What’s New With The CMCO Rules This Week?

Quite nearly every day, the government releases a bunch of statements that clarifies or amends specific rules regarding where you can go and what you can do with the CMCO in place. We’ve decided to break down this entire week for you in a quick and easy to read format so you’re most up to date on what you’re allowed to do.

You are allowed to bring your kids shopping, but you shouldn’t.
 This goes without saying but bringing a child to go grocery shopping can be grossly negligent – though we understand that some people are not in a position to leave a child at home or with a neighbour. In fact, you probably shouldn’t be bringing anyone with you – although the government allows
 up to two people from a single household to go shopping together
.

*Photo credit thesundaily

Open houses are severely discouraged,
but you can have up to 20 occupants in a household
. This is a little confusing because there’s still enough vagueness in the language of the statement that would allow the police to shut down a gathering if they deem it as too dangerous. Similarly there are still restrictions on interstate travels and that visiting can only be
done on the first day of Hari Raya
.

While roadblocks have largely disappeared around the country, the police have been re-tasked with ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) during the CMCO. This includes spot checks of various businesses and malls to ensure that there is full compliance with social distancing and protection regulations.
They won’t hesitate to shut a business down if the SOPs are not followed
.

For the time being, we are going to be under the CMCO until the June 9th – but the government has expressed that if numbers were to skyrocket they would easily go back to the original – and more restrictive – MCO conditions that we saw in the first few weeks.

Meanwhile various parts of the country have been subject to EMCO with the aid of the army and extremely aggressive barricades. This is done to allow the rest of the country to get on with their various economic activities and to limit the spread from a particularly “hot” area.

*Photo credit The Star

And so things remain largely unchanged. We’re still not really allowed to move around without a good reason, and we’re still not really allowed to socialize or loiter without practicing social distancing. It’s all important to keep our rate of infections low enough for hospitals to handle, and thankfully the slight relaxing of control has allowed many businesses to restart and get back up to speed.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Announces New Company President & CEO

*Right: Mr Roland Folger, Left:
Dr Claus Weidner
As it goes, it’s one president out, and another one in for
Mercedes-Benz
 Malaysia. The company has just announced its replacement for current President and CEO, Roland Folger, whose term in the country expires October 2015.
Taking over, from Mr Folger will be Dr Claus Weidner, who will officially assume the role of president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia from October 2015 onwards.
Dr Weidner will bring to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia over 20 years’ experience from several positions held in Sales and Marketing and Corporate Strategy at the headquarters in Germany. Dr Weidner has also been the Head of Sales/Marketing Passenger Cars in China and leading the entire Mercedes-Benz business in Hong Kong and Macau, and most recently, Indonesia.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s outgoing President and CEO, Folger said, "My five-year tenure in Malaysia has been a fulfilling experience, and the successes we achieved are a testament to the strength of our team. I extend my best wishes to Dr Weidner and welcome him to Malaysia. I have no doubt that under his leadership Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will not only continue to deliver quality premium vehicles and customer service that exceeds expectations, but will also stay on course to dominate the luxury segment.”
*Roland Folger (Right) pictured along MBM's current Vice President Mark Raine
Folger’s last few months at the helm of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has seen the company smash records one after the other. Throughout his five years here, he has seen the launches of several key model launches in the country, including but not limited to the all-new A-, CLA- and GLA-Class, All-new S-Class, all-new C-Class, and new E-Class.
Roland Folger’s next move is to India, where he will become Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd’s Managing Director and CEO later this year.


Lotus Exige 360 Cup Revealed With More Power, Less Weight

This is the
Lotus
 Exige 360 Cup, the latest creation from the British sports car manufacturer together with its Motorsport division.
Based on the Exige V6 Cup, this limited-run model will see only 50 examples being made with prices starting at prices starting at £62,995 (RM400,143) including 20% tax.
The Exige 360 Cup gains a few extras from the car it is based on. For instance, the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine now produces 360PS, which is 10PS more. Combined with the car’s weight of just 1,130kg and a sportier soundtrack from the powertrain, Lotus say that the car will offer an incredibly enhanced driving experience.
Other bits which the
Lotus Exige
 360 Cup retains from the Exige V6 Cup is its track proven aero package (front splitter, rear diffuser, flat underside, and wing) that offers 42kg of downforce at 160km/h, and its lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, featuring double wishbone all round with two-way adjustable dampers and a four-mode dynamic system plus launch control.
On the outside, the Exige 360 Cup receives unique touches as well with a bespoke lightweight front access panel, new lightweight rear tailgate, and louvered panel. It also sports updated grooved brake discs, Motorsport Red wheels, embroidered seats and dash panel.
Customers can also specify their car with options that include a new red Alcantara interior, adjustable anti-roll bars, Öhlins race dampers, fire extinguisher and electrical cut-off, FIA carbon seats, air conditioning and, a removable steering wheel.
As with all Lotus Motorsport Cup models the Exige 360 Cup is eligible for the Lotus Cup race series.


JPJ Provides Official Numbers To Call In Case Of A Highway Emergency

Hari Raya is nearly upon us, and therefore there will be a lot more vehicles filling the highways as well as the town and country roads. But mostly the highways, which is why if somewhere, something were to happen, the assistance from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is a only a phone call away.
But which phone number do you dial? It’s a question not everyone can answer, and there are various other numbers that could lead to a quicker response apart from the one singular emergency hotline. To this end, JPJ has listed out all the phone numbers you should dial to get help based on which highway you are travelling on to ensure you're directed to the assistance that's closest to you.
It’s rather a long list of 21 rows, however, so what we thought we’d do is list them out here too, just to make them as clear as possible.
So please do plan ahead for your trip this festive season, don't practice any
dastardly driving habits
,  take note of the highways that you'll be travelling on as well as the appropriate emergency lines, and drive safely overall. Here's the JPJ's version the list above, just in case.


BMW Sleepwalking Ad – If You Can Dream It, You Can Drive It

In typical BMW fashion, the recent ad, dubbed “Sleepwalking” seems to drive home one very important point – if you can dream it today, you can drive it tomorrow, regardless if you’re quite a few years off from acquiring your driver’s license.
Sleepwalking starts as a young girl daydreams about driving a BMW. Her moves are well-rehearsed – cycling through a routine just prior to hitting an imaginary Start/Stop button, the mimicry is precise and in sync, right down to prodding the throttle and selecting a gear.
To add a sense of realism to the dream, the girl’s mother places a fan in front of her – as if to further immerse her and prolong her state of being. Towards the end of the video – it becomes apparent where the young child learned to “drive” the way she does.
The girl wakes up from her powerful dream as her mom starts her own BMW - bridging the gap between daydream and reality.


10 police cars were involved in the Ipoh hot pursuit

A female driver of a white multi-purpose vehicle was at the centre of a 10-car police chase in Ipoh yesterday. PDRM is still unsure why she tried to run away, as nothing was amiss when they finally managed to grab her.

The 65-kilometre chase which started around 2.50 am around Batu Gajah, Perak damaged five police vehicles as the woman crashed into them in a bid to try and escape.

According to a report compiled by NST, the police team tried to stop her as she behaved in a suspicious manner, but when the police wanted to approach and question her, she began driving recklessly and sped off along Jalan Gopeng, Jalan Ipoh-Kampar, Jalan Malim Nawar and reached a dead-end in Malim Nawar.

Batu Gajah police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Roy Suhaimi Sarif said the female driver came to a dead-end when the police followed her, but instead of stopping her vehicle, she rammed into several police cars including trying to run over a policeman who stood behind her vehicle as she threw into reverse.

"The policeman was forced to fire a shot at the left rear tyre, before she made her escape. However, the woman's vehicle stalled at KM29 due to damages to her engine and tyre," he said.

The most puzzling part of it all is that she had no illegal items in the vehicle when the police checked the MPV after the chase. She also has no criminal records, and there was no trace of drugs in her system based on her urine test.

The woman has been remanded starting yesterday until Dec 8 to assist in the police investigation. The support to chase her came from the Batu Gajah motorcycle patrol Unit; the Batu Gajah mobile patrol vehicle unit; Kampar mobile patrol vehicle unit, and the Kampar police district police headquarters.


Volkswagen CEO admits Interior mistakes - Damaged Volkswagen's reputation

Volkswagen CEO admits Interior mistakes: A candid look at customer alienation.

In a refreshingly honest confession, Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen, has acknowledged the missteps made by his predecessor regarding the interiors of Volkswagen cars, which have resulted in customer dissatisfaction.

Since assuming the CEO role in July 2022, Schäfer has been upfront about the frustrating details that were approved by Herbert Diess.

According to CarExpert, he acknowledges that features such as haptic steering wheel switchgear and touch-capacitive climate control sliders have "definitely done a lot of damage" to Volkswagen's reputation among loyal customers. He recognised that frustrated customers should not have been left feeling this way.

To rectify these issues, Schäfer and his team have meticulously examined the functions that customers typically interact with while using a vehicle. They aim to drop or modify these controversial features and provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

As a result, upcoming models, such as the 2024 Tiguan, will showcase Volkswagen's commitment to improvement.

While the Tiguan will feature a larger touchscreen and fewer physical switchgear, it will introduce a rotary controller on the centre console for drive mode, volume settings, and proper steering wheel buttons.

Volkswagen aims for careful evolution rather than a complete overhaul of its interiors, focusing on optimising and bringing the design into the future while maintaining customer familiarity and consistency.

Schäfer emphasised the importance of not confusing customers with drastic changes in each new model. Volkswagen has always been known for its intuitiveness, where drivers immediately know where everything is located inside the car.

This approach will continue with the
forthcoming ID.2
 and subsequent models aiming to deliver top-notch interiors.

Beyond the Tiguan, Volkswagen plans to enhance the user-friendliness of other models like the next Passat and the updated Golf. Schäfer outlined the development process, which involves prioritising the most important functions and ensuring their accessibility through buttons or screens.

The aesthetics and haptics of the controls are carefully considered to provide a satisfying experience for users.

The CEO admitted that mistakes were also made with the company's infotainment systems, and Volkswagen is actively addressing the issues with software and hardware updates.

Volkswagen's move away from touch-capacitive switchgear echoes similar shifts by brands like General Motors and Ford, who phased out these features after receiving criticism from owners.

