Weststar Maxus Launches 2018 V80 Van, Priced From RM108,686

Weststar Maxus Distributors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Maxus vehicles in Malaysia has just launched the 2018 Maxus V80 commercial van series.
The 2018 V80 is offered in 4 basic configurations across two body types- window van and panel van. On-the-road prices for company registration without GST/SST are as below:
V80 Panel Van: RM108,685.70
V80 Semi-Panel Van: RM115,867.70
V80 Window Van – 12-seater: RM128,267.50
V80 Window Van – 15-seater: RM129,267.50
Highlights in the new 2018 V80 are the updated front styling with a revised grille and bumper designs. Key strengths in the Maxus V80 include the highest space utilization rate, the best ground clearance, and the best interior height. Weststar also took the opportunity to officiate their
new 3S centre in Bukit Mertajam, Penang
. It will serve as a hub for the operations in the northern region.
“We are shifting gears and committed to enhancing the quality gap by building affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles to meet ASEAN preferences. The new Maxus V80 vans come with upgraded features and superior volume of space has all the trappings of a value-for-money commercial van that is truly ‘Built to work’.” said Datuk Vikram Menon, Executive Director, the Weststar Group.
The Maxus V80 is powered by a VM Motori Eco-D turbocharged 2.5-litre diesel engine that delivers outputs of 136 PS and 330 Nm of torque. The turbo diesel engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and delivers power to the front wheels. Performance and fuel efficiency have been enhanced in the 2018 V80 models.
For safety features, the Maxus V80 is equipped with dual front airbags and ABS+EBD+BA braking assistance suite. In the window van, all seats are full sized and equipped with 3-point seatbelts. Air conditioning vents are also found on the ceiling to keep occupants comfortable. With such great features, tour operator Eco Coach Travel and Tours has added the V80 window van into its fleet of vans.
Being a large commercial van with 11.6 cubic metres of space plus a tall interior height of 5-feet 7-inches, Weststar Maxus offers customers plenty of flexibility for customization and can transform to panel van for use as mobile offices, food and kitchen trucks, ambulances, mobile libraries, and mobile sales showrooms. Having the V80 locally assembled allows more cost-effective customization for clients through less wastage and more accurate fitting too.
Among its growing number of fleet customers include FFM-Massimo, DHL, Federal Express, Malaysian Armed Forces, Ministry of Health, and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL).
Datuk Vikram also added that Weststar Maxus plans to launch the fully electric EV80 vans in near future.
To commemorate on the launching of the new V80, Weststar Maxus is offering a free service package that includes labour, parts, and lubricant for five years or mileage of 150,000 kilometres. Warranty coverage meanwhile is 100,000 kilometres or three years, whichever comes first.


Fined for parking in front of own home, "High-Handed" traffic enforcement following operation launch

Residents in Salak South New Village and Desa Petaling, located in the Bukit Bintang constituency, have voiced their complaints about "high-handed" enforcement following the launch of
"Ops Respect Traffic Laws"
 by Kuala Lumpur police.

A town hall session, organized jointly by the Bukit Bintang MCA and DAP branches, was attended by about 80 people who shared their grievances about receiving summonses for various traffic offences in the past two days.

Residents expressed frustration over receiving summonses for parking violations in areas where there were no road lines or clear markings. They highlighted that some of the roads, like Jalan 9, 11, and 13 Taman Salak Selatan, had been without markings for over 40 years. Concerns were raised about the enforcement being conducted in residential areas and the need for proper road markings and prior notice to residents.

Banie Chin, Kampung Salak Selatan MCA vice-chairman, questioned the manner in which the enforcement was carried out, suggesting that it should focus more on commercial centres rather than residents' parked cars. He proposed involving Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in drawing road lines and notifying residents before strict enforcement is implemented.

Eric Teh, secretary to Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, stated that he would compile a list of summonses and seek an interview with the police to address the residents' concerns.

According to a recent report by The Star, a total of 26,506 traffic summonses were issued in Kuala Lumpur since July 3, with traffic obstruction being the most common offence. The "Ops Respect Traffic Laws" operation involves 800 personnel and officers and will continue until July 31.


JPJ Rules Out Fake Car Auction Happening Tomorrow: Be Mindful Of What You Share

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has released a statement saying that there will be no such cheap public auction of vehicles held by the organisation this Wednesday (29
th
 July), as circulated by various social media and chat messages.
The falsified message entitled “Lelongan Kereta Awam” (auction of public vehicles) has been circulated heavily, advertising several brand-new foreign-brand vehicles retailing at very low prices, all of which is said to have been seized at the ports for whatever reasons.
Up to 51 vehicles have been listed by the falsified message, and to further tempt buyers, it is also stated that all vehicles here, including brand new Honda, Volkswagen, Audi and Volvo models, would be priced below RM50,000.
JPJ also reiterated that their actual auction includes only 26 motorcycles and 11 cars, as advertised in several local newspapers recently. Coincidentally, the actual event will also take place on the same day, at the JPJ Perak branch.
It's all another reminder to be careful of what you receive, believe and share on social media, folks.
This is the full release provided by the Road Transport Department:


Malaysia Yet To Watch F9, But There's Already A Release Date For Fast & Furious 10

Universal Pictures are making movies faster than we can watch them as they announce the release date of Fast and Furious 10.

Universal Pictures has just announced the release date of the penultimate
Fast & Furious
 movie, F10, but the funny thing is, we Malaysians have yet to watch
F9
 due to our cinemas being under lockdown!

Directed by Justin Lin, the second to last film of the billion-dollar saga is scheduled to be released on April 7, 2023. The film will be the first in a two-part finale, which will end with Fast 11.

Lead actor and producer Vin Diesel previously told Entertainment Weekly that filming would begin in January 2022 and that they will probably shoot both films back to back.

The 10th edition of the Fast saga is expected to feature leading actors who have appeared before, including Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges and Sung Kang.

Although F11 will mark the end of the major franchise, fans can still expect other films related to the Fast world, like Hobbs & Shaw to continue, as there are already plans in place for them.

Speaking of Shaw, Dwayne Johnson has confirmed he will not be returning to the Fast and Furious series, probably due to a rift between him and Vin Diesel.

"I hope for the best for them for Fast 10," Johnson told The Hollywood Reporter. "And I wish them the best for Fast 11 and all other Fast & Furious movies that they will release without my involvement", said Dwayne.

According to the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and at the rate that we are going, we'll probably only get to watch F9
at the cinemas
 at the end of the year, as December 2021 is scheduled to be the month that all economic sectors will reopen.


Ultra Rare McLaren F1 In LM-Spec Is Going Up For Auction

What you’re looking at here is a 1998 McLaren F1 with the chassis number SA9AB5AC4W1048073 but don’t look at it as just another “regular” F1 with some pieces of body kit applied.

The owner of this particular example commissioned the
McLaren
 Special Operations (MSO) team to upgrade the car to the LM specification where the changes are significant and go beyond the surface.

One of only two which were upgraded by the MSO to LM-spec, this makes the car unique as it has the mechanical upgrades of the LM cars, but still has the creature comforts of the regular McLaren F1 road cars.

Those LM changes begin with a race-spec 6.1-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine producing 691hp, numerous mechanical and chassis upgrades to cope with the additional power, along with an Extra High Downforce Package by McLaren, installed to increase the downforce generated over the traditional package.

A custom set of 18-inch multi-spoke O.Z. racing wheels are also fitted and the interior has been updated to GT specification. Unlike the original five McLaren F1 LMs produced, this LM-spec version retains its air-conditioning system, stereo, and a Phillips satellite navigation system, as well as a helicopter-grade car-to-car radio and intercom system when you need to chat with your passengers while the race-spec engine gets warmed up.

Interested? Well, auction house RM Sotheby is offering potential owners the chance to bid for this very rare McLaren F1 in Monterey, California from August 13-15. Expect to pay quite a hefty sum.

For those who would like to know what the McLaren F1 LM is, it is based on the McLaren F1 GTR but unlike the track-only racer, receives modifications to make it a road legal car but without the engine intake restrictions the are imposed on the GTR (600hp limitation). Only five units of the McLaren F1 LM were ever produced plus one prototype.


A Closer Look At The Geely Binyue – Next Proton SUV?

Alongside the all-new
Geely Jiaji
, we also got up close and personal with the
Geely Binyue
, a subcompact SUV
aimed squarely
 at the Honda HR-V and the Toyota C-HR.
Starting from the exterior of the Binyue, the variant that we got personal with was the sportier variant, identifiable by these features:
Red highlight in the front grille
Upright front fog light surrounds
Subtle front lower lip
Prominent rear spoiler with a red ‘S’ wording
Quad muffler tips
Side mirrors with carbon fibre-like finish
Red brake callipers
As we stepped into the Binyue, we got the same impression as we did when we first got into the Jiaji – a very upmarket feeling. Similar to the Jiaji, the Binyue gets a healthy dose of high quality plastic and metal throughout the cabin.
We noticed that the red padding that’s fitted above the meter cluster gets real stitching, though the rest of the red trim on the dashboard is molded. Red highlights can also be found on the carpets, seats, centre arm rest, and door trim, which gives the Binyue a sportier interior than some of its rivals, such as the Honda HR-V. The sporty appeal is further accentuated by the flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters.
In China, the Geely Binyue can be had with these two powertrains:
1.0-litre turbo petrol (134 hp/205 Nm), 6-speed manual
1.5-litre turbo petrol (174 hp/255 Nm), 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
The Geely Binyue is priced from 78,800 Yuan for the base turbocharged model, while the more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged model is priced from 88,800 Yuan. For comparison, the larger Geely Boyue(Proton X70) is priced from 129,800 Yuan.
After factoring in the similar quantum in price gap between the Binyue and Boyue in China (25 to 30% difference in prices), Malaysian consumers can expect the forthcoming X50 to have a ballpark price very close to that of the Perodua Aruz (estimated from RM72,000). The Proton X70 is priced between RM99,800 and RM123,800.
Apart from the Geely Jiaji, the Binyue is destined to be Proton’s next SUV – the model has already been
sighted in Malaysia
 and Proton has trademarked several names, including a
appropirately named X50
.


