2022 Honda City Hatchback Previewed Inside And Out: First Impressions

Yesterday morning, we were invited to the Sepang International Circuit to have a look at (and drive of) the newest car from Honda Malaysia: the
highly anticipated 2022 City Hatchback
, in its hybrid RS e:HEV and petrol-powered 1.5V guise.

The event began with the usual briefing before heading out onto the track, preceded by a quick splash and dash breakfast. Admittedly, this isn’t the ideal place to put an urban-oriented hatchback through its paces, but it did at least make for a very smooth drive session without any traffic interruptions. Also, privacy...

Our first peek at the 2022 City Hatchback came even before registering our arrival as that dark grey RS unit sat just before the door to the south track’s upstairs paddock lounge. That colour's called Meteoroid Steel Metallic, if you’re interested.

The cars we’d be driving were being prepared below us: one in RS e:HEV spec in a new shade called Ignite Red Metallic, and the other a more conventional 1.5V in Platinum White Pearl. As far as first impressions went, the abundance of photographs of the 2022 City Hatchback from its earlier launches in
neighbouring ASEAN markets
 coupled with the established familiarity of the City sedan meant our reactions were somewhat flat.

We knew what to expect, and saw exactly that. Objectively, it’s a handsome enough car, especially in that dark grey, and for 85 percent of the exterior, you could be convinced you’re looking at the four-door
introduced last year
.

Dimensionally, it’s also known that the hatch differs slightly from its four-door twin, being 20mm taller (to better match the Jazz) and 208mm shorter end to end. The wheelbase has also been reduced slightly to 2,589mm, down from the sedan's 2,600mm.

The hatchback body style hasn’t detracted from the City’s looks, and it in fact wears that shape quite naturally as if it were designed as a 5-door from the start. As a
replacement for the Jazz
, it certainly cuts a sharper dash, trying its hardest to shed that ‘cutesy' persona that its spiritual predecessor held with its rounded features and Pikachu-like profile -
or is that the Myvi 1.5 Extreme?

As we do not have the car’s full spec sheet to contrast against the sedan, we’ll take a stab and state that there were very little to no obvious differences in equipment or cosmetics - well, apart from that rear-end design.

On the RS that was shown prominently, LED headlamps, LED fog lights, and 16-inch two-tone alloys featured (the 1.5V gets a uniform silver finish), just like the sedan, wearing Toyo Proxes R57 tyres, and the same applied to its gloss black side mirror caps, front grille garnish with honeycomb mesh, as well as the faux carbon-fibre weave front lip and rear ‘
diffuser’
 element.

Inside, every City Hatchback gets Honda's famous Ultra Seats, just like the outgoing Jazz. This allows the rear cushions and seatbacks to be folded and arranged in multiple ways - Long, Tall, Utility, and Refresh modes - to better accommodate different types of cargo or just make the cabin as spacious as possible to relax in.

The majority of the interior images are embargoed, so you'll have to take our word for it. Cheers!

This is the sedan ya  ;)

With regard to the interior materials and finishing, again, very little came across as appreciably different when contrasted against our experience with the sedan. At the centre of the dash, both variants previewed receive an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a wired USB connection.

The same goes for what’s under their respective bonnets. All 2022 City Hatchbacks powered only by petrol get the same 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC naturally aspirated four-cylinder, producing 121PS and 145Nm. Meanwhile, the RS gains the i-MMD hybrid drivetrain, which allies a 98PS 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-pot to a pair of electric motors, capable of delivering a 109PS and 253Nm of torque to the front wheels.

Driving both cars also felt like an exercise in deja vu, but that’s what is to be expected when trying to pick apart two versions of the same car. Both the 2022 RS e:HEV and 1.5V hatch felt as good to drive as the sedan. Apparently, this 5-door body style gains improved rigidity as well, which is nice to know.

We’re not sure what the full spread of variants will be at launch, which Honda Malaysia says is “very soon”, but we can be sure that the RS will get a full complement of the company's
SENSING active safety features,
 including Collision Mitigation Braking System (or…Autonomous Emergency Braking, AEB), Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Worth noting is the absence of the SENSING suite in the white 1.5V variant we previewed, which might mean that, unlike the sedan, these features could be exclusive to the RS e:HEV.

Honestly, we had little time to both drive and poke around the car to gather enough information for more worthwhile insights. So far, however, though we might mourn its departure, the legacy of the Jazz seems to be in good hands with the new 2022 City Hatchback. At least if and until Honda decide to offer the
more advanced 4th-generation Jazz
 to our shores.


Toyota, Mazda and Denso Partner Up For EV Development

Toyota Motor Corporation has formed a joint venture with Mazda Motor Corporation and Denso Corporation to develop basic structural technologies for electric vehicles (EVs) with a view to reducing costs and development times.
Toyota and Mazda have previously
pledged to deepen ties
, in the fields of EV technology and advanced safety technology. Under the new joint venture – the three companies establishing a new company that will develop a diverse range of models including mini-vehicles, passenger vehicles, SUVs and light trucks.
The company is called EV Common Architecture Spirit Co. Ltd - owned 90 percent by Toyota while Mazda and Denso will each have stakes of five percent each.
The joint venture aims to improve the development process by combining the strengths of each company, including Mazda's bundled product planning and prowess in computer modeling-based development, Denso's electronics technologies with the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.
The new company will engage in the following activities:
Research into common vehicle architecture that defines optimum performance and functions of EVs. In terms of individual components and whole vehicle design.
Verify component installation and performance of developed vehicles.
Examination of the optimum concept for each car classification with regard to components and type of vehicle.
The company will be staffed by approximately 40 employees including selected engineers from the three companies. The three companies also aim to create a business structure that is open to participation by other automakers and suppliers.


Audi CEO Rupert Stadler May Exit Before 2022

Audi’s controversial CEO, Prof. Rupert Stadler, famously embroiled in parent company Volkswagen’s Dieselgate crisis, was recently given a new lease of life at Audi after being offered a
5-year contract extension
, until end 2022.
Now, however,
Reuters reports
, citing sources close to the matter, that Stadler may not serve his full 5-year term, as part of a broader pact with the Supervisory Board of Audi AG, who unanimously voted him for the position.
Since his contract extension on May 17, Audi’s CEO has come under more pressure as Munich prosecutors have reportedly widened their investigation regarding Audi's involvement in the Dieselgate crisis which broke in September 2015, and crucially after the country’s transport ministry accused the premium automaker of cheating on emissions tests.
From left: Matthias Müller (Chairman, Supervisory Board of AUDI AG) and Prof. Rupert Stadler
Audi is being investigated on suspicion of fraud and criminal advertising in the United States, with investigations said to be widening to include sales in Germany as well.
Separately,
Forbes Magazine
 also reported earlier this year, that new evidence had emerged, alleging Stadler to have known about the company’s strategy to fool U.S. regulators. Stating that it was an exercise that Audi reportedly planned with ‘military precision’.


2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Quick Review In Austria: Uncharted Territory

