BMW Unveils 2 Series Gran Coupe - Smallest 4 Door Coupe In The Range

What a time to be alive. Ladies and gentlemen, BMW has brought the 2 Series Gran Coupe into the world - something that was probably eventually going to happen, but we didn't expect it to happen so soon. Yes, as the name suggest it's a four-door coupe version of the 2 Series, which - when referred to without an Active Tourer or Gran Tourer suffix - is the coupe version of the previous generation 1 Series.

Interestingly enough, the only country in the world to have a 1 Series sedan was China, and it was a front-wheel drive model. This new model isn't based on the front-engine, rear-wheel drive 2 Series that we know of - instead it's sitting on a similar platform to that of the X2 and the new 1 Series, meaning it's a transverse front-engine, front-or-all-wheel drive vehicle.

This puts in squarely against cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA, and the Audi A3 Sedan (at a stretch). In terms of variants the range-topper is the M235i xDrive - powered by the most powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder in the BMW range producing 306 hp - while a 218i and 220d round out the offerings with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three cylinder petrol engine and a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbodiesel respectively.

Like other Gran Coupes in the BMW line-up, the 2 Series Gran Coupe sports frameless windows and the ever alluring stretched coupe roofline. The rear lights are a lot wider than preceding 2 Series models, but falls in line with BMW's current design language. Sitting at 4,526 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,420 mm tall, it retains some fairly compact dimensions - with an identical 2,670 mm wheelbase to the new 1 Series.

In this day and age you can expect numerous pieces of equipment to come as standard, including full-LED headlamps, as well as various driver assistance systems like Lane Departure Warning with active lane return and collision and pedestrian warning with city brake functionality - a must have for EURO NCAP scoring.

This all-new model will make its global debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2019, with market launch in various parts of the world beginning March 2020. Pricing for Germany is a little dear, going from 31,950 Euros (RM 148,599) for the 218i, to 51,900 Euros (RM 241,386) for the M235i xDrive.

To find the best deals on BMW models, click
here
.


Video: Nissan NP300 Navara Drag Race Against Predecessor

The previous Nissan Navara D40 had a well-earned reputation for being an extremely quick pick-up, thanks to blistering outputs of 174hp and 403Nm from its highly-tuned 2.5-litre YD25 turbodiesel engine.
The
current NP300 Navara
 runs on the same YD25 engine but is tuned to two different outputs; whilst the range-topping VL variant gets bumped up to 190hp and 450Nm, other members of the range make do with a reduced 163hp and 403Nm.
Perhaps stung by consumer criticism that the majority of variants are having to settle for less horsepower, Nissan’s local distributors Edaran Tan Chong Motor have released a video demonstrating that even with less horsepower, the new
163hp NP300 Navara V
 is able to outrun its supposedly more powerful predecessor.
The three-minute long video released on the Nissan Malaysia official Youtube channel starts off with the old D40 Navara taking on the new NP300 Navara VL model in a drag race. Thanks to its superior outputs, the new car easily overpowered the old one, covering 400 metres of ground in 17.33 seconds – winning by a full second and separated by a whole car’s length at the finish line.
The latter part of the video then pits the same D40 against the lesser-powered NP300 Navara V. The D40 stormed ahead at the start, before the newer truck clawed the advantage back to narrowly edge the drag race, completing the 400-metre sprint in 18.05 seconds – winning by nearly two-tenths of a second.
It is then explained that despite having an 11hp deficit against its predecessor, the new NP300 Navara V is faster on the road thanks to smarter shifting of its 7-speed automatic transmission as well as having a lighter body, giving it a superior power-to-weight ratio of 88.2 hp/tonne, compared to the D40’s 85.9 hp/tonne.
Now to find out that drag strip’s location from our contacts in ETCM.


100 Years of BMW: From Near-Bankruptcy to World’s Most Admired Car Company

We
ended Part 1
 with the dramatic rescue of BMW by Herbert Quandt. Two years later, at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled the BMW 1500 ‘Neue Klasse’ (New Class) – a sporty business sedan that was the first of a series of BMWs that returned BMW to profitability.
At this point, BMW was lead by Paul Hahnemann, formerly from Auto Union (Audi). By 1970, Quandt recruited Eberhard von Kunheim from machine tool maker IWK to head BMW.
Power of Youth
Von Kuenheim’s appointment surprised many as he was considered too young (only 41 years old), and had no experience in a car company. He was a total opposite of the loud and charismatic Hahnemann.
“When he came into a room, the room became quiet, because von Kuenheim himself was quiet. An alley would open up for him,” said a longtime BMW executive in Richard A. Johnson’s book ‘Six Men Who Built The Modern Auto Industry.’
“He really brings you to your limits. He worked you every day, 24 hours a day. He always asked for intelligent solutions. If I complained that ‘Daimler has a lot of money to do things,’ he would say ‘if you come up with an intelligent solution, you will have a lot of money as well,” added the executive.
When you are small, aim high
“I came in 1970 when BMW was selling 140,000 cars a year,” said von Kuenheim. “Quandt wondered what to do with BMW because it was very small. The experts said you can only succeed if you produce 500,000. We didn’t have enough money, capacity, research & development people. When you are small you have only one chance – to produce expensive cars. Higher turnover or higher volume. We went for the premium sector,” explained von Kueinheim in ‘Six Men Who Built The Modern Auto Industry.’
The vision was clear but the path was difficult. BMW had almost zero brand visibility outside of Germany and its export markets were in the hands of independent importers.
In came Sales Director Bob Lutz, a Swiss-American and former pilot with the US Marines. Quandt hired Lutz from GM Europe (Opel).
Cleaning up corruption
When Lutz joined BMW in 1971, he uncovered wide scale corrupt practices within BMW importers/distributors and business partners.
“Hahnemann had to go because there were ethical violations of titanic proportions. I mean absolutely titanic proportions. The mind boggles at the amount of money that came in through fictitious billings to the advertising agencies and the fact that all BMW printed materials were printed by a publishing house that belonged to Hahnemann’s mistress and was never put out for bids,” said Lutz.
Many BMW importers afforded outlandishly expensive lifestyles at the expense of BMW due to the unusually friendly terms of agreement approved by Hahnemann.
To fix this, Lutz travelled across Europe and USA to buy out the importers, often with intimidating threats – he was after all an ex-Marine – supported by his deep knowledge of European laws
“These distributors aren’t dumb. They would entice senior people at BMW with lavish bribes,” said Lutz.
When Lutz revoked the distribution rights of an importer in Italy, the man offered Lutz a ten day trip to the Mediterranean in his yacht, accompanied by his mistress and her daughter.
He told Lutz, “I have this beautiful countess, she is a little bit older, maybe 45 but she is for me. But her daughter is 19. I tell you the countess for me; the daughter for you. Nobody talks about it.”
“Well, I could see pictures of me fornicating this 19-year old, the hidden cameras are rolling. So I didn’t fall for that one,” said Lutz.
Anyway the ex-fighter pilot Lutz was also known for his dashing good looks and he certainly didn't need any assistance from anyone when it comes to women.
Lutz also pointed out another example of outlandish lifestyles of BMW importers. Lutz found out the 19-year old son of a BMW importer in France was chauffeur driven in a Rolls-Royce. Lutz terminated his family’s business with BMW and BMW France became the company’s first overseas sales office.
The Rebranding Effort
Despite what you might read on BMW’s official public relations materials, motorsports wasn’t really that central to the BMW brand.
The fact that BMW is closely associated with motorsports is a testament of its marketing brilliance.
In truth, before the war BMW’s successes in motorsports were limited to a few road races (Mille Miglia) and a small scale event at the Nurburgring. BMW wasn’t involved in Grand Prix racing like Alfa Romeo, Audi or even Mercedes-Benz.
It was Bob Lutz who established BMW Motorsports GmbH in 1972. By now, the company had already produced the iconic 2002 Ti.
“A company is like a human being. As long as it goes in for sports, it is fit, well-trained, full of enthusiasm and performance,” said Lutz during the inauguration of BMW Motorsport GmbH in 1972. The division is now known as BMW M GmbH.
The company would later introduce the E12 M535i – the first of many more BMW M cars to come.
BMW was certainly not the first to introduce a performance sub-brand.
Decades before BMW popularised the M3 and M5, Alfa Romeo already had the Guilia quadrifoglio. Ford already had the Escort RS. But neither was consistent in its efforts. In fact, the RS and quadrifoglio brand laid dormant for many decades.
What set BMW M apart was its consistency and cohesive marketing. More importantly, M Series cars helped sell regular BMW cars in ways other similar sub-brands can’t.
Today, that same formula is now used by Mercedes-Benz (AMG), Audi (RS) and Lexus (F).
The ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ Tagline
BMW was almost unknown outside of Germany. Many Americans actually thought BMW meant British Motor Works, because in the ‘60s, compact size and good handling were often associated with British marques like MG and Jaguar.
BMW’s marketing materials often credit itself for creating the sports sedan segment but in truth, the Alfa Romeo Giulia was doing the 3 series before the E21 3 Series or 2002. The business sports sedan that’s now typified by the 5 Series was started by the Jaguar Mk 2, which Sir William Lyons marketed it under the tagline ‘Grace, Pace, Space.’
How BMW came to dominate the narrative on history of premium sports sedan is another triumph of BMW’s marketing genius.
To correct this irritating misconception of BMW = British Motor Works, Lutz appointed a relatively unknown advertising agency Ammirati and Puris to handle the BMW USA account. It was they who came out with ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ tagline, which was later rolled out globally.
BMW’s ads tried to interpret luxury on the foundations of desirability built on BMW’s image of speed, performance, driving pleasure. BMW’s interiors were more spartan than an equivalent Cadillac but somehow, Ammirati and Puris managed to convince the public that spartan is good, and that if you are young and ambitious, a BMW is what you want.
By the ‘80s, a new generation of young professionals who would’ve otherwise bought a Cadillac, or on this side of the world, an Alfa Romeo or a Volvo, were driving E30 3 Series.
Lutz also went on the create the E24 6 Series, whose silhoutte was said to be sketched by Lutz on a napkin. The design was realised by Paul Bracq.
Market Segmentation
Before Bob Lutz and von Kuenheim came to BMW, cars were often given alphanumeric names that were supposed to denote its engine size.
How was a regular buyer going to understand what a Mercedes-Benz 190E, 230E and 300SE even meant?
The E12 5 Series was the first BMW to follow the new ‘Series’ designation – making it easy for the public to identify a model’s body size and engine size. Buyers can tell immediately that a 520i is a 5 Series body with a 20i engine, and where that model sits relative to a 320i and 730i.
Within just five years, from 1972 to 1977, BMW’s product line-up was segmented along the 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series range.
Each Series catered to a different crowd but were yet distinctively BMW - the kidney grille and Hofmeister kink.
Today, designers often use words like ‘design language’ or a family ‘identity’ - practises popularised by BMW. Sure BMW was not the first to promote such concepts but they certainly perfected it better than anyone else.
The maxim of series production says that the greater the commonality, the greater the efficiency. Variations should be kept to a minimum. BMW however, through the ingenuity of its manufacturing wizards, made money by specifically through offering many variations, earlier than anyone else.
While the Mercedes-Benz 190E was only available as a four door sedan, the E30 3 Series can be had as a two door sedan, four door sedan, wagon, and convertible, with more engine options than anyone else. BMW created coupe-SUV niche with the X6 and X4, whose successes prompted Mercedes-Benz to follow cue with the GLE Coupe and GLC Coupe.
Respect For People
Von Kuenheim deeply believed that before the public can respect BMW, BMW must first conduct itself in a respectable manner.
BMW was one of the few German brands to formally apologise for its use of forced labour during World War 2. This subject is part of a permanent exhibit at BMW’s museum in Munich.
“We needed to treat people correctly – our customers, our suppliers. Letters had to be answered in the same week. We had to treat suppliers as gentlemen, something not seen in the previous few years. Some assemblers are now killing suppliers. We had to bring out the right style,” said von Kuenheim.
Eberhard von Kuenheim stepped down from BMW in 1993 but his son Hendrik von Kuenheim (below) is now the Senior Vice-President of BMW Group Asia, Pacific and South Africa.
Bob Lutz went on the head various divisions with GM, Ford and Chrysler. In the US, he was credited for creating the Dodge Viper though he is remembered more for his controversial comments rather than his cars. He is still an active pilot.
BMW Today
The toughest characters are often forged through difficult circumstances. While World War 2 was traumatic, it is safe to say that without those difficult character building years, BMW would not be what it is today.
Today, BMW is the leading luxury brand. Last year, the BMW Group sold 2.25 million vehicles, ahead of Mercedes-Benz Cars’s 2.00 million and Audi’s 1.83 million.
While Audi and Mercedes-Benz tried to chase the Porsche 911 with the R8 and AMG GT respectively, BMW leap-frogged everyone to introduce the space-age, carbon-fibre chassis BMW i8 plug-in hybrid.
BMW’s knowledge and experience in mass-producing carbon-fibre materials is second only to Boeing, and carbon fibre is the aluminium of the next decade – crucial for producing premium low emissions vehicles. Producing carbon fibre for low volume supercars or racing cars is one thing, but producing it for series production cars is quite another.
The lightweight Carbon Core chassis in the BMW is also the reason why even the base model 2.0-litre turbo 730Li is able to out-accelerate a supposedly more powerful 3.5-litre V6 hybrid Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, 6.3 seconds vs 6.8, while being 15 percent more fuel efficient.
The pinnacle of the BMW Group is of course Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
But nevermind about BMW's corporate achievements. BMW today is a highly emotional brand that inspires people to chase their dreams, bonds families, and influences people in a positive manner, as explained by these fans, including a once homeless boy who now owns a huge collection of BMWs:
Who knew that a humble E36 BMW 3 Series would inspire a young boy to become a car designer, and who knew that a BMW designer will take time off work to mentor a 16-year old BMW fan who wrote a letter to BMW asking 'How can I work for BMW?' But that was exactly how
Calvin Luk
 became a designer at BMW.
Not bad for a brand that 70 years ago, lost its only car plant, and 60 years ago, nearly got sold to Mercedes-Benz, and was perceived to be inferior to Alfa Romeo, Ford and Volvo.
The ‘four cylinder’ BMW Tower and the adjacent BMW Welt museum is today an icon of Munich and a popular tourist attraction, thanks to a shareholder of Mercedes-Benz who came to like BMW cars.
In case you missed Part 1 of this story -
100 Years Of BMW: How BMW Wrote The Greatest Comeback Story Ever
Find your dream BMW here on
Carlist.my
.