6 Criminal Acts To Be Wary Of On Malaysian Roads

After showing you last week’s
video of a man demonstrating his grand theft auto skills
, we at the office couldn’t help but count the many different and ‘creative’ crimes we’ve seen in Malaysia. Which set us off on compiling them here, in a bid to raise a bit of awareness, and potentially keep you out of harm's way for knowing better.
Keep in mind however, that we aren’t talking about driving offences like running a red light, or breaking the legal speed limit - those are of a subject reserved for another story. What we’re on about here are crimes that you should look out for and be wary of as a Malaysian road user.
A lot of these aren’t new tactics, either, but they’re a good reminder of what to look out for to best keep yourself safer on your travels. Keep in mind also that criminals often reinvent their methods too, but while they do that, their intentions never change: to attack the inattentive and take what isn’t theirs, often by any means necessary.
Here’s a quick reminder of the most prominent road crimes in action, starting with:
(Note: Some of these videos may contain graphic content)
Grand Theft Auto:
So, we’ll start this recap with the most recent bit of baddie activity that’s been filmed, and that’s a
chap in handcuffs demonstrating his car stealing techniques
 to what appears to be local police officers. Hands tied, the real-life car thief shows us how he gets into the vehicle, disarms its immobiliser system, starts the engine, and could potentially drive off: all with a special key of his own, and a smart gadget of his. Imagine what he could do with a friend in tow, and his hands freed.
To a thief, it is understood that stealing a car is purely a matter of time. The lesser the time it would take for them to steal a car, the more interested a thief becomes in it.
TIP:
 Beefing up your car’s alarm system isn’t a bad thing to do, but as demonstrated here, a car thief is well equipped with the know-how to override it. So on top of parking your car in a safe area etc. you should also consider a proper steering lock.
Yes, a steering lock isn’t impenetrable, and given the right amount of time, anyone can hack their way through it and remove the lock. But the sheer time, strength, tools and effort required of a thief to pull this off, often deters them from stealing your car. Unless of course it’s a dodgy steering lock which can be snapped like a twig.
Smash N’ Grab:
The term was largely used from year 2013 and onwards, amidst the nation’s rampant growth of smash n’ grab criminals. The act consists of a motorcyclist, usually with a pillion rider, who would ride up alongside a stationary vehicle, smash the window, grab your valuables (usually left on the passenger seat, in plain sight), and make away with it before you manage to react.
Make no mistake, this isn’t a random act: it’s actually very well planned. If you’ll notice, a good amount of these incidents happen on a series of traffic lights. At the first stop, baddies are usually on the lookout, spying inside cars, assessing potential victims. At one of the subsequent traffic lights is where they’ll typically strike. And it all happens in a matter of seconds, as demonstrated by the video above: smash, grab, run.
TIP:
 If you haven’t figured it out yet, the trick is to prevent these prying eyes from locking in your valuables: keep them in a safe place (like your car’s boot), out of view, and not openly visible on your front or rear passenger seat.
Various brands offer various layers of protective security tints that can fend off a smash-and-grabber’s attempt to shatter your windscreen. Prices for these security films may be a bit costlier than we’re often comfortable with, but you can’t question their worth when you see what they can do. New cars these days often come with various grades of security film, so remember to check on these when you purchase you next vehicle. If possible, try to negotiate with your car dealership to throw in such a high-grade security film for free.
Petrol Station Prowlers:
You park your car, you search for your cash, you step out of the vehicle to head over to the pump, open the lid, fill the tank – all the while forgetting all that’s happening around you. That’s a common scenario, and is something a snatch thief knows how to take advantage of, all too well.
There are several potential scenarios with how, what we call a ‘petrol station prowler,’ can strike. First common scenario: you park your car at the pumps, stop out, a snatcher rides up on a motorcycle, snatches your valuables, and rides off. Another way: you fill up your tank, get back into your car, forget to lock the doors, the thief chimes in with a blade and forces you to get out of the car, and steals it.
As mentioned, there are several ways for this to happen, but they all include one thing in common: thieves who prey on your vulnerability and lacking attentiveness.
TIP:
 Again, keep all eyes open for potential baddies on the prowl, and pay attention to your surroundings. Be mindful of suspicious characters hanging around the area, and protect your belongings. Make sure you lock your car doors when you exit the vehicle, and don’t hang around inside with the door wide open or unlocked, either – start your vehicle and drive off. Thieves act very quickly, and will catch you off guard. If you spot something suspicious, remain in your vehicle, and report it to someone who can help.
Road-side Snatch Thief:
We understand that sometimes, going by foot is the only way: because of the short distance, because of the lacking taxis in the area, you name it, we’d understand why you’d have to do it. But that’s all the more reason for you to be more careful on your travels. These snatch thieves are usually opportunist that act on the fly. They may even prowl a known area looking for victims, identify their non-attentive victims, and act faster than you can react, riding up beside you, snatching your items, and making a quick getaway regardless of how they leave you.
TIP:
 Ideally, try not to give these opportunists the chance to identify you as a victim. If you can, keep your handbags at home when you don’t need it (not always possible with the ladies), and stash away your jewellery from sight or reach. Walking with your handbag facing the sidewalk and not the road helps to keep it slightly more out of reach, and therefore reduces your chances of it being snatched.
Where possible, completely avoid dark, quiet areas when on foot – like we need to keep repeating that. Stay in crowded, highly-visible areas, or better still, walk only where a vehicle cannot approach you.
Armed Gate Crashers:
So you arrive at your home, click a key fob to open your auto-gate system, drive in, get out the car, close the gate. Familiar routine? So familiar to so many, that we forget to be mindful of our surroundings.
At any point in that process, thieves could have broken into your home, and pulled a knife to your neck, demanding the keys to your car, and all the money you have. Hopefully, they bugger off before realising your home is just there, with everything you hold dear to you, inside.
And just because you don’t use an auto-gate system, doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Stopping your car just outside your home to unlock the gate gives a car thief an even better chance at a quick getaway with your car, more so if you’ve left your engine running while you do it.
TIP:
The only thing you can do to help prevent this is to be more attentive to your surroundings before you stop your vehicle. We know it’s been a long day, but every time you park at home, remember to take note of all that’s around you leading up to your gate. Are there any suspicious characters waiting around and eyeing you? Were you followed home?
If you feel the slightest concern for anything suspicious, don’t continue to park in your driveway. Drive. Head towards a more crowded area, and if the pursuers are still on your tail, drive to a police station. If they remain outside your home, drive away and call for help. Always have your nearest police patrol unit’s mobile number stored in your phone.
Acid Splashers:
This is probably the most heinous road crimes of them all, if you ask us. In all the crimes we’ve listed above, there’s usually a tangible gain to be had by the criminal: your money, your car, something they could use. But acid splashers stand to gain absolutely nothing, but for some sick personal satisfaction of ruining someone’s life.
Thankfully, fewer of these psychotic acts have been reported lately after several cases were reported throughout 2011 and 2013.
TIP:
 Well, how do you prevent a madman on a motorcycle from splashing liquid on your face, at a completely random occurrences? There’s really no certain way to stop this on your own before it’s too late, but for law enforcement agencies and the police to do what they should beforehand.
Things To Remember:
The trick is to always be aware of your surroundings and to be mindful of the potential dangers around you. Road criminals like the ones we just ran through often travel on motorcycles for their quick/ good manoeuvrability in tight spaces, and they often travel in pairs. We don’t intend to point fingers at all motorcyclists (
because we know it can happen from cars too
) but that appears to be the trend.
More often than not, criminals are opportunists who prey on your vulnerability and inattentiveness. Many often only start to devise a plan to snatch your handbag once they’ve seen it available to them. So don’t let them get such opportunities to do so. Be alert, be helpful of each other, and
Have you experienced any of these?
If you have, please feel free to share your experience in the comments sections below with others reading this article. Also, share this article with your friends, in the hope that they may never have to endure one of these terrible experiences themselves.


10 Sikap Buruk Pemandu Di Malaysia – Anda Yang Mana Satu?

Apakah pengalaman terburuk yang anda pernah hadapi akibat daripada sikap buruk dan tidak bertanggungjawab sesetengah pemandu di Malaysia?

Kalau nak kupas tentang pelbagai sikap buruk pemandu di jalan raya, silap-silap sampai 3 hari pun tak habis. Jadi kami senaraikan 10 sikap buruk pemandu di Malaysia yang boleh menyebabkan
kemalangan
 serta hukuman yang dikenakan.

*Kredit
Infografik: Berita Harian

1. Melebihi Had Laju

Ada sesetengah pemandu di Malaysia berjiwa kelajuan seakan-akan ada alahan untuk menepati
had laju
 yang ditetapkan. Mungkin enjin kereta mereka akan meletup jika pandu mengikut had laju yang ditetapkan? Tapi masalah memandu melebihi had laju ini bukan hanya berlaku di Malaysia, malah seluruh dunia ada masalah sama.

Laporan penyiasatan pelanggaran dikeluarkan Institut Penyelidikan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Malaysia (MIROS) pada 2020 ada menyebut bahawa tingkah laku memandu melebihi had laju menjadi sebab utama kemalangan maut di Malaysia sepanjang tempoh enam tahun, iaitu antara 2011 hingga 2016.

Memandu melebihi had laju berisiko untuk mengakibatkan kereta hilang kawalan sehingga menyebabkan kemalangan yang boleh mendatangkan kecederaan mahupun kematian. Jadi tidak hairanlah mengapa memandu melebihi had laju menjadi kesalahan di bawah Seksyen 40(1) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987. Saman RM300 akan dikenakan serta merta jika anda ditahan. Jika menyebabkan kemalangan, anda boleh dihukum penjara tidak lebih 10 tahun serta denda tidak melebihi RM10,000.

2. Memandu Di Lorong Kecemasan

Sikap tidak bertanggungjawab segelintir pemandu yang menggunakan lorong kecemasan untuk mengelak kesesakan lalu lintas turut mengundang kepada peningkatan kadar kemalangan di lebuh raya. Fungsi lorong kecemasan adalah untuk digunakan pihak berkuasa bagi memberi bantuan kepada pengguna jalan raya yang berdepan masalah termasuk kemalangan.

Tindakan pemandu bodoh yang menggunakan lorong kecemasan sehingga menghalang laluan terbabit boleh menyebabkan
ambulans mengambil masa lama untuk sampai ke lokasi kecemasan
. Kelewatan rawatan boleh menyebabkan mangsa yang ingin diselamatkan itu meninggal dunia sekiranya mangsa cedera parah.

Sekiranya anda ditahan ketika memandu di lorong kecemasan, anda akan disaman RM300 serta boleh didakwa mengikut Kaedah 53(1) Kaedah Lalu Lintas Jalan Raya 1959 dan boleh dihukum mengikut Seksyen 119(2) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1959 yang memperuntukkan denda hingga RM2,000 atau penjara hingga empat bulan atau kedua-duanya sekali, jika sabit kesalahan.

3. Memotong Di Garisan Berkembar

Salah satu kesalahan yang sering dilakukan tanpa sedar segelintir pemandu adalah memotong di garisan bekembar. Tak pastilah sama ada mereka tidur ketika kelas
lesen
 atau memang degil, tetapi barisan berkembar merupakan zon larangan memotong.