When
BMW
 Malaysia rang us up to join them on a trip that would have us driving from Munich to Austria, you could only imagine our excitement at the chance. It’s a downright privilege to say the least, being whisked away to drive brand-spanking new BMWs in foreign lands.
But the model we were up to drive didn’t seem all that “BMW” at first, if we’re honest. At the time, in fact even now, it’s admittedly strange to associate the brand with anything outside of thrill-making sportsters with a knack for going sideways around an aircraft carrier.
*BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Malaysian Launch
es in Malaysia for RM219k
Think about it. While it was actually a monster BMW
M4
 that was filmed drifting around an aircraft carrier for real, how difficult would it be to imagine any other BMW doing the same? Anything in their current line-up could easily step in and offer the same amount of tyre smoke, fun and awe.
However, BMW does now have an MPV. Right: Multi-Purpose Vehicle. And no, it isn’t a spin-off of something they’ve got, tweaked to feature a plainly larger boot or have more doors.
Taking a far more unusual approach (at BMW, at least), they’ve actually made a compact five-seater MPV in the most commonly accepted sense: a minivan, a people carrier, soccer mom’s special, a
B-Class
; whatever you want to call it.
And if that wasn’t enough to shock the everyday BMW Blog reader when news of it first surfaced, they’ve made it front-wheel drive too – that’s two major ‘firsts’ for BMW. Blasphemy? Sell-out? Treason? Go on, have at it while you can, because as we’ve found out on a trip to the Alps of Austria, all our pre-empted dispositions were way off from any accurate assessments of the all-new
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
 in question, post driving it.
And by the time you’d have read this (our lips have been sealed by BMW for a while now); they would have launched an even larger version of the car, giving it two more seats in the back, and then calling it the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.
So, what is it?
If you haven’t come around to accepting it yet, let’s recap that the 2 Series Active Tourer is BMW’s first front-wheel drive model, and their first attempt at producing a full-on MPV – albeit a compact one. To give you an idea of its size, the 2 Series Active Tourer is no more than 20mm longer than a 1 Series, but 11mm narrower than a
3 Series
. For height, the Active Tourer stands 10mm taller than a
BMW X1
. Its measurements in full are: length: 4,342 mm, width: 1,800 mm, height: 1,555 mm.
Underpinning the Active Tourer is an architecture believed to be based on the all-new F56
MINI Cooper
’s BMW-made UKL 1 platform, but adapted for a longer wheelbase. The MINI chimes in with 2,495mm, while the Active Tourer features a 2,670mm design.
The measurements listed above have predominantly one purpose, and that’s to ensure sufficient cargo and passenger spaciousness inside to keep up with the vehicle’s purpose - and there's certainly a lot of room. The tall roofline also allows for a higher seating position than common to most compact BMWs.
Driving a 2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer:
Having had the opportunity to personally enjoy the company of BMW’s chief designers and engineers while visiting facilities such as the BMW FIZ (Forschungs- und Innovations zentrum, a.k.a. Research and Innovation Center) in Munich, one thing was made very clear about the Active Tourer’s development: as much effort as they’ve put into making this a practical MPV, even more effort was put into ensuring this was still a properly dynamic BMW to drive.
Fortunately, while the company itself may have zero previous front-wheel drive models to draw insight or inspiration from, let’s not forget that it does own MINI: a brand synonymous with an insatiable and distinguished talent for making relatively large FWD vehicles that boast unrivalled go-kart-like handling.
The chassis similarities include a single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link rear axle, and way before any of us got to driving it, the sheer delight at the outcome visible on the faces of the BMW’s engineers on site may as well have spelt the result.
Day 1: The 218d Sport:
 On the road ourselves, the smoothness of Austria’s blacktop played a major part in keeping us comfortable along our initial six-hour journey from Innsbruck to Sölden. We were driving the 218d variant, which features a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo diesel engine which makes 150hp @ 4,000rpm and 330Nm of torque @ 1,750rpm. A six-speed manual transmission was specified for in this model, although, we don’t expect the stick shift option to make a debut back in Malaysia.
Rated consumption for the 218d Active Tourer is 4.1-litres/100km, and if you’re disciplined and patient enough, similar figures (if not slightly higher) are very achievable in the real world with the aid of the manual transmission. The four-pot diesel is near noiseless from where you sit, and delivers its power very smoothly. From the outside, the clatter is inescapable.
More importantly, day one of our drive left us with a positive impression of the car. Undeniably, the chassis doesn’t shy away from showing its eagerness to attack corners at speed. It’s a strange sensation: sitting so high up and feeling so obviously in a vehicle designed for people/ cargo carrying, but slowly finding more and more bravery to wrestle for grip in a corner.
BMW’s electromechanical steering translates not only perfect feel and weight, but also works hard to keep away the FWD’s torque steer from interfering with your wheel work.
Day 2: The 225i Luxury:
 Having made the trip to Sölden in the 218d and taken part in the official media launch event, the trip back to Innsbruck Airport allowed us to get in the top-spec 225i variant: a four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine tuned to deliver 231hp @ 5,000rpm and 350Nm of torque @ a very low 1,250rpm.
An eight-speed Steptronic transmission is specified as standard on the 225i, but it isn’t the same ZF-sourced unit found in almost every other modern rear-wheel drive BMW in the market today. Assigned to send power to the road on the front-wheel drive BMW is an Aisin gearbox instead, with the Japanese gearbox maker recently co-developing eight- and six-speed torque converter automatics (including the one in the Active Tourer) with BMW and MINI.
Needless to say, the powertrain pairing is highly efficient, being able to maximising its generous spread of ratios to offer fierce acceleration and excellent low-rev coasting. Any driving differences between the Aisin box and the familiar ZF one aren’t easily noticeable, but the transverse-mounted engine in the FWD Active Tourer calls for a different positioning, fitting, of the transmission versus BMW’s familiar longitudinal engine layout for its RWD cars.
Handling on the Active Tourer 225i was as sharp as we remembered it on the 218d the day before. Estranged to driving on the right side of the road whilst in a left-hand drive vehicle, this writer was certainly more confident on day two, and gave it the beans around a few of Austria’s quieter b-roads. In short, what was discovered is that this handled just like a taller, larger, MINI would. BMW’s wizardry is strongly apparent and appreciated.
However, it should be noted that the cars we were driving in Austria had the benefit of BMW’s electronically-controlled dampers, which allowed you to actively select between different setups for different demands. If or not this feature becomes available in Malaysia may make all the difference to how the car handles here – let alone what our horrendous roads will do to the ride quality.
Living with a 2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer:
Moving inside the 2 Series Active Tourer, and the entire cabin is very familiar. The positioning of the switchgear and the materials used is similar to everything we’ve seen from the brand. Although, if you’re familiar with most BMWs, you’ll find the way the A-pillars stretch far forward and the sloped, distant windscreen typical to an MPV, very different to what you know.
 INTERIOR DESIGN:
 The high seating position is something else to get used to. It isn’t misplaced or anything like that, it’s just different to anything we’ve seen the Bavarian badge slapped on to – more familiar, if we may say so, to a rival brand’s B-Class, which as far as we remember, is a very good benchmark if you’re looking to inject more family friendliness.
The one major difference to the positioning of the switchgear is the relocation of the drive mode selector switch. Previously located on the center console for most BMWs, near the gear lever, the selector is now a flick switch on the dash, facing the gear lever. The area there has been redesigned, showcasing something new from the brand.
The floating middle armrest is nicely designed, and makes for so much storage potential in the center console. The armrest itself opens up to a slot fit for the largest modern mobile phones, while the floating concept allows a second level of flat storage for other items like your wallets and keys and what not. There’s also the convenience of a USB and AUX ports. Just ahead, you get the further convenience of two cupholders.
If we had to summarize the cabin for its seating and spaciousness, we must say that it all really is very impressive stuff. The overall ergonomics, space, function and form of this car has apparently (in the most literal sense) done lots to make this an extremely sensible choice for your everyday driving.
CARGO:
 Come around to the rear, and the 40:20:40-split folding seats can be lowered flat to increase cargo carrying potential from a readily available 468 litres to 1,510 litres. The second row seat can also be slid forwards and backwards to create either more legroom for rear passengers or more boot storage. And, with no spare wheel, there’s a further 100 litres of space under the boot floor.
If you’re still not satisfied with the length of the cargo, BMW has one more trick in store for you. The front passenger seat can be folded completely flush with the rear seats for a cargo length that spans from the boot door to the dashboard up front. Comfortably, this writer would trust a 2 Series Active Tourer for transporting everything IKEA could throw at it - bar some of the things reserved for a one-tonne lorry, of which we wouldn't want to attempt assembling ourselves anyways.
EQUIPMENT & FEATURES:
Elsewhere, the floating 8.8-inch Connected Drive control display screen has been specified on our European test cars, along with the iDrive Touch controller. Unfortunately, only a 6.5-inch screen has made it to Malaysia, albeit in a lower-spec 218i variant. Regardless, it has to be said that the onboard BMW navigation system is in a class of its own. Having never been to Austria, let alone these parts of the countryside, the system doesn’t just relay information precisely and clearly via split-screen abilities on the control display screen, simple and easy to understand directions are also relayed to the head-up display system.
BMW hasn’t held back in offering their Active Tourer with loads of driver assistance systems either. On top of the already mentioned adaptive chassis control functions, the MPV also benefits from camera-based Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Collision Warning with City Braking function, Pedestrian Warning with City Braking, Lane Departure Warning and more. These will come at an additional cost to you, as part of the Driving Assistant Plus package.
Verdict: Here’s what we think…
There’s a lot riding on this for BMW. If you look across the street to Mercedes-Benz and what gains they’ve achieved with their latest brood of front-wheel drive compact vehicles, it only makes sense for the Bavarians to attempt to get in on some of that market share. And while we expect more FWD BMWs to come in the future, the Active Tourer is the first, and has a lot of weight on its shoulders to impress.
Against the B-Class, the five-seater BMW MPV is a fair alternative at first glance: it’s newer, promises just about as much functionality as you’d expect from a compact MPV, and most importantly, drives like a proper MINI when the wife/husband and kids aren’t looking.
Is better than a B-Class? We can’t say for sure. We like the B-Class for its spaciousness, clever and ergonomic design, and the benefits of being built for the single purpose of being a good compact MPV. In that same respect, while the Active Tourer's could have gotten carried away with wanting to appear all athletic and sporty, they haven't - which makes the Active Tourer a very sensible alternative, with the bragging rights of effectively having a MINI underneath it and accountable for the thrills.
On the other side of the fence and despite a recent mild facelift, the B-Class is inevitably an aged vehicle. The new changes shook up the interior and exterior so slightly and introduced an AMG design package, but it still doesn’t smell as fresh as the Active Tourer does.


Raya Review: 2023 Toyota Camry - Dream to have over the Raya period - Hybrid next year?

The 2023 Toyota Camry 2.5V was the perfect companion during the recent Raya holidays, perhaps only the Camry Hybrid currently being previewed at Toyota's headquarters could have topped it.

During the Raya holiday, I had the privilege of commandeering Toyota's much-loved Camry. If there's any sedan that is a safe bet to handle the rough and tumble of the festive season, that sedan would be the
2023 Toyota Camry 2.5V
.

In my opinion, the Camry is the perfect choice for those who want to celebrate any festive season in style without compromising on comfort or safety.

First of all, let's talk about the roads. We all know that Malaysian roads can be a bit of a challenge, especially during the festive season when everyone is out and about where roads are congested.

But fear not, because the Camry 2.5V is equipped with a refined, reliable and powerful engine and comfort suspension setup, which can take on even the roughest of journies with ease. So, because I had the Camry, I went ahead and took shortcuts down dirt roads to Grandma's house - this car can handle it!

The Camry is also a great choice for families as it's not just built for executives. With plenty of room for passengers and cargo, this car can easily accommodate all your loved ones, their bags and gifts. And let's not forget about its safety features, which include seven airbags, a backup camera, and lane departure warning system. So you can rest easy knowing that your family is protected on the road.

My personal favourite convenience feature on the Camry is its Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system because it really helped me get through heavily congested highways. DRCC helped me maintain a safe distance from the preceding vehicle at any speed and brake automatically when the car ahead slowed down. It also allows low-speed following from 0 km/h onwards - perfect!

Overall and in my opinion, the 2023 Toyota Camry is the perfect car for the festive season. It's stylish, powerful, and safe - everything I needed to celebrate in comfort and style.

Would there have been a better road partner for Raya? Of course as that is subjective, depending on a person's circumstance, but to me, where I just wanted the motoring to be background noise during this congested period, the Camry was perfect.

Some of the things that I really appreciated in the Camry were the motorised reclining feature on the rear seats, as I knew my family could get better comfort, wireless charging and mobile phone connectivity as it kept my phone charged and provided me with entertainment, as well as the 3 zone air conditioning system, which helped everyone in the car set their own climate.

How could the Toyota Camry Raya experience get any better? Well, UMW Toyota is currently previewing a Camry Hybrid at its headquarters, and they are gauging the response for it.

Perhaps if there's enough interest, UMW will introduce it to our market, which means we will get a Camry with better fuel efficiency and a smoother driving experience.

Based on the current Thai Camry Hybrid, which was launched in 2022, the sedan comes with a setup that's typical to Toyota Hybrids, featuring an Atkinson-cycle engine that produces 176 HP and 221 Nm of torque with the electric motor producing 86 HP and 202 Nm of torque giving the car a total system output of 211 PS.

The Camry Hybrid is also said to offer a 30% improvement in terms of fuel efficiency, which is also a step towards CO2 emission reduction, which is part of
UMW Toyota's multi-pathway strategy
.

