Driving The Ferrari 296 GTB In Sepang - I Left Disappointed!

Regardless of what my current job title may be, I don’t regularly get the chance nor invite to drive a supercar the likes of the Ferrari 296 GTB around the Sepang circuit so when Ferrari Malaysia’s e-mail dropped into my inbox, I was a little giddy with excitement.

From previous track experiences, I remembered how overawed and frantic the whole session was, it was hard for journalists to form an opinion let alone have anything of worth to put down on paper from that track session. It all passes by in a blur and before you know it your session is over…so while I was excited about Esperienza Ferrari of
296 GTB
, I was also a little apprehensive about how it would all go down and sure enough I left disappointed!

Having had some previous track experience with the 458 Speciale before, I was acutely aware of how fast a 5-lap or 20-minute track day would fly past, I wanted to slow this whole experience down a notch - I wasn’t chasing speed, I was chasing smooth and precision because I knew with that would come speed.

Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications

Just before the track, here are the specifications for the Ferrari 296 Grand Tourer Berlinetta (GTB)

Powertrain: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged F163 V6 PHEV

Power: 830PS, 740Nm (663PS from the engine alone)

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch

Drive: Rear-wheel-drive

0-100km/h: 2.9 seconds

Top speed: 330km/h

EV range: 25 kilometres

Price: From 1.228 million (before duties, customisation options, taxes, or insurance)

Each driver/ journalist had an instructor paired with them to help them understand the car, what we were doing, help us pick our braking as well as acceleration points. I got paired with Giovanni and my first request was for him to drive me around Sepang so I could truly appreciate the 296 GTB under the control of an experienced hand.

Giovanni first had the e-Manettino in eDrive mode (full electric) and we set off in the quietest most uneventful manner, unbefitting of a Ferrari. He then progressively took us through Hybrid, Performance, very quickly landing on the most ‘extreme' drive mode, Qualify - heck, we were on Sepang after all!

On the track in Sepang - how does the 296 GTB drive?

He opened up the throttle and from thereon it was Highway to Hell! OH MY WORD the g-forces (despite how securely strapped in you were in the 296 GTB) had me swaying left to right, front to back but with the biggest grin on my face! It was so so much fun and I knew I had made the right call by having Gio drive me around Sepang first. Experiencing how expertly he caught the slide as we went into the corners around Sepang is hard to truly encapsulate with words. The 296 GTB’s eSSC (electronic Side Slip Control) and the new six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) just brought a whole new level to the amount of fun you could have in it - Ferrari does say the 296 GTB is defining fun to drive.

I would however highly recommend if you were so privileged to own one that you get some seat time with a qualified instructor in order to fully enjoy the car safely.

And then it was my turn. I got strapped in, took a deep breath, adjusted the seat, and off we went! Gio had me immediately put the 296 GTB in Qualify, just before I got into the driver’s seat I mentioned to him that I wasn’t interested in going flat out, I wanted to be smooth with my throttle and steering input, that was my objective this afternoon. He nodded his head (in agreement I hoped but he’s Italian so who really knows?).

Braking points, apex, acceleration points were all expertly pointed out by Gio and I was consumed by it, I enjoyed both the bark and grunt from the V6 + electric motor, the direct steering, the (what turbo lag?) instant acceleration, and of course the occasion of doing this all in a Ferrari, on a track. What a privilege! And to top it off I even managed to step the rear out more than once but all it took was a flick of the steering wheel to get the car back in line.

My first Ferrari memory was building a Tamiya model of the Ferrari Testarossa. Since then I've come to appreciate Ferrari's from afar until my not so recent 458 experience. My point is I grew up with the growl of the legendary Ferrari V12's, V10's, V8's - from the F40 to the Enzo, to the 360 Modena - never in my younger days would I have envisioned a
'quiet'
 V6 PHEV Ferrari - but out on the track (and dare I say even on the streets) it was simply sublime. In the words of my colleague, Sep, "Gila wei, they managed to churn out 221ps per litre from the engine (exluding the hybrid)." And yes, for the most part the F163 engine in the 296 GTB is
gila
, but it's a very manageable
gila
, a
gila
 that you can use everyday if you so wanted to.

With European emission regulations, the world's push towards more sustainable mobility solutions and Ferrari's own pledge of 40% full-electric vehicles and 40% hybrid models by 2030, electrification is inevitable. I've not had the privilege of driving Ferrari's first PHEV model, the SF90 yet but if their second attempt, the 296 GTB is anything to go by then I say good luck to their competition!

2022 Ferrari 296 GTB - Is it the everyday Ferrari?

Before I knew it, my time was up. In parting, I asked Gio if the 296 GTB is the everyday Ferrari and he resoundingly said, Yes! If I could afford one, I might have resoundingly agreed with him too! And that brings me to the disappointing part of the afternoon, after the high of the 296 GTB on track, I got to drive home in my 308...plus I was also a little sore (driving a supercar aggressively on track takes more out of you than you imagine).

Thank you once again Ferrari Malaysia for the flawless organisation of the Esperienza Ferrari of 296 GTB and the privilege of taking the first Ferrari V6 rear-wheel-drive PHEV mid-engined Ferrari road car out on track.

If you're more of a drop-top fella, then the 296 GTS might be more your cuppa!


Perodua Bezza 1.3 Variants Get Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 Tyres

Bridgestone Malaysia has announced that its Ecopia EP150 tyre will be fitted as original equipment on
Perodua Bezza 1.3 variants
 (1.3L Premium X & 1.3L Advanced).
According to the company, the Ecopia EP150 is an eco-friendly, ‘green’ tyre that offers fuel efficiency without compromising on safety and comfort.
Bridgestone also added that the tyre’s compound is the result of global research and development into low rolling resistance technology. The reduced force required to roll a tyre saves fuel and reduces CO2 emissions to the environment.
That being said, below are the specifications of the tyre:
Model
Tyre Pattern
Tyre Size
Load Index
Speed Symbol
Perodua Bezza 1.3
Ecopia EP150
175/65R14
82
T

Notable features of the tyre include:
Rib-linked blocks
Good braking performance
Even ground contact while braking
Optimized 3D block shape
Improved rolling resistance
Improved durability
The 1.3-litre Bezza is powered by Toyota’s 1NR engine boasts Dual VVT-i, enabling it to push out 91PS and 121Nm.
Features include:
1.3 Premium X – M/T & A/T
Front fog lamps
Front parking sensors
Audio: USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Rear USB port
Smart keyless entry.
1.3 Advance – A/T only
Side skirting
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio switches
Semi-bucket leather seats
Multimedia unit with smartphone mirror link
Reverse camera
Auto start/stop
Electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold assist, brake assist.
Looking for a Perodua? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Porsche Explains The 911's Wet Mode

What's scarier than driving a high performance car with the engine hanging off the back? Driving that same car in the wet, knowing that the tyres it comes equipped with are probably not the best in slippery conditions. We're talking about the Porsche 911, of course, and it's a car that's been known to bite unsuspecting drivers even on a nice sunny day - let alone on a slippery night. Perhaps that's why Porsche decided to introduce Wet Mode with their latest and greatest 992-generation 911.
The system can detect when the road becomes wet, which first issues a warning to the driver to let them know that aquaplaning and big losses of grip are becoming entirely more likely. Given the calibre of drivers in this day and age, it's a feature that may seem redundant to some but could be enough to slow a less experienced driver down. The method of detection is novel: acoustic sensors in the front wheel housing detect spray coming off the tyres, which allows it to tell if the road is wet even after the rain has stopped (rain sensors need water droplets to hit the windscreen).
In addition to the warning, the stability and traction systems are primed with specific wet-road calibration, making them react earlier and with less tolerance for wheel slip. The key to keeping a mid or rear engine car under control when losing grip is to react quickly and smoothly - something that sounds like a bit of an oxymoron, but the idea is to control how the mass of the engine travels as you lose and regain grip. This safety system calibration emulates that by detecting as early as possible with less violent interventions to bring the car back under control without overloading the tyres or inducing secondary moments.
The driver is then recommended to switch to a dedicated Wet Mode that primes all the other systems of the car for the conditions. if the driver manually chooses this option, a number of adjustments are made. Most notable is the throttle response and power delivery which is flatter and more progressive, allowing for finer control of the throttle when treading lightly. Some of you may remember that the Renault Megane RS 250 Cup had the same system, accessible through a selection of menus and labelled as Pedal Law; the approach Porsche is taking is fairly similar.
Besides the engine, the aerodynamics are also adapted such that the wing deploys from 90 km/h and more cooling flaps are opened up (we're not entirely sure why the latter is the case, perhaps to induce drag). The PDK transmission is adapted to keep the revs more in the mid-range for better traction and predictability when combined with the flatter throttle response. Even the electronic locking differential is recalibrated to be less aggressive, providing more leeway for the driver to get through a corner. On all-wheel drive models, more power is sent to the front axle for better directional control.
It goes without saying that the more aggressive drive modes like Sport are also locked out for the user. What Porsche has done is electronically augmented what one might call a "wet setup" when tuning a race car or fast road car - many of the elements that are adjusted are what a race engineer would do to make the car more driveable during a wet race. Having it all executed with the push of a button is a great help for a driver of any experience level, even if it may feel like a bit of a crutch at first. Sometimes all you want to do is get home in one piece, and having a car that's easier to drive could be the difference between parking it in your garage or parking it in a ditch.