Garisan berkembar boleh didapati di kawasan seperti jalan selekoh, jalan curam, jalan sempit, jalan yang ada terowong, kawasan persimpangan serta kawasan sekolah. Mana-mana pemandu yang bertindak memotong kenderaan hadapannya di jalan yang mempunyai garisan berkembar adalah melakukan kesalahan di bawah Kaedah-kaedah Lalu Lintas 167/59 [Kaedah 12(3)(A)] dan akan dikompaun sebanyak RM300.

4. Memotong Barisan

Ketika kenderaan di jalan raya sedang berbaris untuk menunggu giliran bergerak, menjadi satu kesalahan jika mana-mana kenderaan yang datang dari arah belakang untuk menyelit masuk ke bahagian hadapan barisan. Lebih teruk, kebanyakan mereka memotong barisan dengan menggunakan lorong kecemasan. Dah dua kesalahan kat situ!

Selain melibatkan kemalangan, aktiviti memotong barisan juga berpotensi menyebabkan
pergaduhan
 di jalan raya. Tambah-tambah apabila dua-dua pemandu bersifat tidak mahu mengalah dan panas baran. Bila perkara ni berlaku, bukan sahaja boleh menyebabkan kesesakan, tapi siap boleh viral. Mana nak letak muka? Memotong barisan boleh dikenakan tindakan di bawah Kaedah-Kaedah Lalu Lintas Jalan 166/1959 dan anda boleh dikenakan saman sebanyak RM300.

5. Melanggar Lampu Isyarat

Langgar lampu isyarat ni bukanlah maksudnya betul-betul hentam
lampu isyarat
 tersebut (walaupun pernah jadi sebelum ini), tetapi kegagalan untuk mematuhi isyarat yang ditunjukkan oleh lampu isyarat tersebut. Masih ramai pengguna jalan raya yang tidak mematuhi lampu isyarat meskipun telah banyak kemalangan maut berlaku akibat daripada perbuatan itu.

Kegagalan mematuhi lampu isyarat merah akan dikenakan tindakan dibawah Seksyen 79(2) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1959 di mana anda akan dikompaun sebanyak RM300.

6. Menggunakan Telefon Bimbit

Masyarakat perlu sedar bahawa penggunaan telefon bimbit semasa memandu kenderaan menjadi antara penyumbang berlakunya kemalangan jalan raya. Memandu memerlukan fokus dan kelalaian selama beberapa saat boleh mengakibatkan kemalangan.

Bermula 6 Julai 2020, kesalahan ini yang dicatatkan di bawah Kaedah-Kaedah Lalu Lintas Jalan 1959, telah dikategorikan sebagai saman tidak boleh dikompaun dan kes perlu diselesaikan di mahkamah. Jika disabitkan kesalahan, hukuman denda boleh dikenakan sehingga RM1,000 atau penjara tidak lebih daripada tiga bulan. Sekiranya ia adalah sabitan kali kedua, hukuman denda sehingga RM2,000 atau penjara tidak melebihi enam bulan atau kedua-duanya sekali.

7. Tidak Memakai Tali Pinggang Keledar

Pemakaian
tali pinggang keledar
 juga sering diabaikan oleh pemandu dan penumpang di jalan raya. Memandangkan kereta terkini ada memberikan amaran jika tali pinggang tidak digunakan ketika memandu, ada yang bertindak membeli kepala tali pinggang palsu untuk dipasang bagi mematikan amaran tersebut.

Itu merupakan tindakan paling tidak bijak kerana pemakaian tali pinggang keledar boleh mengurangkan risiko kecederaan parah dan kehilangan nyawa sebanyak 43% hingga 65%. Jika anda ingkar dengan peraturan ini, anda boleh didenda sebanyak RM300.

8. Tidak Guna Signal

Salah satu perkara yang menyakitkan hati yang sering berlaku di jalan raya adalah apabila terserempak dengan geng yang memberi lampu isyarat untuk membelok menggunakan niat. Ketahuilah bahawa pemandu lain tidak akan mengetahui hasrat anda untuk membelok tanpa memberikan lampu isyarat untuk membelok. Isyarat yang diberi melalui lampu signal adalah untuk memberitahu kepada pengguna jalan raya yang lain bahawa kita akan bergerak ke arah kiri atau kanan jalan raya.

Lampu signal adalah satu cara berkomunikasi diatas jalan raya dan ia dapat mengurangkan risiko kemalangan. Ingat, biar buruk asalkan reti guna
signal
!

9. Cucuk Belakang

Satu lagi perangai kegemaran sesetengah pemandu Malaysia adalah dengan memandu laju menghampiri kenderaan di hadapan atau dipanggil cucuk belakang. Ada yang cucuk belakang untuk beri isyarat supaya ke tepi, dan ada yang cucuk belakang untuk mengelakkan diri daripada
membayar tol
. Apa pun alasan anda, perbuatan ini amat berbahaya sekiranya kereta hadapan menekan brek secara tiba-tiba.

Tindakan memandu terlalu rapat dengan kenderaan lain bukan sahaja membahayakan pemandu kenderaan terbabit malah turut menjadi faktor utama kepada berlakunya kemalangan jalanraya. Ingatlah bahawa
melanggar kenderaan di hadapan merupakan satu kesalahan
 dan boleh dikenakan saman sebanyak RM300.

10. Hisap Rokok Dalam Kereta

Meskipun buat masa ini tiada saman dikenakan jika anda
merokok ketika memandu
 dalam kenderaan persendirian, namun sikap merokok ketika memandu akan membuatkan pemandu membuang sisa puntung rokok di atas jalan. Jarang sekali kita lihat perokok yang menyimpan puntung rokok di dalam kereta untuk di buang ke dalam tong sampah.

Selain membahayakan kesihatan serta menggalakkan pembuangan sampah merata-rata, tindakan merokok di dalam kereta boleh mendatangkan bau kurang senang terhadap kereta anda. Anda mungkin tidak lagi menghidunya, tetapi orang yang tidak merokok pasti dapat mengecam bau ini.

Antara 10 tindakan buruk yang sering dilakukan pemandu di negara ini, yang mana satu yang sering anda lakukan? Jika tiada, baguslah. Jika ada, pandai-pandailah muhasabah diri sebelum nasi menjadi bubur. Sekiranya anda terjumpa dengan golongan yang masih ingkar terhadap peraturan jalan raya seperti menggunakan lorong kecemasan ketika memandu, melanggar lampu isyarat, memotong barisan dan cucuk belakang, anda boleh melaporkan pada
JPJ
 secara terus dengan menghantar bukti gambar, nombor pendaftaran kereta, tarikh, masa, serta lokasi kejadian ke hotline JPJ di 013-4498997.


Proton Ertiga Scores 4 Stars in ASEAN NCAP

Prior to the
launch of the Proton Ertiga earlier this year
, a Suzuki Ertiga was subjected to rigorous ASEAN NCAP testing to determine its level of Adult and Child occupant protection. It managed to score a solid 4 stars for Adult Occupant Protection with 12.39 points. The specification tested was as similar as possible to the production models, with 2 airabgs, ABS, and the seatbelt reminder systems- although without ESC as per the Ertiga on sale. While the passenger has good crash protection, the driver has weak crash protection for the leg and feet area and only adequate for the chest.
For Child Occupancy Protection, the Ertiga scored a lower 33% compliance, resulting in a 2 star rating. This is where the discrepancy in specification shows: the low rating is only a result of the Suzuki Ertiga not coming with ISOFIX, which is standard for the Proton Ertigas sold here. Effectively the Proton Ertiga has been awarded these ratings based on the findings of that Suzuki Ertiga, which may not necessarily reflect the merits of the actual Proton model.


5 Kereta Sesuai Untuk Fresh Grad - Jangan Kena Pressure Bro!

Untuk para graduan atau
fresh grad
yang sedang mencari kereta, adakah lebih baik untuk membeli kereta baharu atau lebih baik memilih kereta terpakai sahaja?

Panduan Membeli Kereta Pertama

Untuk membeli kereta pertama, anda perlulah tahu serba sedikit tentang panduan yang betul dalam memilih kenderaan yang sesuai kerana melalui beberapa kajian yang telah dilakukan di dalam negara ini, antara sebab utama golongan belia diisytihar bankrap adalah disebabkan oleh pembiayaan kenderaan mereka.

Rule of Thumb
 bagi membeli kereta ini mudah sahaja, iaitu dengan membeli kereta mengikut pendapatan tahunan. Sekiranya gaji bulanan anda RM2,500, maka anda perlu mencari kenderaan berharga RM30,000 dan kebawah untuk dikira sebagai kereta mampu milik. Tetapi, ianya bergantung pada komitmen individu juga.

Untuk kereta baharu, memang tidak banyak pilihan pada harga RM30,000 berbanding kereta terpakai. Jika dilihat dari segi harga, BMW terpakai pun anda mampu beli. Tapi seelok-eloknya, elakkan perkara tersebut kerana kos pemilikan (
road tax
 dan
maintenance
) kenderaan tersebut agak sedikit mahal.

Oleh itu, kami akan menyenaraikan sebahagian kereta baharu dan terpakai yang sesuai untuk para graduan sebagai kereta pertama mereka yang berharga dalam lingkungan bawah RM40,000. Walau bagaimanapun, para graduan tidak dinasihatkan untuk membeli kereta baharu ekoran harganya yang tinggi, kecuali..

Kereta Baharu

2022 Perodua Axia GXtra 1.0L - RM34,990

Ianya merupakan satu jenayah apabila kereta ini tidak disenaraikan sebagai kereta pertama untuk para siswazah. Dengan harga serendah RM23,367, anda boleh mendapatkan sebuah Axia baharu. Tapi kalau ambil yang paling murah (spesifikasi rendah) pun tak best juga. Seeloknya, ambillah varian GXtra ke atas untuk ciri keselamatan yang lebih menyeluruh. Tapi kalau masih tak cukup bajet, boleh survey harga
Axia terpakai
 di sini
.

Apa yang kami suka

Apa yang kami tak suka

mod ECO Driving mampu berjalan sejauh 22.5km bagi setiap liter

Enjin 1.0L - Kuasa kereta yang terhad

Ruang kabin yang agak luas untuk saiznya

Perlukan ruang yang selesa untuk memotong

2022 Proton Saga Premium AT - RM38,800

Antara model tempatan baharu yang mampu milik bagi lepasan universiti adalah
Proton Saga 2022
. Proton Saga ini bercirikan sedan jadi anda bakal menerima ruangan but yang lebih besar serta mampu mengisi sehingga 5 orang di dalam kereta terutamanya ketika perjalanan jauh. Selain itu, stereng Saga yang sedikit berat membuatkan pemanduannya di selekoh lebih meyakinkan.