In pursuing improved usability and customer satisfaction, Volkswagen is determined to learn from past mistakes and create interiors that resonate with its drivers.

As Volkswagen continues refining its approach, customers can expect a renewed focus on intuitive design, optimised functionality, and an enhanced driving experience.


2 year wait for the Ferrari Purosangue - High Demand or Limited Production?

Ferrari has stopped taking orders for their first SUV as they say the demand for the car is high. Technically however, they just refuse to up the production, as it is "consistent with the positioning of Ferrari and the model".

When Ferrari
unveiled their Purosangue SUV,
 we all knew that it could potentially get some new fans and customers.

Well, new customers will have to wait two years if they want to buy Ferrari's first SUV as the high demand for the car has led the Italian brand to stop taking orders.

This was confirmed by Ferrari's Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Ferrari NV, Enrico Galliera, who informed the public that the SUV model has already been sold out for the next two years.

"It's no secret that we stopped taking orders. We had such an interest without delivering one single car," said Galliera, as reported by Drive.

The kicker however is that Ferrari could actually up the production of the Purosangue, but refuse to, as the Italian supercar manufacturer still wants the Purosangue production to be at most 20 per cent of their total annual output.

"We made a decision that we thought was consistent with the positioning of Ferrari and the model."

According to Drive, this means just one in five Ferraris sold will be a Purosangue – compared to more than half of all Lamborghinis built each year.

The first batch of Purosangues were all reserved/prioritised for existing Ferrari customers, so only the batches after were open to none Ferrari owners.

The Ferrari Purosangue is almost twice the price of the Lamborghini Urus and comes with a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that produces
715hp
 and
716Nm
 of torque.

The mid-front-mounted engine is mated to an eight-speed F1 DCT gearbox as well as a unique 4x4 transmission package plus independent wheel steering that offers a 49:51% weight distribution. This also means that it's not only fast on the straights but nimble and agile in the corners as well.

Speaking of fast, the Ferrari Purosangue is able to hit 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds and 0-200km/h in 10.6 seconds before arriving at its top speed of over 310km/h. And that's while riding on a couple of 22-inch front wheels (255/35 R22) and rear 23-inch rollers (315/30 R23). Dry weight? Just 2,033kg.


Updated Audi A5 Sportback Is Finally Here

The perfect blend between sportiness and practicality - it's the Audi A5 Sportback, and the latest facelift has finally made its way to our shores.

When Audi relaunched their brand here not too long ago, they decided to lead with a model that was a little unconventional - the
A5 Sportback
. We don't mean unconventional in the sense that it's extremely left field, but rather it isn't a model with a lot of history nor is it one of their extremely special models.

Nonetheless, it is a model that is a great blend between sportiness and space - especially with that large tail gate that opens up for extremely easy loading and unloading. The facelift brings a couple of improvements and changes that helps to bring the A5 Sportback in line with the rest of the Audi model line-up. Here's all you need to know about this new facelift:

Updated Face

The facelifted model gets the new design language from Audi's more recent models, with a flatter and wider front grille, as well as new side sills and redesigned diffuser. All variants of the A5 Sportback get the Matrix LED system for the headlights and LED tail lights as well, hence them being standard equipment for even the Malaysian market.

New MMI, who this?

Audi's infotainment system is known as MMI, or Multi Media Interface, and the new touch system for this facelifted model is designed to function a lot like a modern smartphone. It's a 10.1-inch touch screen with acoustic feedback that replaces the rotary push button system in previous models. Natural language voice control is included as well, and for the Malaysian market there is navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

In tandem with the virtual cockpit - in all of its 12.3-inches of glory - you get a truly seamless, integrated experience. The entire system operates on Audi's MIB 3 platform, with enhanced processing power for smoother operation.

Plenty of power

There are two powertrains available for the A5 Sportback, both of them being 2.0 TFSI engines albeit in different states of tune. There is a 150 hp variant and a 249 hp variant, both paired to a seven speed dual-clutch S Tronic gearbox - the former is front wheel drive, while the latter packs the quattro all-wheel drive system.

In addition to this, both powertrains come with mild hybrid systems running off a 12-volt electrical system and connected to the engine via an accessory belt - effectively being a belt alternator starter type system. With this working and the lithium-ion battery sufficiently charged, the A5 can coast at speeds of between 55 and 160 km/h with the engine switched off.


Hiding Inside This Normal Looking Mazda 3 Prototype Is The Saviour Of Combustion Engines

The idealistic and somewhat stubborn engineers at Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan are currently about to cross a proverbial bridge of no return. As the industry trends towards electrification, driverless cars, with Internet car-sharing startups winning the vote of Wall Street investors, car companies are finding themselves in a once a century revolution.
Breaking away from mainstream car makers, Mazda is taking a different path to secure its future. In a rather counterintuitive stance, Mazda believes that to thrive, it must remain small, appealing not to everyone but only to passionate enthusiasts, people who - in the future - will pay for the privilege of driving in a society that’s increasingly indifferent towards cars.
Mazda is investing everything it has in building the ultimate internal combustion engine, the upcoming SkyActiv-X engine - a part-spark, part-compression ignition ideal engine concept that's perfect in theory because it combines the best of compression ignition (diesel) with the best of spark ignition (petrol). Making it work in the real world is a different story. Mercedes-Benz tried but abandoned the concept midway with their stillborn 2007 Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept's Diesotto engine.
Mazda however, believes that it has cracked the code. The last time Mazda made a bet of this magnitude was nearly 40 years ago, with their near-full range of rotary engine-powered vehicles that nearly bankrupted the company when the first oil crisis hit US, which Mazda was overly reliant on. Where rotary came up short, SkyActiv-X is Mazda's answer. The next five years will be a make or break moment for the Mazda as it rolls out SkyActiv-X starting from 2019.
Yes, electrification is inevitable and Mazda is embracing it by preparing to launch its first battery electric and mild hybrid models next year, followed by a range of plug-in hybrids in 2021, but these won’t be Mazda’s core products.
The way Mazda sees it, SkyActiv-X is our best bet to preserve car culture. Fitted to a Mazda 3, the prototype accelerates as fast as a much lighter MX-5, with overall well-to-tank emissions no more than an electric car drawing power from a fossil fuel burning power station.
Mazda Kai Concept
Some might say that Mazda is fighting the inevitable. Maybe that’s true, but right now, Mazda is actively influencing the future in ways it see fit. The folks from Hiroshima are not known to be the sort of people who sit idle and leave it to fate. Remember that this company is built by the same people who rebuilt their city from the ruins of a nuclear attack. The people at Mazda are a bit like Eastern versions of the people at Porsche, who until today, refused to correct the 911's engine location. Maybe stubbornness, when refined over time, becomes character.
Mazda argues that even by 2035, battery and fuel cell electric vehicles are projected to contribute only about 15 percent of the world’s car market. The market will be dominated by hybrids, which will still need combustion engines. Thus, Mazda sees engines as still a crucial component in keeping Mazda cars unique, which brings us to this matte black prototype seen here.
Intentionally dressed to look identical to the current Mazda 3, this prototype is actually riding on a new chassis that will underpin the next generation Mazda 3, one that incorporates elements of Mazda’s forthcoming SkyActiv Vehicle Architecture.
It also means that the next generation Mazda 3, due sometime between 2019 and 2020, will not be radically different from the current model. It will share more or less the same dimensions, apart from maybe a slightly lower roofline and a different rear suspension (more on that later), which explains why Mazda can disguise the next generation model with the current car’s body.
The model after that, two generations from the one currently on sale, will utilize a full SkyActiv Vehicle Architecture and we think that’s the model that will realize the Kai Concept shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Enough has been written about the Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) SkyActiv-X engine and Mazda’s position on powertrain electrification, you can read them
here
 and
here
. The engine can be summed up as this – it’s the most fuel efficient engine in the real world because SkyActiv-X’s fuel consumption is less affected by differences in driving style. It’s also a lot more responsive than current SkyActiv engines and has a small belt-driven supercharger, but only to compensate for the lower torque output when running in lean burn mode.
Ignoring the unfinished interior, the focus of the prototype’s interior is an LCD screen displaying the status of the engine’s ignition – whether it’s running on regular spark ignition (dark green), spark controlled compression ignition mode (yellow), or lean burn spark ignition mode (light green). To a driver, this information is irrelevant but its inclusion in the prototypes is merely to demonstrate how smoothly the engine is able to switch between different combustion modes.
We had the opportunity to sample the prototypes at Japan’s Mine circuit, which is now owned by Mazda. Following behind a pace car in front, speed was moderate but it was enough to allow us to form an early impression of Mazda’s prototype engine.
Accelerating out of the pits, the linearity of its power delivery was clearly one level ahead of current SkyActiv engines. It sounds better too. At cold idle, there’s mild diesel-like clatter but it’s not audible from inside the car. Flex your right foot and the engine revs rises and drops through the ample 6,500-plus rpm rev range, with the kind immediacy that can only be found on a naturally aspirated engine. Apart from prototypes with six-speed automatic transmissions, we also had a go in cars fitted with six-speed manual transmissions, and what a joy it was to drive those.
As the engine’s optimum efficiency range is so wide (yellow zone), it doesn’t really matter if you decide to leave the car in a shorter ratio 5
th
 gear instead of a taller 6
th
.
However there were some instances when mild engine knock can be felt, especially when it’s switching between different combustion modes but as this is still a prototype, we expect the production car to be more refined.
Through the corners, the prototype felt more engaging to drive, more ‘Jinba Ittai’ than the existing 3, which we also drove back-to-back. Imagine our surprise when we peeked underneath the car and saw that the prototype 3 was actually running on torsion beam rear suspension versus the current 3’s multi-link setup.
Before fans bring out their pitchfork, we need to explain that Mazda owns a patent to this particular torsion beam design, claimed to be a world’s first as the beam’s diameter progressively thickens from the middle to the sides. Mazda says this simpler design with less moving parts allows it to better control mechanical noise and vibration, while retaining the high level of control that regular multi-link suspension is known for.
Reaching the circuit’s main straights, there’s a small stretch where we can drop the gears and punch the throttle, allowing us to briefly hit about 130 km/h. The prototype was also noticeably quieter, even at its current unfinished form, while the engine certainly pulls with much more gusto the current 3. However at the back of our minds, we also know that a Civic with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine or a Jetta 1.4 TSI will be breathing down on us thanks to their ample low-end torque, so long as you ignore fuel economy because SkyActiv-X is claimed to be at least 20 percent more fuel efficient in real-world driving than any gasoline engine in production.
The engine might be extremely sophisticated, but it runs just as well on RON 91 petrol as it is with RON 95, swapping tradeoffs between low-end and peak torque respectively (torque curve chart below). The spark plugs are no different from the Iridium ones used by regular petrol engines.
The engine is currently designed as a 2.0-litre four cylinder, but Mazda says the engine’s capacity can be easily scaled up or down to suit a variety of applications.
Driving it casually, one can’t tell the amount of mathematical sorcery that’s going on behind the scenes but the display screen tells us the seamless switching between multiple combustion modes on the fly, and that’s exactly how engines should be. The best tech are the ones that work quietly in the background. It doesn’t require the driver to learn anything new. It’s not a radically different engine that technicians will need to go back to school before they can work on it.
Sure, some amount of training is required, but at the end of the day, it’s still an internal combustion engine, refined to be the best of its kind. It’s not a plug-in hybrid or a fuel-cell, where one needs certification on working with high-voltage equipment before you can service the car.
Having said that, the new 3 is designed to accommodate a mild-hybrid powertrain (motor assist only, similar to previous Honda IMA). A cut-away display of the car showed an unusual indentation on the floorpan on the front right-side of the cabin, which we later found out to be housing for a small hybrid battery, while the left-side of the engine bay had cooling fins, which we were told was for a DC-DC converter.
Although SkyActiv-X is slated to be rolled out in 2019, not all markets will receive the new engine at the same time. The priority is markets in the European Union, where the new WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) emissions test cycle is threatening to make nearly all existing European turbocharged engines illegal if no substantial reduction in capacity and power is made, as well as USA, whose EPA is putting emphasis on real-world fuel consumption and emissions figures over controlled lab tests.
Both are an opportunity for Mazda to shine and vindicate their past-resistance towards turbocharging, currently limited only to their 2.5-litre capacity engines because Mazda doesn’t have 3.0-litre and above engines.
Now, if only they will apply this in to a racing engine, install it into a racy looking coupe and race it for 24 hours. Imagine what a comeback it will be, a successor to the legendary 787B. It could leapfrog rivals simply by not having to pit as often as others for fuel. When asked if there is ever a chance for SkyActiv-X going racing, Hidetoshi Kudo, Executive Offficer In Charge of R&D Administration and Product Strategy said with gleaming eyes, "That is our dream, please give your outmost support to us as we chase this dream."