Farewell To The Volkswagen Beetle – Production To End In July 2019

After three generations and nearly seven decades, it looks like the Volkswagen Beetle’s lineage will meet its end soon. Volkswagen Group of America has just confirmed that production of the iconic car at its plant in Puebla, Mexico – still the world’s only source for the Beetle – will stop in July 2019.
Volkswagen has also confirmed that there will be no immediate plans to replace the Beetle, but is leaving the option open for some elements of the car’s identity to be reinterpreted on a future, electric Volkswagen.
“The loss of the Beetle after three generations, over nearly seven decades, will evoke a host of emotions from the Beetle’s many devoted fans,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “As we move to being a full-line, family-focused automaker in the U.S. and ramp up our electrification strategy with the MEB platform, there are no immediate plans to replace it. But as we have seen with the I.D. BUZZ—which is the modern and practical interpretation of the legendary Bus—I would also say, ‘Never say never.’ We’re excited to kick off a year of celebrating one of the true icons of the automotive world, with a series of events that will culminate in the end of production in Puebla in July 2019.”
Customers in the Americas region will have the option to purchase last batches of Final Edition SE and SEL Beetle models, available either as a coupe or a convertible.
These Final Edition models will be styled very similarly to the Beetle Última Edición (last edition) made in 2003. These were made to send off the last batch of Mexican made air-cooled Beetles but note that Brazil would continue making air-cooled Beetles until 2006.
The original Última Edición’s models were available either in beige or light blue. The current generation’s Final Edition models will offer those colours too, Safari Uni beige and Sandwashed Blue, as well Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, and Platinum Grey.
Final Edition SE models feature 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a 15-spoke design. The SEL models will have larger 18-inch white aluminum-alloy wheels in a disc design that is reminiscent of the Última Edición’s body-colored steel wheels fitted with chrome hubcaps and whitewall tires.
All Final Edition models are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine, and like all US-market Beetles, are paired to a six-speed torque converter automatic instead of a 7-speend dual clutch automatic used elsewhere.
Created by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche under instruction by the Fuehrer himself as part of a grand social mobility project by the Nazi party, the car was never officially known as the Beetle until much later. It was known simply as the KdF-Wagen, and later the Volkswagen Type 1.
The Beetle, or Kafer in German, was an informal name, used mostly in Western countries. Elsewhere, people from other cultures liken the car’s iconic shape to bugs/animals more recognizable in their local cultures. The Chinese for example, called it the tortoise car while in Indonesia, it’s known as the frog car.
The original Beetle was best known for its air-cooled flat four-cylinder engine, which formed the basis for Porsche’s first car – the 356, designed by Ferdinand’s son, whose name is also Ferdinand Porsche and to avoid confusion, he is often referred to Ferry Porsche.
When the second generation model came around in 1997, now officially known as the ‘New Beetle,’ tighter regulations on exhaust emissions meant that it was no longer possible to make Beetles with air-cooled engines so the New Beetle adopted regular water-cooled four-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive layout. While the original Beetle was gender neutral, the New Beetle was a bit too feminine even for many female buyers, and apart from its retro looks, there wasn’t anything great about the car. The New Beetle was never spoken in the same breath as BMW’s MINI.
The third and final generation model however, now known as simply the ‘Beetle,’ is a much better product. It looks trendy enough for both males and females, and it’s no slouch either. Drive it hard or drive it sedately, the Beetle plays along well. It’s not the most practical or ergonomically sound car on sale, but it’s an icon steeped in heritage, one that Volkswagen won’t be making anymore.
You can read our most recent review of the Beetle
here
.


Geneva 2018: Updated Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan Gets More Horsepower

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the updated 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.
Dubbed ‘the baby AMG’, the big news with the C43 is that it gets a significant increase in power.
The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine now kicks out 385 hp, which is 23 hp more than before, and a maximum torque of 520 Nm.
Paired to the engine is the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic gearbox with 9G Speedshift, which is actually a slightly more aggressive version of the gearbox.
Thanks to the powertrain package, the C43 can do the century sprint in 4.6 seconds and achieve an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h.
The car also has a new driving mode called the “Slippery” mode, on top of the existing Dynamic Select modes - “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” and “Individual”.
Outside, the C43 now features a redesigned AMG radiator grille with twin louvers in matte iridium silver, as well as side air curtains in the front bumper, and a silver chrome front splitter up front.
As for the rear, additions include a thin spoiler lip on the trunk lid, chromed twin exhaust tips, and a rear bumper diffuser.
Inside, key features include a new Nappa leather AMG steering wheel, black Dinamica microfiber trim with red stitching, Natural Grain Black Ash Wood and Brushed Aluminum trim, red seatbelts, and a 10.25-inch media display.
That being said, the new Mercedes-AMG C43 AMG is expected to be arriving in showrooms around the world next year.


BMW Recalls 80,000 Cars In China After Regulators Find Fault

Almost 80,000 vehicles are being recalled by
BMW
 in China after regulators there found fault in several of the German automaker’s models, with affected cars stretching from 2011 up until early 2014.
BMW has had to run a recall campaign that affects over 53,000
X3
s in China due to an alleged engine wiring and fuel supply fault. China’s quality regulator, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (ASDIQ), said that the 53,310 BMW X3 SUVs (the xDrive20i, xDrive28i, xDrive35i) produced between October 2011 and December 2013 are the vehicles in question. They said the fault could cause an interruption to the electrical power supply, possibly causing the engine to slow, shake, or turn off completely.
A separate recall was announced and is scheduled to begin on July 8 concerns 26,418 units of BMW vehicles of mixed models and variants produced between June 2012 and March 2014 over a possible fire hazard due to a feed pump issue.
The Government of China has been rigorous in its implementation of vehicular safety inspections, and is particularly critical of imported models. Without any other way to access the lucrative Chinese market, automakers have to comply with every concern the regulators raise, usually with problematic and costly results.
In March, Jaguar Land Rover recalled more than 36,000 vehicles after being criticised by the local media in China of selling cars with faulty gearboxes that affected
Range Rover Evoque
s made between 2014 and 2015 that exhibited software-related issues within the TCU (Transmission Control Unit).
It’s unclear why these imported models are only being recalled in China whereas in other markets the issues that triggered these recalls do not seem to be a cause for concern.


Vote For Your Favourite Car And Win Prizes Worth More Than RM25k

Carlist.my's Car Of The Year
is back
 once again, and we're putting you at the wheel to help decide which vehicles deserve to be awarded the People's Choice Awards - Car of the Year (PCACOTY).

PCACOTY is an awards programme that has been around for more than half a decade. It lets you, our fellow car enthusiasts be the judge and determine which vehicles deserve to be awarded for their accomplishments.

The objective of the 2021 PCACOTY is to award the most outstanding new vehicle to go on sale from the period of June 2020- June 2021.

By taking part in PCACOTY, you get to decide the top three models from each category and put them in the running for a chance to be awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze.

By helping us decide which vehicles deserve to be top, you stand a chance to win prizes worth more than RM25,000, including an Apple iPhone 13 128GB and Xiaomi Wireless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner G10 among others.

30 awards are up for grabs this year, with categories such as B-Segment SUV (RM60,000 - RM100,000), Midsize MPV (RM100,000 - RM150,000), Pickup Truck (RM100,000 - RM150,000), Premium Sedan, Premium SUV and many more.

This is your chance to vote for your favourite vehicles. Voting begins 8th - 28th November 2021.

Vote now
here
 and have your say for 2021's Carlist.my's People Choice Awards Car of the Year!


2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Becomes New King Of The Nurburgring

Porsche has set a new lap record for street legal sports cars on Nürburgring-Nordschleife with the 2018 911 GT2 RS.
According to Porsche, the best lap time of 6:47.3 minutes makes the GT2 RS the fastest 911 model ever built.
The man behind the wheels of the record-breaking car was Porsche factory driver Nick Tandy, who completed the lap at an average speed of 184 km/h.
Unveiled in June at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the GT2 RS is powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine which produces 700 PS and 750 Nm of torque, enabling the rear-wheel drive car to accelerate from 0-100 kmh in 2.7 seconds and top out at 340 kmh.
Just six months ago, the Lamborghini Huracan Performante lapped the Ring in 6:52:01, beating the record set previously by the Porsche 918 Spyder by five seconds.
And while many said that the Huracan’s time is almost impossible to be beaten by a street legal car, the 911 GT2 RS, in the hands of Nick Tandy did it beautifully, even to the surprise of Porsche itself.


Lotus Eletre SUV Now Open For Booking

The all-new, all-electric
Lotus Eletre
 SUV marks a new chapter for the sports car manufacturer when it was officially launched back in March of this year. Earlier this week, this very electric SUV was unveiled in China, and bookings are now opened for their local market.

Despite the chaotic years we've faced due to COVID-19, the Lotus Eletre will start its production at the Lotus manufacturing plant located in Wuhan, China. Those living in the country can already place their bookings for the five-door EV SUV with a deposit of RMB5,000, which is around USD750 or RM3,300.

Lotus Eletre EV Price and Specifications

While there are no indications on prices and specs just yet, you can expect to see those pop up sometime in Q3 for markets in and out of China. As mentioned by Lotus during the launch, the Eletre SUV will commence deliveries to customers in 2023.

First Lotus EV to be launched

The Eletre is the
first of four Lotus BEVs
 that will be launched by 2025. The brand has confirmed its total commitment to electrification, and the choice of unveiling an SUV model first makes sense. Looking at how other high-end manufacturers like
Lamborghini
 and their success with the
Urus
, an SUV is the way to go for better market sustainability and more importantly, profits.

Heck, even
Ferrari
 jumped on the SUV bandwagon with the upcoming
Purosangue
, and they've made it clear once in the past that they were nowhere near interested in including an SUV into their model line-up. Unlike the Eletre, these models are not electrified. Well, not yet at least.

Lotus Eletre EV Variants

Going back to the Lotus Eletre, what we do know is that there will at least be two variants offering different power outputs. The base model is said to produce
592hp
 and
710Nm
 while to 'top-performance' version churns out
905hp
 and
985Nm
 of torque.

More importantly, its 100kW battery pack is said to offer a 600km WLTP range for the base Eletre model, while the high-end variant comes in at around the 517km mark. Also another fun fact, the Eletre will feature a whopping
800kW charging tech
 which will allow it to charge from empty to full in just 18 minutes.


Carlist.my’s #DreamsComeTrue Gave 50 Kids The Ride Of Their Lives

Nearly 50 children from Pertubuhan Perkhidmatan Sosial dan Pembangunan Komuniti (PSPK) were given joyrides in a variety of supercars last weekend. The initiative was part of the #DreamsComeTrue corporate social responsibility partnership by Carlist.my and Aylezo, and is supported by Active Bugs, Monster Energy, and Black Pearl Events.
Apart from supercar rides, the children were also treated to a fun-filled day, participating in clown shows, face painting and inflatable archery.
“Taking the time off from the office to be involved in such programs, reminds us that we should be doing and giving more to these children,” said Hamish Stone, CEO of Carlist.my.
Carlist.my also handed over RM3,000 in cash donation, raised from its staff. The public are encouraged to donate to PSPK. Details can be found at
www.pspk.org
. Alternatively, they can contact at Ms. Keerthana from Pertubuhan Perkhidmatan Sosial dan Pembangunan Komuniti Daerah Gombak, Selangor, at 017 722 6417.