Apa yang kami suka

Apa yang kami tak suka

Handling Proton

Masih guna enjin sama seperti sebelumnya

Interior yang selesa

Ciri keselamatan yang ketinggalan

Tetapi untuk budget yang sama dengan kereta baru, anda boleh mendapatkan lebih banyak variariti dalam pasaran kereta terpakai. Jom kita tengok apa option anda:

Kereta Terpakai

2016 Perodua Myvi 1.5 SE - RM34,800

Jika anda merasakan harga Myvi terpakai generasi ketiga masih mahal untuk lepasan universiti, anda boleh mendapatkan Myvi generasi terdahulu dengan harga lingkungan RM34,800 sahaja untuk Myvi 1.5L SE (2016). Kalau lihat di jalan raya sekalipun, model Myvi generasi terdahulu masih banyak boleh dijumpai meskipun ada yang sudah berusia lebih 10 tahun. Bak kata orang, tiada lama, maka tiadalah yang baharu.

Untuk melihat Perodua Myvi terpakai, boleh
klik disini
.

Apa yang kami suka

Apa yang kami tak suka

Tiada masalah alat ganti

Handling seperti membawa 'sampan'

Ada ciri keselamatan asas lengkap

Sistem infotainment zaman dahulu

2012 Toyota Vios 1.5 J - RM28,999

Kalau nak beli Vios baharu dengan gaji fresh graduate ini agak membebankan juga sebenarnya. Mana taknya, harga Vios bermula dalam sekitar RM77,600. Sebagai gantinya, anda boleh mendapatkan Vios generasi kedua yang jauh lebih murah. Sebagai kereta pertama anda, penting untuk anda memilih kereta yang selesa di samping tahan lama dan Toyota memang terkenal dengan ketahanannya.

Untuk melihat kereta Toyota Vios terpakai, boleh
lihat disini
.

Apa yang kami suka

Apa yang kami tak suka

Mudah mendapatkan alat ganti

Dikenali sebagai Vios Dugong kerana rupa luarannya

Kos pemilikan mampu milik

Kluster meter berada di tengah papan pemuka

2016 Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X - RM30,800

Harga sebuah Perodua Bezza baharu bermula daripada RM34,580 hingga RM49,980. Walau bagaimanapun, jika anda mahukan kereta sedan dengan but yang luas, Perodua Bezza terpakai merupakan model yang sesuai. Model ini juga menggunakan enjin 1.3L berbanding 1.0L seperti varian yang lebih rendah.

Untuk melihat senarai kereta Perodua Bezza terpakai, boleh
klik disini.

Apa yang kami suka

Apa yang kami tak suka

But belakang luas (508 liter)

Handling kurang memuaskan

Jimat minyak

Stereng tidak boleh dilaras

Kesimpulan

Anda boleh dapatkan kereta baharu dan terpakai yang terkini dengan harga yang menarik di Carlist.my! Walau bagaimanapun, jangan terlalu teruja dan mengikut kehendak dalam berbelanja. Dengan bajet dibawah RM40,000, kereta terpakai berjenama Mercedes pun boleh didapati. Sebab itu penting untuk pertimbangkan harga pemilikan kenderaan terbabit, bukan hanya sekadar harga jualan.

Bagi mereka yang membeli kereta yang sedikit berusia, anda dinasihatkan untuk mempunyai sedikit simpanan untuk menambah baik spesifikasi kereta terbabit mengikut piawaian kini. Bukan apa, ianya demi keselamatan dan keselesaan anda sebagai pemandu juga. Setiap komponen kenderaan mempunyai jangka hayatnya yang tersendiri. Pastikan anda menukar dan membaiki komponen tersebut sebelum terlambat!

Waranty Kereta Terpakai Warranty Smart

Salah satu kelemahan membeli kereta terpakai adalah kebanyakannya tidak dilindungi di bawah waranti pengilang.

Warranty Smart merupakan perlindungan pilihan untuk sebarang pembelian kereta terpakai di bawah umur 10 tahun.

Perlindungan bermula dari RM848 setahun. Baca lebih lanjut mengenai Waranti Smart di
sini.

Cara Beli Kereta Idaman Anda Di Carlist

Dengan Bajet RM40,000, anda kini boleh menggunakan ciri carian terperinci Carlist untuk mencari kereta pertama idaman anda yang sempurna:

Pergi ke
Carlist.my

Klik pada 'Pencarian Lebih Lanjut' di bawah kotak carian

Tapis carian mengikut kehendak anda seperti tahun, harga, jenis kereta dan sebagainya.

Selamat membeli!


Fuel Price Update: 13th July to 19th July – 4 Sen Up For RON97

The Ministry of Finance Malaysia has announced the updated prices of petrol and diesel fuels starting from 13th of July to 19th July.
The price of RON97 petrol will increase by 4 sen to RM 2.57 per litre, while the price of RON95 petrol is capped at RM 2.08 per litre.
The price of diesel will remain capped at RM 2.18 per litre for Euro 2M and RM 2.28 for Euro 5 respectively.
In summary, the prices for petrol and diesel are listed below:
RON95 – RM 2.08 per litre (unchanged, capped)
RON97 – RM 2.57 per litre (up 4 sen)
Diesel Euro 2M – RM 2.18 per litre (unchanged, capped)
Diesel Euro 5M – RM 2.28 per litre (unchanged, capped)


502 Bad Gateway


The Honda NSX is Delivered to its First Australian Customer

Following on from the news of
 India receiving the 2017 Nissan GT-R
, we now look to  Australia where the first owner of the Honda NSX has taken delivery. The Australian market is fairly relevant to us as a lot of performance cars we receive seem to follow their specifications- from things like the Volkswagen Golf R to the Mazda 3 MPS. In Australia, the NSX goes for a hefty AUD 420,000 (just under RM 1.4 million), and is only available in a singular high-level specification. Only 5 dealers have been selected to sell the Honda NSX in Australia, and the price is inclusive of 3 years of free servicing.
The owner, Allen Cheng, has been an avid Honda fan for years. When the concept was first shown back in 2012, he knew that he had to have it- making sure he was on the waiting list as soon as it was open for owners. His particular NSX has the "001" vehicle identification number, while Honda Australia's own demo unit has "002". Naturally there was fanfare with the handover process as Cheng was presented with a 1:18 scale model in the same specification and colour, along with a signed letter of congratulations
The Australian NSX comes outfitted with the full interior and exterior carbon package, a full LED exterior lighting package, and carbon-ceramic brakes. There are 8 exterior colours to choose from and 4 interior choices, as each unit is specially ordered from the USA. Despite the NSX not being as outright insane as some of its contemporary rivals, its popularity is staggering: it is sold out for 2 years in the USA and for 12 months in Europe, and Australia has been lucky enough to lock their production slots in.


Honda Leads Thai Passenger Car Market for First Half of 2016

Honda
 is the best-selling brand in Thailand’s passenger car market in the first six months of 2016, selling a total of 53,952 vehicles.
It has been a challenging year for the Thai automotive market, with overall industry volume shrank slightly from 369,109 units in the first half of 2015 to 366,373 units in the corresponding period of this year.
Passenger car sales, which includes monocoque-type SUVs such as the
Honda CR-V
, but excludes body-on-frame types such as the
Toyota Fortuner
 and
Ford Everest
, contracted more significantly, diving 12% year-on-year from 173,757 in 1H 2015 to 152,619 this year.
In spite of the sluggish market conditions, Honda’s sales decline is well-contained. The brand managed 54,793 units in the first half of 2015. Against the sharper decline of the industry in general, Honda was therefore able to expand its share of the Thai passenger market from 31.5 to 35.4%.
New launches in 2016 have been successful in sustaining customer interest in the brand. Besides refreshing the
Accord with a facelift
, Honda also added the
BR-V
 to its line-up and also introduced the
all-new Civic
, which accumulated 15,000 bookings within four months of its launch. To date, Honda has already delivered 10,000 Civics to Thai customers.
Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “Amid the slow economy and automobile market at large, Honda has introduced many new models to deliver maximum satisfaction to our customers. Our three new models have uplifted the Thai automobile market during the first six months of 2016. For the second half of the year, Honda will introduce the new Accord Hybrid model at the end of July. It will feature the latest advanced hybrid technology from Honda.”
Honda’s leadership of the Thai passenger car market is no one-hit wonder. Recent
data from the Malaysian Automotive Association
 also confirms that Honda is the second best-selling brand in our country with 39,654 vehicles sold from January to June 2016, outselling third-placed
Proton
 by 3,927 units but far behind market
Perodua
’s 97,370 units.


Spyshot: Could This Be The Updated Proton Suprima S?

Proton has already introduced the improved Iriz and Exora, both of which carry the improvements from the Persona, including new TCU calibration software. However, both the Proton Preve and Suprima S curiously have not been updated.
According to our friends over at
Funtasticko
, Proton will be introducing the updated Preve and Suprima S in the near future. In fact, this newly-revised Proton Preve is said to have entered pre-production phase in Tanjung Malim.
We reckon that the updated Proton Suprima S could be introduced in the near future as well, as we captured this particular mule climbing the hills of Genting Highlands.
Visually, the only difference we noticed is the different wheels worn on this test mule. The rest of the Proton Suprima S looks identical to the model currently on sale.
Apart from that, we believe that this mule could be featuring Proton's new three-point engine mount design first found on the 2016 Persona and subsequently made its way to the updated Iriz. The new 3-point engine mount design is designed to reduce vibrations and harshness from entering the cabin.


Bajet 2023: RM20 Juta Untuk Bina Litar Drag – Untuk Setiap Negeri?

Menteri Kewangan, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz telah mengumumkan peruntukan sebanyak RM20 Juta untuk
membina litar lumba drag
 di Malaysia!

Pengumuman itu telah dibuat ketika perbentangan Bajet 2023 yang berlangsung pada 7 Oktober lalu. Persoalannya, bila agaknya kita bakal menerima litar drag yang dicanang ini?

RM20 Juta Bina Litar Drag

Sebanyak RM20 Juta akan diperuntukkan untuk pembangunan litar drag di Malaysia bagi menggalakkan lebih banyak penglibatan belia dalam sukan permotoran di platform yang betul.

Pembinaan litar drag telah dipilih kerana perlumbaan drag dilihat kurang berbahaya jika dibandingkan dengan perlumbaan trek kerana ia hanya memerlukan jalan yang lebih pendek dan lurus.

Walau bagaimanapun, tiada maklumat terperinci mengenai pembahagian peruntukan pembangunan litar tersebut termasuk bila serta di mana litar ini akan dibangunkan.

Dana RM20 Juta itu juga tidak dapat dipastikan sama ada ianya hanya diperuntukkan untuk membina satu litar drag ataupun bakal dibahagikan untuk dibina di beberapa tempat.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

Setiap Negeri Bakal Terima Litar Drag?

