard and a new titanium exhaust system, which also shaves 10 kg from car’s overall weight and serves up a meaty exhaust note.
The Evora GT430’s six-speed manual gearbox features a low-inertia, single-mass flywheel, to help ensure swift gearchanges, while a ‘Torsen-type’ limited slip differential (LSD) for better traction.
Headline figures read 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds onto a top speed of 305km/h.
For stopping, the Evora GT430 uses 2-piece ‘J-grooved’ and ventilated brake discs at the front, paired with AP Racing four-piston calipers all round, while the rear uses 3-piece discs with lightweight aluminium centres.
The GT430 sheds 26kgs over Evora Sport 410, now just 1,258kg, achieved through the titanium exhaust system, carbon body panels, lightweight interior components, suspension system and lightweight rear brake discs.
To manage the increased power, mechanical grip is improved with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres measuring 245/35 R19 at the front and 295/30 R20 at the rear – 10mm wider than those fitted on the Evora 410.
The wheels are ultra-lightweight forged aluminium wheels finished in either black or silver, with optional finishes as well.
Visually, the GT430 features a new carbon fibre front splitter which is claimed to separate and speed up airflow under the car. Two enlarged carbon fibre front ducts, with integrated air blades channels air though to the front wheel cavities, to help reduce turbulence and drag created by the wheels.
The lightweight curved rear edges of the front wheel arch panels works to channel air along the side of the car and the louvers positioned on top of each front wheel arch to reduce pressure above the wheel.
The rear of the Evora GT430 has received the same attention, featuring deep sculpted ducts behind each wheel that vent airflow as quickly as possible from the wheel arches, improving downforce. A huge carbon wing, fitted atop the rear shell further adds downforce.
On the inside, the GT430 features newly-designed carbon-backed Sparco seats, customers can also opt for an optional driver and passenger four-point harnesses and titanium rear frame.The interior also features new carbon door sills, lightweight carbon instrument binnacle cover with a new graphics on the instrument panel.
Elsewhere, the steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel and centre console are all trimmed in a combination of black Alcantara / perforated leather, or with full leather or full Alcantara.


Perodua To Reimburse GST For Sales, Service & Parts Until 31 May

Perodua will fully reimburse the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to customers who purchase a new Perodua vehicle, service their Perodua vehicle, or buy parts between 18 and 31 May 2018, ahead of the zero-rated GST implementation on 1 June 2018.
“This GST rebate initiative represents our commitment to customers to always place them first in everything we do. Please visit any of our 179 authorised sales outlets nationwide to learn more," Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin said
Dato’ Zahari said that this GST rebate is Perodua’s own initiative and that he hopes customers would take advantage of this at both its sales and service outlets.
“For our customers who have made transactions at any of our service centres today (18 May 2018), we will reimburse you in the form of e-vouchers, which is valid on 1 June 2018 onwards.
“Starting from tomorrow (19 May 2018), our customers will receive an instant 6% cash rebate for vehicles serviced,” he added.
The GST rebate amounts are based on the vehicles’ nett selling price without GearUp accessories, insurance and other selling expenses.
Please see attached list of GST rebates:


Masamichi Kogai To Step Down As Mazda’s President and CEO, Head Of Americas Region To Take Over

After five years in his position as Representative Director President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation, Masamichi Kogai will be stepping away from managing day-to-day operations of the Hiroshima-based car maker.
Effective 26-June this year, the 64-year old Kogai will assume his new position as Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, and will be handing over his current position to Akira Marumoto.
Among the highlights of Kogai’s five-year term at Mazda were the complete renewal of Mazda’s product line-up and introduction of the SkyActiv suite of technologies, partnership with Fiat to build the MX-5/Miata and Fiat 124 Spider, partnership with Toyota on joint-production and sharing of technologies related to powertrain electrification, expansion of the Mazda’s production facilities in Thailand to include an engine and a transmission plant, and more importantly, strengthening the fiercely independent Mazda’s finances to reach its best ever.
His successor the 61-year old Marumoto is currently Mazda’s head of operations in the fledging Americas region, which includes the highly competitive USA as well as emerging markets in South America like Brazil. His official title is quite lengthy - Representative Director Executive Vice President Assistant to President; Oversight of Operations in the Americas and Administrative Domain.
Like many senior members within Mazda’s management ranks, Marumoto was an ex-engineer, and in the early 2000s, was in charge of Mazda’s European R&D operations, before assuming various senior positions in product planning and product strategy.