2017 TIV- 576.6k, maintain 590k target for 2018

With the release of the December 2017 new vehicle sales results from Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), we can now tabulate the total industry volume (TIV) for 2017.
Although December 2017 ended strongly, in fact, the strongest month for 2017 at 54,729 units, it is not sufficient to close the year at MAA projection of 590,000 units.
MAA, whilst announcing the 2017 results, also provided a forecast for the 2018 TIV. The association maintains the
590,000 units
for 2018, which is also the same forecast for 2017, citing a modest 2.3% increase versus 2017’s closing of 576,635 units.
Highlights for 2017:
We will focus on brands that did not separately announce their 2017 performance (
Perodua
,
Proton
,
Honda
,
Mercedes-Benz
,
BMW Group
, and
Volkswagen
 all had their respective briefings earlier).
We begin with Toyota. 2017 has been a better year for them, as they see an increase in sales of 9.0% to end the year with 69,492 units. Based on the MAA vehicle type breakdown, the increase is contributed by SUVs (Toyota Fortuner) and MPVs (Toyota Innova and Toyota Sienta). The growth in the pick-up (Hilux) sales is only minimal. With a big range of new models slated for launch in 2018, Toyota could see a better 2018.
With a lack of new models, Nissan closed the year with just 27,154 units. This is a massive 33.3% reduction versus 2016, when at that year, the company was enjoying the success of the new X-Trail and Navara NP300 sales. The largest contributor to the brand’s decline is the passenger car range, which is no surprise as the Sylphy and Teana have not been well received by the consumers.
Other brands having a decline in 2017 include Mazda, Mitsubishi and Ford. Mazda's decline can be attributed by the sales transition of the old CX-5 to the new CX-5 model, with production and deliveries of the new generation only started in October 2017.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi's entire range of models experience a decline, as the product coverage is not diverse and aging effect of the core models (ASX).
Ford also experienced a decline in their popular Ranger sales and no replacement yet for the old Thailand-sourced Ford Fiesta.
While many brands experienced decline, Subaru managed to register a strong growth for 2017, posting sales of 4,782 units. The brand which basically offers all-wheel drive drivetrains paired to a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine enjoyed a growth of 909 units, which is the fourth largest growth (units) after Honda, Toyota and BMW.
With class topping performance from their 407 horsepower T8 plug-in hybrid engine at attractive prices, Volvo is also realizing their benefits of this powertrain strategy. Volvo breached a thousand units to record a sales of 1,021 units, making them number three in the premium market after Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and just ahead of MINI. Lexus managed to get ahead of Audi, with the Japanese brand reporting 953 units versus 701 units from the emblem with four rings.


Book Your Next Service With Caltex Havoline - Protect Your Car And Wallet!

Now that Malaysians are coming out of our stay-at-home shells and moving around again, making sure that the car we drive is just as refreshed as we are means a good service and change of fluids - most important here is to ensure we have clean, high-quality oil flowing through our engine.

Caltex has always been at the forefront of fuels and oil, respectively with their petrols infused with Techron or their Havoline series of lubricants, and in the spirit of delivering the best quality and value to Malaysian drivers, have launched the Jom Service with Havoline promotion that’s running until December 31st, 2021.

To ensure that both your engine and your wallet are protected, Caltex is offering an additional free 4-litre bottle of Havoline oil at any of their AutoPro Workshops located throughout the country (valid for a 6 month period after the e-voucher is received).

Havoline itself has been a brand serving the needs of both everyday drivers and that of motorsports since its inception in 1904. Over the years, through their evolving line-up of premium motor oils, they have built a reputation for outstanding performance and protection for passenger cars and diesel vehicles.

All that’s needed to participate in this great offer is to get your car serviced at any Havoline branded or AutoPro workshop using:

Havoline Pro DS Fully Synthetic LE SAE 5W-40

Havoline Pro DS Fully Synthetic ECO 5 SAE 5W-30

Havoline Pro DS Fully Synthetic ECO 5 SAE 0W-20

Havoline Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-40

Havoline Synthetic Blend SAE 5W-30

Every purchase of three (3) four-litre (4L) bottles of either Havoline Pro DS Fully Synthetic LE SAE 5W-4 or Havoline Pro DS Fully Synthetic ECO 5 SAE 5W-30 oils entitle you to a FREE 4th bottle whereas every purchase of four (4) four-litre (4L) bottles of either Havoline Pro DS Fully Synthetic ECO 5 SAE 0W-20, Havoline Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-40, or Havoline Synthetic Blend SAE 5W-30 entitles you to a FREE 5th bottle to make your subsequent service that much more seamless and value-packed! Especially as each customer is allowed to register 2 cars per submission.

All you have to do is scan the QR code in the ‘
Jom Service with Havoline!
’ promotional poster and fill up the required details. From there, just add your car’s registration number, insert the name of the participating Caltex AutoPro workshop, select the type of engine oil, and finally upload a copy of the receipt as proof of purchase.

At Caltex’s AutoPro workshops, customers receive a guaranteed assurance that only genuine Caltex products are used, which are recognised worldwide for their quality, technological integrity, and performance.

AutoPro workshops are also well-equipped to make light work of any issue faced by your vehicle, from regular servicing to more serious repairs, they make both you and your vehicle feel at home from the moment you enter.

Their 22-point comprehensive check procedure, for example, is at the heart of their preventative maintenance programme, performed by trained mechanics to bring convenience and peace of mind to customers.

For more information,
click here
.


RON95, Diesel Dijangka Lebih Mahal Tahun Depan – Subsidi Bersasar Kemungkinan Besar Dilaksanakan

Anda mungkin perlu membayar
harga bahan api RON95 dan diesel
 mengikut harga pasaran atau dalam bahasa mudahnya, lebih mahal berbanding harga yang ditawarkan di Malaysia ketika ini.

Ini kerana menurut Maybank Investment Bank (Maybank IB),
subsidi bersasar
 untuk bahan api berkemungkinan besar akan dilancarkan tahun depan berdasarkan laporan Berita Harian.

*Kredit foto: The Sun Daily

Harga RON95, Diesel Dijangka Naik

Maybank IB menjangkakan harga
RON95
 dan diesel yang lebih tinggi tahun depan dengan semakan semula subsidi bahan api.

Menurut nota penyelidikan mereka, ujian mekanisme subsidi bersasar telah dimulakan bulan lalu dan akan berjalan tiga hingga enam bulan dan mereka beranggapan bahawa subsidi bahan api akan disemak semula tahun depan sebagai sebahagian agenda dalam Bajet 2023 yang dijadualkan pada 7 Oktober ini.

Pihak Maybank IB mengubah unjuran kadar inflasi 2022 kepada 3.3 peratus berbanding 3.4 peratus sebelum ini, manakala kadar inflasi tahun depan diunjurkan pada 4.0 peratus berbanding 4.1 peratus sebelumnya.

Bank pelaburan itu berkata, unjuran berkenaan turut mempertimbangkan kesan rasionalisasi subsidi harga yang telah diumumkan dan dijangka akan dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan.

"Sebagai contoh, kerajaan mengumumkan pemansuhan subsidi harga minyak masak (tulen, tidak dicampur) dalam botol dua kilogram (kg), tiga kg dan lima kg berkuat kuasa 1 Julai lalu, tetapi mengekalkan subsidi minyak masak dalam polibeg satu kg berharga RM2.50 sepeket."

"Unjuran kadar inflasi kami untuk 2023 termasuk andaian beberapa pelarasan dalam harga bahan api dan tarif elektrik berikutan kajian semula subsidi pada 2023," katanya.

Maybank IB berkata, unjuran inflasi turut mengambil kira pelaksanaan 10 peratus Cukai Jualan ke atas barangan import bernilai rendah yang dijual secara dalam talian berkuat kuasa Januari 2023.

