The 2021 Kia Sportage Is Trying Really Hard To Look Like A Spaceship

There were some prior teasers released by Kia meant to have us salivating at the prospect of a new 2021 Kia Sportage, but whether or not that worked, we can’t deny that the newly revealed production model looks pretty spectacular.

The 5th-generation Sportage is built upon the shared foundations that also underpins its sister model,
the Hyundai Tucson
. However, according to Kia, their mid-size SUV swaps out the geometric accents and ‘parametric’ LED front lights for the “Opposites United” design philosophy. Whatever you say, chief….

Pretentious phrasings aside, the actual car (or SUV or crossover) itself has that concept car appeal and yet will be available in showrooms in this exact form. The boomerang-style daytime running lights and large ‘tiger nose’ grille are very prominently featured but don’t seem too much of a visual burden on the front end.

Along the sides, we see an elongated wheelbase which will definitely provide plenty of space for rear passengers. This format is to be the one sold in most international markets, though Kia says that a shorter wheelbase version is coming exclusively to Europe in the next few months.

The D-pillar is accented in a metallic finisher that gives the 2021 Sportage the illusion of having a wedge-like coupe shape and full wraparound glasshouse. At the rear, there’s some definite cues taken
from the EV6
 - the brand’s new flagship fully electric new model - with new minimalist company logo featured dead in the centre of its concave boot lid.

Stepping inside, the sleek exterior is matched to an equally futuristic cabin. Pictured here is the two tone interior finish in navy blue and bone white, but is otherwise a very nice mix of the analogue and digital.

Lead designer Karim Habib, formerly of BMW and Infiniti, said that Kia has used the “finest quality materials” to fashion this space. While that may be true to a certain perspective, remember this is a mass market, mass produced vehicle, so take that with a sizeable helping of salt.

Regardless, first impressions are quite positive here as well with the dual digital screens positioned ahead - one is a fully digital instrument cluster, the other is a 10.25-inch touchscreen to handle infotainment needs.

Most evident from the driver’s perspective is the lack of a conventional gear-shift lever, replaced instead by a rotary dial and shift-by-wire system. There’s even a rough terrain drive mode selector, which is an amusing addition given the very unlikely event that anyone takes the Sportage off-road.

Mechanically, the 2021 Sportage remains a bit of a mystery given that Kia has not revealed the full breakdown of variants, engines, transmissions, or trim options. However, we’re not expecting any surprises or much deviation from aforementioned Hyundai Tucson.

Assuming plenty of overlap, the 2021 Sportage should boast the same range of mild-hybrid ready Smartstream engines ranging from a 1.5-litre turbo petrol to a 2.5-litre unit outputting between 150PS to 180PS. This can be augmented with a plug-in hybrid mated to the familiar 1.6-litre TGDI petrol to produce up to 265PS.

We’re certainly excited at the idea of the all-new 2021 Sportage hitting Malaysian shores in the future, but having said that there’s been a noticeable drought of news regarding the automaker’s
return under BAASB
 (or Peugeot’s, for that matter).


Perodua Ativa (D55L) vs Haval H1 - Mana Satu SUV Kompak Terbaik?

Dengan
Perodua Ativa
 yang bakal dilancarkan pada malam Rabu (3 Mac 2021), jom kita bandingkan model tersebut dengan
Haval H1
, sebuah
SUV
 kompak keluaran
Great Wall Motors
 dari China yang kelihatannya seperti lawan sama taraf bagi Ativa.

Meskipun terdapat banyak gambar spyshot Ativa yang sudah tersebar di media sosial pada waktu ini, ada lagi perkara tentang Ativa yang tidak diketahui. Oleh itu, ayuh kita lihat dahulu perbezaan Haval H1 ini dengan Perodua Ativa berdasarkan gambar teaser yang telah dikeluarkan secara rasmi oleh Perodua tentang model ini seperti harga, prestasi dan enjin, ciri-ciri keselamatan, pilihan warna serta ciri-ciri lain.

Untuk yang tak tahu tentang kewujudan Haval H1, model ini dah lama dah ada di Malaysia, cuma sebelum ini, ia dikenali sebagai GWM M4 sebelum penjenamaan semula sebagai Haval H1. Berikut merupakan perbandingan ringkas antara dua model ini:

Harga

Kedua-dua model ini menawarkan tiga varian berbeza bagi model mereka. Untuk Perodua Ativa, ia hadir dengan varian X (asas), H (pertengahan) dan AV (varian premium). Harga Ativa bermula daripada RM62,500 sehingga RM73,400 bagi varian tertinggi dengan penambahan warna dwi-tona.

Sementara itu, Haval H1 datang dalam varian Comfort sebagai varian asas diikuti dengan Premium (pertengahan) serta ELITE sebagai varian tertinggi. Harganya bermula daripada RM62,000 sehingga RM75,000. Jika dilihat pada harga, varian asas Haval H1 berharga kurang RM500 berbanding Perodua Ativa, namun varian tertinggi Ativa lebih murah dengan harga RM73,400 berbanding H1 dengan RM75,000. Walau bagaimanapun, harga Haval H1 masih belum dikemaskini oleh Haval di laman web mereka. Harga yang dinyatakan merupakan harga dari bulan Julai 2019.

Prestasi dan Enjin

Perodua Ativa (D55L)

Enjin: 1.0L Turbo DOHC 3-Silinder

Transmisi: D-CVT

Kuasa: 98PS/ 6,000 rpm

Tork: 140Nm/ 4,000 rpm

Penggunaan Bahan Api: 5.3L/100km

Haval H1

Enjin: 1.5 liter naturally-aspirated 4-silinder

Transmisi: (AMT) 6 kelajuan

Kuasa: 106PS/ 6,000 rpm

Tork: 136Nm/ 4,000 rpm

Penggunaan Bahan Api: 6L/100km

Haval H1 dikuasakan oleh enjin berkapasiti lebih besar berbanding Perodua Ativa dengan 1.5 liter 4-silinder sebaris DOHC Electronic Throttle VVT MPI Gasoline yang memberikan sehingga 106 PS pada 6,000 rpm dan 138 Nm tork pada 4,200 rpm. Jentera ini turut dilengkapi dengan sistem pacuan roda-hadapan dengan transmisi manual automatik (AMT) enam-kelajuan. Pada awalnya, ada pilihan transmisi manual untuk pasaran Malaysia, namun ia telah ditamatkan penghasilannya.

Sementara itu, Perodua Ativa muncul sebagai produk pertama Perodua yang menggunakan enjin dengan pengecas turbo. Enjin 1.0 liter 1KR-VET turbo dengan
D-CVT
 yang digunakan pada Perodua Ativa menjadikannya kenderaan berenjin turbo paling murah di negara ini. Walaupun berkapasiti kecil, enjin ini mampu menghasilkan kuasa sebanyak 98 PS pada 6,000 rpm dan 140 Nm tork dari 2,400 hingga 4,000 rpm.

Dari segi penggunaan bahan api, Perodua Ativa lebih memberi penjimatan dengan memerlukan hanya 5.29 liter untuk setiap 100 km, berbanding Haval H1 dengan 6 liter bagi setiap 100 km dengan penggunaan emisi standard Euro IV. Apa-apa pun, ianya bergantung dengan cara pemanduan anda juga.

Dimensi

Haval H1

Panjang: 3,961 mm

Lebar: 1,728 mm

Tinggi: 1,617 mm

Jarak tayar: 2,383 mm

Berat: 1106 kg

Ruang But: 310 liter

Perodua Ativa

Panjang: 3,995 mm

Lebar: 1,695 mm

Tinggi: 1,620 mm

Jarak tayar: 2,525 mm

Berat: 970 kg

Ruang But: 369 liter

Ciri-ciri keselamatan

Perodua Ativa datang dengan ciri keselamatan
ASA
 bagi semua varian. Yang menariknya, ketiga-tiga varian itu turut menerima sistem Perodua Smart-Drive Assist seperti Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention. Bagi varian AV, ia hadir dengan Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor serta Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Ianya merupakan sistem keselamatan termaju yang ada pada model Perodua buat masa ini.

Bagi Haval H1, ciri keselamatannya tidaklah sehebat Ativa. Mereka cuma mendapat tiga bintang ASEAN NCAP. Kesemua varian H1 kini ditawarkan dengan Kawalan Kestabilan Eletronik (ESC) selain dilengkapi ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist, TCS Draft Control dan kamera undur. Boleh kata semua ciri-ciri keselamatan yang ditawarkan pada H1 turut tersedia pada Ativa, bahkan jauh lebih baik dan maju. Walaupun orang ramai teruja dengan kawalan pelayaran (Cruise Control) pada Perodua Ativa, Haval H1 dah lama ada ciri ini.

Ciri-ciri lain

Perodua Ativa menggunakan rekaan lampu LED hadapan yang menarik dengan sistem Adaptive Driving Beam. Dari segi reka bentuk lampunya, tidak banyak perubahan dengan lampu Daihatsu Rocky dan Toyota Raize.

Sementara itu, hampir kesemua varian Haval H1 menerima lampu utama halogen reflector dan lampu kabus. Hanya varian ELITE sahaja yang menerima penambahan lampu utama halogen dengan lampu posisi LED serta lampu nyalaan siang LED.

Di bahagian dalaman, untuk Perodua Ativa varian H dan AV, ia dilengkapi dengan panel instrument paparan multi-info 7.0-inci TFT. Secara mudahnya, panel instrumen yang terdapat pada Perodua Ativa jauh lebih baik berbanding Haval H1 (gambar diatas), yang kelihatan agak kuno dengan penggunaan meter analog.

Haval H1, menggunakan Head Unit skrin sesentuh Android double-din yang tidak dilengkapi dengan padanan Apple Carplay.  Manakala Perodua Ativa varian H dan AV pula bakal menerima paparan 9-inci infotainment terapung. Padanan Apple CarPlay atau Android Auto pada Ativa masih tidak diketahui. Harap-harap adalah.

Waranti

Perodua menawarkan waranti selama 5 tahun atau 150,000 km untuk setiap pembelian Ativa. Haval pula menawarkan 7 tahun waranti dengan jarak perjalanan tanpa had. Dah lah 7 tahun waranti, tanpa had perjalanan pula tu. Kalau bab waranti ni Perodua kalah la dengan syarikat dari China ini.

Warna

Perodua Ativa

Haval H1

Haval H1 hanya menawarkan empat warna iaitu merah, oren, silver dan putih. Perodua Ativa pula hadir dengan lima pilihan warna iaitu, merah, biru, kelabu, putih dan silver. Ativa turut menawarkan warna dwi tona, dimana bumbung Ativa akan dicat warna hitam seperti
Proton X50
. Pilihan dwi tona seperti itu tidak ditawarkan pada Haval H1.