18 Daily Bankruptcy Declarations In Malaysia - Vehicle Purchase One Of The Top Causes

According to a report by The Star, the Insolvency Department has seen a total of 274,628 Malaysians declaring themselves bankrupt, with 46,132 of them being recorded between 2018 and April 2022.

According to the report, nearly 60% of those declared bankrupt in the last five years are aged between 25 and 44 years old, and that half of Malaysians that have been declared bankrupt were due to personal loans, followed by vehicle hire purchases and business loans.

Data credit: The Star

"The number of petitions (by debtors and creditors) filed every day in 2022 is 17. The number of cases registered every day in 2022 stands at 18," the department said as reported by The Star.

While the findings showed a downward trend between 2018 and 2022 for vehicle purchases as a cause of insolvency, this however could be attributed to the amendment to the Insolvency Act on 20 September 2020 that increased the bankruptcy threshold from RM50,000 to RM100,000 - which probably explains the 37% decline between 2020 and 2021.

The decrease in numbers is also a
reflection of the pandemic/
 MCOs
 that we were in, where we were in and out of lockdown for the past two years and that purchasing cars was not on top of anybody's shopping nor priority list.

Consumer financial expert Prof Dr Mohamad Fazli Sabri said that it is an alarming situation that 18 people were declared bankrupt on a daily basis.

"The fact that many of them fall into bankruptcy due to personal loans is something that is worrying because we have no idea why they have taken loans; they could have spent the money on something that was not a necessity."

Speaking of necessity, while most Malaysians
consider a vehicle necessity
 due to various reasons, including the
lack of good public transportation
 - over-reaching or purchasing a vehicle that is not within a person's budget likely attributed to vehicle purchase being the number two cause of insolvencies among Malaysians.

While there's a sentiment that the
increase in prices
 of cars is one of the major factors for Malaysian's over-reaching when purchasing vehicles, it has to be said that the lack of
financial literacy
 is instead the main problem.

Yes, we're all only human and have our own wants and desires, but we should not spend beyond our means, especially when it involves putting ourselves
into a long-term agreement
/ debt
.

Purchasing a flashy new car with the latest features is always fantastic, but there are new or used cars out there that can be a great compromise, where it doesn't leave you eating roti canai or maggi mee most of the time in a month.

We don't want to say that the downward trend is all due to the pandemic and increase in the bankruptcy threshold because we would like to believe that more Malaysians out there are starting to understand the basics of personal financing and home economics.

Let's not overspend on cars and live within our means, and if the temptation is ever there to over-reach, think again as there are many affordable vehicles out there that can and will tick all that you need from a vehicle.
Gaya takde takpe, tapi duit ada!


2020 Hyundai Elantra (CN7) SmartStream G1.6 Launched - RM158,888

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially launched the seventh-generation (CN7) Hyundai Elantra sedan. The recently previewed sole variant, dubbed the SmartStream G1.6 goes on sale with an introductory price of RM158,888 (Peninsula Malaysia, excluding insurance).

The fully-imported (CBU) C-segment sedan boasts an entirely new, angular design language, a latest-generation drivetrain unit, and a full suite of active safety features.

“The new Elantra is a game-changer, not just in its looks but the entire package that comes with it. Its sporty elegant look that comes with a high-tech premium interior and Hyundai’s Smartsense features make it an unbeatable C-segment car in its class,” said Mr Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.

Starting with the powerplant – the Elantra is powered by the company’s ‘Smartstream G’ 1.6-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder which outputs 123PS and 154Nm at 4,500rpm. The compact engine is mated to a first of its kind Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) with 8-speed virtual ratios.

According to Hyundai, though the IVT might have the working principles of a typical CVT- type transmission, the IVT is designed to work and feel more like a conventional auto.

The striking exterior design is characterised by Hyundai’s new design language for the Elantra “Parametric Dynamics” which embodies the use of triangular shapes to create a futuristic design. The ‘Parametric Jewel Pattern Grille’ is flanked by LED headlamps; uniquely, the turn signals are embedded into the grille, and not part of the main headlight assembly.

Along the flanks – the Elantra is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels to complement its fastback silhouette. At the back, a light tube that runs the width of the boot, connects the LED combination lights at either end, further accentuating the width of the car.