Unjuran juga, katanya berikutan pelaksanaan penuh kenaikan gaji minimum ke atas semua majikan tahun depan berbanding pengecualian ke atas perniagaan kecil yang mempunyai kurang daripada lima pekerja tahun ini.

*Kredit foto: Malay Mail

BNM Dijangka Tingkatkan Lagi OPR

Dengan trajektori menaik dalam kadar inflasi tahunan, ditambah dengan pertumbuhan ekonomi yang lebih kukuh pada suku kedua 2022 dan tahun ini, Maybank IB menjangkakan Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) untuk meningkatkan lagi kadar dasar semalaman (OPR) sebanyak 50 mata asas (bps) kepada 2.75 peratus menjelang akhir tahun ini.

Jangkaan itu, katanya membabitkan kenaikan sebanyak 25 bps setiap satu iaitu semasa dua lagi Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Dasar Monetari (MPC) bagi tahun ini iaitu pada 7 hingga 8 September 2022 dan 2 hingga 3 November 2022.

"Kami juga menjangkakan kenaikan 25 bps lagi awal tahun depan untuk menjadikan OPR kembali ke tahap sebelum COVID-19 sebanyak 3.00 peratus menjelang akhir suku pertama 2023," menurut nota penyelidikan itu lagi.

Nota penyelidikan itu disediakan oleh tiga penganalisis bank pelaburan itu iaitu Dr Zamros Dzulkafli, Suhaimi Ilias dan Fatin Nabila Mohd Zaini


418,237 Road Accidents Reported In 2020 Despite MCO

Earlier this year, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) revealed that 418,237 road accidents were reported in 2020 despite the Movement Control Orders (MCO), which incidentally also saw fewer vehicles on the road last year.

This just goes to prove to us that no matter what, accidents are part and parcel of motoring, so it is very important to choose your car
insurance coverage
 wisely.

Being involved in a car accident is one of the most stressful things a motorist can experience. From dealing with the initial shock of the accident to have to
negotiate
 and make on-the-spot decisions as numerous touts and tow truck operators hover over you, can all be a bit overwhelming.

Just as you think the worst is behind you, the aftermath can bring a whole new level of stress as you have to deal with workshops and insurance claims.

This is why choosing the right insurance company to insure your car is an important decision, which most only and unfortunately considers after being in an accident.

Choosing the right motor insurance coverage with value-added services can make all the difference between a troublesome ordeal or a stress-free experience.

It seems that Allianz understands this, which is why they created an accident assistance team called
Road Rangers
.

The Allianz Road Rangers is free-of-charge accident assistance offered by the Allianz General Insurance Company. They take care of a customer's needs right from the point of an accident to the moment the repaired vehicle is delivered to their doorstep.

Launched in the Klang Valley in 2017 and available nationwide since 2018, the Allianz Road Rangers services feature seven types of help that come in handy in an accident.

It consists of:

24-Hours Helpline Assistance

Allianz Road Ranger fleet (First Response Bike Brigade and Allianz Tow Truck)

Claims Concierge Service

e-hailing Voucher

Claims Express Approval and Vehicle Delivery.

They created this ecosystem so that Allianz General Motor Comprehensive policyholders can experience a fuss-free, seamless claims process. To date, the Allianz Road Rangers fleet is made up of 190 Allianz Road Rangers branded tow trucks and 30 bike brigadiers nationwide.

Allianz Malaysia Berhad Chief Executive Officer, Zakri Khir, believes in understanding the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage and choosing services that resonate best with their needs.

"Anyone that has been in a motor accident will tell you what a painful experience it can be when it comes to settling claims and getting repair works done on time. Should things turn sour, more often than not, insurers are pegged as the bad guy, seemingly profiting from another's misfortune," said Zakri during the Crash, Boom, Bang! Media Roundtable - Accidents, Motor Claims, and Debunking Myths.

"However, what most fail to see is that accidents are a litmus test for us, insurers and the promise we sell to our customers that we will be there for them in their times of need. Not delivering on those promises is a cardinal sin. The onus is on the insurer to honour its promise to its customers, and at Allianz Malaysia, we are about doing things right by you, providing the services that you need at the times that you need them the most," added Zakri.

In a move to give an even better experience to their customers, Allianz also last year revamped its panel of Allianz Authorised Repairers to consist of PIAM Approved Repairers Scheme (PARS) workshops. They even offer a two-year warranty for repair work carried out on vehicles involved in accidents, including the use of spare parts.

It does seem that Allianz has thought this through and that their comprehensive offering for their customers seems total. The move to provide a two-year warranty for repair work also is icing on the cake, as it can probably help filter out workshops that do shoddy repair work.


Subaru Levorg To Arrive Malaysia By Q2 2016

Let's start with saying that as a previous Subaru Legacy BP5 owner, I'm stoked with news of the Levorg making its way into Malaysia. Before continuing, let's watch the global premier video.
What's in the name?
In the world of weird Japanglish, the Levorg has got to be the best. It combines
LE
gacy, e
VO
lution and tou
R
in
G
. There isn't much official story behind the creation of this sports wagon, but as a deeply disappointed fan who witnessed the 2009 Subaru Legacy BR5 dropping the iconic frameless doors, while in the process getting uglier and fatter, I can't help but wish that it's actually secretly conceived by engineers from Fuji Heavy Industry (Subaru's parent company) who missed the legendary BP5 and created the Levorg as some sort of skunkworks project. Maybe it is?
So what is it?
It's actually the wagon (or Touring) version of the Subaru WRX, but with a smaller, newly developed 1.6 Direct Injection Turbo (DIT) engine making 168hp and 250Nm. In Japan however, there's a 2.0 DIT that produces 300hp and 400Nm - which should prove more fun if not for its transmission option - exclusively only available with a CVT transmission, sending power to all four wheels via Subaru's trademark Symmetrical AWD system. While many would like to think of the Levorg as a continuation of the wagon version of the current Legacy, which only lives on as the Outback, (raised ride height), the truth is the wheelbase of the Levorg is only 2,650mm - similar to the Legacy BP5 in terms of size - and design too.
Any breakthroughs?
Unfortunately, not much. It will have the same shabby fuel economy (7.6-litre/100 km for the 2.0-litre engine) that plagues all AWD Subarus. So it will end up as a non premium car that will be price pressured by the EEV-incentivised Mercedes-Benz C200's price, and yet with only a 1.6 liter variant arriving, it will be slower too, while presumably consuming more fuel than most of the premium cars within that price  range. While high fuel consumption has always been a barrier for Subaru's Boxer engines - which on the other hand, brings with it attributes that are non-comparable, like the low center of gravity, and an inherently balanced engine crank that sends imperceptible levels of vibrations into the cabin. So, given that it's still as great as any Subarus, no breakthroughs, but not expecting anything else either.
What else it's great at?
As it's a Subaru, it is generally good at being virtually indestructible
, and since there seems to be some sort of undercurrent trend that's popularizing wagons in Malaysia, with people being more and more willing to go for the Mazda 6 wagon, the 508 SW, the i40 wagon or the Volvo V60 as well. And since its distributed by Motor Image with their well known, industry leading customer service, its good to have an indestructible car to stay by your side.
How much?
While Subaru was never a premium brand, if premium is defined as having leather, lots of leather, lots of chrome, lots of sound proofing, lots of LCD real estate. Instead, Subaru's 'premum-ness' lies in its mechanicals, as opposed to being upholstered in a premium manner. Put it simply, a horizontally opposed four cylinder, direct injected turbocharged engine will always be more costly to build than an in-line four cylinder engine with a balancing shaft and a turbocharger strapped on. And a symmetrical all-wheel drive system will always be more costly than any mass produced FWD or RWD adapted with a transaxle slabbed to either side of the car. So instead of putting your 'premium' dough into the interior in all hoyty doyty manner, Subaru puts it into the engine bay and down below the center tunnel. Yes, Subaru's are mechanically premium.
Again, how much?
Rumour has it that it will be more than RM200,000; which means everyone will buy a
Mazda 6 Touring if they want space, grace and pace
, or they can buy a
5.0 V10 Twin Turbo super wagon for below RM200,000 but paying 124 times more roadtax than the Levorg 1.6 DIT
.
So it's not here yet, but will be here soon. If you can't wait for it, as a proud previous owner of the
Subaru Legacy BP5, I'd highly recommend you to go buy one
.


Mercedes-Benz Begins A-Class Production In Hungary

The world has waited long enough for the latest generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class and they're finally rolling off the line. First production started a couple of weeks ago in Germany, and Hungary has followed suit with the first A-Class models coming off of their production lines as well.
A bit of a mouthful, the particular Mercedes-Benz production site in Hungary is in Kecskemét, just 90 kilometres to the south of Budapest. As part of a new tradition among Mercedes-Benz production sites, apprentices from the Rastatt plant over in Germany produced a 3D-printed steering wheel with a screen on which they uploaded messages, which was sent to the Kecskemét plant and will be sent on to other plants around the world as they begin A-Class production.
This fourth-generation A-Class is the first to be produced in Hungary, replacing the B-Class, and joining the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake models also produced at Kecskemét. For the new compact car generation a new body-in-white shop covering an area of 99,000 m2 equipped with state-of-the-art technologies was built at the Kecskemét plant. As part of the total invest, there were also upgrades to the existing plant. For example, new robots for surface treatment were installed.
The Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét has about 4.000 employees. In 2017, it produced more than 190,000 Mercedes-Benz compact vehicles. The first model to roll off the line in Kecskemét was the Mercedes-Benz B-Class in 2012. It was followed by the four-door CLA compact coupe in 2013 and by the CLA Shooting Brake in 2015. Both of these models are produced exclusively in Kecskemét for the world market.


Tesla Facing Bankruptcy?

Tesla has lost billions of dollars and could possibly go bankrupt.

According to CNN, American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla faces billions of dollars in losses due to the
construction of new production plants
, supply chain issues and even pandemic-related movement restrictions.

In a recent interview, the company's CEO, Elon Musk, said that his company could possibly go bankrupt because of such huge losses.

"The past two years have been an absolute nightmare of supply chain interruptions, one thing after another," Musk said in an interview with a Tesla owners group. "We're not out of it yet. Our concern is how do we keep the factories operating so we can pay people and not go bankrupt," said Musk, as reported by CNN.

CNN Business noted that Tesla had reached the end of the most difficult quarter in two years, as part of its plant operations in Shanghai, China had to be shut down due to Covid-related movement restrictions in the city.