Pada Ogos lalu, Perdana Menteri, Ismail Sabri Yaakob mengumumkan bahawa kerajaan mahu membangunkan
litar drag di setiap negeri
 ketika menghadiri acara
RXZ
 Members 4.0 di Terengganu International Drag Strip yang bertempat di Gong Badak.

Namun tiada sebarang maklumat berkenaan berapa banyak litar drag akan dibangunkan dengan dana yang diperuntukkan.

Secara realistiknya, mustahil untuk kerajaan membina litar drag baharu di setiap negeri dengan dana sebanyak RM20 juta sahaja. Ketika ini, hanya ada dua litar drag dibina iaitu di Terengganu dan Melaka.

Lagenda Permotoran Mahu RM20 Juta Diguna Sebaiknya

Sementara itu, legenda permotoran negara, Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini mahu peruntukan RM20 juta itu digunakan sebaik-baiknya, terutama dalam membina litar mesra rakyat bagi menarik lebih ramai pengunjung melakukan pelbagai aktiviti dalam satu-satu masa.

Menurut Shahrol, jika kerajaan mahu membina litar yang mempromosikan perlumbaan trek di Malaysia, ia agak sukar berbanding pembinaan litar drag.

Beliau turut berharap agar kerajaan bekerjasama dengan syarikat swasta untuk membina litar yang boleh menarik minat anak muda untuk turut serta biarpun tidak bertaraf seperti Litar Antarabangsa Sepang.

Malah, Shahrol menganggap peruntukan kali ini mampu membawa impak positif terutama dalam pembangunan bakat baharu di samping sebagai salah satu inisiatif kerajaan untuk membendung aktiviti lumba haram di jalan raya.


All-New 2018 Nissan Leaf Teased

Launched in 2011, the current generation Nissan Leaf is the world’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV). Over the years, Nissan has given Leaf several improvements, most notably an upgrade to a larger lithium-ion battery pack. In 2016, customers were given an option to choose either a standard 24 kWh battery or a 30 kWh battery.
An all-new Nissan Leaf is expected to be introduced later this year, most probably as a 2018 model when it goes on sale in major EV markets around the world.
Apart from this sold teaser image which shows the all-new Leaf’s LED headlamps, Nissan did not reveal much else. However, you can be certain the driving range will be significantly increased.
The outgoing Nissan Leaf has a claimed driving range of 200 km (New European Driving Cycle). Real-world driving range is around 150 to 170 km (with air-conditioning and headlamps in use). The all-new Nissan Leaf’s claimed driving range is expected to be in the range of upwards of 250 km.


Frankfurt 2015: The Honda Civic Type R Is What Dreams Are Made Of

The all-new
Honda Civic
 Type R may have been
revealed earlier in the year
 but it still commands a presence wherever it shows up and this time, it is at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, where we’re bringing you live photos of the much-awaited hot hatch.
Seen here in Championship White, the Civic Type R is not subtle in its aggressive styling. With slates and many, many angular bits that add up to its final look, they also play a vital role in aerodynamics to optimise downforce and air flow.
Pop open the hood and you’ll find a new direct-injection, turbocharged 2.0-litre VTEC engine. Delivering 310PS at 6,500rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,500rpm, drivers will have the tactile pleasure of rowing through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Nestled in those sport bucket seats and with a nice chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel in your hands, you’re bound to have a good time.
For now, do enjoy the gallery we’ve put up below and maybe wish real hard that
Honda
 Malaysia brings the hot hatch officially to Malaysia.
Read more:
All-New 10th Generation 2016 Honda Civic Debuts In USA - Best In-Class Everything!
Cycling Fans Will Love The Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept: Debuts At Frankfurt
Euro-Spec Honda Civic Type R Full Details Revealed
Honda’s All-New British-Built Civic Type R Is Headed For Sale In Japan


KLIMS 2018: Hyundai i30N Makes An Appearance, 275 PS And A Manual Transmission

The Hyundai stand at the KLIMS 2018 has probably the most
diverse line-up of powertrains on display
. Apart from launching the
all-new Hyundai Santa Fe
 7-seater SUV, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) also displayed their new i30N.
The Hyundai i30N is no regular hatchback. Hyundai’s high-performance line-up carries the ‘N’ nomenclature and the engineers at its Namyang Technology Research Centre have changed the majority of the parts on the regular i30 hatchback to performance-focused items.
The team from Namyang then completed development work of the i30N at the famed 20.8-kilometre Nürburgring Nordschleife loop in Germany, fine-tuning all the dynamic parameters. Over the period of testing and validation, the team clocked over 10,000 kilometres around the famed twisty high-speed circuit.
The engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder displacing 2.0 litres and generating high outputs of 275 PS at 6,000 rpm and 353 Nm of torque. An overboost function during full throttle applications momentarily increases torque output to 378 Nm.
All that performance is mated to a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission that also features a fancy electronically-controlled differential called ‘N Corner Carving Differential’. The drive is only channelled to the Pirelli P-Zero tyres up front.
With the help of launch control and smooth shifting, acceleration from rest to 100 km/h can be completed in 6.1 seconds.
Other performance features in the Hyundai i30N include:
N Grin Control (Five drive modes including Sport, N and N Custom)
N Display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Adaptive electronically controlled suspension
Variable-sound exhaust system
19-inch wheels with 235/35R19 custom-developed Pirelli P-Zero tyres (HN)
High-performance braking system (345 mm front disc diameter)
Launch control
Heavily bolstered N sports seats
HSDM has no mention of the timeline to introduce the Hyundai i30N in Malaysia. News reports meanwhile shared that Hyundai is planning to have an eight-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) option available by late 2019.


G12 BMW 740Li Preview Drive – Putting Technology and Class Back Into Driving

Despite changing its marketing tune over the years, and jousting for the top spot in the premium car segment year after year, for many the name
BMW
 is still defined by the same old “The Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline it has been using since the 1970s. Even though handling competence doesn’t rank as highly amongst customers as it once did, those descriptive words has shaped BMW’s image and fortunes to this very day, which leaves their flagship limousine, the
new G11/G12 7 Series
 in a tricky quandary.
Limousines, as conventional wisdom dictates, aren’t made for driving. They are big staterooms on wheels with plush recliners for seats to lounge in as someone else on your payroll shuffles you to your next destination. More so in today’s context as limousines are at the cutting edge of autonomous driving technology, which are used to reduce the reliance on the driver and imbue occupants with a better peace of mind that their top dollar ride is also doing its part in driving.
I say all this because BMW’s sixth instalment to their
7 Series family
 certainly hasn’t conformed to the thought of relegating the best seat in the house to the rear just yet. Equipped with the Driving Assistant Plus package, the 7 Series in Malaysia comes with clever steering and directional control assistant with a Lane Departure Warning Assistant with active side collision protection, rear collision prevention, Person Warning with Light City Braking Function, and cross-traffic warning, on top of the usual radar-guided cruise control paired with Stop&Go functionality that has become de rigueur in its class. So while these features really do take the edge off the stresses in one’s daily commute, especially when dealing with its 5,238mm girth, the 7 Series hasn’t entirely eliminated much of the responsibility of driving it from the driver.
Instead, the more we poked our noses around the grandiose body and fine cabin of the 740Li, which BMW Group Malaysia graciously gave an exclusive preview of, the more the 7 Series came across as a car built to be just as enjoyable in the driver’s perch as it is in the back.
As it is with BMW tradition, the dashboard is still built around the driver, with the centre console being ever slightly slanted towards the driver, and every button and knob being placed well within the driver’s reach. If you are familiar with BMW’s dashboard layout, then the dashboard in the 7 Series won’t come out as a surprise to you.
What does come as a surprise is the level to which BMW have upped the quality in the cabin. Its buttons and switches have a beautiful high-quality metallic finish, whereas fine leather has been draped over the interior as far as the eye can see. There is leather even in the places where the eyes don’t see and the hands don’t reach such as the rear bulkhead behind the centre armrest and the front seat pockets.
Though its interior design is more evolutionary, the on board features on the other hand are revolutionary. While the 7 Series is fitted with BMW’s familiar and intuitive iDrive system, BMW has sought to elevate the user experience with a complete revamp of its near-perfect infotainment system. Now fitted with a wider 10.25-inch high resolution monitor, users can navigate its improved interface by either touching the desired function on the screen or using its new BMW gesture control, which uses a 3D infrared camera that allows you to tweak the infotainment system’s volume, accepting or dismissing phone calls, with the wave of a hand or twist of a finger. The adoption of gesture control allows you to control the car’s commonly used functions without needing to press any buttons, though it took us a while to try and master the gesture control and made us wonder if it would actually improve the user experience while being on the move.
You don’t even need to get inside the car to find out the vehicle status anymore. With the BMW Display Key, users can scroll through the 7 Series’ status on its fuel level, central locking, window and glass roof, as well as its service prompts, all from its miniature screen. Although it is rather big, almost the size of an average adult male’s palm, it is surprisingly light and can easily fit into your front shirt pocket without leaving any bulges or creases.
However the 7 Series’ strangest fixture this side of the limousine business is its thick rimmed sculpted leather bound three-spoke steering wheel, which is a show of intent of what it is made for. Taking lessons in carbon-fibre manufacturing from their ‘i’ car programme, the 7 Series features a Carbon Core body structure.
Give the A-pillar and C-pillar a light tap and you would hear that unmistakable wooden sound of carbon fibre. It isn’t only that, the roof cross members, package tray, sills, and centre tunnel are also made from the lightweight material. This hybrid spaceframe construction means that the 7 Series is up to 130kg lighter than its predecessor. Furthermore with less weight in the roof structure and a stiffer centre structure, the 7 Series now boasts a lower centre of gravity and better rigidity, which in turn it means business when it comes to the job of going around corners.
On a short drive around some hilly roads the 740Li proved to be amazingly agile. Although we left it to its “Comfort” setting the body does roll around a fair bit, as expected of the ride being in its soft ride setting, it is still remarkably wieldy and dare we say it, rather indulgent to drive. Never once does its 1,845kg mass feel flabby or uncontrollable, even on high-speed bends the car’s poise is impressive.
In order to balance the occupant’s needs for comfort and the driver’s demands for sporty handling, the 7 Series comes fitted with front and rear self-levelling air suspension with Dynamic Damper Control. The Dynamic Damper Control now adds an “Adaptive” mode to the Driving Experience Control’s usual settings of “Comfort”, “Sport”, and “ECO PRO”. In “Adaptive” the system would automatically adjust the powertrain and chassis setting according to the driver’s driving style and the route profile.
Unfortunately our short stint with the 740Li meant that we weren’t able to see if the “Adaptive” mode really would be able to keep up with the driver’s pressing demands. However what we are able to tell is that the 740Li’s Executive Drive Pro system works wonders with its behaviour on the road. Working in unison with the air suspension system, the Executive Drive Pro system features an electromechanical active roll stabilisation feature, which is able to cull body roll, giving it level and stable ride even when taking corners with plenty of gusto. Put together with its carbon-fibre construction, you might say that this is the closest thing you might get to a proper four-door luxury sports car.
To complement its smooth and refined demeanour, the 740Li’s all-new 3-litre inline-six turbocharged unit is one gem of an engine. Dining on a diet of petrol the engine delivers an impressive amount of low end torque, 450Nm from as low as 1,380rpm, and steadily builds up in urge, culminating in a total power output of 326hp at 5,500rpm. Coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission, this leviathan is able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and on the NEDC cycle is still able to clock in a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.6L/100km. However more than its power and torque figures, this inline-six engine stands out as being one of the smoothest running engines in the business, and even if you wrung it out the power unit barely feels flustered, a shining testament to BMW’s high standard of powertrain refinement.
Even with such focus on handling finesse and driver engagement, life in the back seat hasn’t taken a metaphorical back seat, so to speak. Rear accommodations in the 7 Series is very roomy with reclining seats upholstered in soft luxurious hide, and two 10-inch rear-seat entertainment screens for you to occupy yourself with on the daily commute.
The old iDrive system in the back has been replaced for something more suited in granting occupants full control over its many and varied features. Fold down the centre armrest and you will find BMW’s new Touch Command control unit. Though it looks like a touch screen panel, the control unit is a removable 7-inch tablet that can be released and presented to the user at the touch of a button.
This wireless tablet allows occupants to control everything from the rear-seat entertainment system, climate control settings, driving and navigation information, raise or lower the sunshades, control the sunroof, tweak the ambient lighting, and even adjust the rear seat massage and ventilation functions. As it is with BMW’s iDrive system, the level of integration between the Touch Command tablet and its multiple features are flawless with slick high-resolution animations and intuitive graphics that correspond immediately with the vehicle features.

