ASEAN NCAP: 5 Stars For ESC Equipped Honda BR-V

The forthcoming Honda BR-V has been awarded the maximum five stars by ASEAN NCAP. The maximum rating applies only to variants equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Seatbelt Reminder System – both pre-requisite features for a five-star rating. Other variants of the BR-V are given a four-star rating.
The BR-V scored 14.79 points (maximum is 16.00 points) in adult occupant protection (AOP), and a 72 percent compliance for Child Occupant Protection (COP).
Any AOP score above 14.00 points puts the vehicle in the five-star category, but the fifth star is only awarded to models equipped with ESC and Seatbelt Reminder.
In comparison, the Toyota Rush, which is a similar seven-seater 4x2 SUV as the Honda BR-V, scored 12.47 points (four stars) and 82 percent for AOP and COP respectively, while the Toyota Avanza scored 12.98 points and 38 percent. The Nissan Grand Livina scored 12.50 points and 41 percent.
ASEAN NCAP’s AOP scores is based on a
Global NCAP
’s guidelines for a 40 percent offset frontal collision, at 64 km/h.
ASEAN NCAP does not do destructive side impact testing but the criteria is evaluated for vehicles rated three stars and above, based on homologation documents submitted by the manufacturer, tested at an independent UN WP.29 certified facility, which would have already conducted the necessary destructive testing.
Starting 1-January 2010, all new vehicles launched in Malaysia are required to be certified by an independent UN WP.29 certified laboratory, which will test the vehicles in accordance to the UNECE R94 and R95 standards for frontal and side impact collision. The latter is done using a 950 kg deformable mobile barrier, striking the stationary vehicle at right angle, at 50 km/h.
The Honda BR-V is already on sale in Indonesia and Thailand, and is expected to go
on sale in Malaysia
 later this year. The model is expected to be priced quite close to a Toyota Rush and Avanza, meaning that its entry price will dip slightly below RM90,000. However, rumour has it that its local launch might be delayed slightly to early-2017 due to the poor outlook for Malaysia’s automotive sector.
Here's a quick review of our first impression with an Indonesian market, pre-production Honda BR-V, at Honda's test facility in Japan -
2016 Honda BR-V Quick Review


The Honda BR-V Facelift Is Open For Booking

When Honda Malaysia first introduced the Honda BR-V, it was a little strange considering the brand had never ventured into the compact 7-seater segment – but as there was demand for the model in other parts of the region, it no doubt made sense to offer it to Malaysians as well. This quarter will see a new BR-V facelift being launched after a solid three year run since its local launch in 2017.

Over these three years, the BR-V has become a segment leader with a 45% market share and 36,000 units finding homes. This facelift brings a refreshed look with a new front bumper design, alongside a new front grille, bumper garnish, shark fin antenna, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Keyless Entry and Push Start are also included as standard features across the range of variants.

Major details are the same as before – a 120 PS, 145 Nm 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine powers this compact people mover, and allows it to remain the most powerful in its segment. Third row seats are still adjustable with a 50:50 tilt and tumble split to maximize boot space, in true Honda packaging wizardry fashion.

“To continue offering high-quality products and meeting customer expectation, Honda Malaysia conducted market study and collected customer feedback that can help us understand our customers better. Armed with significant insight of the market, the New BR-V received exciting enhancements that are able to further captivate the hearts of Malaysians,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr Toichi Ishiyama.

The new facelifted BR-V is now open for booking at all 100 Honda dealerships nationwide.


Porsche Subtly Teases Upcoming GT3

Another year, another Super Bowl final, and yet another raft of superb, almost cinema-like ads that push the bar ever higher. This year, in conjunction with the 54th Super Bowl, Porsche might just steal the cake for the most entertaining ad yet.

Titled “The Heist”, the roughly two and a half minute long video starts off at the Porsche Museum in the Zuffenhausen district of Stuttgart, Germany before it takes off screaming and screeching through the night.

It features some of Porsche’s most iconic models such as the 930 RSR, Le Mans-winning 917, hybrid 918 Spyder… even the Porsche-Diesel Super tractor for good measure. The keenest of Porschephiles will also notice a quick cameo of the upcoming Porsche (992-generation) GT3, freeze-frame at 0.45 seconds.


Mercedes-Benz Showcases Future Safety Tech In The ESF 2019 Concept

In an effort to give an insight into the future ideas its safety experts are working on, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESF 2019) Concept SUV.
Based on the new GLE, the ESF 2019 is capable of automated driving in many situations and has a plug-in hybrid drive system.
All set to make its appearance before experts at the ESV convention in Eindhoven, Netherlands later this month, it will then make its public appearance at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September 2019.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the ESF 2019 is equipped with numerous new innovations which revolve around:
All-round driver safety
Cooperative communication with the environment
Child safety
Securing traffic hazards
New Pre-safe features
Rear occupants safety
Active safety
Among the features fitted into the ESF 2019 include the belt-bag available in the S-Class, the Pre-Safe Impulse Side airbag, connected child-seat with Pre-Safe functions, moving rear seatbelt feeder, tubular airbag design for rear occupants, new retractable steering wheel, as well as Active High Beam Assist Plus among others.
"Safety is part of the brand DNA of Mercedes-Benz. We have repeatedly demonstrated that we are not short of ideas in this field since the 1970s, with our Experimental Safety Vehicles. The new ESF 2019 reflects the mobility of the future, and presents a wide variety of innovations which we are currently researching and developing. And I can already say this much: some of the functions are very close to series production," says Ola Källenius, Member of the Daimler AG Executive Board responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.


New Jaguar XF Makes Malaysian Debut

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM)’
s efforts in renewing the Jaguar sedan range in Malaysia continued with the unveiling of the all-new XF earlier today.
Formed around the brand’s lightweight aluminium-intensive architecture, the new XF, which sits between the
 XE
 and the
XJ
, is available in two variants - the XF Prestige and XF R-Sport, which are priced at RM450,000 and RM460,000 respectively.

Both variants come with Jaguar Care, which is an exclusive programme that comprises a five-year warranty, five-year servicing and three-year roadside assistance.
While both the Prestige and R-Sport variants are powered by the same 2.0-litre i4 turbocharged petrol engine with a maximum output of 240PS and 340NM of torque and matched to an 8-speed electronic automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift, differences only revolve around cosmetics and equipment offered.
The Prestige variant comes with distinctive features such as 17-inch Lightweight 15-spoke wheels, perforated leather seats, metal tread plates with Jaguar script and multi-function soft-grain leather steering wheel.
The XF R-Sport on the other hand, is offered with sport suspension, 18” Helix 10-spoke wheels, R-Sport bodykit, R-Sport branded multi-function soft-grain leather steering wheel, as well as R-Sport branded metal tread plates.
Measuring at 4,954mm long, 1,987 mm wide and 1,457 mm tall, the new XF now comes with a wheelbase length of 2,960mm, which is 51mm longer than before. Besides that, the front overhang is now 66mm shorter. Thanks to the change in dimensions, there is 15mm more legroom and 24mm knee room in the rear and up to 27mm more headroom than before. Aerodynamics has also improved, with the drag coefficient dropping from 0.29 to just 0.26.
Thanks to Jaguar’s new aluminium platform, the new XF is 190kg lighter and 28 per cent more rigid than its predecessor. It is also worth mentioning that the XF’s weight distribution has achieved a near 50:50 balance.

Standard in both variants are features like the JaguarDrive Control, Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), Torque Vectoring, All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), an 8-inch touch-screen, 80-watt Jaguar audio system, bi-xenon headlamps with LED J-Blade DRLs, dual-zone air-conditioning, 10-way adjustable front seats, as well as cruise control. And then, there is the reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster as an option, and the InControl Touch infotainment system.
Where the ride and handling is concerned, the car comes with aluminium double wishbone suspensions up front and integral link rear suspensions.
Safety features include six airbags, DSC, traction control, brake assist, a rear-view camera and rear Isofix mounts. It is said that buyers can also opt for an optional safety pack which includes Lane Keep Assist and Park Assist features.


Paris 2016: All-New Kia Rio to Make Global Debut Next Month

Kia has announced that the all-new, fourth-generation Rio will make its world premiere on 29 September at the 2016 Paris International Motor Show.
According to the company, the new Rio will feature new and progressive exterior as well as interior design. Other changes include a longer front overhang and bonnet, longer wheelbase, and a redesigned upright C-pillar.
The car is also expected to offer buyers improved practicality, safety technology, and also the latest connectivity features compared to the current model.
Kia has not released any technical details yet, but it did mention that the new Rio will offer a more assured and engaging ride and handling characteristics.
Currently the brand’s global best-selling model with more than 473,000 sold, the next generation Rio will enter production towards the end of 2016 for Europe, with production timings for other regions to be announced closer to launch.
Kia’s 2016 Paris International Motor Show press conference will start on 29 September, where the brand’s stand will be located in Hall 3 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Feel like buying a Kia? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Government Reverses Excise Duty Hike For 1.5-litre MPVs

Following backlash from vehicle manufacturers and the public alike, the Malaysian Customs have reversed its
earlier decision to raise excise duties
 of MPVs with engine capacities or 1.5-litre or less, from 60 to 65 percent.
The reversal will take effect from 13 April. In the meantime, the Customs department will put in place processes to waive the additional duties owed by vehicle manufactures/distributors.
Earlier last week, Customs have had raised excise duties for MPVs below 1,500cc by 5 percent, effective 1-April 2017. This then resulted in an increase in prices of Toyota Avanza, Rush and Sienta by between RM3,000 to RM6,000.
In a statement to the press issued late yesterday evening, Dato' Indera Subromaniam, Director General of Customs Malaysia explained that the earlier move to restructure excise duty for MPVs was due to complications that arose when migrating its Harmonised Tariff Codes from the previous 9 digit format to a new 10 digit format to comply to the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature.
In the past, there were distinctions between 4x4 and 4x2 MPVs with engine capacities 1,500cc or less, with excise duties set at 65 percent and 60 percent respectively. The two categories’ HS codes have since been merged into one, and in doing so, it was only logical, in the eyes of taxation, to harmonize the rates to the higher 65 percent, as the adopting the reverse would simply allow 4x4 variants an unfair advantage over the supposedly cheaper 4x2 variants.
Of course, there are no 4WD 1.5-litre MPVs on sale today but such models do exist elsewhere and Customs officers have to ensure that their policies are future-proof against possible new products.
Carlist.my understands that UMW Toyota is in the process of reversing its earlier announced price hike for the Avanza, Rush and Sienta.