2023 Toyota Camry 2.5V Specifications

Engine: 2.5 L Dynamic Force Engine With VVT-iE

Transmission: Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic Transmission

Power: 209PS @ 6,600 rpm

Torque: 253Nm @ 5,000 rpm

Safety and convenience: Toyota Safety Sense

Warranty: 5 Years

Price: RM219,800


Police Looking for Myvi Driver who Obstructed Ambulance

Many of you would have seen a Facebook video of a Perodua Myvi obstructing an ambulance along the Federal Highway recently.
Well, guess what? It has reached the Selangor Police Department and it has been reported that the men in blue are tracing the driver down.
According to
a report on The Star today
, Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Seri Abdul Samah Mat is urging the driver to come forward immediately to help with investigations.
The dashcam video which was uploaded by Facebook user Bel Nawhen and went viral recently, shows the Myvi keeping its left signal indicator on and refusing to give way to the ambulance even as other vehicles rushed to get out of the way.
The worst part is that the “champion” of a driver even slammed the brake, causing the ambulance to almost rear-end the car, before he or she sped off.
Now, what do you think the Police should do with this driver?


What's Coming Next for Perodua After Ativa?

The world has welcomed the Perodua Ativa with open arms, so the question now is - where does Perodua go from here?

2021 is going to be a bit of an interesting year for Perodua. They started off fairly
strong with the Ativa
, which turned out to be a much larger market disruptor than anyone could really have predicted. Well, that's a bit of an overstatement: almost every Perodua product has had surprisingly good sales results and unexpected demographics, so we should learn to expect the unexpected by now.

That being said, they can't rest on their laurels - many companies have done so in the past and paid the price for it. Where exactly does
Perodua
 go from here? Well, if we had to take a guess, here's what we would probably see.

Give Us A New Alza

It's been 12 years. Can you believe that? Perodua first launched the
Alza
 over a decade ago, and they've provided a number of facelifts over the years with the most recent one being the end of 2018. There are really only so many times you can facelift a model before it needs a full revamp, and we'd say that either the Alza needs to be replaced with something completely new (probably
DNGA based
) or axed in favour of letting other models flourish.

If you haven't found a photographer for your track days yet,
Nelson Sim
 does some absolutely fantastic work.

The Myvi Still Feels Fresh But...

Despite being launched towards the end of 2017, the third-generation
Perodua Myvi
 still feels like a fresh design. November will mark its fourth year in production, and historically each generation of Myvi has run for around six years with a facelift in the fourth year. The Myvi may be due for a facelift change in the coming months and year, and one wonders whether Perodua would expand the range of variants - perhaps a
Myvi GT
, or a manual 1.5-litre option?

Turbo Power Across The Range

Perodua now has a turbocharged
1.0-litre powerplant
 at their disposal with the Ativa, which very well means that they could start trying to adapt it for other models. Of course, this is much easier said than done, but can you imagine a turbocharged 1.0-litre Myvi? Well, the Japanese could with their Daihatsu Boon X4 - but we digress. Over time we may eventually see this powerplant popping up in other models if Perodua can make it fit and get the costing right.

Something Motorsports Oriented

As a bit of news that slipped by, MARii and Perodua are teaming up with Persona Energy Sdn Bhd to facilitate technology transfer to local vehicles and component development through participation in the 2021 FiA World Endurance Championship. We're just as surprised, seeing as the last time Perodua was involved in any kind of motorsports was the days of rallying Kancils as a quasi-Works team. Will we eventually see a Perodua sports car? Maybe but we won't hold our breaths on this one just yet.

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Volkswagen To Launch A Road Version Of This 350 PS Race Specs Golf GTI TCR

At the opening of next week’s Wörthersee 2018 festival in Austria, Volkswagen will unveil a 290 PS road going version of the 350 PS Golf GTI TCR race car. Despite being detuned for road use, the road car will retain the same name as the racing specs Golf GTI TCR that is competing in the TCR International Series, which has independent races for various regions.
Closer to home, the TCR Asia racing series is currently being led by fast rising Malaysian talent Mitchell Cheah, who won the opening round of the 2018 TCR Asia series in Sepang, driving a Golf GTI TCR for Liqui Moly Team Engstler.
The road going Golf GTI TCR will hit European showrooms by end-2018. Buyers will have the option of removing the 250 km/h speed limiter, allowing the GTI TCR to hit a maximum speed of 264 km/h, making it a perfect weapon for enthusiasts who frequent Nurburgring track days while keeping the everyday usability and comfort that the Golf GTI has always been known for.
The GTI TCR will retain the familiar EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine, but boosted further to deliver 290 PS between 5,000 to 6,800 rpm, and 370 Nm between 1,600 to 4,300 rpm. It remains a front-wheel drive, with drive transferred via the familiar 7-speed dual-clutch automatic DSG transmission, but with added traction thanks to a mechanical locking differential.
In comparison, the standard Golf GTI makes 230 PS from 4,700 to 6,200 rpm and 350 Nm from 1,500 to 4,400 rpm.
Nevermind the Golf GTI, the GTI TCR’s numbers are almost equal to the all-wheel drive Golf R, which makes 290 PS from 5,500 to 6,500 rpm and 380 Nm from 2,000 to 5,400 rpm.
While impressive, the GTI TCR is not the fastest or the most powerful model in the GTI range though. That honour goes to the 310 PS and 380 Nm
GTI Clubsport S
, which held the Nurburgring lap record for front-wheel drive cars for a brief period until it was broken by the 320 PS FK8 generation Honda Civic Type R.
The Wörthersee festival is an annual gathering of Golf GTI fans. Initially started as an informal gathering of GTI fans at Austria’s picturesque Lake Wörthersee, the event now sees formal participation and support from Volkswagen themselves, which in the past have kept a distance from the tuning and modifications culture that Wörthersee is famed for.
The past few Wörthersee festivals have saw Volkswagen unveiling new Golf models and projects by their young apprentices.
This year's Wörthersee's festival will be the 37th installment, and will take place on 11-May.


All You Need to Know about the New 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

After much anticipation, Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the latest version of its best-selling model in history – the
E-Class
, featuring a redesigned front end, new lights, the addition of integrated starter-generator with petrol and diesel engines, the latest infotainment system, and more.

As much as the exterior is concerned, the entry-level model now already comes with the sporty Avantgarde Line exterior with central star. Plus, the fresh appearance is further enhanced by the new front end with increased chrome content. The front sections of the Coupé and Cabriolet have also been enhanced.

The AMG Line models on the other hand, now get a new bumper in the style of the AMG Performance models which look even sportier. In addition, Avantgarde, AMG Line and All-Terrain trim models also feature a bonnet with powerdomes.

The designers have also updated the Saloon's rear end with a new bumper, two-section tail lights with a new internal design and a new boot lid.

Compared to the outgoing model, the new E-Class’ front fascia sports a more dynamic impression thanks to flatter headlamps which, even in the entry-level models, feature all-LED technology.

The "A-shape" design of the new diamond radiator grille, which is likewise standard on all versions, adds a particularly dynamic touch.

The grille also features chrome-plated dots, a single louvre and the Mercedes star in the centre. A new highlight of the muscular rear section is the completely redesigned inner workings of the two-section tail lights, featuring LED technology.

Inside, the E-Class now gets new colours and materials. There are new colour combinations as well, such as magma grey with neva grey (Avantgarde), black or nut brown (Exclusive) with magma grey or macchiato beige (Exclusive), and trim in silver open-pore ash wood, fondant burr walnut wood, brushed aluminium and aluminium with a carbon grain.

There are also new trim options for the
Coupé
 and Cabriolet – grey open-pore ash wood and light aluminium with carbon-fibre grain.

The new E-Class is also fitted with an entirely new steering wheel as part of the facelift. This is available as a leather steering wheel and in a Supersport variant. The control surfaces sport a high-gloss black finish, while the trim elements and surrounds have a silver shadow finish. The functions of the instrument cluster and media display are operated using touch controls, the physical principle of which has been changed from optical to capacitive.

Cosmetic upgrades aside, the driver assistance features have also been updated, featuring:

New steering wheel generation with capacitive hands-off detection

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment

Active Stop-and-Go Assist

Active Steering Assist

Active Brake Assist; in the Driving Assistance Package now also with turning manoeuvre function

Active Blind Spot Assist – now also with exit warning

And then we have the Parking Package that has a newly expanded side view for the first time.

Displaying all the necessary information and details in the E-Class models are two large 10.25-inch screens, which are arranged side by side to give a widescreen effect.

While the information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens, an emotive presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure.

For the first time, the four-cylinder diesel (OM 654 M) and petrol (M 254) engines feature a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) producing up to 15 kW of additional output and 200 Nm more torque.

Both engines are highly efficient thanks to energy recovery and the ability to "glide". This technology is also standard equipment for the six-cylinder petrol engines available for the first time in the E-Class.

There are also seven plug-in hybrid variants of the Saloon and Estate. This EQ Power is available in combination with diesel and petrol engines.

The line-up of high-efficiency, low-emission and powerful petrol engines will cover an output range from 115 to 270 kW, while the diesel spectrum spans from 118 to 243 kW.

So there you have it – a quick glimpse at all the new features in the upgraded Mercedes-Benz E-Class that is here to take on the recently launched
2020 BMW 5-Series
.

There has not been any indication on when the model will be arriving here in Malaysia, but our guess is that it is going to be 2021. So, watch this space for more updates on the new E-Class.


Volvo Records Highest Ever Operating Profits In 2017 – 571k Cars Sold

Volvo Cars have rounded off a stellar 2017, reporting a strong 27.7 percent increase in operating profit, up to a record USD1.7-Billion compared to USD1.3-Billion in 2016, driven by
global sales
 of 571,577 cars.
Net revenue for the period increased 16.6 percent to USD 26-Billion in 2017, compared to 22.4-Billion in 2016, while operating profit margins improved from 6.1 percent in 2016 to 6.7 percent in 2017.
Global sales rose 7.0 percent during the year, buoyed by a 25.8 percent sales increase in China, Volvo Cars’ largest individual market.
The results underline the comprehensive transformation of Volvo’s finances and operations in recent years.
2017 was an important year for Volvo Cars, underpinned by the launches of the XC60 and XC40 SUVs, and rolling out a
global electrification strategy
 to position the company for its next phase of growth.
In a further commitment to electrification, it launched
Polestar
, a new stand-alone electrified car brand fully consolidated within the Volvo Car Group.
The XC40 launch also coincided with the introduction of a new model of car access via the company’s brand new ‘Care by Volvo’ premium subscription service.
Håkan Samuelsson, President, and Chief Executive explains, “Our business has transformed completely since 2010 and we are now gearing up for a phase of global, sustainable growth. We are investing in all parts of our organisation and have laid out clear strategies around electrification, autonomous drive, and connectivity.”
Through its collaborations with parent company Geely Holdings, Volvo is better positioned to provide further economies of scale in technology development. It acquired a 30 percent stake in Geely’s new
Lynk & Co
 car brand, with which it shares the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform.
The company also
inked a deal
 in 2017 with ride-hailing company Uber to sell it tens of thousands of autonomous driving compatible base cars between 2019 and 2021.
In 2017, Volvo also announced that its next-generation XC90 SUV will be produced alongside the S60 sedan at its new South Carolina factory, the first of its kind in the United States. First announced in 2015, the plant represents an investment of over USD 1.1-billion and is expected to create nearly 4,000 new jobs.