In the same interview, Musk also revealed that his factories in Berlin and Texas have caused the company to lose "billions of dollars" due to supply chain issues. The problem has slowed production, further
reducing the number of completed cars
 - the CNN report mentions that the statement was already recorded late last May but was only revealed last week.

"Both Berlin and Austin factories are gigantic money furnaces right now. There's a giant roaring sound which is the sound of money on fire.

One of Tesla's harshest critics, Gordon Johnson of GLJ Research, told CNN Business that he thinks the company is facing more significant financial
problems
 than most analysts realise.

"Bankruptcy is a real risk for these guys. Why? A lot of their cash is locked up in China. They weren't profitable until they were in China; and, given China does not allow companies to repatriate dollars made there out of the country, Tesla has a real problem."

Johnson pointed to Tesla's decision to cut about 10% of its salaried staff as a tell-tale sign — even as it continues to hire hourly production workers — as another sign of trouble.

"Why do you think they are
cutting people?
 That's a key tell-tale signal," he said.

Tesla reported its first quarterly net profit in two years in the third quarter of 2018 and recorded its best sales, profit, and revenue in the third quarter of last year. But the profits are seen to be coming to an end, according to an analyst study by Refinitiv, wrote the CNN report.

Analysts predict that Tesla's adjusted revenue in the second quarter of 2022 will drop to US $ 2.5 billion (RM11 billion), down from US $ 3.7 billion (RM16.3 billion) generated in the first quarter of 2022. However, the report notes that this is still an increase over adjusted revenue of US $ 1.6 billion (RM7.03 billion), which was recorded in the second quarter of 2021.

CNN also said that Tesla vehicle production remained down 0.1% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021, although year-over-year production was 69% higher.


Consumer Reports: Lexus And Toyota Most Reliable, Audi Surprisingly Good

As expected, Toyota and Lexus continues rake up more accolades with their no-nonsense but built-to-last cars. In the latest Consumer Reports 2015 Annual Auto Reliability Survey, results collated from over 740,000 cars owned by subscribers of the non-advertiser funded American publication showed that Toyota and Lexus are once again the most reliable brands.
It is also worth noting that the reliability of Toyota and Lexus models are quite consistent throughout the range – the length of the blue bar in the accompanying chart indicates the brand’s consistency in reliability. In other words, the longer the blue bar, the bigger the gap in between its most expensive and its cheapest models.
In this respect, Mazda is most consistent in its reliability, but we should also point out that this is also partly because there are only 4 Mazda models that were included in the survey (versus Toyota’s 12).
Audi’s third place ranking is a pleasant surprise. Typically, German luxury brands don’t do very well in reliability ratings. The nature of premium cars means that manufacturers have to equip the cars with the latest technology. Along with greater use of nascent technology comes increased complexity. Teething issues are to be expected and thus the reliability of premium cars are unlikely to match that of a regular Toyota.
BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche all scored below average, with Mercedes-Benz being the worst performing German premium brand, ranking below Chevrolet.
Korean brands did rather well too. Hyundai managed to push itself into above average group, but just barely. Kia also upstaged both Honda and Acura, but Kia's reliability was rather inconsistent, with some Kia models scoring below average, as with Hyundai.
Both Honda and Acura saw their scores dragged down by reported problems in their latest generation of dual-clutch transmissions, high torque CVTs, nine-speed torque converter automatic transmissions and satellite-linked infotainment system.
It is important to note that the CVTs mentioned here are used in larger capacity, higher torque engines fitted in the US market 2.4-litre Honda Accord and CR-V. It is different from the low torque CVT fitted in our Malaysian-market sub-2.0 litre engine capacity Honda City, Jazz and HR-V. The CVTs used in these models have already been upgraded with a torque converter for added reliability in our local climate and traffic conditions.
Our local market Accord and CR-V uses regular five-speed torque converter automatic transmissions instead of CVTs like their US-market twins.
Many Acura models in the US are sold with either an 8-speed dual clutch transmission (with torque converter for smoother low speed driving) or a nine-speed torque converter automatic. Consumer Neither of these transmissions have been very reliable.
Ford’s reliability is also rather inconsistent, with some models scoring above average but many more scoring poorer. Consumers also didn’t like the reliability of Ford’s dual-clutch PowerShift transmission.


Spyshot: Upcoming BMW M8 Competition Leaked

The new BMW M8 Competition has been leaked ahead of its official debut, thanks to a tipster that posted these photos on the
GermanCarForum
 site.
As the name suggests, the M8 Competition sits above the regular M8 in the 8 Series hierarchy, boasting additional aerodynamic bits and more carbon fibre pieces than the regular M8, much like prior M Competition cars.
In the case of the F30-generation M3, the Competition Pack gave the M3 a revised exhaust setup with black muffler tips, larger alloy wheels, carbon fibre exterior trim pieces, different suspension tuning, additional power, and various interior upgrades.
We reckon the same could be applied to the M8 Competition, as this unit is decked out with blacked-out quad muffler tips, unique wheels, and various carbon fibre exterior parts, like the side mirror covers, rear diffuser, and discreet rear spoiler. To keep centre of gravity lower to the ground, the BMW M8 is equipped with carbon fibre roof, which is currently an option on the regular 8 Series. A lone M8 Competition emblem helps to complete the exterior.
As for the interior, we can see that BMW’s M division has fitted the M8 Competition with a carbon fibre centre console, increasing its sporty appeal. In addition to that, the M Steering wheel is expected to feature the same red M shortcut buttons as the new F90 BMW M5. The M8 Competition seen here also gets a red engine start/stop button, unique M sports seats, and an M gear lever.
Power for the regular M8 is expected to be derived from the same 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 out of the F90 M5 that churns out 600 hp and 750 Nm, while the hotter M8 Competition is expected to have a slight power increase.
A debut in 2019 is all but confirmed, though it remains to be seen at which venue BMW will launch the model.
Photo credit:
GermanCarForum


Perodua SUV Under Consideration, But Breaching RM60,000 Price A Challenge

Perodua is looking into the feasibility of introducing an SUV model in the near-term but no decision has been made yet, said Datuk Dr. Aminar Rashid Salleh, President and CEO of Perodua at this morning’s interview with BFM radio.
“We have just the launched new Myvi, the focus is on the Myvi. The SUV remains on our radar chart. We are still studying what’s the market trend like, what are the consumer sentiments towards the SUV so it’s still too early, still in the investigative stage,” said Aminar.
While news of Perodua’s interest in re-introducing an SUV is not new, Aminar added a new point to the discussion when allude to the point that pricing remains an extremely sensitive matter to Perodua. As it is reasonable to expect that a SUV-type product will entail higher cost, it calls into question the feasibility of a Perodua SUV.
“If we look the models that we are offering so far, the four models, those are all below RM60,000,” he said.
“We believe that at this point in time, that seems to be the psychological line. But having said that, cost is something beyond our control – materials and the rest. If it has to come to that, we have to make certain decisions, certain adjustments,” he added.
Aminar said that in the context of improving credit worthiness among customers of the all-new Myvi, which has seen a shift in its customer demographics, which is now seeing a higher ratio of replacement car buyers and additional car buyers, demographics that typically have a higher disposable income than first-time car buyers and thus are seen by banks as more credit worthy customers.
He then went on to explain the RM60,000 psychological barrier for Perodua customers and how the company wants to move away from being as seen as a car that people buy just for its cheap price, to a brand people buy for its superior total package.
“I would like customers to choose us not because of the affordability. Yes price is a major factor in decision making but we would like Malaysians to look at us in totality. The whole package – product design, the features that we put in, some of the technologies that we have put in particularly the new Myvi, our after-sales service, and the brand itself. So it’s not just about affordability, we hope people will support us and choose us because of other factors as well," he said.
Perodua last sold an SUV in 2009, with the short-lived 1.5-litre Perodua Nautica – essentially a rebadged five-seater Japanese market Daihatsu Terios. A seven-seater Indonesian market version is also sold under the same Terios name in Indonesia, and exported to Malaysia as the Toyota Rush.
It is unclear if the upcoming Perodua SUV will follow the previous arrangement with its sister-company UMW Toyota, where Toyota sells the seven-seater version (Rush) while Perodua sells the five-seater version (Nautica).
The all-new Daihatsu Terios/Toyota Rush was
launched in Indonesia in November
, manufactured by Daihatsu’s Indonesian subsidiary PT. Astra Daihatsu Motor.


Review: 2015 Renault Captur - The Most Entertaining Crossover Yet?