All-New Bentley Flying Spur Will Be The World's First Car With 3D Leather Upholstery

In conjunction with its 100th anniversary, Bentley is all set to unveil the all-new third generation Flying Spur later this year.
The company has released a teaser of the all-new Flying Spur’s interior, which promises to take interior craftsmanship to the next level.
The car’s interior, namely the door panel, will feature three-dimensional textured leather upholstery, which is an automotive world-first.
According to Bentley, the new material, which is developed by a team of craftsmen based in Crewe, England, is one of many new advanced features and technologies that Bentley will introduce in the third generation Flying Spur which is freshly built from ground up.
This is the second teaser for the Flying Spur after the company released an image previewing the car’s exterior last month. From what we can see, the all-new Flying Spur still features a long hood, a massive rear overhang, as well as a bulging trunk lid. It also comes with an illuminated Bentley emblem on the hood.
Even though the exterior is expected to look similar to the current model, the interior seems to be the main highlight of the all-new Flying Spur.
Power is expected to come from the same 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine as the Continental GT and the Bentayga but nothing is official yet.
So, watch this space for more details which will be released closer to the world premiere of the car.


Production Of 2018 All-New Ford Fiesta Starts In Germany

Ford has started production of the all-new 2018 Fiesta in Cologne, Germany. The 2018 Ford Fiesta made a
global debut
 back in late 2016.
The company invested about 293 million Euros in new production processes at its Cologne plant to build the new Fiesta. According to Ford, a new Fiesta will roll off the line every 68 seconds.
Unlike its predecessor, the new Fiesta will arrive in four flavours, a sporty ST-Line, sophisticated Vignale and Titanium, Fiesta Active Crossover and a Fiesta ST. The latter is expected to debut next year.
“We have taken this iconic small car’s lovable, fun and sporty-to-drive character to the next level, with a greater choice of models than ever and with advanced technologies and features that small-car customers could only have dreamed of just a few years ago,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company.
Ford did not say when the new Fiesta will be introduced here, but looking at the previous Fiesta and Focus, these models arrived here two years after their global debut, hinting at a possible 2018 debut.


Should We Demand For Better Electronic Payment System For Tolls?

So we count down the five tolls which switched its payment system to fully electronic like its the Y2K. Was that exciting?
Last Raya we published a story on toll booths being the cause of interrupting a highway's traffic flow. Of course, we are all aware that noon today, toll booths on the Penang Bridge Toll Plaza, Jitra and Bukit Kayu Hitam Toll Plazas (on the North-South Expressway) and Lunas and Kubang Semang Toll Plazas (on the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, BKE) are no longer accepting cash and with more tolls to follow suit.

Payments at the toll will be conducted electronically via PLUSMiles cards, Touch ‘n Go cards, and SmartTAGs.

Forgive me for not jumping on the couch with this new implementation, I still can't process how the new system would smoothen traffic flow at toll booth plazas. There's still a requirement for us to stop and go. So what happens when there's a problem? Does the long line of eager drivers in the toll lane just reverse and scramble to
cucuk
 into other lanes? Maybe my issues are just with SmartTAGs.

To be frank, I do own a SmartTAG and it's not SmartTAGs that I dislike, it's the uncertainty, the
what going to happen?
 W
ill I get stuck?
feeling I get when I go through the toll. Don't forget the device isn't exactly affordable either and the reload cards aren't free.

What I'm stating here is we need something more reliable, something more than the
tambah nilai
 booth can offer us when we run out of money or worst, deplete the batteries in our devices. We want to advance to where we won't be held back by traditional toll booths, because honestly, if we have the exact change while passing through the toll it'll be as good as the current electronic payment system anyway.

Toll operators should really consider upgrading their toll system. The technology that we're currently using has been around since dinosaurs roamed the earth, so we really should step up in solving our traffic issues with more and more cars congesting our roads today.

Do you have a country in mind which has a great toll system that it's possible for us to adapt? Leave us some of your ideas and lets cross our fingers and hope that the hard working man and women who manages the toll plaza can pick it up.


Why Sell Your Car With CarlistBid.my This December?

Now if you've been looking to sell your car or remove a financial commitment looking at the year we've had then
CarlistBid.my
 is where you should visit.

Many have their finger on the 'Forward' button for 2020, anticipating a brighter 2021.

Make no mistake, we've all been affected by the pandemic but with news of a vaccine fast approaching, the future is looking up.

If however, you're looking to sell a car because you're thinking of upgrading or maybe you could use the extra liquidity then we have some news to share.

The process is fairly simple. You submit the information on the car you wish to put up for auction via our CarlistBid platform, and from there our Telesales team will get in touch with you to obtain all the relevant information.

From here, it’s a matter of time to see what the bidding results are and to accept the bid price if one comes through that’s to your liking. All of the formalities like vehicle inspection can be conducted at any one of our four hubs or we can come to you and conduct a mobile inspection if that's easier.

Only in December, customers can redeem a set of two Vanzo air refreshers worth RM58 for every car inspection done at one of our CarlistBid.my hub. Just drop a review on the CarlistBid.my Facebook or Google Business page.

On top of that, any Proton, Perodua, Honda and Toyota car sold above RM10,000 in value will get an additional cashback of RM300.

That's a small token of appreciation from us to you this Christmas season. Log on to
CarlistBid.my
 today and good luck!

Psst...use this promo code '
CARLISTYEAREND'
 to buy any Vanzo products from 12/12 to 26/12 and get RM12 off your purchase.


Lockdown 3.0: Non-Contact Sports and Exercise Allowed Between 7am to 8pm, Grey Area On Cycling

Jogging and individual exercise allowed, but cycling is not permitted apparently.

The implementation of the
Total Lockdown MCO 3.0
 without any surprises has raised many questions regarding what we can and cannot do? One of the burning questions that people want an answer to is whether we are allowed to carry out some exercise.

Thankfully, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob addressed this during his press conference on Sunday. The straightforward answer to this is that non-contact sports are allowed between 7.00 am to 8.00 pm, but with the physical distancing SOP in mind.

According to Sabri, exercise activities are allowed but restricted to non-contact sports, jogging and exercises that adhere to physical distancing SOPs of being two to three metres apart. "The activities can be performed in the neighbourhood but are subjected to the movement control order that is currently in force," Sabri said.

We understand this to mean that only exercises such as solo jogging and cycling within a neighbourhood are allowed. The much-loved activity of group jogging and cycling is not.

But, the MalayMail has reported that cycling is apparently not allowed.

When we looked up Malaysia's National Security Council's website, under the standard operating procedures, it does inform that cycling is permitted. However, this is a general guideline and it does state that '
SOP Am Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) dan SEMUA SOP PKP yang akan berkuatkuasa bermula pada 1 JUN 2021 akan dikemaskini dalam masa yang terdekat ini.
 Sekian Terima Kasih.'

Ministry of Youth and Sports' (KBS) social media post also seems to support MalayMail's claim of no cycling allowed, as it states that 'Aktiviti yang dibenarkan hanya terhad kepada joging dan senaman secara individu'.

Till we get a clearer picture from Sabri, perhaps it's best to forgo any outdoor cycling activities.

For your convenience, here is a guideline picked directly from the National Security Council (MKN) regarding permitted sporting activities.

And here's a guideline of what is forbidden.

Most importantly, stay safe, stay home, exercise kalau perlu tapi follow SOP
Total Lockdown 3.0
 dan jangan lupa #kitajagakita!

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

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Carlist.my.

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.

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Jaguar XE Updated Outside And Inside, Rotary Shifter Replaced

In the build-up to the Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar has released information on their refreshed entry-sedan, the Jaguar XE. The
Jaguar XE was first launched in 2014
 to better compete with the segment initiators such as BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4.
Up front, LED technology with adaptive function replaces the bi-xenon unit in the reshaped head lamps that appear slimmer. The front bumper continues to feature a large grille, now updated with a new mesh pattern.
The R-Dynamic variant features more sporty front and rear bumper design together with more distinctive side skirts, as seen in the new XE in red.
At the rear, new slimmer tail lamps interestingly emit a larger lighting signature. Animated directional indicators also let road users know the vehicle's newness.
Moving inside, Jaguar has given the new XE with an updated steering wheel design, a new 12.3-inch instrument panel display, and a new high-definition dual-screen infotainment system. That means the air conditioning system now move to a digital screen layout, but fitted with rotary dials for key functions.
In keeping with the rising demand of one-action in-car smartphone connectivity, Jaguar has also added included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay optimization in the new infotainment system.
The raising Jaguar gear selector knob, a party-piece from earlier Jaguar interiors, has now been replaced with a chunkier-but-more-conventional shift lever. Jaguar says it allows for a “more tactile and dynamic driving experience”.
With the redesigned lower console layout, Jaguar also fitted the new XE with a toggle switch from the F-Type coupe for the JaguarDrive Control to switch between Normal, Eco or Dynamic modes.
Jaguar is also responding to the feedback of poor rear-view visibility, and as such, is offering an optional digital display rearview mirror called ClearSight. This is a first in the premium sedan segment, as the lack of roof space has prevented many automakers from fitting a high-mounted rear-facing camera.
Jaguar solved the problem by placing their full-rearward facing camera on the shark fin antenna.
Other changes to the interior include redesign door trim panels, now finished with high-quality materials and have better storage spaces.
Jaguar has honed the four-cylinder Ingenium engine to deliver 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque. To harness all the performance credentials, it is paired with an intelligent all-wheel drive that predominantly sends drive to the rear. Front-wheel torque is applied (when necessary) in as little as 100 milliseconds.
Thanks to all-wheel drive traction, Jaguar claims the new XE 300 is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, the
fastest amongst its high-output four-cylinder
 competitors.
Contrary to other premium makers' strategy in pushing for a higher degree of electrified powertrains, the new XE is offered only with pure combustion engines- a lower output petrol engine with 250 PS is available in either rear or all-wheel drive, together with a 180 PS turbocharged diesel engine.


Honda Malaysia Tawar 7 Model ‘Special Edition’ Untuk Dimenangi Secara Percuma

Honda Malaysia
 melancarkan ‘1 Million Dreams Campaign’ bagi meraikan para pelanggan setia yang memberi sokongan dalam membantu perjalanan syarikat menuju angka jualan 1 juta unit kenderaan di pasaran Malaysia. Melalui kempen tersebut, sebanyak tujuh kereta Honda Edisi Khas ditawarkan untuk dimenangi secara percuma!