BMW G21 3 Series Touring Breaks Cover - Bigger, More Practical Than Before

32 years after BMW released its first ever 3 Series Touring, the brand has just unveiled the all-new sixth generation model, in an effort to combine the driving dynamics of the G20 3 Series with a whole lot of practicality and convenience.
All set to make its world debut at the BMW #NextGen event next week at the BMW Welt in Munich, the all-new 3 Series Touring may look like an elongated version of the Sedan but there are a few unique features that set it apart.
First and foremost, the 3 Series Touring is a larger car than its predecessor. It is 76 mm longer, 16 mm wider, and 8 mm taller than the outgoing model. The rear windscreen is also 20 mm wider. The wheelbase is also 41 mm longer, while the front and rear track are wider by 43 mm and 21 mm respectively. Elsewhere, key standard features include full LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, and twin-pipe exhausts.
As for the rear, the new BMW 3 Series Touring comes as standard with automatic tailgate operation. The Comfort Access option allows hands-free opening and closing, too. The rear window opens separately, as will be familiar to BMW customers, and its aperture is 20 mm wider than on the outgoing model.
Loading large and heavy items will now be easier than the outgoing model thanks to a load compartment that is up to 112 mm wider, a 30 mm higher loading aperture that is up to 125 mm wider in its upper section, and a slightly lower loading sill at 616 mm.
The step between the lower loading sill and the boot floor has also been reduced from 35 mm to 8 mm. On top of all that, there is the additional option of a trailer coupling that extends and retracts again electrically.
In terms of storage space, the 3 Series Touring can hold 500 litres of luggage, which is 5 litres more than its predecessor. With the rear seats folded, load capacity can be increased to a maximum of 1,510 litres.
While the luggage compartment cover and the boot partition net can be transported in specially designed compartments underneath the boot floor, the optional anti-slip rails that are integrated into the boot floor, are a new feature not found on any of the new BMW 3 Series Touring’s competitors.
The rails automatically extend when the tailgate is closed and prevent cargo from sliding around during the journey. Other standard features in the car include a newly designed sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, thumb rests and electroplated applications, a high centre console, and coordinated design of the door trim panels and instrument panel.
Shoulder room in the front of the cabin has grown particularly significantly, and the new car offers more headroom than its predecessor in all seats. The rear compartment, meanwhile, greets passengers with extra legroom and greater ease of entry and exit.
The rear seat bench accommodates three child seats, of which two can be fixed in place with ISOFIX attachment points.
Under the hood, there are a number of petrol and diesel powertrain options for the 3 Series Touring:
M340i xDrive 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo, petrol - 374 PS / 500 Nm
330i 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo, petrol – 258 PS / 400 Nm
320i 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo, petrol – 184 PS / 300 Nm
As for diesel, there are three engine options as well with outputs varying between 147 PS and 260 PS). All engines are paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, with xDrive being offered as standard for the M340i.
Complementing the powertrain packages are the M-Sport suspension with a 10 mm drop in ride height.
Standard specification for the new BMW M340i xDrive Touring also includes an M Sport differential, which is available as an option for the BMW 330i Touring.
Looking for a new BMW? Get the best deals
here
.


Honda Tawar Kamera 360-Darjah Untuk HR-V Dan BR-V – Harga RM3,000

Honda Malaysia
 kini menawarkan pilihan sistem kamera 360-darjah atau kamera parkir pada model
HR-V
 dan
BR-V
 sebagai aksesori rasmi. Pemasangan kamera yang diberi nama sebagai Honda Recommended Advanced 360 HD Camera ini akan menelan belanja sebanyak RM3,000.

Paparan sudut 360-darjah yang dipaparkan pada skrin infotainment kereta itu terhasil daripada imej yang diperolehi daripada 4 kamera HD yang dipasang pada sekeliling kenderaan seperti bahagian hadapan, belakang serta pada cermin sisi kiri dan kanan kereta. Visual dari keempat-empat sudut kamera tersebut akan digabungkan untuk menghasilkan pemandangan dari atas atau dikenali sebagai Bird’s Eye View Monitoring.

Selain itu, dengan ciri 3D Panoramic View yang terdapat pada kamera ini, pemandu juga boleh meninjau keadaan sekeliling kenderaan sebelum bergerak tanpa memerlukan mereka untuk keluar kereta. Kamera 360-darjah ini turut memberikan paparan yang jelas bagi pemanduan pada waktu malam. Selain itu, pemandu juga boleh mengaktifkan kamera depan sewaktu anda memandu bagi membantu pemandu mengesan sekiranya terdapat sebarang halangan di hadapan kenderaan.

Oleh kerana ia merupakan aksesori rasmi keluaran Honda Malaysia, kamera 360-darjah ini hadir dengan perumah khusus bagi memudahkan ia dipasang pada cermin sisi kereta. Kehadiran kamera ini pasti akan memudahkan para pemandu untuk melalui jalan yang sempit atau ketika masuk kawasan parkir kerana melalui pandangan dari atas, segala sudut kenderaan anda akan terlihat di paparan infotainment kereta termasuk pandangan dari sudut titik buta kereta.

Setelah selesai dipasang pada kereta anda, anda akan menerima waranti selama 3 tahun atau 100,000 km perbatuan. Pemasangan kamera ini juga tidak akan menjejaskan
waranti
 kereta anda yang sedia ada kerana ianya dijual dan dipasang oleh pengedar sah Honda sendiri.

Sekiranya anda membeli Honda HR-V atau Honda BR-V yang baharu, kamera ini akan ditawarkan pada anda sebagai pilihan tambahan. Tetapi, bagi pemilik kenderaan HR-V dan BR-V sedia ada, pemasangan secara berasingan turut boleh dilakukan.

Walau bagaimanapun, tak semua model HR-V dan BR-V boleh masuk kamera ini. Bagi model HR-V, kamera ini hanya boleh dipasang pada semua varian dari
model facelift tahun 2019
 sahaja. Untuk BR-V pula, hanya varian V sahaja yang boleh menerima pemasangan ini. Varian asas BR-V, varian E tidak menyokong penggunaan kamera ini kerana varian tersebut tidak mempunyai
paparan skrin infotainment
 untuk paparan visual dari kamera terbabit.

Kini, Honda BR-V varian V dijual pada harga RM93,420 manakala Honda HR-V pula berada pada tanda harga bermula daripada RM104,000 hingga RM118,582. Jika anda berminat untuk mendapatkan kamera ini pada model baharu HR-V atau BR-V, anda cuma perlu tambah RM3,000 pada harga kereta yang sedia ada. Berbaloi atau tidak?

Untuk maklumat lanjut berkenaan kamera 360-darjah ini, anda boleh tonton video di bawah atau hubungi mana-mana pengedar sah Honda bagi membuat tempahan.


2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is a Reality, Bound for Frankfurt

We saw it, we wished it were true, and now it is. With next year being the Golf GTI’s 40
th
 anniversary,
Volkswagen
 will be marking the occasion with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport, the production version of the
Wörthersee concept we saw earlier this year
, which will be making an early public preview at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show next week.
As seen on the concept, the Golf GTI Clubsport comes with a  2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine whose power outputs has been bumped up by another 35PS over a “Performance” specified GTI to 265PS. But that’s not all, kick down the accelerator pedal and the engine will summon up another 10 per cent of power, bringing up the serving to a wholesome 290PS for 10 seconds at a time. To give you an idea, at full chat the GTI Clubsport is just 10PS off the European-spec
Golf R
’s output, cementing its position as the most powerful production
Golf GTI
 ever.
If fitted with a six-speed manual the GTI Clubsport can shuffle its way to 100km/h in 6 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the GTI Performance. And if you specify it with the six-speed dual-clutch transmission, that time drops down a notch to 5.9 seconds, though it takes 1km/h off the manual’s top speed of 250km/h.
In retaining much of the concept's original looks, the Golf GTI Clubsport sports those striking front air deflector elements on the front bumper. In fact it isn't just the front bumper that is new and unique to the GTI Clubsport. Volkswagen has gone to great lengths to make it stand out with the addition of new side sills, a new rear diffuser, a new multi-part roof spoiler, and new forged alloy wheels that are exclusive to the car.
The black stripe with the “Clubsport” lettering along the GTI Clubsport’s sides are a homage to the black trim stripe that ran between the front and rear wheel arches on the original 1976 Golf GTI. The GTI Clubsport can be specified with wheel arch filling 19-inch “Bresica” alloys that were designed specifically for it. The only styling element that the GTI Clubsport has over the concept are its sinister tinted taillights. Nice.
To match that power bump the GTI Clubsport has some neat aerodynamic tweaks, such as a larger redesigned roof edge spoiler that has been perfected in the wind tunnel. Below the rear bumper the GTI Clubsport has been fitted with a larger rear diffuser that is integrated with larger twin-pipe exhaust ports.
In keeping with the motorsport inspired theme, the cabin comes with folding racing bucket seats partially trimmed in Alcantara and incorporated with a honeycomb pattern and GTI lettering. With red topstitching being a prominent GTI design theme, there is no shortage of red highlights in the cabin to give it a racy appearance, with red highlights added to the seatbelts, the Alcantara sports steering wheel that is topped off with a red seam on the 12 o'clock, and customised floor mats. New trim strips in the “Honeycomb 40” are also added to the instrument strip, centre console, and doors.


Volvo LifePaint: Making Cycling A Safer Affair

There’s a lot to love about
Volvo
 and if you have seven minutes to spare,
here’s why
. The company has been at the forefront of developing safety systems that find their way into its vehicles for many years. But what about those who aren’t inside a Volvo? With so much emphasis on safety systems designed for cars, the company has now diversified its attention to focus on those who are more exposed to the elements and more importantly, the danger of the vehicles around them: cyclists.
In collaboration with the company Albedo 100 and ad agency Grey London, the Swedish company recently launched LifePaint, a reflective safety spray that cyclists can use to make them more visible to cars at night.
Every year in the UK, over 19,000 cyclists are involved in accidents. LifePaint aims to reduce this figure by making cyclists more visible especially in low-light conditions. And this isn’t some spray that makes your bicycle, bag, jacket, helmet, etc glow brightly the moment it is applied either. In daylight, the spray is invisible but under the glare of car headlights, it glows brightly to alert drivers of your presence.
Safety in a can as one might put it.
Currently Volvo is offering LifePaint for free but only at select bicycle shops in the UK. However, the company is currently working on a business plan to enable other markets to bring it to their customers.
With the advent of the all-new
Volvo XC90
 that features the IntelliSafe system, LifePaint would be a perfect complement to market the pedestrian and cyclist detection system feature.
How much would you want LifePaint to be sold here in Malaysia?


All-New 2017 Porsche Cayenne World Debut – V6, 340 – 440hp

Porsche has unveiled the all-new Cayenne at a spectacular launch event in Stuttgart ahead of the SUV’s first scheduled public appearance at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show.
More variants are sure to come, but for starters, the third-generation Cayenne hits the ground running with a pair of V6-powered models consisting of the base Cayenne with 340 hp alongside the more powerful Cayenne S with 440 hp. Both models come with all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The base Cayenne’s 3.0-litre single turbo V6 puts out some 450 Nm of maximum torque from 1,340 to 5,300 rpm, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds when optioned with the Sport Chrono Package. Top speed is rated at 245 km/h with fuel consumption averaging 9.0 – 9.2 litres/100km in the combined cycle.
Moving up, the Cayenne S features a slightly smaller but twin turbocharged 2.9-litre powerplant twisting out 550 Nm from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. Equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the Cayenne S ducks just under the five- second mark to clock 0 – 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Completely redeveloped from ground up and
rigourously tested for durability
, the all-new Cayenne carries mostly evolutionary changes over its predecessor. The familiar silhouette is recognizable, as is that distinctive front end that seeks to evoke connections with the more nimble 911, Boxster, and the lot.
The tail end receives more significant stylistic changes. Narrow slit tail lights are now joined by a strip spanning the tailgate, bringing the rear look in line with the current generation Porsche design language.
Beneath the sheet metal, an all-new platform incorporates an array of advanced technology – rear wheel steering, air suspension, Porsche 4D Chassis Control, and electronic roll stabilization. These technologies, Porsche claim, ensure that the Cayenne remains an extremely dynamic SUV whilst still being
competent off-road
. Tyre sizes are staggered, with rims ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
Despite a substantial increase in equipment that includes LED headlights, enlarged wheels, pedestrian crash protection, and various connectivity features, Porsche has managed to shed considerable weight off the Cayenne’s body – the base model now tips the scales at 1,985 kg, compared to 2,040 kg of the equivalent variant of its predecessor.
Much of the weight reduction is achieved in the material mix- exterior sheet metal is all aluminium whilst the floorpan, front section, and virtually all chassis components utilize light weight high strength alloys.
Porsche first introduced the Cayenne in 2002. A three-way collaboration with Volkswagen and Audi that also yielded the Touareg and Q7, the Cayenne was initially a controversial figure among critics. Fifteen years on, the third generation model carries on a successful lineage that has put 760,000 cars on the road across the world.