To give occupants a more welcoming atmosphere in the cabin, BMW engineers had turned to fitting special lighting fixtures to enhance the ambience inside. At the press of a key fob microoptic lenses on the 7 Series’ underbody would project a striped pattern that would guide occupants to the door. Inside the cabin is bathed by the subtle glow of the ambient lighting strip that wraps around the instrument panel, door belt lines, and foot wells.
Also included on the long wheelbase models that are available in Malaysia is the 7 Series’ new Ambient highlight, which are vertically arranged light sources that disperses a diffuse light that provides a more comfortable ambience for rear-seat occupants. Over head the 740Li’s panoramic Sky Lounge glass roof features an LED-based lighting installation, which is comprised of over 15,000 lighting elements in the glass, giving rear-seat occupants a dazzling overhead décor.
As strange as it sounds, with BMW’s focus on making a limousine that is actually pretty good to drive the 7 Series comes across as the most well-rounded limousines around today. As much as you can imagine yourself indulging in its rear seat appointments, the 7 Series is the sort of limousine you can almost see yourself being perched up at the helm and actually enjoying yourself just as much.
And not to mention this 7 Series is one of the most beautiful limousines around with a body that looks more sculpted rather than drawn. The 7 Series cuts an authoritative profile with a commanding presence that befits an automobile of distinction. This is perhaps the most beautiful 7 Series since the 1990s E38 of James Bond and Transporter fame, which makes it even appropriate to be seen stepping out of the driver’s perch, rather than hiding away in the back. The 740Li is temptress that is enough to make you keep that swank display key to yourself, instead of passing it onto a chauffeur.
BMW 740Li Specifications
Price: RM788,800 (OTR with Exclusive BMW 100 Years Anniversary Price)
Engine: 2,998cc inline-6, turbocharged petrol
Max Power: 326hp @ 5,500-6,500rpm
Max Torque: 450Nm @ 1,380-5,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 5.6 seconds
Top Speed: 250km/h
Fuel Consumption (NEDC Combined): 6.6L/100km
Safety Features: 6 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control incl. Dynamic Traction Control, Driving Assistant Plus package, Heads-up Display, Laserlight headlights with High-Beam assistance, Surround View camera, ABS with brake assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points


We need the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness here in Malaysia

Subaru of America has launched its latest 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and it is exactly what it sounds like - a super rugged-looking SUV.

Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, the Wilderness version is based on the regular
Subaru Crosstrek
 model but has been bumped up to be more adaptable in trail-driving conditions (something that is quite popular in North America).

We already know about the brand's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, but the Crosstrek Wilderness has been enhanced with a revised drivetrain, standard X-Mode, increased ground clearance to 236mm (thanks to longer coil springs and shock absorbers), and the most obvious update, a rugged set of body cladding that kind of reminds us of the bots in Gundam.

We're talking new features and design elements for its front and rear bumpers, hexagonal front grille, larger wheel arch cladding, front metal skid plate, hex-design LED fog lights, and a matte black anti-glare bonnet decal.

To ensure that everyone knows that this particular Crosstrek is indeed the Wilderness version, you'll also find a lot of the Subaru Wilderness badges around the outside and perhaps our favourite exterior feature, the Geyser Blue colourway that's exclusive for the Wilderness range.

Underneath all that lies a 2.5-litre boxer unit that punches out 182hp and 238Nm of torque. This is then mated to a retuned Lineartronic CVT transmission with a revised differential gear ratio for better off-road performance to better tackle the trails.

This not only helps in its ability to offer better climbing ability at higher speeds and optimised traction at lower speeds but also increases its maximum towing capacity to 1,587kg as the Crosstrek Wilderness also comes with a transmission oil cooler as standard.

Other features include:

Ladder-type roof rack system with dynamic load capacity

Increased approach angle to 20 degrees

Exclusive 17-inch matte black alloy wheels

Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tyres + more

Step inside the cabin and you'll be welcomed with the seats wrapped with the Subaru StarTex material embossed with the Subaru Wilderness logo (which also happens to be water-resistant) and copper-coloured stitching and accents. Quite a combo with the rest of its black and Gunmetal Gray trim combination.

The Crosstrek Wilderness also features the Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which also works as a centralised information display and on-screen controls that display combination meter integrations, climate, and other vehicle functions.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness in the US is priced from $31,995 (around RM140,850) and there are a lot of options and packages that you can throw in to further elevate its driving experience. We need this in Malaysia, pronto!


LEAKED: Upcoming BMW 340i To Pump Out 321hp From Its New 3.0L Turbo Six?

With BMW readying the 2016 facelifted F30 3 Series, the leaks in the grapevine suggests some other changes beyond cosmetic are also on the books. Most interestingly, details about the new B58 3-litre straight six turbocharged engine and its home in the next flagship 3 Series, the 340i.
Should these leaks from
Bimmerpost
 prove accurate, the much praised N55 engine that
BMW
 has been producing since 2009 will be retired, making way for its successor - the B58 - to slot into the roles that it left behind. It seems a shoe-in to power the 2016 340i (BMW is changing naming scheme from
335i
 to 340i), just as the N20 engine that currently powers the
328i
 will be swapped out for the newer B48 engine for 2016 model year to go along with the naming scheme change to 330i.
Images from Bimmerpost
The table below show the prototype 340i's power output at 240kW, which translates to 321hp. Of course, these figures aren’t final and can alter from prototype to prototype as they often do, but regardless it does give us a good enough indicator of what we can expect: a moderate power gain over the 335i’s 300hp from its N55 power plant.
Expect new B58-derived engines to power the facelifted
M3
 and
M4
 as well as the M135i, M235i and all if not most of the other 3.0L turbocharged straight six powered cars that BMW offers, should Munich deem an engine refresh as necessary. The N55 has still got a lot of live in it, after all.
As for the exterior changes on the new F30
3 Series
, the first thing to note is a paint option that looks like the Mediterranean Blue seen on the
2 Series Active Tourer
 that’s sort of reminiscent of the Laguna Seca Blue shade of the E46 M3. A revised front end that, although hidden behind camouflage, is expected to feature changes to the bumper, headlights and BMW’s kidney grilles. Minor alterations to the rear along with LED headlights are also expected to make the list.


Toyota Records Strong Sales In First Quarter Of 2021

UMW Toyota has ended quarter one of 2021 on a high on the back of the launch of the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross.

UMW Toyota managed to sell more than 17,000 units of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the first quarter of 2021. This represents an approximate market share of 12.1 percent an increase of 62 percent year on year compared to sales volume for the same period in 2020.

This was fuelled by demand for the recently launched
2021 Toyota Corolla Cross
 of which all 750 units of the CBU G variant have been sold out. UMW Malaysia is continuing with order-taking for both the 1.8 G and V variants with CKD deliveries expected in quarter four of 2021.

“Malaysia has seen strong Toyota sales this year due to improving conditions of the pandemic.  With our wider line-up of models and exciting offerings, we are confident that our sales volume will grow steadily this year and certainly exceed the volume recorded in 2020. As always, we thank our loyal customers and also welcome those who are owning a Toyota for the first time,”  said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

Toyota's best-selling models were the
Toyota Vios
 and
Toyota Hilux
, which leads the pick-up truck segment with 56 percent of market share in the first quarter. The Toyota Yaris holds strong onto the mantle of best non-national hatchback with an estimated 73 percent market share in Q1. Will the impending arrival of the
Honda City Hatchback
 change that?

UMW Toyota also reports that sales of the
GR Yaris
 exceeded expectations except they never clarified what those expectations were. Apparently, most of the 127 units allocated for the Malaysian market were booked within a month of its launch. We do not have official confirmation from Toyota how many units of the 127 remain. During its launch UMW Toyota stated that less than 200 units of the GR Yaris will be made available locally, suggesting that there might be a possibility of importing in more units if the local allocation is exhausted and demand is overwhelming.

Commenting on the achievement, President, Ravindran K., said: “During the first quarter of  2020, the market was already declining due to the pandemic. This year, it’s a different story;  with the situation easing as well as the support by the government through the PENJANA  program that exempts sales tax partially or fully until June 30 this year, new vehicle sales have been consistently high. In fact, for Toyota, our momentum started in December when we launched the Toyota GR Yaris and Vios GR-Sport which excited the market and set a positive note to enter 2021,” he added.


2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class CKD Launched In Malaysia - From RM287,888

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
 has introduced the latest
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
 which are locally-assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered in two variants - the
C 200 Avantgarde Line
 and the C 300 AMG Line. The best-selling model series in the past decade in Malaysia carries its iconic sporty exterior with  'class-leading and innovative' interior features.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde Line - RM287,888

Highly regarded as the baby S-Class, the new CKD Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts with the C 200 Avantgarde line. As the name suggests, the C 200  comes ready with the Avantgarde line exterior features which include its unique radiator grille design with high-sheen aluminium trim strips.