Menurut Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Operasi Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama, ‘1 Million Dreams Campaign’ ini merupakan inisiatif Honda untuk mengucapkan terima kasih kepada para pelanggan diatas sokongan mereka. Oleh itu, Honda telah memperkenalkan tujuh model edisi khas seperti
Jazz
,
All-New City
,
BR-V
,
HR-V
,
Civic
,
New CR-V
 and
Accord
. Kempen ini telah bermula pada 25 Februari lalu dan akan tamat pada 24 Mac 2021, dengan pelbagai aktiviti menarik menanti.

Menariknya, ketujuh-tujuh model tersebut direka khas dengan ciri-ciri istimewa dan lain daripada yang lain. ini membuatkan 7 model tersebut dikenali sebagai ‘one-of-a-kind’ model di negara ini. Pada bahagian luaran, kereta edisi khas ini mendapat kelainan seperti warna luaran dwi tona seperti
Proton X50
, perincian merah pada wajah depan, cermin sisi dengan kemasan jalur merah sporty, rim aloi berwarna hitam dengan kemasan merah dan logo ‘1 Million Dreams Signature’ diabadikan pada bahagian fender kereta.

Kelainan pada model edisi khas ini turut merangkumi bahagian dalaman kereta seperti penambahan logo 1 Million Dreams pada perehat kepala balutan kulit bagi penumpang depan dan stereng balutan kulit dengan jahitan merah dan penanda tengah. Bekas kunci kulit Edisi Khas turut akan diberikan kepada setiap satu daripada tujuh kenderaan ini.

Berikut merupakan wajah baru ketujuh-tujuh model Edisi Khas Honda untuk kempen ini:

Honda Accord

Honda City

Honda Jazz

Honda HR-V

Honda Civic

Honda CR-V

Honda BR-V

Menurut Presiden Honda Malaysia, Sarly Adle Sarkum, pelbagai aktiviti menarik sedang menanti pelanggan di showroom Honda seluruh Malaysia. Sebagai penghargaan kepada jasa petugas barisan hadapan atas kerja keras mereka selama ini, Honda Malaysia telah memperuntukkan 1 daripada 7 model Edisi Khas ini kepada mereka untuk dimenangi melalui kempen ini. Kempen ini turut dijayakan dengan kolaborasi jenama lain seperti Cuckoo, Shopee dan Watsons. Melalui kempen ini, anda turut berpeluang untuk merebut 1 juta syiling Shopee yang akan diagihkan kepada 150 pemenang bertuah setiap minggu. Secara keseluruhan sepanjang kempen berlangsung, terdapat 5 juta syiling Shopee untuk direbut!

Untuk mengambil bahagian dalam kempen ini, rakyat Malaysia perlu melengkapkan beberapa langkah mudah seperti mengambil bahagian dalam mana mana enam aktiviti yang disediakan oleh Honda Malaysia untuk mendapatkan penyertaan sebanyak mungkin untuk dihantar pada pengedar sah Honda atau melalui laman sesawang rasmi Honda Malaysia.

Kalau nak menang Honda Edisi Khas ini, antara aktiviti yang perlu dilengkapkan peserta adalah:

Memuat turun dan mendaftar melalui aplikasi HondaTouch

Mengambil bahagian dalam 1 Million Dreams Quiz Game di laman web rasmi Honda Malaysia (
www.honda.com.my
)

Pandu uji kereta Honda

Membuat tempahan kereta Honda

Servis atau baik pulih kereta Honda

Mendaftar kereta Honda sepanjang kempen ini berlangsung

Lebih banyak penyertaan dibuat, lebih tinggi peluang anda untuk menang kereta Honda Special Edition ini. Honda Malaysia bakal mengumumkan pemenang bertuah bagi ketujuh-tujuh model Honda Edisi Khas ini di Grand Finale yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada Mac 2021.

Takkan nak tengok saja? Ini lah peluang anda untuk memenangi kereta berlogo H secara percuma!


Hyundai Opens Genesis Studio in Hanam, South Korea

The Genesis sub-brand was launched by Hyundai late last year as a way for them to step up into the premium market without having to dilute or stretch their own brand image. It was born out of the need for a premium marque, and the Genesis name allows for Hyundai engineers to develop their products without restriction and to distance themselves from their more mass-market products.
Their first ever brand space will be launched later this week in South Korea, in the 'Starfield' cultural complex just 30 kilometres east of Seoul. It's an area in which the brand can express itself and put on display its directions and principles, as well as to draw visitors to experience and understand the Genesis brand. It is said to be the first of many more to come, as Genesis is no doubt testing the water with this first attempt.
Visitors will be able to experience the materials and technologies on display, as well as see the G90, G80, and G80 Sport models on display. The G80 Sport itself was only launched earlier this year and is yet to be on sale. Test drives and bookings will be available at the space, along with consultation from Genesis experts if customers so require it. It's an interesting take on the showroom concept, perhaps blending showroom and exhibition, but it certainly looks like it will work in favour of this new Korean luxury brand.


Kebenaran Rentas Negeri: Di Mana Lokasi Sekatan Jalan Raya Bakal Diadakan?

Kebenaran rentas negeri bakal diumumkan dalam masa terdekat. Bagaimana pula dengan SOP untuk merentas negeri?

Kadar vaksinasi setakat 7 Oktober telah mencapai 89.1% di mana 20,856,337 individu dewasa telah lengkap divaksin. Ini bermakna
kebenaran rentas negeri
 dah semakin hampir kerana hanya 0.9% sahaja lagi diperlukan sebelum mencapai kadar 90%.

Berdasarkan peratusan tersebut, kita boleh jangka bahawa kadar 90% itu boleh dicapai sekurang-kurangnya pada hujung minggu ini. Pasti ramai dah tak keruan nak balik kampung. Tapi apakah persedian yang perlu anda lakukan sebelum balik kampung?

Berbalik pada topik, sekiranya negara mencapai kadar 90% populasi dewasa lengkap divaksin dan kebenaran rentas negeri diberikan, tiada lagi
Sekatan Jalan Raya (SJR)
 akan dilakukan oleh
PDRM
. Perkara ini disahkan sendiri oleh Menteri Kesihatan, Khairy Jamaluddin dalam ucapannya ketika sidang media di HKL, semalam. Jadi tak perlu risau lagi dengan kesesakan trafik yang sering disebabkan SJR.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

Beliau berkata ianya mustahil untuk PDRM membuat sekatan untuk memeriksa setiap kereta dan setiap individu di laluan keluar dan masuk setiap negeri. Tambahan pula, orang ramai pasti akan bising dengan
kesesakan jalan raya
 yang bakal berlaku setelah sekian lama menunggu untuk pulang ke kampung halaman.

Khairy turut menjelaskan bahawa setelah aktiviti rentas negeri dibenarkan, orang ramai tidak perlu lagi memohon apa-apa
permit atau surat kebenaran
 daripada PDRM bagi tujuan berikut. Ini bagi mengelakkan balai polis diserbu oleh orang ramai yang dahagakan nikmat balik kampung.

Untuk memastikan diri sendiri dan orang sekeliling sentiasa selamat, anda disarankan untuk membuat ujian saringan COVID-19 secara kendiri dengan lebih kerap. Jika terdapat sebarang simptom, lakukan ujian saringan secepat mungkin agar pencegahan awal dapat dilakukan seperti kuarantin supaya virus tidak merebak.

Namun ada yang berpendapat bahawa ketiadaan SJR kelak akan memberi peluang kepada golongan yang
menolak vaksin
 untuk turut sama menikmati kelebihan rentas negeri ini. Untuk pengetahuan anda, tiada pemeriksaan atau halangan akan dilakukan kepada mereka yang tidak menerima vaksin daripada merentas negeri.

Walau bagaimanapun, Khairy menjelaskan bahawa meskipun mereka boleh merentas negeri bersama-sama mereka yang telah lengkap divaksin, namun golongan yang belum menerima vaksin tetap tidak akan memperolehi kebebasan seperti mereka yang lengkap divaksin

Ketika ditanya mengenai SOP yang akan dikeluarkan untuk balik kampung, Khairy menjelaskan bahawa tiada SOP spesifik untuk rentas negeri. Sebaliknya, SOP MKN yang sama masih lagi terpakai di mana segala
kelonggaran
 yang diberikan seperti gimnasium, futsal serta dine-in di restoran hanya diberikan kepada mereka yang lengkap 2 dos vaksin sahaja. Patuhlah segala SOP yang sedang diguna pakai ketika ini. Anda boleh rujuk SOP MKN di laman web rasmi mereka.

Khairy juga menegaskan bahawa pemeriksaan secara rawak oleh anggota PDRM di premis perniagaan serta restoran akan terus dilakukan bagi memastikan orang ramai mematuhi SOP yang telah ditetapkan. Golongan yang enggan menerima vaksin yang cuba memasuki premis juga akan dikenakan kompaun.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

Kesimpulannya, bila dah boleh rentas negeri nanti,

Tiada Sekatan Jalan Raya

Tidak perlu permit PDRM

Patuhi SOP sedia ada MKN

Tiada SOP spesifik untuk rentas negeri

Sama-sama kita nantikan berita baik ini!


Caltex And Michelin Come Together To Produce New Engine Oils

Malaysian motorists will become the first to be offered a new engine oil by Caltex and Michelin.

Available through Michelin's local partner, Tyreplus, the co-developed engine oil consists of Tyreplus’ Fully Synthetic 5W30, Fully Synthetic 5W40, and Semi-Synthetic 10W40. It will be available across Tyreplus' 70 outlets nationwide starting this June.

Michelin and Caltex, who have been collaborating since 2019, started working on engine oils in 2021. Michelin is confident that Caltex's lubrication technology, Chevron Oronite, will provide a high-quality product for the masses - especially when Tyreplus engine oils are specifically formulated for vehicles in Malaysia.

Lubricant additives made by Chevron Oronite help to dissolve deposits, inhibit corrosion, control oxidation, and reduce friction and wear. Their products also use the latest technology and research to help maximize engines' reliability, efficiency, and lifespan of your engine.

The benefits of using Tyreplus engine oil include:

Tyreplus Fully Synthetic 5W-30

Outstanding mitigation against low-speed pre-ignition

Better fuel economy

Tyreplus Fully Synthetic 5W-40

Maintains high power and performance

Saves on maintenance costs by efficiently lubricating the engine

Tyreplus Semi-Synthetic 10W-40

Prolongs engine life

Preserves the engine's full power and performance

Reduces maintenance costs by efficiently lubricating the engine

For those unfamiliar with Tyreplus, the one-stop vehicle centre is known for its one-stop services, offering Michelin & BFgoodrich tires, lubricants, batteries and braking systems. They also offer a wide range of services, including tyre replacements, free safety checks, nitrogen inflation and air conditioning recharge.