Another crafty detail is the light signature that also forms an “H-pattern” when lit.

However, it’s on the inside that Hyundai has pulled out all the stops. The spacious interior – which now boasts an additional 58mm of rear legroom (
over its predecessor
) is trimmed in either Light Grey or Black with a mixture of fabrics for added texture. The light grey interior option uniquely covers the driver’s side door panels, grip handle in grey upholstery to give it a cocooning ‘cockpit-like’ feel for the driver. Ventilated, heated/cooled seats are offered for both the front driver and passenger.

Elsewhere, the Elantra is supplied as standard with a 10.25-inch Supervision TFT LCD instrument cluster, 8-inch central infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Elsewhere, the cabin features dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The Elantra also features the complete suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which puts it on par with its rivals from
Honda
 (Sensing) and
Toyota
(Safe-T).

The Elantra’s “SmartSense” ADAS suite carries the following features:

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) with Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)

FCA with Avoidance Assist Junction (FCA-JT)

Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)

Rear Cross Traffic-Avoidance Assists (RCCA)

Safe Exit Warning (SEW)

Driving Attention Warning (DAW) with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)

The FCA-JT works when the driver turns (into a junction) on the right – if the system detects an oncoming car, it will automatically apply the brakes. Both the BCA and RCCA systems are also capable of intervening if the driver doesn’t react in time.

The Elantra will be supplied in four different exterior colours – Polar White, Electric Shadow, Amazon Grey and Intense Blue.

The Elantra comes with a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty and is available for viewing at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide.

So to
Elantra
 or not?

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

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Carlist.my.

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.


New Perodua 3S Centre In Sungai Buloh Officially Open For Business

Perodua has announced that its latest 3S centre in Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh, is now officially open for business.
Owned and operated by Yusmanida Auto Sdn Bhd, the new outlet occupies a built-up area of 16,000 sq ft on a total land area of 45,000 sq ft, and is staffed by a total of 65 employees including 30 sales advisors and 12 service advisors.
Capable of servicing up to six cars at a time, facilities in the 3S centre include a spacious lounge area with three TVs, a mini library, children’s play area, vending machines as well as beverage-making facilities.
Yusmanida Auto Sdn Bhd Managing Director Sarizal Yusman Yusoff said that the RM11 million 3S centre began construction in August 2016 and was completed in April 2017, before operations started in September 2017.
“Yusmanida Auto has been a Perodua dealer since 2003, previously operating a sales outlet on Jalan Meru, Klang. Over the past 15 years, they have built a strong working relationship with Perodua based on trust and a common desire to give our customers the best they deserve,” said Perodua President and CEO Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh.
Yusmanida Auto’s new Perodua 3S centre is located at Wisma Yusmanida, Lot 28808, Persiaran E1/1, Seri Pristana, 47000 Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh.
Including this new facility, Perodua now has a total of 186 sales outlets, 183 service outlets, and 24 Body & Paint outlets in Malaysia.


Beijing 2018: Kia Reveals K5 Plug-in Hybrid And Yi Pao SUV Exclusively For China

Kia’s Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Yueda Kia Motors has revealed two new models made for China at the ongoing Auto China 2018 – the Yi Pao urban SUV, and the K5 Plug-in Hybrid.
No technical details of the Yi Pao urban SUV were revealed, but Kia said that it comes with an array of high-tech convenience and safety features.
Aimed at young, active individuals, the Yi Pao, which means “one shot”, comes with crisp structural lines on the exterior, as well as a Targa-style C-pillar.
The company said that the Yi Pao will go on sale in China in the second half of 2018.
The K5 Plug-in Hybrid on the other hand, is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain which comprises a 2.0L GDI engine producing 156 PS and 189 Nm of torque, a 50 kW electric motor making 68 PS, and a lithium-polymer battery pack.
The full electric driving range has not been revealed, but we expect all details to surface when the K5 Plug-in Hybrid enters production in the second quarter of the year.
Besides the two models mentioned above, the Kia Telluride seven-seat luxury SUV concept is also making its China debut.
Longer, wider and taller than the Kia Sorento, the Telluride, which was unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show, envisions how a full-size Kia SUV could look.
With a modern and upright shape, muscular stance, the Telluride makes an aesthetic statement for the brand. Focus is placed on the second-row passengers, with an abundance of advanced technologies and comfort features for occupants to enjoy.