The Renault Captur has no predecessors. It is a product born entirely of the need to enter a market segment that becomes more and more competitive with each passing year. Crossovers were mocked when they first began appearing on the market, but it is now clear that they have replaced the traditional SUV in purpose as SUVs have gotten larger and more complex over the years.
The formula is relatively simple: take a compact hatchback from your model range, beef it up with some chassis tweaks, raise the suspension, and you have a crossover. Perhaps the interior benefits from a slight redesign, if the manufacturer is so inclined. But at the end of the day, this cookie cutter formula has been producing some excellent, appreciable products.
Specifications:
Price: RM 120,669.63 (On the road, inclusive of insurance and GST)
Engine: TCe 120 1.2-litre, inline-4 transverse, turbocharged, petrol direct injection
Power: 120 hp @ 4,900rpm
Torque: 190Nm @ 2,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic, FWD
Fuel consumption: 5.4-litres/100km (claimed)
Safety: ABS with ESC and ASR, EBD and EBA, 4 airbags (2 front, 2 side)
Overview
Sitting on what is effectively the fourth-generation Clio platform, the Captur isn’t an outright massive car. The Clio itself was never particularly popular in our market, with the third generation only being available here in Renault Sport form and in highly limited numbers. With this current generation, Tan Chong Euro Cars decided to introduce the Renault Sport variant first, before bringing in a standard Clio under the GT Line badge.
The Captur complements these two models, offering an even more practical solution to a car purchase. Powered by the same 1.2-litre turbocharged motor as the Clio GT Line, in exactly the same state of tune, the Captur isn’t the outright fastest in class. But naturally the benefits of forced induction are in fuel economy and a fat torque curve- with maximum torque from just 2,000 rpm, overtaking in city traffic is hardly a problem.
It is perhaps a little strange that the Clio GT Line is priced RM 800 higher as the kit lists between the Captur and Clio GT Line are near identical- a 7-inch touch screen with navigation, cruise control, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, keyless entry and start, and daytime running lights are standard on both cars. The Captur even comes out a little better with the advantage of a reverse camera.
Exterior Design
The Captur’s roots in the Clio line are fairly obvious by design. There’s the instantly recognizable fascia of Renault’s current crop of models, with a more robust looking lower bumper than the Clio. Daytime running lights flank the grill, while LED tail lights provide a little more definition. 17 inch rims hardly fill the wheel arches- but of course with a crossover you need that suspension travel, although the 205/55 R17 tyres are perhaps a little aggressive for a crossover.
It isn’t the most handsome among the crossovers (the Kodo design takes well to th
e Mazda CX-3), but neither is it the most disproportionate (the Ford EcoSport looks a little too narrow and top heavy). It’s safe to say that the less conventional styling and the bright colours may not make the Captur as appealing to the in-laws, but it does help to stand out among a sea of solemnly styled cars.
Interior Design
As mentioned earlier, most crossovers have interiors that don’t differ too largely from their hatchback roots. In the case of the Captur this is no different, with many of the design elements lifted directly from the Clio. What is different are things like placement of the vents and the design of the centre console, with the Captur repositioning the lever for some extra storage space. There is also a clever little storage bin at the top of the dashboard, although our model doesn’t have the sliding drawer style glove compartment of the left-hand-drive units.
With the raised centre console, the Captur can feel a little claustrophobic at times - especially if you’re particularly tall or particularly wide. But after a period of time driving it, it can feel snug in an appreciable cockpit-like sense- and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The entertainment unit is as straightforward as they come and the instrument cluster is both a lesson in minimalism and a throwback to the digital clusters of the late 1980s- not particularly bad, but not as complex as one would expect.
The choice of materials used in the Captur can be quite polarizing. One the one hand, the highly contrasting fabric seats and the sea of dark tones can be appealing to those who want something a little less orthodox. On the other, it can seem a little childish when compared to its Japanese rivals- both of which employ gloss pieces or leather trim to add a layer of complexity to an otherwise sober dashboard.
Boot space and rear legroom are appreciable, though far from top in class. The second row can move on a set of rails to allow for more or less cargo room, and the seats can fold flat for maximum storage area. Unfortunately the boot floor tends to be a little bit high, which can make loading and unloading a bit of a chore.
There are some ergonomic issues that only become apparent with long term driving. For example, there is no way to trigger the wipers for a single cycle, forcing you to flick between intermittent and off if you wish to clear your screen. Arguably the automatic wipers should be doing their job, but on the off chance that they don’t decide to kick in it can be a little frustrating. The gear lever also tends to be a little loose in its housing, which is highly incongruous with the fit and finish of the rest of the car.
The central air conditioning vents are possibly the most frustrating to position in any modern car, and more often than not you will leave them pointed in a direction that doesn’t freeze your fingertips off. The keyless entry system is a great addition, but pressing the lock button on the key (card) means you cannot unlock the car via the keyless system and the proximity sensor can be horribly insensitive at times.
How does it drive?
If there’s one thing the French are good at, it would be chassis technology. The Captur manages to be dynamic and controllable even when pushed towards the limits of grip. The stability control systems will step in and slap your wrist if you are heavy handed with your inputs, but for the most part you can have an enjoyable drive within the confines of the electronic aids.
But if there’s one thing the French are usually bad at, it would be automatic transmissions. In this case it isn’t a huge problem as the Captur employs one of Renault’s Efficient Dual Clutch transmissions. Not technically an automatic, it shifts reasonably quickly and smoothly with very few noticeable quirks of the dual clutch system. The only flaw would be the ratio selection, with 4
th
 gear being a little too far out of reach for the engine to maintain momentum.
The engine performs well in a city context, being the spritely little motor that we come to expect whenever we see a small capacity coupled with a turbocharger. Strung out to its limit it is capable of attaining some rather ludicrous speeds, but it would require the kind of commitment unadvisable and space unattainable on a public road.
How comfortable is it?
Given the 55 profile tyres, it would be easy to assume that the Captur would not be able to deal with our pothole infested roads without snapping the spines of its occupants. And yet it manages to deliver on comfort and composure, with that long travel suspension soaking up everything in its path.
That’s not to say that the Captur has ride quality on par with that of a Rolls-Royce, but it is likely more comfortable than some entry level luxury products running on ridiculous tyre profiles and employing unnecessarily stiff springs. The short wheelbase of the Captur and the relatively light body still work against it in terms of overall damping, but it is appreciably comfortable.
Conclusion
The Renault Captur isn’t likely to be your first choice if you were looking for a crossover. It wouldn’t even be the first thing that comes to mind if you’re looking at a Renault. But it does have some appreciable characteristics that makes it a solid contender in a field of very competent models, and it has enough quirkiness to stand on its own without being obnoxious.


Borgward Returns To Bremen With New Proposed Plant

Newly-resurrected automotive brand Borgward is plotting a return to its roots with a new production facility to be established in Bremen, Germany, where it once produced 1.2 million vehicles from the 1920s well into the German ‘economic miracle’ era.
Borgward controversially went bust in 1960s but was recently revived at the initiative of Christian Borgward, grandson of the original company’s founder Carl F.W. Borgward, with the support of China-based investors.
An effort ten years in the making, the Borgward brand’s return was first announced at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show followed by the premiere of its first model in 40 years, the BX7 SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show of the same year.
Currently, the brand is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, but operates a plant Miyun near Beijing, China. The BX7 was launched for the Chinese market in June and has received 15,000 orders to date.
Exact location of the new Borgward plant in Bremen has yet to be determined, but CEO Ulrich Walker says that in-depth talks are currently being held with potential production partners, property owners, and the German State of Bremen.
The company is nevertheless optimistic to start construction of the facility in early 2017 with production ready to commence a year later.
Between 50 and 100 jobs will be created in the initial phase of the plant’s operations. Borgward plans to create a semi knocked-down (SKD) manufacturing facility with an annual capacity 10,000 vehicles. The Miyun plant that was commissioned in mid-2016 will continue to serve as the global production home plant of the brand.
“Production will be designed from the ground up to flexible and organized in such a way that we can adjust – and thus increase – production output and the number of models to the demand at any time as we enter other European markets,” said Ulrich Walker.
Borgward will return to Europe with a line-up of electric-powered SUVs, starting with the all-electric BX7 that will roll out from Bremen followed by electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the smaller BX5 and other models.


2021 Lexus LS 500 Open For Booking in Malaysia

Driven by the concept of Omotenashi and the craftmanship of Lexus Takumi the Lexus LS 500 Luxury and LS 500 Executive Kiriko is now open for booking in Malaysia.

I rue the day that naming conventions for cars or design concepts were exactly what they said they were, you read it, you understood it. Today we have Kodo, Omotenashi, Sensuous Sportiness and it's all a little befuddling but I digress.

If you're a fan of the opulence and
luxury
 of the
Lexus
 brand of sedans, then Malaysia, you are in luck.

Presenting the Lexus LS 500!

Exterior

A redesigned front bumper, headlamps, and sub radiator grille sets the visual stage for the Lexus LS 500. The characteristic spindle grille that extends all the way to the bottom is supposed to exude a formal and elegant appearance, Lexus says.

The new front bumper will also house
the new Ultra Slim 3-beam LED Projector headlamp design. The new lamps feature a distinctive L-shaped DRL and BladeScan type Adaptive High-beam System replete with the sharp-looking sequential signal lamps.

New 20-inch alloy wheels with noise-reducing resonator holes complete the exterior facade. The wheels are finished in Hyper Chrome Metallic, and are shod in run-flat tyres with reinforced sidewalls to improve ride comfort.

The
Lexus
 LS500 comes in two new colours - Iridium Silver and Sonic Iridium.

Platform

Built on the GA-L platform which provides for optimized weight and a lower centre of gravity should make the Lexus LS500 comfortable both in the city or even around the twisties.

According to
Lexus
 "
By employing an Air Suspension featuring Adaptive Variable Suspension and revised stabilizers and suspension bounds stoppers, the new model is defined by excellent vehicle stability, agility, and sharp handling."

We'll let you know if the above is accurate when we get it for a test-drive. The Lexus LS 500 also comes with Access Mode Control that will raise the vehicle when stopped allowing for easier ingress and egress - definitely handy for the Datuks and Datins.

Powertrain

3.5L V6 Twin Turbo (
V35A-FTS)

415 hp

600 Nm of torque

0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds

Electronically limited top speed of 250km/h

The 3.5L V35A-FTS also features newly developed pistons together with an improved variable valve control design that should provide for low emissions and a quiet engine.

Interior

The interior of the new LS 500 comes in two new shades of Chateau and Hazel. The Executive Kiriko variant on the other hand also features Kiriko Glass ornamentation and hand folded pleats on the door trim - talk about detail! This is apparently an illustration of the brand's 'innovative elegance through Japanese craftmanship' approach.

Bootspace comes in at an expansive 480 litres. The LS 500 Executive Kiriko shaves off 40 litres of bootspace to 440 litres but does come with a rear cooler box - very cool indeed. There is a 28-way power adjustable seats in the front as well as power adjustable rear seats. On the Executive Kiriko variant buyers will also get rear seats with ottoman and massage functions. Seats on both variants will be equipped with heater and ventilation.

In-Car Entertainment

12.3-inch high definition multimedia touchscreen integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Lexus' in-built navigation system.

Now to fully immerse yourself in all that extravagance a 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System is also included in your LS 500 Executive Kiriko.

Dual 11.6-inch LCD screens in the rear with Blu Ray Disc, SD Card, WiFi (for Miracast) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), and HDMI input, complete your entertainment options in the LS 500. All controls are consolidated into the Rear Multi Operation Panel.

Safety

12 SRS airbags

Lexus Safety System+ comprising:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection (PCS)

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function (DRCC)

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Parking Support Brake (PKSB) - d
etects static objects such as walls or guard rails or moving objects using the sonar wave sensors

Active Assist - increases the effect of the pretensioner by winding up the seatbelt using a motor if the vehicle detects a high possibility of collision

Price

RM1,023,629.00 for the LS 500 Luxury

RM1,304,768.00 for the LS 500 Executive Kiriko

*All prices are OTR with sales tax exemption but without insurance.