Tyreplus attracts customers looking for a one-stop solution and quality products, which now include their very own premium engine oil.

As for Caltex, they are a petroleum and lubricant brand name of Chevron Corporation and are used in 29 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. 2016 marked their 80th year in Malaysia, proving that they are one of the most trusted brands for fuel and lubricants.


Bangkok 2018: Honda Civic Facelift Unveiled, Now With Sensing

At the ongoing Thailand International Motor Expo 2018 held in Bangkok, Honda Motor Co. Thailand has just unveiled the facelift design for the popular Honda Civic sedan.
Up front, the facelifted Civic gets a new front bumper design that also features a new fog lamp surround. The finishing on the plastic panel is now smooth, as opposed to the old design which had honeycomb inserts. A piece of chrome surround can be found on the non-RS models.
At the rear, the design of the tail lamps and rear bumper are maintained. Sharp observers will notice a new horizontal chrome strip in the rear bumper diffuser area.
Moving to the interior, there are no noticeable changes. Honda has also introduced
the Honda Sensing
 advanced driving assistance system, but only limited to the 1.5 Turbo RS model.
The Honda Sensing suite includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation system, collision mitigation braking system, and automatic high-beam system.
Honda's Lanewatch passenger-side blind spot detection system meanwhile is featured in 1.8 EL and 1.5 Turbo RS grades.
Engine choices and outputs remain the same- a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 141 PS and 174 Nm of torque and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 173 PS and 220 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a CVT-type automatic transmission.
A new colour called Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic was also introduced. Prices for the new Civic sedan ranges from 874,000 Thai Baht for the entry 1.8 E to 1,219,000 Thai Baht for the range-topping 1.5 Turbo RS model. Customers will only receive their vehicle from the middle of January 2019.


Volvo Predicts Big Increase In Plug-In Hybrid Sales

The automotive world is shifting at an incredibly rapid pace. Consider that just five years ago, hybrid vehicles - let alone plug-in hybrid vehicles - were few and far between. Nowadays we are seeing them in quite nearly every market segment, and the demand for these models is only expected to grow as markets around the world begin to incentivize cleaner motoring. Volvo's CEO, Hakan Samuelsson, certainly agrees with this prediction.
Most companies have underestimated the demand for these models, and as a result are pumping up their numbers to try and keep up with the orders that are coming in. Samuelsson expects a 20-25% increase in sales by the end of 2019, as he explained to group of journalists
during a round table discussion
. Capacity across the board has to be tripled in comparison to last year, driven heavily by markets like China.
Even with the struggle to keep up with demand, Volvo managed to shift 26,800 units of their plug-in hybrid models in Europe alone last year, which is over 50% more than the previous year. For the time being, this range of vehicles comprises of the XC90 and XC60 SUVs, as well as the V90 and V60 wagons and their sedan counterparts. There are more mild-hybrid variants to be introduced before the year is up as well.
By 2021, the prediction is that a quarter of all Volvo car sales will be plug-in hybrid models. This means that not only do factories have to beef up their production rates for vehicles, but the entire supply chain needs to be improved and expanded in order to cope with the ever increasing demand.


CNY 2023: Free toll on ALL highways from 20-21 January

All highways here in Malaysia will offer toll-free travel for this year's
Chinese New Year
 from 20-21 January 2023.

The announcement was made by our very own Prime Minister,
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
, earlier this week following a detailed discussion with the Transport and Works Ministries together with the highway concessionaires.

Free toll for ALL vehicle types

It was also announced that the toll-free travel period for CNY 2023 will apply to all types of vehicles that are planning to travel on the highways during these two days.

The financial implication might cost all involved parties around RM40 million, the move might also assist in easing the congestion that all of us are expecting as the PLUS highway expects around 2 million vehicles to travel every day for this year's CNY festivities.

According to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as reported by
MalaysiaKini
, "(This initiative) will ease (the financial burden) of everyone travelling to their hometowns. Not only the Chinese, but the Malays, Indians, and others as well."

"I would just like to advise road users to be safe on the road, follow the rules and avoid becoming a part of (road accident) statistics that keep increasing every year,” added Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

As another reminder, the
speed limit for all federal and state roads
 has been temporarily reduced by 10km/h for safety precautions. Drive safe and have a prosperous Chinese New Year, folks!


Shanghai 2019: Lexus Drops Another LM Teaser

Ahead of next week’s 2019 Auto Shanghai, Lexus has dropped another teaser of the
upcoming LM
, the company's first-ever luxury MPV.
This time around, Lexus has teased the side profile of the
new LM
, which clearly indicates that the new luxury MPV will be built upon the current generation Toyota Alphard as evident by the side profile character line.
Staying true to its more luxurious roots, the upcoming Lexus LM also appears to don more chrome than the Alphard it’s based on, stretching from the bottom of the A-pillar all the way to the rear spoiler.
Lexus has already trademarked the LM 350 and LM 300h names in Malaysia, possibly hinting at the powertrain options that we could expect – a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 for the LM 350 or a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid for the LM 300h.
Putting into consideration that the Toyota Alphard carries a price tag that starts from RM 443,000, it remains to be seen how much the new Lexus LM will be priced at.


An Easy Way To Make Your Car Quieter - Noise Insulation Solutions By ACOUSTEC

Malaysians are known to be among the fussiest drivers in the region. Cars are expensive and a poor public transport network mean that many rely on their cars to get around. On the upside, our highways are among the best in the region.
What this means is that drivers tend to drive further and longer than our neighbours, and many do so with entry-level A- or B-segment cars – most don’t offer a quiet drive on highways.
So important is cabin quietness to Malaysians that Toyota devoted considerable resources to reduce cabin noise in the
all-new Toyota Vios
, achieved mostly by increasing noise insulation materials.
This was achieved mostly through increased use of insulation foam throughout the car. Cavities around the car's chassis are also better sealed.
But what if you own an older model or other A- and B-segment cars? Is there anything that you can do to make your car quieter?
The good news is that the same noise insulation materials are also easily available after-market. Installing it behind the dashboard, roof lining, carpet, and door panels is the easiest route to improve a car's cabin quietness. The science behind sound insulation is not difficult and it doesn’t cost a lot of money.
What’s more difficult is the installation process, which can be time consuming as the car’s interior needs to be stripped. This is where having a meticulous installer makes a difference.
The newest entrant to the business of automotive acoustic insulation is Superlon Worldwide. With nearly 30 years of experience in both thermal and sound insulation for industrial and commercial buildings, expanding into the automotive sector is a logical step for them.
Superlon’s ACOUSTEC range of automotive sound insulation materials come in two grades of open cell foams – ACOUSTEC Pro and ACOUSTEC Lite.
ACOUSTEC Pro is a high density composite nitrile foam which provides sound proofing properties, vibration dampening, and noise absorption - 3 in 1 features.
Compared to other solutions in the market, ACOUSTEC Pro's high quality high density foam works to reduce noise, vibration, and heat. Most after-market solutions are made from cheaper low density PE foam or felt material.
Bitumen materials are also commonly used, however it only cancels out vibration but does very little about noise and are not effective against heat. The use of other materials is required to complement the use of bitumen as it does not offer noise and heat reduction. This is where ACOUSTEC Pro shines as it provides all 3 features in one product.
Meanwhile, ACOUSTEC Lite is a low nitrile density foam which provides the same features as ACOUSTEC Pro except sound proofing properties.
Thanks to Superlon Worldwide's extensive experience in thermal insulation, ACOUSTEC material can be installed within the roof liner, this helps keep the car’s cabin cool by reducing heat transmission from the roof.
At the invitation of Superlon Worldwide, we sampled two Toyota Vios models, one a standard car and another with ACOUSTEC Pro installed. Both cars use the earlier (and noisier) 1NZ-FE VVT-i engine. The current Vios uses a newer 2NR-FE Dual VVT-i engine.
Driving the two Vioses back to back, the difference in refinement between the two is significant. Even before driving off, the unit with ACOUSTEC sound insulation closes its doors with a more reassuring, European car-like ‘thud’ rather than a tinny ‘clang’ that cars of this segment are usually known for.
Sitting inside the car and placing my palm on the roof lining, the upgraded Vios’ roof didn’t feel as hot. In fact, we didn’t feel any heat coming through even the car had been parked under the hot sun for hours.
The material also promises a quieter drive in the rain. Entry-level cars are known to be uncomfortably loud when the roof is being pounded by heavy rain fall. A simple test using a water hose spraying water on both cars to simulate heavy rain revealed that the upgraded car was noticeably quieter. In fact it was so quiet that the only source of noise was when water hit the windscreen in front.
Driving at highway speeds, the upgraded Vios was clearly quieter. Our feet also felt noticeably less vibration coming through from the bulkhead. Motorcycles zooming past could only be heard faintly.
The upgraded Vios could maintain a cruising speed of 120 km/h while cabin noise is at merely at the same level as the standard car at 100 km/h.
We had a dB meter on hand but as this is the busy Kesas Highway populated with lorries and motorcycles rather than at a controlled test location. Still, the differences are in cabin quietness are significant enough to be measureable.
With the air-conditioning fan speed kept to level 2 and cruising at 100 km/h, the dB meter in the standard car hovered between 69 to 72 dB. Repeating the same route in the upgraded car, the meter’s reading rarely exceeded 70 dB.
The difference in dB readings may not seem much but keep in mind that the dB scale doesn’t work in a linear manner like a ruler. Just a small 1 dB change equates to a 7 percent change in loudness while 3 dB change represent a 100 percent difference in sound energy!
We also noted that audio quality from the car's modest standard audio system was also clearer, with less external noise drowning out the audio.
Are there any downsides to adding sound insulation materials? Only one – weight. Good, high quality insulation materials tend to be rather thick and heavy. There could be some trade-off in fuel efficiency, but not by much. The junk in your boot might weigh just as much.
Prices vary depending on vehicle model and the time required for installation. To find out more, customers may send a direct message to ACOUSTEC at their
Facebook page here
 for a quote and a recommended installer nearest to you.
This post is sponsored by ACOUSTEC.


Mazda CX-5 (from KL?) almost became a submarine at Johor beach

A
Mazda CX-5
 nearly became a submarine when it was close to being washed away on a beach in Johor earlier this week.

The situation came into being after the owner and occupants parked the car on the beach and went for a walk, not realising that the tides were coming in and coming in fast. It was quite a sight to behold on Pantai Temalah in Kota Tinggi.