The C 200 Avantgarde Line also features the lowered comfort suspension for a sportier stance and ride comfort quality whilst riding on a set of 18-inch five-spoke wheels. Those are the main features that differentiate it from the C 300 AMG Line, including its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid unit that produces
204hp
 and
300Nm
 of torque.

Mated to a 9G-Tronic transmission unit, the CKD C 200 is able to hit 0-100km/h in just 7.6 seconds (also thanks to its 15kW electric motor) before arriving to its top speed of 246km/h. As for pricing, you can get your very own unit at RM287,888 (OTR price excluding insurance).

2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line - RM327,888

While the C 200 is already a sporty-looking C-Class on its own, it's regarded as the more elegant or 'low-profile' variant compared to the C 300 AMG Line. With this model, you'll get even sportier accents thanks to its AMG Line exterior.

This includes the Mercedes-Benz pattern grille with the star design in chrome upfront that's paired together with a set of 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels. There's also the panoramic sunroof, LED High-Performance headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist to justify the price hike.

Well, those and also a bigger 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine which produces
258hp
 and
400Nm
 of torque. This translates to a century run of only six seconds followed by a top speed of 250km/h.

This beauty will set you back at RM327,888 (OTR price excluding insurance). Everything else about these CKD C-Class is the same as the CBU models which were introduced earlier this year. This includes its 12.3-inch free-standing driver display, 11.9-inch centre screen, ambient lighting, and more.


Volkswagen To Celebrate Atlas’s US Launch and Microbus’s Heritage With Lego

Apart from cars, Volkswagen will also be showing two Lego brick set models at next week’s 2017 Chicago Auto Show.
Made up more than 20,000 Lego bricks, the 2 foot by 5 foot display is set against a landscape that transitions from city life to outdoor scenery, demonstrating the go-anywhere spirit of the two Volkswagen models – a first generation Microbus and the upcoming all-new seven-seater Volkswagen Atlas.
Previewed at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year, the
Atlas will go on sale
 in USA and China later this year. Volkswagen have yet to confirm if the seven-seater SUV will be introduced in other parts of the world.
None of these Lego-made Volkswagen models are official sets, at least not yet.
As for the Microbus, Lego did produce an official model under the T1 Camper Van name some years back. It’s part of the Lego Creator series product so it might not be as mechanically detailed as a Technics model, but it does try to replicate the T1’s iconic air-cooled engine behind. Some stores might still have stocks of it, priced upwards of RM450.


Audi A3 and A5 Sportback Models Added To Local Lineup

To complement its range of SUV models – the
Q2, Q5, Q7, and Q8
 – all of which were launched simultaneously at the start of the year, Audi Malaysia has made available two new models: the A3 sedan and A5 Sportback.
This takes the total model portfolio to seven models, inclusive of the A4 sedan; the Audi TT is no longer listed on its website.
Here’s a shortlist of the entire model range and prices:
A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI: RM239,750
A4 Sedan Sport 2.0 TFSI: RM319,900
A5 Sportback Sport 2.0 TFSI Quattro: RM339,900
Q2 Sport 1.4 TFSI: RM219,720
Q5 Sport 2.0 TFSI Quattro: RM339,900
Q7 3.0 TFSI Quattro: RM599,900
Q8 3.0 TFSI Quattro: RM727,900
All prices are on-the-road, excluding insurance.
The facelifted Audi A3 was introduced locally at the end of March. Power comes from 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque; the engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Highlights of the facelifted model include a redesigned front and rear end, updated LED headlights and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals. 18-inch wheels are offered as standard. Interior highlights include a larger (7.0-inch) MMI Navigation Plus infotainment unit and 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit. A Dual-Zone air-conditioning system is also offered as standard.
The second-generation Audi A5 Sportback also entered the Malaysian market at the tail end of March. Highlights of the new model include sharp-looking Full-LED headlights and trapezoidal LED taillights. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 252 hp and 370 Nm and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Adaptive dampers and 19-inch alloy wheels feature as standard.
On the inside, much of the A5 Sportback’s dashboard architecture is identical to the A4 sedan, the 8.3-inch free-standing MMI Navigation Plus screen is complemented by a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit screen that relays all important driving information. Triple-zone climate control and a ten-speaker audio system are included as standard.
For the latest deals on Audi vehicles, click
here
.


2015 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG Drops Edition 1 In Malaysia, Price Reduced

The well-received 2015
Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG
 will no longer be sold in Malaysia with its Edition 1 stripes – tough luck if you’ve had your hopes pinned on one.
Why? Well, the
Mercedes-Benz
 Edition 1 styling kit is typically limited to a first run of cars introduced in a country, and that span has now run out.
*Image above does not identically reflect the exact vehicle on sale here
Prices for the car appear to have been reduced ever so slightly, shedding RM2,000 over the previous RM348,888, to now RM346,888.
All other major specifications have been retained, which sees Mercedes-Benz Malaysia specifying the car as closely as they can to the Edition 1 model. This includes the exterior AMG Night Package (
front splitter, side sill inserts, rear apron trims, exterior mirror housings
) and Aerodynamics Package styling kit in gloss black (
additional flics on front apron, bigger front splitter, AMG rear aero-foil
), and 19-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels, etc.
Apart from the stripes and red decals, the only other big difference on the exterior of this and the Edition 1 model is the lack of a sunroof in the 2015 model.
Inside, all Edition 1 badges are no more, but the same upholstery and AMG Performance fittings and more are exactly as they were before. The AMG Performance seats are still in their embossed leather with red stripes, likewise with the various red top stitching on the three-spoke steering wheel, door armrests, and shift lever.
Check out Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s
digital price list for the A 45 AMG
.


New 2021 Proton X50 vs Used Honda CR-V – RM100k Bargain Battle

The Proton X50 is without a doubt the
most technologically advanced and capable car
 to come out of the Proton stable. Offering superb value for money and features, the X50 is on par if not better than even its Japanese and Korean made counterparts, which has long been the benchmark for the SUV segment but is it a smarter buy compared to a used Honda CR-V?

Cars like the
Honda HR-V
,
CR-V,

Kia Sportage
 and Hyundai Tucson have long been the standard-bearers in terms of value for money packages for the common family car buyers.

However, the same money for a new
Proton X50 1.5L Flagship
 also gives you a plethora of options of the used car market, so why not compare the new kid on the block to the old guard, here is our brief take on the Proton X50 versus the Honda CR-V.

Prices

The top-spec Proton X50 TGDI Flagship retails for approximately RM103,300, which puts a prospective buyer in touch with some 2017 and 2018 production year units of the fifth-generation (RW) Honda CR-V, first launched here in July 2017. Prices range from just over RM100k to around RM125k depending on specifications. Note that the cheaper options are the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated models. The 1.5-litre turbocharged variants retail for just about RM110k – however, with any used car, prices are negotiable and not set in stone.

Specifications

With price as the main criteria, let us compare technical specifications of the Honda CR-V 2.0L 2WD and the Proton X50:

Of course, it’s easy to see that the Proton X50 Flagship offers more power and safety features than the base spec CR-V 2.0L. The full-spec CR-V 1.5L TC-P which as we’ve mentioned, costs about RM10k-15k more on the used market will more than equal to the offering of the X50. However, as you might surmise, the CR-V is a much larger car, both in occupant space and cargo room, therefore the used option, in this case, will offer far more room for your family.

Driving Experience

The Proton X50 is a very capable and surefooted SUV around the city or on a twisty backroad, it steers with authority and offers decent body control at speed on the highway as well as in the bends.
With 175hp and 255Nm at your disposal
, it has an impressive turn of speed as well – let us just say you will not have much trouble trying to overtake a slower car on the highway.

On the downside, the brakes in the X50 tend to lack linearity, therefore one can get caught out either pressing too little or too much brake, but you get used to this with time.

As for the Honda CR-V, it has a pristine reputation for being superbly comfortable and poised when on the roads. Its brakes are superb and the size
belies its dynamic ability
 because it’s also very surefooted when chucked into a corner. It’s also the car you’d prefer on longer journeys given its sublime cabin refinement and ergonomics.

The engine as well, though down on power on paper – is a proven unit that has seen service in a variety of Honda vehicles, it’s also very eager to rev and offers a nice linear power delivery that bodes well with its CVT-type transmission.

It’s very hard to fault the CR-V for how it performs and drives but in our previous tests, we surmised that the overall ride quality and performance is highly dependent on having a good set of tyres under you. As we’ve experienced before, worn tyres tend to substantially increase cabin noise and compromise the overall performance of the car, hence this is something to look for when buying a used CR-V.

Convenience

It’s pretty hard to beat the overall execution and equipment levels of the X50, for one it offers technology and active safety features of cars costing twice or more than it and this is great for prospective owners. Highlight features include active cruise control, the advanced 10.25-inch (GKUI19) touchscreen infotainment system and even parallel auto parking. However, the X50 will best fit young executives or small families as anyone who has had to carry a full array of baby items (baby seat, stroller etc.) will know… a decent-sized car can become very small, very quick if you have to carry the entire family.

This is where a used CR-V might actually be a safer bet if you have two or more young children or a baby on the way, the CR-V is a far more accommodating package than an X50 and this can make or break your decision when looking for an SUV. In terms of convenience features, the CR-V offers a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, passive cruise control and dual-zone climate control.

Conclusion

While prospective buyers are getting superb value when buying either of these two SUVs, this report is intended to better inform our readers on what their RM100k buys them if they compared new offerings to what is available on the used car market.

Also note, that while both are competent SUVs, the X50 and CR-V
can serve very different purposes depending on buyer requirements
 therefore it’s also good to consider what you need from an SUV before committing to a purchase.


Audi Malaysia Introduces Facelifted Q3 Range – Prices from RM218k

Audi Malaysia has announced that the facelifted 2015 Audi Q3 is open for booking at all authorised Audi dealerships from today. As before, the Q3 range consists of the 1.4TFSI and 2.0TFSI quattro, with prices starting at RM217,900 and RM252,900 respectively.
Changes Above and Beneath
Perhaps the most prominent facelift feature on the Q3 is the adoption of Audi’s new sculpted Singleframe front grille, and new redesigned headlights with xenon plus technology and LED daytime running lights. Besides that, the Q3 facelift also sports more angular and prominent LED lighting elements in its taillights.
According to Audi the Q3 also features improvements done to its chassis. The changes amounts to fine-tuning to deliver an improved ride comfort and dampening.
Drivetrains Updated
Sitting in as the entry level choice, the Q3 1.4TFSI retains the same 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 150hp and 250Nm of torque from between 1,500 and 3,500rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed S tronic dual-clutch, which replaces the pre-facelift model’s 7-speed S tronic. Though its 0 to 100km/h time of 8.9 seconds is retained, top speed is bumped up to 204km/h from 200km/h, and its rated combined fuel consumption figures lowered from 6.2L/100km to 6L/100km. The 1.4TFSI variant also comes with automated start/stop with brake energy recuperation.
As for the 2.0TFSI quattro variant, its 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has been uprated from 170hp and 280Nm to 180hp and 320Nm of torque. This in turn enables the 2.0TFSI quattro to complete the century sprint in 7.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than before. Top speed on the other hand now stands at 217km/h, 5km/h higher. Even with a bigger engine and quattro all-wheel drive on hand, the Q3 2.0TFSI quattro is more efficient with a 1L/100km lower combined fuel consumption figure at 6.7L/100km, though its automated start/stop function doesn’t come with brake energy recuperation.
Features Galore
When it comes to features, the Audi Q3 range is outfitted with the standard MMI radio, which features a 6.5-inch TFT colour display and the Audi sound system with a 6-channel amplifier hooked up to an ensemble of 10 speakers. As for driving aids, the Q3 comes with Parking aid plus (upgradable to the Parking assist with 360-degree display for the 2.0TFSI quattro), hill-start assist, automatic luggage compartment lid, electronic stabilisation control including traction control, electronic brake force distribution, electronic differential lock, and ABS.
On top of those features, both Q3 variants come complete with a full complement of six airbags, and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.