Suzuki Maruti debuts the 5-door Jimny and a coupe-styled SUV

Suzuki Maruti, Suzuki Motor Corporation's subsidiary in India, has just unveiled two new SUVs, the 5-door Jimny and the Fronx.

Launched at India's 2023 Auto Expo, the all-new Jimny 5-Door and the all-new Fronx will go on sale immediately and are scheduled to be exported to other markets, including Africa and Latin America.

Jimny 5-Door

According to Suzuki, although the Jimny has now gained some extra metal and doors, 5-Door Jimny will still provide the driving performance expected by customers from an authentic off-roader, like
the 3-door Jimny.

Suzuki said they adopted the design and equipment from the original 3-door Jimny to appeal to a wider range of customers, especially those who love the 3-door Jimny but wished it came with more space and practicality.

Although rumours swirled that the 5-door Jimny
would come with a hybrid powertrain
, unfortunately, the 5-door Jimny debuted with only a 1.5-litre engine, producing 103hp and 134Nm of torque. This engine can be paired to either a 5-speed manual  or a 4-speed automatic.

Like Suzuki mentioned before, the 5-door Jimny will still provide an authentic off-roading experience, which is why the it is also equipped with Suzuki's AllGrip Pro 4WD system featuring low-range gearing.

Fronx

The all-new Fronx is a new-genre SUV for Suzuki,  featuring coupe styling that’s strong and fluid in an easy-to-drive compact body. The bold and thick front grille and the front and rear styling emphasizes powerfulness and strong SUV.

To add to its on trend styling, the high-quality interior makes efficient use of space, and the SUV adopts advanced equipment such as 360 view camera, headup display, wireless charger and rear-seat air conditioning vents, for convenience and comfort.

The Fronx is offered with two engine options, the 1.0-litre Boosterjet and the 1.2-litre K Series.

The Boosterjet engine comes with an SHVS mild hybrid technology, capable of generating 99 horsepower and 148 Nm of torque. This powertrain is paired with a choice of either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.2-liter K Series engine is capable of producing 89 horsepower with 113 Nm of torque and is offered with a choice of 5-speed manual transmission or Auto Gear Shift (AGS) system. The AGS transmission is basically an automated manual gearbox.


Post SST: New Prices For Kia Models, Picanto And Cerato Unchanged

Kia Malaysia has announced its revised price list of new cars, in line with the reintroduction of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) by the Ministry Of Finance, effective 1st September 2018.
The Picanto 1.2 EX continue to be priced under RM50,000, while the Rio 1.4 EX hatchback receives a RM1,000 price reduction. Larger vehicles such as the Optima, Sportage, and Sorento all gain a bigger price reduction, ranging from RM3,000 to RM 6,000. There is no news on the
recently launched Kia Stinger
 sports sedan.
All Kia models come with a five-year/unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.
The revised price list for new Kia models as follows:


The Polestar 2 Will Be Electrified, On-Demand, and Know Where You Want To Eat… We Think

In the first of quite possibly many teasers of the upcoming Polestar 2, the second model after the
600 bhp Polestar 1
, is more cryptic than most thinly veiled previews that we’re used to.
However, a singular aerial shot of the Polestar 2’s rear end and a few short sentences in the press brief do highlight a few exciting facts about the upcoming car, and the general strategy of the company in 2019. And this is what we think we know so far…
Polestar believes “the reliance on combustion engines is coming to an end”, and that the way forward is electric. In 2019, they say they’re going all in “with the launch of the electric Polestar 2”, possibly confirming the fact that the Polestar 2 will be an all-electric sports car, much like the
Porsche Taycan
.
The second hint revealed sheds some light on the connectivity of the new model, sighting “Ever been frustrated with your car navigation? Tried to use voice control? We know there’s a better way for the driver and the vehicle to interact” alluding to the fact that the Polestar 2 might have additional connectivity functions and user interface control – perhaps Polestar's version of the
Mercedes' MBUX
 system.
Finally, Polestar has shared some information on the retail and ownership ecosystem, which moves away from traditional dealerships, stating “we’ve identified the aspects of automotive retail which make it difficult, and we’ve developed an approach that will put the fun back in the process”.
According to
Car And Driver
, Polestar vehicles will be sold out of franchised locations called “Spaces”, where customers can meet with product experts and experience Polestar in a more interactive manner; even the purchase is completed online.
After which customers will have a choice of purchasing the vehicle outright, or through a subscription service that will include costs of maintenance and relevant insurance costs. Polestars will still leverage Volvo’s aftersales network for maintenance services.


VIDEO: Perodua Viva Speeds Down The Highway Into Oncoming Traffic For No Reason

Sometimes we catch people doing really silly things on the road. Actually silly might a little too light. Dumb and dangerous. Yes, that’s more accurate. But the video below shows a small car (
Perodua

Viva
, to our eyes) speeding down a local highway (East Coast Expressway, apparently) in the emergecy lane – going the wrong way!
This video was getting some attention on social media, and after watching it, we’re not really sure how to describe the thinking behind the driver’s motives. It wasn’t as if he or she only went the wrong way by mistake.
From what we can tell this driver was comfortably speeding down the highway for at least a good two minutes (the video’s length) in the emergency lane toward oncoming traffic – and not slowing down either. The car that was filming this insanity actually had to accelerate to catch up with it.
Honestly, this type of driving and the thinking behind it (if any) is appalling. Dear PDRM, find and arrest this person. There’s zero justification for endangering lives this way, even in an emergency.
Anyone want to hazard a guess as to why? Watch the video and good luck.
"If you can't view the video below (some issues have been reported and we're working on it!), here's a direct link to the source:
https://goo.gl/EIdJw4


Everything We Know About The 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross

The upcoming mid-sized crossover, Toyota Corolla Cross is coming - here's what we know so far.

Toyota has played the
2021 Toyota Corolla Cross
 pretty close to the vest when it comes to our market, but there are a number of things we can gleam from the specifications and product variations on offer in other parts of the region. It's pretty natural that Malaysia
would follow
, given our relatively similar needs and economic strength, as well as the general expectations from a product line.

It's been about a year since the
model made its debut
 in Thailand, and as the name suggests the Corolla Cross sits on the TNGA-C platform which underpins the Corolla and the C-HR. Does it sound like a bit of cannibalism on the part of Toyota's model range? Yes, and no, because while the Corolla Cross is a C-segment crossover, it's also a product designed for ASEAN tastes and requirements.

On the other hand, the C-HR is a more global product which generally means appealing to European tastes - which in turn makes a product far more expensive than you would hope to price it. It's a little tricky to track, but the regular Corolla 1.8 Sport in  Thailand goes for 964,000 baht (RM 129,021), while the Corolla Cross 1.8 Sport goes for 989,000 baht (RM 132,367) - a 2.5% premium. With rough extrapolation, that would put a "1.8G" Corolla Cross at around RM 137,867.

In contrast, the C-HR is only offered as a hybrid model for the Thai market, starting from 1,069,000 baht (RM 143,074) - a far more expensive proposition for what is arguably a smaller car. We're most likely to get the 1.8-litre powertrain that we already know from the Corolla sedan, pushing 140 PS and 177 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a CVT-type automatic gearbox.

In hard figures, the Corolla Cross is 100 mm longer, 30 mm wider, and 55 mm taller than a C-HR. It's also longer than a Honda HR-V by 126 mm, wider by 53 mm, and taller by 15 mm - with a wheelbase 30 mm longer. It may just make the Honda HR-V seem that little bit smaller, but given Honda's expertise with packaging and their price points, it could be a tough fight for the Corolla Cross.

The standard features for the Thai market Corolla Cross will likely translate here, with LED headlamps, DRLs, fog lamps, and tail lights. Other comfort features are an electric driver's seat with eight-way control, keyless entry and start, a large seven-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, and a properly sized nine-inch touch screen head unit. Also, expect a power tailgate - it's all the rage for crossovers.

Where we differ is that the Thai market only receives the high-end Toyota Safety Sense items (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist, and so on) on their Hybrid Premium Safety models that are a good RM 15,000 or so more than the entry-level 1.8 Sport. UMW Toyota is likely to offer it as standard depending on whether they choose to bring in a more budget-friendly option at a more aggressive price.

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

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

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

Get the latest new car promotions at
New Car
 website now.


BMW Prices on the Rise for 2017

2017 brings some changes to BMW Malaysia's pricing structure for their cars as well as the removal of certain variant levels. It's bad news if you're in the market for a new BMW, although they should still have some great Premium Selection models on offer which won't be affected by our weakening currency. Let's work through the model range to see the changes.
1 Series:
For this compact hatchback, only the 118i goes up to RM 176,800.00 (+ RM 3,000). The 120i M Sport remains the same at RM 202,800.00.
2 Series:
The 2 Series has not been affected by the drop in ringgit value, across all three variants available locally.
3 Series:
This year, BMW has discontinued the 330i M Sport variant, meaning the highest performance 3 Series you can get is the new 330e Sport. Only one model sees a price increase: the 318i Luxury goes up to RM 205,800.00 (+ RM 3,000).
4 Series:
All models in the 4 Series lineup see an RM 2,000 price increase across the board. The 420i Coupe is now RM 299,800.00, the 420i Coupe Sport is RM 319,800.00, the 430i Coupe Sport is RM 358,800.00, the 430i Coupe M Sport is  RM 388,800.00, and the 430i Gran Coupe M Sport is RM 418,800.00.
5 Series:
Thankfully there are no changes to the 5 Series product pricing, although we are heavily anticipating the launch of the new G30 5 Series.
6 Series:
The sole 640i Gran Coupe variant we have locally also maintains its price.
7 Series:
Like the 5 Series, the 7 Series does not see a price increase for the time being.
X models:
Only the entry-level X1 sDrive20i sees a price increase to RM 230,800.00 (+ RM 2,000). Everything else, from the X3 to the X6, remains the same.
Z4, BMW M, and BMW i:
There's good and bad news if you're in the market for one of BMW's sportier models. The good news is the Z4 and the i8 have been left alone, but the bad news is that the highly sought after M2 Coupe is now RM 504,800.00 (+ RM 6,000), and the M4 Coupe is now RM 746,800.00 (+ RM 6,000).