*Image credit: Polis Balai Kuala Sedili FB page

Luckily for them, the authorities along with some locals who were at the scene managed to drag the poor Mazda CX-5 that was way out of its depth to safety. A 4x4 which was nearby at the time came to the rescue to winch the stuck SUV away from a major mechanical disaster.

The Kuala Sedili Police Chief, SM Saidon Hadzri Bin Hj Abu Hassan, has advised the public to be more vigilant to avoid 'unwanted events from happening to causing loss of life and property' in the future. In other words, try your best not to park your car right on the beach, especially when the tide is coming in.


Beijing 2018: When An S-Class And A GLS Have A Child - Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept

The name is quite a mouthful – Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury. It’s a concept car so that partly explains its shocking styling. It’s a statement of intent by Daimler that it will enter the superluxury SUV segment soon, a segment that’s currently dominated by the Bentley Bentayga and the upcoming Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and if we could widen the net further, the Lamborghini Urus too.
Daimler describes the concept as its interpretation of a crossover between its flagship Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and an SUV. The result is not easy to stomach but that’s partly because Daimler is trying to achieve something that hasn’t been done before by its Maybach brand, and the concept of a superluxury SUV is still rather nascent. Plus, Mercedes-Maybach have no intention of following the course charted by either Bentley or Rolls-Royce.
This fully variable all-wheel drive concept is fully electric. It’s propelled by four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors, powered by an 80 kWh battery pack mounted under the floorboard, giving it an output of 750 hp and over 500 km of driving range (NEDC, over 320 km in US EPA).
Of course, we don’t expect this all-electric powertrain to drive the actual production car.
As a Maybach, the concept is obligated to go over the top with its interior fittings. The crystal white Nappa leather seats’ frames are exposed and finished in rose gold, as are the leather surface’s perforations and diamond-stitched motive.
The centre console runs through the rear and features heated tray with teapot and cups, because the Germans believe that wealthy Chinese buyers like to make hot tea on the move….Even the tea tray is sculpted from “Magic Wood” ebony. At the press of a button, the entire tea set hides away under an electric operated sliding cover finished in high-gloss black.
Unlike in a conventional saloon, the backrest is adjusted separately while the footwell and seat reference point remain unchanged. The cushion can be adjusted separately, while the seat angle and height adjustment are combined.
Everything else about the car’s opulent interior is as what you would expect from a vehicle of this range.
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is the sixth and latest concept in the Vision family of concept vehicles by Mercedes-Maybach. Earlier concepts include the Vision EnerG‑Force (Los Angeles, November 2012), AMG Vision Gran Turismo (Sunnyvale, 2013), Vision Tokyo (Tokyo, 2015), Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé (Pebble Beach, 2016) and Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet (Pebble Beach, 2017).
There is no word yet on how soon can Daimler put a Maybach-badged SUV on the market, but the Bentley Bentayga took four years to go from the EXP 9F’s concept’s unveiling to entering series production at Crewe, England.


Toyota RAV4 Coming To Malaysia In Late-2018?

After years of sitting on the sidelines watching the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Trail carve out a sizeable chunk of the market for themselves, Toyota appears to have finally developed a sense of urgency to enter the growing SUV segment.
Recently, pictures of two units of Toyota RAV4 wearing Indonesian trade plates driving in Jakarta traffic have been published by Indonesia’s
Autonetmagz.com
. While it is quite possible that both RAV4s are on their way to a grey importer’s showroom, we did a bit our digging with our contacts in Indonesia and along the way, uncovered some interesting bits of information.
It turns out there are firm plans to introduce the Toyota RAV4 in Indonesia but what’s even more interesting is that the RAV4’s introduction in Indonesia is part of a region-wide campaign.
We understand that at least one more country other than Indonesia will also be launching the RAV4. Our source did not confirm nor deny if Malaysia (or even Thailand) is part of Toyota’s regional plan for the RAV4, but we are quite certain that Malaysia is in the plans.
Considering how UMW Toyota is unrepresented in the fast growing medium-class SUV segment, and its seven-seater truck ladder frame chassis-based Toyota Fortuner priced too high to be competitive against five-seater Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, it’s quite unlikely for Malaysia to sit out of the plan.
The two RAV4s shown in the pictures are of the current generation Toyota RAV4, which is already in the tailend of its lifecycle – on sale since 2013, so it’s quite unlikely that we will be getting this model.
If the two cars do indeed belong to Toyota’s distributor in Indonesia, PT Toyota Astra Motor, it's probably meant for internal evaluation and training purposes.
The current generation RAV4 is now mostly sold in USA, Europe and Australia. It’s no longer sold in Japan even though the model is still being produced and exported out of Japan.
What’s likely to happen is that an all-new Toyota RAV4 will most probably be making its global debut later year, possibly in November’s Los Angeles Auto Show, which was the venue of the outgoing generation’s global debut back in 2012.
The RAV4 model to be introduced here will most likely be of the all-new generation model, based on Toyota’s latest TNGA platform. It will most likely retain the current model’s 5-seater layout.
As for its sourcing, our source in Indonesia say that the model will be imported from Japan, at least that’s the arrangement that Indonesia will follow. Whether will the RAV4 be assembled in Malaysia or imported from Japan, we don’t know yet. Remember that at this point of time, we can only speculate that UMW Toyota will mirror PT Toyota Astra Motor’s SUV line-up for Indonesia.
If it does come to Malaysia next year, the Honda CR-V class Toyota RAV4 will join the smaller Honda HR-V class
Toyota C-HR
, which is due in early 2018. The C-HR was previewed at our Carlist.my Drive, Test and Buy event earlier this year.
The upcoming all-new RAV4 will most probably use a 2.0-litre or higher naturally aspirated petrol engine, while the smaller C-HR is rumoured to be powered by a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.


Porsche Is Testing The Next Generation 911 Everywhere

The development and release of a Porsche 911 always tends to be a little strange - but such is the case with any model that has very definitive, unique performance variants that aren't available from the base model's launch. Another example of this is the BMW M vehicles, which are still in production even as the next generation base model is having the covers pulled off of them.
In this case, the world is still ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the recently launched 911 GT3 RS, but Porsche has made it clear that the next generation 911 is undergoing testing - everywhere. We're not just talking crash testing, but literally stress testing the vehicle in every feasible way.
That's right. Once again, Porsche is sending their cars all over the globe to make sure they can take the harshest conditions. 85 degrees Celsius in the middle of the desert to test climate control systems, -35 degrees Celsius close to the arctic cirlce to see how components hold up in the snow and during cold starts.
They have even sent cars off to China to see how they fare in tough traffic situations, and whether they can still operate on varying fuel quality standards. Homologation and stress testing can be as fun as it can be mundane, and every aspect of the vehicle needs to be up to scratch before a global launch.
Of course, the 911 is still being tested on race tracks as much as the road. The Nurburgring, of course, remains the benchmark for performance and dynamics assessment, but Porsche has also employed the Nardo test track in Italy for high-speed stress testing as well.
By the time the all-new 911 is brought out to the world, it will have completed a combined three million kilometres of testing, including comfort testing for day-to-day driving. It is, after all, meant to be a daily-driven sports car.


The Five Hottest Protons Of All Time

The fight between our two national heroes, Proton and Perodua, has been fierce through the years. But there is one thing that has always set Proton apart in a certain respect, and it’s their dedication to motorsports and performance. After all, their Race Rally Research (R3) division is still alive and kicking to this day, competing in various forms of motorsport.

In honour of this, we’ve picked the five hottest Proton models to ever leave their factory over the years. You may not share our views and we’d love to hear your own choices in the comments below – but let’s get to it.

1. Proton Satria R3

While many will have fond memories of the Satria GTI, it’s the R3 variant that was the last and most potent of the two-door hatchback model from Proton. From bare metal it was strengthened with extra stitch welding to make it extremely rigid, although the standard 1.8-litre manual powertrain wasn’t that much more powerful than the regular GTI model. The suspension was completely reworked from the damping and spring rates to the ride height, resulting in a truly agile machine. Only 150 shining examples were ever produced, and R3 even offered various upgrades in the form of performance cams and lightened pulleys, exhaust headers, bushes, bump steer kits, and even a full engine overhaul (which we guess bumps up the compression and strengthens the internals).

2. Proton Wira ‘Tiang Gol’

From the days of the Saga, Proton was heavily invested in the world of rally. At a certain point in time they fielded the Proton Wira in the World Rally Championship as well, and in order to do so they needed to produce 2,500 units as part of homologation requirements. The specifications to match was the 1.8-litre 4G93P – nearly identical to that of the Satria GTI and R3 – as well as a stitch welded chassis for extra rigidity. Other goodies included Recaro seats, a Momo steering wheel and shift knob, as well as 14-inch alloy wheels and that synonymous tiang gol spoiler. It was the quickest Wira ever produced and the strongest as well, holding a place in many a Malaysian car enthusiast’s heart.

3. Proton Putra

We promise, this will be the last 4G93P-powered Proton to feature on this list. The Putra was essentially a two door Wira – or a Satria with a boot, depending on how you want to look at it – and again it was a very quick machine for the time. There was no performance variant to purchase throughout its production life, but towards the end there was a rally-prepped unit developed by Prodrive in the UK to compete in the WRC – ultimately it never managed to, but a cool experiment nonetheless. Prices for the Putra are starting to climb as they become rarer and rarer, and it’s definitely a fun front-wheel drive car to pick up and mess around with if you’re looking for a project.

4. Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing Edition

Welcome to the most potent Proton model ever produced, with the most powerful variant of the Campro CPS ever offered to the public – despite being neutered and producing just 145 bhp and 168 Nm of torque. This special Neo was only made available to 25 lucky buyers, and it was an eye-watering RM 115,000 – roughly double that of a regular Satria Neo CPS. The price was justified as the car came with some amazing Ohlins adjustable coilovers, as well as AP racing brakes, revised gear ratios, and more performance through engine tuning and a cam regrind. That being said, sources have indicated that the potential of this model was much higher but they had to hold back for longevity purposes.

5. Proton Iriz

There were no outright performance variants of the Iriz sold either, but it was one of the last few Protons that you could buy with a truly exciting setup. A fairly limited run of 1.6-litre manual variants was made available, and as a warm hatchback it was an incredibly fun and balanced machine. That aside, R3 had an incredibly cool variant set up for touring car racing in Malaysia which pushed close to 200 hp from a fettled version of that 1.6-litre engine, and who can forget MEM’s Iriz R5 which regularly competes in stage rallies in Europe, as well as making an appearance on the Goodwood rally stage. If you find one of these for sale, pick one up quickly and you probably won’t be disappointed.