Renault Introduces New Generation Petrol Engine, To Be Introduced In Various Models In 2018

Renault has introduced a new direct injection turbocharged 1.3 petrol engine.
Set to be offered first in the 2018 Scenic and Grand Scenic next year with a choice of three power levels - TCe 115 manual, TCe 140 and TCe 160 manual/ EDC automatic – the new engine will be progressively offered in the Renault range throughout 2018 in a variety of power ratings between 115 hp and 160 hp.
"Compared with the Energy TCe 130, the new Energy TCe 140 delivers 35 Nm additional peak torque which is available across a broader rev band, from 1,500 rpm to 3,500 rpm," said Philippe Brunet, Alliance’s Global Vice President of Powertrain and Electric Vehicles division.
Co-developed with Nissan and Daimler, the engine features Bore Spray Coating, a cylinder coating technology from the Nissan GT-R engine which improves efficiency by reducing friction and optimising heat transfer.
Other technologies include increased direct fuel injection pressure and a specific combustion chamber design which improves the fuel and air mixture.
In addition, the ‘Dual Variable Timing Camshaft’ technology controls the intake and exhaust valves according to engine loads.
According to Renault, the result is more torque at low revs and more linear torque available at high revs, for significant benefit in terms of driving comfort with better mid-range response.


Sunway To Go Cashless And Ticketless With Smart Parking System

Sunway recently held a media preview of Sunway Smart Parking, the largest fully integrated license plate recognition system which embraces multiple e-wallet partners including GrabPay, Boost, WeChat Pay, Alipay, Touch N’ Go Digital, and Maybank QR alongside credit partners MasterCard, Visa, American Express, JCB, UnionPay, and MyDebit.

The cashless and ticketless parking experience is part of Sunway’s digitalisation journey to enable hassle-free experiences for its shoppers.

Sunway Smart Parking will be deployed within Sunway City, which comprises Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Hotels and Menara Sunway.

It is the first smart parking system to embrace multiple e-wallet payment options to provide greater convenience for all drivers. Currently, the system is online for season parkers and will be rolled out to public in Q1 2020.

With Sunway Smart Parking, drivers do not need to retrieve and pay using a parking ticket when they enter and exit.

Instead, they will need to register their car plate number through the Sunway Parking portal. Once registered, they only need to ensure that their car plate is attached to a participating e-wallet to make payment, which will then enable them to move in and out of Sunway properties without any hassle.

When shoppers who are registered with the system enter the properties, their car plates will be scanned by a licence plate recognition system.

Once the license plate has been identified, the parking boom gate will automatically lift and they can be on their way.

For shoppers who do not use any e-wallets or do not have internet access, they can opt to pay with the Touch ‘n’ Go card or through the auto payment system for this period to allow time for adoption.

Shoppers who register their car plate numbers during the pre-registration period will get the chance to enjoy a one-time free parking when it is open to public.


Kenali Car Seat Yang Boleh Membunuh Anak Anda!

Tahukah anda penggunaan
kerusi keselamatan kanak-kanak
 atau car seat yang tidak mengikut piawaian yang telah ditetapkan, boleh membunuh anak anda dalam kemalangan jalan raya?

Statistik kemalangan 2017 mencatatkan seramai 73 kanak-kanak berusia antara enam hingga 10 tahun meninggal akibat
kemalangan jalan raya
. Lebih membimbangkan, kemalangan membabitkan bayi sehingga kanak-kanak berusia 10 tahun kian meningkat setiap tahun bermula dari 2013, mengikut Berita Harian.

Mantan Timbalan Menteri Pengangkutan, Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar, berkata penggunaan kerusi bayi dan kanak-kanak dalam kenderaan berupaya mengurangkan risiko kematian sehingga 71 peratus tetapi ia perlu dipasang dan digunakan dengan betul.

Daripada kajian yang dijalankan Institut Penyelidikan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Malaysia (
MIROS
), terdapat peningkatan kesedaran ibu bapa dengan peningkatan kadar penggunaan kerusi keselamatan kanak-kanak sebanyak enam peratus, iaitu daripada 38 peratus pada tahun 2019 kepada 44 peratus pada tahun 2020.

Namun, ada segelintir ibu bapa mengambil jalan mudah dengan menggunakan portable car seat yang diperbuat daripada fabrik untuk anak mereka di dalam kereta. Portable car seat ini dijual dengan pelbagai nama seperti
portable child car seat, baby and children car safety seat cushion, multi-function car cushion, portable safety car seat
 dan banyak lagi di pasaran dalam talian.

Sekali pandang, jenis car seat ini tampak sangat menarik. Didatangkan dengan warna ceria untuk menambat hati anak anda. Harganya juga jauh lebih murah berbanding car seat yang diiktiraf MIROS dan penggunaannya yang tidak begitu memakan ruang, memang menjimatkan kos lebih-lebih lagi jika anda mempunyai ramai anak kecil.

Persoalannya, adakah selamat anak anda di dalam portable car seat jika berlaku
kemalangan
?

Portable car seat yang diperbuat daripada fabrik ini
tidak
 mempunyai kekuatan yang diperlukan untuk membantu melindungi si kecil jika perlanggaran berlaku.

Hakikatnya, kekuatan yang diperlukan untuk memegang seorang bayi dalam kemalangan pada kelajuan hanya 50 km sejam adalah bersamaan dengan kekuatan yang diperlukan untuk mengangkat sebuah mesin basuh bersaiz besar.

Ujian kemalangan yang dijalankan MIROS ini juga mendapati seorang bayi seberat 7 kg boleh terhumban ke hadapan dan mengalami impak sama seperti seorang dewasa yang jatuh dari tingkat lima sebuah bangunan. Menakutkan, bukan?

Disebabkan itulah car seat yang lulus piawaian MIROS mempunyai pelbagai jenis dan fungsi, juga bergantung kepada
umur, berat dan ketinggian anak
. Kerana semakin berat dan tinggi anak anda, semakin tinggi daya ketahanan yang diperlukan car seat tersebut untuk menampung dan memegang anak anda di dalam kereta.

Pada tahun 2014, Surrey Trading Standards, sebuah badan yang bertanggungjawab melindungi hak dan keselamatan pengguna di United Kingdom telah mengeluarkan sebuah rakaman video yang menunjukkan bagaimana kanak-kanak yang menggunakan portable car seat ini boleh tercampak apabila perlanggaran berlaku dalam sebuah ujian pelanggaran. Crash test yang menggunakan
dummy
 mewakili kanak-kanak berumur sekitar 3 tahun ini dilakukan pada kelajuan 48 km sejam.

Sehubungan itu, pihak berkuasa di sana telah berusaha untuk menghalang penjualan car seat ini dan ianya turut menyalahi undang-undang di United Kingdom, Amerika Syarikat dan Australia.

Di Malaysia, penulis kurang pasti jika terdapat undang-undang yang melarang penggunaan portable car seat ini, tetapi yang pasti, ianya boleh dibeli secara online dan memang ada yang membeli dan menggunakannya bagi tujuan 'keselamatan' kanak-kanak dalam kereta.

Saranan penulis kepada ibu bapa di Malaysia, jadilah golongan dewasa yang bijak dan bertanggungjawab kerana nyawa anak anda lebih bernilai berbanding harga sebuah car seat berkualiti yang dianggap ‘mahal’ itu.


New Infiniti Q60 Coupe Begins Production In Japan

Infiniti’s all-new Q60, has officially begun production at the company’s manufacturing facility in Tochigi, Japan. Succeeding the G Coupe as
Infiniti’s
 third-generation compact executive coupe, the Q60 is positioned to take on the likes of the
BMW 4 Series
,
Audi A5
, and
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
.
A Daimler-sourced 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit producing 208hp and 350Nm keeps the Q60 in line with current engine downsizing trends, but the headline engine is a new
3.0-litre twin-turbo V6
 offered with a choice between 300hp / 400Nm and 400hp / 475Nm power ratings. Mated with 7-speed automatic transmissions as standard, the Q60 can be had in either rear- or rear-biased all-wheel drive configurations.
Succeeding the long-running and award-winning
Nissan
 VQ engine family, the new VR engine is built in a lighter and more compact cylinder block – it is over 14kg lighter than the outgoing 3.7-litre unit. A high-pressure direct injection system helps it achieve a 6.7% improvement in fuel economy over the preceding engine.
The Q60’s chassis is highly digitalized, featuring the second-generation version of the
Direct Adaptive Steering (steer-by-wire)
 system that Infiniti pioneered in the
Q50
, as well as electronic dampers.
Sharp angles adorning the Q60’s bodywork had necessitated improvements to the manufacturing techniques employed by Infiniti. The trunk-lid, for example, is a hybrid combination of a resin skin on a steel frame that requires the utilization of a new deep-body stamping technique to manufacture. The advantage of this design is that it gives Infiniti designers added freedom to develop shapes that can be moulded into a single part.
Another major enhancement implemented to the plant is a new dedicated paint booth to finish the car in its ‘Dynamic Sandstone Red’ communication colour. Similar to Mazda’s equally distinctive ‘Soul Red’ shade, Infiniti’s new glossy deep red finish requires finer control of its thickness and quality achieved through a combination of machine and manual processes.
The 216 highly-skilled Takumi working at the dedicated Infiniti production line in Nissan’s Tochigi plant are master craftsmen selected from the very best among the facility’s 4,500-strong workforce. They are specially-trained in premium vehicle manufacturing and are blessed with high levels of technical knowledge.
Local sources have indicated that the Q60 could reach Malaysian shores by 2017.
Recently, Infiniti has teamed up with
Game of Thrones
 star
Kit Harington to promote the Q60
.