ACOTY 2016 Finalists: Budget MPVs – Nissan Grand Livina, Perodua Alza, Toyota Sienta

Young families looking for a spacious seven-seater MPV don’t have a lot of choice. On paper, it might appear that there are a lot of models to choose from but none of them stand out as an especially good purchase.
Except for the Toyota Sienta, all other models in the segment are already close to 10 years old. The superficial updates on their exterior are betrayed by their dated powertrain and limited list of safety features – which is ironic considering that they are targeted at young families with babies and toddlers.
Still, a decision has to be made to select one winner for the Budget MPV category of this year’s ASEAN Car of the Year (Malaysia), and here are the finalists, as voted by 26 judges from 16 publications.
Perodua Alza
Nominated by: 22 out of 26 judges
Price: RM52,832 – RM65,432
Overview:
First launch in November 2009, this will be the Alza’s seventh year on the market. Despite its age, it remains the best option for young families on a tight budget. It’s spacious, fuel efficient, and cheap to run.
The third-row seats are too tight for adults but this is not necessarily a deal breaker. Ask yourself how many times a year are you going to use the third-row seats and whether the frequency of usage justify paying more for a bigger MPV (and higher fuel bills too)? If the third row seats are going to be used once a year, consider renting a car for those rare occasions.
Pros:
Affordable pricing
Low running cost
Very practical cabin, with a space efficient dashboard-mounted gear shifter
Cons
Lack of safety features – even the most expensive Advanced variant lack ESC and side/curtain airbags
Third row seats too small for adults – not suitable if you are going to ferry seven adults very often
Starting to show its age, despite the multiple facelifts/updates over the last seven years
No air-conditioning vent or blower for rear passengers
Read more:
Perodua Alza S And Myvi Premium XS Launched: From RM48,862
Research:
Perodua Alza
 in New Car Showroom
Perodua Alza
 listed in Carlist.my
Toyota Sienta
Nominated by: 19 out of 26 judges
Price: RM92,900 – RM99,900
Overview:
As the newest model in the segment and wearing the trusted Toyota brand, the Sienta could have easily dominated the segment but its poor list of safety features and perceived high prices are holding it back.
The main highlight of the car, the sliding doors – features which are very expensive to engineer (the design complicates side impact protection) - are not promoted much in Toyota’s marketing materials, limiting discussions only to the doors’ anti-pinch and power-operated function, none of which are reasons that you should pay extra over conventional hinge doors MPVs.
Many consumers shopping in this segment don’t understand the benefits of sliding doors, leading them to compare the Sienta against a similar 1.5-litre but hinge doors Perodua Alza, thus explains the impression that the Sienta offers poor value.
In truth, the Sienta’s sliding doors lifts its user-friendliness to an entirely new level that none of its peers are able to match. It is function that’s best demonstrated rather than explained. Try moving a baby in/out of the vehicle, strapping or unstrapping a baby from a child seat in a conventional hinge doors MPV versus one with sliding doors, in a shopping mall car park and you will understand the benefit of paying more for sliding doors.
Pros
The newest model in the segment, with a trendy design to match
Third-row seats that ‘dive in’ and fold flat under the second-row seats
Sliding doors and flat floor make for easy access, greatly eases the task of moving babies/child seats in and out of the car
Only model in the trio of finalists to have an air-conditioning blower on the second row
Cons
Poor safety features (at this price, in 2016, where are the side and curtain airbags?)
Cheap looking infotainment
Expensive to build sliding doors not appreciated by many
Read more:
2016 Toyota Sienta Officially Launched in Malaysia – From RM92,900
Research:
Toyota Sienta
 in New Car Showroom
Toyota Sienta
 listed in Carlist.my
Nissan Grand Livina
Nominated by: 15 out of 26 judges
Price: RM87,100 to RM102,800
Overview:
First launched in December 2007, we will soon be celebrating the 10
th
 anniversary of the Grand Livina’s launch, and that’s not a compliment.
For those who are not keen to pay extra for the sliding doors Toyota Sienta, and don’t want anything offered by either Proton or Perodua, the Nissan Grand Livina is a natural choice.
Compared to the Alza, the Nissan offers reasonable legroom in the third row, and its on-road dynamics are rather decent, very passenger car-like, even though the powertrain is rather dated.
The one feature that is sorely lacking is its lack of air-conditioning blower in the rear, a criticism that was never addressed by Nissan over the Grand Livina’s 10-year model life. There are floor-mounted cooling vents to blow cool air to the second row seats but they don’t make any difference to passengers sitting in the third row.
Pros:
Generous legroom in the 2
nd
 and 3
rd
 row
Passenger car-like seating position and handling
Affordable price
Cons:
No ESC, side or curtain airbag, even on the most expensive variant
Have been on the market for 10 years already, mechanically unchanged
While legroom is generous, shoulder room can be tight, realistically a six rather than a seven-seater
Access to the third row is difficult
Read more:
Buyer’s Guide: Nissan Grand Livina - The Old Faithful
Family MPVs Below RM100k Review – Proton Exora, Perodua Alza, Nissan Grand Livina
Research:
Nissan Grand Livina on New Car Showroom
Nissan Grand Livina on Carlist.my
Proton Exora
(RM67,220 – RM83,010)
–
Although the focus of this article is on the finalists, it is worth noting that the Proton Exora narrowly missed out on the finals by just one vote, else it would have tied with the Nissan Grand Livina.
The Carlist.my team did cast our votes for the Proton Exora, but unfortunately there wasn’t enough votes from our peers from other participating publications.
In our opinion, the Proton Exora, despite its age still stands out for its superior level of safety features, adding side airbags and ESC.
Its air-conditioning is also the best in the segment, having not just a blower for the rear, but also individual vents on both sides of the second and third row seats. It also has a one-touch operation to fold and tumble the second row seats.
The powertrain is the weakest aspect in the Exora – it’s noisy and thirsty on fuel.
What you should be waiting for – 2017 Honda BR-V
An affordable seven-seater from Honda that will be launched in
2017, the BR-V
 is expected to provide some much needed boost to this otherwise ‘same old same old’ segment.
Officially, the BR-V is marketed as a crossover, but with three row seats and no 4WD option, it's quite clear that the BR-V is more MPV than SUV.
As the model have yet to be launched, it doesn’t qualify for this year’s ACOTY but if you are in the market for an MPV priced below RM100,000, it is worth delaying your purchase by a few months while Honda confirms the BR-V’s selling price and specifications.
At the moment, BR-V models sold in Thailand and Indonesia are equipped with dual front airbags and ESC, which already makes it safer than all other MPVs in the market bar the Proton Exora.
Six airbags are not ruled out yet but during our interview with the BR-V’s Large Project Leader Atsushi Arisaka in Jakarta late last year, we’ve confirmed that the BR-V is engineered to work with up to six airbags, but equipping them adds cost and their availability in individual markets depends on the decision of the local Honda distributor.
The cabin is equipped with a rear air-conditioning blower, while the second row seats can be adjusted fore-aft and Honda claims that legroom in the third row is class-leading.


BMW Launches X1 sDrive18i Locally, RM 208,368

The smallest SAV in the BMW range gets a new entry-level variant that seems to be a lot of bang for the buck, becoming the most affordable BMW here.

With the decreasing appetite for sedans and annual floods that could leave you stranded, it’s no surprise that more Malaysians are going for crossovers and SUVs regardless of which segment they’re shopping in. In BMW’s case, their SAVs (A for Activity) have proved highly popular, with their smallest offering being the X1 that had its facelift locally debut earlier this year.

Today, BMW Malaysia welcomes the smallest variant to the X1 family in the form of the sDrive18i. It slots in below the sDrive20i that represents the majority of X1s on the road for this generation; powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that pushes 140 hp and 220 Nm of torque, these are still pretty solid performance figures.

As is the case with the sDrive suffix, power is only delivered to two wheels – in the case of this generation of X1, those two wheels happen to be at the front. The power gets there through a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch gearbox, a unit we’re familiar with in various front-wheel drive BMW and MINI models.

What usually becomes the sore point of picking an entry-level variant is that you can feel short changed on features and trim, but BMW Malaysia seems to have done an excellent job in keeping the functionality consistent with the other X1 variants. The sDrive18i still gets a large 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, with black high gloss and Pearl Chrome trim finishes and Leather Dakota upholstery.

There are also driving assistance systems as the X1 sDrive18i comes with BMW Personal CoPilot, which includes items like Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention, High-beam Assistant, speed limit info, and Lane Departure Warning. You certainly aren’t getting short changed on any items here – both front seats remain electrically adjustable too.

Other details to note are its boot space at a solid 505 litres – best in class – with the ability to expand up to 1,550 litres when the rear seats are dropped. Comfort access functionality lets you open and close the powered tailgate without having to actually trigger the microswitch – a help when your hands are full with groceries or other items.

From today onwards, you can check the X1 sDrive18i out for yourself at all authorized BMW dealers nationwide. Going for RM 208,368, the X1 sDrive18i also comes with a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program, Roadside Assistance, the BMW Privileges Card, and BMW Services online.


RON97 Fuel Price Update: 28 June – 4 July – 9 sen lower

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced the price of RON 97 fuel for the next seven days. The premium grade fuel sees a rather big reduction of 9 sen per litre.
That being said, the prices for petrol and diesel effective from 28th June to 4th July are as listed below:
RON95 –
RM2.20
per litre (no change)
RON97 –
RM2.50
 per litre (down 9 sen from RM2.59)
Diesel –
RM2.18
 per litre (no change)


One-millionth Audi Q5 Rolls Off the Line at Ingolstadt

Less than a decade in Ingolstadt production, the Audi Q5 has hit the major milestone of a million units produced. Of the roughly 650 automobiles that were output by the Ingolstadt plant yesterday, one of them was the millionth Audi Q5.
It was the SQ5 variant in particular, packing a 3.0 TDI engine with 313 hp and 649 of torque, finished in the alluring Sepang Blue tone that was popularized by the current generation RS3.
Besides Ingolstadt, the Audi Q5 is also produced in China and India for their respective regional markets. With these production sites in mind, the figure is closer to 1.6 million Audi Q5s produced over the past 8 years or so. Audi's plant in Mexico will begin production of the Q5 as well by the end of next month.


Kerajaan Tangguh Kenaikan Kadar Tol Lebuh Raya Bagi Tahun Ini

Kerajaan bersetuju untuk menangguhkan kenaikan kadar tol lebuh raya bagi tahun ini bermula 1 Januari hingga 31 Disember 2021.

Menurut Menteri Kanan Kerja Raya Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, tindakan kerajaan untuk menangguhkan kadar kenaikan tol ini merupakan tanda prihatin terhadap peningkatan kos sara hidup rakyat ekoran penularan wabak COVID-19 di negara ini.

*Kredit foto: NST

Tambah beliau, tiga lebuh raya seperti
Lebuh Raya Shah Alam (KESAS)
, Lebuh Raya Lembah Kelang Selatan (SKVE) serta Lebuh Raya Pantai Timur Fasa 2 (LPT2) sepatutnya menerima kenaikan kadar tol bermula 1 Januari 2021 telah ditangguhkan sehingga 31 Disember 2021.

*Kredit foto: DUKE Highway

Bukan itu sahaja, penangguhan kenaikan kadar tol bagi semua kelas kenderaan membabitkan 21 lebuh raya dan satu plaza tol sebelum ini tetap diteruskan. Antaranya
Lebuh Raya Utara-Selatan (PLUS)
, Lebuh Raya Duta – Ulu Kelang (DUKE), Lebuh Raya Damansara Puchong (LDP) dan Lebuh Raya KL – Putrajaya (MEX).