What's your Top 5 Proton's of all time? We'd love to hear it!


Perodua Launches Bezza Limited Edition, Just 50 Units Available, RM 44,890

The Perodua Bezza is a car we're all too familiar with, with over 145,000 units of the compact sedan put on our roads since its launch back in 2016. Perodua has decided to take it a step further with the Bezza Limited Edition, launched at the 2019 MAI Autoshow, Serdang.
Limited to just 50 units, these limited edition models are based on the top-of-the-line Bezza Premium X, with GearUp accessories exclusive to this model. The base colour is an Ivory White, with a full GearUp body kit that's finished in matte black and an all-round lower red pinstripe. A matte black rear spoiler, blacked out roof, and dark grey alloys provide a sporty touch.
To complete the package, the door mirror covers are painted red, and geometric graphics stretch across the bonnet and lower sides of the car. The interior also gets a dose of red, with red stitching for the GearUp seat covers and red air vent surrounds and GearUp coil mats.
Pricing for the model stands at RM 44,890, which is a pretty good deal considering the amount of kit it comes laden with. The graphics may not be quite to your taste, but nothing a quick respray or unwrapping can't do.
if you want one of these, you'll need to come by the MAI Autoshow as they'll only be available for booking from the 11th to the 14th of April, 2019. Perodua's booth is situated in Hall A, MAEPS Serdang, and there will be numerous exclusive deals on products and services, as well as cash prizes totalling RM 20,000.


Celebrate Lion Days With Exclusive Offers From Peugeot Malaysia

Peugeot Malaysia’s range of stylish and sophisticated SUVs are a formidable trio that can instantly be set apart from other cars it shares the road with, but Bermaz Auto Alliance will also be offering new and returning customers the chance to share in the Lion Days festivities this year.

As we all know, the French’s brand’s local line-up kicks off with the chic 2008 Allure, a crossover with style in spades. Its eye-catching exterior and bold design is only matched by its shockingly plush cabin that surrounds passengers in comfort and quality unrivalled by its peers.

The Peugeot 2008, 3008, and 5008

Despite being the most compact of the range, the 2008 certainly commands presence on the road, offering ample practicality given its dimensions as well as a perky turbocharged power plant with 130hp and 230Nm of torque to inject a little adrenaline into every journey.

Further up the pecking order we find the 3008, a mainstay in the Peugeot family and one of their bestselling models worldwide - and for good reason. The 3008, now in its second-generation, has been thoroughly improved and remains one of the most coveted cars in its segment.

It takes the virtues exhibited by the 2008 and ups the ante on luxury, design, and capability. This 5-door SUV strikes a near perfect balance of size and graceful proportions, and is packed to the gills with technology and hi-tech amenities.

Behind the wheel, its multi-award winning 1.6-litre THP turbo-petrol engine with 165hp and 240Nm of torque is refined and athletic, displaying these attributes equally adeptly in the city or on the highway.

Finally, the 5008. This model builds upon the 3008 by offering an additional row of seating for the ultimate in space and practicality while sacrificing none of the verve and character. Due to its lengthened wheelbase, there’s a generous 952-litres of cargo room should the 3rd row seats remain folded, expandable to a staggering 2,042 litres with the 2nd row seats also down.

No matter which catches your fancy, every Peugeot vehicle also comes with a standard 5-year manufacturer’s warranty alongside 5-year of free maintenance inclusive of labour, parts, and lubricants, making them even more tempting.

2023 Lion Days by Peugeot Malaysia

For the aforementioned Lion Days, Peugeot Malaysia is offering new and returning customers the best opportunity to experience their line-up of class-leading cars in their full glory with exclusive limited time offers at select dealerships nationwide.

This exclusive showroom and test drive experience will demonstrate the full suite of capabilities offered by the Peugeot brand as well as the sheer accessibility of ownership. To learn more about Lion Days, happening between February 2023 to April 2023,
click here
 or visit
www.peugeot.com.my
.


BMW Malaysia To Subsidise 150 Child Car Seats As Part Of Awareness Campaign

BMW Malaysia announced that it has partnered with Childline Foundation – a non-profit organisation focused on the awareness and education of child safety and protection – to introduce ‘From Day One’, a campaign aimed at advocating the importance of child car seats, especially for newborns.
The campaign, which kickstarted with the support of Chicco Malaysia, saw the first six babies born on Father’s Day (16th June) at Hospital Putrajaya receiving a Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat each.
The new parents also learned about the best child safety practices from Childline Foundation’s passenger safety consultants. These include the right criteria for choosing a child car seat, proper methods for installation, as well as the lifecycle of a child car seat.
In the next phase of the campaign, BMW Malaysia will continue on its partnership with Childline Foundation to introduce a child car seat subsidy programme alongside Safe ‘n Sound, a distributor of child car seats and baby gear.
BMW Malaysia and Safe ‘n Sound will be subsidising 150 snskidz Ace infant carrier car seats at RM100 each. The rear-facing infant carrier car seat, which retails at RM 199, can be used from birth to 13 kg and carries the ECE R44-04 certification.
The subsidy programme will first be introduced to five government hospitals across the Klang Valley.
According to BMW Malaysia, there will also be a child passenger safety training programme which will be introduced at the selected five government hospitals, where hospital personnel will learn the best child safety practices from Childline Foundation’s passenger safety consultants.
The programme will then see these personnel offering child passenger safety talks and consultations to parents who attend antenatal classes at these hospitals.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “As we near the enforcement of mandatory use of child car seats in 2020, we believe it is important to continue advocating the importance of child car seats, especially for newborns.”


Volkswagen Suspends Golf and Passat Production Due to Supplier Issues

Production of the
Volkswagen

Golf
 and Passat have been halted at it's main production plant in Germany as Volkswagen enters a fierce legal batle with suppliers. This whole week, the plant will have to stop production of the car as suppliers are refusing to provide specific components. The Golf and its variants represents roughly 500,000 cars out of the over 815,000 unit total annual production for the plant last year. The problem has also spread to other factories beyond Wolfburg, including Emden, Zwickau, Kassel, Salzgitter, and Braunschweig.
On the 12th of August, Volkswagen secured temporary injunctions against ES Automobilguss and Cartrim to resume supply delivery as per their contracts. These companies supply cast gearbox components and seat covers respectively, both of which are critical in the production of these models. Unfortunately these injunctions were appealed by the suppliers, forcing Volkswagen to slow production. Despite a judge ordering these companies to resume supplies on Friday, as of yet they have refused to provide components.
But this standoff comes as a reaction to Volkswagen's supposed cancellation of supplier contracts without forewarning or compensation, and the suppliers are refusing to co-operate as they aim to protect the interests of their workforce. Various other reports have stated that Volkswagen has been seeking concessions from suppliers amounting to several billion Euros in an effort to recover from the financial hit due to dieselgate.


Tokyo 2017: Suzuki e-Survivor Is The SUV To Survive An Apocalypse In

We’ve seen our fair share of concept vehicles; most of them tend to look advanced and futuristic, but few give the impression that they are tough enough to survive anything more severe than a speed bump.
Enter the Suzuki e-Survivor concept being shown at the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show for the first time; it draws upon Suzuki’s experience producing the likes Jimny and Vitara to give us a glimpse a rough-and-tumble SUV of the future.
Measuring 3,460 mm long, 1,645 mm wide, and 1,655 mm tall, the e-Survivor's appearance harks back to the early-generation convertible versions of the Jimny.
Unlike most concepts that we know, the e-Survivor is built on a ladder frame chassis and has long-travel suspension to tackle severe conditions. Separate front and rear electric motors provide an electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system.
Suzuki states that the vehicle is ready to support autonomous driving, and that it is a ‘realistic vehicle of the future’ - prelude to a future Jimny successor, perhaps?


2017 MINI Clubman and Countryman John Cooper Works Launched

MINI Malaysia has launched the John Cooper Works (JCW) high-performance variants of their latest-generation 2017 MINI Clubman and Countryman models.
The (F54) MINI JCW Clubman, identifiable by its longer-wheelbase and split rear doors retails at RM328,888, while the SUV of the MINI range, the (F60) JCW Countryman costs RM348,888. These prices make the JCW models RM71k and RM79k more expensive than their Cooper S counterparts.
Key exterior highlights of the MINI JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman include the JCW Aerodynamic Bodykit, 19-inch JCW Course Spoke wheels in Burnish Black, JCW grille, Chili Red roof, mirror caps and body stickers. The JCW editions also feature a rear spoiler, stainless steel tailpipes as well as JCW door scuttle plates and JCW door sill.
On the inside, the JCW cars are finished with red and black ‘Dinamica leather’ upholstery on the sports seats, while the leather steering wheel and stainless steel pedals sets are also JCW items. The instrument cluster and central display trim also get JCW highlights.
At the heart of these JCW machines is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine which delivers 231 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The JCW tuning adds around 40bhp over the Cooper S Countryman and Clubman models respectively.
The JCW Clubman completes the century sprint in 6.3 seconds, then Countryman requires 6.5 seconds. In terms of fuel economy, the JCW Clubman returns 7.2 litres/100km on the combined cycle, while the Countryman is claimed to deliver 7.4 litres/100km.
The JCW Clubman and Countryman feature the latest-generation electronically-controlled 'ALL4' all-wheel drive. The system features a bevel gear on the front axle differential called a power take-off, a dual-section propeller shaft and a rear axle differential with an electrohydraulically controlled hang-on clutch. The AWD system is interlinked to the vehicle's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to determine torque distribution between front and rear axles depending on the driving situation.
The JCW Countryman offers dynamic dampers as standard, which can be augmented with the MINI drive mode selector, the JCW Clubman, on the other hand, offers standard sports suspension. Both models are fitted with Brembo four-piston fixed calipers for fade free braking performance.
The JCW models also feature a ‘Head-Up Display’ which displays the speed, the current gear, the best moment to change up or down and even a rev display. The 8.8-inch central display also offers a split-screen function which can now be manipulated using touchscreen technology or by the MINI Touch controller.
The New MINI JCW models also feature the ‘MINI Yours’ logo projection, which projects the MINI logo from the side mirror of the driver’s door every time the car is locked or unlocked. Exclusive to the MINI JCW Countryman is a ‘picnic bench’ which folds out of the boot to provide a comfortable seat on the luggage compartment lid.
Both New MINI JCW models are offered in Rebel Green and Midnight Black colours. A White Silver colour is available exclusively for the JCW Clubman while Light White is offered with the JCW Countryman.
The MINI JCW models are offered with the MINI 4-Year, unlimited mileage warranty,  inclusive free scheduled services. These models are also covered MINI’s newest 5 Years Roadside Assistance program which includes 24/7 roadside assistance, accident hotline, free towing, replacement vehicle and other repatriation services.