Nyobolt EV unleashes 249km of range and lightning-fast 6-minute charging time

ex-JLR design head Ian Callum, in collaboration with British start-up battery company Nyobolt, has
reimagined the Lotus Elise S1
 as a new electric vehicle.

The company claims that it offers rapid charging capabilities due to the use of small battery packs (35kWh). As a result, it only takes six minutes for a full charge and provides a range of up to 249km.

According to reports, another factor contributing to the shorter charging time is the sports car's lightweight design, weighing only around 1,000kg. The Nyobolt EV is slightly wider and longer than the compact Elise but maintains its compact and lightweight nature while incorporating a fully electric powertrain.

Additionally, the Nyobolt EV's body appears more muscular compared to the original version, thanks to the addition of modern features. Notable details include specially made 19-inch alloy wheels for the Nyobolt EV, round LED headlights, quad LED taillights, side cameras, side intakes, a rear deck resembling a ventilated engine cover, a ducktail spoiler, and a removable composite roof panel.

Finally, a Type 2 charging port is installed on the B-pillar. However, the model is not currently planned for production, but Nyobolt has stated that its advanced battery cells will be released in 2024.


Ford is returning to F1 in 2026 with Red Bull

Ford has announced its return to F1 after inking a new long-term partnership with the current defending champions, Red Bull.

This new technical partnership between Ford and Red Bull Powertrains is set to begin in 2026 to develop the next-generation hybrid power unit for the Red Bull outfit. Say what you want but the 'EcoBoost' is going to F1, baby.

Red Bull Ford to provide power units to Oracle Red Bull Racing & Scuderia AlphaTauri

The deal when it comes to Red Bull Ford will see the supply of power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing as well as Scuderia AlphaTauri from 2026 to at least 2030. Starting this year, both Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will begin developing the next-gen F1 powertrain, which is going to include a 350kW electric motor and a new ICE engine that'll run on sustainable fuels.

According to Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, "Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is all about where we are going as a company– increasingly electric, software-defined, modern vehicles and experiences. F1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, and engage with tens of millions of new customers."

Developments for battery cells & other hybrid parts

Apart from providing technical expertise on developing the next-gen F1 powertrain with Red Bull, Ford is also planning to explore other key hybrid parts like battery cells, electric motor tech, power unit control software, and analytics.

If you're somehow snickering over the idea of Ford taking part in F1, you should know about its rich and prosperous history during the Ford-Costworth era that started way back in the 1960s up to the 1980s. And yes, they are serious about their future involving NEVs and developing their tech via the pinnacle of four-wheel motorsports.


All 12 Volkswagen Beetles On Lazada Were Sold Out In Just 20 Minutes

What a time to be alive. Perhaps it's a little proof of concept, but Volkswagen's special-edition Beetles on Lazada were sold out in just 20 minutes of the offer going live. All 12 models were retailing for just RM 112,112 each from the 12th to 14th of December as part of the Lazada Online Revolution mega-sale - and rather impressively, the first Beetle was snapped up just 26 seconds after midnight on the 12th.
Customers only had to put RM 5,000 down for a Welcome Kit on the Lazada site, which would function as a booking for the car. There were two design variants available - the "Herbie 53" classic design in Pure White and White Silver, and the "Hot Bug" in Tornado Red. It's a good step forward for e-commerce, paving the way for larger online purchases in the future.


Bentley Continental GT Black Speed Edition – 10-unit-only SEA Special

The rich and famous of Southeast Asia are getting a special treat from
Bentley Motors
, which have just launched the rather mouthful-sounding Bentley Continental GT Speed – Black Speed Limited Edition by Mulliner exclusively for the region.
Limited to just ten units, the Continental Black Speed Edition is based on the 6.0-litre W12 Continental GT Speed but enhanced inside out by the craftspeople of Bentley’s bespoke division Mulliner to create a thoroughly unique vehicle.
True to its name, the Black Speed edition gets a metallic black finish contrasted by red inserts at the front grille and lower surrounds of its body kit. See that red line running from the wheel arch to the shoulder line? That’s hand painted if you look closely.
Smoked head and tail lamp clusters complement the Black Speed theme, whilst at the four corners, the Sports Directional Alloy wheels are similar treated to a gloss black finish.
Inside, the pre-dominantly black with red contrast theme continues, notably with red finish applied to its aluminium fascia panels as well as a red bezel around its centrally-mounted Breitling clock. Its GT Design Seats by Mulliner are finished in Beluga and Hotspur, with ‘BLACK SPEED’ stitched into both head rests.
The Continental GT Speed Black Speed Limited Edition was unveiled for the first time only last week at Singapore, where it retails for SGD 920,000 before COE. It sounds like a lot of money, but we won’t be surprised if the entire allocation is spoken for by now.


From Saga to Prevé - Seven Protons We Admire

Thirty years in the automotive industry isn’t a very long span of time. And yet in that short period of Proton has gone on to produce cars, vans, utes, sports cars, and even their own engine.
Whether Proton should be celebrated or reviled is a question that shall be left for another day, as today we commemorate 30 years to the day when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad first revealed the Proton Saga to the world. For that, we have picked out seven models from the company’s history that we admire for its engineering, performance, and significance to the Malaysian people. All of which are listed in no particular order.
Proton Saga
 – Hope of a Nation
Produced: 1985-2008 (as the Iswara)
No list would be complete without a mention of the original Proton Saga. And its place here isn’t for mere formalities. When it was first launched in 1985, many Malaysians saw the Saga as an affordable alternative to Japanese cars, and there was a moment of national pride that we were able to build our own car, even if it was done with the help of the Japanese. Its launch at that time uplifted Malaysia’s standing as the nation to look out for in South East Asian region. Proton and its Saga was a clear sign of Malaysia’s rapidly growing industry.
Proton Waja
 – A Show of Ambition
Produced: 2000 – 2011
Developing and building your own car is no simple task, and Proton’s first in-house developed car, the Waja, was the first time we felt that Proton is progressing as a carmaker. Introduced at the turn of the century, the Waja catapulted Malaysia into the exclusive club of nations that could develop and build their own car, and there was a sense that the only way was forward for Proton. A brave and ambitious effort it must be said, the Waja did have its fair share of detractors, but you cannot deny that the Waja was a practical, affordable, and good to drive sedan for the masses.
Proton Exora
 – Building Malaysia’s Car
Produced: 2009 – Present
Though a considerable portion of Malaysia’s demographic consists of big families, it is incredible to think that it took Proton 24 years of building cars to realise that the car Malaysia needs is an MPV. In 2009 Proton rolled out the car for families in the form of the Exora, which was big enough to accommodate seven passengers comfortably with their luggage, refined on the inside, and affordable for many Malaysian families.
Proton Perdana V6
 – Taking a Step Up in Class
Produced: 1999 – 2010
Some say that anything with a Proton badge carries no form of prestige. Well the Perdana V6 begs to differ. Be it the smooth 2-litre V6 engine, or Lotus’ developed ride and handling, or even its sleek and elegant profile, the Perdana V6 looked like a proper car for those who wanted an upper class car that was proudly Malaysian. It is said that driving a Perdana V6 will still get you more nods from the guards at the doors of Parliament than a Bentley or a Mercedes-Benz would, now that is winning the hearts of the people.
Proton Prevé
 – Proving They Could Do It
Produced: 2012 – Present
There were plenty of hopes and promises that precluded the launch of the Prevé, but many thought that it didn’t live up to expectations. Putting lofty world-winning expectations aside, the Prevé was a pretty well-engineered car. Nothing short of a European sedan could match its excellent refinement, and good ride and handling characteristics it offered. Furthermore its generous rear leg room was better than what most Japanese cars of its segment could offer, and it performed well in crash safety testing. It is a shame that the Prevé never could win the confidence of Malaysia with its poor range of drivetrains and suspect build quality.
Proton Arena
 – The Blue-Collar Export Hero
Produced: 2002 – 2010
Though Proton had engineered unique hatchback variations of the Saga, Iswara, and Wira, the Arena was by far the most unique of them all with its flatbed that was able to accommodate 570kg of cargo and a load-bearing ladder frame with rear leaf springs. Many Proton customers didn’t see the point of why Proton had to make a ute for Malaysia, but its affordability, ease to drive, and low maintenance costs made it a hero to the blue collar worker. Today it is still being used as a reliable workhorse for many small business operators, and towards the end of its life, it did find an audience in Australia and South Africa.
Proton Satria R3
 – The Hot Hatch Special
Produced: 2004
Numerous motoring pundits have lauded the
1999 Proton Satria GTi
 as the best car Proton had ever made, and rightly so, it can be considered as Proton’s first ever hot hatch. However as good as it was, it was the Satria model’s final run-out edition, the Satria R3, which truly cemented our faith in Malaysia’s car building talent. Nothing about the 150 examples built was badge engineered. Each car was stripped, double welded for rigidity, rebuilt from the ground up, lightened, and improved by a small team of local engineers. Though Proton went on to make several even-rarer iterations of its Satria Neo successor, none of them were as pure, focused, or special as the original. All of which makes its appeal shine even brighter today.
This is a very rare, very well sorted Satria, and it was quite timely that we found one unit listed on our classifieds. Asking price is only RM32,000, for chassis #61/150. We highly recommend this purchase. Those in the know, will appreciate it for what it is. Here's the
link to the ad.