‘Kenaikan di satu lebuh raya dan dua plaza tol ditangguhkan untuk kenderaan Kelas 1 dan kelas 5 sahaja manakala satu lebuh raya dan tiga plaza tol ditangguhkan kenaikan bagi kenderaan Kelas 5 sahaja dan kenaikan kadar tol di satu lebuh raya ditangguhkan untuk kenderaan kelas 2,3,4 dan 5,” tambah beliau.

*Kredit foto: MEX Highway

Susulan pengumuman penangguhan ini, kerajaan perlu menanggung pampasan yang dianggarkan sebanyak RM2.25 bilion. Perundingan dengan syarikat konsesi untuk menstrukturkan semula kadar tol secara bersama masih lagi berjalan dan kabinet telah bersetuju untuk memuktamadkan ia sebelum tahun 2023.

Anggaran pampasan ini dibuat berdasarkan formula pengiraan pampasan yang ditetapkan dalam perjanjian konsesi dan jumlah sebenar bayaran pampasan tol akan ditentukan selepas proses verifikasi trafik dilakukan oleh Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia.

Meskipun kerajaan memberitahu tiada kenaikan
kadar tol
 pada tahun ini,
aktiviti merentas negeri
 masih lagi tidak dibenarkan ekoran peningkatan kes positif COVID-19. PKP, PKPP dan PKPB yang telah diperintahkan bermula 29 April 2021 akan berterusan sehingga 17 Mei 2021. Jadi janganlah anda meraikan berita ini dengan merentas negeri untuk pulang ke kampung bagi menyambut raya pula.

Nampaknya tiadalah peluang untuk melihat sejuta kenderaan pulang beraya ke Pantai Timur untuk tahun ini. Semoga tahun depan dapat rayalah.


Concrete Culvert Fell Off Trailer, Causes Five-Car Pile Up

Motorists who were travelling on the along the Sungai Besi stretch of the North South Highway at around 6.45am this morning should count themselves lucky that no one was injured in this very nasty accident.
A large concrete culvert had fallen off a trailer, causing a Proton Persona to smash into it. Four other cars also crashed into each other.
According to a report by The Star quoting Serdang OCPD Asst Comm Razimi Ahmad, no one was injured in the accident.
Other reports also claimed that the offending culvert that fell on the road had been stacked on top of another set of culverts on the trailer. When the trailer drove past under a flyover, it was caught by the flyover’s structure, causing it to fall on the road.
Image from Komuniti Utusan Facebook page.


Mercedes-Benz Adds New Genuine Accessories For GLC-Class

Just ahead of the GLC-Class’s appearance at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show,
Mercedes-Benz
 has unveiled a list of new products from the Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH division for the
GLC-Class
.
Exhibited here by the GLC 250 4MATIC model, the all-new Malaysian-bound SUV gets a list of new equipment that spices up the exterior look of the car and/or add further functionality to the go-anywhere vehicle.
READ ALSO: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Plans SUV Assault For 2016
Here’
s a look at the full list of optional extra accessories you may soon be able to order for your GLC-Class SUV:
Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment 2-Piece rear spoiler
Design trim elements in grained black finish
Rear-mirror housings in high-glossy black
High-sheen chromed trim elements in the air intakes and the rear trim strip
High-gloss chrome-plated door handle recesses
A multitude of new wheel options (20-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish seen here)
Black hub caps
Tyre valves in the shape of black trim caps. On the upper side there is an embossed star logo beneath transparent plastic.
Rear-mounted cycle rack for up to three bicycles (up to 56 kilograms payload, dimensions of 64.5 x 73.5 x 47 cm (W x D x H).
Roof box 400 (400 refers to litres of space, other sizes are available)
If or not these items are to be made available for Malaysia, isn’t yet known. Stay tuned for more.
READ ALSO: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Right-Hand Drive Model Debuts In Indonesia


The Volkswagen Arteon Is Open For Booking - From RM 290k

Having made its round on social media, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has decided to announce that the Arteon R-Line is officially open for booking, with prices expected to be between RM 290,000 and RM 310,000 depending on the variant you pick. The broad strokes for the Arteon are as follows: a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine pushing 280 PS and 350 Nm of torque, a 7-speed wet-clutch DSG dual-clutch gearbox, 4MOTION all-wheel drive, and a fastback body based on Volkswagen's excellent MQB platform.

The Arteon is said to be the successor to the CC, which succeeded the Passat CC. It's larger than the Passat as we know it, which is surprising given its sleeker proportions and the overall sportier aspect of the car. At this price it will be the most expensive model in the Volkswagen model on offer in Malaysia, as we no longer have the Touareg available in our market, making it a flagship for the Volkswagen range.

Equipment highlights include the new Active Info Display, which allows for customization and a full map view, along with the new Discover Pro infotainment system which runs through a 9.2-inch screen with gesture control and Wireless App-Connect through CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link. There is even a 360-degree area view camera that allows for easy positioning and parking of the car in tight spots.

The Arteon will be made available here with both interior and exterior R-Line styling elements, and will have eight colours available - Manganese Grey, Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Romance Red, Urano Grey, Oryx White Pearl, Pyrite Silver, and - as you've seen in photos - Turmeric Yellow. Malaysians who wish to grab a sneak peek of the model are invited to register their interest on
the Volkswagen website
 for an exclusive invite, with the tour schedule as follows:

For the best deals on Volkswagen models, click
here
.


50% Off Child Seat Subsidy Application To Start This March

Good news for parents! You can apply for a child seat subsidy starting from the 1st of March.

Announced at the 2022 Budget tabled in October last year, the government has confirmed that starting from March 2022, the 50% subsidy or up to RM150 off for the purchase of child safety seats for the B40 group will be up and running and that parents can start applying through a dedicated website.

Under the plan,
parents who purchase a child safety
 seat worth RM300 and below will receive a subsidy of 50% of the original price, while the maximum subsidy is RM150 for those who purchase a child safety seat above RM301.

According to Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, a total of RM30 million is provided for this purpose and benefits more than 188,000 B40 families.

According to the Rakyat Post, parents will need to submit an application through www.mycrs.gov.my starting March 1, 2022, as the website will only be activated that day onwards.

The following are the eligibility criteria for the child seat purchase subsidy:

Beneficiaries from the B40 household category

Aged 21 years and above

Have a child/adopted child/foster child aged 12 years and below

Citizens residing in Malaysia

Key data reference from BPR 2021 recipients based on information received by LHDN/e-Kasih ICU

1 family is eligible to claim 1 CRS

Applicants can check the results of the application starting April 1, 2022. Those who have been granted the subsidy can go to selected stores approved by the Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) to
purchase the seats
.

MIROS only approves of stores with personnel trained as a Child Passenger Safety Advisor (COSA) to ensure that buyers are given guidance on the
correct way to install
 the seat in their vehicles.

The subsidy for the B40 group to purchase child car seats has the aim of
reducing road fatalities involving children
. It is also against the law to not have children in car seats as announced by the government which mandated the use of Child Restraint Systems (CRS)
back in January 2020
. It is compulsory for all children below 135cm tall to be strapped into an approved child restraint system (CRS).


Skuter EV Blueshark R1 Terima kelulusan JPJ - Bakal Dipasang Di Malaysia

Pengeluar alat ganti automotif tempatan, EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) menerima kelulusan kerajaan untuk mendaftar dan melesenkan
skuter elektrik
 (EV) pertamanya, Blueshark SG3000DT atau dikenali sebagai Blueshark R1.

Menurut EPMB, kebenaran itu diperoleh kira-kira sebulan selepas ia menerima Kelulusan Bersyarat daripada kerajaan untuk pembinaan kilang pembuatan sulungnya bagi pengeluaran kenderaan dua roda elektrik.

JPJ Luluskan Blueshark R1

Berdasarkan laporan Berita Harian,
Jawatankuasa Kebangsaan bagi Kelulusan Jenis Kenderaan (VTA)
 dan Homologasi,
Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)
 telah meluluskan VTA untuk model tersebut pada 30 Ogos lalu di bawah Akta Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia 1987. Sijil untuk VTA itu telah diberikan kepada EP Blueshark Sdn Bhd, iaitu anak syarikat milik penuh EPMB.

Kelulusan VTA ini bakal membenarkan motosikal elektrik pertama EPMB ini didaftarkan dan dilesenkan oleh JPJ. Menurut Pengerusi Eksekutif EP Manufacturing, Hamidon Abdullah, kelulusan VTA ini membuatkan syarikat itu selangkah lebih dekat untuk meraih unjuran lonjakan permintaan untuk EV dua roda di Malaysia.

"Pada masa yang sama, rakan kongsi kami di negara ASEAN lain seperti Indonesia, Singapura, Thailand dan Vietnam juga telah memohon VTA bersamaan untuk Blueshark R1 di negara masing-masing, dan ini akan melengkapkan aktiviti pembuatan EPMB,” jelas EPMB.

Penerokaan EPMB ke dalam perniagaan EV dua roda disokong dengan baik oleh pengetahuan teknikal Sharkgulf Technologies Group Limited yang berpangkalan di China. Ini bersempena dengan asas pendanaan yang kukuh daripada pelabur antarabangsa yang menumpukan kepada aspek amalan alam sekitar, sosial dan tadbir urus (ESG).

Pusat R&D Bakal Dibangunkan

Menurut Hamidon, sebagai tambahan kepada kilang pembuatan dan pusat jualan serta pengedaran di Malaysia, EPMB juga akan menubuhkan Pusat Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan (R&D), yang akan berkongsi pengetahuan teknikal dan sumber kepada Gigafactory Sharkgulf di Wilayah Baru Pantai Barat Qingdao.

"Pangkalan pembuatan dengan usaha R&D yang dikongsi di Malaysia akan menangani struktur kos untuk menjadikan EV dua roda EPMB lebih cekap dari segi kos," jelas mereka.

Bakal Dipasang Di Malaysia

Pada 25 Julai lalu, EP Blueshark menerima Kelulusan Bersyarat daripada Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI) atas permohonannya untuk memasang motosikal elektrik di bawah Akta Penyelarasan Perindustrian 1975 (Akta 156).

Dengan Kelulusan Bersyarat, EP Blueshark berada dalam landasan untuk membina Kilang Pembuatan dan Pusat Jualan serta Pengedaran bagi memasang, mengeluarkan dan mengedarkan EV 2 roda berjenama Blueshark di Malaysia.

Skuter Pintar Pertama Di Dunia

EV Blueshark ini dibangunkan oleh Sharkgulf Technologies yang terkenal mencipta sistem pengendalian pintar pertama di dunia untuk industri dua roda elektrik.

Skuter ini dikuasakan oleh bateri litium-ion mudah alih dan boleh ditukar generasi baharu, menjadikannya motosikal yang lebih padat dan cekap. Dalam beberapa saat, pengguna akan dapat
menukar bateri
 yang sudah digunakan dengan bateri yang dicas penuh di 'stesen pertukaran' atau 'swap station'.