Perodua Now Supplies 1.5-litre 2NR-FE Dual VVT-i Engines For The Toyota Vios

Perodua, via a new joint venture manufacturing facility with its technical partner Daihatsu, is now supplying 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engines for the Toyota Vios, sources indicates.
The Daihatsu Perodua Engine Manufacturing plant in Sendayan Techvalley in Negeri Sembilan has been operational since May 2016, and has since manufactured about 35,000 engines – all of them from the Toyota-Daihatsu NR family of engines, available in 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre capacity.
Speaking at the launch of the Daihatsu Perodua Engine Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. manufacturing facility in Sendayan earlier today, Perodua adds that 90 percent of the engines were supplied to Perodua, while the remaining 10 percent were supplied to another manufacturer, which Perodua declined to reveal.
Still, it’s not too difficult to guess the identity of the unnamed manufacturer, as Toyota is the only other company operating in Malaysia that uses the same NR engine.
Within Perodua’s line-up, only the
Bezza
 1.3-litre variant uses the new NR series engine (1NR-VE Dual VVT-i). That same 1.3-litre engine, as well as a larger 1.5-litre variant is also shared with the
Indonesia-made Toyota Avanza
.
The recently launched and locally-assembled
new 2016 Toyota Vios
 is now equipped with a new 1.5-litre Dual VVT-I 2NR-FE engine, replacing the outgoing model’s 1NZ-FE (single, intake valve only) VVT-i engine.
Like the Bezza, the Vios also qualifies for excise duty deductions under Malaysia’s Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) program, allowing the new and improved Vios to reduce its prices by
up to around RM4,000
.


BMW Opens Brand-New R&D Centre In China

Following on from other announcements from their operations in China, BMW has also announced the opening of a brand-new R&D centre in Beijing's Shunyi District, located just outside Beijing's fifth ring road. It's part of their localization strategy as they plan to expand local innovation to further tailor their products to individual regions or markets.
With an area of 17,000 square metres, the new facility takes the latest and greatest standards of BMW corporate and design culture and creates a conducive environment for R&D and innovation, improving inter-team communication. There will be more than 200 employees working at this new centre, which makes for a total of 1,100 staff in the Chinese R&D network.
BMW's R&D presence in China continues to grow, making China the second largest presence for BMW R&D outside of Germany, as well as being highly unique. With the other R&D centres in China, there are now 70,000 square metres of facility, with two-thirds of the staff working in these facilities being Chinese. The new Beijing centre is to run 70 test vehicles in China, with a planned historical high of 5 million kilometres.


Video: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (C238) Teased Ahead Of Debut

The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is set to be unveiled tomorrow ahead of its first public appearance scheduled to happen at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, a full year after its
sedan counterpart debuted at the same location
.
Bearing the internal chassis code C238, the new E-Class Coupe is expected to feature a similar line-up of turbocharged petrol and diesel powertrains as seen in the sedan. Expect also to see units from
Merc’s new family of modular engines
 consisting of 2.0-litre inline-fours and 3.0-litre inline-sixes.
A
report from
Autocar
 earlier this month confirmed that an AMG E 50 variant will top the line-up powered by the new M256 3.0-litre straight-six engine punching out 402hp.
A day ahead of its debut, Mercedes-Benz released a teaser video showing bits and pieces of what to expect of its new premium executive coupe. Without showing the vehicle in its entirety, the video gave us glimpses of the vehicle’s front end, side window line, tail lights, dashboard, and instrument cluster.
Up front, the familiar Avantgarde nose from the E-Class sedan takes hold, dominated by the large central star-on-grille that has defined the appearance of Mercedes coupe models for decades. The single unit headlights too, are as per what’s seen in the sedan, featuring dual LED strips functioning as daytime running lights.
The rear end, meanwhile, wears the new age Mercedes coupe appearance, featuring a pair of narrow-slit tail lamps and bumper-mounted number plate. It completes the family look laid out by the
C-Class Coupe
 and S-Class Coupe. The video also quite clearly show the stardust effect of the lighting element that Mercedes had previously boasted about in the E-Class sedan.
Inside, the familiar high quality premium dashboard as seen in the E-Class sedan is retained, along with the fully digital cockpit that is, in overseas markets, optional in the sedan but standard
for us here in Malaysia
. Expect this feature to be made standard for the coupe regardless of market.


Second Hand And New (Old) Stock Tyres – Are They Safe To Buy And Use?

It’s not uncommon to find tyre shops and more recently private online sellers selling used tyres, and more recently, new-old stock tyres, or old-new stock tyres depending on how you look at it. Of course, the main reason one buys a used or new-old stock (NOS) tyre is simply that they’re cheaper and more accessible. After all, nobody in their right mind will opt for a used tyre if they can afford a new one, but the question remains, are they safe for use, or should you avoid them at all cost.

Of course, there are several factors to consider if you are planning to buy (or have no choice but to buy) used or NOS tyres – such as the brand, age, condition, and even damage to the tyre if present. Especially, in our country, which has a hot climate, torrential rainfall, rough and pothole-ridden roads – all of this cause a lot of stress to be put on our tyres.

Before we go on, let’s define what these tyres are:

Used tyres – typically tyres that were actively used on another vehicle, traded-in or sold to another user at a cheaper price.

New-Old Stock – These are unused (brand new) tyres that were not sold in the period. Theses tyres were perhaps stored for a number of years (typically more than 5 years), which are then sold for a fraction of what they cost new

So in both cases, there are risks involved with choosing either one of these two options, therefore its best to arm yourself with the knowledge to know what you might be getting into.

Separately, while we will be looking at the common factors at play, this report focusses more on tyre age and degradation over time.

Used Tyres

Due to the nature of tyre how tyres fail – i.e.: they might have a slow puncture, perhaps major blowout, damaged by road obstacles or worn down prematurely due to lack of
care and maintenance
, sometimes it might make perfect sense to buy a used tyre. Perhaps, your tyre failed while you were travelling outstation, far away from your trusted tyre shop – these things happen, and rarely with a warning.

After all, perhaps the other three have also been used for a while, and now because of a major puncture, you are left with the decision of whether to change all four of them or just get one used tyre on one side simply to buy some time before you can completely refresh all four. In addition, there is the cost factor of buying just one used tyre, versus an entirely new set.

A personal experience

If you are left with no other choice, it is important to consider the following few factors:

The age of the tyre (look for the DOT compliant) manufacturing number to check when the tyre was made

The depth and condition of the thread

Check for uneven wear

Check the condition of the bead section

Check the inner liner of the tyre

It pays to know that tyre wear is dependent on an array of factors such as years of usage, road conditions, climate, rubber degradation and
maintenance
 – so when you buy a used tyre, you are subject to all these factors, and any one of them can potentially cause more problems down the road.

We have covered the subject of tyres in a variety of articles,
read on
 to know more.

New-Old Stock Tyres

These tyres are typically ones that were not sold in period and therefore have aged perhaps 4, 5 or more years. Typically, larger tyre shops will only shelve tyres for about 1-3 years, if these tyres are not sold within that timeframe, it is unlikely that it will sell later on. The reason these tyres may not be sold in period could range from its price, brand, or perhaps it’s a non-common size with lower demand.

Once these tyres sit on racks in storage for 4-5 years, larger shops may either return them to their supplier or sell them to smaller resellers (which can range from smaller tyre shops to private buyers) at a lower price tag.

Note, that these tyres, which have not been used before, were most likely stored properly in stores or racks – they’re just older than others.

This brings us to our main topic of discussion – are they still safe to use?

According to leading tyre manufacturer Michelin – tyres are safe to be used for a maximum period of 10 years from the date of manufacturer. After which, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tyres, even if they appear to be in a usable condition and have not been worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tyres as well.

After five years or more in use, Michelin recommends a thorough yearly inspection to ensure your tyres are still healthy.

As it stands, there are no regulations that state how long a tyre can be used, much less a precise standard to determine the expiry date of tyres. This is because the aforementioned factors like usage, road conditions, climate and tyre wear can differ between tyre brands, models, and their applications.

Michelin has conducted a variety of studies on tyre degradation and found out that tyres that are stored properly for five years or longer have little to no difference in terms of performance to tyres that are fresh out of the factory.

Whereas, the British Rubber Manufacturers Association (BRMA) recommends that tyres that have been stored for six years or more should not be fitted to vehicles, and concur that tyres need to be replaced and/or disposed of after 10 years.

Therefore, what can we derive from all of this?

We can say for certain that the absolute expiry age of a tyre is 10 years – so regardless if you are buying a used or NOS tyre, its best to ensure that these tyres are newer than 10 years, or will not be used as it approaches the 10-year mark.

If you were planning to temporarily use second-hand tyres, we would recommend that you at least replace two tyres (on the same axle) at a time from a similar brand and model, or the same model as your other tyres. Again, be careful with the age and condition of the tyre.

We can also infer that an unused tyre doesn’t “go bad” if it's been stored for more than 1 year, so if you’re getting a 2,3-year old tyre, and nominally will use that set of tyres for another three years, you're still on the safe side.

As for NOS tyres that have been stored for over 5 years, it is wise to ensure that it has been stored well, and also, conduct periodic checks to ensure the tyres are healthy. Small cracks or uneven wear could be signs the tyres may be degrading faster than expected – and It may be wise to start planning your next course of action.

Finally, regardless if the tyres are new, NOS or used –
proper maintenance
 and care will ensure its reliability and performance in the long run. Therefore ensure your tyres are always inflated to the right pressure and conduct periodical alignment and balancing to ensure their longevity.