BMW Malaysia Donates Five Engines For R&D To Five Malaysian Automotive Institutions

A total of five
BMW
 TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines have been donated to five Malaysian engineering universities and colleges by BMW Malaysia. In their hands, they will be used for research and development purposes as well as to raise internal combustion engineering expertise locally.
These automotive engineering institutes include University Malaysia Pahang, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, Taylor’s University, International College of Automotive and The Otomotif College.
Mr. Alan Harris, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Working with engineering universities and colleges here provides us with the opportunity to share and grow expertise, skills and indirectly helps drive innovation for the automotive industry in the country. It is our way of creating value for the industry which is a core principle of the BMW Group.”
During the handing over ceremony with the representatives from each automotive engineering institute, Harris added that in order generate a skilled local workforce and to bring new prospects into their business purview, BMW Group Malaysia has been collaborating with various academic institutions here in Malaysia to foster burgeoning talent.
He added: “Early last year, we established a joint working partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Johor in the field of Supply Chain and Logistics Management. We were able to undertake this initiative as our Group Regional Distribution Centre is located at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor and serves over 22 years in the region. With this project, we are able to share our knowledge and expertise as well as build compentencies in the areas of Supply Chain and Logistics Management.”


Geneva 2019: Mazda Introduces CX-30 – No, Not A Typo - Aims For Toyota C-HR

You read that right. Mazda has just unveiled an all-new model at the ongoing 2019 Geneva International Motor Show called the CX-30.
Slotting between the CX-3 and CX-5, the oddly-named CX-30 is the second model to be built on Mazda’s new generation platform after the all-new 3. The CX-30 comes in at 4,395 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, and 1,540 mm tall. The height of the CX-30 is identical to the CX-3, while the wheelbase of the CX-30 (2,655 mm) is longer than the CX-3 (2,570 mm). It's also very similar in size to the Toyota C-HR - 4,360 mm long, 1,795 mm wide and 1,565 mm tall, with a 2,640 mm wheelbase.
If you wondering wasn't there already a
CX-4
 that slots between a CX-3 and CX-5? You're right but the CX-4 is only available in China while this CX-30 is meant for the rest of the world. The CX-4 rides on a slightly longer 2,700 mm wheelbase but it is based on an older, previous generation CX-5's platform.
As for powertrains, the all-new CX-30 will be available with a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine, 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine, and
the new 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X
 petrol engine. Depending on variant, a six-speed manual or six-speed auto is fitted to the CX-30. Interestingly, Mazda adds that all petrol engines fitted to the CX-30 will come equipped with the mild hybrid assistance.
Moving into the cockpit, the CX-30 receives a dashboard that largely mirrors that of the all-new 3, albeit with a revised top tier that flows into the door panels. An 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is fitted as standard, as well as an 8-speaker configuration. The Mazda CX-30 can also be optioned with a custom tuned 12-speaker Bose sound system featuring an 8 cm centre speaker, a pair of rear satellite speakers, and a subwoofer.
In terms of safety equipment, the new Mazda CX-30 is available with Mazda’s i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driver aids, including Driver Monitoring, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and Cruising & Traffic Support. The new CX-30 also marks the introduction of a driver’s knee airbag on a Mazda vehicle for the first time ever.
Sales of the new Mazda CX-30 will start from Europe this summer, before it is rolled out to other markets.


Honda HR-V Is Now Japan's Best-Selling SUV

Honda has announced that the HR-V has reached a new milestone to become Japan's No.1 selling SUV, with cumulative sales reaching over 120,000 units since its launch in December 2013.
The compact crossover SUV model is sold in Japan as the Vezel and is Honda's fourth global model after the Civic, Accord, and CR-V.
According to data compiled by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association (JADA) Honda sold 100,479 units of the HR-V in 2014.
Over in Malaysia, Honda is also enjoying similarly strong response for the HR-V, having secured over 10,000 bookings for the car within one and a half month after the car's launch in February 2015.


KTMB Union Slams Wee (Again) Over Train Maintenance

Earlier this month, the
Railwaymen’s Union of Malaya (RUM)
 and
Malaysia's Ministry of Transport
 went back and forth regarding the issues related to
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB)
. Well, they're at it again!