CIMB Auto & Property Mart - Know-how During the Auction

As we mentioned before, the CIMB Auto & Property Mart is as legit, credible, and as trustworthy as a public auction can get.  Not only does CIMB Auto & Property Mart play the role as a one-stop hub that offers a wide selection of real estates and motor vehicles, they also aim to provide members of the public with a credible avenue to secure their interested properties/vehicles at attractive prices.
And now that many of you have read what someone who intends to purchase a vehicle at the CIMB Auto & Property Mart needs to know and lookout for before an auction, let us focus on the auction itself.
What are the required documents?
First and foremost, bidders attending the CIMB Auto & Property Mart need to bring their identification card (IC), as well as a photocopied version, a bank draft or cashier’s order payable to the appointed auction house. Those who are coming on behalf of the bidder need to present a letter of authorization and a copy of the bidder’s IC at the Auction.
Companies on the other hand need to present a copy of the director’s IC, the company Board of Director’s Resolution, Forms 24 and 49, as well as a certified true copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A), and a bank draft/cashier’s order payable to appointed auction house.
For easy reference, you can always download a checklist table
here
.
Since there is no need for bidders to make a reservation or inform CIMB that they want to attend an auction, interested bidders are only required to register at the auctioneer registration counter on auction day before it starts.
Once the registration is done, the auctioneer will announce the commencement of the auction and provide a briefing on the bidding process, as well as the important clauses in the Condition of Sale and vehicle information before the biddings begin.
During registration, each bidder will be given a bidding card for each vehicle, which bidders are required to raise to indicate the bidding price. The bidding process will stop when the highest price is called out 3 times by the auctioneer and no further bids are made. At the fall of the hammer, the vehicle is considered sold.
As straight-forward as it may sound, there are certain things that bidders need to be aware of in order to ensure that the bidding takes place smoothly, and to avoid themselves from ending up in any confusion.
What else to consider?
For instance, it is always best that bidders arrive at the auction venue earlier, and pay full attention to the bidding price indicated by the auctioneer.
Besides that, it is important that one bids within his or her budget. Bidders must also be as clear as possible by raising their arm and checking that the auctioneer has seen their bid. Bidders must also keep in mind that a withdrawal of bid is not allowed. All bids are final.
Once the bid is complete, a successful bidder is required to sign the Contract of Sale at the auctioneers registration counter and the balance of the purchase price must be paid within the time frame given. If the bid is not the successful, one is required to return the bidding card and collect their deposit and buyer’s premium (fully refunded) at the registration counter immediately after the auction.
In case you are wondering if the vehicles are bought on cash terms or via loan, buyers may settle the balance of purchase price (BPP) by either cash or loan, as long as it is completed within the time frame given, which is 5 working days from the auction date. You are advised to understand the loan procedures and your eligibility for a financing of the balance of the purchase price, prior to the auction.
Those who have been to public auctions would have noticed that there will be vehicles that come without a registration card. But that doesn’t mean that the cars are not road legal. Buyers may transfer the vehicle’s ownership after they collect the vehicle for a new registration card.
However, all expenses incurred in respect of the ownership transfer shall be borne by the purchaser. It is advisable that you check with Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) on the procedures before making any decision.
That being said, what takes place during an auction is quite straight forward you can. So, feel free to visit upcoming CIMB Auto Auction as mentioned below:
Region
Auction Date
Central (Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang)
June 8 & 29
July 20
August 3 & 17
Northern (Penang, Perak, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu)
June 10 & 24
July 22
August 12 & 26
Southern (Johor, Melaka)
June 10 & 27
July 22
August 12 & 26

Buy your dream car today hassle free. Bid, win & grin.
For more information, log on to
apmart.cimbbank.com.my
, call CIMB Auto & Property Mart at 1-300-88-0811 or email
propertymart@cimb.com


Toyota Tops Fortune 500 Motor Vehicle Company List For The Fourth Year Running

Another year, another accolade for Toyota on the Fortune 500 lists. Does the news surprise you? Not really? Well, we wouldn't blame you - Toyota has been performing extremely well over the last few years, avoiding major scandals and keeping outputs high. It's also worth remembering that a couple of years back was when Toyota began to push their new image and vision for their products, with fun-to-drive in mind, and while it may not directly correlate with their performance on the Fortune 500 lists, it's a nice line of reasoning.
While Toyota has been at the top of the Motor Vehicle Company list for the Fortune 500, in terms of the bigger picture they have moved up 5 spots on the "All-Star" list. In terms of judging, the lists themselves are for the "World's Most Admired Companies", which takes outright performance out of the equation. Toyota won on the basis of being committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility for consumers.
It's safe to say then that Toyota is doing pretty well, both from a consumer perspective and from the viewpoint of professionals within the industry (as they are the ones who vote). Toyota may not be doing outright fantastic within the ASEAN region, but there is no doubt that their push in other markets combined with their production efficiency and consistency has allowed them to maintain a fairly loyal fanbase.


Honda Sells 60,469 Vehicles In 2020 - No.1 Non-National Sales

If there was an award for undisputed No. 1 Non-National Segment sales award for six consecutive years, that award would go to Honda Malaysia.

First, let's run-through Honda's wins in a year that was fraught with difficulties:

60,469 vehicles sold in 2020

2020 Honda City recorded the highest monthly sales in history with over 5,500 units sold in December 2020

Honda City has achieved more than 15,200 bookings to date

(and all this with the pricing of the Honda City RS i-MMD yet to be announced)

Honda Malaysia's sales achievements for 2020 were largely driven by the City which recorded the highest sales volume at 34 percent followed by the
Civic
 at 20 percent and
HR-V
 at 17 percent.

With up to 15,200 bookings to date for the
City
, Honda Malaysia has managed to deliver close to 10,800 units of the 2020 Honda City to customers throughout Malaysia.

We feel for you
Proton X50
 buyers!

The V variant of the 2020 Honda City proved most popular with 52 percent of total bookings. Once again Central Peninsular Malaysia was most active in shopping for new Honda cars, contributing 48 percent of total sales, followed by the Southern region with 19 percent and the Northern region with 18 percent.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “The year 2020 may have been challenging but we have managed to maintain our undisputed No.1 position in the Non-National Segment for the sixth consecutive year with 60,469 units sold and for that, we are truly humbled by the support we have received."

He went on to add, “We sincerely thank the Malaysian Government for the extension of sales tax exemption until 30th June 2021 which will allow many Malaysians to purchase cars with extra savings. As we move on in 2021, we will continue to support the Government’s efforts to curb the pandemic which is still active nationwide.”