Post-GST: Volvo Cars Announces Price Drops Of RM1,000 and RM3,000

More GST-adjusted car prices abound, this time Volvo has informed us of how the new tax structure would affect its range of vehicles. And, as always, we’re happy to share them with you.
While the majority of the prices are unchanged, the ones that have been altered have a substantial price dip of between RM1,000 and RM3,000.
Please note that these prices listed below are for models sold in Peninsula Malaysia under Personal Registration and is non-inclusive of Insurance.
Volvo did not detail changes to the price of their S80 and V60 models, leading us to believe that there has been no changes. However, we will promptly update this list should we find any.
Model
Price with Sales Tax
Price with GST
Notes
XC90 T5 Executive
RM368,888.00
RM368,888.00
No changes
XC60 T6
RM318,888.00
RM318,888.00
No changes
XC60 T5
RM291,888.00
RM288,888.00
RM3,000.00 reduction
S60 T5
RM268,888.00
RM268,888.00
No changes
S60 T4
RM221,888.00
RM221,888.00
No changes
V40 Cross Country T5
RM202,888.00
RM202,888.00
No changes
V40 T5
RM192,888.00
RM190,888.00
RM2,000.00 reduction
V40 T4
RM176,888.00
RM175,888.00
RM1,000.00 reduction


Ryan Reynolds joins Alpine F1, expanding his investment in sports

Ryan Reynolds expands his ventures into motorsport with Investment in Alpine Racing Ltd.

Renowned Canadian superstar Ryan Reynolds is making waves in the motorsport world, going beyond owning a football team. Renault Group and Alpine have just announced a significant investment of over $218 million in Alpine Racing Ltd, the high-performance F1 team based in Enstone, UK.

The investment comes from a prominent group of investors known as the "Investor Group," which includes Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, and Maximum Effort Investments. This move grants the Investor Group a 24% equity stake in Alpine Racing Ltd, fueling Alpine's growth and ambitions in the Formula 1 arena.

With a valuation of approximately $900 million, this investment leverages the Investor Group's expertise in various sports industry verticals, including media, sponsorship, ticketing, hospitality, commercial rights management, licensing, and merchandising.

Led by Ryan Reynolds, the Investor Group has a proven track record of collaborations with industry giants like the Dallas Cowboys, Fenway Sports Group, NFL, Toulouse FC, and Wrexham AFC.

Moreover, the partnership will tap into the group's proficiency in data and technology to optimize the marketing and commercial performance of the Alpine F1 team.

As part of the agreement, Alec Scheiner, Co-Founder and Partner of Otro Capital will join Alpine Racing Ltd's Board of Directors.

The Investor Group's roster of notable co-investors includes Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Reynolds from Maximum Effort Investments, and Rob McElhenney, Co-Chairman of Wrexham AFC, adding celebrity star power to the F1 venture.

While Alpine Racing Ltd's F1 ambitions receive a significant boost, it's important to note that Alpine Racing SAS, responsible for manufacturing F1 engines in Viry-Châtillon, France, remains under the complete ownership of Renault Group, unaffected by this transaction.

The Investor Group is thrilled to contribute to the Formula 1 landscape, utilising its collective experience to support Alpine's growth strategy in one of the most captivating international sports.


VW has enhanced the Tiguan Allspace family: Introduces IQ.DRIVE with AEB, Adaptive Cruise Control and more, starting from RM166k

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has introduced updated IQ.DRIVE features to the Tiguan Allspace SUV family.

The enhanced Tiguan family now
incorporates various new IQ.DRIVE features
, including Front Assist(warning and AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Assist.

These additions ensure a more comfortable and safer driving experience for all. Furthermore, wireless charging has become a standard feature across all variants, consisting of the R-Line 4MOTION, Elegance,
and Life
.

Inside the Tiguan family, the interior boasts impressive connectivity features such as a Digital Cockpit and a 9.2" Discover Pro infotainment system with wireless App-Connect, providing seamless smartphone integration.

Standard features in the Tiguan family
 also comprise a 3-zone 'Air Care Climatronic' air-conditioning system, electric tailgate, multi-view rear-view camera, USB-C interface with charging sockets, wireless app-connect (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), and voice control.

All three variants are available in five eye-catching exterior colours, namely Platinum Grey, Pyrite Silver, Oryx White, Atlantic Blue, and Deep Black. These models offer a range of features that prioritize the safety and entertainment of the entire family.

The Tiguan Allspace R-Line, the flagship of the lineup, is a dynamic SUV that commands attention with its aggressive stance and 19" Sebring alloy wheels. It offers the highest power and torque in its class, thanks to its 2.0TSI turbocharged engine generating an impressive 220PS of power and 350NM of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission. The flagship model is also equipped with an exclusive Harman Kardon 480W digital sound system, delivering exceptional acoustics through its 10 high-performance speakers.

On the other hand, the Tiguan Allspace Elegance and Life variants are powered by a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine, delivering a power output of 150PS and torque of 250NM, paired with a 6-speed DSG transmission. These combinations offer a pleasurable driving experience while ensuring efficient fuel consumption of approximately 7.7L/100km.

All three variants will now be offered with the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which includes an additional 3-year extended unlimited mileage warranty and 3 years of maintenance. The value of VAP ranges from RM8,000 to RM10,000, depending on the selected model.

Customers who do not opt for the assurance package will receive a standard 2-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years of roadside maintenance.

The recommended retail price (RRP) of the new Tiguan Allspace family, excluding VAP, ranges from RM165,990 to RM245,990.


Perodua’s First Ever Sales And Pre-Owned Showroom Is Now Operational

Perodua's first ever hybrid new and retail pre-owned vehicles sales outlet, Perodua KL, is now operational for those looking for the best deal either for a new or pre-owned certified Perodua vehicle. Customers have a choice of a brand new vehicle or a pre-owned certified Perodua vehicle, which have been thoroughly inspected and refurbished by trained technicians from official Perodua service centres
The showroom, which is located in Lot 18, Seksyen 86, Jalan Pahang, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, is the biggest Perodua sales wholly owned outlet in Kuala Lumpur costing RM1.7 million to set up. The outlet accepts trade-in from any automotive brand, however they only offer pre-owned Perodua vehicles to prospective customers.
There is an extended warranty of
up to 18 months
that will cover both engine and transmission and assures that all vehicles offered have gone through strict vehicle inspection to ensure that they will serve their new owners for many years to come.


Mercedes-Benz CLE gets grand unveil, filling void left by C-Class, E-Class Coupe

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé (and Cabriolet) has been unveiled using 'conceptual and technical innovations' from the C-Class and E-Class to place it nicely in between the two as the perfect replacement.

For those looking for a more expressive-looking CLE paired with enhanced comfort, sporty performance, and maximum individuality, the brand's latest new dream car series might just tick all the right boxes as it was designed to fulfill many of the customers' feedback from the C and E-Class segments.

Maximising the Sensual Purity design philosophy from Mercedes-Benz, the CLE Coupé shines above the rest with its long wheelbase, stronger-looking A-pillar, shorter body overhangs, muscular side profile, and larger wheels. The result is a more powerful and dynamic-looking machine that 'embodies an emotional statement' no matter where you look.

Mercedes-Benz simply loves the forward-leaning 'Shark Nose' and low-slung bonnet combination together with the sleek LED headlights and 3D radiator grille. With dimensions of 4,850mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,428mm high, the new CLE is the largest coupé in the mid-size segment.

Compared with the C-Class Coupé, the new CLE has a 25mm longer wheelbase, 10mm more headroom for the rear passengers as well as 19mm extra width, and a whopping 72mm extra knee room. For all you golf fans out there, it can actually fit three golf bags.

Step inside its luxurious cabin and you'll be welcomed with a free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display, an 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in portrait format, and like always, a 64-colour ambient lighting feature.

Other highlights include a set of sporty front seats developed exclusively for the new CLE, Napp leather loops to open the doors front the inside, and if you want to burn a bit more cash for the finest of tunes, you probably want to splurge on the optional Burmester® 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio.

Looking at the powertrains, all CLE variants are actually mild-hybrids with a choice of four-cylinder petrol or diesel that are turbocharged as well as fitted with the second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG) for added support on the low-speed range as well as 'excellent power development'. Power output? 204PS and 320Nm for the CLE 200, 258PS and 400Nm for the CLE 300.

Want more power? There's also the CLE 450 4Matic that is powered with a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol unit that is said to produce 381PS and 500Nm of torque. For this beauty, 0-100km/h is only 4.4 seconds, and for top speed, that's set at 250km/h.

Future CLE owners can further enhance their machines with options such as the Dynamic Body Control for added agility, Drive Assistance Package Plus for enhanced safety, and even the Ambient Lighting Plus for a more premium interior touch thanks to the additional light band under the instrument panel's lower edge.


2016 Hyundai Grand Starex Royale Facelift Announced. Priced at RM168,888

Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia today announced that the Grand Starex Royale has been given a makeover.
Featuring nothing more than cosmetic changes, the MPV now comes with a new front chrome grille, an aero dynamic side cladding, tweaked rear design, as well as new fog lights.
In terms of the interior, safety, convenience and practicality-related features are concerned, the vehicle remains the same as the outgoing model.
Powering the Starex is also still the same 2.5-litre CRDi diesel engine coupled with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and a turbo intercooler, capable of producing 170PS and 392 Nm of peak torque.
While the list of standard features includes Cruise Control, Safe Drive Recorder and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), the Grand Starex Royale 2017 facelift is priced at RM168, 888 (OTR with roadtax and insurance).
Offered in four colours - Creamy White, Timeless Black and Hyper Silver, the MPV also comes with a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty.
HSDM also announced that 24-hour road assist service is now available for new and existing Hyundai vehicles.


Volkswagen Reveals Its Menacing 330HP Golf Racing Concept

Volkswagen
 Motorsport have gotten their hands on a
Golf
 and transformed it into this working racing concept you see before you here.
Of course there’s a purpose as to why they made the Golf into this winged, wide-bodied, angry-looking little thing – to meet Touringcar Racer (TCR) International Series regulations (which is an international Touring Car championship) and customer racing.
Based on the seventh generation
Volkswagen Golf
, this 330hp concept car gets its power from a race-tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, taken out of the
Golf R
, which also provides 410Nm of torque.
Paired to a six-speed DSG gearbox with steering-mounted shift paddles, the racer, unlike the Golf R, sends all its power to the front wheels only. The Golf concept racer rides on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform to reduce the cost of assembling and running the touring car and is developed in cooperation with the sport department at SEAT, also part of the Group.
As you can see, Volkswagen Motorsport have done a lot to make this Golf race concept. The chassis is roughly 40cm wider than that of the production Golf while a carbon fibre rear wing and front splitter is fitted to optimise the aerodynamics.
Being a race car, the cabin has been stripped out leaving just the steering wheel, racing seat with head protectors, a racing safety cell, and a safety tank in accordance with FIA regulations.
Unfortunately, this season’s TCR International Series only has four races remaining and that’s where the Golf concept racer will compete to test the car under competitive conditions. Liqui Moly Team Engstler will field two cars at the eighth round of the TCR International Series at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria which is the 11-12 July, 2015 race weekend.