Kesimpulan

Sejujurnya, di atas kertas, Perodua Ativa muncul sebagai SUV kompak yang lebih baik berbanding Haval H1. Mana taknya, Perodua Ativa pun bakal dilancarkan pada tahun ini. Jadi padanlah kereta baru dengan ciri-ciri yang lebih moden dan terperinci selaras dengan pembangunan kereta maju.

Dengan tawaran turbo dan lebih penjimatan bahan api, enjin dan prestasi Ativa kelihatan lebih berbaloi berbanding H1. Berdasarkan info atas kertas, memang Ativa lebih superior. Tapi kalau dah dapat lenjan Ativa puas-puas nanti, baru tahu sama ada boleh pergi atau tidak enjin turbo tersebut. Walau bagaimanapun, seorang penulis kami telah pun memandu uji Perodua Ativa ini. Nak tahu lebih lanjut tentang pemanduan Ativa, boleh baca review beliau di sini:
Pandu Uji: Perodua Ativa
 2021

Perbandingan lebih mendalam dan terperinci akan diberikan setelah pelancaran Ativa nanti. Berdasarkan perbandingan ringkas ini,
Haval H1
 atau
Perodua Ativa
?

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

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Carlist.my.

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

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New Car
 website now.


BMW Group Malaysia Holds Dealer Awards Night 2016

Every year, BMW Group Malaysia holds an Awards night to celebrate their performance and to recognize dealers who have performed exceptionally well. It's a night of festivities and a way to touch base with their dealers when it may be too hectic or frantic through the year as they busy themselves with the business of, well, selling cars. The 2016 Financial Year was good for BMW Group Malaysia as a whole, with growth in their BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad brands.
The strong dealership network for BMW is naturally key to their successful growth and sales, and without the support of their dealers they would clearly not be able to have moved so many units through 2016. But more than the dealership as a whole, it is the people from the dealerships themselves- the people who interact with customers day to day- that truly make the customer experience and are on the frontlines when it comes to selling cars.
As such, BMW awarded various staff from various dealerships based on their performance through 2016. They are as follows:
BMW Vision Club Award
The BMW Vision Club Award recognizes individual accomplishments where 17 top achieving individuals in the levels of Head of Sales and Sales Advisor were acknowledged. In the categories for Sales Advisor, recipients of the Gold Category award were Paul Liew King Choong from Tian Siang Premium Auto and Richard Sim from Regas Premium Auto.
In the Platinum Category were Danny Saw from Tian Siang Premium Auto, Wong Kim Kooi and Lilly Teoh from Auto Bavaria Penang, and Chloe Chin May Queen from Ingress Auto Puchong.
The recipients for the Diamond Category were Mandy Tang and Chua Kok Sing from Auto Bavaria Glenmarie, Lim Kar Ean from Auto Bavaria Johor Bahru, Siti Rasyidah from Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur, and Samantha Sam Suet Fond from Ingress Auto.
The Head of Sales who was recognized in the Gold Category was Kellie Goh while Joe Lee Se Juan from Auto Bavaria Glenmarie and Caleb Lau Lian Yoong from Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur were both awarded for the Diamond Category.
The BMW Vision Club Award this year introduced two new categories – the Top 7 Series and BMW Premium Selection. The Sales Advisor recognized as the Top 7 Series Winner was Danny Saw from Tian Siang Premium Auto. Alfred Lum Ying Wai and Garry Lam from Ingress Auto and Quill Automobiles respectively, were the winners of the new BMW Premium Selection Category.
BMW Excellence Club Award
In the Silver Category of the BMW Excellence Club Award, Bryan Wong from Millennium Welt Batu Bahat was the recipient of the award. In the Gold Category, Bryan Wong from Millennium Welt Seremban won first place while Lee Sze Shien from Lee Motors Auto Care and Simon Wang from Regas Premium Auto followed in second and third place respectively.
The Dealer Principals who accepted the awards in the Platinum Category were Tan Ka Kim from Tian Siang Premium Auto, Jayden Liew from Wheelcorp Premium and Paul Chan from Auto Bavaria Penang. Meanwhile, the Diamond Category awards were presented to Low Yuan Lung from Auto Bavaria Glenmarie, Choong Chin Seong from Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur and Tuese Zuhair from Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi.
BMW Aftersales Dealer Award
The BMW Group Malaysia Dealer Awards Night 2015 also distinguished outstanding performances in the areas of Aftersales, recognising individuals in the levels of Head of Aftersales, Service Advisor, Technical Advisor and Diagnosis Specialist, to name a few.
The awards for Head of Aftersales were presented to Hoo Tian Kwong from Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur, Leonard Yeoh from Tian Siang Ipoh, and E. Elavarasan from Wearnes Tebrau.
In the category of Customer Service Officer, the recipients of the award were Danial Joshua Pinto from Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi, Tan Weng Ket and Farique Sher from Auto Bavaria Glenmarie.
Meanwhile, in the category for Mechanics, Saf Fairuz The and Chai Meng Wah from Auto Bavaria Glenmarie as well as Choo Yee Khai from Auto Bavaria Penang were recipients of the award.
The BMW Aftersales Dealer Award also included an Open Category which was awarded to Patrick Teo Nga Kuang from Millennium Welt Batu Pahat, Karen Loo Poh Tin from Auto Bavaria Penang, Koh Huey Wen and Boo Yi Peng from Auto Bavaria Glenmarie, as well as Pamela Ang Jee-Ann from Tian Siang Ipoh.
BMW Credit Dealer Award
The recipients of the Gold Category award were Patrick Teo from Millennium Welt Batu Pahat, Simon Wang from Regas Premium, Mohd Azeman Mohamed Akram from Ingress Puchong, Philip Chew from FM Autohaus, and Alisa Khoo from Wearnes Tebrau. In the Diamond Category, both Low Yang Lung from Auto Bavaria Glenmarie and Choong Chin Seong from Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur were winners of the award.
Best Overall CSI Score 2016
The Best Overall CSI Score Award was presented in the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond categories to Tian Siang Premium Auto Ipoh, Auto Bavaria Penang and Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi respectively.
MINI Issigonis Club Award and MINI Regional Competition Award
The MINI Issigonis Club Award celebrated the success of the MINI brand where in the MINI Top Dealerships category, Azwan Yahaya from Ingress Bangsar, Jayden Liew from Wheelcorp Premium and Bryan Wong from Millennium Welt Seremban were awarded.
Recipients of awards for the MINI Top Sales Manager category were Puteri Marianna Koay from Ingress Bangsar, Jonathan Loke from Wheelcorp Premium, Alex Koh from Wearnes Tebrau and Nicholas Lee from Millennium Welt Seremban. Sales Advisors were also recognized in the MINI Top Sales Advisor category. They were Jack Ng from Ingress Bangsar, Belinda Ong from Auto Bavaria Glenmarie, Dexter Ang from Wheelcorp Premium, and Muhammad Zulhafizi Norzan from Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur.
In the Regional Category of the MINI Regional Competition Award, the recipient of the award was Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director from Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur.


NAP 2020: What Do the "Rakyat" Want to See?

The new
National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020)
 was just announced last week after much anticipation, and as we expected, it raised more questions than answers.

In brief, here are the key takeaways:

The NAP 2020 has “three main directions”: Technology and Engineering, Investment, and Market Expansion.

The NAP 2020 has “three main strategies”: Value Chain Development, Human Capital Development, and Safety, Environment and Consumerism.

It consists of seven roadmaps/ blueprints that detail out the implementation plan.

The roadmaps will continuously be reviewed and updated to keep up with new tech and global trends.

Customised incentives mechanism (which opaquely dictates the pricing of new CKD vehicles) will be continued based on cost-benefit analysis and investor proposals.

The government will introduce elements of consumer rights and protections related to spare parts, maintenance, and recalls.

The NAP 2020 will be followed through with numerous outreach campaigns, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

The government has also identified key targets which it hopes it will achieve by 2030:

Total GDP Contribution: RM104.2 billion (Currently around 40 billion)

Total Industry Volume (Passenger and Commercial Vehicles): 1.22 million units (604.2k in 2019)

Total production volume (Passenger and Commercial Vehicles): 1.47 million units (571.6k in 2019)

Exports of Motor Vehicles (CBU): RM 12.3 billion

Exports of New Automotive Parts & Components: RM28.3 billion

Exports of Remanufactured Parts & Components: RM10 billion

Total new employment opportunities: 323,000

If the government really goes all-out and pushes to achieve all of the above, it could translate into a couple of things like more affordable
next generation vehicles (NxGV)
 and more job opportunities in the automotive industry.

More than flying cars and self-driving cars, what the rakyat really want are more affordable EEVs and of course, more job opportunities which you know, can help a lot of folks actually buy a car in the first place.

How do we know this? Well, Carlist.my actually ran a poll on our Facebook page on the day the NAP 2020 was announced, asking our readers what is the outcome they are expecting to see through the plan, and the two highest responses were “cheaper EEVs” and “job opportunities”.

While nothing much was shared on how the government plans to achieve all the goals listed above, we do hope that they materialise, as it would bring Malaysia up to speed with the global automotive landscape, and also boost our economy.

That being said, what would you like to see from NAP 2020?

Let us know!


What Is The HIDE System And What Does It Mean?

Straying a little from our usual automotive content, we felt it’s necessary to give an explanation of the government’s HIDE list.

If you’ve been paying attention to the news and social media over the last week or so, the government has published the first of its HIDE lists. This is actually quite an interesting development as much of the public has complained that the government hasn’t been making as much use of
MySejahtera
 data and information for contact tracing – but this shows that there’s more to it than what appears on the surface.

More importantly, the results were vastly different from what was expected. The HIDE list is not meant to show places where people caught COVID-19, but rather a map of hotspots where people are most likely to have picked it up. It is important to understand that COVID-19 transmission can occur even prior to symptoms and testing – which means that ascertaining exactly where a person caught it is tricky.

It is possible to do so with a lot of number crunching and MySejahtera data, and that’s exactly what the HIDE list is for. HIDE stands for Hotspot Identification for Dynamic Engagement, and as the name suggests it’s where potential hotspots are. As is the case with most announcements, the government went from claiming that the HIDE list didn’t require a shutdown and sanitation, to a mandatory shut down for three days.

While this was a massive hit for businesses and mall operators alike – who protested the public announcement – it is a necessity for public safety and it does provide a level of assurance. The HIDE list lets people know where they need to be extra sure they’re sticking to SOPs because it is the most likely place they can catch COVID-19. Unsurprisingly, it also happens to be the most crowded areas – who would have figured?

As an added precaution, places put on the HIDE list are now required to deny entry to anyone that is listed as “high risk” on their MySejahtera app – an extra level of inconvenience, perhaps, but one that is also meant to protect the greater public at large. With the HIDE list being updated and adjusted daily, the government can react quickly to any new hotspots popping up and target immediate lockdowns and contact tracing if anything is amiss.

It’s a much better use of resources and more focused application of manpower than trying to keep track of too many areas and businesses at once. Even so, remember that the current MCO applies nationwide – no dine-ins,
no crossing of districts
or state lines. There really
shouldn’t be a reason
 for you to be out unless you’re required physically at work or buying necessities or food.