Volkswagen "Sedanza" Sales Tour Heading To Penang And JB

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)'s 5-day long Volkswagen "Sedanza"  sales tour with low
interest rate promotions
 for its models, is heading to Penang and Johor Bahru this month.
There will be an array of cars on display, on sale and available for test drives ranging from the Polo, Vento, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan as well as the new Beetle.
The details of the Volkswagen Sedanza sales promo are as follows:
However, only limited units of the Jetta Comfortline are left as the model has been receiving overwhelming response recently.
According to VPCM, visitors who test drive and book a Volkswagen during this sales tour will also receive an exclusive gift.
That being said, the locations of the upcoming Volkswagen Sales Tour in the Northern and Southern region is as mentioned below:
Penang (7 – 12 November) - North Atrium, AEON Alma Bukit Mertajam
Johor Bahru ( 24 – 26 November) - Main entrance, Sutera Mall Skudai


Toyota Set To Make Biggest Ever Investment In Thailand

Japanese automotive giant Toyota is mulling its biggest investment outlay in Thailand, which could make the country the next regional development and production centre for Toyota’s compact car range.
During a meeting between Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Somkid Jatusripitak and managing officer of Toyota Motors, Shinya Kotera, Kotera explained that Toyota have chosen Thailand as its next global compact car export hub, under the company’s “emerging market compact car company" scheme, the
Bangkok Post Reports
.
The scheme will reportedly be developed by Toyota in partnership with its fully owned subsidiary Daihatsu Motors.
Under the scheme, Toyota will expand its investment – geared towards compact car production in tandem with pickup trucks and hybrid production to develop the economies of scale for electric vehicles (EV) and EV battery technology in the near future. The investment outlay will also help train human capital on new automotive and hybrid technologies. The decision on the investments is likely to be reached by Toyota’s board when it convenes in May – according to Mr Somkid.
Separately, The Bangkok Post also reports, vice-chairman of Toyota Motor Thailand, Ninnart Chaitharapinyo added that the company has already discussed terms of the investment package with the parent company and is currently waiting on a decision.

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He also confirmed that Toyota Thailand is ready to move into Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) production. Toyota’s Thai production expansion will likely focus on HEVs as Plug-In hybrids (PHEV) and EVs require more advanced technology.
Mr Ninnart said that Toyota plan on implementing hybrid technology as a common platform to develop other technologies such as EVs and fuel-cell vehicles – but Toyota want to predict which future technology will get the best response from potential customers. To this effect, Toyota Thailand are currently conducting feasibility studies on establishing its own facility to support Toyota’s HEV production.
However, Mr Ninnart said that Toyota would prefer to supply cheaper Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-Mh) batteries instead of the Lithium Ion batteries which are growing in popularity.
The global success of HEVs and the Thai government’s recent introduction of
lucrative tax schemes
 have proven effective in luring large scale investments from companies such as Toyota and
BMW
.


First Look! All-new 2023 Perodua Axia breaks cover - estimated from RM38k: DNGA, D-CVT!

After many, many months of speculations, rumours and guesses, today was the day that the 2023 Perodua Axia officially broke cover.

Albeit with half of its body covered in camouflage, we pretty much know everything there is to know about the next-gen Axia, including its launch date, which is on February 14.

As we've mentioned before, Perodua has given the plucky little hatchback an estimated price tag of somewhere between RM38k to RM49k, and the price on launch day should stay within the estimated pricing.There will be four different variants made available - G, X, SE, and the range-topping AV.

Our man on the ground managed to get up close and personal with the new Axia AV, the highest variant available for the Perodua Axia.

Just like all other variants, the Perodua Axia AV comes with a 1.0-litre EEV engine, which is a carryover powerplant from the outgoing model. What's new underneath the hood however is the D-CVT gearbox, which should improve the Axia's acceleration, fuel efficiency and noise levels.

If the Perodua Myvi, which also adopted the D-CVT gearbox, received a 20% better 0-100km/h acceleration because of the transmission - then we can expect a faster Perodua Axia too this time around. The transmission debuted in the Perodua Ativa and now makes its way into the Axia.

For those who are unfamiliar with the carryover engine, the 1.0-litre 1KR-VE three-cylinder naturally aspirated powerplant puts out 67hp and 91Nm of torque. For those expecting the Axia to come with a turbo, this should squash the rumours once and for all.

The top-level Axia, the AV comes fully loaded with six airbags as well as the much-expected Perodua Smart Drive Assist, which comes with:

ABS with EBD & BA

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Hill-start Assist (HSA)

Traction Control (TRC)

Collision warning

AEB

Lane Keep Assist

Auto high beam

rear cross traffic alert

blind spot monitoring

On the exterior front, the Axia AV gets LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRL), and this should be the same too for the SE variant (LED lights for X, SE, and AV while the DRLs are only available on the SE and AV variants, halogens for the base G).

Perhaps the most significant improvement when it comes to the interior for the range-topping Axia AV is the semi-leather semi-bucket seats, 7-inch TFT multi-info display and 9-inch display audio.

More details will be revealed on launch date, with many hoping that the other variants too will come with Perodua's Smart Drive Assists, which should equip the cars with features such as blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist. For now at least, we can confirm which colours will be available for the Perodua Axia, which includes

Granite Grey

Lava Red

Glittering Silver

Ivory White

And the latest addition to the team, Coral Blue


Mitsubishi Xpander Aims For Honda BR-V, But 2018 Malaysian Launch Unlikely

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is poised to make an entry into the entry-level MPV market with the seven-seater Xpander. Currently on sale in Indonesia, Thailand and soon the Philippines, the 1.5-litre is aimed squarely at the Honda BR-V and Toyota Avanza. Its front-wheel drive layout and SUV-like styling however, puts it closer to the BR-V than the rear-wheel drive Avanza.
With the discontinuation of the Lancer, Mirage and Attrage from the local line-up, MMM’s current product line-up consists only of crossovers/SUVs and pick-up trucks. It could do well with a sub-RM100,000 three-row seat family car.
In response to a query by Carlist.my with regards to the prospects of the Xpander for the Malaysia, Mr. Hoffen Teh, Senior Vice-President of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia said that discussions between MMM and MMC (Mitsubishi Motors Corporation) are on-going but stopped short of committing to a specific launch timing.
“MMM/MMC are proactively considering to introduce the Mitsubishi Xpander in the Malaysian market. We are now studying the feasibility to launch this model in Malaysia and will share further detail when our plan materialized,” said Teh.
Judging by the chatter in the market space, a launch within this year is very unlikely.
Sourcing arrangement is certainly a point of discussion. Mitsubishi Motors’ plant in Indonesia is currently the only source for the Xpander, supplying to Thailand as well as the Philippines. However Malaysia’s tax structure has provisions favouring locally-assembled vehicles.
MMM currently assembles two models – ASX and Outlander - at its contract assembly partner Tan Chong Motor Assemblies’ plant in Segambut. The Triton is imported from Thailand, as it has enough locally/regionally-sourced components to qualify for waiver of import duties under ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA). It is unclear if MMM will be importing the Xpander from Indonesia under AFTA or assembling it locally, although we think the former is more likely.
Separately, MMC have also confirmed that it will, at a later stage be producing a Nissan-badged version of the Xpander at its Indonesian plant. No details have been released by Nissan yet but it’s certain that both models will be mechanically similar, differentiated only by its front-end styling, with the Nissan version adopting an X-Trail-like front-end.
The Nissan-badged Xpander will replace Nissan’s aging Grand Livina, and the all-new Mitsubishi-developed model will certainly be introduced by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) in Malaysia later, after the Mitsubishi Xpander’s local debut.
While both MMM and ETCM are fierce rivals in the local market space, Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan are part of the same Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Motors Alliance.
The Mitsubishi Xpander is powered by a 4A91 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine that makes 104 PS and 141 Nm, paired to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Safety is adequate by the segment’s basic standards, but it matches everything the BR-V offers – two airbags in front with electronic stability control and hill-start assist. It has a 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating. The Honda BR-V had a 5-star rating but that was done under an earlier, less stringent scoring format.


Three Things We Want To See From Perodua In 2021

It's been a tough year for sales with an explosive pickup in the second half, but what do we want to see from Perodua next year?

You can most assuredly say that 2020 has been an awful year for
automakers
. But even with that in mind, many companies across the segment have made an effort to go ahead with their plans undeterred - whether that's through online global debuts, or rolling models straight out to the market.

With 2021 right around the corner, we can hope to see even bigger and greater things - and we have some pretty high expectations. In our own
market
, let's take a look at what we hope to see from Perodua in the coming year.

Myvi GT

The aftermarket may have helped to bridge the gap a little by producing bumpers and other trim pieces to
emulate the Myvi GT
, but there's no denying that the demand and attention Perodua received when they pulled the covers off their concept was astounding. In 2021, we hope that they finally get round to building a road-going model - maybe not with any specific increase in performance, but at least with the aesthetics and interior gubbins.

D55L Small SUV

Throughout this year there have been numerous spy shots and concept images of the Perodua D55L - an upcoming SUV based on
Daihatsu's DNGA platform
 and something that would slot below the Aruz as it is. The D55L would be a welcome addition to the range, although for now the Daihatsu Rocky (as it would be based on) is only powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor. As much as we hope Perodua will follow suit, a 1.3-litre or 1.5-litre powerplant would be more likely.

An All-New Alza

Also one for spyshots in the wild, the
Alza replacement model
 has been long overdue. This seven seater model would have a tough time given the existence of the Aruz, though one could argue that other companies have done the same with similar segment spacing. 2021 would be a great year for a proper replacement to the now 11 year old model.

There's much more we could ask for, but we think these three models would keep the Perodua name in the bright lights for the majority of Malaysian consumers. 2020 may have been a tough year, but the economy will recover - as it always does - and automakers need to be ready for an extremely hungry market.

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

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Carlist.my.

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


Toyota Crown Kluger 2021 Didedahkan Di Auto Shanghai 2021 – ‘Highlander’ Versi Mewah

Toyota Crown Kluger 2021 didedahkan bersama Toyota Highlander generasi keempat di
Auto Shanghai 2021.

Toyota Crown Kluger 2021 akhirnya membuat penampilan sulungnya di Auto Shanghai 2021 dan dipertontonkan pada umum setelah beberapa keping gambarnya dipercayai diperoleh daripada dokumen homologasi terdedah.

Kalau anda tidak tahu, sebelum ini pasaran China masih belum menerima Toyota Highlander generasi keempat berbanding pasaran AS yang telah menerima model generasi keempat ini sejak 2019. Setelah didedahkan secara rasmi di Auto Shanghai 2021,
SUV
 generasi baharu ini bakal membuat debut di pasaran China dengan sedikit penambahan ciri kemewahan pada Crown Kluger.