 *Honda Malaysia's claim of being the No.1 position in the Non-National Segment is based on internal data from Honda Malaysia


Suzuki Set To Unveil Two Concepts At 2015 Geneva Motor Show

Two concepts from Suzuki will be premiered at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March – the first being a 5-door hatchback and the other, a compact SUV. Beyond the silhouette images of both vehicles, further details about these two concepts are scarce from the car maker.
First up, we have the iK-2 which
Suzuki
 has labelled as “an ideal compact sized car” with a theme of “Harmonized Force”. Reports indicate that the concept study could preview an all-new model that takes its spot above the
Suzuki Swift
. Being larger in size, its competition might come from the
Honda Jazz
 and
Hyundai i20
.
Next up is the iM-4 dubbed as an “iconic mini 4x4”, indicating to us that it could very well be the all-new
Suzuki Jimny
, which is sold locally.
With
Carscoops’ reporting
 that Suzuki is looking to launch six all-new models by 2017, we can expect these concepts to be a rough indication of the vehicles to come in the future. More details about the Suzuki iK-2 and iM-4 concepts will be revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next month.


2023 Toyota Yaris facelift launched in Thailand - RM72k-RM89k

Toyota Motor Thailand has officially unveiled its latest 2023
Toyota Yaris
 facelift model.

Four variants are up for grabs with prices starting from 559,000 baht to 694,000 baht, which is roughly around RM72,100 to RM89,500. The four variants for the 2023 Toyota Yaris are Sport, Smart, Premium, and Premium S.

For 2023, the Toyota Yaris has been enhanced with a sportier-looking facade thanks to the brand's latest 'Hammerhead Design' DNA. This includes a sharp projector LED headlamp design with daytime-running lights as well as a more aggressive-looking front bumper.

As for the rear, the 2023 Toyota Yaris features a new rear bumper design that comes with faux air outlets and a diffuser-styled decoration with carbon fibre patterns. A set of new 15-inch wheels tie everything together into a sportier and aggressive-looking Yaris for 2023.

Step inside the cabin and you'll find a  4.2-inch Optitron multi-info display, a new and bigger nine-inch centre touchscreen (only for the Premium and Premium S models) and a selection of interior finishes based on your variant of choice such as Orchid Brown to complement the new design for the seats. There's also a USB Type C power socket for the rear passengers to use.

Under the bonnet lies the same 1.2-litre 3NR-FKE four-cylinder engine that produces 92PS and 109Nm of torque. This is mated to a Super CVT-i transmission package that offers a respectable fuel consumption rate of 23.3km for every litre of fuel.

As for exterior colour options, there are eight different choices and depending on the variant, there's also the option to get it with a blacked-out roof for that sporty two-tone finish. What do you think? Can it be a hot seller here in Malaysia?


PDRM Kutip RM109 Juta - Lanjut Diskaun Saman Trafik Sehingga 31 Disember

Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM)
 melanjutkan tempoh diskaun untuk bayaran kompaun saman trafik sehingga 31 Disember 2021.

Ketua Polis Negara, Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani yang memaklumkan perkara tersebut berkata, pelanjutan itu adalah bagi memberi ruang kepada lebih ramai pesalah trafik melunaskan saman tertunggak mereka.

Diskaun saman bersempena Program 100 Hari Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia, memberi potongan sehingga
80 peratus pengurangan saman bagi kesalahan trafik
 dan mendapat sambutan yang menggalakkan dari orang ramai.

Menurut Tan Sri Acryl Sani, lebih 2.3 juta saman trafik telah diselesaikan dengan RM109 juta telah dikutip setakat 9 Disember lalu.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

"PDRM juga sedia maklum berhubung kesesakan di kaunter bayaran saman serta kesesakan pembayaran secara dalam talian pada waktu puncak. Justeru, dengan tempoh yang dilanjutkan ini orang ramai mempunyai masa yang panjang untuk menjelaskan saman tertunggak mereka,” jelasnya kepada Berita Harian.

Baru-baru ini, sistem dalam talian PDRM melalui MyBayar Saman mengalami gangguan teknikal akibat kesesakan trafik ke dalam portal tersebut, walaupun PDRM mengeluarkan kenyataan agar orang ramai mengelak membayar ketika waktu puncak.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

Sehubungan itu, kaunter bayaran saman di Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) dan kontinjen di seluruh negara telah dibuka untuk kemudahan orang ramai dan lebih banyak kaunter akan dibuka bagi mengelakkan orang ramai bersesak ketika membayar saman.

Selain di kaunter bayaran saman dan portal MyBayar Saman, orang ramai juga boleh berkunjung ke cawangan Pejabat Pos Malaysia dan mesin ATM Maybank untuk mengambil peluang diskaun saman ini.

Beliau berkata, tawaran diskaun saman adalah salah satu inisiatif PDRM untuk meringankan beban masyarakat yang terkesan akibat pandemik COVID-19, bagi menjelaskan saman tertunggak mereka.


Perodua Terima 55,000 Tempahan Kenderaan Pada Mac 2021 – Tempoh Menunggu Kereta Meningkat

Pengeluar automotif nombor satu negara, Perodua telah memecahkan rekod mereka apabila mencapai jumlah tempahan tertinggi iaitu 55,000 tempahan kenderaan sejak jenama ini diperkenalkan di Malaysia pada tahun 1992.

Menurut Pengarah Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd JH Rozman Jaafar, angka tersebut tidak mungkin dapat dicapai tanpa sokongan padu yang diberikan oleh petugas barisan hadapan mereka serta para pelanggan yang berterusan memberi kepercayaan kepada mereka.

Sebanyak 55,000 tempahan yang diterima pada Mac 2021 turut dibantu dengan adanya PENJANA serta pengenalan model
SUV
 baharu mereka,
Perodua Ativa
. SUV tersebut menerima banyak pujian dan telah meningkatkan jumlah tempahan yang diterima Perodua kerana menawarkan sistem
Advance Safety Assists (A.S.A) 3.0
 pada harga mampu milik, iaitu dengan hanya bermula daripada RM61,500 hingga RM72,000 mengikut varian.

Dengan jumlah tempahan seperti ini, kebiasaannya ia akan mengambil masa selama 3 bulan untuk mendaftar keseluruhan kenderaan yang telah ditempah itu. Walau bagaimanapun, isu pandemik yang sedang melanda negara dan dunia telah mempengaruhi masa yang diambil untuk melengkapkan tempahan tersebut mengikut waktu yang ditetapkan kerana terdapat kekurangan bekalan alat ganti dunia terhadap industri automotif.

Ini merupakan cabaran terbesar Perodua dalam memastikan penghasilan serta penghantaran kereta dapat dibuat bagi memenuhi permintaan tinggi oleh pelanggan mengikut tempoh masa penghantaran yang normal. Setakat ini, tarikh penghantaran kereta serta tempoh menunggu kereta adalah diantara 1.5 bulan sehingga 4 bulan mengikut model, varian dan warna.

Jika anda membaca berita, COVID-19 telah memaksa ramai orang bekerja dari rumah serta mengurangkan operasi kilang dan ini menyebabkan kekurangan bekalan semikondukter di seluruh dunia. Semikondukter merupakan blok binaan penebat bagi menempatkan microprocessor. Jadi kekurangan satu bahan akan menyebabkan kekurangan yang lain.

Tambahan pula dengan teknologi kereta yang semakin maju, kereta kini amat memerlukan microprocessor. Kalau
Proton Saga
 dan
Perodua Axia
 pun ada microprocessor, apatah lagi Ativa dan
X50
 yang mempunyai sistem
ADAS
 Level 2 yang lebih maju. Meskipun kereta milik
Perodua
 dipasang dan dihasilkan di dalam negara ini, namun masih terdapat beberapa barang yang masih diimport.

Nampak gayanya, bukan
Proton X70
 dan
Proton X50
 sahaja yang ada masalah seperti ini, malah Perodua turut menghadapi
masalah yang sama
. Walau bagaimanapun, Perodua akan sentiasa mengemaskini tempoh menunggu kenderaan mereka pada semasa ke semasa.

Adakah Perodua turut bakal mengalami masalah sama yang sedang dihadapi oleh Proton seperti kereta lambat dihasilkan dan dihantar serta kekurangan alat ganti? Kena tunggu dan lihat lah.

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Auto News
.

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Carlist.my.

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CarlistBid.my
.

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 website now.


Hyundai Sonata 2020 VS Volkswagen Passat 2020 – Sedan Segmen-D Mana Yang Lebih Baik?

Harga bagi kedua-dua kenderaan di bawah kategori sedan
segmen-D
 ini memang tak jauh beza. Adakah ia juga sama taraf dalam segala aspek? Inilah masanya untuk kita buat perbandingan.

Pemain kereta sedan segmen-D ini ternyata masih lagi ada di negara ini. Namun ekoran penerimaan
SUV
 di pasaran Malaysia yang semakin meningkat naik sebagai kereta pilihan keluarga yang jauh lebih berpatutan, sedan segmen-D ini kurang mendapat sambutan. Mana taknya, rata-rata harga kereta sedan mampu milik dalam segmen-D kini menghampiri RM200,000.

Jadi,
Volkswagen Passat 2020
 VS
Hyundai Sonata 2020
,Mana satu lebih baik?

Harga

Sebelum kita buat perbandingan lebih terperinci, seharusnya kita memulakan mukadimah dengan memperkenalkan harga kedua dua kereta ini terlebih dahulu. Hyundai Sonata yang diimport penuh daripada Korea Selatan ini berharga RM189,888 sementara Volkswagen Passat RM181,867. Kalau anda nak beli kenderaan berdasarkan harga semata-mata, Passat lebih mampu milik dengan perbezaan harga RM8000.

Prestasi

Hyundai Sonata 2020

Enjin: G2.5 SmartStream MPi

Transmisi : 6-Kelajuan Transmisi Automatik

Kuasa Maksimum: 180PS / 6,000 rpm

Tork Maksimum: 232Nm / 4,000 rpm

0 ke 100km/h: 8.3 Saat

Kelajuan Maksimum (anggaran): 234 km/h

Volkswagen Passat 2020

Enjin: 2.0 liter TSI

Transmisi : 7-Kelajuan Direct Shift DSG

Kuasa Maksimum: 190 PS / 6,000 rpm

Tork Maksimum: 320 Nm / 4,000 rpm

0 ke 100km/h: 7.9 Saat

Kelajuan Maksimum (anggaran): 238 km/h

Meskipun mempunyai kapasiti enjin yang lebih besar, Hyundai Sonata yang dikuasakan dengan enjin empat unit silinder petrol MPI 2.5 liter ini ternyata gagal menandingi Volkwagen Passat yang menggunakan enjin 2.0 Liter TSI. Tetapi perbezaannya tidaklah begitu besar.

Ukur lilit/ Saiz kereta

Hyundai Sonata 2020

Lebar: 1,860 mm

Panjang: 4,900 mm

Tinggi: 1,445 mm

Jarak Roda: 2,840 mm

Berat: 1,448 kg

Ruang But: 510 liter

Volkswagen Passat 2020

Lebar: 1,832 mm

Panjang: 4,775 mm

Tinggi: 1,462 mm

Jarak Roda: 2,786 mm

Berat: 1,455 kg

Ruang But: 586 liter

Antara kedua dua model ini, Hyundai tampil sedikit besar daripada Volkswagen Passat. Walau bagaimanapun, meskipun bersaiz lebih kecil berbanding lawannya, Volkswagen Passat lebih berat serta menawarkan saiz ruang but yang lebih besar.