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.

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Australia Receives Three New Hilux Variants

The Australian pick-up truck market is huge. Much like the United States, albeit with scaled down variants, Australia has a huge variety of pickup truck products. As a result, Toyota Australia has decided to release three new variants of the Hilux (they spell it HiLux) - the Rugged, Rugged X, and Rogue.
As not all of you will be familiar with the various different trims and model variants for the Hilux overseas, we'll try to put it in layman's terms. The Rogue is only available in a 6-speed automatic, while the Rugged and Rugged X come in manual with an AUD 2,000 (RM 6,060) premium for the automatic. The Rugged X and Rogue are based on a variant known as the SR5, which is the higher-end model variant for the Australian Hilux range.
As such they come with goodies such as perforated leather seats, metallic black ormentation, black roof headliners, front and rear all-weather mats, and a different instrument cluster. This is on top of the equipment that the SR5 already receives, such as satellite navigation and so on and so forth, making these two models the highest end variants on offer.
Between the Rugged X and the Rogue, the Rugged X is equipped to go off the beaten path with a snorkel and a winch, while the Rogue is meant as more of a lifestyle vehicle with larger wheels, a new front bumper, and a hard tonneau cover.
For the Rugged variant, it starts out based on the Hilux SR which is more of a mid-range model. It gets the functional equipment that the Rugged X gets, but without the fancier accoutrements such as the leather seats or the black trim pieces or the body cladding. That being said, it still receives satellite navigation and DAB+ radio, as well as the all-important all-weather floor mats. It's the value-for-money proposition, being the model of choice if you're planning to head into the outback.
All of these models were developed with the support of Toyota Thailand and Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. They're reminiscent of the strategy that the Thailand market uses to stretch pickup platforms out and increase market appeal, and one can't say it hasn't worked. The Hilux Rogue goes for AUD 61,690 (RM 186,880), while the Hilux Rugged starts at AUD 54,990 (RM 166,627) and the Hilux Rugged X starts at AUD 61,690 (RM 186,880).


Geely Brought Volocopter's 2X Flying Car (Air Taxi) To Auto Shanghai

German aviation company Volocopter believes that the future of mobility awaits in the skies and have been working for the past 10 years since its inception to pursue air vehicles for personal transport.

Based in Bruchsal, which is about a 90 minute drive from
Frankfurt
, they’ve been refining their designs for a series of electric multi-rotor helicopters for use as air taxis and, eventually, maybe even private ownership.

Given that
Geely
 has been an investor since 2019, it only made sense for the Volocopter to showcase their newest evolution machine, the 2X, to the crowd at Auto Shanghai - at the Geely booth no less. Lacking any wheels and looking like a pod holding up an umbrella of drone propellers, it certainly wasn’t the usual motor show entrant.

According to the Chinese automaker, they’re keen on getting their foot in the door early with regard to the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market led by electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles, a space which they believe will be a much bigger deal as the technology matures and is able to facilitate an ecosystem of air taxis in densely populated cities around the world by literally rising above the congestion.

“Geely’s market leadership in China and forward-thinking approach to expanding mobility options make them a great strategic investor. They are an invaluable partner for bringing urban air mobility to China – one of the most promising markets for the UAM industry globally,” says Florian Reuter, CEO of Volocopter.

First introduced in 2013, the Volocopter 2X, so named for its 2 occupant capacity (1 pilot, 1 passenger), has been continually developed for exceptionally quiet operation, which the manufacturer likens to the buzz of a beehive. There are 9 exchangeable batteries powering a total of 18 small rotors suspended on the overhead canopy, giving the system a high degree of redundancy even if several rotors fail.

In 2019, the 2X successfully proved that piloted air taxi integration with air traffic management  was possible by flying over
Singapore
’s Marina Bay. Obviously, Geely sees Volocopter’s potential if deployed for service in China’s many large cities with a plan for a European introduction around the same time, all centralised via ‘VoloPort’ hubs positioned at important traffic junctions such as airports and train stations, at least initially.

For that extended roadmap, however, Volocopter will be using their 5th-generation vehicle, the VoloCity, which is currently in the certification process with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It will have an increased speed of 110 km/h and longer flight duration of 35 minutes.

With Geely wide-eyed about the future of Urban Air Mobility and a successful demonstration already carried out as close as Singapore, perhaps this is the Malaysian government’s most straightforward (least insane) route to realising that ‘flying car’ they’ve always wanted
but don't want anymore
.

Just rebadge it as the Proton Awan!


Perodua Sales Up 7.3% Year-On-Year, 37,400 Vehicles Sold In January And February

Perodua announced that it has sold 37,400 vehicles in the first two months of 2019, which is 7.3% up from the 34,800 vehicles sold in the same period in 2018.
“The heightened sales performance is a result of our efforts to further improve our delivery times,” said Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin.
In the first two months of the year, Perodua sold around 15,000 Myvis, 10,100 Axias, 5,900 Bezzas, 3,600 Aruz, and 2,700 Alzas, while in terms of production, 36,500 vehicles rolled out – almost 6.2% more than 34,375 in the same period last year.
“While we defer to the Malaysian Automotive Association’s numbers, we estimate our year-to-date market share to stand at 41%.”
“Meanwhile, the Perodua Aruz continues to rake in orders strongly with over 13,000 bookings captured since early-January,” added Dato’ Dr Zahari.
The Perodua Aruz is offered in two variants – X and AV – with 85% of bookings currently for the AV.
“We have adjusted our production to reduce the waiting time for the Aruz. This will continue in March as well.
Perodua is currently holding a nationwide roadshow called ‘Aruz On Tour’, which began 13 February in Selangor and has travelled to Johor Bahru and Kota Bharu. Kuching is the final stop – 8-10 March at The Spring Shopping Mall.


Third National Car Project Was Plagiarized From The People, Says Dr Mahathir

In an interview with the Singaporean Straits Times, Tun Dr Mahathir spoke out about the proposed third national car project among many other issues that are currently being debated. He believes that the third national car project is one that the Malaysian people want, or is "plagiarized from the people" as he states himself.
The third national car project was cited as an example of his willingness to approach new ideas rather than shooting them down. This proposed national car project would help to spur growth and create numerous jobs in the automotive sector, although it comes along with the risk of failure that he says the new government is willing to take.
Among the other issues that are currently debated, the more prominent one is the fuel subsidy mechanism for RON 95. As we've
explained in a previous article
, there are many issues with the implementation and mechanisms that need to be properly thought out to prevent abuse and make sure these subsidies are going to the right people.
Granted, these will not be the only issues that we will be facing as a country in the coming years, especially with a huge amount of debt being held over our heads - but as it is with tackling any bunch of problems, it always helps to start with the ones you can address easily to get the ball rolling.


10 Emergency Items Every Car Should Have

The 10 most essential emergency items that should be kept in every car.

An in-car emergency kit is one of those things you never think long about. That is until you break down or have an emergency where you start wishing you had this or that which might have come in handy to get you out of a jam.

An emergency situation on the road is indeed unpredictable. All that can be done is to be prepared for any mishap - and as the saying goes, sediakan payung sebelum hujan.

With that being said, let's look at 10 emergency items every car should have.

1. Car window breaker

A car window breaker is among the most essential tools that should be kept in any car.

Why? Because it can save your life and that of the passengers in the event of
something unexpected
. For example, you get stuck in a car due to an accident, or your car plunges into a river, and you can't open the door. This is where a car window breaker will come in handy.

Therefore, it is important for you to have it and keep it in an easily accessible place, such as in the glove box or under the front passenger seat. Some car window breakers also come with a blade, in the case you need to cut through your seat belt to escape.

2. Seat belt cutter

Like the window glass breaker, a seat belt cutter is a tool that can potentially save you and your passenger's life. As the name implies, a belt cutter can easily cut through a seat belt so you're not trapped in your car if the seat belt buckle gets jammed.

These days, you can buy a two-in-one tool that combines a belt cutter and a window glass breaker.

3. Big water bottle

The water bottle can be used to get you out of a jam in a couple of different ways. Firstly, if your car is low on water, the water in the bottle will come in handy to top it up. Secondly, if you run out of fuel, the water bottle can be used to store fuel when you eventually get to a petrol station.

Just be mindful if you ever leave the water bottle in your car with water in it, please do not drink it, as health experts say that the bottle's plastic can leach into the water due to heat.

4. First aid kit

First aid kits are often just kept at home rather than in the car. Well, emergencies can happen at any time, regardless of place, right? So this kit will definitely come in handy in case of injury to yourself or passengers, not only if your car is involved in a road accident but even to help with an accident you may witness.

5. Reflective safety jacket

The safety jacket's reflection feature is handy, especially at night.

If your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the night and in a dark area, you can wear this jacket to ensure that you can be seen by other road users and thus avoid any unwanted accidents.

6. Warning triangle

Do not underestimate this equipment. The warning triangle is a vital tool to be used in
an emergency situation
, such as when your vehicle breaks down.

It would be best to place this sign at least 45 meters from the rear of your car that is damaged or in an accident as a warning sign to other road users.

7. Umbrella

An umbrella is considered the most basic equipment you need to have in your car.

If it rains heavily and you need to go somewhere, you definitely need this umbrella to help you get to where you need to go without getting drenched.

In addition, an umbrella will also help protect yourself from hot weather in case the vehicle suddenly breaks down on the road.

8. Spare tyre/ tyre repair kit and tyre changing equipment

A spare tyre or
tyre repair kit
 is a crucial component to have in your car, especially if you embark on a long-distance journey.

However, do not forget to make sure the condition of the replacement tyre or repair kit is in good condition. Also, regularly check the condition of your spare tyre, make sure it is properly inflated. Immediately change your spare tire if it is in an unsatisfactory condition.

In addition to the spare tyre and tyre repair kit, you also need to ensure that your car has the equipment to change a tyre such as a jack, wrench socket or wheel wrench.

9. Fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are one of the most essential types of equipment that should be present in all vehicles. This equipment not only puts out fires involving your vehicle but also other vehicles that may need it.

10. Jumper cables and flashlight

Your
car's battery can die
 at any time, regardless of place and time. So, to prevent you from being stuck for an extended period of time, you can use a
jumper cable
 to revive the battery to get you back on the road.

Keeping a flashlight in the car can save your skin in more than one way. While it's advisable to keep a flashlight in your car to help find things in the dark, another purpose of a flashlight is to help others know that you have broken down or may require assistance especially when your hazard lights may not be working or insufficient. The flashlight can also be used to help with changing a flat tyre at night.