Kedua-dua model ini kelihatan seakan-akan sama sahaja, namun kelainan dapat dilihat pada bahagian hadapan kedua-dua model ini. Selain daripada reka bentuk gril dan bumper yang sedikit berbeza, logo kedua-dua jentera ini turut berbeza. Highlander 2021 menerima logo Toyota manakala Crown Kluger hadir dengan logo Crown (mahkota) pada gril hadapannya.

Reka bentuk dalaman antara Crown Kluger dengan Highlander 2021 ini turut tidak banyak beza. Perbezaan ketara cuma dapat dilihat pada logo mahkota di stereng Crown Kluger serta warna interior yang berbeza.

Meskipun ianya telah didedahkan secara rasmi, namun perinciannya yang lebih terperinci masih belum didedahkan. Namun berdasarkan beberapa sumber, Crown Kluger ini dikuasai oleh enjin hibrid 2.5 liter dengan pacuan semua roda. Kedua-dua model ini turut dibina diatas platform
TNGA-K
, sama seperti Highlander untuk pasaran AS,
Harrier
,
RAV4
 serta
Camry
.

Kuasa yang dihasilkan oleh enjinnya turut masih menjadi misteri. Namun jika kita lihat spesifikasi Highlander generasi keempat di pasaran AS dan Eropah, enjinnya mampu menghasilkan 190PS dan 239Nm tork. Dengan bantuan motor elektrik, SUV ini mampu menghasilkan 248PS.

Crown Kluger merupakan SUV yang mempunyai 3 baris tempat duduk. Ia berukuran 5,015 mm panjang, 1,930 mm lebar, 1,750 mm tinggi dan jarak roda 2,850 mm. Saiz lebar, tinggi dan jarak roda Crown Kluger ini sama sahaja dengan Highlander generasi keempat. Yang berbeza cuma panjangnya di mana Crown Kluger lebih panjang sebanyak 50mm. SUV ini hadir dengan rim bersaiz 18 inci, namun pembeli bakal ditawarkan pilihan yang lebih besar sehingga 20 inci.

Meskipun perincian lain belum didedahkan, namun kita boleh agak bahawa kedua-dua model ini bakal menerima ciri keselamatan yang sama seperti yang diterima oleh Highlander generasi keempat di pasaran AS seperti
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0
. Versi 2.0 ini merangkumi Pre-Collision System dengan Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert dengan Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), serta Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) dan Road Sign Assist (RSA).

Kedua-dua model ini bakal memasuki pasaran China menjelang pertengahan tahun ini.


2015 Hyundai Tucson CKD Launched In Malaysia, Now From RM116K

Hyundai
-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles, has just launched its locally-assembled 2015
Hyundai Tucson
 2.0L in Malaysia, introducing two trim levels of the SUV to the Malaysian market.
The following prices exclude insurance, road tax and registration:
NU 2.0 Elegance – *RM115, 888 (RM17,000 less than before)
NU 2.0 Sport – *RM132, 888 (RM
BUYER’s GUIDE:
Mr Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, said that
“The Tucson has been one of Hyundai’s more popular models and we have introduced this locally-assembled model to make it more accessible to all Malaysians.”
*Check out the all-new 2015 Hyundai Tucson, coming your way
Of the four previously available CBU variants, it’s the base and the mid-spec 2.0 variants that have been locally-assembled, with operations continuing alongside the HSDM’s Elantra CKD, i10 CKD at their Inokom plat in Kulim.
Speaking to HSDM, all previous CBU units of the vehicle have been discontinued and sold off by its dealerships, which now trims the Tucson’s range to just the two CKD variants here.
Including in the price above is HSDM’s five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty, as applicable to all new Hyundai passenger vehicles, plus a 24-hour road assist service.
PERFORMANCE:
The Hyundai Tucson range will now primarily be driven by the two new CKD models, which leave behind the 2.0L Executive Plus variant, while the 2.4-litre Theta II MPI variant is no longer offered. The CKD versions of the Tucson will continue to be powered by its Nu 2.0-litre MPI petrol engine which delivers 158PS and 192Nm of torque.
Transmission is maintained as well, utilising a six-speed torque converter automatic – don’t get your hopes up on the new dual-clutch coming so soon, but we hear that there are models en route with this ;)
Looking ahead to the CKD variants we have here, HSDM tell us that LED Daytime Running Lights and leather seats have been made standard equipment across all variants.
EXTERIOR STYLING:
Exterior kit continues to shape up with 17-inch alloy wheels for both Elegance and Sport lines, with projector headlamps with LED positioning lamps for all. The rear lamps are good ol’ bulb types, but the wing mirrors are equipped with LED indicators.
Unique to the higher-grade Sport line is a panoramic sunroof, chrome door handles and a sporty body kit: all of which to justify the RM17,000 premium over the base model.
INTERIOR DESIGN:
Much of the car’s interior has been left as before, apart from the full range of two variants benefitting from leather seats across the board. The steering wheel on the Sport is leather wrapped, while the Elegance has to do with a soft PVC type. Air-conditioning is a manual affair for all, with the only difference between the Elegance and Sport being that the higher-grade sport getting auto up and down power windows all around, while the Elegance just has them all automatically going down only.
EQUIPMENT & FEATURES:
When it comes to HSDM’s list of toys, it’s expected that the coolest bits have been reserved strictly for the Sport variant, which here includes:
Smart Key with engine Start Stop Button (Elegance gets Keyless Entry only)
Parking Assist for Front & Rear (Elegance only gets Rear)
Front, Rear-View Camera (Elegance has none)
Other highlights in this department include auto headlamps with auto levelling, and a headlamp escort feature which basically keeps your headlamps switched on for a few moments after you’ve locked and left your car.
SAFETY FEATURES:
Safety is a bit of a concern with the base Tucson Elegance offering nothing more than two airbags and an ABS system – it’s a pity to see an SUV of this calibre neglect Vehicle Stability Control.
Fortunately, if you do insist on the depths of HSDM’s safety offerings, the higher-grade Sport will see you benefit from a full list of items that include:
Six airbags
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)


Isuzu Malaysia's Dura-Miles Challenge Shows Trucks Can Be Efficient

When it comes to diesel engines, fuel efficiency is usually one of the higher ranking advantages. This year, Isuzu organized their Dura-Miles Challenge in Sarawak to show just that: how far these D-Max trucks could go and how little fuel they would consume in the process. It was also done to stay connected to their loyal customers, of which 29 participated in this particular challenge.
The route started in “Taman Rekriasi Batu Kawah (MJC)” to Sematan Palm Beach Resort, and back to MJC, a distance of approximately 208 km, taking 4 hours to complete. Unlike most other competitions where speed of completion was the criteria for winning, in this one, the driver who completed the entire journey with the lowest fuel consumption was declared the winner.
There were two categories namely the Isuzu D-Max 2.5-liter engine and 3.0-liter engine. The winner of 2.5-liter engine, Mr.Jerry Anak Wan Jok has travelled 208 km with only 10.62 liters of diesel. Runner up is won by Mr.Anuwar Bin Payakun and Ms.Dayang Hamdiah Bt Abang Hadari was at third place. For 3.0-liter engine, Mr.Ng Quek Peng was a winner with 12.33 liters of diesel. Ms.Ira Anak Belanda was a runner up winner and the third place is won by Mr.Liew Kwong Vun.


Nissan Pays Tribute to India with Style and Sets a World Record

In case you didn’t know, yesterday was India’s Republic Day, which basically honors the date on which the Indian Constitution came into effect in 1950.
And while many parties from around the world were sending their wishes to India and paying their tributes as usual,
Nissan
 did something extraordinary.
Normally, car manufacturers would come up with things like social media postings, posters, small announcements and what not during occasions like this, but Nissan India decided to take things to a whole new level by carving an outline of India’s map which stretched across a few km, using a GT-R.
The feat was performed at the Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan by professional rally driver Rahul Kanthraj, who was being guided by a map that was first plotted on a GPS device.
Making its way into the Guinness World Book of Records for being the world’s largest outline of a country’s map, the massive outline stretches across 3km in length and 2.8km in width, with a total outline periphery of 14.7km.
Now, who would’ve thought that Nissan loves India this much, right?
Whatever it is, we have to give it up to Nissan for pulling this awesome feat.


CKD Mercedes EQ models on the way - cheaper Mercedes EVs next year?

Locally assembled EQ models are on the way. Flagship, EQS to potentially be the first model.

Although the most electrifying thing at the
launch of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+
 was the car itself, the confirmation of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's plans to locally assemble their electric vehicles next year also created a bit of a buzz.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) CEO and President, Sagree Sardien said locally assembled EQ models are on the way, and she asked for everyone to look for some exciting news from MBM in Q1, 2023, indicating that is probably when we will hear more about it.

No details were revealed to what models will be given the CKD treatment, but many are speculating that the EQS, Mercedes' flagship electric vehicle, will probably be the first offering.

The CKD EQ, no matter what model will probably be assembled in Mercedes' Pekan, Pahang assembly plant, where vehicles like the CKD S-Class, CKD C-Class and CKD Mercedes-AMG A35 and GLA35 are all put together.

The imported Mercedes-Bens EQS was launched in Malaysia back in July 2022 and was priced from RM698,888. The electric limousine uses a 120kWh lithium-ion battery which feeds a single electric motor at the rear axle to deliver an output of
333PS
 and a range
up to 782km
 on the WLTP test cycle. It has
565Nm
 of torque, which helps the car to complete the 0-100km/h sprint of just 6.2 seconds.


Proton Closes 2021 On High Note With 114,708 Cars Sold

Malaysia’s first national automaker has announced that 14,147 units of Proton cars were sold in December 2021, taking the annual tally to 114,708 units - including sales
to export markets
. This makes 2021 its most prolific year since 2014.

This was also a 4.5% increase over 2020’s count of units delivered annually and the third year in a row that Proton surpassed the 100,000 mark which, according to the automaker, has increased its market share to 22.7%.

Proton’s growth experienced in 2021 was especially sweet given the overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) for Malaysia is estimated to have
shrunk by 4.6% to just over 505,000 units
.

Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar, said: “2021 was tough for the automotive industry as a whole and this is reflected in the reduction in TIV compared to the previous year. From a global chip shortage to a spike in Covid-19 numbers that led to another lockdown to skyrocketing transport costs, there were many challenges for industry players to overcome. That is why Proton’s sales growth in a year where the market contracted is significant as it is the result of careful planning and juggling of available resources,”

“Regarding export sales, we are equally proud about being the brand with the highest export volume in 2021 as it proves we are gaining traction overseas thanks to the joint efforts of our International Sales division and our foreign partners. While increasing shipping costs are a growing concern, our planned activities in 2022 mean we expect export sales growth to accelerate in the coming years.”