What started with RUM's President, Abdul Razak Md Hassan, stating that the 10 sets of Electric Train Service (ETS) bought by the ministry from China were of poor quality, now continues with even more issues pertaining to the 'aftersales' agreement of 10 Class 29 electric-diesel locomotives.

Dr Wee slammed RUM over the 'wild accusations' by responding that the
train sets
 obtained by the ministry were carefully carried out via a stringent process as well as being overseen by a special committee dedicated to the task. Round 1, done. Ready for Round 2?

Delayed KTM train maintenance?

Just last week, Dr Wee posted on his official
Facebook
 page that workers from CRRC Dalian, the company appointed for the locomotive maintenance and repair works hailing from China, came into the country a few months back to carry out its contractual agreement.

Dr Wee also stated that they were unable to do so in 2020 and 2021 due to the border restrictions presented during the COVID-19 lockdowns and movement control orders. Quite a conundrum considering that KTMB was categorised as an essential service and they were operating during said times.

*Image credit: Wee Ka Siong Facebook page

A bad excuse?

This is yet another point that got the RUM all riled up. According to RUM president, Abdul Razak, "KTM was allowed to operate as usual during the lockdown. Any contractor carrying out KTM work was also exempted from the restrictions."

Other points in the 'heated' debate between Razak and Dr Wee include:

Failure to carry out the maintenance work according to the scheduled contract

Maintenance contract extended to March 2022 and tasked to only servicing 10 Class 29 locomotives (instead of the initial 20 train sets together with Syarikat Majestic Engineering Sdn Bhd)

Failure to maintain resulted in affected income for KTMB and its employees

A short list, but big points with big implications. Get your popcorn ready and let's see what the Ministry of Transport has to say about this new set of 'wild accusations'.