Geneva 2018: Updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class Detailed - New Engines And EQ Boost System

The W205 generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been around since 2014, without receiving any major updates.
To keep its most successful model lineup relevant, Mercedes-Benz has updated the W205 C-Class with a revised exterior and interior, plus a new range of engines. On top of that, the new C-Class is host to Mercedes’ new 48 Volt electrical system with a belt-driven starter/alternator called EQ Boost. However, don't mistake EQ Boost as a hybrid solution, as the system recuperates kinetic energy and charges the battery only when decelerating with the throttle off. The system is not capable of regenerative braking.
Kicking things off is the C200, now powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, capable of producing 184 hp and 280 Nm. EQ Boost can supplement the engine’s output by an additional 13 hp/10 kW when accelerating. Similar to the pre-facelift model, a 9G-TRONIC transmission takes care of shifting duties.
Another powertrain that Mercedes-Benz is keen to highlight is its new diesel plug-in hybrid model that is mated to a diesel engine, codenamed OM654. The electric motor is capable of producing 121 hp and 440 Nm, allowing for a theoretical range of about 50 km. Mercedes-Benz has yet to formalize the name for its new diesel PHEV model.
The hotter
Mercedes-AMG C43
 has also been updated to output 385 hp, 23 hp more than before.
Visually, the AMG Line now receives the diamond radiator grille as standard. Additionally, the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned. As standard, the C-Class comes with halogen headlights with LED DRLs, though LED High Performance headlights and Multibeam LED headlights with Ultra Range high beam can be had as an option.
The interior also sees a new range of interior colours available, including magma grey and black. Saddle brown is a new colour for the AMG Line interior. Keyless-Go engine starting feature is also standard on the new C-Class, featuring an engine start/stop button in a new turbine design.
As for the infotainment system, the new C-Class comes as standard featuring the Audio 20 system with 2 USB ports, SD card reader and Bluetooth connectivity. Comand Online, Concierge service, and Mercedes me connect are available as an option. Also available as an option is the company’s signature 12.3-inch immersive full screen display, similar to the E-Class and new A-Class.
Last but not least, Mercedes-Benz has updated the C-Class’ driver assistance system to be on par with the S-Class, with the car now able to drive itself semi-autonomously in certain conditions. An improved camera and radar system allows the C-Class to see up to 500 meters ahead.
Driving Assistance Package now uses map and navigation data for driver assistance. Active Distance Control DISTRONIC is able to adjust the vehicle’s speed by utilizing map and navigation data. Other driver assistance features include Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist are new feature of Active Steering Assist.
Deliveries of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will commence later in June.


Neta is coming to Malaysia in May - first EV under RM100k?

It's official, folks. The
Neta EV brand
 is coming to Malaysia as announced recently by Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GoAuto Group Sdn Bhd.

They will in charge as the sole distributor of the Neta marque here in Malaysia and its partnership with Hozon New Energy Auto Co. Ltd has one heck of a five-year plan that involves an RM300 million investment to develop its manufacturing and assembly plant together with its sales and aftersales networks.

To mark this momentous occasion, Intro Synergy also announced that their very first EV will be the
Neta V
, a compact EV that was recently launched at the Bangkok International Motor Show. For the Malaysian market, the Neta will be showcased at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 happening from 4-7 May 2023 at MAEPS Serdang. Online bookings will also open during the same time.

According to Dato'SM Azli, Group Chairman of Go Auto, "We are excited to announce our partnership with Neta, which will enable us to bring our innovative electric vehicles at an affordable and competitive price range to more customers in Malaysia. We hoped that this brand will be well received by the public and further boost EV acceptance in Malaysia."

Speaking of the Neta V, the five-seater hatchback is priced at 549,000 baht in Thailand, which is equivalent to around RM72,000. Does this mean that the Neta V has the potential to become the very first EV to be priced under RM100k? We sure hope so.

Spec-wise, this EV comes packing with a single electric motor setup that produces 95hp and 150Nm of torque that is paired to a 38.5kWh battery pack which offers an NEDC range of up to 384km.

While that is enough for your daily travels, Neta also offers a slightly bigger 55kWh battery pack that pushes the range to over 400km on a single charge. Should be a very interesting prospect if they can the pricing right, eh?


Lego Adds the McLaren 720S to Speed Champions Series

If you’re a Lego model collector who also happens to be a fan of supercars or McLaren to be precise, we have some great news.
Lego has announced that it will be introducing the new McLaren 720S as part of the Speed Champions series, joining the legendary McLaren P1.
The best part is that the 720S will be accompanied by a car designer minifigure and design studio desk, complete with coffee cup, original design sketch, and also a 3D-printed model car.
Suitable for builders aged 7 and above, supercar enthusiasts alike can show off their design skills and build this awesome model.
“The Lego interpretation of the McLaren 720S reflects the most exciting part of the design process, when a two-dimensional sketch is transformed into a physical, three-dimensional model,” commented McLaren Automotive Chief Designer, Rob Melville.
“Building a model like this gives the next generation of McLaren enthusiasts a taste of just how exhilarating that moment is for designers.”
Unveiled on 7 March at the Geneva International Motor Show, the McLaren 720S is powered by a new, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine developing 720 horsepower, enabling the car to make the century in 7.8 seconds and clock a maximum speed of 341km/h.
The Lego Speed Champions McLaren 720S will be priced at £12.99.


Proton Persona Facelift 2021 Dilancarkan – Dari RM45,200

Proton Persona facelift 2021 MC2
 kini dilancarkan secara rasmi di pasaran Malaysia oleh Proton dengan harga RM45,200. Jadi apa yang baru?

Proton Persona 2021 facelift

Setelah beberapa gambar intipan yang tular sehinggalah rakaman video
PDRM yang tidak sengaja mendedahkan reka bentuk kereta
 ini di media sosial, akhirnya kereta ini sudah diperkenalkan secara rasmi pada hari ini.

Bila berbicara pasal
kereta baharu
, persoalan utama mestilah orang nak tahu apa yang baharu pada Persona 2021 ni kan? Jom kita lihat satu per satu!

Harga: RM45,200 - RM54,900

Varian: Standard 1.6L, Executive 1.6L dan Premium 1.6L

Enjin: 1.6L, 4-silinder In-Line 16 Valve DOHC, VVT (109 PS dan 150 Nm tork)

Transmisi: CVT dengan fungsi SAT (Stepped Auto Transmission)

Apa yang baru Proton Persona 2021?

Exterior:

Perubahan pada Persona 2021 ini kalau sekali pandang, mungkin tak berapa nampak sangat. Untuk bahagian luarannya, Persona 2021 menerima pembaharuan seperti reka bentuk baharu gril bercorak Infinite Weave dan Ethereal Bowyang dikemaskini. Ia turut menerima kemasan krom bagi menonjolkan lagi logo Proton baharu yang digunakan.

Antara pembaharuan lain termasuklah lampu hadapan LED yang mempuyai fungsi automatik tutup/ buka. Reka bentuk dilengkapi dengan bumbung hitam dan juga lampu gabungan belakang yang baru.

Warna

Proton memperkenalkan warna Space Grey untuk Proton Persona 2022 bagi memberikan penampilan lebih muda.

Rim:

Persona baharu bakal menerima rekaan baharu rim aloi 6 jejari berkembar bersaiz 16-inci yang lebih besar dan padu.

Interior:

Perubahan paling ketara pada bahagian dalaman Proton Iriz dan Persona 2022 adalah penambahan unit infotainment 8-inci terapung dengan fungsi arahan suara Hi Proton! yang kini mampu mengawal penyaman udara dan tingkap sebelah pemandu.

Unit infotainment dipadankan dengan lubang udara yang baru dan kawalan penyaman udara yang kini mempunyai paparan digital serta penapis udara N95. Konsol tengah di papan pemuka kereta ini turut ditambahbaik sementara papan pemukanya tampil serba hitam berbanding dwi tona seperti model terdahulu.

Antara perubahan lain adalah Persona adalah ia kini hadir dengan tempat duduk balutan kulit serta panel dalaman pintu berwarna coklat seakan Proton X70.

Ciri Lain

6 slot USB

Ruang but sebanyak 510 liter

Kamera dan sensor parkir (bantuan visual dan audio)

Mod ECO

5 bintang ASEAN NCAP

Struktur badan yang diperkuat menggunakan keluli
Hot Press Formed (HPF) steel,

Kawalan Stabiliti Elektronik (ESC)

Sistem Kawalan Traksi (TCS)

Bantuan Pegun Bukit (HHA).

Sistem Pendingin Hawa Digital:

Antara pembaharuan lain adalah sistem kawalan pendingin hawa Persona 2021 kini beralih ke digital sekaligus memberikan aura premium pada model segmen-B ini. Ia juga kelihatan lebih kemas dengan kehadiran skrin mini pada bahagian butang kawalan pendingin hawa.

Enjin dan Prestasi:

Proton Persona 2021 ditawarkan dalam 3 varian berbeza iaitu Standard, Executive dan Premium tetapi masih menggunakan kapasiti enjin yang sama seperti sebelumnya. Perbezaannya, model facelift kali ini tidak menawarkan transmisi manual seperti model terdahulu. Semuanya menggunakan
CVT
 automatik, sekaligus menidakkan khabar angin bahawa
Persona 2021 akan hadir dengan transmisi 4 kelajuan automatik
 seperti Proton Saga. Enjin 4-silinder 1.6L pada model ini mampu menjana output 109 PS dan 150 Nm tork.

Sekiranya anda berminat dengan model ini, anda boleh meninggalkan maklumat anda di laman web khas yang dibuka oleh Proton dan penasihat jualan mereka akan menghubungi anda untuk urusan selanjutnya.

Harga:

Persona 1.6L Standard CVT - RM45,200

Persona 1.6L Eexcutive CVT - RM50,100

Persona 1.6L Premium CVT - RM55,800

Semua harga di atas ialah dengan pengeculian cukai SST, OTR dan tanpa insuran. Proton Persona ini tiba dengan pakej waranti selama 5 tahun atau 150,000KM (mana-mana yang tiba dahulu). Selain itu, kadar tenaga kerja yang perlu dibayar ketika 3 kali servis terawal juga percuma. Bagi varian Premium, ia turut menawarkan pakej data 1 GB sebulan selama 5 tahun.

Dengar harga bermula RM45,200, adakah anda rasa ianya berbaloi dengan pembaharuan yang diterima pada Proton Persona 2021 facelift ini berbanding model sebelumnya?