Luaran

Pada bahagian luaran, Sonata menampilkan gril hadapan yang besar disamping penambahan bukaan udara di hujung bumper. Rekaan rupa bentuk lampu utama LED penuh automatik serta Daylight Running Light LED yang bersambung dengan kemasan jalur krom pada bonet memang mengancam. Model yang dibina berasaskan
 Sensuous Sportiness
 ini turut hadir dengan lampu belakang LED yang bersambung antara satu sama lain. Rim 18 inci yang digunakan oleh Sonata ini dilengkapi dengan tayar Continental Premium Contact 6 yang bersaiz 235/45.

Sementara itu, bahagian hadapan Volkswagen Passat 2020 ini telah diperbaharui dengan lampu utama LED yang lebih kecil, nipis dan garang. Selain itu grilnya juga agak sedikit besar berbanding model sebelumnya, namun tidaklah sebesar Sonata. Namun lampu belakang LED Passat lebih menyerlah dengan reka bentuk yang lebih simple dan bergaya. Ia turut dilengkapi dengan rim aloi 18 inci ‘Liverpool’ bersama tayar bersaiz 235/45R18.

Namun secara keseluruhan dari segi luaran, reka bentuk Sonata jauh lebih baik menenggelamkan Passat yang kelihatan seperti biasa biasa sahaja. Sonata kelihatan mewah dengan rupa bentuk yang lebih futuristik.

Dalaman

Hyundai Sonata menggunakan panel instrumen digital 12.3 inci, head-up display pada cermin hadapan, 8 inci skrin sesentuh Display Audio dengan kebolehan sambungan kepada Apple CarPlay dan Android Auto.

Sementara itu, dengan Passat, semuanya dihujung jari anda. Digital Cockpit dengan paparan warna transistor filem nipis (TFT) bersaiz 11.7 inci yang terdapat pada Passat ini amat jelas dan beresolusi tinggi ibarat telefon pintar. Passat turut dilengkapi dengan sistem infotainmen skrin sesentuh bersaiz 9.2-inci dengan kawalan suara, gestur dan skrin pandangan. Reka bentuk dalaman Passat yang serba hitam memberikan gambaran sebagai sebuah sedan yang elegan manakala Hyundai Sonata pula mempamerkan kelas yang tersendiri dengan kombinasi warna coklat dan hitam yang kelihatan mewah.

Antara kelengkapan dalaman lain yang diterima oleh Hyundai Sonata adalah dua zon kawalan penyaman udara automatik, butang tukaran gear, brek parkir elektronik, pengecas tanpa wayar, bumbung panoramik, cermin pandang belakang elektrokromik, tempat duduk larasan kuasa lapan arah dengan fungsi memori, tempat duduk penumpang hadapan larasan kuasa empat arah, corong pendingin hawa belakang serta dua soket USB di hadapan dan satu di belakang.

Tidak ketinggalan, Volkwagen hadir dengan tempat duduk baharu yang dibalut dengan kulit lembut dan 12 talaan secara elektrik bersama sistem penyaman udara Climatronic 3-zon untuk semua penumpang. Ciri baru yang turut dipasang ialah pelindung cahaya matahari cermin belakang kuasa untuk memberikan lebih keselesaan pada penumpang.

Jika dilihat secara keseluruhan, ruangan dalaman Sonata kelihatan jauh lebih baik dari segi design dan materialnya. Dashboardnya yang jauh lebih cantik sekali lagi membuatkan Passat kelihatan lesu dengan kabin yang serba kosong.

Keselamatan

Volkswagen Passat 2020

Side Assist dengan Kepekaan Trafik Lintasan Belakang

Sistem Pemantauan Titik Buta

Sistem Pemantauan Tekanan Tayar (TPMS)

Kawalan Kestabilan Elektronik (ESC)

ABS dengan Bantuan Brek

Sistem Respon Pelanggaran Pintar (ICRS)

Hill-hold Control

Automatic Post-Collision Braking System

Proactive Passenger Protection System.

Hyundai Sonata 2020

6 beg udara

Ciri pemantauan titik buta (BVM)

Sistem pemantauan tekanan tayar (TPMS)

Cruise Control

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist

Automatic High Beam Assist

Driver Attention Warning

Kamera 360 darjah

Bagi segi keselamatan, Passat tidak menerima markah penuh daripada
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
 (IIHS) dan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) di Amerika Syarikat. Namun kereta itu tetap dianggap berada dalam keadaan bagus oleh mereka. Sonata berjaya mendapat 5 bintang daripada NHTSA dan dinamakan sebagai pilihan keselamatan utama oleh IIHS. Malangnya, model pasaran Malaysia tidak dilengkapi pakej Hyundai SmartSense yang merangkumi Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control (cruise control biasa masih ada), Lane Departure Warning atau Lane Keep Assist.  Namun dengan kamera 360 darjah pada Sonata, ia sememangnya lebih superior berbanding Passat.

Kesimpulannya, antara dua pilihan ini, bagi saya lebih mudah untuk memilih Sonata berdasarkan ciri ciri yang hadir pada kereta tersebut. Meskipun berharga lebih RM8,000 daripada Passat, segala teknologi dan reka bentuk dalaman dan luaran kereta ini amat berbaloi dengan harga yang ditawarkan.

Anda pula bagaimana?


Lexus Set To Usher In New Wave Of EV Cars and Design Language

Lexus is ready to introduce its second EV in 2022 - together with a new design language.

When Lexus unveiled its global electrification strategy in 2019, called "Lexus Electrified" never did we expect that they would already be preparing to launch their second electric vehicle three years down the road.

According to British magazine Autocar, Lexus is planning to launch a follow-up to their UX 300e electric car with an electric crossover built on the e-TNGA platform.

Developed to form a basis for a large number of Toyota models, it will be about the same size as one of their best-selling models, the NX, but will have a specific design inspired by the
LF-Z Electrified concept
 introduced in March 2021.

The spindle grille will be transformed into a trim piece rather than an air vent, and Lexus' expansive rear light bar vision is expected to make the transition from the drawing board to the showroom floor. According to Autocar, some of the styling cues from the upcoming electric car will also spread throughout other models in the 2020's.

The powertrain for the hatchback-looking electric car is yet to be announced, but Autocar believes the crossover will be closely related to the production version of the Toyota bZ4X concept, which will also be built on the e-TNGA architecture.

Like most electric cars, the second Lexus EV will most probably have an all-wheel-drive system, but whether Lexus will decide to put greater focus on performance and handling remains a question mark.

Lexus loves innovation and automation, so you can expect it to have some level of autonomous driving functions but not complete autonomy. A steer-by-wire system is reportedly on the cards, supposedly to give the EV a more engaging driving experience.

It's been touted that Lexus could introduce the EV before the end of 2022, which means it might be in showrooms in 2023.

Lexus' first EV was the
UX 300e
, a car created for the
Chinese
 and European markets. It's one of Lexus' best-selling models in Europe. They managed to sell 30,000 units of the vehicle in the first year alone, probably because of its EPIC 10-Year, 1 Million KM Battery Warranty. Lexus is banking on their unique air-cooled system to keep all the UX300e’s 288 lithium-ion cells within the optimal temperature range, claiming their solution is safer and lighter than the water-cooled alternatives used in other EVs.

It just goes to show how confident Lexus is in its battery technology and the car it's being installed in. Most vehicles, either combustion or electric-powered, can
only hope
 to reach 1 million kilometres on the odometer or 10 years of hard service, even if cared for relatively well.

The UX300e made its debut in Indonesia last November, marking its entrance into the ASEAN market. It has yet to debut in any other ASEAN markets since.

If everything goes according to plan, Lexus will launch a total of 10 new electrified models, including hybrids by 2025.


Mudah & Murah - Sanitasi Kereta Anda Daripada Virus!

Bimbang dengan kes COVID-19 yang semakin meningkat? Jom sanitasi kereta anda dengan langkah-langkah mudah seperti berikut!

Sejak kebelakangan ini, jumlah kes positif COVID-19 semakin membimbangkan. Lebih mengejutkan, kita telah mencapai angka lebih 4000 kes positif dalam masa sehari! Walaupun dah ikut segala garis panduan yang ditetapkan kerajaan, tidak rugi sekiranya kita berjaga-jaga dengan turut melakukan proses sanitasi terhadap kenderaan kita. Tambah-tambah kepada mereka yang bekerja sebagai pemandu e-hailling!

Jom sanitasi kereta anda dengan langkah – langkah mudah dan jimat seperti berikut:

1 . Persediaan

Sediakan barang barang seperti berikut:

Kain lap bersih

Pewangi kereta

Vakum (kalau ada)

Sarung tangan getah

Face mask

Cecair sanitasi (lebih 70% kandungan alcohol minimum)

Pastikan anda memakai sarung tangan getah serta penutup muka. Untuk cecair sanitasi pula, pastikan cecair yang anda gunakan mempunyai 70% kandungan alcohol atau lebih. Kalau tak, sia-sia saja buat semua ni kalau semua kotoran dan kuman tu masih hidup! Sediakan banyak kain lap juga kerana satu kain digunakan untuk satu permukaan.

2. Vakum kereta anda terlebih dahulu

Alang alang nak sanitasi, apa salahnya kita sedut terus segala habuk yang ada betul tak? Tak rugi kalau hidup dalam kebersihan. Nanti bila spray cecair sanitasi, baru lah tidak bercampur dengan habuk-habuk tadi! Bila vakum baru sedar yang kereta kita ni sebenarnya memang banyak habuk!

3. Sembur Cecair Sanitasi

Part ni memang best. Tapi jangan main sembur saja, kena tahu tempat tempat penting atau hot spot untuk dicuci juga. Berikut merupakan antara tempat tempat yang perlu diberi perhatian:

Stereng

Pemegang pintu

Tombol gear atau tuil penukar gear

Semua butang

Skrin sentuh

Wiper

Tuil signal atau lampu signal belok

Perehat tangan pemandu dan penumpang

Pemegang dalam kabin

Pelaras kerusi

Tetapi, sebelum sembur tu, pastikan anda dah semak bahawa permukaan seperti papan pemuka, skrin sentuh dan kerusi kereta anda tiada masalah terhadap alkohol. Nanti menyesal tak sudah! Cecair sanitasi ini cepat kering dan meresap ke dalam. Tak perlu spray terlalu banyak, takut boleh memudaratkan permukaan.

4. Lap menggunakan kain bersih

Lepas sembur, mesti la kena lap! Oleh kerana cecair sanitasi ini cepat kering, anda disarankan untuk lap sejurus sahaja anda sembur. Gunakan kain yang berbeza bagi permukaan yang berbeza. Kalau boleh, jangan campur kain kerana kita masih tak tahu sama ada kereta kita bersih dari virus COVID-19 atau tidak!