In terms of individual models,
the Saga
 was Proton’s best performer with 42,627 units sold in 2021 with the X50 being their runner-up in terms of sales with 28,774 units sold, making it their most successful SUV model to date. Speaking of which, the C-segment X70 was no slouch either with 16,375 units sold throughout 2021.

Model

Units Sold (December 2021)

Total Sales (2021)

Saga

4,656

42,627

Persona

2,187

16,153

Exora

554

4,035

Iriz

824

6,708

X70

1,616

16,375

X50

4,310

28,774

TOTAL

14,147

114,708

Another highlight of the previous year was the strengthening of Proton’s international sales with 3,018 units exported over the past 12 months and total volume growing by more than 100% to make them the largest in local automaker in exports for 2021. Local assembly operations are also
ramping up in overseas markets
, a trend that they hope will continue in the coming years.


Pakai Jaket Terbalik Ketika Tunggang Motosikal Undang Bahaya

Penunggang motosikal
 dan pemakaian jaket terbalik memang sesuatu yang tidak boleh dipisahkan di Malaysia, namun tahukah anda perbuatan tersebut boleh mengundang bahaya sehingga meragut nyawa?

Walaupun ajal dan maut di tangan Tuhan dan kemungkinan untuk berlaku
kemalangan
 akibat pemakaian jaket yang tidak kemas itu kecil, tidak salah untuk berhati-hati di jalan raya bagi mengelak sebarang bahaya kepada diri dan juga pengguna jalan raya lain.

*Kredit foto: Zairul Eizam

Bahaya Pemakaian Jaket Tidak Kemas

Jaket atau baju hujan yang dipakai secara terbalik kebiasaannya tidak dizipkan dan ini menyebabkan jaket tersebut mengibas dengan kuat ketika motosikal bergerak dalam keadaan laju.

Jaket atau baju hujan yang mengibas boleh menyebabkan:

Jaket tersangkut pada kenderaan lain ketika mencelah atau memotong (cermin sisi,
handle
 motor)

Jaket boleh tersangkut pada tayar atau rantai motor sendiri

Keadaan mungkin bertambah buruk sekiranya penunggang motosikal menggunakan jaket yang bersaiz besar secara terbalik atau tidak kemas. Lebih besar saiz jaket, lebih kuatlah ia mengibas ketika motosikal bergerak laju.

Memang sudah menjadi lumrah motosikal untuk mencelah diantara kereta ketika trafik sesak, pemakaian jaket dengan tidak kemas boleh menyebabkan ia tersangkut pada cermin sisi kereta dan boleh membuatkan badan penunggang motosikal ibarat ditarik sehingga hilang kawalan.

Boleh Bawa Maut

Sebelum ini, Seorang pengguna Facebook, Zairul Eizam telah berkongsi risiko dan bahaya terhadap pemakaian jaket yang tidak kemas ketika menunggang motosikal seperti yang pernah menimpa senior sekolahnya suatu ketika dahulu.

Ceritanya, arwah senior sekolahnya itu mahu memotong sebuah lori simen namun jaket yang tidak dipakai dengan sempurna telah mengibas-ngibas lalu tersangkut di sebatang cangkuk kecil pada lori simen terbabit.

Kejadian tersebut telah menyebabkan mangsa terjatuh daripada motosikalnya lalu digilis oleh lori berkenaan.

Kenapa Perlu Pakai Jaket Dengan Baik?

Bersiap sedia andai hari hujan tanpa perlu berhenti di tepi jalan untuk betulkan pemakaian

Tidak berhenti di tepi jalan bermakna kuranglah risiko
dihentam kenderaan lain

Mengelakkan pakaian berbau asap kenderaan

Supaya tidak menggigil kesejukan di atas motor

Ramai Tidak Pakai Jaket Dengan Betul

Seperti yang pernah dikongsi Zairul pada 2018, pemerhatian kasarnya selama 18 hari mendapati seramai 63 orang penunggang motosikal tidak menggunakan baju hujan atau jaket dengan betul.

Beliau turut menegur dan mengingatkan pengguna motosikal lain agar memakai jaket dengan sempurna, namun ada yang menyokongnya dan ada juga yang buat tak endah.

Perkara itu tidaklah mengejutkan kerana ketika ini, masih ramai yang tidak menggunakan jaket dengan betul. Walaupun kemungkinan untuk berlaku kemalangan kerana jaket itu kecil, namun berhati-hatilah sebelum nasi menjadi bubur.

Selain mengurangkan risiko kemalangan, pemakaian jaket yang sempurna juga melambangkan disiplin penunggang motosikal yang tinggi dalam meminimakan risiko yang membawa padah kepada penunggang mahupun orang lain.


Shanghai 2017: Citroen DS Unveil DS 7 Crossback for Asian Market

Citroen’s sister brand, DS automobiles has unveiled the DS 7 Crossback crossover SUV just ahead of the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, for the first time in Asia. The first model of the second generation of DS cars, it will go on sale in Asia in the next few months, following its European launch.
DS plans to introduce the DS 7 Crossback initially, in China, a market where it offers the DS 6 model, currently a bestseller for the company.
Yves Bonnefont, CEO of the DS Brand added, “The Shanghai Motor Show is an essential event for our brand. With DS 7 Crossback, unveiled for the first time in Asia at the salon, we are celebrating the opening of a new phase in our worldwide development. Designed in Paris, this car will be in production in Shenzhen within a few months. This new addition will consolidate our range of SUVs.”
The Crossback will feature a number of new DS aesthetic highlights – at the front, the vertical DS Wings features a newly-designed diamond-shaped radiator grille, with the DS emblem at its centre, is set in a hexagonal frame. The front hood features two prominent central midribs, centered on the DS logo, while bold front and rear wings lend definition to the SUV’s flanks.
At the rear, full LED the tail lights incorporate a three-dimensional motif that looks like scales to form the lighting signature.
The DS7 will also feature a number of technical innovations such as the DS Connected Pilot suite which adds adaptive cruise control, with lane-keep assist and an automatic parking system.
DS Active LED Vision headlights feature pivoting LEDs capable of projecting a beam that changes length and breadth depending on road conditions and vehicle speed. DS Night Vision, in addition, provides greater visibility during night driving (up to 90 meters) thanks to an infrared camera located in the front grille.
The Crossback is underpinned by PSA Peugeot’s EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform), which also sees duty on the Peugeot 308 hatchback. The Crossback will also introduce the DS Active Scan Suspension; a system of adaptive dampers capable of scanning and anticipating imperfections in the road surface by use of a camera.
The DS 7 Crossback will be offered with two petrol engine options, producing 180 and 215 horsepower respectively.
There is no confirmation on the displacement of the engine, however, considering PSA Group’s 1.6-litre turbocharged (THP) petrol engine, optimised for the EMP2 platform, is currently available with engine tunes ranging from 150hp to 270hp, it likely could feature in the Crossback too. The engine is coupled to the latest-generation eight-speed automatic gearbox (EAT8) from Aisin.
The Crossback’s interior will feature two 12-inch screens – the first allows for easy navigation and operation of the multimedia interface, while the second screen will be devoted to the driver as the instrument display. The Crossback will also feature a sound system from French acoustics company, Focal.
The DS 7 Crossback was designed and developed in France and will be manufactured in Shenzhen (China) and Mulhouse (France).