Stesen pertukaran ini boleh diletakkan di mana-mana sahaja yang boleh diakses seperti kedai serbaneka, stesen minyak dan tempat letak kereta. Bateri juga boleh dicas di rumah menggunakan dok pengecasan khusus.

Motosikal elektrik juga boleh dibuka kuncinya dengan mudah hanya dengan cap jari dan dilengkapi dengan 74 penderia, termasuk penderia tekanan, giroskop 6-paksi, penderia voltan & arus, serta penderia suhu.

Setiap minit, penderia memuat naik data sehingga 300 kali, memberikan sokongan data untuk mengoptimumkan pengalaman tunggangan pengguna. Ia juga menjadi kenderaan dua roda EV pertama dengan sistem pengendalian.


All-New Renault Megane R.S. Teased, Malaysia Debut Soon?

Renault Malaysia’s official site has dropped a teaser image of the all-new Megane R.S., hinting that the new model is coming soon.
The new generation hot hatch was unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that does 280 hp and 390 Nm. A six-speed manual helps to route power to the front wheels, but for the first time ever, Renault Sport is offering a six-speed EDC dual-clutch option for the new hot hatch.
A hotter variant of the Megane R.S. called the Megane R.S. Trophy was introduced in July 2018, now with its power outputs bumped up to 300 hp. Torque figures have also increased – 420 Nm for the six-speed EDC, 400 Nm for the six-speed manual.
As standard, the Megane R.S. Trophy receives the ‘Cup Chassis’ package, which includes a Torsen mechanical limited slip differential (LSD), alongside stiffer shocks, coil springs, and anti-roll bars. On top of that, the Megae R.S. Trophy also gets:
Trophy wording on the front bumper
19-inch wheels with Jerez design
Bespoke, lighter brake rotors
Option for lighter, Alcantara-wrapped Recaro bucket seats
Considering that segment rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R have upwards of 300 hp, could TC Euro Cars skip the regular 280 Megane R.S. and introduce the Trophy version?


Volvo Begins Exporting S90 From China To Europe Via Rail Link

Volvo Cars is the first car manufacturer to export its China-made vehicles to Europe via China's "One Belt, One Road" trade initiative. The new Volvo S90 sedans, built in Volvo's Daqing facility in China, will be arriving at a holding centre in Zeebrugge, Belgium later this week.
Compared to taking the sea route, the recently-opened China-Europe railway link cuts transport time by two thirds. This in turn allows customers to wait less after ordering their Volvo. Each Volvo-dedicated train is able to carry 225 Volvo cars, which are transported in specially designed containers. Each of the container holds three cars at different angles to maximize usage of space inside. The cars are then fastened down so that damage won't occur during transport.
On top of shortening transport time, the new railway link also showcases how China is growing into a global hub for manufacturing and exporting high-end vehicles.
Volvo was the first Western car manufacturer to export a China-made car to the United States in 2015 with the S90 Inscription. As of November 2016, the company started building range-topping variants of the S90 in Daqing for global exports. In the coming months, Volvo will be building all S90 variants at the Daqing plant for global export.
The first batch of the Daqying-assembled Volvo S90 sedans will arrive in Zeebrugge on 31 May.


5 Car Key Remote/ Key Fob That Is As Stylish As The Cars Themselves

A snazzy stylish car does not always beget an equally stylish car key remote or key fob but every once in a while the remote or fob is quite impressive, perhaps more so than the car. We list down 5 that is as stylish as the cars themselves.

Car keys used to be nothing more than a metal piece with jagged edges, gripped by a plastic/rubber holder at one end, and not much else. As their purpose is so simple and finite – they largely remain unchanged for the first 70 years of car manufacturing. It wasn’t until
car theft became more rampant
 across the world that ‘car keys’ became smarter – they gained remote locking, more intricate key designs and later coded infrared chips for better security.

In the last decade or so, the car key,
key fob as its commonly referred to
 has become a stylish and mobile communication device that can receive and relay information to the vehicle itself. In certain cases, keys can even tell you and how much fuel you have and remotely start your car to cool it down before you enter.

Besides greater technology – the key fobs themselves have gotten more stylish, almost becoming an accessory to the car itself. The materials and designs are far more detailed now, almost as if to offer a stylish introduction to the ownership experience itself. The following 5 car key remotes or key fobs show just how stylish and high-tech they have become.

1. Volvo Remote Key/Care Key

Volvo’s stylish retake of the key fob was first introduced with the
Volvo XC90
. The new key moved all functional buttons to the side revealing a simple and understated surface (in the centre) that features the
Volvo
 badge. Depending on model and variants, this central section can be trimmed in a variety of materials including plastic, leather and wood to highlight the interior features of the vehicle itself. In 2019 Volvo introduced the Care Key (far right), a secondary key that allows the maximum vehicle speed to be preset within the key, in the case that a family member or young driver is allowed to drive the car.

2. 2022 Honda Civic (11th Gen) Smart Key Card

Image credit (right): FB @
Junaidi.Es

One of the features that have got a lot of attention with the
upcoming 2022 Honda Civic
 is the slim and stylish Honda Smart Key Card, made available in the Civic RS variant. As we understand a more conventional key (left image, which features the familiar lock/unlock, remote start and walk-away auto lock) is offered in other variants of the new car, but the RS version will receive the “access card” looking Smart Key card which does not have any physical buttons but allows for keyless entry and starting the vehicle. The slim key card also hides a physical key that can be used to access the vehicle in case the Smart Key malfunctions. Thought, it is unclear if the Smart Key card offers the remote start function offered on the conventional key fob.

3. Renault KeyCard

Image credit: autoworld.com.my

As cool as the Honda Smart Key card looks, it wasn’t the first. Renault’s slim KeyCard was introduced quite a few years before and features many of their models ranging from the
Megane
,
Clio
 and
Captur
. Earlier versions were rather plasticky – featuring just a drab black cover with small physical buttons for locking/unlocking and the trunk release functions. Renault did, however, up the ante with the KeyCard offered in the
Koleos
, which is still a tad bit plasticky, but finished in the same colour as the vehicle with chrome edges at the sides for a more premium look and feel. Like the Honda version, the Renault KeyCard also integrates a physical key that can be pulled out from the card in case of remote malfunction.

4. Porsche Key

Despite being more conventional, there is something so stylish and traditional about Porsche’s vehicle key. It doesn’t even offer as many functions as the rest of the keys in this list (physical buttons are limited to just locking/unlocking the vehicle) however its simplistic design and compact proportions perfectly mimic the
unmistakable silhouette of a Porsche vehicle
. At the bottom region of the key lies the embossed company logo, and each key can be specified and painted (on its side faces) in the colour of the vehicle… for a small extra charge of course.

5. BMW Display Key

We’ve covered cool and stylish but the BMW Display Key takes the cake as the most techno-laden key of the lot. The Display Key is a remote control and touchscreen display in one, owners can use it to
access the car, check vehicle fuel levels, and even set the cabin temperature
 before entering. More akin to a smartphone – perhaps the coolest function of the Display Key is its remote parking function (depending on model) that allows the driver to conveniently get out of the vehicle before parking it via remote control by moving it forward into, or reversing out of, a tight parking space or garage. The Display Key is offered on most of BMW’s premium executive models such as the
5-
 and
7 Series
 and
X5 models
.


Proton To Announce New Foreign Partner In March 2017

Proton Holdings Bhd is expected to announce its new strategic partner on 31-March 2017, reports Bernama.
According to Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan, Proton had in June sent out requests for proposals to 14 car makers, adding that Proton would be carrying out an in-depth evaluation on the two or three companies shortlisted.
He said this in response to a question by the MP of Hulu Langat, Dr Che Rosli Che Mat, at the Dewan Rakyat’s sitting yesterday.
Among the brands rumoured to have been in talks with Proton are Skoda (via the Volkswagen Group), Renault, Peugeot (via Group PSA), Suzuki and Geely.
Proton was established in 1983 with Mitsubishi Motors as its technical partner, and the first Proton Saga rolled out in 1985 was based on a Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore.
In the years after 2000, Mitsubishi Motors had gradually divested its interest in Proton, before selling all its stakes to Khazanah Nasional. The partnership was revived in 2008, but did not proceed beyond an ad-hoc collaboration with Mitsubishi to rebadge the Mitsubishi Lancer as a Proton Inspira after the takeover by DRB-Hicom.
There was also a short-lived partnership with Honda, to rebadge develop a Proton Perdana based on the underpinnings of the generation Honda Accord, but Honda has since terminated any further partnerships with Proton.
The company is presently working with Suzuki, but the license agreement is limited to just two models – the Indonesian market Ertiga and another A-segment model, believed to be the Thailand market Suzuki Celerio.


Total Lockdown 3.0: Lebih Lama Tempoh Menunggu Bagi Proton X50, Perodua Ativa dan Mitsubishi XPANDER?

Dengan pengumuman PKP 3.0 'Total Lockdown' yang bakal bermula 1 Jun 2021, ramai yang tertanya-tanya sama ada adakah tempoh menunggu bagi kereta-kereta popular seperti
Proton X50
,
Perodua Ativa
 dan
Mitsubishi XPANDER
 akan terkesan dan bertambah?

Seperti yang anda tahu, pelaksanaan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) di Malaysia ini menjadi salah satu punca mengapa kereta lambat sampai. Mana taknya, kapasiti pekerja kilang yang dibenarkan hanyalah sebanyak 60% sebelum ini. Belum masuk isu
kekurangan cip semikonduktor
 yang banyak meninggalkan kesan buruk kepada industri teknologi, termasuk industri automotif.

Tujuan mengapa kami membariskan tiga model ini kerana 3 model ini merupakan antara model yang paling hangat di pasaran Malaysia pada ketika ini. Model-model ini juga sudahpun mempunyai tempoh menunggu yang panjang. Susulan pelaksanaan
Total Lockdown 3.0 bermula
 1 Jun nanti, pihak kami telah mengambil langkah untuk menghubungi beberapa orang penasihat jualan Perodua, Proton dan Mitsubishi bagi mendapatkan info terkini sama ada tempoh menunggu bagi model-model panas ini bagi kawasan KL, Selatan dan Pantai Timur ini akan bertambah atau tidak.

Proton X50

SUV canggih dan mampu milik Proton ini memang satu pembelian yang berbaloi secara atas kertas. Kereta ini sudah menerima lebih daripada
40,000 tempahan.
 Walau bagaimanapun, ianya merupakan model yang dilancarkan pada waktu yang tidak baik, iaitu ketika pandemik melanda. Sebelum ini, The Edge ada melaporkan bahawa tempahan bagi
varian Standard Proton X50 dihentikan
 buat sementara waktu kerana tempahan yang diterima amat sedikit, iaitu hanya 5% berbanding tempahan bagi model model teratas seperti
Premium dan Flagship
. Proton terpaksa buat begini kerana kekurangan bahan bekalan dan terpaksa fokus pada varian lain yang menerima tempahan yang lebih banyak.