5. Jemur

Bila kami kata jemur, tak perlu lah anda cabut kerusi dan stering untuk dijemur di bawah matahari. Cukup sekadar meletakkan kenderaan anda di bawah cahaya matahari selama 15-20 minit. Pastikan anda membuka kesemua pintu atau tingkap anda untuk membenarkan udara segar masuk ke dalam.

6. Pewangi kereta

Akhir sekali, jangan biarkan kereta anda berbau cecair sanitasi. Bukan semua cecair sanitasi berbau wangi. Pastikan anda menyembur cecair pewangi kereta sesudah selesai dengan semua proses diatas. Bau alkohol yang kuat boleh memeningkan kepala. Akhiri proses sanitasi tadi dengan langkah ini supaya kereta anda bebas daripada bau alkohol!

Kalau nak sanitasi bahagian luar pun boleh, tetapi utamakan bahagian dalam dahulu kerana bahagian tu lagi dekat dengan kita.  Mudah bukan? Untuk hasil yang lebih baik, lakukan proses ini setiap hari selepas menggunakkan kenderaan anda. Tambahan pula bagi anda yang ada anak kecil ataupun orang-orang tua. #KitaJagaKita


Continental Tyre Opens New BestDrive Centre in Johor Bahru

Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia in partnership with Chong Heng Tyres Enterprise has opened a new BestDrive Continental Passenger Car Centre in Johor Bahru. Located at #70, Jalan Tampoi, the new BestDrive car centre is the 21
st
 such centre to be opened in Malaysia.
According to Cameron Wilson, vice president of marketing & sales PLT & TT Malaysia for Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia, the BestDrive branding marks their partner dealers as a specialised tyre dealer that caters for the premium customer segment.
“Our global network provides premium products, and we have the marketing support that facilitates premium sales efforts. With this in mind, we provide expertise and advice to our dealers on measures to setup a premium BestDrive Continental shop concept,” added Wilson at the centre’s opening ceremony. Besides advice on the shop layout, Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia also provides their partners with the correct expertise in delivering a customer-friendly tyre-changing and car-service environment.
In line with the BestDrive centre concept, Chong Heng Tyres Enterprise provides customers with a more comprehensive service compared to normal retail outlets. Besides passenger car and light truck tyres, the BestDrive centre is also stocked with ultra-high performance tyres and complemented by a range of products from Dunlop and Viking, which are also produced under Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia, thus providing Malaysians with a full range of products to meet their exact needs.
The BestDrive Johor Bahru centre offers a wide range of services, which includes wheel alignment, balancing, nitrogen gas inflation, as well as tyre-repair, all of which are handled by a team of well-trained and professional specialists using the latest equipment. In addition, the centre is certified as a Continental Approved Tyre Inspector, which provides instant on-site claim when customers require their tyres to be inspected immediately.
Customers to the BestDrive Johor Bahru can also enjoy the centre’s complimentary services and amenities such as an air-conditioned waiting room, Astro, Wi-Fi internet connectivity, drinks, and a 10-point safety and maintenance check.


Beijing 2018: Audi Unveils Q5L Long Wheelbase Model Specifically For China

Audi has just presented its first ever long wheelbase SUV, the Q5L, at the ongoing Beijing Motor Show.
Made specifically for customers in China, the Audi Q5L’s wheelbase and exterior length have each increased by 88 millimeters compared to the regular version. This benefits passengers in the rear seat, who gain an additional 110 millimeters of knee room.
The volume of the luggage compartment however, remains unchanged at 1,550 liters tops.
Power comes from the four-cylinder Turbo 2.0 TFSI engine which is offered in two configurations – a 190 hp version which enables the SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, and a 252 hp version which brings the Q5L from standstill to 100 in 6.7 seconds.
A standard seven-speed S tronic gearbox transfers power to the quattro AWD system with ultra-technology, which is also standard across the board.
Offered in 5 trim levels - Vogue, Lifestyle, Design, Sport and Sport plus - standard features include 5 driving modes, the Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense city safety systems, a panoramic roof, three-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, and the Audi smartphone interface.
Starting with the Lifestyle model line, the MMI navigation plus and the Audi virtual cockpit are added. The Design, Sport and Sport plus on the other hand, get Bang & Olufsen audio System with 3D sound.
Similar to the normal wheelbase Q5, Audi produces the Q5L in a joint venture with FAW-VW in CKD production in the Changchun plant in northern China, where a part of the prefabricated components come from Audi's plant in San José Chiapa, Mexico.
With the new Q5L, which is Audi’s fourth long wheelbase model in China after the A4L, A6L, and the A8L, the brand said that it is seeking to further expand its strong position in the Chinese SUV market.


Detroit 2019: Toyota Is Finally Bringing The Supra

Are you tired of Toyota teasing the Supra? No? Well, we've got bad news for you because come January next year, Toyota is finally doing it - they're finally going to unveil the Supra. The prototype of the Supra has appeared at various events through 2018, even popping up at Goodwood, and while BMW may have already released their own Z4, the world continues to wait with bated breath for Toyota's latest and greatest.
What we know so far, besides the commonalities in platform between the Z4 and Supra, is that the Supra will also be powered by BMW powertrains albeit with slightly different exhaust tuning for a more spirited exhaust note. There's also talk of Toyota developing their own manual gearbox to provide a more enthusiast-oriented experience, although the 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox that we know and love is the perfect blend of refinement and response that the Supra would do well to have.
The Supra is expected to be an expensive vehicle no matter what country you buy it from, but it is a car that's likely to jumpstart a number of enthusiast projects within the Toyota engineering department. This, along with the Yaris GRMN and GT86, is a proof of concept that the driver's car is not dead, and that the market still has room for one more sports car. It's no cheap investment on the part of Toyota, one that makes it difficult to break even, but the world is a better place for it.


Volkswagen Passat R-Line coming soon...

According to Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia Managing Director Erik Winter, the Passat R-Line will be launched this year in Malaysia. We don't have an exact date for you but he did hint that the launch might either be a virtual or physical launch. That indicates to us that we might, just might see it in the coming two months or so.

We can expect to see 19-inch Verona wheels, sports seats, lots of R-Line trim, a meaner face and bum if the image above is anything to go by and maybe quad exhaust exits if we use the Euro-spec model below as a reference.

A 2.0 litre turbocharged TSI engine with an output of 190PS and 320Nm of torque, mated to the 7-speed wet-clutch DSG transmission, the exact same heart in the Passat Elegance 2.0 will also drive the R-Line.

Harga? We don't know yet but the only variant of the Passat that we currently have, the 2.0 TSI Elegance is priced at RM189,012 on the road without insurance. So you agak-agak from there lah.


Mercedes-AMG 43 Series Models Enter Malaysia – C43 Sedan, C43 Coupe, E43, GLC 43 SUV, GLC 43 Coupe, SLC 43

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is marking the occasion of
Mercedes-AMG's 50th birthday
 with a big bang, enriching its AMG model portfolio with no fewer than six variants of the newly-minted
AMG 43 family
 ushering in the local celebrations of the three-pointed star's famed tuning arm's golden anniversary.
Conceptualized as products for customers stepping up from mainstream Mercedes-Benz models but before moving on to the harder-edged Mercedes-AMG 63 series, the AMG 43 family aims to blend AMG’s characteristic high performance engine in a gentler setup better suited for day-to-day use.
The AMG 43 models’ preposition is a unique one in our market, as competing products from BMW M Performance and Audi S are not officially offered in Malaysia.
Out of eleven models available globally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has chosen the following six to spearhead the family’s assault on the market:
Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Sedan: RM499,888
Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Coupe: RM548,888
Mercedes-AMG E43 4Matic Sedan: RM658,888
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic SUV: RM538,888
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupe: RM580,888
Mercedes-AMG SLC 43: RM570,888
Prices quoted are OTR without insurance. Other variants of the AMG 43 family, such as the E43 Estate, for example, can be acquired on a special order basis.
All models in the AMG 43 family are powered by the same 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 petrol engine mated to an AMG-tuned version of Mercedes’ in-house 9-speed automatic transmission as standard. The engine is offered in two states of tune, both with maximum torque of 520Nm but rated at with different power.
A standard setup offers 367hp from 5,500 to 6,000rpm for all models except the E43, which uniquely gets an uprated configuration offering 401hp at a heady 6,100rpm. The E43 also gets a slightly wider spread of torque, its peak twist of 520Nm coming between 2,500 and 5,000rpm as opposed to the same amount arriving at the 2,000 - 4,200rpm range for the other models.
Unlike other engines in the AMG stable, however, this one rolls off a machine-operated production line as opposed to being painstakingly hand-assembled. Instead of those signature plaques by AMG's famed engine builders, the engine wears a unique engine cover featuring characteristic red aluminium inserts.
A special AMG-tuned 69 percent rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel drive is fitted in all models except the SLC 43, which instead gets a specially-configured AMG Handling Package complete with a rear axle differential lock.
All members of the AMG 43 family are capable of hitting an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h, with century sprint times all dipping below the five-second mark. Performance numbers of the six models are listed below:

0-100km/h
(secs)
Fuel Consumption
(litres/100km)
CO
2
(g/km)
C43 Sedan
4.7
7.8 – 8.0
178 – 183
C43 Coupe
4.7
7.8 – 8.0
178 – 183
E43 Sedan
4.6
8.2 – 8.4
187 – 192
GLC 43 SUV
4.9
8.3 – 8.7
189 – 199
GLC 43 Coupe
4.9
8.4 – 8.9
192 – 203
SLC 43
4.7
7.8
178
Chassis configuration of the AMG 43 models are improved upon the regular Mercedes-Benz models which they are based upon but refrain from the same kind of drastic changes one would find in their AMG 63 counterparts. Body panels, notably, are identical to the standard models. Three-mode adjustable suspension is standard in all six models, with the E43, GLC 43 SUV, and GLC 43 Coupe additionally getting air springs.
Key features of the six AMG 43 models are as follows:


Japanese Audi Dealer Sets Up Shop In Setia Alam

Audi Malaysia has officially announced the opening of latest dealership in Setia Alam that is operated by Rimau International.
With a full-fledged 4S centre set to open in the first quarter of next year, the dealer is now operating from a temporary facility also in Setia Alam - equipped with two service bays, a showroom and manned by 15 sales and aftersales staffs.
As the ninth official Audi sales outlet in Malaysia and the first from Rimau International, the upcoming Audi Setia Alam 4S centre, which will also be the brand’s biggest dealership in Malaysia, will be a 4-storey facility, occupying an area of over 100,000 sq. ft. with a showroom floor with display capacity of up to 20 cars, 20 service bays, as well as a premium reception area and lounge.
In line with the official opening of Audi Setia Alam, the dealership will be organising the ‘Audi Setia Alam Bonanza Weekend’ from 12 – 14 May 2017, showcasing all of the latest Audi A4 variants and the rest of Audi’s progressive range of vehicles, with fantastic promotions and exciting gifts.
“We at Audi Malaysia are truly delighted to welcome Rimau International into the fold as our newest dealer partner.