Booking is now open at all six
Lexus
 Malaysia showrooms nationwide.

For those who book now, you can expect to receive your LS 500's in May 2021.


All-New Toyota Century Goes On Sale In Japan – Goodbye V12, Hello V8 Hybrid

Nearly eight months after its preview at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota’s ultimate luxury sedan, the Japan-only Century is now on sale for 19.6 million Yen. For comparison, even the most expensive Lexus LS 500h tops out at 16.4 million Yen.
For many decades since 1967, the Toyota Century was the ultimate display of wealth and influence by power brokers of Japan. Yes, there was a sizeable number of wealthy Japanese who traveled around in a left-hand drive Mercedes-Benz S-Class (even though Japan is a right-hand drive country, left-hand drive German limousines are seen as more desirable), but the highest echelons of Japanese society travel in a Toyota Century. Even the emperor of Japan traveled in a customized Century.
Known for its conservative styling, the Century is now only in its third generation, after more than 50 years. To Japan’s elite, the Century’s conservative styling is its appeal.
From politicians to corporate leaders to shadowy underworld figures, the Century is Japan’s vehicle of choice for powerful figures who, unlike their more attention seeking younger underlings, don’t need to announce who they are, or that they have arrived.
The previous generation Century, which remained unchanged for 21 years, was best known for its 1GZ-FE 5.0-litre V12 engine. It was the only V12 made by Toyota, used exclusively by the Century.
This third generation model, however, has dropped the V12 in favour of a 5.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid V8 (2UR-FSE) used by the previous generation Lexus LS 600h. So no more bespoke engine for the Century.
The performance of the 381 PS/520 Nm V8 engine is boosted further by a 224 PS/300 Nm electric motor, driven by an NiMh traction battery. The petrol-electric combo produces a combined output of 431 PS, driving the rear wheels via a belt-less, planetary gear set E-CVT transmission.
The body rides on air suspension at all four corners.
The highlight of every Century is its traditional Japanese-style interior and this all-new model is no different. The wheelbase has been stretched by 65 mm and Toyota’s fastidious attention to detail can be seen on the cabin’s floor. To ensure that the floor mat doesn’t fold up at the edges, the chassis has been engineered to accommodate a 15 mm reduction in height between the scuff plate and floor.
The back panel of the front seats fold down electrically to double as a leg rest, another signature of the Century’s cabin.
The rear-seat entertainment system is also one of a kind. The back portion of the centre console curves up to support 11.6 inch rear seat entertainment system and air-conditioning vents. Controls for the audio system, air conditioning, massage function (rear left seat only), and curtains can be accessed via a 7-inch touch panel on the rear centre armrest.
The sound-proofing materials are seamless one-piece items, and an active noise control system is employed to muffle out the engine’s noise during start-up and acceleration.
The phoenix emblem that adorns the Century’s grille takes six-week to craft by traditional Japanese craftsmen.
The signature colour is a newly developed eternal black, dubbed Kamui. The rich coating consists of seven layers, including a clear coating containing black paint to give the impression of a black lacquer finish. Sanding and polishing, based on traditional Japanese lacquer craftsmanship, give the car its deep luster and shine. A wet sanding technique is carried out three times to smooth out the minute unevenness. The body then receives a mirror finish to ensure there is not the slightest cloudiness or dullness in color.
To keep up with the requirements of our time, the all-new Century comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driving assistance functions - Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Radar Cruise Control, 24-LED headlamps with Adaptive High Beam System (AHS). It also has HELPNET emergency call function, which automatically notifies emergency services if the vehicle’s airbag is deployed. A supplementary D-Call Net will decide if air and ground ambulances are required based on the severity of the crash (based on vehicle data).


BMW Shorties 2018 Open For Submissions, Grand Prize Now RM80,000

BMW Malaysia today announced the 12th edition of the BMW Shorties, Malaysia’s longest running and most established short film competition.
“The BMW Shorties prides itself as
the
 platform for the best filmmaking talents in Malaysia to share their creative visions, woven into their Malaysian-made stories. With more than 840 short film entries received since the competition’s inception in 2006, the BMW Shorties welcomes another milestone year of discovering up-and-coming talent in the digital and cinematic arts, underpinned by BMW Group Malaysia’s belief in blending artistic craft with forward-looking innovation, to inspire new ways of thinking and living,” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia.
The theme for this year’s BMW Shorties is “DRIVE”. BMW Malaysia commented that, "To have drive is to be relentlessly compelled to achieve a goal. This urge is innate and motivated by more than passion. It takes ambition."
“Drive is the quality that elevates artists to craftsmen, making it the hallmark of all true innovators. Ever since the BMW Group was founded, innovation has been one of the main success factors for the company. We spearhead innovations that move people, much like the
many filmmakers we have had the pleasure of elevating
 for the past 11 years,” added Ambi.
This year’s line-up of five judges consists of top names in the local filmmaking industry, who are:
Lina Tan
Isazaly Mohd Isa
Nadira Ilana
Tan Chui Mui
Quek Shio Chuan
The production grant for this 12th year of competition has been increased to RM 80,000 for the grand prize winner. Recognition for  filmmaking  talent will also be awarded in an extensive range of supporting categories, including:
People’s Choice Award
Best Director
Best Actor and Best Actress
Best Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Production Design
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
The BMW Shorties is open for entries from today until 26th October 2018. Interested filmmakers can
submit their entries, together with the conditions here
 or visit the
BMW Shorties dedicated website
 for more information.


GM To Import China-Made Buick Envision To The US

The number of Chinese-made cars being sold in the US is set to increase next year, and we are not talking about Chinese brands like Great Wall or BYD, but the star spangled banner General Motors. Starting 2016, GM is expected to sell a China-made Buick Envision in the United States, reports the Wall Street Journal.
If the rumour is true, the Envision will be the first China-made product imported by America’s Big Three – GM, Ford and Chrysler.
The Envision is an all-wheel drive five-seater SUV that’s slightly smaller than a Chevrolet Captiva. It’s powered 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. A front-wheel drive model is also available.
The model is currently only sold by Shanghai-GM in China, but it will eventually be sold in Europe under the Opel badge.
The report by the Wall Street Journal suggests that the move to import a China-made Buick is in response to a new contract with its UAW workers union. The new contract is said to drive up the cost of producing vehicles in the US even higher.
Non-Chinese badged China-made cars are nothing new in the US. Volvo Cars is doing brisk sales with its China-made S60 Inscription, essentially a long wheelbase version of the Chinese-market S60L. In neighbouring Canada, the previous generation Honda Jazz (Fit) was imported from China until Honda switched its sourcing to Mexico last year.


Scalpers Are Reselling NFC Touch 'n Go Cards At RIDICULOUS Prices!

A lot of folks were really excited to get their hands on the restocked
NFC Touch 'n Go cards
 yesterday BUT yet again,
scalpers
 have ruined the day.

We've seen posts by several folks in the past regarding people selling these highly-sought after
NFC Touch 'n Go (TnG) cards
 on a couple of online marketplaces, but in a bid to make a quick buck, they've somehow managed to get their hands on a huge pile, selling them at ridiculous prices.

Purchase via Touch 'n Go eWallet didn't help

On 25 August 2022, Touch 'n Go stated that the NFC cards will go on sale via its eWallet platform as well as the TNG Hub at Nu Sentral starting at 10.00 am. We tried to get our hands on one (the system only allowed the purchase of only one card per transaction) but most of us failed.

Some were lucky as they were able to get through the app and book one of the NFC cards, but most of us who tried for a couple of hours got the very annoying message of
'Heavy traffic reported, please try again'
, which we did.

Oh no! Item is out of stock

After a couple of hours of trying and stressing out (because some folks who travel a lot REALLY feel that the NFC feature is super helpful), we finally got the message
"Oh no! Item is out of stock"
.
Mother father betul!

The heavy traffic on the eWallet app meant a few things - folks who really needed the NFC card tried their best to get one, scalpers weaseling their way in to get at RM10 and selling them at dumb prices after, and Touch 'n Go themselves not being able to 'manage' the situation for the actual folks that really need it (they tried by limiting one card per purchase, but the app couldn't handle the heavy traffic)

Is there a supply issue with these NFC cards? Is there a way to solve this matter soon? Are they doing anything about these scalpers reselling them for as high as RM198 for a pair of cards with the same ending numbers?

But most importantly, why can't they just link the cards to the Touch 'n Go eWallet balance? Wouldn't that be easier for, I don't know, EVERYONE?


Review: MINI Cooper S Clubman JCW – If ‘The Transporter’ was a Malaysian

Cool cars have always been a part of Hollywood action flicks. While most movies had them just as eye candy, some movies actually saw these cars play a big role in them, affiliating them with the movie titles forever.

One of them was definitely the first installment of The Transporter, in which the next most popular thing after the lead actor Jason Statham was the 3rd generation BMW 7 Series E38.

If you haven’t watched the movie, Statham appears as Frank Martin, a mercenary "transporter" who will deliver anything, anywhere, with no questions asked – for the right price.

The movie was succeeded by two sequels - Transporter 2 and Transporter 3, a reboot, The Transporter Refueled, and a television series.

Throughout the whole trilogy and the series, Frank Martin (Statham’s character) always preferred large and powerful German sedans like the E38 BMW 7 Series, W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the second-generation Audi A8, which got us thinking…

“What if we had a Malaysian version of The Transporter? Could he manage our crazy roads in these behemoths?”

Although the cars that we saw in the movies were solid machines, they were not really suited for many places around the world, especially Malaysian roads. Imagine weaving through traffic along the LDP in a 7 Series or a W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, mah fan isn’t it?

So, if the Transporter was a Malaysian, which car should he get his hands on?

While the car needs to be powerful and spacious, it can’t be too big for our roads, has to handle well, and most importantly, it still has to be agile and look cool yet menacing at the same time.

After going through all the cars we have in the market at the moment, we felt that the recently launched MINI Cooper S Clubman John Cooper Works, would be a good candidate for the Malaysian Transporter aka our “Macha-Porter” in the video above.

Launched here last November, the F54 MINI Cooper S Clubman JCW is quite special as it is among the quickest MINI models ever made. Powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 306 PS and 450 Nm, the powertrain now makes 75 PS and 100 Nm more than the pre-facelift Clubman JCW.