This Sculpture Is Why No Other Company Can Make Cars As Pretty As Mazda

To the average person, this abstract sculpture has little value beyond the confines of an art gallery, and is as removed from cars as abstract paintings are from architectural plans. That’s a sentiment shared not only by folks don’t know who Andy Warhol is, but even among designers at leading car companies.
In most car companies, a car begins life as a sketch, simply because it’s the most logical starting point. As always, Mazda sees the world differently.
The company’s Global Head of Design, Ikuo Maeda, whose father Matasaburo Maeda designed the first generation RX-7, is a firm believer that if a designer can’t express emotions and ideals in an abstract form, he or she can’t make a beautiful car.
As such, all Mazda cars begin life not as a sketch but as an abstract clay sculpture, which they prefer to call it as
Goshintai
, Japanese for a 3D object of worship.
The image above shows how a Goshintai evolves into its final form as the MX-5. In the case of the MX-5, the objective was to capture the form of a sprinting cheetah. Placed side by side (picture taken from Mazda Design Forum 2015 in Hiroshima), it’s easy to see what inspired the MX-5’s distinctive shape.
The value of Maeda’s approach is debatable especially when automotive grade clay is expensive and computers can do it cheaper and faster. However few will disagree that the all-new Mazda 3 looks better than anything BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Audi have done in recent times.
According to the General Manager of Mazda's Design Division, Yasushi Nakamuta, whom Carlist.my spoke to at the recent Mazda ASEAN Design Forum in Bangkok, the reason the Mazda 3 looks so good is because it’s able to manipulate natural light and shadows in ways that computer generated designs can’t. Nakamuta added that the car will look even better when viewed in person.
Fine tuning the car body’s surfaces to achieve such an effect is only possible with the skills of a
Takumi
 (expert craftsmen) clay modeler. Their deft hands are able to shave clay with precision of less than a millimeter to create the perfect curve.
Adjusting the same design on a computer won’t be able to achieve the same result because even the highest definition power wall screens can’t simulate natural light reflecting off a car’s surface.
This interplay between light and shadow is described by the Japanese as
Utsuroi
, and it’s a key pillar for Kodo Design Phase 2, Mazda’s new design language that made its debut in the
all-new Mazda 3
.
The previous Kodo Design focused on emphasizing horizontal lines and dynamic character, something which is already done by nearly every car maker. Kodo Design Phase 2’s manipulation of light and shadow however, is something that Mazda believes is nearly impossible to copy without Mazda’s
Takumi
 clay modelers.
Indeed, the industry’s consensus is that Mazda modelers are the best in the world, even better than those working in German premium brands.
Nakamuta is careful to add that Mazda is not abandoning technology. Far from it. The difference between Mazda and other car makers is that Mazda understands the strengths and weaknesses of both analogue and digital approaches to solve problems, never abandoning one for the other, but leveraging on both.
Once the abstract
Goshintai
 is perfected, it’s digitized by a 3D scanner and transferred into a computer for the next step. This process is then repeated again with a conceptualized car.
How Mazda engineers are able to transfer such intricate designs into series production requires a separate post. For now, let’s focus on what we’ve learned from Mazda’s philosophy of ‘Car is Art.’
You might be wondering isn’t this hand-made, analogue approach to design too costly (automotive grade clay is not cheap) and too time consuming for today’s world? In most cases, you would be right, because Mazda took two years of trial and error to perfect the formula to achieve the desired
Utsuroi
 effect. But to Mazda, the process is worth the trouble because the results are, simply put, stunning.
Considering how time consuming the design process is, we asked Nakamuta how Mazda intends to scale up this approach in a sustainable manner; Nakamuta laughed and assured us that Mazda is certainly not foolish enough to spend two years on designing just a single model.
“The two years spent also included coming up with the right formula for our design. We now have a template that we can apply it across multiple body types and segments,” he said.
Nakamuta also explained that Mazda has a very different approach to grooming young design talent. Most car companies recruit designers from schools specializing in industrial design. It’s a logical choice but Mazda also believes that the practice limits the available talent pool.
It’s also the reason why Mazda encourage their designers to participate in non-automotive projects, to sharpen their appreciation for aesthetics and different forms of art.
This Shiraito (The White Thread) sculpture was created in collaboration with the head of the lacquerware-making Kinjo-Ikkokusai family, using artisan techniques developed in Mazda’s hometown of Hiroshima. Finely grained egg shells to capture impression of a water fall.
The inaugural Mazda ASEAN Design Forum also saw the regional debut of the
RX Vision
 and
Vision Coupe
 concept cars. The former is a two-door sports car powered by the company’s concept SkyActiv-R rotary engine. Details are scarce but we believe that the vehicle is electric and the rotary engine is only used as a range extender. The latter is a full-size, rear-wheel drive sedan, possibly in the same class as a Toyota Crown, or maybe even a Genesis G80.
The two concept cars exhibit the two extreme ends of Kodo Design Phase 2 and all future Mazda models will have design elements that fall somewhere between these two concepts.
Earlier this year, the Vision Coupe won the Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year award at Paris’ 33rd Festival Automobile International, beating the the Audi Aicon, BMW i Vision Dynamics, Lamborghini Terzo Millennio, and Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet. Didn’t we say that Mazda is doing a better job than premium German brands?
This is the second time Mazda won the award. The RX Vision concept took the same honours two years earlier.
More important than cultured talks on art and design, Mazda’s products are gaining traction in the market place. Across the ASEAN region, sales of Mazda vehicles have increased by 50 percent over the last four years, driven by strong demand for the CX-5, which is assembled in Malaysia and exported to Thailand and the Philippines.
The CX-5 has bagged six awards so far in Malaysia, including the Malaysian Automotive Institute’s Mid-size Crossover of the Year, Star Media Group’s Carsifu’s Best Mid-size SUV/Crossover, as well as Carlist.my’s People’s Choice Award (voted by public) for SUV category. The latter also saw the Mazda 6 winning the Editor’s Choice award for Most Outstanding Design.


Despite A Challenging 2020, Mercedes-Benz Sold 2,000,000 Cars

Despite a challenging 2020, Mercedes-Benz has managed to weather the roadblocks and delivered more than two million cars globally for the fifth consecutive year.

This was made possible through advanced digitisation in sales and service, as well as responding to the rapidly changing situations during the pandemic.

In 2020, Mercedes-Benz carried out many firsts, including hosting its first-ever digital premiere car launch, featuring the latest Mercedes-AMG compact cars. 2020 also saw the new
Mercedes-AMG Compact car
 family's digital debut, with the all-new A 35 hatchback, A 45 S and the CLA 45 S.

The company also hosted its first-ever regional digital premiere of an all-new compact SUV model, the Mercedes-Benz
GLB for Malaysia
, Singapore and Indonesia, which is locally available in three variants –
GLB 200 Progressive Line
, GLB 250 4MATIC AMG Line and Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC.

The year ended with another virtual launch of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA, namely the GLA 200 Progressive Line and GLA 250 AMG Line.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's
CKD
 line-up still stands at 13 variants from five model lines; C-Class, E-Class and S-Class sedans, GLC and GLC Coupe SUVs, as well as two Mercedes-AMG models, the C 43 and the GLC 43 Coupe. The company aims to expand its CKD footprint with plans to localise additional models in the compact car and SUV segment this year.

In a continuous pursuit for the Best Customer Experience initiative, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also unveiled newly-renovated luxury dealerships in Alor Setar and Kuala Lumpur, which features its first of a kind, Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Accessories and Collection Boutique. This saw the transformation of a conventional point of sale to an immense point of experience, a place where a customer can meet the Mercedes-Benz brand and immerse themselves in a fascinating car purchasing and ownership journey.

Despite the pandemic, Customer Services saw a throughput of over 140,000 vehicles in 2020. This achievement was supported by various service differentiation offerings including extended service and warranty grace period, Express Service, Drop&Go, Door-to-Door, Star Mobile, and the implementation of Mercedes-Benz Star Shield Programme, covering comprehensive safety measures across dealerships nationwide.

On the talent front, 2020 witnessed the graduation of an additional 54 apprentices as they transform into globally certified technicians through the
Advance Modern Apprenticeship Programme
 at the state of the art & purpose-built Training Academy in Klang Valley. The company’s commitment to accelerate talent growth in the country has benefitted over 940 graduates through this initiative, making it one of the nation’s most sought-after engineering training programmes in Malaysia.

Also in 2020, MBSM (Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia) financed more than 50% of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles
sold
 by authorised dealers in Malaysia and reached a concrete servicing portfolio of MYR 2.27 billion. It also recorded new contracts worth over RM 717 million and introduced new financing and insurance solutions, the Star Protect and Star Protect Plus programme.

For 2021, Mercedes-Benz would like to unlock the full potential of its unique sub-brands – AMG, Maybach, G-Class and leverage on its strength as a luxury brand to grow economic value and enhance the mix and positioning of the product portfolio.

Claus Weidner, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said “We are cautiously optimistic about the auto industry’s recovery in 2021. Geared with our comprehensive customer-centric strategy, we are confident it will be an interesting journey as we innovate new ways we communicate and conduct businesses in the future together with our partners.”


Possible Recall For The Porsche Taycan In The US

The
 ground-breaking Porsche Taycan
 seems to have hit a small road bump in its success story after the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently received complaints from owners, prompting further investigation. The governing body has received nine complaints regarding “a loss of motive power while in motion at any speed without warning to the driver”, which depending on the gravity of the problem – could spell a recall for the Taycan in the US market.

For now, at least, the complaints seem to be isolated to the US market, where Porsche has delivered over 6,500 units and counting, approximately half of the 12,000 odd units believed to be delivered worldwide between 2020 and 2021, according to MotorBiscuit. However, seeing as how all Porsche Taycans are produced at Porsche’s new cutting edge facility in Zuffenhausen – where it assembles the body, electric-motor(s), transmission and drive axles before final assembly – suggesting that it might be a problem that could afflict more than just the US market cars.

While both the NHTSA and Porsche are understandably tight-lipped over the issue, AutoNews reports that cars suddenly losing power could be caused by the 12V lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO) battery in the Taycan. According to them, Porsche still uses a 12V battery in the Taycan for greater parts commonality with other models and to power common systems of the car such as the door locks and interior lighting which doesn’t require power from the car’s main 800 Volt battery system that drives the car.

Due to the Taycan’s complex recharging and energy recuperation system, the 12V battery is understood to be also charged while the main 800V battery is topped up, however, if the 12V battery is drained or isn’t charged as intended, the central control systems of the car shut down or lose power, thus rendering the car undrivable.

A cursory look at the TaycanForum page also turns up a number of posts where Taycan owners have not been able to open their vehicles because the car’s security system will not work. Even if they manage to use the physical keys to open up the car, the car's main functions such as the instrument cluster and electronic gear selector will not work.

Image credit:
Taycan Forum

One comprehensively written post by a Taycan owner (in the US) describes a similar problem, which was solved when the Porsche engineer managed to get the 12V battery charged up, allowing the car’s major control systems to fire up and bring the car back to life.

Image credit:
Taycan Forum

Problems with 12V batteries shutting off the control systems of EVs are not something new, and afflict other EVs too such as Teslas according to certain forums. For now at least, it’s pretty certain that Porsche will be trying to understand the issue which could be isolated to just the 12V batteries, the power electronics that decide what to charge when or even the software then controls the hardware in the Taycan.


Tokyo 2015: Honda Neowing Concept is here to Help us Love Riding

Combining the stability of having two wheels side-by-side, and the lean cruising you would experience when riding a big motorcycle, the Honda Neowing Concept motorcycle is a hybrid in more ways than one.
Besides bringing an extra front wheel to the equation, the 3-wheeled Neowing’s flat-four petrol engine is coupled to an electric motor. The front wheels feature Honda’s original link structure integrated with new technology which uses an actuator to mitigate roll.
According to Honda, the Neowing Concept was conceived to ‘help more people enjoy the thrill of an open vehicle and active riding’, which we have to say, it is successfully tempting us to take up biking.
No further details were given on the power outputs of its powertrain or the possibilities that we would be able to see such a fascinating thing plying our roads any time soon.


Honda’s All-New British-Built Civic Type R Is Headed For Sale In Japan

Honda
 has announced that its new British-built
Civic

Type R
 will be heading for sale to customers in the automaker’s native Japan, reaching showrooms in the autumn. The move was made known through a recent speech by Takahiro Hachigo, Honda Motor Company CEO.
The first Civic Type R
rolled off the assembly line
 at Honda’s new Swindon plant that received a RM1.18 billion (£200 million) investment from the company – it being the new global production hub for the new Civic five-door with a workforce of over 3,000 personnel.
Philip Ross, Senior Vice President for Honda Motor Europe, said, “We’re delighted that the European Civic Type R will be sold to customers in Honda’s home country of Japan. Customers are really excited about this car and we’re developing a significant order bank here in Europe. Exporting the car to Japan will only serve to increase demand further, which is great news!”
The all-new Civic Type R has Honda billing it a
race car for the road
. With it’s high-revving 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine producing a peak output of 306hp and 400Nm of torque,
needing just 5.7 seconds to achieve the century sprint and
propelling the car to a class-leading top speed of 270km/h.
It will be available in showrooms throughout Europe this summer with a starting price of £29,995 (or approximately RM178,051).