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They bring with them a wealth of experience from Japan, where they also operate a number of Audi dealerships in Kyoto” said Sridheevan (Dave) Sivanantham, the director of sales at Audi Malaysia
Yasuhiko Osada, the managing director of Rimau International said, “Back in Japan, we have represented the Audi brand for over 25 years. We have seen the brand with the four rings take on a leading position in the premium automotive segment, and I am very happy that our partnership has been able to bear fruit outside of our home market”.


Azmin Umum Kilang Kereta Mewah Bakal Dibangunkan Di Malaysia

Selepas beberapa syarikat gergasi dunia menarik diri daripada melabur di Malaysia, akhirnya negara ini menerima berita baik apabila bakal menerima pelaburan daripada sebuah syarikat asing untuk pengeluaran kereta mewah tidak lama lagi.

Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali berkata meskipun syarikat asing berkenaan sudah bersetuju untuk membuka kilang pertamanya di negara ini, tetapi beliau tidak dapat mengumumkan lagi nama syarikat berkenaan buat masa ini.

*Kredit Foto: Facebook Azmin Ali

“Ini adalah mengenai kejuruteraan tepat, maknanya pembuat kereta antara yang termahal di dunia akan berada di Malaysia,” katanya ketika sesi soal jawab pada Majlis Rapat Malaysia Prihatin peringkat Negeri Selangor tempoh hari.

“Ada dalam kalangan negara ASEAN yang mempunyai jumlah penduduk yang tinggi dan mereka mampu menarik pelaburan yang berbentuk intensif buruh tetapi Malaysia tidak boleh berbuat begitu. Maka, kita mesti memastikan modal insan kita mempunyai kemahiran teknologi berkualiti tinggi untuk maju ke depan,” tambahnya lagi.

Nampaknya, syarikat asing yang dinyatakan berkemungkinan besar adalah
Porsche
. Sebelum ini, terdapat
desas desus
 bahawa jenama berkenaan telah merancang untuk membangunkan kilang pemasangan tempatan (CKD) selain menguatkan lagi pengaruhnya di pasaran Asia Tenggara.

Melihat bagaimana Thailand serta Indonesia yang banyak menerima pelaburan daripada pengeluar kereta besar dunia, pemilihan Malaysia sebagai kilang pertama Porsche diluar Jerman dilihat sebagai sesuatu yang membanggakan. Jangan main-main, Malaysia pun dah ada
AMG
 dan
BMW M
 versi CKD tau.

Sebelum ini, The Edge pernah melaporkan bahawa syarikat gergasi berkenaan sedang bekerjasama dengan Inokom untuk membangunkan kilang di kawasan utara negara ini. Kalau anda tak tahu, Inokom merupakan anak syarikat kepada Sime Darby Motors yang juga merupakan pemegang francais pengedar Porsche di negara ini melalui
Sime Darby Auto Performance
.

Sekiranya anda menantikan model-model seperti Taycan, Cayman GT4, atau pun 911 Carrera versi CKD, model-model tersebut tidak akan dipasang di negara ini. Sebaliknya, hanya model-model SUV seperti
Macan
 dan
Cayenne
 akan menerima pemasangan tempatan (CKD).

Ketua Pengarah Eksekutif Porsche Oliver Blume berkata, untuk mengekalkan status ‘Made in Germany’ yang diagung-agungkan oleh pelanggan mereka, lebih berbaloi untuk syarikat berkenaan mengekalkan pembuatan dan pemasangan kereta kos tinggi di Jerman.

Ketika ini, harga yang ditawarkan untuk model Macan bermula daripada RM439,351 manakala model Cayenne berharga daripada RM665,000. Diharapkan setelah model ini dipasang disini, harganya bakal turun sedikit berbanding harga kini.

Setakat ini, masih tiada info lanjut tentang pelancaran kilang tersebut. Sama-sama kita tunggu dan lihat!

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Volkswagen Unveils Cars For Enthusiasts at Southern Worthersee

The annual Worthersee event is fairly well-known among the enthusiast scene, but one of the lesser known sister events is Southern Worthersee, or SoWo, which is held in Georgia, USA. This year the event was at Savannah, Georgia, and just as Volkswagen is heavily involved in the Austrian Worthersee event, they have put on display a number of enthusiast-oriented models for this year's SoWo.
First up is the Beetle Post Concept. This is an interesting model because it could be one of the last few  showings of the Beetle before the shuttering of the model that Volkswagen announced a couple of weeks ago. This car started life as a Beetle with R-Line trim and was modified to suit the tastes of championship-winning rider Alise Post.
Two custom GW bikes sit up on the roof, but those aren't the stars of the show. Large 18-inch wheels from Radi8 and H&R coilovers help to provide a more aggressive lowered stance, while the Habanero Orange paint scheme with contrasting vintage lettering adds some extra flair.
Next up is the Jetta GLI Nardo Concept, which is a model that has become exceedingly popular in the US over its numerous generations. Imagine a Golf GTI but with all of the practicalities of the Jetta and you have the Jetta GLI.
It's surprising that the car was never made available here given how popular sedans are in our market, but that's besides the point. This example at SoWo is finished in a Nardo Grey (a colour taken from Audi and made hugely popular across continental cars), and fitted with H&R coilovers. Nothing particularly fancy, but sometimes it pays to be understated.
The Golf GTI RS Concept is an American take on what the Golf GTI should be in its most extreme configuration. This was done up by Sam Dobbins, the creative director at Vossen Wheels (yes, the original Vossen, not the fake nonsense you see here).
It packs a Rocket Bunny widebody kit that was adjusted to elminate wheel rub, along with a fully stripped out race interior, and (of course) Vossen wheels. There's a Thule carrier box up top for that practical touch, but on the whole it's an East-meets-West kind of build- like the occasional BMW M3 you see outfitted with TE37 wheels. In some cases it works, and this is definitely one of those cases.
Another Golf to note is the Golf R Heritage Concept which takes things in a different direction on the modification side. While it may also sit on Vossen Wheels, the similarities with the Golf GTI RS Concept stop there.
The gunmetal and silver wheels complement the lowered stance as a result of the H&R lowering springs, while the only other major aesthetic changes are a racing stripes in the colours of the German flag and a lower rocker accent. The Golf R is an already solid platform that requires little else to bring it further, and this Golf R Heritage Concept reflects that.
The final model on show is the Golf Alltrack Country Concept. Think of this as an AllRoad or Cross Country variant of the Golf, which was sold in Europe for the past 3 generations but hasn't yet made it to the States. This Golf concept has additional suspension travel and 15-inch rims with BFGoodrich all terrain tyres. More than that are a number of exterior additions, such as the Thule T2 Pro XT bike racks with two mountain bikes.
There's also a roof-mounted tent system with a flexible solar panel, a curved LED light bar, a solar-heated shower in the boot and three additional batteries to keep the entertainment systems charged and provide charging for USB ports. It's a holistic, modern approach to offroad adventures and camping.


Got a Big Family? These Mega MPVs are here to Save the Day

Got a family as big as a football team? Don't know if you can find an MPV that can move all of them for a holiday in comfort and style? Here are three candidates for you to consider!

Let’s face it – travelling with the family is part of the road trip experience. While many have a small to medium sized family, some of us are blessed with more members, and travelling with the whole bunch can be stressful if you don’t have a vehicle large enough.

Back in the day, the only option we had was to rent or borrow a van every time the need to move the whole family arose, but fortunately, all that has changed with the rise of decent, comfortable, practical, and somewhat luxurious large MPVs that can fit between eight and 11 occupants.

So, if you’re looking for one right now, below are three options for you to consider:

Kia Grand Carnival – From RM179,888

The
Grand Carnival
 has not three, but four rows of seating, and it can accommodate between 6 to 11 people – which is impressive considering it has a wheelbase that’s roughly 15 to 20 centimetres longer than other Japanese 7 seater MPVs.

Overall length is also not too extreme at 5,115 mm – just 40 cm or so longer than 7 seater offerings. The width also stands at around 20 to 30 centimetres wider than more conventional MPVs, which makes its size somewhat “normal” and not too big.

The configurations are also pretty flexible, allowing you to balance occupancy and storage space. For maximum space, there is the 6-seat setup that collapses the fourth row and takes away the centre seats in the second and third rows for a 2 + 2 + 2 setup – which in turn means each row has an almost captain-chair like setup, with room for luggage.

What’s the price for all of this people-carrying ability? A surprising RM 179,888 is the starting price. You also get a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that puts out a not insignificant 200 PS and 400 Nm of torque to make sure you have reasonable performance even when you’re carrying a lot of passengers.

On top of all of these, the Kia Grand Carnival is arguably the best looking model here.

Find one in Carlist.my
here
.

Hyundai Grand Starex – From RM163,888

It may not be as visually appealing or refined as the Kia Grand Carnival, but the
Hyundai Grand Starex
 is cheaper, and certainly more spacious. One of the coolest features of the Grand Starex are the seats, where you can adjust the second and third row seats to face each other, or leave them as they are in standard configuration.

A downside however, is that only one out of the two sliding doors are powered, and leather seats are only available as an option.

Powering the Grand Starex is a 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine that churns out 170 PS and 441 Nm of torque, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission (with Shiftronic) that sends power to the rear wheels.

Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system, a rear top-mounted monitor display, six speakers, cruise control, rear view camera, automatic lights, parking sensors, four airbags, ESC, BAS, traction control and ABS.

Find one in Carlist.my
here
.

Weststar Maxus G10 – From RM135,825

After making ambulances, school buses, and other commercial vehicles for a long time, Weststar made its entry into the passenger vehicle segment with the
G10 MPV
. Among all three models here, the Maxus G10 has the least number of seats – 10.

On the exterior, key features include HID Xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, front/rear fog lamps, chrome accents, 16-inch alloy wheels, and two sliding rear doors.

Inside, you get leather seats, dual-zone auto climate control, rear air-conditioning, cruise control, a panoramic roof, and a seven-inch display that is hooked up to a DVD player, six-speaker audio system, keyless entry with push-start and a reverse camera.

Under the hood, power comes courtesy of a 2.0 litre turbocharged GDI engine that outputs 225 hp and 345 Nm, paired to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with manual mode. The Maxus also happens to be the only petrol-powered model here.

Where safety is concerned, there are two airbags as standard, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Find one in Carlist.my
here
.

So there you have it – three impressive and affordable 10 and 11-seater MPVs for those with large families. Depending on what you need, one of them will certainly fit your needs. Plus, now with the sales tax exemption and rebates thrown in by manufacturers, it is a good time to get your hands on one.


Toyota Outs GR Yaris, An AWD 261hp Rally-Bred Mega Hatch

This is it - the next creation to emerge from Toyota’s still freshly minted Gazoo Racing division, from which the most high profile car to emerge so far is the European-made GR Supra. With that storming out the gate, the thought of an all-wheel driven rally-bred beast of a hatchback from that same bunch sound like an ideal sophomore effort.

Toyota had been building up to the arrival of this GR Yaris rather extensively which for a good long while was being teased vaguely as the ‘GR-4’. At the Tokyo Auto Salon, however, the automaker finally pulled the covers off, revealing what’s probably the most extreme factory-built 3-door to ever emerge from Japan.

Engineered as a homologation special to allow Toyota to have its motorsport-prepared counterpart compete in the World Rally Championship, the GR Yaris succeeds the famous Celica GT-FOUR of the 1990s as the brand’s first all-wheel driven sports car since then. Gazoo Racing wanted to have as much of that DNA trickle down into this racy Yaris and worked closely with Tommi Mäkinen Racing to realise that.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the GR Yaris is its engine and drivetrain. Where previously the  limited run Yaris GRMN of 2017 used a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder, this utilises a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit that outputs a screaming 261hp and 360Nm, making it the lightest and most powerful three-pot petrol engine in production. And to optimise weight distribution, they’ve even positioned transverse motor as far back as possible and relocated the battery to the rear.

With kerb weight at just 1,280kg resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 4.9kg/hp and all-paw grip, the GR Yaris can shoot to 100km/h from rest in just 5.5 seconds before stretching to an electronically limited top speed of 230km/h.

Drive is channelled through a 6-speed manual transmission before being distributed between all four wheels. A high response hydraulic coupling manages the front and rear split while the optional Circuit Pack equips the each axle with a Torsen limited slip differential to manage power deliver between the left and right wheels.

Rather ingeniously, this 'GR-FOUR' system allows for a theoretical full gamut of front/rear torque division from between 100:0 (full front-wheel drive) to 0:100 (full rear-wheel drive) by using slightly different gear ratios for each axle. This delivers far more flexibility over the more commonly found ‘AWD on-demand’ systems that use twin-coupling or ‘permanent AWD’ systems with a centre differential.

This Yaris’ drivetrain behaviour can be altered through a 4WD mode dial switch within the cabin, selecting between a 60:40 front/rear split in Normal mode, a 30:70 split in Sport mode, or the 50:50 split in Track mode to maximise precision driving potential.

From the outside, the GR Yaris looks dramatically different than the European-spec hatch it’s based on. The much wider track and correspondingly bulged wheel arches give it a menacing presence while the lower roofline (by 91mm) endow it with a definite coupe-like silhouette. They’ve even added frameless doors - a staple coupe feature - probably because they just felt like it.

The body itself has been changed in shape and composition to yield maximum aerodynamic efficiency while being as lightweight as possible, hence the liberal use of carbon fibre polymer and aluminium in its construction. Meanwhile, reinforced side members reduces medial chassis flex and allows fitment of the uprated double wishbone rear suspension.

Large 356mm grooved discs with four-pot callipers hide behind the front wheels and are tasked to handle the bulk of the GR Yaris’ stopping, which remain unchanged regardless of whether the Circuit Pack is selected. That said, that optional extra also arms the car with even firmer springs and set of 18-inch forged alloys wrapped around Michelin Pilot 4S tyres.

This being a homologation model, we can’t imagine Toyota intending to match the production volume of the GR Supra, though the company has been silent on just how many they project to make. Regardless, the launch of the finished car is said to occur in the 2nd half of 2020.

If only our patience extended as far as our excitement.


Spyshot: All-New Volvo V60 Caught Winter Testing

Volvo is a brand that is synonymous with wagons, as they have been steadily rolling out wagons with each product lifecycle, despite the market favouring SUVs.
After Volvo introduced the all-new XC60 and XC40, they turned their attention to the next generation V60, as seen in these spyshots sent to us by our European spy photographers.
The test mule here is wearing a thick layer of camouflage that does a great job of keeping the juicy details away from prying eyes, though it does give us a good look at the next generation V60’s silhouette.
From the looks of it, it appears that the next generation V60 could look like a smaller V90, down to its signature Thor headlights and vertical tail lights. Not that it is a bad thing, as the Volvo V90 is perhaps one of the finest looking wagons on sale right now.
Similar to its stablemates, the all-new Volvo V60 rides on the company’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The new model is also expected to share powertrains with other SPA-based models, so a 400 hp and 640 Nm T8 Twin Engine Volvo V60 could very well happen in the future.
No word on when Volvo plans to introduce the all-new V60, but judging from the near-completed body and what appears to be production ready wheels, we reckon a debut towards the end of the year is on the cards.


Bored?: Car Stuff You Can Do At Home During The COVID-19 Isolation

Are you bored yet? For those of you who are not, lucky you! For those of you who are, you're like us. But no worries, we've got you covered because we have some great ideas about how you can keep yourselves occupied.

If you're following Carlist, we're 99 per cent sure that you are a car nut. Being a car aficionado is not easy because there is this constant itch to do something to your car. It's an addiction really, an addiction that needs to be scratched.

Since the only safe way currently of buying products for your vehicle is through online marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee, we say go right ahead shop away and scratch that itch - because guess what, couriers are still active delivering purchases.

Although many mechanical bits can be bought online, we would recommend leaving these sort of purchases to the experts, but no problemo, there are still some things that us regular joes can do.

Completing the vehicle accessory

Dashcams, Car Chargers, Bluetooth headsets, Umbrellas and Charging Cables can all make a car better. There are many out there to choose from, but if you're looking for cheap, reliable and original parts, there is no better shop than the "Shopee Mi Official Store". This is an official online store set up by Xiaomi, an affordable electronics manufacturer. Most of their products are durable and do not clap out on you within a week of the purchase. At the very least, there is some warranty for their products, so buy worry-free.

The book you don't have to read

At this point in Malaysia's mandatory isolation, the kids have probably taken over the television. What other options do you have? If reading is not your thing, then listening may be. Why not try out www.audible.com, an online platform that transforms books into audio. There are thousands of titles to choose from. Some interesting ones include an audiobook from legendry F1 engineer, Adrian Newey on How To Build A Car. For something more humorous and witty, you could try Jeremy Clarkson's autobiography.

Letting your car inhale better

One of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do for your vehicle is to help it breathe better. With many online stores selling OE and OEM air filters, it's easy for you to get a hold of one. For those who have changed their air filters before, this will be an easy task, but for those who have not, please don't be put off. They are straightforward, and most of the times can be done without needing tools. Thanks to YouTube, a visual guide can help you with the process, and if it's not on there, forums usually have plenty of guides on how to do it.

Give your car a good clean

This one is like hitting two birds with one stone. Purchase some proper cleaning products online, give your car a good clean and get some exercise at the same time. There are many brands to choose from, so before purchasing, perhaps do some research on what works best for your car. If you dare, why not give your vehicle a good polish and wax too. Once again, if you do not know how, YouTube is your best friend. Renowned car care brand Meguiar's even has an official store on Lazada, so go for that if you're concerned about product dependability.

Prepare for rain

One of the easiest car maintenance tips that people tend to neglect is changing wipers. Although they may sometimes look complicated, it is actually something you can do yourself. They usually unclip a certain way and can be installed back using the same process. Once again, through the convenience of online stores, many brands and wipers can be bought. If you are concerned about product originality, head over to an official store - like Bosch on Lazada.

Now those are but some essentials you can undertake on your car during this period of limited movement. Let us know if you've done any of the above before in the comments.


Waze Adds Toll Pricing To Their App, Makes Planning Journeys Even Easier

If you're as much of a scatterbrain as I am, Waze's latest feature may be of interest to you. The widely-popular navigation app has now been updated to include toll pricing on your route, which then allows you to balance the cost of the trip with the ETA, as well as properly reload your Touch 'n Go card since we can't reload them at toll booths anymore.

You might think that this is a trivial feature, but you would be surprised how often a route may not be worth the toll you pay - especially during rush hour. For example, travelling the length of the Federal Highway off peak may result in a five minute slower ETA off peak, but the toll route would cost around RM 3.50 or so. Paying that much to shave five minutes of travel time can feel a little sore.

While Waze is pretty much a Google product at this point, the feature could not have been implemented without the work of volunteers. The six volunteers from the Malaysia Waze community that played a part in this latest feature for Waze were Kadyus, Kweeheng, Rickylo103, EpailXi, Izuaniz and Lutfi_bihar.


Daigo Saito Puts 800 hp Stroked 2JZ In New Toyota Supra, Sponsored By Gazoo Racing

We knew it would happen, we just didn't think it would be so soon. A number of drifters have started builds based on the new A90 Toyota Supra, and quite a few are using the infamous 2JZ-GTE as a base for performance. They most likely receive the car as an empty rolling shell before they put in their own powertrains, drivetrains, and engine management units.
The most complete example so far is from Daigo Saito, who's running a 2JZ-GTE that's been stroked up to 3.4 litres by HKS, and then pushed to a whopping 800 hp. There's no word on what gearbox or rear differential he's using, but the car seems to have survived its first day of testing. The main sponsor for this year is, surprisingly enough, Gazoo Racing.
This particular drift car will make its public debut during the D1GP All Star Shoot-out in Odaiba, Tokyo on the 23rd to 24th of March. Following this event, Daigo Saito will use the same car to compete in the rest of the D1 Grand Prix events for the year, beginning in June. That Pandem wide body kit is undoubtedly going to see many replacements over the course of this year's competition.
Before fans gloat over the swapping out of the BMW powertrain for an old Supra one, consider the context for a minute. In drifting, reliability is one of the key requirements and the BMW engine's limits are unknown as of yet - especially in competition situations. This means that many cars no longer run their original engines; in the United States, many drift teams run big V8 engines, with very few going for left-field choices like Frederic Aasbo's Camry-powered Corolla drift car.
The 2JZ-GTE is an engine that tuners and teams know well, so for the time being it's a solid choice that will allow them to make it through the season with little to no headaches. Even for the upcoming
Super GT spec Supras
, they will likely see a competition controlled powertrain in the form of a 2.0-litre single turbo engine. Such is the nature of motorsports.


Boleh Guna Khidmat Kenderaan Pengiring/Marsyal, Tapi Perlu Kelulusan PDRM – Timbalan KPN

Sejak akhir-akhir ini semakin banyak pula kes melibatkan
marsyal atau khidmat kenderaan pengiring
 yang membelakangi
undang-undang jalan raya
 untuk kepentingan diri sendiri. Tetapi tahukah anda, khidmat marsyal sebenarnya dibenarkan oleh PDRM?

Walau bagaimanapun, semua kumpulan konvoi yang mahu menggunakan khidmat marsyal perlu membuat permohonan dan mendapat kelulusan
PDRM
 terlebih dahulu bagi mengelakkan perkara tidak diingini seperti kemalangan.

Menurut Timbalan Polis Negara, Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim, setiap permohonan tersebut perlu disertakan dengan alasan munasabah mengenai keperluan khidmat kenderaan pengiring. Mana-mana pihak yang menggunakan khidmat pengiring konvoi tanpa kebenaran polis adalah salah mengikut undang-undang.

*Kredit foto: Malaysia-China Insight

Jika diberi kelulusan, polis sendiri akan akan menghantar anggotanya untuk turut serta dalam konvoi tersebut. Oleh itu, sebarang tindakan menahan, melencongkan atau memberhentikan kenderaan juga akan dilakukan oleh pihak polis sendiri.

"Apa yang menjadi masalah sekarang adalah tindakan individu atau kumpulan untuk menggunakan khidmat marsyal yang dibuat secara haram tanpa mendapat kelulusan polis dan mereka bertindak secara sendiri yang sudah terang menyalahi undang-undang," katanya.

Sebelum ini, polis menahan 5 lelaki yang menjadi pengiring konvoi motosikal berkuasa tinggi yang memberhentikan kenderaan awam di persimpangan lampu isyarat Sua Betong, Port Dickson. Tindakan tersebut dilakukan untuk memberi laluan kepada geng konvoi motosikal berkuasa tinggi yang bergerak melepasi
lampu isyarat
 merah.

Di Manjung, Perak, polis sudah merakam percakapan lelaki yang dipercayai pengiring atau marsyal konvoi kereta yang mengawal kenderaan awam menggunakan Proton Wira di persimpangan lampu isyarat Sitiawan di sini, seperti tular di media sosial sejak semalam. Difahamkan,
konvoi
 kereta itu membabitkan 6 hingga 8 kenderaan.

Dalam pada itu, Mazlan menasihatkan semua pihak terbabit aktiviti konvoi memainkan peranan untuk membuat permohonan berkaitan dan mengambil kira keselamatan pengguna jalan raya lain. PDRM juga akan bertindak lebih ketat dalam meluluskan khidmat marsyal kerana tidak mahu membenarkan terlalu banyak aktiviti yang memerlukan khidmat marsyal sehingga mampu mengundang kesesakan, kemalangan jalan raya dan membahayakan pengguna kenderaan lain.

Dalam pada itu, Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) Bukit Aman, Datuk Mat Kasim Karim, dipetik turut menegaskan penggunaan marsyal dalam sesuatu pertandingan, konvoi atau apa jua program mestilah dengan kehadiran anggota polis.


JPJ, Puspakom, APAD Counters Re-Opened, But Not In EMCO Areas

The Ministry of Transport for JPJ, Puspakom, and APAD have now amended their June 30th statement to reopen counter services under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan for transactions or services that are not
available online
.

Following the announcement at the end of the last week that a number of areas within Selangor and Kuala Lumpur will be placed under
Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO)
 from July 3rd to July 16th, the Transport Ministry has now clarified the extent to which transport agencies such as JPJ, APAD, JLM, and Puspakom are allowed to operate.

These agencies will proceed to offer in-person counter services start from July 1st but will only limit the staff count to 50 percent normal capacity and will only entertain scheduled appointments. No walk-in service will be allowed.

This re-opening of in-person services is applicable nationwide, however in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, all counter services that fall within the bounds of the EMCO areas in those states will remain closed during the duration.

Here are the service counter locations that are operational during this EMCO period:

Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ)

JPJ WP Kuala Lumpur

JPJ Cawangan Bari Sri Permaisuri

JPJ Cawangan Bandar Menjalara

Puspakom Sdn Bhd

Cawangan Sungai Besar

Cawangan Wangsa Maju

Cawangan Taman Bukit Maluri

Cawangan Cheras

Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat (APAD)

Kaunter APAD Wilayah Tengah (Menara TIMA)

Jabatan Laut Malaysia (JLM)

Kaunter Wisma Pelaut Pelabuhan Klang

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Hyundai Staria Dilancarkan Di Thailand – MPV Futuristik Ala Kapal Angkasa

MPV 11 tempat duduk,
Hyundai Staria
 telah dilancarkan secara rasmi di Thailand pada minggu lalu dan pelancarannya sekaligus menandakan debut sulung model ini di pasaran Asia Tenggara.

Hyundai Staria yang dilancarkan di pasaran Thailand hadir dalam bentuk standard 11 tempat duduk, maknanya ia bukanlah versi premium. Sebaliknya, model ini hadir dengan 2 varian iaitu:

Hyundai Staria S – RM222,702 (1,729,000 baht)

Hyundai Staria SEL - RM 257,479 (1,999,000 baht)

Walau bagaimanapun, pasaran Thailand hanya menerima pilihan enjin 2.2L Turbo Diesel yang menghasilkan output 177 PS dan 431 Nm tork dengan transmisi 8 kelajuan automatik. Meskipun model ini mempunyai pilihan kapasiti enjin yang lebih besar ditawarkan di pasaran lain seperti enjin 3.5L NA MPI G6DIII petrol yang menghasilkan 272 PS dan 331 Nm, namun ianya tidak ditawarkan di pasaran negara gajah putih itu.

Meskipun harga yang ditawarkan bagi model ini agak sedikit mahal berbanding
Hyundai Starex
 sebelum ini yang hanya dijual bermula RM170,800 (1,329,000 baht), namun ianya telah menerima beberapa penambahbaikan berbanding model Staria sebelumnya. Sekilas pandang, rekaan luarannya ringkas dan minimalis sahaja. Tetapi, rekaannya menampilkan sebuah kereta yang bercirikan futuristik kerana kereta ini direka dengan rekaan ala kapal angkasa.

Bahagian hadapan kereta ini dilengkapi dengan gril besar serta menerima jalur lampu Daytime Running Light (DRL) LED yang melintang manakala lampu hadapan utama kereta ini tertelak sedikit ke bawah, seolah-olah lampu kabus. Jika DRL di hadapan berbentuk melintang, lampu belakang kereta ini pula berbentuk lurus menegak. Bagi model SEL, lampu belakangnya menggunakan Parametric Pixel LED.

Selain itu, kedua-dua varian ini turut hadir dengan rim yang berbeza. Model S menerima rim aloi 17 inci berwarna silver manakala bagi varian yang lebih tinggi (SEL) pula menerima rim 18 inci dengan warna dwi-tona.

Kelebihan kereta ini berada pada ruangan dalamannya. Tahukah anda, saluran pendingin hawa kereta ini juga berbentuk melintang panjang seperti reka bentuk DRL pada bahagian hadapan kereta ini? Tempat duduknya belakangnya juga boleh dilipat rata bagi memberikan ruangan yang lebih besar pada ruang kargo. Malah, ruangan dalaman
MPV
 ini boleh ditukar menjadi 7,9 atau 11 tempat duduk selain menjadi kenderaan pembawa kargo.

Kedua-dua varian menerima panel instrumen berbentuk digital dimana varian S menerima paparan pelbagai maklumat yang bersaiz 4.2 inci manakala varian SEL menerima paparan berwarna penuh bersaiz 10.25 inci. Walau bagaimanapun, kedua-dua varian ini menerima sistem infotainment yang sama, iaitu paparan skrin sentuh infotainment yang bersaiz 8 inci dan mempunyai sambungan
Apple CarPlay
 dan Android Auto. Sementara itu, varian SEL turut akan menerima
pengecas telefon pintar tanpa wayar Qi.

Selain itu, Hyundai Staria turut menawarkan ciri-ciri seperti keyless entry, Push Start, pendingin hawa automatik dengan kawalan berasingan di bahagian belakang, pelapis fabrik, pelindung matahari pada tingkap belakang, kamera undur, 6 pembesar suara dan 7 USB port sebagai ciri standard. Bagi varian SEL pula, ia akan menerima penambahan seperti tempat duduk power seat bagi pemandu, kerusi balutan kulit, cermin pandang belakang yang boleh diredupkan secara automatik dan lampu dalaman LED.

Dari segi keselamatan, kedua-dua varian ini datang dengan 6 beg udara keselamatan, penanda ISOFIX pada dua tempat duduk serta kawalan kestablian kenderaan. Varian SEL pula menerima penambahan seperti
Hyundai SmartSense
 yang menawarkan fungsi-fungsi
ADAS
 seperti kawalan pelayaran pintar, sistem amaran dan brek automatik, sistem amaran titik buta dengan paparan titik buta pada sistem kawalan papan pemuka, sistem amaran lalu lintas belakang dan kamera pandangan 360 darjah. Varian lebih tinggi itu juga menerima sistem Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Susulan pelancaran Hyundai Staria di Thailand, terdapat petanda bahawa kereta ini bakal dilancarkan di pasaran negara ini pada tahun 2022 kelak. Memandangkan ianya mempunyai saiz yang lebih besar daripada Toyota Alphard, adakah kereta ini bakal melonjak sebagai kereta MPV mewah kegemaran bos-bos besar dan
ahli politik
 di negara ini apabila ia dilancarkan nanti?

Jika harga kereta ini dilancarkan lebih murah daripada
Toyota Alphard mahupun Vellfire
 di pasaran negara ini, adakah anda lebih berminat untuk mencuba MPV mewah buatan Korea Selatan ini berbanding Alphard dan Vellfire
recon
?

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Volvo XC60 Wins World Car of the Year 2018

The new Volvo XC60 mid-size SUV has been named World Car of the Year 2018 at the ongoing New York Auto Show, adding another accolade to Volvo’s growing list.
The World Car of the Year win is the first accolade of its type for Volvo Cars.
The XC60 also scooped the North American Utility of the Year Award earlier this year.
“I am pleased to see our company’s product investments paying off,” said Hakan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars.
Samuelsson also happens to be the recipient of the World Car Person of the Year award in Geneva earlier this month, in recognition of his work in driving the success of Volvo Cars in recent years.
“We are up against some tough competition, but this award for the XC60 show that Volvo has the right combination of design, connectivity and safety that appeal to customers across the world.”
The new XC60, which was Euro NCAP’s best overall performer in 2017, comes with Volvo’s City Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking system which has been enhanced with steering support for when automatic braking alone may not help avoid a potential collision.
In addition, Oncoming Lane Mitigation with Steer Assist which helps mitigate head-on collisions and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist functionality has been added to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.
The XC60 is available with a range of diesel and petrol engines as well as Volvo Cars’ award-winning T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range, delivering 407 hp and acceleration from 0-100 km in just 5.3 seconds.
Launched earlier this year
, the Volvo XC60 is being sold in Malaysia in three trim levels between RM299,088 and RM344,088.