Paired with an 8-speed Steptronic sports automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels, the Clubman JCW is able to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h. Further complementing the whole package are features like a new sport exhaust system, redesigned sport brakes, adaptive suspension, as well as 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the Clubman JCW features Carbon Black Dinamica Leather upholstery, MINI Yours interior cockpit surface in Piano Black, ambient lighting in 12 different colours to suit different moods, as well as a panoramic sunroof.

Standard equipment on both variants include a head-up display, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen Navigation System with a split-screen function which allows two map views to be displayed at the same time (perfect for our Macha-Porter here to keep track of his upcoming delivery destinations).

Where Connectivity is concerned, we have an in-vehicle 4G SIM card, as well as the updated MINI Connected App which features Apple Carplay, concierge services, and MINI Online among others.

Last but not least, there is the 360-watt Harman Kardon sound system, an electric tailgate, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning and Comfort Access.

Driving Impression

Out of all the cars which we drove last year, the Clubman JCW was certainly among the most memorable, simply due to how well balanced and complete it was as a package.

Design wise, the flat grey paint and the contrasting red roof and accents, along with the 19-inch wheels, the loud mufflers, as well as the Union Jack taillights make it one of the coolest looking cars on the road. Everyone notices you.

And then comes the practicality – the split rear doors, the 60:40 foldable rear seats, and the maximum boot space of 1,250 litres makes it ideal for carrying big items like bicycles, luggage bags, and even surfboards or car fenders.

As far as performance is concerned, the Clubman JCW is a mean street machine that kicks out 306 hp, enabling itself to do the century sprint in an impressive 4.9 seconds. To put things into perspective, that is only 0.9 seconds slower than the Mercedes-AMG C63S which packs a massive 500 PS V8 engine under the hood!

If we are to compare it with the cars Frank Martin drove in the movies, the Clubman JCW is actually quicker, as the W12 Audi A8 does the century sprint in 5.1 seconds, while the W140 S-Class S600 V12 and E38 7 Series 750i do it in 5.6 seconds and 6.7 seconds respectively.

Paired with a silky smooth 8-speed Steptronic Sports Automatic transmission and the All4 all-wheel-drive system, the Clubman JCW provides seamless power delivery at any given moment, on top of the high level of composure and handling prowess that can be matched by very few cars.

What makes it interesting is that MINI’s signature “go-kart-level” handling is still there in all its glory despite the length of the Clubman JCW. So, even if you’re transporting a box full of tofu to someone who’s waiting in Genting Highlands, chances are that they will be delivered without any serious damage, which makes the car the right choice for the Transporter if at all he decides to come to Malaysia and buy a car.

Having said that, watch the video above to see a day in the life of the Malaysian Transporter aka the “Macha Porter”, in the MINI Cooper S Clubman JCW.


Next-gen Perodua Bezza in the works - to be launched by 2025

Perodua has started its plans for the next-generation
Perodua Bezza
 or compact sedan model and they're looking to launch it in the next two or three years.

Perodua's president and CEO, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, mentioned this earlier this week during the Asian Compact Sedan Design Competition (ACSDC 2023). For the next few years, the Perodua Bezza will go through a complete redesign planning and the complete model change will be ready for launch as early as 2024.

Perodua is also working closely with the Malaysian Design Council (MRM) to not only organise the Asian Compact Sedan Design Competition, but also to gather as much inspiration as possible to create a more ASEAN-oriented design for the next-generation Bezza.

A platform like this can gather a pool of young talents and ideas that will hopefully create even more appealing Perodua models in the future. The competition will also consist of entries from university students as well as professional designers,
NST
 reported.

Eight finalists will be selected from the ACSDC 2023 in the next seven months where they will then develop a full-scale model and present the designs before the winner is picked. What's up for grabs? RM100,000 worth of prizes and incentives.


Tokyo 2017: Nissan To Premiere Nismo Leaf EV Concept

In addition to the Nissan Serena Nismo MPV, Nissan will also unveil the Nissan Leaf Nismo concept car which spices-up the popular EV with components from Nissan’s motorsports and in-house tuning division.
The second generation Nissan Leaf was
launched in Japan
 in early-September, boasting an extended range (under Japanese testing cycles) of up to 400km on a single charge. The all-new Leaf’s battery capacity is 40 kWh, 25 percent more than the outgoing model.
The Leaf is also equipped with the latest generation of Nissan’s ProPILOT single-lane autonomous driving assistance. The system includes ProPILOT Park, the first Japanese-made vehicle which automatically controls the accelerator, brakes, steering, shift changing and parking brake.
Another notable innovation of the new Leaf is its ‘e-Pedal’, which lets the driver start, accelerate, decelerate, stop and hold the car by using only the accelerator pedal.
The Nismo Concept version of the new Leaf has a sporty new exterior design – courtesy of a restyled front and rear bumper with a diffuser-look inset and low-slung side skirts. Grey multi-spoke alloys with a machined outer-lip complete the look of the hatchback.
The functional body kit is claimed enhanced aerodynamic performance and reduce lift, without sacrificing the Leaf’s drag coefficient.
On the inside, Nismo has dressed up the largely black interior with signature red accents, creating an exciting, high-performance feel.
Driving performance has also been improved with a Nismo sport-tuned suspension and high-performance tires. A custom-tuned computer is also said to deliver instant acceleration at all speeds.
The Malaysian launch of the all-new Nissan Leaf is slated for early 2018.


2017 BMW X1 Gets Dual Clutch Transmission in Europe

Entry variants of the BMW X1 will be getting updated versions of its three- and four-cylinder petrol engines as well as switching from the present conventional automatic gearboxes to a new 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
An improved version of the 1.5-litre B38 three-pot with maximum power raised from 136 to 140hp is set to debut in the X1 sDrive18i. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard which can be optionally upgraded to the aforementioned 7-speed DCT.
According to BMW, this new variant of the X1 sprints from rest to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds whilst consuming fuel at an average of 5.5 – 5.6 litres/100km in the combined cycle (CO
2
: 122 – 124 g/km).
This new 140hp B38 petrol engine will also be offered in the 218i Gran Tourer paired exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission. Performance numbers read 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds, fuel consumption of 5.5 – 5.6 litres/100km and CO
2
 at 123 – 131 g/km.
Also improved is the 2.0-litre X1 sDrive20i, which receives further developments to its B48 four-cylinder engine but continues to produce unchanged outputs of 192hp. Standard transmission here is the 7-speed DCT replacing the outgoing 8-speed torque converter auto.
Despite losing a cog, the new transmission proves a more efficient conduit of power, cutting the X1 sDrive20i’s century sprint time by one-tenth of a second to 7.7 seconds. Fuel consumption slightly down from 5.9 to 5.8 – 5.9 litres/100km, but CO
2
emissions are cut considerably from 136 to 130 – 132 g/km.
Interestingly, the sDrive20i is the only variant of the X1 currently on sale in Malaysia, meaning this transmission update could potentially find its way into our market.


AES To Be Implemented Across All Of Malaysia To Deter Accidents - Deputy Transport Minister

We Malaysians have had it fairly easy going on our roads, save for the odd roadblock that’s usually proceeded with speed trap if you’re going along a highway or straight stretch. All those previous efforts required police personnel on some level. But now, the automatic enforcement system (AES) is, as reported by Bernama, going to be spread to the whole country with the principal aim of reducing road accidents.
Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi, Deputy Transport Minister, the move was decided upon based on research and statistics provided by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros).
"Currently, we are still in discussion with the relevant parties to improve the terms of the AES agreement which takes into account the views and feedback from various quarters before it can be extended nationwide.
"The AES is still on at 14 locations in Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya involving 10 static cameras and four mobile cameras," he said in the Dewan Negara today in reply to a question from Senator Dr Ariffin S.M. Omar on developing and widening the AES service.
Along with the expansion of AES use to keep traffic in check, Datuk Abdul Aziz also said the government was also looking into a follow-up implementation operation model for the next phase of AES integration, enabling it to be more inclusive and acceptable to Malaysian motorists. He added that they are planning a rebranding and public education campaign as well.
AES operates using special cameras mounted by the side of the road, known colloquially as speed cameras. The news of their wide implementation is in following with previous reports that the government intended to have them placed at
262 new locations by the end of 2015
, and a more recent story involving
Boustead Holdings given charge of their operation
.


The Honda Integra Will Return In 2022...

The Honda Integra will return in 2022, and these renderings have certainly got mouths watering.

For many die-hard Honda fans as well as
petrolheads
, the return of the 'Integra' to the Honda line-up will be a most welcome bit of news, even if it does return as an Acura.

Well, if this render of the 2022 Integra caught on social media and the news of the Integra returning as an Acura (recently announced by Jon Ikeda, Vice President of Acura) is anything to go by, then certainly piggy banks will start to empty soon.

The first indication of the return of the legend was hinted at a gathering of journalists attending Monterey Car Week, where Acura revealed the news via drones. Roadshow's Daniel Golson managed to capture a picture of it and uploaded it on Twitter.

While the clear hint by Acura didn't really leave much to the imagination, this rendering by an automotive designer on Instagram that goes by
@jrubinsteintowler
, has undoubtedly made the future car a bit more vivid.

The rendering clearly shows that the upcoming model in Type R form will borrow a lot from the angular designs of current Acuras, with sharp LED headlights and grille, almost identical to the newly launched Acura TLX Type S sports sedan. However, the design still harks back to Integras from previous years, especially the JDM DC2 Integra Type R from 1995.

If the exterior makes you feel all giddy, then the interior will surely set you over the moon. For those who know their Type R Integras well, the red seats and the Integra Type R plaque on the shifter really do bring back memories to Integras of yesteryears.

There's also a rendering of the engine bay, which surprisingly saw the artist including an unfamiliar engine instead of the powerplant of the K20C from the
Civic Type R
, which should be the rightful engine for the 2022 Type R Integra.

The Integra was last produced in 2006, due to the shrinkage of demand for coupe-type cars. The finest of the last generation Integra, the DC5 Type R (Japanese market only) came with the 220hp K20A 2.0 L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and came standard with red Recaro seats, four-piston Brembo front brakes, close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox, limited-slip diff and a variable pressure exhaust system.

All we ask from Honda is to make one under the Honda badge so that the rest of the world can have one too. Come on, Honda, you can do it!