Review: MINI Cooper S 5-door (F55) – Fun, But Its Newer Siblings Are Better

Building on a strong following as well as global acceptance of MINI models since BMW reintroduced the brand in 2001, the MINI hatch has always been a three-door. Those who wanted a larger MINI model could opt for the Countryman or the wider Clubman. This third generation MINI hatch, codename F56, introduced a long-wheelbase version and with that, two additional rear doors.
Specifications for MINI Cooper S 5-door (F55):
Engine: 2.0-litre, four cylinder transverse, turbocharged petrol
Power: 192 hp at 4,700 - 6,000 rpm
Torque: 280 Nm at 1,250 - 4,750  rpm
Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic, front wheel drive
Safety: Six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, reverse camera, ISOFIX, ABS with BA and EBD
Price: RM 239,888 (on-the-road without insurance)
Assembly: Fully imported from Plant Oxford, UK
Overview
The MINI 5 Door (codename F55) was launched in Malaysia back in November 2014, with a sole variant of the Cooper S (our review vehicle here) with a price of RM239,888, which is exactly RM10,000 more than the three-door Cooper S. MINI Malaysia then introduced the Cooper 1.5-litre three cylinder six-months later, with the current price starting from RM193,888.
There is no mystery employed to create the extra space, so unsurprisingly, the MINI 5 Door grows in size against the conventional three-door hatch. The wheelbase is now 72mm longer (2,567mm), the overall length has been stretched out by 161mm (4,005 mm), and the roof a gentler increase of 10mm to 1,425mm against the three-door’s 1,415mm.
Exterior
The designers and engineers have certainly done a great job in transforming the three-door to a five-door, as a high majority of the passengers we drove around were surprise to find the existence of the rear doors.
Both the three-door and five-door share many of the same Cooper S design elements, such as dual-tone body colour, Cooper S front bumper with brake cooling ducts, rear bumper with centrally aligned dual exhaust tips, rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels with Dunlop run-flat tyres, and bonnet stripes.
Speaking of the bonnet, the little scoop is fake. There is a honeycomb textured trim in the slot, with no opening for airflow to the engine bay. Why is it there? Well, the 2005 Cooper S had a scoop for the intercooler and MINI designers have kept the scoop as an identifier for the Cooper S look and identity since the second generation.
Red ‘S’ markings are found on the radiator grille, tail gate and side fender trim or ‘side scuttles’ in MINI-speak.
One major difference between the two body-designs is the doors. The three-door has frameless doors, while the MINI 5 Door has framed doors. Does it matter? Well, one might perceive the design incorporating a door/glass frame might improve in wind noise insulation.
Interior
The F56/F55 generation MINI was a major step forward in interior design and feel. Soft-touch plastics are more abundant, weighted controls, and a high resolution central display really make the cabin feel premium and bespoke rather than playful.
One favourite we have on the many metallic toggle switches is the dedicated switch for changing the colour of the ambient light. One can just keep changing the colours without the need to dive deep into the display menu.
The idea of dedicated rear-door access to a MINI hatch might seem like a great idea to “increase opportunity for entry into MINI experience”, but in practice, it certainly didn’t feel that way.
The rear doors are miniature in size (but hefty in weight), with an opening size barely large enough for adults to comfortably ingress.  The seatback is actually behind the C-pillar, meaning egress requires one to move the body ahead of the vehicle’s frame and literally climb out of the rear seats.
Once seated at the back, occupants do get a good amount of headroom and legroom. Space is actually generous, just the access port into that space is quite an effort, given they are dedicated doors.
Meanwhile, the extra rear overhang has opened up a further 67 litres of boot space for a total of 278 litres (30% over the three-door hatch). Fold the 60:40 split seats, and there’s a fair 943 litres.
Driving Experience
The additional bodywork and doors translate to just an additional 65 kg in weight. This has not in any way blunted the performance of the MINI 5 Door. Century sprint is just one tenth slower, completed in 6.8 seconds.
If the Cooper S had a choice in being in a normal, default mode, Sports mode should be
the
 normal-mode. The exhaust is definitely louder, even at idle. Some fancy trickery within the exhaust system makes the Cooper S much louder, complemented by nice burping of the exhaust at gear upshifts as well as pops and crackles on deceleration.
A lot of electronic controls in the braking system (Electronic Differential Lock Control, Performance Control, and Cornering Brake Control) certainly increase the cornering and grip limits of the MINI 5 Door, subtlely without the driver feeling the systems intervention. There are no cars at this price range that offers cornering experience like a MINI.
Comfort (or the lack of it)
 So far, so good on the MINI 5 door. Plenty of features, looks so good even passengers didn’t know it has rear doors. One thing that the engineers place more attention on during the development of the third generation MINI is the ride and comfort.
The talented chassis with its sports suspension just turn-ins to every command of the driver. However, on broken road surfaces around the Klang Valley, the sports suspension paired with 45-series run-flat tyres still transmit too much into the entire cabin.
Perhaps it is a relative performance gain - the comfort levels are still better than the previous generation MINI hatch. Nonetheless, occupants during the drive did mention of the jarring ride even on speed breakers.
The door frames that we mentioned earlier, did not improve the quietness, as wind noise is quite apparent at speeds from 90 km/h.
Running Cost
Covering a total distance of over 500 kilometres with a mix of everything (traffic jams, highways, cruise to the airport, and spirited drive on the twisties) the MINI 5 Door averaged a respectable 9.7 km/litre. Buyers of new MINI models from MINI Malaysia are also entitled to a 4-year, unlimited mileage warranty with free schedule maintenance.
The free scheduled service of up to 4 years or 60,000 km covers maintenance items consisting of engine oil, oil filters, air filters, micro filters, spark plugs and brake fluid.
MINI Malaysia now offers a more flexible MINI ownership through the Full Circle Programme. It offers customers to customize their settlement options which in return offers a lower monthly instalment and shorter loan tenures.
Conclusion
Since its initial launch in late 2014, MINI has introduced new 5-door models of its line-up, with the latest being the
locally-assembled MINI Countryman Plug-in hybrid
 and Cooper S Sports from RM245,888. If crossover/SUV design is not to your liking, MINI still offers the unique, one-of-a-kind
Clubman with dual opening tail gate
 (barn doors in MINI-speak) from RM257,888. These two are built on a wider chassis (+73mm) with even higher rooflines (+16mm). Choosing a large MINI has never been so difficult.
The MINI 5 Door might have lost its appeal after the introduction of the new Clubman and the
new Countryman
. They both are fun-to-drive like a typical MINI, with the characteristic ‘go-kart’ handling and responsiveness but with a higher degree of comfort dialed into the suspension. While the MINI 5 Door shares many of the same good looks and proportions of the three-door, the practicality of having rear doors come into question.
Whatever body design and model the customer chooses, MINI still gets the net gain as competitors do not have products that are as iconic as the MINI brand and driving experience.