Kuala Lumpur

Selepas menghubungi penasihat jualan Proton di Kuala Lumpur, beliau menyatakan bahawa tempoh menunggu bagi model Premium adalah 6 bulan. Sebelum ini, varian Premium mempunyai tempoh menunggu 4-5 bulan sahaja. Bagi model Flagship pula, beliau menganggarkan dalam 8 bulan ke atas memandangkan ada tempahan daripada varian Flagship pelanggannya yang ditempah pada bulan September tahun lalu masih lagi belum sampai.

Pantai Timur

Selain itu, kalau anda dari Pantai Timur seperti Terengganu, tempoh menunggu bagi model X50 varian Premium pula hanyalah 1 bulan sahaja. Perkara ini dikongsikan oleh salah seorang penasihat jualan Proton yang bertapak di Terengganu. Sementara itu, tempoh menunggu bagi varian tertinggi X50, iaitu Flagship pula adalah 6-7 bulan keatas. Masih ada pelanggan beliau yang masih menunggu X50 varian ini meskipun sudah masuk 6 bulan selepas membuat tempahan.

Selatan

Penasihat jualan Proton di Johor pula mengatakan tempoh menunggu X50 disana lebih singkat berbanding di tempat lain meskipun pelaksanaan Total Lockdown 3.0 pada 1 Jun nanti. Di sana, anda cuma perlu menunggu selama 3 minggu sehingga 1 bulan untuk mendapatkan varian Premium. Bagi varian Flagship pula, tempoh menunggunya adalah 2-3 bulan sahaja. Pantas bukan? Menurutnya, ini kerana senarai tempahan X50 dari tahun lepas hingga bulan Februari tahun ini sudahpun diselesaikan.

Perodua Ativa

Sebulan selepas pelancarannya, sebanyak 4,624 unit
Perodua Ativa
 telah berjaya dihantar kepada pemilik dan ianya mewakili lebih 22% daripada jumlah jualan keseluruhan Perodua Ativa pada April 2021 sekaligus melonjakkan jumlah pendaftaran model berkenaan sejak pelancarannya pada 3hb Mac lalu kepada hampir
9,000 unit.
 Dengan ciri-ciri teknologi terkini yang ditawarkan pada SUV mampu milik ini, bagaimana pula dengan tempoh menunggu model ini untuk kawasan KL, Selatan dan Pantai Timur?

Kuala Lumpur

Hasil perbualan kami dengan penasihat jualan Perodua KL, beliau berkata tempoh menunggu bagi Perodua Ativa berbeza mengikut varian. Bagi varian rendah seperti X, tempoh menunggunya adalah di sekitar 1 bulan sahaja sementara varian-varian lain mencecah tempoh 2 bulan. Namun bagaimanapun, beliau berkata mungkin ada penambahan tempoh menunggu selama 1-2 bulan ekoran pelancaran total lockdown 3.0 nanti.

Pantai Timur

Sementara itu, tempoh menunggu Ativa di Terengganu agak sedikit lama berbanding di KL. Penasihat jualan di sana melaporkan bahawa tempoh menunggu kereta ini berada dalam anggaran 4-6 bulan mengikut varian. Varian Standard yang paling cepat iaitu sekitar sebulan sahaja. Untuk varian seperti H dan AV, tempoh menunggunya mencecah 6 bulan.

Selatan

Di Johor, salah seorang penasihat jualan mereka di sana telah mengesahkan bahawa tempoh menunggu bagi Ativa bergantung pada varian dan warna juga. Untuk varian X, dan H, anda perlu menunggu sekitar 1-2 bulan untuk mendapatkan kereta. Untuk varian AV pula, ianya mengambil masa sehingga 3 bulan.

Mitsubishi XPANDER

Mitsubishi XPANDER
 merupakan MPV yang paling terkini dilancarkan di pasaran negara ini. Model ini telah menerima
tempahan yang tinggi
 sewaktu pelancarannya sehingga melebihi jumlah pengeluarannya. MPV ini merupakan model CKD yang dibina di Pekan, Pahang dan menampilkan reka bentuk sporty dan ruang dalaman yang praktikal. Berapa lama pula tempoh menunggu bagi model ini sekarang?

Kuala Lumpur

Penasihat jualan di sini berkata tempoh menunggu bagi model ini adalah di sekitar 3-4 bulan. Namun dengan pelaksanaan lockdown nanti, ia sedikit sebanyak akan meninggalkan kesan kepada tempoh menunggu kerana menurutnya, jumlah tempahan yang masih belum dijelaskan di tempatnya agak tinggi. Anggarannya adalah sekitar 4-5 bulan, itupun sekiranya lockdown ini tidak disambung.

Pantai Timur

Sementara itu, penasihat jualan Mitsubishi di Pantai Timur pula mengatakan bahawa anda cuma perlu menunggu selama 2 bulan sahaja untuk mendapatkan kereta ini memandangkan tempahan yang diterima di tempatnya tidaklah begitu banyak. Namun dia berkata mungkin ia akan mencecah 3 bulan tempoh menunggu ekoran pelaksanaan lockdown 3.0.

Selatan

Tempoh menunggu bagi model ini boleh mencecah sehingga 4-5 bulan juga di Johor. Dengan pelaksanaan lockdown nanti, tempoh menunggu akan bertambah selama 2 minggu hingga 1 bulan lagi. Memandangkan showroom tidak dibuka buat masa ini, tempahan masih boleh dibuat secara atas talian.

Kesimpulan

Model

Proton X50

Perodua Ativa

Mitsubishi XPANDER

Varian

Premium

Flagship

X

H

AV

Satu varian sahaja

Tempoh menunggu (Purata)

 2-3 bulan

6 bulan

1 bulan

3-4 bulan

4 bulan

4-5 bulan

Nampaknya, antara ketiga-tiga model popular ini, Proton X50 varian tertinggi, Flagship mempunyai tempoh menunggu yang paling lama berbanding model model lain iaitu sepanjang 6 bulan (purata). Tetapi, anda cuma perlu menunggu 2-3 bulan sahaja bagi varian Premium. Sementara itu, XPANDER muncul di tempat kedua dengan tempoh menunggu mencecah 5 bulan. Selain itu, varian tertinggi dan varian tengah Ativa pula memerlukan anda untuk menunggu selama 3-4 bulan. Untuk varian Standard, anda cuma perlu tunggu satu bulan sahaja!

Jika ramai yang tertanya-tanya mengapa lockdown ini akan menambah lagi tempoh menunggu bagi kereta-kereta ini, ianya kerana kilang automotif hanya dibenarkan beroperasi dengan kapasiti 10% pekerja sahaja. Jika sebelum ini kapasiti yang dibenarkan sebanyak 60% pun dah sedikit perlahan, apatah lagi dengan kapasiti 10%. Belum tambah dengan masalah kekurangan cip semikonduktor lagi. Apa-apa pun, berapa lamakah masa yang sanggup anda korbankan demi kereta-kereta diatas ini?

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

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

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

Get the latest new car promotions at
New Car
 website now.


Proton Reclaims Second Position In Overall Sales For The First Time Since 2016

After a gap of 40 months, Proton has returned to second place in terms of total sales in the Malaysia’s automotive market for the first time since March 2016.
Having sold 8,590 units in the month of July, Proton has been carrying forward a positive momentum for the seventh consecutive month, making it the only brand to do so in 2019.
While market share for the month is estimated at 16.5%, Proton’s overall market share for the year is now estimated to be 15%.
12 months ago, automotive sales in Malaysia received a boost when a "tax holiday" was implemented from June to August, and  Proton, like all other automotive brands, posted its best numbers for 2018 during that three month period.
In 2019, even without the benefit of the tax holiday, Proton’s sales have continued to show positive growth.
For the year, total sales now stand at 52,269 units compared to 35,561 for 2018, which equates to a 47% growth in overall year-on-year sales.
"The growth in demand for our products show we are on track to meet our long term targets and for the rest of 2019, we intend to consolidate our position to finish the year ranked second for the first time in four years."
"With the launch of the updated 2019 Proton Saga set to take place shortly and our other product introductions in the pipeline, the Company is quietly confident of even better results in the future” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
The Proton X70 Premium and Executive variants continue to be the leader in their respective SUV segments with 1,932 units delivered in July and a total of 17,023 units for 2019.
The updated Proton Persona is another star for the brand. Since its launch in April this year, sales have almost doubled over the same period in 2018. 2,720 units were delivered in July making the model the best-selling vehicle in the B-segment sedan market, overtaking Japanese rivals that traditionally dominate the segment.
With 10,034 units delivered so far, sales are up by 3% year-on-year, a figure that is set to grow in the last 5 months of 2019.
The Proton Iriz has also experienced growth since the updated model was launched at the same time as the Persona.
While 974 units were delivered in July, a total of 3,035 units have been sold between January and July, which translates to a 53% increase year-on year.
As for the Proton Saga, it managed 2,381 units in July for a year-to-date total of 17,722 units.
Despite showing a decrease in sales compared to the same month in 2018, overall sales are still up by 14%, which is a remarkable achievement for a model which is due to be updated in August.
Looking for a brand new Proton? Find the best deals
here
.


Martin Winterkorn Is Back At VW! Sort Of…

Contrary to what we initially thought, Winterkorn never left Volkswagen AG. While many are aware that Professor Dr. Martin Winterkorn has since stepped down from his position as CEO and as Chairman of the Board of Management of the 12-brand group Volkswagen AG following the ‘
dieselgate
’ scandal, Winterkorn is not completely out of Volkswagen yet.
Bloomberg revealed that the
new CEO of Volkswagen AG, Mr. Matthias Matthias Muller
, who is also the current Chairman of Porsche AG, is still indirectly reporting to Winterkorn via a complex shareholding structure.
Winterkorn is still the Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche Automobil Holding SE, which owns 52.2 percent of Volkswagen AG.
We need to point out that Porsche Automobil Holding SE is a different company from Porsche AG.
Porsche AG represents the Porsche that we all know - the manufacturer of Porsche cars. Porsche Automobil Holding SE on the other hand, is an investment company which has interests in automotive dealerships (including non-Volkswagen Group brands), engineering and financial services.
In fact, Porsche Automobil Holding SE is one of the largest automotive dealers in Europe. Many might be surprised to know that a large number of Peugeot and Citroen cars which competes against Volkswagen, are actually sold by the Porsche Automobil Holding’s France-based PGA Motors. Yes, the French manufacturers rely on Germans to sell a lot of their cars.
Winterkorn is also keeping his position at Audi, as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG.


Volkswagen Polo Comfortline Vienna Introduced  – RM76k

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has introduced an additional trim level for its entry-level Polo hatchback model.
Dubbed the Volkswagen Polo Comfortline Vienna, it refers to the addition of ‘Vienna’ leather seat upholstery over the Polo 1.6L Comfortline variant. The Vienna package also includes the installation VW TINT window film.
The Volkswagen Polo Comfortline Vienna is priced at RM75,488, which carries a RM 3,000 premium over the default
Comfortline variant
, for the additional accessories. Do note, however, that the Comfortline Vienna variant is limited to 100 units.
Elsewhere, everything remains the same. The Polo is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder which produces a 105 PS and 153 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic.
In terms of connectivity, the Polo is equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen audio system which features MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity.