Parent turns car into deathtrap - seats and belts removed, kids lie down at the back

The Star's lifestyle division, mStar, recently shared an article showing that some parents are willing to risk their family's lives by modifying their vehicle and turning it into a rolling bedroom.

There's actually nothing wrong with modifying a vehicle and turning it into a motor home, as it can provide maximum comfort when you are parked at some beautiful locations, but when parents neglect the safety of their family by allowing their kids to be unbuckled on the move, it becomes a problem.

Letting kids ride a car without having seatbelts on is one thing
, but when you remove all of the seats in your car except for the driver's seat, where your kids and wife have nowhere to sit on safely, you're just asking for trouble.

Picture credit:mStar

mStar shared a Twitter video showing a modified vehicle that no longer has a front passenger seat and seats in the back.

All that is available in the vehicle is a floor-like platform covered with sheets, allowing passengers the freedom to sit cross-legged or lie down as casually as at home.

The video also shows a couple of kids lying at the back watching TV while the front passenger, assumed to be the driver's wife, was cross-legged in the front passenger seat area, with one hand clinging to the door handle.

Picture credit:mStar

Only the driver is in a car seat equipped with a seat belt.

A netizen questioned the safety and risk aspects for the owner of the vehicle, where he said that it only takes an emergency stop to occur for the kids to fly straight to the front windshield.

"It looks beautiful and comfortable, right? But the probability of dying increases suddenly if there is an accident.

"Don't do this. Love your family members," he wrote in a tweet.

Other netizens also chimed in and agreed about the vehicle modification, which invites danger, especially when moving on the road.

Some described the driver as selfish, without caring about the safety of others.

"Dia lupa kelajuan kenderaan dengan momentum kot."

"Ni brek sikit je, confirm melekat kat cermin depan semua, Bahaya".

"Windscreen (cermin depan) pun dah retak."

"Eloklah tu, yang suami pakai seatbelt, lain-lain tak pakai. Bila kemalangan jadi apa-apa yang nak meraung dia juga nanti. Nauzubillah, jadilah ketua keluarga yang bijak".

If the vehicle driver forgot, seatbelts were invented to improve vehicle safety. The widespread adoption of seatbelts was driven mainly by concerns about the increasing number of traffic accidents and fatalities on the road.

They have been credited with
saving countless lives and reducing the severity of injuries in accidents
, which is why seatbelts are now enforced in many countries, making it mandatory for drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts while driving.

Yes, your vehicle looks fantastic and will help you create many beautiful memories with your family, but please have some seats and seatbelts to create memories with your family in the first place.


Detroit 2018: Ford Ranger Returns To The US After 6 Years Hiatus

After a 6 years hiatus, the Ford Ranger has returned to North America. Set to debut as a 2019 model year, the North American Ford Ranger now allows the company to compete directly against the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado.
In terms of powertrain, Ford did not mention specific output figures, though the company did mention that the all-new Ranger will be powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, a segment first.
As for the all-new Ford Ranger’s exterior design, Ford has elected to differentiate the North American and global model by giving the former a more noticeably bulging hood, revised fender garnish, more muscular front bumper and new tail lights.
Despite its differences, both the North American and global model share a similar exterior design, with both models featuring the Blue Oval proudly on the signature front grille, flanked by a pair of optional LED headlights.
Ford will offer the all-new Ranger across two options – bed and crew, though both models will share the same wheelbase. The SuperCab Ford Ranger will get a longer bed, while the SuperCrew Ranger gets a shorter bed, albeit with a full-sized rear door. Similar to the larger F-series pick-up trucks, the all-new Ranger is likely going to receive aluminium front fenders, tailgate and hood.
Bed options aside, the all-new Ford Ranger is available in three trim levels – XL, XLT and Lariat, all of which can be had with optional Chrome and Sport appearance packages. Also new to the North American Ford Ranger is the FX4 Off-Road Package. The FX4 package includes off-road-tunedd shocks, all-terrain tyres, frame-mounted heavy-gauge steel front skid plate and bash plates plus FX4 emblems. On top of that, the Ranger FX4 comes with Terrain Management System with four drive modes – normal, grass, gravel and snow.
Inside, the all-new Ford Ranger can be had with Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, integrating both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also optional are the FordPass Connect 4G LTE modem, AC power outlets, USB outlets and B&O PLAY premium audio system.
Production of the all-new Ford Ranger will commence later this year at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, before the model goes on sale as a 2019 model.


Kereta Barricade Transformers Dikesan Di Malaysia - Lepas Ke Atas Jalan?

Sebuah kereta Barricade dari filem terkenal Transformers dikesan di ibu kota tempoh hari yang dikenal pasti sebagai kereta
Ford Mustang
 yang telah dimodifikasi.

*Kredit foto: Wak Doyok

Seperti kebanyakan peminat kereta di Malaysia, selebriti popular yang terkenal dengan produk melebatkan misai dan jambang, Wak Doyok juga adalah peminat jentera empat roda dan dua roda.

Antaranya adalah
Ford Mustang
 5.0L V8 yang telah dimodifikasi kepada model Shelby GT500, dengan kuasa enjin yang dinaik taraf dari 435 hp kepada 745 hp. Bukan sahaja luaran, malah bahagian dalam turut diberi kemasan warna merah dan hitam, juga dihiasi material gentian karbon (
carbon fiber
).

Baru-baru ini, 'muscle car' miliknya ini telah beralih rupa kepada kereta Transformers pula! Bagi peminat filem ini pasti mengetahui tentang ahli Decepticon, Barricade yang boleh berubah bentuk kepada kereta peronda polis, Mustang Saleen S281 Extreme.

Mungkin sebab Wak tak sempat nak bida untuk Barricade asal yang digunakan untuk penggambaran tahun 2007, jadi dia jadikan keretanya menyerupai Barricade dengan membalut keretanya, menambah lampu LED jenis
mod flash
 (menyerupai lampu kereta polis), menambah
spoiler
 pada bahagian belakang dan besi pelindung bampar di bahagian hadapan kereta. Namun, tulisan POLICE pada kereta asal filem ini ditukar kepada BARRICADE pada kereta Wak Doyok. Takut kena tahan polis ke, Wak?

Tapi, besi pelindung bampar atau bull bar tu lepas ke di jalan raya Malaysia?

Menurut Wak Doyok, bull bar tersebut didatangkan khas dari
Ford
 Amerika Syarikat dan adalah aksesori khas untuk jenama Mustang sendiri. Tambahnya lagi, kebanyakan pemilik Mustang menggunakan bull bar ini untuk mencantikkan kereta mereka.

Mengikut Panduan Ubahsuai Kenderaan Persendirian/Perdagangan 2020 oleh
Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan
 (JPJ),

Pemasangan tambahan bumper atau protecting guard (kangaroo bar) di bahagian hadapan atau belakang mestilah tidak boleh melebihi 50% daripada bes roda kenderaan.

Pemasangan protecting guards (kangaroo bar) mestilah tidak menutupi lampu kenderaan dan dan tidak mempunyai bucu-bucu tajam atau bahagian yang terjulur keluar melebihi 100mm.

Protecting guard (kangaroo bar) yang dipasang mestilah tidak melebihi 150mm daripada keseluruhan lebar kenderaan.

Mengikut mata kasar penulis, bull bar pada kereta Barricade Wak Doyok ini semacam tidak melanggar garis panduan di atas, namun bahagian “tidak mempunyai bucu tajam atau bahagian yang terjulur keluar melebihi 100mm” itu rasanya seperti dah terlebih pada kereta Wak kan?

Timbul juga pertanyaan andai berlaku
pelanggaran
 dengan kenderaan lain atau pejalan kaki, adakah tahap kecederaan menjadi lebih teruk disebabkan oleh aksesori bull bar ini?

Secara teknikal, bull bar melindung bahagian depan kereta terutamanya radiator daripada impak pelanggaran oleh binatang yang besar (mungkin sebab itu namanya bull). Kebiasaannya, bull bar dilengkapkan sekali dengan lampu tambahan dan kabel penarik dan diguna pakai oleh kenderaan pacuan empat roda untuk tujuan
off road
.

Menurut ejen pelancongan Australia Outback, bull bar diperbuat daripada besi yang keras. Jadi, ia takkan menyerap daya impulsif dengan begitu baik. Sekiranya pelanggaran berlaku pada kelajuan rendah, daya impulsif yang dijana adalah sama dengan pelanggaran di kelajuan tinggi tanpa ada bull bar. Bahaya tu!

Bagi tujuan perhiasan kereta, bull bar boleh
mencantikkan kenderaan
 anda tapi dari aspek keselamatan, adakah berbaloi untuk memasang besi pelindung bampar ini?

Tapi apa pun, penulis tetap berbangga ada Decepticon di Malaysia, jangan berperang dekat sini sudahlah! #teamautobot

*Kredit semua foto Barricade Wak Doyok: HW Production


2015 Isuzu MU-X Spec Sheet Revealed, Two Variants Confirmed For June Launch

We’re reporting to you live and on the road from a very special test drive with
Isuzu
 Malaysia, where we’ve been racking up the kilometres in the all-new 2015
Isuzu MU-X
.
And we bring you good news: here’s a full specifications list of the all-new MU-X (
pronounced “miu-x”
) that’s been confirmed for a debut on the 4
th
 of June (next month).
*Update! Isuzu Malaysia Announces Full Prices Of The MU-X!
As we showed you from our previous report of the car being showcased
at the Alamanda Putrajaya mall
, two variants were initially teased to be launched in Malaysia, and with that, a few brief specifications about it were revealed.
This time around, we can tell you far more about the all-new seven-seater SUV, and in more detail, with the company sharing these latest documents with us. Unfortunately,
no indicative prices
 were shared with us, yet. Anyways, let’s get down to uncovering the all-new Isuzu MU-X.
POWERTRAIN:
 As disclosed before, there still isn’t a 3.0-litre VGS engine to choose from like there is with the D-Max V-Cross, leaving sole availability of the 2.5-liltre VGS turbo-diesel. Paired with a five-speed torque converter automatic transmission with a sequential shifter, power outputs equate to 136hp @ 3,400rpm, and 320Nm of torque between 1,800 to 2,800rpm.
4X2 and 4X4 versions of the car will be available, both sharing identical engines and transmissions. In these images, however, we’re only able to show you images of the 4X4, because this is the only version available for us to drive today.
EXTERIOR:
 We’ve probably shown you all you need to know already about our coming MU-X already, but with this spec sheet, we can detail the two variants for you more clearly.
As expected, it’s the higher-spec (and presumably more expensive) 4X4 version that benefits from the full barrage of features. As such, unique to that variant will be a set of LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, and a muffler cutter.
Highlights of what’s shared between the two available variants include projector headlamps, front fog lamps, lots of chrome detailing (wing mirrors, engine hood garnish, door handles) roof rails, side steps and more.
INTERIOR: Again, it’s the top-sped 4X4 that gets all the goodies, highlights of which include:
Automatic climate control
ISUZU Infotainment Audio Aystem (Blaupunkt)
Multimedia DVD Player with Mirror Link, WiFi, USB, Bluetooth connectivity
Rear DVD monitor
GPS Navigation & Reverse Camera
Cargo organizer box
Tonneau Cover
Cruise Control switches on the steering wheel
But that’s not to say that the base 4X2 doesn’t feature enough, because you still get:
ISUZU Premium Audio System with six-speakers and MP3, Bluetooth, USB connectivity
Leather seats and trims
2
nd
 & 3
rd
 row air-conditioning vents with fan speed control
Bucket support seats with six-way electric driver’s seat
SAFETY:
 Isuzu Malaysia is offering both MU-X variants with nearly identical safety features – the only variable we can see thus far comes from the reverse sensor count, of which only 2 are available for the base model, while you get four in the top-spec one.
Then on, the list of safety features included appears generous indeed, but for the air bag count, which is limited to just two (dual front SRS), any way you look at it.
Compensating for this are a full ABS + EBD + BA, Electronic Stability Control, Traction control, ISOFIX child seat anchors with top tethers of the second row seats, and more.
Coming to Malaysia, very, very soon
As mentioned above, the all-new 2015 Isuzu MU-X will be launched in Malaysia come the 4
th
 of June. No mention of prices were made as yet for the D-Max-based SUV, but various ads on Carlist.my has seen
dealerships ask for some RM150k for it
.
Will this give the Toyota Fortuner (RM169k) a good run for its money in the country? We don’t see why not, at all.
Stay tuned for our full test drive review of the car from today’s trip.


Shell Offers Discounts On Shell Helix Motor Oils For Raya

With the “Balik Kampung” season just around the corner, Shell is offering motorists the opportunity to give their cars a refreshing change of oil by offering instant cash rebates (inclusive of GST) for every purchase of Shell Helix motor oil.
Shell is offering a RM30 discount with every purchase of Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology fully synthetic motor oil, and RM20 discount for Shell Helix HX7 synthetic technology motor oil. This promotion is valid until end of July 2015, and available at participating Shell petrol station, workshops, and spare part shops nationwide while stocks last.
“We received very positive customer feedback from those who tried our revolutionary
Shell Helix Ultra during the Shell #LoveMyRide Festival in June
,” said Leslie Ng, Shell Lubricants General Manager for Malaysia and Singapore. “Based on the feedback, we wanted to extend this opportunity for more Malaysian drivers to experience what a motor oil made from natural gas could do for a car engine. There is no better time to do it than in preparation for a safe drive back home this coming festive season.”
For more information on the latest Shell Helix products, please visit
www.shell.com.my/helixpromo
.


Next-Generation 2016 Chevrolet Cruze To Debut On June 24 For The US Market

Chevrolet
 will introduce the second-generation Cruze for the North American market on June 24, 2015 and have released this teaser image along with the announcement.
In China, the second-generation Cruze, which rides on the D2XX platform, has already been launched with a choice of a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine or 1.5-litre direct injection engine, both from the new GM Small Gasoline Engine family mated to a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic, and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.
(Pictured here is the Chinese market 2015 Chevrolet Cruze)
However, the U.S. market
Chevrolet Cruze
 will differ from the Chinese market model with a more upscale design and muscular look. Recently, it was also announced that the 2016 Cruze will come equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Capability features as well. Expect a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to a dual-clutch transmission as the drivetrain fitted.
As compared to our local Cruze, the new model is a huge departure at least in terms of looks with a sleeker look at the front fascia. The teaser image reveals a wider air intake, narrower headlamps and redesigned fog lamps as well. However, it is yet unclear whether the all-new model if it makes its way here will adopt the Chinese or U.S. market design.
(Pictured here is the Malaysian market 2015 Chevrolet Cruze)
The Chevrolet Cruze is the brand’s best-selling car model with global sales surpassing 3.5 million units and Is sold in 115 countries with China, Brazil, the United States, and Canada being its top global markets.


VIDEO: All-New BMW 7 Series Previewed On YouTube, Shows Off Next-Level Tech

They aren’t letting too much get out of the bag just yet, but
BMW
 has just given its YouTube followers a sneak-peak at its all-new, next-generation
7 Series
.
They aren’t letting too much get out of the bag just yet, but
BMW
 has just given its YouTube followers a sneak-peak at its all-new, next-generation
7 Series
.
The flagship limousine, codenamed the G11, is expected to make a global debut sometime soon, and here are a few mind-blowingly awesome things you can look forward to.
The first item previewed in the video is the vehicle’s new Remote Control Parking function. As obvious as it sounds, BMW are playing up its flagship limo’s ability to park itself, and get out of a parking garage without the need of a driver to be in the vehicle – all you need is the key.
Speaking of which, BMW has also showed off a new BMW Display Key: a brand-new innovation that combines the conventional abilities of a remote key, with a new LCD screen that can relay useless information back to the driver.
Where screens are concerned, it looks like BMW will also give up refraining from touchscreen devices for the driver, with the video demonstrating that a new touchscreen display will make a debut in the 7 Series.
“
Interaction between driver and car
” is big on the next-gen 7 Series, where along with the touchscreen display, BMW is also introducing ‘gesture’ and ‘voice’ commands.
And then you have its bodywork, which drawing inspiration from the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bodywork of the BMW i3 and
i8 model
, the all-new 7 Series is said to feature the same material in its architecture. For now, it only looks like the material is being used to strengthen various areas of the body, such as for the reinforcement of the roof. The full extent of the use of CFRP materials on the 7er will of course be revealed much later, when the car is fully launched, but we understand that some 130kg has been peeled off against its predecessor.
Do enjoy the video, and stay tuned to Carlist.my for more news of the all-new, next-generation BMW 7 Series! (Scroll down for a massive gallery of the all-new G11 7 Series being tested before it's big debut)


Geneva 2018: Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept To Appear In Europe For The First Time

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced that the
 e-Evolution Concept
 will be making its European debut at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show next month.
According to Mitsubishi, the e-Evo concept is a technical prototype to illustrate the strategic directions of a renewed Mitsubishi Motors brand.
Incorporating the strengths of SUV, EV, and Mitsubishi’s future connected mobility customer experience, the e-Evo Concept is powered by electric motors which are fed by a high-capacity battery system.
Paired to the system is triple motor 4WD technology, and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamic control system.
Another highlight of the e-Evo Concept’s powertrain package is that the drive battery is located under the floor mid-ship of the vehicle, providing a low center of gravity for the better driving stability.
Mitsubishi also said that the e-Evo will be controlled by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system which uses an array of sensors allows the AI system to instantly read changes in road and traffic conditions monitors and modulate its responses against the driver’s input.
Design wise, the e-Evo concept is an SUV and will no longer be a performance-oriented sedan.
Adapting Mistubishi’s archetypal ‘Dynamic Shield’ design language, the e-Evo comes with a black grille, large air intakes, pronounced body lines, huge tyres, and also a large hexagon shape at the rear inspired by the spare tire cover of the Mitsubishi Pajero.
Inside, a large ‘floating’ flat screen spans the full width of the dashboard, displaying information about the surroundings, navigation and coaching information, and an instrument panel appears to float in front of the driver.
Unveiled at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, the e-Evo Concept will be sharing the stage with the
updated Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
 which will be making its global debut in Geneva next month.


Honda Reveals The Mind-Bending Tech Behind The Next NSX

Honda has broken its silence on its upcoming NSX supercar and has confirmed some specification details as well as bullishly talking about the complex technology features that makes it one of the most advanced cars ever to be introduced.
In Detroit, during an evening event in conjunction with the SAE International World Congress,
Honda
 laid out a tonne of details about their newest creation. They are clearly proud of it. The press release is chock-full of buzzwords and flowery phrasings that border on hyperbole such as “three-dimensionally formed, ultra-high-strength steel A-pillar,”. Which is a shame because it masks some truly impressive points. A lot of the information is quite in-depth, but here are some highlights in plain(er) English.
Space frame:
 Honda is very pleased about this one. The main structure of the car will be housed within a multi-material structure made using an advanced ‘ablation’ casting process. According to the project’s principal engineer, this approach was chosen over a single material monocoque such as carbon fibre or aluminium as it allowed the lowest overall weight and highest rigidity.
Powertrain:
 The NSX will be primarily powered by a V6 engine, this time confirmed to a 3.5-litre twin turbo with a 75-degree vee angle and dry sump lubrication system. Mounted longitudinally and as low as possible for optimal centre of gravity, the engine produces at least 550hp. The petrol power plant is aided by a hybrid system comprising of dual front-mounted electric motors (one for each wheel) and a rear-mounted direct drive electric motor that is connected to the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission to send power directly to the crankshaft and the rear wheels.
Aerodynamics and Cooling:
 Through the use of the NSX’s Total Airflow Management allows efficient cooling of the 10 heat exchangers to regulate the thermal load around the electric motors, petrol engine, turbochargers and transmission while at the same time avoiding the weight and complexity of a water-cooled solution.
The NSX also achieves all of the development teams’ drag and downforce requirements to achieve their target of “on-rails handling” without the use of active aerodynamic components through extensive use of computational fluid dynamics technology and testing.
All-Wheel Drive and Torque Vectoring System:
 In full, Honda has named it Sports Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and is the company’s best foot forward following two decades of research and development in this area to deliver the aforementioned “on-rails handling”. Honda says the high level of integration between the petrol engine, electric motors and transmission deliver instant torque vectoring capability and is has the highest torque capacity of any All-Wheel Drive system. The setup also includes variable gear-ratio steering as well as a double-wishbone, double lower control arm front suspension that decouples the electric drive motors from the front wheels to deliver a purer driver connection to the road.
Production begins of the second generation NSX later in 2015 at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Centre in Marysville, Ohio, USA. In the US, the NSX will be marketed under the Acura badge, just like the previous NSX.


Frankfurt 2017: All-New 2018 Bentley Continental GT Revealed Ahead Of Debut

Bentley has revealed the new third-generation Continental GT, featuring a new powertrain package, new chassis, and a few other updates.
Inspired by the EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept, the new Continental GT, which is the first production car ever to have an entire body side made from Super Formed process - a precision technique working with aluminium heated to 500°C - now comes with a longer and lower profile due to the positioning of the front wheels 135mm further forward than before.
Notable features include LED Matrix headlights and taillights designed to resemble diamonds, 21-inch wheels, 22-inch optional rims, as well as 17 exterior paint options.
Inside, the new Continental GT offers improved luggage capacity, a new ‘diamond in diamond’ leather upholstery design, as well as the Bentley Rotating Display with a 12.3-inch touchscreen housed in a three-sided unit, which revolves the veneer to reveal the touchscreen as well as three elegant analogue dials.
At the heart of the new Continental GT sits an all-new, enhanced version of Bentley’s 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine producing 635PS and 900Nm of maximum torque, mated for the first time to a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission. According to Bentley, the engine is positioned further back to improve weight distribution, resulting in driver-focused, dynamic performance.
Thanks to the new package, the car can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 3.7-seconds and achieve a top speed of 333km/h.
Complementing the new powertrain package is a new adaptive chassis which uses Bentley’s intelligent 48-volt Dynamic Ride System to ensure a responsive ride and exceptional handling and refinement in all road conditions. Thanks to the new chassis, the Continental GT is now 80kg lighter than the outgoing model.
And then, there is the new Active All-Wheel-Drive System which replaces the outgoing traditional 40:60 power delivery split between front and rear wheels respectively, instead varying the front-to-rear torque split dependent upon the driving situation. The vehicle will use rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving for optimum efficiency and dynamic performance.
Based on the conditions and the driver’s behaviour, the system will send drive to the front axle as required. This reduces the understeer effect from fixed all-wheel drive, and increases driver engagement.
That being said, the new Continental GT is all set to make its global debut at the upcoming IAA Frankfurt Motor Show between 12 and 24 September, 2017.


Bugatti’s Vision Gran Turismo Racer Breaks Cover

Following a rather vague teaser, Bugatti has taken the wraps (however virtual) off their Vision Gran Turismo hypercar. The next in an ever growing line of manufacturer designed digital exclusives for Polyphony Digital’s acclaimed Gran Turismo racing video game series.
It certainly looks like a Bugatti. Cut away the winglets, spoilers and other pronounced aero bits and you could almost make out a brand new car underneath it all.
In their words, the designers have transferred the “most important characteristics of Bugatti's design DNA into the styling of the virtual race car. Consequently, the side view of the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo is characterised by the famous Bugatti line. And the virtual race car has also been furnished with the most recognisable symbol of a Bugatti, the horse shoe on the front grille.”
We’re keen to see this car in-game, but even more excited to see it in the flesh.
Bugatti, incredibly, will be showing off a real-life version of their Vision Gran Turismo at the Frankfurt Motor Show which is just a couple of weeks away.
It is interesting to see a new design emerge from Bugatti, and even more intriguing to see a company of their status with a long and illustrious history like theirs dabbling in the Vision Gran Turismo programme.
We don’t know how much of this car foreshadows the design for their upcoming
Veyron successor
, the Chiron, but the company has hinted that it will share some similarities. Big or small? We’ll just have to wait and find out. But if their Vision Gran Turismo is any indicator, it bodes well for Bugatti’s visual future.


Beijing 2018: Toyota Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Corolla Altis, Confirms Electric C-HR

At the on-going 2018 Beijing Motor Show, Toyota announced that will manufacture two plug-in hybrid versions of the Corolla Altis as well as two all-electric versions of the C-HR in China by 2019 and 2020 respectively. By 2020, Toyota will introduce 10 electrified vehicles (plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles) to the Chinese market.
Of course this being China, where Toyota, like many foreign brands, maintain two local joint-ventures so the same model is often sold under two separate nameplates. For example, both the Corolla Altis and C-HR are sold by FAW-Toyota under the Corolla and Izoa names while Guangzhou-Toyota sells them as Levin and C-HR respectively.
The two joint ventures operate their own dealerships in separate geographic locations, which is understandable considering the size of China. In other words, the 10 upcoming models mentioned earlier are very likely to be just five.
The quartet of Corolla/Levin and C-HR/Izoa twins are differentiated only by their slightly different front-end styling. Each pair are otherwise ideal cars.
Both the Corolla and Levin plug-in hybrids have a claimed electric-only driving range of 50 km, and will be Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid models produced outside of Japan. The models are exclusive only for China. More information will only be announced closer to its launch timing.
The C-HR and Izoa models shown are of the regular combustion engine-powered models. The Chinese market C-HR/Izoa are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force engine paired to a CVT-type automatic.
At the moment, Toyota wants to focus its announcement around the company’s efforts to localize production of electric drive components. Presently, Toyota is producing hybrid transaxles for the Corolla and Levin hybrid at its Toyota Motor (Changshu) Auto Parts Co., Ltd. joint venture. It also makes NiMh batteries at the Sinogy Toyota Automotive Energy System Co., Ltd. and Corun PEVE Automotive Battery Co., Ltd. joint ventures, all located in Jiangsu.
Going forward, Toyota intends to raise its battery manufacturing capacity in Jiangsu to 220,000 units in 2020. A new battery testing facility will also be opened by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (China) Co., Ltd. (TMEC). The facility will be housed within the company’s R&D centre in Changshu.
Last year, Toyota sold 140,000 hybrids in China, raising the cumulative total number of Toyota hybrids in China to 350,000 units.
Toyota Senior Managing Officer and Chief Executive Officer, China Region, Kazuhiro Kobayashi said at the Beijing Motor Show, "We are steadily and confidently advancing all aspects of our environmental strategy in China, the world's most-advanced country in electrification."


SPIED: Is This Our First Glimpse Of The Bugatti Veyron Successor?

Now, we all know that the era
Bugatti Veyron has come to an end
. Heck, the French carmaker even posted a
farewell video when they made the last one
 (chassis number 450).
Tears aside, it’s time to move forward and a new model to replace the Veyron is already in development and this could probably be our first look at what that model may look like, albeit just a view of one headlight and its windshield.

Posted on
gtboard
’s Instagram page are photos that purportedly show the replacement for the Veyron, tentatively known as the Chiron, as it undergoes crash testing.
Of course, there’s not a whole lot to go on based on what we see although the recessed headlights appear to be that found on the
Vision Gran Turismo Concept that appeared in Frankfurt recently
. Elsewhere, the car appears to be sleeker than its predecessor with a similar hood design as well. A chrome element is also seen just beyond the front intake.

Bugatti have already begun
teasing its new model
, said to make its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show with rumours saying that an uprated version of the 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine being the powerplant with around 1,500hp or more on tap. Hybridisation is also said to be in the works although no confirmation has been given on Bugatti’s end as of yet.


The 2021 Ssangyong Rexton Looks Amazing - But We Won't Get It

The Korean brand has long been absent from our market, but their newest Rexton is a stunner.

While Ssangyong may not be the biggest name when it comes to Korean cars, there's no doubt that they know how to make some decent models. The Rexton is a name that many may know from decades back, and only having entered its second generation a couple of years ago it isn't exactly the most cutting-edge in terms of technology or functionality. That hasn't stopped the Korean firm from updating and improving it for 2021, with a range of changes both mechanical and aesthetic.

From the outside, the most noticeable change is the larger front grille that is in fashion with many luxury brands. Other front and rear bumper changes and details like headlights also benefit from the facelift, providing a refreshing change from what we're used to seeing on the daily with the other more dominant brands. It definitely doesn't look like a budget-friendly product, but that's been the move many a manufacturer has made.

Mechanically, performance has been bumped up from 178 bhp to 199 bhp, and torque is now sitting at 439 Nm. A new eight-speed automatic gearbox sits between the engine and all four wheels, and includes both high and low ratios as well as off-road functionality. The century sprint time is nothing to write home about at 11.9 seconds, and fuel consumption from the 2.2-litre turbodiesel clocks in at 13.6 km per litre - not too shabby for an SUV. With a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, it's even capable of hauling small boats.

With two trim levels available (depending on your market), the higher spec Ultimate (compared to the entry level Ventura) throws 18-inch alloy wheels and a 9.0-inch infotainment screen into the options list, among a couple of other features. Pricing in the UK is said to start at 37,995 GBP, or RM 217,549 - which is a little eye-watering when you consider that the Audi Q5 TDI (diesel) starts at just 5,000 GBP more - or RM 245,909. If Ssangyong
ever comes back to
 Malaysia, it would be an incredible marketing exercise to get people to pay attention to their products.


Thai Production of the Mazda CX-3 Commences

As reported earlier
, Mazda Motors Corporation has announced that production of the CX-3 SUV at the Auto Alliance (Thailand) plant has started today. The Auto Alliance plant is the second production location of the CX-3 – after Hiroshima – and the first overseas facility to produce the new compact SUV model.
To celebrate the model’s start of production, Mazda held a ceremony which was attended by approximately 300 people, including Mazda’s managing executive officers Kiyotaka Shobuda, and Kazuhisa Fujikawa.
For now Mazda doesn’t not state whether models produced at Auto Alliance is destined for which market, and we are yet to receive word if CX-3 models destined for Malaysia will come from Japan or Thailand. But we will only know for sure when the CX-3 makes its way to our shores next month.
In a related news, Mazda also celebrated the start of engine production at its new powerplant production facility in Thailand, Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing (Thailand). The new engine plant was established in response to the second phase of the Thai government’s Eco-Car program, and serves as Mazda’s fourth production base for SKYACTIV engines after Hiroshima, Changan Ford Mazda Engine of China, and Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation of Mexico.
The engine plant is said to have an annual production capacity of approximately 30,000 units. Currently the SKYACTIV-D 1.5 diesel engines it produces are supplied to Mazda’s vehicle production facility in Thailand, the Auto Alliance plant, for use in the Thai-market Mazda 2 Diesel.


625HP BMW M5 CS Goes Super Hardcore: 100km/h in 3.0 Seconds, Rear Bucket Seats

You might be feeling a little down if you just took delivery of an M5 Competition, which was what you thought was going to be the fastest F90 M car to walk out of BMW’s Dingolfing plant. For everyone else, the new M5 CS (Competition Sport) just rewrote the rule book.

On the surface, this car looks like a
current-gen M5
 with some new exterior touches; a dark green matte paint job and a new set of sharp 20-inch bronze/gold wheels which, by the way, makes the car look seriously sexy. Seriously, what a stark contrast
from the M3 and M4
.

Dig a bit deeper, though, and you begin to realise that BWM might have gone a little crazy with the M5 this time - in a good way. The jump from F10
to F90
 was most remembered for the long-rumoured embrace of four-wheel drive, termed M xDrive. This allowed the Munich camp to catch up in the acceleration game with veteran AWD proponent Audi as well as Mercedes-AMG, who have been gradually fitting every fast saloon they have for the past few years with AWD.

With traction being spread around all four wheels, BMW could finally unleash a lot more of that fury we all knew was lurking in their S63 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. In the M5 CS’ case, that 625hp already crowns it as the most powerful production BMW ever made, but we won’t be surprised if the engine is easily capable of more.

While a
tuned E60
 or F10 M5 with a similar output would lose itself in a noisy cloud of its own vaporised rear tyres and traction control alarms, this M xDrive-equipped M5 CS is quoted to need just 3.0-seconds to rocket from rest to 100km/h. Keep going and 200km/h arrives in 10.3 seconds and flat out it’ll eventually hit an electronically limited top speed of 305km/h.

It isn’t just power that sets apart the CS, however. BMW has not sweated the small stuff to ensure that almost every bit of excess weight is either cut or replaced with a substantially more expensive carbon fibre copy - or carbon ceramic, in the case of its standard brakes.

The most visible of these pains are the insane M Carbon seats. Even the rear passengers are given snug buckets, effectively placing a hard stop at a maximum of 4 occupants. BMW says that some 70kg has been trimmed over the M5 Competition while retuned front and rear bearing springs deliver more refined damper control.

The Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres are track-tuned, as their name suggests, but do not appear to have been specifically developed to suit the M5 CS. Besides their mixed sizing which is characteristic to BMW, the rear section width is still a conservative 285mm.

Everywhere else, you can expect to see plenty of “M5 CS” badges to be littering the car’s exterior and cabin, and thankfully BMW are not limiting the car to a limited production run, so there’s no numeric plaque hiding somewhere to flex its exclusivity.

We’re not sure if this new bonkers M5 will make it onto BMW Malaysia’s official catalogue, but our fingers and toes are crossed anyway. If and when that happens, though, that’s sure to be quite a bit further down the timeline as the first German deliveries of the CS is only due to start in Q2 2021.


Beijing 2018: This Is The New Grille For Future BMWs, Previewed On iX3

At the upcoming 2018 Beijing Auto Show, which opens later this week, BMW will be hosting the world premiere of its first all-electric SUV – the BMW iX3.
The all-electric X3 is planned for 2020, and will be part of a three-car strategy that form the basis for the next phase of the BMW Group’s
electrification roadmap
. The remaining two models are an all-electric MINI due in 2019 and a little-known iNext in 2021. The latter is rumoured to take the form of an autonomous driving crossover.
Despite sharing the X3 name, it appears that the iX3, like all i Series BMW models (not to be confused with i Performance plug-in hybrid variants), will have a bespoke design.
Not much else is known about the car but BMW has since released a 15-second clip on its Twitter account, highlighting the new front grille design of the soon to be unveiled iX3.
Something exciting is coming. Stay tuned for the Auto China Beijing 2018!
#BMWBeijing

@BMWi

#BMWi

pic.twitter.com/JxNX4KFIDc
— BMW Group (@BMWGroup)
April 20, 2018
The clip focusses on the clear distinction between BMW’s signature double-kidney grille on the X3 and a new conjoined double-kidney grille on the iX3. The new styling makes sense as being an all-electric vehicle, the iX3 doesn’t require any air intakes and a flushed design is preferred to reduce aerodynamic drag.
But this is not the first time that a conjoined double-kidney grille has been used on a BMW. The
BMW i Vision Dynamics Concept
 that was revealed at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show also used a similar theme, thus lending credence to the rumour that this is what the front-end of all future electric BMWs will look like.


Wee: Refusal Of License To Senior Citizens Discriminatory

Simply refusing an elderly the means to drive or ride on the basis of their age or based on isolated or anecdotal evidence is discriminatory said Minister of Transport, Dr. Wee Ka Siong.

The
proposal
 was made to the government following factors contributing to road accidents. According to the Director of the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and
Enforcement
 Department, Datuk Azisman Alias, the health of the body is also a factor in accidents, as reported by Harian Metro.

Azisman added diseases such as Alzheimer's and vision problems would be faced by the elderly in old age.

This proposal has been met with uproar from the public and our transport minister, Dr. Wee Ka Siong.

While the public is of the opinion that driving under the influence kills more people than Alzheimer's, furthermore geriatrics know their limits when it comes to
driving
. Many senior citizens do not even drive at night.

According to a report compiled by FMT, Wee said, "Many drivers far above the age of 70 display greater competence in driving compared to those who are younger," he said in a statement.

"Simply refusing an elderly the means to drive or ride on the basis of their age or based on isolated or anecdotal evidence is discriminatory."

He continued by saying that many older people depend on their driving to earn a living or for visits to clinics and that many in rural areas relied on motorcycles as their only mode of transport, he added.

Wee also said that any related policy change to the driving license or road tax must be handled systematically and must be based on evidence, which begs the question:

Based on the accident statistics in Malaysia in the last ten years, what is the percentage of accidents caused by senior citizens vs others, and of that ratio, what percentage of accidents are caused by diseases that are often associated with senior citizens compared to other factors?

Also worth noting, as clarified by the
former Minister of Transport
, Anthony Loke, the jurisdiction for issues regarding new policies and conditions for driver’s licenses is actually not under the jurisdiction of PDRM. PDRM, especially the traffic police, is only responsible for enforcing the law under the Road Transport Act 1987.

The former Minister of Transport continued by saying that driving licenses issued by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) are in accordance with the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1987.

JPJ is a government department under the
control of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia
. Any changes to the policy and conditions for a driver’s license must be decided in advance by the Ministry of Transport and not other agencies in the government.

Under the Ministry of Transport, there is a special agency to study all policies and technical issues on road safety issues, namely MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research). The issue of additional requirements for senior drivers was once discussed when he headed the Ministry of Transport. However, at the time he thought the proposal needed detailed study as it might have been misunderstood as a form of discrimination against elderly drivers.

Till these detailed studies are carried out, it's pretty unfair to limit the issuance of driving licenses to senior citizens, but if we look at our neighbouring countries, there are some prerequisites needed for the elderly to obtain or renew their driving licenses.

For example, Singapore requires drivers over 65 years old to undergo a medical examination with a registered medical practitioner to obtain or renew their license, and those aged 75 and above are prohibited from operating heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses. Those who pass the medical test and have received their license will have to retake the medical test every three years thereafter.

In Indonesia, all drivers regardless of age need to carry out a vision test to renew their license. In Japan, a country known as having the world's oldest population requires drivers aged 71 and above to renew their license every three years, as opposed to its usual five-year period and those aged 75 or older need cognitive tests when trying to renew their license.

These regulations seem to be put in place to logically ensure that the elderly are fit to drive.

While it may be wise for Malaysia to consider putting them in place, it must be a decision backed by statistics and science, not isolated or anecdotal evidence.


New York 2018: All-New Honda Insight World Debut

Shortly after its introduction in prototype form at the
2018 Detroit Autoshow
, Honda has now introduced the production version of the all-new Honda Insight, which joins the
Honda Clarity
 series (EV, PHEV, and FCV) and recently launched
2018 Honda Accord
 Hybrid, as the fifth new Honda electrified vehicle to be introduced (to the U.S. market) over the past year.
The Insight is slated to go on sale in North America in the second half of this year, positioned between the Civic and Accord in Honda's passenger car line-up.
The Insight will be manufactured alongside the Civic and CR-V at Honda's plant in Greensburg, Indiana. The hybrid battery unit will be assembled at the company's Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio, while the engine is manufactured at Honda's Anna, Ohio engine plant, which also produces the engine for the 2018 Accord Hybrid.
However, unlike the previous Honda Insight model which was sold locally, the all-new Insight will be produced as a left-hand drive only model, meaning that it is highly unlikely to make it to Malaysia.
The Insight is powered by a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine hooked-up to Honda’s third generation two-motor hybrid system. Total system output is rated at 151 hp and 267 Nm of electric motor torque.
Under most conditions, the Insight operates as a series hybrid in which the gasoline engine, is connected to the generator motor, that produces electricity that is supplied to either the electric propulsion motor and/or the 60-cell lithium-ion battery pack.
Unlike other hybrid systems, Honda's two-motor hybrid technology works without the need for a conventional automatic transmission – the electric motor directly powers the drive axles. At higher speeds, a lock-up clutch connects the engine to the drive axles to provide the most efficient operation during highway and freeway driving.
Drivers can select from three levels of regenerative braking via a steering wheel-mounted button.
In normal mode, the Insight is capable of all-electric driving for short distances, roughly under 1.6 km.
The Insight shares its basic platform architecture with the
10th-generation Civic
 model but gets numerous engineering enhancements to further improve ride quality, cabin quietness, and efficiency.
The Insight benefits from Honda's Advance Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which uses a network of front frame structures for added strength and impact absorbance in a frontal collision. Elsewhere, an aluminum hood (unique to the Insight) reduces weight, while additional sound insulation in the engine bay, front fenders, front firewall, and front and rear floor for added cabin refinement.
The Insight’s relatively long wheelbase of 2700 mm and the placement of the lithium-ion hybrid battery pack beneath the rear seats, grants it spacious rear legroom and does not compromise much on boot space. However, at 427 litres, it is still less than the Civic sedan’s 536 litres. The Insight is also offered with 60/40 spilt-folding rear seats, for certain variants in the U.S. market.
The Honda Insight will include the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies as standard, which includes Forward Collison Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Selected variants (for the U.S. market), will also receive the Honda LaneWatch camera system.
On the inside, the new Insight features a soft-touch instrument panel with real stitching, ergonomically sculpted seats, and a 7-inch TFT meter cluster. An 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration is also optionally offered for the U.S. market.


Is The MyKar Electric Vehicle Really Feasible?

Electric vehicles are coming, but is MyKar really an appropriate solution?

If you're the kind of person who has even a rudimentary interest in electric vehicles, the MyKar prototype may have piqued your interest - basically being a Malaysian-converted all-electric version of the Honda Jazz from two generations ago. The specs? Two 32 PS, 294 Nm motors at the rear, a top speed of 140 km/h, and a 0-100 km/h time of 18 seconds. Oh, and a range of 300 km, with a charge time of 4.3 hours.

Those are reasonable figures, especially when you consider that EV Innovations - the creator of the MyKar prototype - claims that you could possibly make an EV locally for under RM 50,000. There's some serious doubt with these figures considering this prototype is supposedly a composite body sitting on a fabricated metal chassis, running off-the-shelf components.

The thing is though, is it really worth the money? While the claimed range is certainly impressive for an electric vehicle, as is the charging time, the performance figures leave a little to be desired. The problem is if you up the motor size and output, you also reduce range and add weight. The current weight sits at just over 1,000 kg - but what happens when you factor crash safety and battery cell protection in the mix?

The MyKar EV is an impressive step forward for the Malaysian automotive industry, but there is a reason other EVs are so much more expensive, even with the advantage of economies of scale. The technologies involved and the minimum requirements for safety end up pushing weight and cost, in turn reducing
efficiency and range
, forcing manufacturers to add more batteries. There is still more that needs to be done before the MyKar could be available for
public consumption
.

Even if you were to address
the safety concerns
, can the product actually live up to bare minimum standards for a car sold today? Would NVH levels be acceptable for your average car owner? Would the quality and design of materials actually work? Would they take components from other manufacturers to cut cost down? All of these questions need to be answered as well.

Still, it is a step and with our lack of a National EV policy or anything resembling an EV framework private initiatives such as these might be the spur to get things moving along.


The Girl Behind Every Ford Ranger

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Ford launched a short inspirational video based on the true story of Panaporn Prangsuwan, a female engineer at the Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) facility in Rayong.
The video begins with Panaporn telling how she was always different since childhood, as she was not one of those who were interested in playing with dolls.
The story goes on to show all the struggles and challenges she faced while studying, applying for a job as an engineer, and even in her early days as a technical staff in a male dominated industry.
However, being the determined person she is, Panaporn managed to defy all odds and became one of the top engineers in the Rayong plant, earning credits from even the big bosses for her contribution in some of the projects.
That said, the video ends with the Final Assembly Engineer saying that she has fulfilled her dreams, further urging everyone to not give up and keep pursuing our dreams.
It is also worth noting that the Managing Director of Ford Thailand is Ms. Yukontorn (Vickie) Wisadkosin. She also holds a concurrent regional role as Director of Marketing and Sales at Ford ASEAN.


Honda Shows First Sketch Of BR-V Prototype: New CUV To Debut At Indo Auto Show

Honda
 Thailand has just unveiled a series of sketches that preview an all-new prototype model headed for the Indonesia International Auto Show 2015. This is the Honda BR-V, Honda’s coming crossover utility vehicle (CUV).
You’ve seen the
CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle)
 and the
HR-V (High Rider Vehicle),
 and now, Honda is working on a global unveil of a model no one probably saw coming: the Bold Runabout Vehicle (BR-V).
Debut for its Indo auto show debut come the 20
th
 of August in Tangerang, Indonesia, the BR-V is a product of Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., LTD (HRAP) in Thailand, and is queued for the Asian market. The BR-V is also the third model developed by HRAP.
But where would it fit? Well, it’s hard to say for sure with no specifics shared just yet, but we imagine somewhere between the Honda HR-V compact SUV and the larger Honda CR-V for size - other reports suggest a Mobilio-based (MPV) model is likely.
What details we do have to spare however, surround the availability of a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which will be paired with “two advanced transmissions.”
Seating in the BR-V will be a three-row arrangement, while the car itself will feature roof rails up top, and high ground clearance under. Makes sense then, that this BR-V is clearly designed with toughening skid plates at the front and rear as well.
The front-end of the vehicle is cut just like the latest crop of Honda models (CR-V, Mobilio), similarly so around the sides, all a part of styling traits that we imagine will be toned down somewhat once the road-going production model comes around – still, nice to look at where Honda’s going with this.
We've known for some time now that Honda is exploring the possibility of turning its
CR-V into a full-on seven-seater
 just like its key rivals have, but the idea of more weight with a smaller 1.5-litre engine rules out that possibility.
We'll have to wait a little longer to find out just what this could be, then. Stay tuned to Carlist.my.


Ekzos Bising? Denda RM2,000 Serta Penjara 6 Bulan Menanti

Mana-mana pemilik kenderaan bermotor  yang mengubah suai kenderaan mereka menggunakan ekzos bising boleh dikenakan denda tidak melebihi RM2,000 atau penjara tidak melebihi enam bulan.

Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) Bukit Aman, Datuk Azisman Alias menjelaskan setiap
ekzos
 (penyenyap) yang dipasang pada kenderaan bermotor hendaklah diselenggarakan pada setiap masa supaya berada dalam keadaan baik.

Bagi sesiapa yang membuat pengubahsuaian ekzos sehingga mengganggu ketenteraman awam boleh disabitkan kesalahan di bawah Kaedah 103 Kaedah-Kaedah Kenderaan Bermotor (Pembinaan dan Penggunaan) 1959 (LN 170/1959).

Tambah beliau lagi, di bawah Seksyen 64 Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987, polis diberi kuasa untuk menyita kenderaan pemilik bagi mengelakkan kesalahan itu berulang. Dengan itu, polis boleh menahan mana-mana pemilik kenderaan yang melanggar peraturan tersebut sehingga pemilik berkenaan boleh menjamin bahawa kesalahan berikut tidak akan berulang.

Pihak polis akan mengadakan operasi bersepadu dalam masa terdekat bersama jabatan serta agensi lain, termasuk Jabatan Alam Sekitar (JAS) bagi mengesan mereka yang mengubahsuai ekzos kenderaan sehingga mendatangkan bunyi bising.

“Menerusi operasi itu, setiap kenderaan akan diukur bagi mengenal pasti sama ada pemilik mematuhi paras bunyi ekzos dibenarkan. Kompaun akan dikeluarkan JAS sekiranya bunyi ekzos melebihi paras bunyi ditetapkan,” tambah Azisman.

Meskipun operasi itu lebih tertumpu kepada pengguna motosikal, Azisman mengingatkan semua bahawa ia bukan hanya tertakluk kepada pemilik motosikal, tetapi turut melibatkan pemilik kenderaan bermotor lain supaya mematuhi undang-undang dan peraturan jalan raya yang melibatkan sebarang pengubahsuaian kenderaan bermotor.

Sebarang pengubahsuaian yang ingin dilakukan hendaklah mendapatkan kelulusan daripada pihak
Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ)
.

Pengubahsuaian kenderaan bagaimana yang dibenarkan? Seksyen (12) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987 telah menetapkan keperluan undang-undang mengenai sebarang pengubahsuaian kepada kenderaan sebelum dan selepas pendaftarannya iaitu:

Pengubahsuaian Motosikal

Pengubahsuaian atau pemasangan aksesori pada motosikal yang dibenarkan tanpa mendapatkan kelulusan daripada JPJ adalah seperti berikut :-

Pemasangan pengadang angin

Pemasangan penutup lampu fibreglass (fairing)

Pemasangan penutup enjin fibreglass pada bahagian hadapan motosikal

Pemasangan disc brake hadapan atau belakang bertujuan meningkatkan tahap kecekapan brek.

Pengubahsuaian atau pemasangan aksesori pada motosikal yang tidak dibenarkan adalah seperti berikut :-

Pemasangan foot rest melibatkan pengubahsuaian tapak / kedudukan asal.

Penukaran / pengubahsuaian ekzos yang tidak mengikut spesifikasi asal pengilang.

Pemasangan cover sets / fairing yang mengubah indentiti asal.

PENGUBAHSUAIAN KENDERAAN PERSENDIRIAN

Terdapat pengubahsuaian atau pemasangan aksesori yang dibenarkan tanpa mendapatkan kelulusan daripada JPJ. Namun begitu, pengubahsuaian atau pemasangan aksesori tersebut mestilah mengikut panduan yang telah ditetapkan. Senarai pengubahsuaian tersebut adalah seperti berikut:-

Pemasangan air spoiler, side skirt dan aerofoil pada kenderaan.

Pemasangan door visor pada kenderaan.

Pemasangan tambahan bumper pada bahagian hadapan atau belakang kenderaan dan protecting guards (Kangaroo Bar) pada bahagian hadapan kenderaan.

Pemasangan rim dan tayar yang lebih besar.

Pemasangan sun roof / moon roof / canvas top di atas bumbung kenderaan

Pemasangan membawa tangga / bot / surf board

Penukaran kotak gear manual / automatik

Pemasangan kanopi / kanvas

Pemasangan Winch, Winch Bar, Side Step, Rear Bar dan Snorkel

Pemasangan roof-rack (para bumbung) / Bike Carrier

Pemasangan spotlight

Pengubahsuaian atau pemasangan aksesori pada kenderaan persendirian yang tidak dibenarkan adalah seperti berikut :-

Pemasangan bodypart / bodykit yang menyebabkan perubahan pada identiti kenderaan.

Pemasangan rollcage sebagai aksesori dalaman pada kenderaan.

Pemasangan lampu HID secara retrofit.

Penukaran sistem pacuan.

Lampu berkelip-kelip (selain daripada lampu penunjuk arah dan lampu berjaga-jaga) pada bahagian hadapan atau belakang kereta.

Pemasangan apa – apa lampu tambahan selain warna putih / amber pada bahagian hadapan dan selain warna merah / amber pada bahagian belakang.

Pemasangan hon yang berirama atau hon dengan dua nada.

Pemasangan cermin gelap atau tinted film pada cermin hadapan dengan ketelusan cahaya kurang daripada 70%.

Pemasangan cermin gelap atau tinted film pada cermin sisi dengan ketelusan cahaya kurang daripada 50% dan belakang dengan ketelusan cahaya kurang daripada 30%.

Jenis-jenis pengubahsuaian pada kenderaan persendirian dan perdagangan yang perlu mendapat kebenaran terlebih dahulu daripada JPJ:

Kenderaan Persendirian:

Pengubahsuaian ke atas kenderaan OKU.

Penukaran sistem bahan bakar.

Penukaran enjin.

Status kenderaan Vintaj/Klasik

Penukaran Panel struktur kenderaan (kes kemalangan)

Kenderaan Perdagangan:

Pengubahan ke atas bes roda kenderaan.

Pemasangan iklan (utk kenderaan decontrolled sahaja)

Mengubah bilangan tempat duduk

Penukaran Had Berat

Pemasangan Pagar Sisi & Kanvas

Penukaran Kabin

Pemasangan Lantai/Lapik Besi

Mengubah Kegunaan Kenderaan

Penukaran Gandar

Penukaran Jenis Badan

Makluman : Untuk pengubahsuaian di atas atau yang sama dengannya, permohonan boleh dikemukakan kepada Bahagian Kejuruteraan Automotif di JPJ Negeri yang berhampiran. (Sumber: Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia)


As A Replacement For The SLK, Mercedes-Benz Reveals Its New Roadster, The SLC

It's the same car, pretty much, so don't worry. Just think of it as the new
SLK
, just given a new name, and you'll be fine.
Mercedes-Benz
 was due to release the next-generation of its compact roadster, and all was going as we thought until it was revealed that a new name will be given to go along with the revamped car. Now dubbed SLC instead of SLK, and divided between the five variants, which includes the louder, more powerful Mercedes-AMG SLC43 at the top.
The formula that so defined the previous SLKs are kept: the folding metal roof, long hood, and small overall dimensions. The base SLC180, despite the now-typical numbering mismatch, will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that chucks out 156hp and 250Nm of torque. Moving further up the chain comes the SLC200 and SLC300, both of which are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, albeit tuned differently: 184hp with 300Nm of torque and 245hp with 370Nm of torque, respectively.
There’s also a turbodiesel variant, the SLC250d, in the mix with a 2.1-litre displacement and a power output of 204hp and a torque figure that, at 500Nm, comes very close to the highest-spec AMG SLC43 version. It will certainly make quick work of any overtaking manoeuvres, albeit at the expense of an inspiring engine note, which in a roadster could be a paramount concern.
Finally, there’s the top dog in the range, which was previously known under the moniker of SLK55 AMG, but henceforth as the Mercedes-AMG SLC43. Gone is the naturally aspirated M152 5.5-litre V8 of old, and in its place is a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo producing 367hp and 520Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 100km/h from standstill in 4.7 seconds.
It’s a curious development, because even while undergoing an engine downsizing in concurrence with a new model's introduction, other manufacturers are careful to offer power figures from the smaller and more efficient engines that match or exceed their larger and thirstier predecessors - usually with the aid of turbocharging. In the case of the Mercedes-AMG SLC43, however, it offers less torque and fewer horsepowers. By contrast, the older V8 unit produced 419hp and 540Nm, endowing the SLC43's predecessor with a century sprint time of 4.1 seconds.
Perhaps this is a deliberate toning down of the slightly mad character that AMG models are attributed with and was a worthwhile trade-off for considerably better fuel economy and emissions figures. Engines aside, the SLC43 comes added kit to enhance the driving experience, including sports suspension and an optional mechanical limited-slip differential and AMG’s Ride Control adaptive suspension. Of course, its exterior has also been given a more aggressive treatment and larger wheels.
All variants of the freshly renamed SLC range come with Mecedes-Benz’s 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, although a six-speed manual is available for the SLC180 and SLC200. Also standard is DYNAMIC SELECT which lets drivers choose between Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco, and Individual modes.
The SLC range comes with some noteworthy upgrades such as standard Active Brake Assist, Dynamic LED headlights are optional on the lower-tier variants while standard on the higher-end, and the new COMMAND interface is displayed through a larger high-resolution 7-inch panel while a new 4.5-inch display is sandwiched between the analogue instrument cluster.
We'll have more on the new Mercedes-Benz roadster as it's unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show in January.


Right-hand-drive BYD Seal spotted in Australia - ASEAN up next?

A right-hand-drive version of the
2023 BYD Seal EV
 has been spotted in Australia, as posted by
Autospinn
.

Expected to be launched sometime in the second half of 2023, the sedan-style Chinese EV has been making some waves regarding its specs, particularly its ability to be driven up to 700km. What about Malaysia?

BYD Seal coming to Malaysia in 2023 as well?

*Image credit: Autospinn

As most of you may already know, the BYD Seal (left-hand-drive model) was previewed together with the BYD Seal at the launch of the
BYD Atto 3
 here in Malaysia last year. BYD made its presence known with a huge customer event at Bandar Malaysia to showcase the BYD Atto 3 priced from RM149,800.

As for the more premium BYD Seal that's closely compared to the Tesla Model 3, it is said that it'll officially enter the market within the final quarter of 2023. We're not quite sure what the price range would be, but somewhere around the RM300k mark should be the most logical.

Four variants available, but which one is coming?

There are four different variants for the BYD Seal EV in the Chinese market - Elite, Premium, Long Range RWD, and Performance. The Elite and Premium are fitted with a 201hp single electric motor paired with a 61.4kWh battery pack that offers a WLTP range of 550km.

The Long Range RWD bumps it up with a single 308hp electric motor and a bigger 82.5kWh battery pack that pushes its EV range limit to 700km. The range-topping Long Range AWD Performance is the only variant that comes with dual electric motors that produce 523hp but that extra boost of power cuts down its range to 650km. Still very decent, though.

At least two variants are expected to enter the Malaysian market at the end of 2023, and like everything else, the final pricing would determine its popularity in the future. For now, we're quite sold on its looks, performance, as well as driving range.


Mercedes-Benz Unveils GLC Coupe Facelift

Following on from the introduction of the facelifted GLC, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled is sportier sister, the GLC Coupe. This facelift sees many of the more current Mercedes-Benz styling elements being ported and adapted for the GLC Coupe body, which plays well with its more fluid looks and tapered roofline.
For their home market, there will be five engine variant offers on offer - two petrol and three diesel. The entry level GLC 200 4MATIC Coupe packs a 2.0-litre inline 4 with 197 hp and 320 Nm of torque, along with the EQ Boost electric motor that adds 150 Nm of torque as and when you need it. The electric motor is also present in the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe, although the petrol engine produces a higher 258 hp and 370 Nm of torque.
The diesel variants are all inline 4 engines with outputs between 163 hp and 245 hp, as well as torque from 360 Nm to 500 Nm. These variants almost never make it to our shores so we aren't as concerned with them, and we're almost certain our fuel quality isn't up to scratch for these ever-more-complex diesel powerplants.
Most important for this facelift is the introduction of the MBUX system that in turn offers you far more functionality than the dated systems we've come to expect from Mercedes-Benz products. MBUX, as you should know by now, is Mercedes-Benz latest and greatest form of in-car infotainment that allows for natural language voice control and a wealth of features.
Despite being expectedly more expensive than the regular GLC, the GLC Coupe still has a number of options to pick. An optional night package sees a number of chrome trim pieces being blacked out, which is likely the default choice for younger buyers. LED headlamps and tail lamps are, however, standard across the variants. adaptive Dynamic Body Control is an option over standard suspension, along with Air Body Control air suspension.


VIDEO: Thinly Disguised 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Seen Roaming The Streets

We expected to see more of the Mercedes-Benz GLC - the GLE’s new little brother and successor to the outgoing GLK - in due time, but this video gives us an unexpectedly detailed look at the new model in what looks to be near-production form.
In terms of visuals, the most apparent change from the GLK are the rounder lines, generally softer corners and overall shape. A stark departure from the more square and angular look of its predecessor. It’s unmistakably a
Mercedes-Benz
 when seen from the front or the rear.
Viewed from the side, however, you'll see it’s got that swooping rear window and roofline that’s resembles the
CLS
 Shooting Brake and proportionally long hood that does make it look like a raised
C-Class
 estate, which I suppose was what they were going for. Speaking of that roofline, its no where near as low-slung as the
Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupe
 that the company showed off at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.
As we see it on the move via walkoART's video, the new GLC confirms the brand is headed toward a unified look across its range. And when compared to the its bigger brother the GLE, the GLC's less busy design could make it the best looking of its siblings, a match for the
BMW

X3
 and
Audi

Q5
 when it goes on sale.


Go Auto Previews Flagship Haval H9 SUV At Glenmarie Showroom

Go Auto, the authorised distributor of Haval vehicles in Malaysia has quietly previewed their flagship seven-seater SUV, the H9, at their Glenmarie showroom.
Initially making its
Malaysian debut
 at the MAI Autoshow 2018, a Go Auto representative at the showroom said this preview unit has more features now, but it is still not the finalized list.
The large H9 SUV, which is similar in size and perhaps off-road performance to Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, and Ford Everest, has a turbocharged two-litre engine as driving force. The fuel system is petrol, unlike its rivals which are diesel mills.
The two-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers high outputs of 245 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It is paired with a ZF 8-speed conventional automatic transmission and sends power to all four wheels.
A terrain-mode control dial with a choice of Mud, Sand, and Snow can be found on the lower console, together with an option for low-range 4WD.
Inside, the H9 looks well decorated, with plenty of strategically placed metallic trimmings. The large seats are covered in leather upholstery.
Among the key features we noticed that were available in this Haval H9 are:
Lane Departure Warning system
Blind Spot Warning system
Panoramic moonroof
18-inch wheels with 265/60 R18 tyres
Power adjustable front seats with driver memory function
Rear air-conditioning controls
Power assisted third-row seat control
Go Auto has only mentioned that they intend to officially launch the Haval H9 within this quarter and the price is yet to be confirmed as the list of features has not been finalized.


Nissan’s Z Proto Is More Of What The GR Supra Should’ve Been

Z is Nissan’s most famous letter, having been with the Japanese automaker since the late 1960s, though 370Z, its latest descendent, has found itself outstaying its welcome as we approach a 12th year in production. The Z Proto looks like a worthy successor, so why don’t we seem to care?

Even in the dumpster fire that is 2020, the automotive industry has given us some reasons to rejoice in our love for cars. However, when finally Nissan started teasing their newest Z car, the majority of us met it with token appreciation. The hype just wasn’t as infectious as, say, that which preceded the
A90 Supra
’s unveil.

Only when we examine the two cars more closely do we start to appreciate how much more earnest Nissan’s intentions are. This is the company that has not stopped giving us slow selling fan favourite Z cars and GT-Rs regardless of their troubles in more mass markets segments. Yet the Zupra was able to hijack the same excitement for their new Austrian-made entrant seemingly without effort.

The 370Z might have been competitive earlier in its life, at a time where we were happy to interpret its rougher edges as character quirks and loveable idiosyncrasies. Not anymore. Nissan knows it needs a proper successor, and in their attempt to regain the favour of performance coupe lovers everywhere, have pretty much given us exactly the car we were screaming out for in the Z Proto. It might not be a production model quite yet, but it’s stupidly close.

Modern vs Retro

The Z Proto and GR Supra both have a relatively short wheelbase, short front/rear overhangs, long flat bonnet, and a roofline that starts to slope immediately after the windscreen ends. We’d love to put these two cars side by side and admire the unintentional resemblance, but the Nissan clearly has a more established record to this exterior formula.

The GR Supra’s shape is, ironically, reminiscent of the first Nissan Z car, the 240Z (S30), a car that spurred Toyota to create a competitor model in the first place. So when the Z Proto’s design was done with some clear retro nods to that original Z, the two modern-day cars can’t help but look somewhat similar.

Speaking of similarities, we are very aware that the A90 Supra has incredibly little shared mechanical basis with its direct predecessor, the famous A80. In the Nissan’s case, though, it’s hard to say whether the Z Proto’s underpinnings are mostly new or just the 370Z given a fancy new body.

It certainly would make financial sense to carry over their FM platform given how much potential it exhibited in the past, and it would save Nissan plenty of development work even if they could spare the expenses. Time and again, Toyota cited the hardships of design and building a new architecture from scratch as the prime motivator behind the GR Supra’s BMW genetics.

Giving Us What We Want

It’s pretty remarkable that we are approaching 18 months of the GR Supra’s production without much mention of a manual transmission, a pain point to many enthusiasts keen to pull the trigger on Toyota’s current performance flagship.

In its highest specification, the Supra’s 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 sourced from BMW has an output of 388PS. This isn’t exactly earth shattering but more than enough for any keen driver to start missing that extra level of engagement found only though 3 pedals and an H pattern shifter. Like it or not, we have to settle for ZF’s 8-speed automatic, which is actually quite a brilliant slush box.

Nissan has decided to capitalise on this misstep by quickly making it known that the next Z car will indeed come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, seemingly designing much of the driving experience around this gearbox. The sad part is that, while nobody’s complaining, we aren’t praising Z Proto to high heaven despite it seemingly giving us exactly what we want. Why not?

We’re a fickle bunch, Nissan, and I’d like to apologise for our lack of tact. You should be the life of the party with us pledging our would-be Supra deposits toward your next Z car (400Z right?) to hit showrooms. Maybe it’s just the lousy year we’re nearing the end of, but keep doing what you’re doing. It’s not you, it’s us.

Engine - Godzilla DNA

The 370Z’s engine was pretty unique in its day, but in 2020 has become something of a unicorn due to its old school reliance on displacement. The overall car is relatively affordable too, making it one of the final cars to offer a powerful naturally aspirated engine that isn’t priced ridiculously….or American.

That said, that lack of a factory-fit turbocharger has also severely limited its tuning prospects and has left it trailing in the street enthusiast scene where huge plug-n-play horsepower gains can be achieved in minutes. Many Japanese cars are so coveted for this potential with a few easy tweaks, but not the 370Z.

The Z Proto, or the car that’s set to emerge from this shell, is set to change that. It’s been all but publicly announced that Nissan will be slotting in a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 from its VR family of engines shared with the R35 GT-R, specifically the VR30DDTT that’s already seen action in the Q50 and Q60 Red Sport. In the Infiniti pair, it produces 400hp and 475Nm, hence our confidence in the 400Z name and its high ceiling for unlockable output.

Inside and Out

The Z Proto is littered with modern interpretations of retro callbacks. Its bright yellow exterior, for a start, is a nod to both the original S30 and the 300ZX. Elsewhere, it’s clear that chief designer Alfonso Albaisa is quite fond of the Z32 from the 1990s.

Much like that car, the tail lights here seem to emerge only when illuminated before dimming into a black abyss that spans the width of the rear end. Up front, the deeply recessed headlights and square shaped maw are meant to resemble the 240Z’s fascia, though it’s a little odd seeing a modern day Nissan missing the company’s V-Motion grille.

The interior sees perhaps the most dramatic of changes and looks nothing like the dated cabin offered in the 370Z. It’s a total overhaul that combines new elements such as the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that neatly complements the analogue gauges above the centre stack. One to measure boost and another for turbine RPM speed, of course. Coupled with the chunky transmission tunnel and classically driver-oriented ergonomics, it’s a recipe for sports coupe heaven.

This cabin is perhaps the surest sign yet that, despite its name, the Z Proto is more production-ready than prototype. From what we’ve seen, this is a fully functioning, drive-able next-generation Z car for the 2020s. And unfortunately for us, we’ll have to wait until 2022 before it can start pantsing the Supra.


VIDEO: 2016 Bentley Bentayga Winter Testing Teaser, Interior Preview

Bentley
 is hard at work preparing for the world reveal of their new luxury SUV, the Bentayga. Evidently, they’ve been doing some winter testing in Sweden, and have even made a teaser video about it.
The footage reveals two heavily camouflaged Bentaygas. Those with active imaginations can extrapolate some details, perhaps, but for most of us, we’ll have to wait until the full debut to draw any worthwhile conclusions about its exterior.
However, in more detail
than before
, we do get a very brief glimpse of the interior – showing a good chunk of the steering wheel design and the top portion of the dashboard, all of which are draped in what looks to be burgundy-coloured leather. Bentley wants the Bentayga to be capable both on and off-road, to combine “raw yet efficient power” and the ability to apply that to “any imaginable terrain.”
As the second-generation
Audi

Q7
-based Bentayga screams along the snow-covered roads and frozen lake beds of Sweden, we get a decent earful of it's engine note, which some have reported to sound like Bentley’s
new twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12
 engine. Other speculation on powertrain options are a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, a V8 turbodiesel and a plug-in hybrid variant.


Lower Prices For 2016 BMW 1 Series and 3 Series in Malaysia, Thanks To EEV Incentives

Good news for BMW fans. Prices of BMW 1 Series and 3 Series models have now been lowered by up to 8 percent (depending on variant), thanks to Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) Status Incentives.
The most affordable BMW 118i Sport now starts from RM173,800 (excluding insurance), 8 percent lower than the previous price of RM188,800.
Entry into the 3 Series family now starts from RM202,800 (excluding insurance) for the 318i, 7.7 percent lower than the previous price of RM219,800.
Mr. Han Sang Yun, Managing Director & CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “We have been working very closely with representatives from the Malaysian government, especially from the Malaysian Automotive Institute (MAI), Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF), Malaysian Road Transport Department (MRTD) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to ensure that we met all the necessary criteria set for our customised Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) Status Incentives. Today, I am pleased to announce that we have received these incentives for the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 3 Series and we will be extending this benefit to our customers.”
Han also added that the company will continue to build on the momentum gained in the last years to providing its customers with improved complete premium ownership experience.
“We already began the year introducing our industry leading 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty Program as well as our specially designed Tyre Warranty Programme which are the first of its kind in the automotive industry. Now, we are able to share something special for our aspiring BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series customers,” said Han.
The new revised recommended retail prices with Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) Status Incentives (on the road without insurance and with BMW Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and Free Scheduled Service Program as well as BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) for variants of the
BMW 1 Series
 and
BMW 3 Series
 are:


2020 Honda City vs 2020 Toyota Vios

Ahhh, the age-old battle between the Honda City and Toyota Vios. Which is value for money? Which has more space? Who'd win a drag race? Which is better looking?

Comparison between Honda City and Toyota Vios

These are just some of the questions that people ask when comparing the two, so we thought we would try to answer them as straight forward as possible.

To standardise it, we would be comparing the highest specification of both cars, so that means the 2020 Honda City (1.5L V) vs 2020 Toyota Vios (1.5G (AT).

Throughout the article, the pictures on the left will be of the City while the right will be of the Vios.

Which is better looking?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so this is a subjective matter really. In our opinion however, the City has more of this serious grown-up sophisticated look going for it while the Vios has got that sporty look that youths like. Perhaps the conclusion of how the Vios looks is heavily influenced by the Gazoo Racing Series, so if that was what Toyota wanted to achieve through the Malaysian Gazoo Racing Series, then mission accomplished.

Which has a better interior?

Honda has followed through that sophisticated feel of the car all the way into the interior and it feels very grown-up inside. The Vios on the other hand feels playful.  Honda is also very good at making a lot of space out of small cabins, so the CIty's interior space is better than the Vios but it does feel like the Vios's build quality is slightly better. The fit and finish of the Vios just feels solid, a quality that gives off a vibe that it would last forever and stand the harshest of treatments.

Who'd win in a drag race?

 Features

 Honda City

 Toyota Vios

 Hp

 121

 106

 Torque

 145Nm@4,600rpm

 140Nm@4,200rpm

 Transmission

 CVT

 CVT w 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic

 Kerb Weight

 1,125kg

 1,145kg

It's just too close to call but we've got to give this one to the Vios but only because its CVT can transform into a 7 speed sequential. If someone behind the wheel can shift at the right time, then surely the Vios can surge ahead but not by a lot. If you take them beyond straight-line speed, we would say that the Honda chassis is much better and provides better ride and handling. Saying that, Toyota has worked very hard in improving the Vios and it shows as it is composed and can take the corners as well as the City.

Which has better safety equipment?

Safety Equipment

Honda City

Toyota Vios

Airbags

6

7

Stability Control

Yes

Yes

Anti-lock brake

Yes

Yes

Extra

ESS, G-CON, ESS, ISOFIX

Blind spot monitor, Front & Rear DVR, ISOFIX

As far as basic safety goes, both cars have more than adequate safety features, but if you delve deeper, the Vios does offer more such as rear DVR and an extra airbag.

Price & Conclusion

Honda City 1.5L V : RM87k

Toyota Vios 1.5G (AT): RM86k

When it comes to price, there is not much in it either, because when it comes to hire purchase monthly payments, it makes a negligible difference. To say one is better than the other would be wrong because it's all about what you look for in a car. If you want something a bit more sophisticated, go for the City and if you want something that is a bit more sporty looking, go for the Vios. There's a reason why the Vios has it's own racing series, because it's all about that sporty persona.

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
.


New EV Incentives For Automakers In Thailand

The Thai government is giving further subsidies to Chinese automakers which could save customers up to $4,779 (RM20k) per unit.

It appears that a couple of Chinese automakers are about to have an increase in EV sales in Thailand thanks to further government incentives from the Thai government.

According to Reuters, Chinese automaker
Great Wall Motor
 and
SAIC-CP Motor
, the Thai unit of SAIC Motor Corp, have signed an agreement with Thailand's government which should see a slash of retail prices of its electric vehicles.

"The agreement, which involves a government subsidy and reduction in value-added tax, could save customers up to 160,000 baht ($4,779) per unit," Michael Chong, General Manager of Great Wall Motor Thailand told Reuters.

This move should represent a savings of around 13-15%, which could prove very beneficial for new EV customers in Thailand.

Like most countries trying to encourage their population to buy EV cars, Thailand is giving these tax breaks to automakers in the hope that
more people are able to access electric vehicles
.

In 2021, 759,119 cars were sold in Thailand and less than 4,000 of them were fully-electric vehicles, meaning which there is huge opportunity for bigger EV penetration in Thailand and government incentives such as these will only help quicken adoption.

The knock-on effect here is then clear, if more people buy EVs, then companies like Great Wall Motor and SAIC-CP Motor might just invest more into producing EVs in Thailand. Is that also positive news for Malaysia?

This is also another initiative by Thailand to preserve its status as a major
regional automaker
, as it accounts for 10% of Thai gross domestic product and manufacturing jobs.

Great Wall Motor in 2020 took over the General Motors plant in Thailand, Asia's fourth-largest auto assembly and export hub. This year the firm plans to sell 20,000 units in Thailand between its two brands, the BEV Ora Good Cat and Haval SUVs according to Reuters.


Proton Celebrates Chinese New Year 2019 With Customers

In conjunction with this year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) festivities, Proton hosted a nationwide open house at its premises of 74 3S/4S centres.
Held on a Saturday before the CNY holiday week, many customers were overjoyed to be able to take delivery of their
 new X70
just in time to travel back for the traditional reunion dinner.
Proton added that the CNY open house also gave the opportunity for the company to deliver over 1,000 units of the new Proton X70 in a single day.
A comprehensive presentation was provided by the aftersales manager at each outlet so that new owners were well-versed on the unique and advanced features in their new Proton X70.
At the CNY open house event, visitors were also treated with lion dance performances as well as the tossing of the Yee Sang dish.


Proton: Kereta Hibrid, PHEV dan EV Sudah Dalam Perancangan

Proton Edar
 sudah merangka pelan untuk pembinaan model hibrid,
plug-in hybrid
 (PHEV) dan kenderaan elektrik sepenuhnya (EV), sejajar pengumuman kerajaan dalam Bajet 2022.

Menurut laporan The Malaysian Reserve April lalu, Proton menyatakan bahawa mereka masih tidak boleh menetapkan halatuju teknologi elektrifikasi, selagi kerajaan Malaysia masih belum menyatakan rancangan masa hadapan terhadap teknologi tersebut.

Namun, pembentangan Bajet 2022 untuk
mengecualikan duti untuk kenderaan elektrik (EV)
 bermula 2022 melihat Proton sudah memulakan langkah mereka.

“Proton telah merangka halatuju dalam memperkenalkan model hibrid, PHEV dan EV untuk memacu rancangan kami ke hadapan,” kata Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah kepada The Star.

Insentif pengecualian cukai EV berkenaan, ujar Roslan, akan membantu kadar penggunaan kereta elektrik dalam negara dan bakal meningkatkan penawaran model-model sedemikian dalam pasaran tempatan.

Ini adalah satu perkara yang dapat menggembirakan hati rakyat Malaysia yang berniat membeli kereta EV dengan harga mampu milik kerana umum mengetahui, pasaran EV di negara ketika ini masih berharga premium dan mungkin
hanya boleh dimiliki oleh segelintir individu
.

Menerusi kerjasama strategik dengan Geely, tidak mustahil jika Proton akan mengeluarkan kereta hibrid atau plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dalam masa terdekat, walaupun Roslan tidak menyebut secara spesifik akan model elektrik yang akan dibangunkan Proton.

Baru-baru ini, Geely telah melancarkan
2021 Geely Binyue PHEV
 di China, yang juga merupakan kembar Proton X50. Ini menimbulkan pertanyaan, adakah Proton bakal membawa X50 versi hibrid pada masa akan datang?

Namun, menurut Roslan, rancangan ini masih lagi jauh memandangkan
stesen pengecasan EV masih kurang
 untuk menyokong pertambahan jumlah penggunaan EV di jalan raya Malaysia. Ini disifatkan sebagai “halangan besar yang perlu diatasi” sebelum Proton boleh mengorak langkah dalam teknologi EV di negara kita.

Selain itu, banyak faktor lain yang perlu diambil kira seperti harga, kemampuan konsumer, servis selepas jualan, pengalaman pelanggan dan juga undang-undang berkenaan kenderaan elektrik.

Ditanya adakah Proton akan mewujudkan satu syarikat yang hanya fokus terhadap EV, Roslan menyatakan semua opsyen telah ada tetapi ia masih terlalu awal untuk diberitahu.

“Biar kami habis menilai produk dahulu. Sebagai model perniagaan, kami mahu menyusun bagaimana kami boleh memberikan manfaat kepada pengguna dan juga pemegang-pemegang kepentingan,” katanya.

Nampaknya Proton tidak terburu-buru dalam memasuki pasaran EV, walaupun kebanyakan pengeluar kenderaan di dunia telah menyatakan ikrar bebas emisi karbon menjelang 2050, juga memberhentikan pengeluaran
kenderaan enjin pembakaran dalaman (ICE)
 secara berperingkat.

It’s okay
 Proton, biar lambat asalkan harga kereta EV bawah RM100k, boleh?


Bridgestone Launches Bridgestone E8 Commitment - A Mission For The Sake Of Earth

Bridgestone Corporation launches its "Bridgestone E8 Commitment", which promises to take the company forward while caring about sustainability and the earth.

Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has launched the company's latest mission, the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment".

Announced in conjunction with the 91st anniversary of the founding of Bridgestone Tyre, the Bridgestone E8 Commitment is the company's new vision towards 2030, where it will serve as an axis to drive the corporation forward while earning the trust of future generations.

As Bridgestone tries to transform and realize its vision of "Toward 2050", where it aims to provide social, and customer value as a sustainable solutions company, the Japanese tyre manufacturer has put the E8 commitment in play to try and accelerate the vision.

The Bridgestone E8 commitment consists of eight values, including:

Energy - Committed to the realization of a carbon-neutral mobility society.

Ecology - Committed to advancing sustainable tyre technologies and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations.

Efficiency - Committed to maximizing productivity through the advancement of mobility.

Extension - Committed to nonstop mobility and innovation that keeps people and the world moving ahead.

Economy - Committed to maximizing the economic value of mobility and business operations.

Emotion - Committed to inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility.

Ease - Committed to bringing comfort and peace of mind to mobility life.

Empowerment - Committed to contributing to a society that ensures accessibility and dignity for all.

Judging by the comments made by Shuichi Ishibashi, Global CEO of Bridgestone, regarding the launch of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, he seems passionate and sincere about the sustainability mission.

"In order to celebrate the Group's 100th anniversary in 2031 as a sustainable solutions company as set out in our vision, I am pleased to announce the launch of our corporate commitment "Bridgestone E8 Commitment" and our focus on accelerating our transformation."

"The Bridgestone E8 Commitment will become 8 Bridgestone-like vectors guiding this evolution. We will drive corporate strategy reinforcement and corporate culture transformation along with this commitment and progress our journey together with our 130,000 global teammates."

"The journey ahead is sure to contain many obstacles, including the pursuit of both social and customer value, and the pursuit of sustainability and corporate growth. However, the Bridgestone Group will confront and overcome these challenges, and continue advancing."

"The Bridgestone E8 Commitment cannot be accomplished by the Group alone. We believe that earning the empathy of many stakeholders such as society, our partners and customers, and co-creating value with them will enable us to realize and support a sustainable society."

"At the start of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, I would like to send out 3 messages to all of our stakeholders."

“Bridgestone will change, can you empathize with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment? Will you join us in creating value? Will you join us in supporting the realization of a sustainable society?"

The CEO finished off his brief by saying that "for the sake of the earth, which future generations have entrusted in our care, the Bridgestone Group is committed to supporting a sustainable society by co-creating 8 values together with our teammates, society, our partners and customers.”