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All-New E3 Porsche Cayenne – When Playing Dirty Is Welcomed

Why would anyone with a nearly million Ringgit price tag Porsche Cayenne bother driving over unpaved roads? Does it really matter if a Porsche can cross deep gullies? What kind of a person has so little mechanical sympathy for such an expensive car? For Porsche, this is a moot discussion. It’s less about customer driving habits but more about being authentic, being true to itself, values which are paramount to Porsche.
It’s the same reason why Panerai takes great effort in proving their watches in the deep sea even though few will dive with a Panerai strapped to their wrist when a Casio makes much better sense. Everything that Porsche sells has to be peerless and lives up to its marketing image. If it’s an SUV, it better perform like one, and more.
It doesn’t matter if the Porsche crest sits on a 911 or a Panamera or a Cayenne. Any car that bears the Porsche crest is obligated by its 70-year heritage to set the standards for everyone else. If it’s a sports car, it has to conquer the Nurburgring. If it’s an SUV, it has to be the best SUV to cross rough terrains in six continents, something which Porsche is already doing with Magnus Walker – the man who was an influencer before influencer was even a word - at the on-going Porsche World Expedition.
While Porsche is best known for its sports cars, it is their SUVs that pays the bills. Models like the Macan and Cayenne are extremely important to Porsche because without them, Porsche won’t be able to fund its motorsports activities or build another 911.  For every 911 sold, Porsche sells two Cayennes and three Macans.
At the same time, familiarity breeds contempt. The Cayenne is currently in its third generation (E3) and unless you are a Porsche-phile, this all-new model looks almost identical to the previous E2 generation model. The burden of Porsche’s heritage dictates that Porsche designers can’t deviate too far away from the 911’s template. The job of reinforcing the Cayenne’s prowess is now left to the marketers. Thus explains the exercise that Porsche recently put us through.
Overview of all-new E3 generation Cayenne
To be launched in Malaysia later this year, the all-new Cayenne will have an estimated starting price of RM800,000. Of course, nobody buys a base model Cayenne. Load it up all the features that’s expected of a Porsche, you can expect the price tag balloon to about RM900,000.
The most obvious visual cues differentiating the E3 from the previous E2 are the tail lights and the more angular front-end design. Depending on variant, the Cayenne may be fitted with one of several different front bumpers.
Two engine options are available:
Cayenne: 3.0-litre single turbo V6, 340 hp and 450 Nm
Cayenne S: 2.9-litre twin turbo V6, 440 hp and 550 Nm
There's also a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 Cayenne Turbo that pushes out 550 hp and 770 Nm, but we are not getting that model, at least not for now.
Notable highlights include an aluminium-steel body that shaves up to 65 kg off compared to the E2 and a new Porsche 4D Chassis Control that serves as a central umbrella for the car’s chassis and dynamic control features - anti-roll stabilization Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), rear axle steering, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive dampers and air suspension, and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) functions.
Off-Road In The Cayenne
The first exercise involved negotiating pre-arranged obstacles setup at the Sepang F1 circuit’s off-road course.
To demonstrate the function of PHC (Porsche Hill Control), we made a standing start on a near 45-degree slope. From inside the car, the experience was a lot steeper than the pictures suggest. With the air suspension set to the highest ride height, we engaged PHC by pressing a button on the centre console.
Once at the peak of makeshift hill, the car was pointed towards the sky and we had zero visibility of the terrain ahead and it was difficult to aim the steering wheel towards a clear path. This is where the 360-degree came handy and it allowed us to guide the vehicle towards the safest path of descent. By toggling the cruise control stalk, PHC was set to 5 km/h. With a just feather touch on the accelerator, the Cayenne inched forward and drove over the peak, with sufficient clearance to not scrape its underbody.
The PHC indicator on the instrument display glowed white, assuring us that it’s active so we kept our foot off the brake pedal and left it to the car’s computer to control the speed of descent. The benefit of such a function will not be fully appreciated until you’ve driven on a slippery off-road course in a fully-manual vehicle. The art of safe off-road driving preaches that one must never touch the brakes when descending a slippery slope, as doing so will quickly result in your car’s front- and rear-end swapping positions midway with potentially dangerous consequences. The idea is to climb over the crest at walking pace and then let gravity do its job. The driver needs to have strong nerves and maintain control with only the steering wheel.
Next was a demonstration of axle articulation, driving over a sharp mound and then on a banked surface designed to severely tilt the vehicle. The trick is to maximize each of the four suspension’s articulation length by approaching the obstacle diagonally.
All the off-road exercises were done with highway terrain Pirelli P Zero tyres, which was fine given the dry weather but if you are somehow inspired by Magnus Walker to attempt your own Porsche World Expedition, remember that traction is only as good as what the tyres are capable of.
Although the Cayenne demonstrated sufficient capabilities for off-road driving, it is no Toyota Land Cruiser and it won’t survive a Borneo Safari. It’s an off-road capable SUV with emphasis on high on-road performance. Having said that, if you are somehow inspired to drive from Kuala Lumpur to Europe via the plains of Mongolia and deserts of Karakum, yes the Porsche is still up to the task.
Done with the dirt, on to the track
With the customary off-road exercises done, we could finally get back to the track, the part of the exercise that interested us the most.
The first exercise was a braking test, experiencing the braking power of the tungsten-coated, silver caliper cast iron Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB). Isn’t the yellow caliper cross-drilled discs from Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) the best in the business you ask?
Well that’s true on the track, but if you are going to cross the Karakum desert in a Cayenne, fine sand and stones will get stuck within the holes of PCCB’s discs and eventually damage it. Even in normal urban use, the merits of standard regular ventilated discs over cross-drilled ones still apply. The all-new Cayenne will be the first Porsche to offer PSCB brakes, which sits one step below PCCB but retains the standard cast iron discs' durability. PSCBs are easily identified by the mirror-like finished discs.
Even after repeated high speed braking in Malaysia’s punishingly hot afternoon, the PSCB-fitted Cayenne showed no brake fade, a direct result of the very heat resistant tungsten coating. Braking performance is close enough to PCCB but it’s heavier.
Next up was a short slalom exercise between two Cayennes, one with the optional 4-wheel steering and one without. At low speeds, four-wheel steering will turn the rear axle in the opposite direction of the front axle. Doing so dramatically reduces the Cayenne’s turning circle, allowing it to turn almost as if it’s an agile hot hatch. At higher speeds, the rear axle will turn in parallel to the front axle to maintain stability.
The reward for the day was the track drive session, albeit only within the half-lap loop of Sepang’s course, behind a Panamera Gran Turismo pace car.
With PDCC set to Sport Plus, we headed out of the pits in a Cayenne S, punching the throttle once we hit the main straights. The experience was everything that we have come to expect from a Cayenne, which is to say that no other SUV can drive nearly as well as the Cayenne. The BMW X6 is nearly as good, but only if it’s an X6 M.
Lining up the car to clip a succession of apexes is a simple point-and-shoot exercise. It's so easy that you sometimes forget that this is a two-tonne plus SUV. But there’s no escaping from the laws of physics. PDCC might be working overtime to maintain body control but you can’t escape the G-force acting on tyres and brakes. Every part of the car is working double-time just to keep up with the lower ride height Panamera Gran Turismo in front.
For most people, a 911 is a dream car that they might never be able to own, and that’s not necessarily because of a lack of financial means. Family size, limited parking spaces, and sometimes aging bone joints are consideration points even for many wealthy buyers. As a consolation, you can convince yourself that if you look beyond the physical attributes, the soul of a 911 resides within the Cayenne. It sounds too much like marketing fluff, but drive one and judge for yourself if there is any truth in it. As Porsche says, a sports car is sometimes best enjoyed together. #SportsCarTogether.


GIIAS 2015: Previewing The 2016 Honda BR-V’s Interior, And More

Following yesterday’s
preview of the 2016 Honda BR-V
 prototype at the opening of the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in Jakarta, we now have a bit more information on the interior of Honda’s seven-seater SUV.
To recap, the Honda BR-V is derived from the seven-seater Honda Mobilio (on sale in Thailand, Indonesia and India). It is analogous to the Toyota Rush and the Avanza.
While both the Rush and Avanza are rear-wheel driven, the BR-V is front-wheel driven, and is powered by a similar capacity 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine that’s also shared with the City and the Jazz.
It slots beneath the 1.8-litre HR-V and is expected to be competitively priced below RM100,000, if it does arrive in Malaysia.
Read more:

GIIAS 2015: Honda BR-V Previewed Live, Possible Launch In Malaysia Come 2016
How Big Is It?
Sufficiently big. The BR-V measures 4,460mm long. That’s more than the Rush’s 4,420mm but shorter than the Nissan Grand Livina’s 4,485mm.
Wheelbase is 2,660mm, similar to the Avanza, longer than the Grand Livina but shorter than the Rush.
Honda also claims class-leading interior roominess – with best-in-class headroom and knee clearance in the second-row seat, but conceding slightly in terms of second-row legroom.
On the upside, legroom in the third-row seat is claimed to be significantly more than the benchmark competitor vehicle (likely referring to the Toyota Rush). Cargo room in the boot is also claimed to be significantly more.
What we suspect to be lacking though, is shoulder room. At just 1,650mm wide, the BR-V is slightly narrower than the Rush’s 1,745mm but the actual difference is actually a lot less than it appears on paper as the Rush’s width is padded by flared wheel arches and wheel arch claddings.
What’s The Powertrain?
The 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine is claimed to comply to Euro-4 emission standards. As reported yesterday, the engine produces 120 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,600 rpm, similar to the City.
The CVT automatic transmission is shared with Honda City, Jazz and HR-V.
This is an Earth Dreams Series transmission and although it’s a CVT, it’s equipped with a torque converter for added durability.
BR-V With VTEC Turbo?
When asked about the possibility of installing Honda’s latest
1.5-litre VTEC Turbo
 engine on the BR-V, Mr. Atsushi Arisaka, Large Project Leader (Honda’s equivalent to a chief engineer) for the BR-V said there are no plans for it at the moment, but explained further to say if there is sufficient demand from customers, it is possible to equip the BR-V with a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine as the BR-V is already designed to accommodate the VTEC Turbo engine.
In other words, if there is enough of you willing to pay up, Honda will produce a new variant of the BR-V that is powered by a VTEC Turbo engine.
What’s The Fuel Consumption Like?
Honda did not provide a specific figure but claimed fuel consumption is at least 15 km/litre for the CVT model. That’s very impressive for a seven-seater SUV and is not too far from the smaller City and Jazz’s circa 17 km/litre figure.
How Does It Look Like Inside?
This is still a prototype car and we were not allowed to go up the stage to snap any interior shots so the pictures below are the best that we can get.
The design sketches presented by Honda suggests that despite its Mobilio origins, the BR-V will share a similar looking dashboard as the City and the Jazz, which is a good thing as the Mobilio is aimed at a lower-end of the market would certainly not meet the aspirations of consumers from Malaysia.
We also spotted a proper roof-mounted air-conditioning blower in the second-row, another plus point as this is something that the Nissan Grand Livina lacks (it makes do with small vents installed on the rear section of the floor’s centre console.
The second-row seat also folds flat and tumbles using a one-touch action handle.
How Safe Is It?
As mentioned in our
previous report
, the Indonesian market BR-V comes with the
all-important VSA
 feature (only available on the highest specifications variant), ABS, dual airbags and ISOFIX.
We don’t expect the Malaysian market model to be any less equipped (again, assuming that it does come here).
When asked about the availability of six airbags option, Arisaka-san said the car is already engineered to accommodate six airbags so its availability in the individual markets will depend on consumers’ preferences – in other words, if enough of you are willing to pay for it, it will be offered.
Arisaka-san also added that he expects the BR-V to deliver top-class results in ASEAN NCAP crash tests but stopped short of committing to a specific star-rating.
He explained BR-V is designed in accordance to Honda’s internal G-CON standards – which is more rigorous than most government-mandated standards.
This is certainly one SUV that we look forward to see in Malaysia 2016. Again, prices, specifications, and availability in Malaysia is not confirmed yet by Honda Malaysia, but the impression that we get from them is that the BR-V for Malaysia is already almost confirmed.
More information at:

GIIAS 2015: Honda BR-V Previewed Live, Possible Launch In Malaysia Come 2016


Next Generation All-New 2017 Mazda 6 To Feature HCCI Tech

The next generation Mazda 6 is rumoured to go on sale sometime around 2017, a rather reasonable time frame considering that current generation Mazda 6 has been in production since November 2012.
Production of the previous generation Mazda 6 ran for five years, and assuming that the same model lifecycle is followed by the current generation Mazda 6, an end-2017 timing for the next generation model is just about right.
If this rendered image of unknown origin that has been circulating among Japanese social media sites proves to be accurate, then the next generation Mazda 6 will not introduce any significant stylistic changes, apart from adopting some styling elements first seen in the US-market CX-9.
Machine Grey seems to be the next communication colour (as opposed to the current model’s Soul Red), and the edges of Mazda’s signature grille are likely to be thicker, and cuts deeper in the headlamps. The grille’s slates could be also thicker.
Unverified sources are claiming that the next Mazda 6 will be even lighter, featuring a slightly smaller body but with a longer wheelbase, so cabin space remains uncompromised.
Exterior length is likely to be shortened by 65 mm to 4,800 mm, while height will be lowered by 30 mm to 1,420 mm. Width remains unchanged at 1,840 mm. More importantly, while the body might be smaller, wheelbase has been lengthened by 20 mm to 2,850 mm, which in theory should mean a more spacious cabin – something which the current Mazda 6 lacks against its peers.
Under the hood, a new generation of SkyActiv-G petrol engines, this time featuring Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) technology, is rumoured to power Mazda’s latest D-segment mode
In simple terms, HCCI is an ultra-efficient combustion technology for petrol engines. It combines a very diesel-like auto ignition behaviour, where fuel and air is ignited by means of compression rather than spark.
In the past, Mazda’s Managing Executive Officer In Charge of Powetrain Development Mr. Mitsuo Hitomi have mentioned before that the next generation of Mazda’s SkyActiv petrol and diesel engines will grow in similarity. Increasing thermal efficiency by doing away with conventional spark ignition for its petrol engines and replacing it with a diesel-like HCCI compression ignition will be the most radical change.
Engine capacity is likely to remain the same, at 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre for petrol variants, and 2.2-litre for the SkyActiv-D diesel variant.
The new petrol engines are rumoured to be more powerful, with the 2.0-litre variant said to hit 170 PS (up from 155 PS in the current 6), while torque is said to reach 215 Nm, up from 200 Nm. Currently, the most powerful iteration of the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine pushes out
165 PS and 210 Nm
 in the
Mazda 3
.
The larger 2.5-litre variant is claimed to offer a similar jump in power, from 187 PS to 210 PS, while torque is claimed to increase from 250 Nm to 275 Nm.
As mentioned earlier, these are all merely speculations curated from unofficial sources.


UPDATE: Viral Video Of Baby Trapped In Myvi Draws Unwarranted Hate?

There was a video that caused a ruckus on social media yesterday that showed a baby who was trapped in a locked
Perodua

Myvi
 parked under the hot sun. A crowd gathered, along with the video’s poster, to unlock the car and free the child.
Online, it stirred emotions of anger and resentment toward the seeming gross negligence of the parent who would carelessly leave a helpless baby in a car alone, especially in such hot weather. It has gotten a torrent of responses over the 23 hours since it hit the web, with over 500,000 views so far.
The uploader, who is identified on Facebook as Tuan Noor Azlim, was there as the event unfolded outside Wisma Converter, Section 9 in Shah Alam, and proceeded to film the crowd attempting to unlock the Myvi. Later, access was gained forcefully through the rear window after a
ttempts to disable the auto-lock did not work.
While it was believed the parent of the trapped baby was nowhere to be found, Nor Azlim later found out that the mother was among the crowd and was herself trying to help gain access to the car.
He then wrote a lengthy post of apology to the baby’s mother on his Facebook account and encouraged bloggers, the media, and fellow social media users to spread the word that the mother does not deserve to be labelled as a negligent parent.
Despite his retraction of blame, social media commenters and others have chastised what they see to be a deliberate act. While the video’s poster does not blame the mother, there are reports of the incident that clearly paints the mother as guilty.
The Malay Mail reports that Shah Alam police chief ACP Azisman Alias said, “The mother had told some of the rescuers she had been in a rush to run some errands and forgot to leave the engine running,”
The daily said that, while no official police report was lodged, the authorities are still investigating the case as possible negligence and are looking for the baby’s mother.
What we should take away from this is that a baby’s life was saved through the actions of concerned and helpful citizens. As consulted by Free Malaysian Today, Dr H Krishna Kumar, a former Malaysian Medical Association president, who said, “the temperature in the area at the time of the incident was 33°C but in an unventilated car, it could have quickly increased to 50°C in a matter of minutes.”
Had that happened, “the baby would have lost consciousness and died had she not been rescued,” said Dr. Krishna.


Mercedes-AMG G63 Sold Out In Australia Till 2020

The most powerful SUV Mercedes-Benz sells, G63, has sold out in Australia until the year 2020.
GoAuto reports
 that all Australian allocated units of the uber-SUV were snapped up almost as soon as it was introduced to the market. The high-demand and relatively limited supply – given the hand-built nature of AMG performance models – has meant that the G63 waiting list has stretched into 2020.
During the Australian market launch, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific (MBAP) head of media relations, Jerry Stamoulis, added that given the G-Class’ heritage, new design, and up-to-date interior packaging, the model appeals to a wider range of customers now.
He added that Mercedes-Benz is seeing an increase in female buyers in the new-generation G-Class. The G63 is expected to account for around 80 percent of the model’s sales, regardless of the scheduled introduction of the cheaper G350d in 2019. Stamoulis said, “Without a doubt, it (G63) was (the best-selling variant) in the previous car and it will be with this one as well,”
Despite its retrospective looks, the all-new G-Class has been thoroughly reworked in all aspects. While it retains the torsionally rigid ladder-type frame, the weight-optimised materials and design have contributed to a lower kerb weight and better ride quality.
The G63 which was also recently
introduced locally
 is powered by a V8 bi-turbo engine which delivers 585 hp between 5,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm and 850 Nm of torque between 2,000 rpm and 3,500 rpm. Power is sent to AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission which distributes power to all four wheels through an AMG Performance 4Matic system.


Unlock your Mercedes-Benz EQ's Full Power with a RM5,345 Yearly Subscription - Yay or Nay?

Buyers of Mercedes-Benz’s fully electric EQ range of cars will be given an increasingly long list of functions denied them, at least in the USA. This time it’s something called
Acceleration Increase
, a USD $1,200 (RM5,345) annual subscription.

Locking features or abilities already built into cars unless more money is paid is becoming an increasingly concerning trend in the automotive industry
to which Mercedes-Benz isn’t a stranger
.

Earlier this year we reported on
the EQS
’ rear-axle steering system being kneecapped unless owners pay a monthly fee. The “Acceleration Increase” - available for the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV - instead uses an annualised fee structure, and a rather hefty one at that (the price of the latest high-end iPhone), for a pretty simple tweak.

Unlocking it basically tells the electric motor(s) to produce full power and torque - an increase of about 20-24 percent - resulting in a decent improvement in off-the-line acceleration of up to a full second in certain models' 0-100km/h sprint time.

Again, there are no hardware upgrades being installed here. Instead, it’s unshackling the car’s already present abilities. You could liken it to the speed limiters fitted to many European performance cars that cap top speed at around 155mph or 250km/h.

While both are cash grabs that hurt the customer, at least the process of “de-limiting” a car is a one-time charge. Here, it’s hard to defend Mercedes-Benz intentionally reducing a car’s performance to use as a carrot to dangle in front of customers later.

These are customers that, in 2022, are all too familiar with paying for subscriptions, allowing automakers to more easily disguise restrictions and limitations under the guise of so-called flexibility and convenience.

Closer to home, we’ve already witnessed
BMW Malaysia start walking down this same path
 shortly after monthly subscriptions for trivial features such as unlocking heated seats, a heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, and High Beam Assist.

At the risk of over-emphasising the obvious, those BMWs all have heated seats, heated steering wheels, Apple CarPlay support, and High Beam Assist already built into them, but blocked off by software unless you open your wallet.

Mercedes’ EQ cars can all produce that 20-24 percent of extra performance from the factory, but that doesn’t mean you can use it. Your name might be on all the documents, the key fob in hand, but we are gradually sliding into an alarming future where your car is never truly yours.


Alfa Confirms New Engines, Including Ferrari-Derived V6

Alfa Romeo
 is one of the great Italian automakers and a recent announcement by the Fiat-Chrysler Automobile Group (Alfa's parent company) reveals plans on returning its engines to true form with the confirmation of a high-output four-cylinder unit along with a
Ferrari
-derived V6 for its future cars.
Alfa hasn’t had the easiest time in past five years and the company knows that to make a return to its glory days, it needs new cars. Fresh machines powered by modern engines that retain that Italian flair that people buy Alfas for – even if they’ve been occupied with making very pretty, if very front-drive sedans and hatchbacks over recent years.
Alfa will be launching a new mid-size sedan (as possible a successor to the 159) later in the year that is expected to contend with the
BMW

3-Series
 and
Audi

A4
. Perhaps with a larger 166 successor following shortly after to compete with the BMW
5-Series
 and company.
A Reuters report has confirmed that the company is investing more than 500 million euros into the development of these two engines and their production facility in Termoli, situated on the eastern Italian coast. These new engines will play a pivotal role in the company’s planned global relaunch which will see the introduction of several new models and a strong push into new markets.
Of the two, the high-output four-cylinder unit will likely take a lot of what the company learned with its 1.75-litre TBi engine that was fitted to its Giulietta and 4C models in terms masking its smaller capacity through turbocharging. But the V6 that will be derived from Ferrari is definitely the more exciting news, signalling a possible return of Alfa’s 3.0-litre V6, one of its most recognized engines. Not sure if there will be any DNA from the 2.4-litre Ferrari V6 found in the legendary Lancia Stratos, though, but we can hope.
One possibility is that Ferrari could opt to use the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine from its new 488 GTB (pictured below) but with two cylinders removed. Either that or dig through their large pile of venerable V8s to find a suitable candidate to base the new Alfa V6. It’s anyone’s guess at the moment, unfortunately.
Alfa has to be fully committed to the brand’s revival for it to yield the result the company wants as the market they’re planning on competing in is fielded by A-players with strong offerings. But with Ferrari helping out, at least we know they won’t be sluggish machines.


ChampYoong - By Alex Yoong

I had a very good weekend, very good indeed. So forgive me if I get a bit self-indulgent while I tell you about it. The long and the short of it is that I managed to retain the
Audi

R8
 LMS Cup title after what has been the most competitive season, and the first driver in the Cup history to take two titles in a row in the international sprint race series.
We were the supporting race for the World Endurance Championship in Shanghai and had our two remaining rounds of the year on the Saturday, while the WEC boys had their six-hour race on the Sunday.
Race 1 went pretty much to plan as I managed to lead from Pole Position all the way to the flag for my forth win of the year. My main challenger for the title, Franky Cheng, was right on my tail for the whole race and I had to be sharp to not allow him any chance of trying to sneak through to win.
Race 2 was a lot trickier, mainly because of the success ballast. I had to carry 50 kg for coming in first in race 1, while Franky had to carry 35kg. I was very worried at this stage because although I had an eight point lead on my main challenger, we would be both going backwards in this race due to the weight we carried. The Cup is a lot more competitive this year and how we dealt with them and the weight would be key to winning the title.
I started the race in second while Franky was forth and my plan was to try and keep Franky behind me for as long as possible while trying keep clear of any of our competitors. That plan went out the window as Franky got a rocket start and was in front of me by turn 1.
So at the end of the opening lap, I was in third behind Aditya Patal and Franky. However as we started to hit the midway of this half an hour race, there was soon a train of cars behind me trying to overtake, as I was just unable to be quick enough with the extra weight.
With Franky in second I knew that fifth place was enough so after a couple of close calls when I had to defend from lunging competitors, I decided to let through Marchy Lee (Cup Champion in 2012).
It was still very difficult at this point because everyone was so closely stacked behind me; if I let through another car, then it would have been very easy to lose a couple more places and the title with it. My job was made easier when I saw Marchy make a move on Franky for second. This meant that I could then finish sixth and still win the title.
In the end I did lose two more places but there was not much I could have done about it and was just happy to hold on to sixth and with it the title too. Aditya Patel would go on to win the race and, incredibly, the eighth different winner in this years season.
I was thrilled to become the first driver to retain the Cup title and now I’m just as thrilled to be able to share it with you guys too.


SUKE Expressway Expected to Ease Congestion On MMR2

The soon-to-open SUKE elevated expressway is supposed to help ease the congestion on the MRR2.

 According to the official Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) website, the much-anticipated expressway will be opening soon.

SUKE to open soon - 24.4 kilometres from Sri Petaling to Ulu Kelang

The 24.4km, three-lane, dual-carriageway from Sri Petaling to Ulu Kelang has 14 interchanges and reaches out to over 60 residential areas, and connects major highways and roads in Kuala Lumpur.

One of the most expected
outcomes of SUKE
 is the reduction of traffic congestion on Kuala Lumpur's Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2), which is notorious for its
frequent traffic jams
.

According to a report by FMT where they interviewed SUKE's deputy general manager Zarulazam Eusofe, "The new highway is expected to benefit more than 170,000 users daily, with the multi-level highway cutting down the distance traveled and addressing the heavy congestion on the MMR2."

He also added that aside from smoother traffic flow, the highway can help users save on petrol and shorten their traveling time.

Traffic will be dispersed through SUKE's 14 interchanges, including Sri Petaling, Sungai Besi, Alam Damai, Cheras-Kajang, Cheras Hartamas, Bukit Teratai, Tasik Tambahan, Permai, Kosas, Pekan Ampang, Ampang Point, Ulu Kelang, Hillview and Bukit Antarabangsa.

SUKE is also built to connect a complete ring of
networked highways
 and roads in and around Klang Valley as well as the existing Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), KL-Seremban Highway (KL-SEREMBAN), Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA), Cheras-Kajang Highway (CHERAS-KAJANG), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH) and Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE).


Aston Martin Reveals The DBS Superleggera Volante

Aston Martin has unveiled the convertible version of the DBS Superleggera, called the DBS Superleggera Volante.
The DBS Superleggera Volante, which is the second Aston Martin to carry the Volante name, is powered by Aston Martin’s own 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, producing 715 hp and 900 Nm of torque.
All the power is fed via a carbon-fibre prop shaft to a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted at the back of the car. Strengthened to cope with the V12’s massive torque output, this transmission also has a shorter final drive for increased responsiveness and in-gear acceleration.
Plus, the car also comes with specially developed adaptive software which gauges the conditions the car is operating in, along with the driver’s demands, to ensure the car is in exactly the right gear at the right time.
Capable of hitting a top speed of 340 km/h, it boasts an impressive 0-100 km/h run in just 3.6 seconds.
On the exterior, the car’s splitter and airdam work in unison at the front, accelerating airflow underneath the front of the car to deliver true downforce and assist cooling by feeding air to the front brakes.
Behind the front wheels, the ‘curlicue’ allows air to escape and flow smoothly along the car’s flanks, while the double diffuser at the rear allows air to exit cleanly and neutralise lift as efficiently as possible.
Due to the clothed roof, the DBS Superleggera Volante produces 177 kg of downforce, which is only 3 kg less than the coupe.
The car’s roof is made of an advanced fabric system which allows for a smooth flowing roof line. It also incorporates eight layers of insulation materials and acoustically enhancing materials to provide a quiet and comfortable cabin when the roof is up.
According to Aston Martin, the main goal of the DBS Superleggera Volante was to “retain the coupe’s powerful dynamics, aggressive poise, and also its astonishing performance.”
With a class-leading stack height of 260 mm for the car’s folded roof, the DBS Superleggera Volante maintains a smooth seamless rear profile and maximised luggage capacity. Roof operation takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close, and can be operated from inside or, for added convenience, from the remote key within a two-metre radius of the car.
Exposed to conditions as extreme as the heat of Death Valley and the extremities of the Arctic Circle during development, the roof mechanism has been put through more than 100,000 cycles. Simulating 10 years of usage into a one-month test, Aston Martin says that the functional capability of the roof mechanism has been thoroughly tested.
Continuing the brand’s habit of offering extensive levels of customisation, the DBS Superleggera Volante’s hood is available in eight distinct colours including Bordeaux Red, Atlantic Blue, and Titan Grey.
The hood can be further personalised on the inside, with a further six Rokona headliners. For the first time on an Aston Martin Volante model, the window screen surround is available with a 2x2 twill carbon fibre finish, with the option to continue that theme to the car’s tonneau cover and rear.


Proton to Launch New Persona, Saga, and Ertiga MPV by October

National carmaker
Proton
 yesterday confirmed that it will be launching three new models within the next three months – the Saga, Persona, and the Suzuki Ertiga-based MPV.
Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, the CEO of Proton told members of the press yesterday that the first model to be launched will be the 2016 Persona in August, followed by the 2016 Saga in September, and a new B-segment MPV based on the Suzuki Ertiga in October.
With the launching of the models mentioned above, Proton will have the new Saga competing in the A-segment, the new Persona, which is basically an Iriz sedan competing in the B-segment, the Preve and Suprima S in the C-segment, and the Perdana in D-segment.
As for the MPVs, the Ertiga-based model will be a B-segment MPV, while the Exora will be carrying Proton’s flag in the C-segment MPV market.
On another note, Proton also announced that the new Accord-based Perdana, which was launched a couple of months ago, will be getting Proton’s own powertrain package by the end of 2017. While the model is offered with Honda’s 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines at the moment, we expect the car to get Proton’s E01 2.0-litre direct injection engine when it gets updated.
With more models coming into the picture, Proton said that it is currently in the midst of improving its after-sales services, and also that it is undergoing massive restructuring – all with the sole aim of providing better after-sales services to customers by the time the company updates its product portfolio.


VIDEO: Onboard The Volvo S60 Polestar V8 Supercar At The KL City Grand Prix

Over the course of a weekend, Malaysians were treated to their first taste of the Australian V8 Supercars race series and it was definitely one worth savouring.

Of the five race cars brought in for the inaugural KL City Grand Prix (KLCGP), the Volvo S60 Polestar V8SC was one of the main headliners and we were given the rare opportunity of riding shotgun in it as it charged its way down the streets of Kuala Lumpur at breakneck speed.
Seven Facts About The Volvo S60 Polestar V8SC
Powered by a Yamaha-designed V8 engine previously used in the
Volvo XC90
 SUV and
S80
 sedan, bored to 5.0 litres from 4.4 litres
Weighs just 1,400kg with the driver
Uses E85 bio-ethanol fuel and develops 650hp and 649Nm of torque
Brakes are 6 piston caliper, 395mm ventilated discs at the front and 4 piston caliper, 355mm ventilated discs at the rear.
Body is made of steel and carbon fibre finished in Polestar blue
Engine features individual throttle bodies for each of its eight cylinders with carbon fibre velocity stacks
Suspension setup is double wishbone, adjustable dampers, and cockpit adjustable front anti-roll bar
What’s It Like Inside The Volvo S60 Polestar V8SC?
As impressive as the car is, it is the duty of the driver to extract the maximum amount of performance out of it and this is where the young racing prodigy Scott ‘Scotty’ McLaughlin comes in.
With a very tight schedule at the KLCGP, there were only 20 minutes allocated for this ride around the track and after the first three participants had their go, it was my turn.
Slotting into the temporarily installed passenger seat, I shook hands with the 22 year old before he fired up the V8 and drove towards the pit exit. Once we got there, an official pulled the indemnity form off of the car’s window and signalled the
Volvo
 to have at it.
(Scotty giving the thumbs up before giving another passenger the ride of a lifetime)
From there, it was two seconds of calm before the fury as Scotty wasted no time to show me what his race car can do as the car’s savage acceleration pins me into my seat as we hit around 200km/h passing by Hotel Maya on Jalan Ampang.
As we approach the corner near Renaissance Hotel, Scotty shows off his precise pedal work as he executes perfect heel-and-toe downshifts using all three pedals, while working the sequential shifter before guiding the Volvo down Jalan Sultan Ismail. I found out later that the reason why the clutch pedal is used on the downshifts is to preserve the transmission as the strain shifting up is significantly less than shifting down the gears.
Unlike the driver’s seat, the passenger’s does not include sideguards that prevented my head from bobbing all over the place as you can tell in the video. This meant that the lateral G-forces acting upon my head were very intense and trying to keep your head steady through a corner is a very painful experience. Seating so low in the car, judging the size of it going through a corner seemed like a monumental task but it’s as easy as driving a hatchback for Scotty, threading the car through the narrow streets of KL effortlessly.
Soon, we were already at the chicane just pass Shangri-La Hotel where the experience got even more violent with a quick left-right turning but that didn’t faze Scotty as he rode over the chicane’s apexes with the car bouncing just centimetres from the concrete wall. At the end of the Jalan Sultan Ismail straight, it was a series of two left turns passing Jalan Raja Chulan in the process and a sprint up Jalan Perak where the heat and noise from the V8 engine flooded the cabin.
(A look inside Scott McLaughlin's office)
Rejoining Jalan P. Ramlee, a narrow right chicane near the St. Regis Hotel was easily navigated through before the car enters the pit lane again.
Getting out the car certainly wasn’t easy after an experience such as this. The
Volvo S60
 Polestar V8SC is a violent beast of a race car and it certainly takes a special driver to tame it. Talking to a few members of the Wilson Security Racing GRM race team, I found out that during the ride session, Scotty was at best going at 70 or 80% of his capable race pace in the interest of safety for the passengers.
A Return Of V8 Supercars For Next Year?
Although this was just an exhibition of V8 Supercars in action, they’ve already gained a new fan on that day and that’s precisely what the racing series entourage is here for. There’s a lot for fans to take in, beginning with the very excitable fast and furious, close quarters racing that takes place.
Secondly, unlike single-seater Formula 1 or LMP 1/ 2 class racing cars, the V8 Supercars have lots in common with our everyday road-going cars, at least in terms of looks and like us regular folk, they drive right-hand drive vehicles (if that’s relevant) – have you spotted the race-winning
Nissan Teana
 (Altima) V8 yet? There’s a beast we know all too well in Malaysia. Not to miss out upon are the
Mercedes-Benz E
 63 AMG and
Ford Falcon
 XR8?
(The other V8 Supercars which jointly terrorised other passengers during the ride session)
It’s unfortunate that this year’s V8 Supercars event was purely a demo for all, but it does have us eagerly wanting more. Thankfully, we understand that should there be sufficient interest and a promising fanbase for V8 Supercars in Malaysia, the entire fleet of race cars may come back next year for a second time, to battle it out on the streets of Kuala Lumpur at next year’s event.
Think five thundering V8-powered cars was exciting? Try a full roster which consists of 25 or more cars. That’s sure to be an exciting one, don’t you think?


New 2017 Toyota Hilux Variants - 2.4G Limited At RM126k, 2.4G STD From RM109k

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has introduced of the Toyota Hilux 2.4G (AT) Limited Edition which is open for booking with a price of RM126,000. Alongside, Toyota has also announced the introduction of the 2017 Hilux 2.4G STD, in manual and automatic variants, with a price starting from RM108,500.
The Hilux 2.4G (AT) Limited Edition, which was
recently uncovered
, adds on a number of Toyota Genuine Accessories to underline a premium outlook for Toyota’s perennial pickup truck.
At the front, the Hilux’s fascia receives a new headlamp and fog lamp cover and front bumper underguard. The front grille now receives a matt-grey finish versus the chrome items on other models.
Down the flanks, the limited edition model is fitted with dark-grey alloy rims and overfender trim pieces for a more aggressive look. The pickup also gets racy front hood stripes and a roof sticker, which extends from the A-pillar onto the roof section gives the body a two-tone look. A roof ornament is also added.
Round the back, the tail lamps are decked out with grey covers, and a ‘Limited G’ emblem on the tailgate further demarcates this model from the rest of the range. The Hilux 2.4G Limited Edition will roll into showrooms starting 17th February, the RM126k booking price, carries an RM4100 premium over the 2.4G (AT) model (RM121,900) on which it’s based.
As for the 2.4G STD manual and automatic variants, Toyota initially introduced six variants (inclusive the single-cab 2.4 (MT)
during the launch
 in May of 2016 – the addition of the two new variants, now takes the total tally to eight variants, priced as below:
Hilux Single-Cab 2.4 (MT) 4x4: RM89,900
Hilux 2.4 (MT) 4x2: RM91,900
Hilux 2.4 STD (MT) 4X4: RM99,900
Hilux 2.4G STD (MT) 4X4: RM108,500
Hilux 2.4G (MT) 4X4: RM109,900
Hilux 2.4G STD (AT) 4X4: RM118,300
Hilux 2.4G (AT) 4X4: RM121,900
Hilux 2.8G (AT) 4X4: RM133,900
With regard to the Hilux 2.4 G STD (MT) variant, it does without a reverse camera option, included in the Hilux 2.4G (MT) variant, equating to an RM1400 overall price reduction.
Whereas, the 2.4 G STD (AT) variant does without the digital video recorder, reverse camera and solar and security window film, equating to an RM3600 price reduction when compared to the Hilux 2.4G (AT) at RM121,900.
It’s also worthy to note that stepping up to the AT variants adds on Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control – highlighted by a substantial increment in the price tag between the 2.4G manual and automatic variants.
Since its launch in May 2016, the Toyota Hilux has sold around 18,000 units nationwide. The Hilux model has maintained its popularity with over 200,000 units of the outgoing generation sold throughout Malaysia since first launched in 2005. It is one of the best-selling models for UMW Toyota Motor over the past 10 years.


MINI Introduces Countryman Wired and Pure Variants

MINI Malaysia has introduced two new variants of its MINI Countryman SUV model, the Wired and Pure, which boasts additional aesthetics and convenience features.
The Wired (based off the
Countryman ALL4 PHEV
) and Pure (based off the Countryman Cooper S) come as standard with the 4G-enabled MINI Connected suite which among others offer MINI Online, MINI Concierge Service, and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Comfort Access, Park Assist, Front and Rear PDC, Auto Tailgate, a rearview camera, and the MINI Picnic Bench are also included as standard.
For the Countryman PHEV, the Wired Package now sports new 19-inch ‘Edged’ spoke rims with run flat tyres. Additionally, MINI bonnet stripes, a hexagonal front grille, and roof colour options in black or white further spice up the exterior.
The interior is further decked out with a Cross Punch Carbon Black leather upholstery. The MINI Yours Illuminated interior trims and steering wheel further demarcate the Wired variant. A new 8.8-inch touchscreen display is complemented by the MINI Head-up display to relay driving information. A Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system provides entertainment.
The Countryman Cooper S Pure gets 18-inch ‘Black Pin’ spoke rims and LED headlights as standard, bonnet stripes and black roof colour rounds off the exterior highlights.
The interior the same Cross Punch leather seats as the Wired variant, while a Hazy Grey interior trim colour is contrasted by a beige headliner up top. The Pure variant gets a smaller 6.5-inch touchscreen display in the centre console.
The Countryman Wired and Pure variants retail for RM 228,888 and RM 250,888 respectively, inclusive of a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty, 5-year roadside assistance, and free scheduled service.


Daihatsu Is Developing A Perodua Bezza-sized 4-Door Coupe For Indonesia

If you are young and you love cars but don’t have a trust fund in your name and you live in our part of the world, the number of fun cars in the market can be quite depressing as every new car that meets your budget is a boring economy car. Short of having your parents sign you a cheque, your only option for a fun car is in the used car market.
At the same time, the emerging markets of South East Asia have a very large young population. Indonesia is one of the world’s biggest emerging markets, with a population of over 260 million - half of them are below 30 years old.
The potential for growth is huge and this dichotomy between the obvious lacking of affordably priced fun cars against this huge potential of a young growing middle-class is not lost on Daihatsu, which reigns supreme in Indonesia. Four out of the five most popular models in Indonesia are developed and manufactured by Daihatsu, including the ones sold by Toyota.
Daihatsu currently offers the diminutive turbocharged 660cc Daihatsu Copen in Indonesia – the only country outside of Japan to sell it. However due to its Japan-made status, import taxes make the car prohibitively expensive. As stylish as it looks, young Indonesians have little appetite for a tiny convertible that costs as much as a Corolla Altis.
Carlist.my understands that one of the projects currently undertaken by the newly formed Emerging-market Compact Car Company, an internal company established by Daihatsu and its parent company Toyota in January 2017, is the creation of a 4.2-metre long four-door coupe targetted at young buyers in Indonesia.
Yes you read that correctly. Daihatsu wants to build a mass market, affordably priced version of a Mercedes-Benz CLA Class aimed exclusively at emerging markets.
Apart from the 4.2 metres exterior length, we don’t know anything else about the car. Considering that Daihatsu’s global product line-up has only one sedan, which is the Malaysia-only Bezza sold by Daihatsu’s joint venture partner Perodua (Daihatsu’s Japanese market sedans are rebadged Toyotas), the four-door coupe has to be based on the Bezza. And guess how long the Bezza measures? 4.15 metres, which corroborates with the 4.2 metres length mentioned by our sources.
Late last year, Daihatsu had already showcased the DN F Sedan Concept at the 2017 Gaikindo International Auto Show in Jakarta. Daihatsu didn’t provide any details about the coupe-style concept but visually, we noted that the car was about the size of a B-segment sedan. In hindsight, it might have been closer to an A-segment sedan, with the lower roofline and wider track giving it an illusion of being longer.
Indonesia has little interest in compact sedans, partly due to tax structures that favour MPVs and hatchbacks, but a stylish and youthful coupe-derivative of the Bezza might convince consumers in rapidly developing Indonesia to switch to a different bodystyle.
Since Malaysia is currently the only country to manufacture a Daihatsu developed sedan, who knows if Malaysia could score a big win by exporting a winning product to ASEAN’s biggest car market.
Perodua currently operates two plants in Rawang. The older PMSB (Perodua Manufacturing Sdn.Bhd) plant has a capacity to build 230,000 cars per year and it currently manufactures the Myvi and Alza. The newer PGMSB (Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd) plant has a 200,000 cars capacity (but is currently operating at a single shift 100,000 cars capacity) and makes the Axia and Bezza.
This gives Perodua a combined manufacturing capacity of 430,000 cars, which is well above Perodua’s annual sales of circa 205,000 cars per year, with a very small volume of exports. We still do not know what product is going to take up the excess capacity but clearly it has to be a regional and export-oriented project. Could this four-door coupe be one of them?


VIDEO: Luxury SUV Owner Slaps And Breaks Nose Of Car Wash Worker, Gets Arrested

The foreign worker that was assaulted by a man after sitting in his car to wash the interior windshield and reportedly sustained a broken nose has had justice dealt on his side. His assailant had been arrested in Damansara yesterday, writes The Star.
The video (below) showing CCTV footage of the man getting very angry at the foreign worker sitting in his
Range Rover Evoque
 has been making the rounds on social media and generating quite a bit of outrage over the blatant act of bullying and intimidation.
"We have opened an investigation paper under Section 325 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt," said Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Abdul Samah Mat.
The foreign worker’s employer and owner of the cash wash, Atie Abdul Hamid, says the man accused the worker of dirtying his car by sitting in it and allegedly demanded an RM1,000 compensation for the few seconds the worker spent inside cleaning the car.
Atie also claims that the video footage she uploaded did not capture the whole incident. Off camera, the foreign worker was struck again by the disgruntled luxury SUV owner, whereupon the worker started to “bleed non-stop”.
A visit the hospital later confirmed that the worker had a broken nose. As of now, he is still under their care.