Total Deliveries Of Perodua Myvi Reach 28k Units, Bookings At 60k

Perodua has, to-date, delivered 28,000 Myvis – nearly half of the 60,000 orders collected since its
launch
 in November last year. Perodua plans to ramp up production to speed up deliveries of its popular hatchback model.
Perodua has said that customers who place their bookings now for the new Myvi will tentatively receive their cars in time for the upcoming Raya holidays. To date, Perodua has fulfilled all Myvi orders made in 2017.
Perodua forecasts its market share for the month of February to surpass 41% with 17,100 vehicles sold against an estimated 41,100-unit Total Industry Volume (TIV). Making up the 17,100 units were 6,500 Myvis, 5,000 Axias, 3,700 Bezzas and 1,900 Alzas.
Year-on-year, Perodua sales have risen to 13.1 percent to 34,800 units against 30,800 vehicles sold in the same period last year.
Perodua remains on target to achieve a total sales figure of 209,000 units in 2018 – a 2 percent increase from the 204,900 units sold in 2017.
Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin adds, “We thank our customers and the Malaysian public for their strong support of the Myvi, and we will continue to improve the delivery time for our valued customers”.


All-New 2017 Lexus LC 500 Spotted – Local Launch Imminent

The Lexus LC 500, the company’s latest luxury GT Coupe has been spotted in Putrajaya, by one of our readers, suggesting that the local launch date could be soon indeed. Lexus Malaysia
opened its order books
 early last month, with an RM940k price tag.
The pictures show an LC 500 wearing trade plates, parked along a main road, likely undergoing homologation by JPJ. Lexus LC 500 has received a strong response, particularly in the North American and Japanese market, since its global debut at the
2016 Detroit Motor Show
.
The LC 500 bucks the trend of utilising a downsized turbocharged engine, instead, it's powered by a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine – producing 470hp and 540Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The LC 500 is built on a newly-developed global platform, and produced at Lexus’
Motomachi plant
, which previously produced the LFA supercar.


Hyundai, Kia Issues Recall In The US Over Fire Risk

Hyundai and its sibling company Kia Motors said they have decided to recall around 534,000 vehicles in the US after discovering a risk of engine fires.
In a report by
The Korea Herald
, the company said it was recalling 378,000 Kia Soul 1.6 models that were produced between 2012 and 2016.
The company found that high exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, which could then cause abnormal combustion that could damage the piston and connecting rod, eventually leading to oil leaks and a risk of fire.
Meanwhile, another recall was issued for some 155,000 units of 2011-2012 Kia Sportage and 2011-2013 Hyundai Tucson models due to potential engine oil pan leakage.
Last month, Hyundai and Kia issued a recall of about 168,000 vehicles to fix fuel pipe problems that can cause engine fires. The problem stems from improper repairs during previous recalls for engine failures.
Late last year, the Korean automakers continued to be in the focus of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after
350 complaints lodged over non-collision fires
 in Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
American consumer advocacy group Center for Auto Safety claims that almost one non-collision engine fire involving a Hyundai or Kia model has been reported every day for the last four months.
Since 2015, both companies have recalled over 2.3 million vehicles to address engine fire risks in several rounds of recalls.


2015 Mazda MX-5 1.5L Test Drive in Japan – Jinba-Ittai Intensified

From the popular 323 Familia family car to the 787B, which is still the only Japanese car to win at Le Mans,
Mazda
 has given onto the world plenty of iconic cars. But of them all, Mazda’s charming little
MX-5 roadster
 probably holds the greatest significance to the brand, its Guinness World Record of being the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car notwithstanding.
Instead the MX-5 importance in Mazda has to do with the philosophy which defined the development goal of the first-generation 1989 Mazda MX-5, a philosophy known as “Jinba-Ittai”. A four character Japanese phrase which roughly translates into “horse and rider as one”, Mazda’s engineers set out to develop a car that is able to deliver drivers the feeling of being one with the car. Needless to say that directive has been hugely successful for Mazda.
As Mazda enters a period of independence “Jinba-Ittai” is no longer exclusive to the MX-5, and has instead become an integral part of Mazda’s corporate identity. Every new generation model in their line-up, from the 2 hatchback right up to their CX-5, are said to carry a part of the “Jinba-Ittai” ethos.
That leaves us with the MX-5, is it still as special as it was? To answer that Bermaz Motor brought us to Japan to see for ourselves if the MX-5 can still live up to its longstanding reputation.
No More Evolutions, It’s Time for a Revolution
There were plenty of mentions of “Jinba-Ittai” at the MX-5’s product briefing, especially pertaining to Mazda’s current model line-up. But when it comes to the MX-5 in particular, Munenori Yamaguchi, product manager of the MX-5, believes that the roadster has to be the brand icon for Mazda, and thus has set the bar high for the latest fourth-generation model.
For the past 26 years Mazda has been steadily evolving the MX-5 with such care that the notable changes through the three generations were size, weight, and features. With the new MX-5 Yamaguchi wanted to elevate something he calls “Sensation-Kan”, which was to focus on sensation and feel. Together with the use of Skyactiv lightweight body, chassis tuning, and efficient drivetrains, Yamaguchi believes that it is time for a clean sheet redesign on the brand’s icon.
Keen followers of the MX-5 would have noticed that fourth-generation bears little resemblance to its predecessors. The styling is more aggressive, with taut and muscular curves lending it a ground-hugging stance on the road. Where previous iterations had always tried to move its design on with an eye on the past, the only homage to the original is found in the round lighting element on the taillights. In the sheet metal though the MX-5 is gorgeous, sensous, and intense, words that are rarely used to describe its predecessors.
Smaller, Lighter, Lower
Rather than the looks, the MX-5 has shrunk remarkably in size. It has a 20mm shorter wheelbase, with 45mm and 40mm chopped off the front and rear overhangs respectively, whereas the bonnet is 28mm lower and the overall height has been reduced by 10mm.
That reduction in size isn’t as impressive as its reduction in weight. Compared to its predecessor, Mazda managed to shave 100kg off thanks to the use of lightweight construction in the body, drivetrain, and suspension components. Even so when you look at its plush cabin you can't tell how Mazda managed to throw so much weight out the window.
There is air conditioning, the MZD Connect infotainment system, and even i-ActivSense. Part of the weight saving measures derived from Mazda’s “Gram Strategy” also involved removing inconsequential trim pieces such as the fabric lining you would normally find around the sunshade. Not essential to the experience, and something few will really miss.
That being said the passenger glovebox was thrown out with the bathwater, but Mazda says that was done to achieve a lower dashboard, which is true, forward visibility is incredible, despite the low seating position. As compensation though, Mazda placed a large lockable storage compartment behind the centre armrest, and two small storage bins behind each seat, so you still have space to store your belongings.
Mazda also went through the cabin with a fine-tooth comb and picked out any imperfections in delivering the ultimate driver connection. For that Mazda moved the front tyre position forward by 80mm to allow optimal pedal placement, and managed to give a more optimal seat positioning at 20mm lower and 15mm more inwards.
The new MX-5 is not only the lightest iteration since the 1989 original, at 3,915mm from nose to tail it is also the shortest in the MX-5 lineage. That being said, when Mazda first rolled the latest one out, some eyebrows were raised when it appeared with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine under the bonnet. It is the smallest powerplant in MX-5 history. Though small, the engine produces a healthy 131PS and 150Nm on hand, to which Mazda promises that it is enough to deliver a pretty spirited drive. For those who aren’t convinced, Mazda eventually announced a 2-litre variant with 160PS and 200Nm available for countries outside Japan, and all was made well with the world again it seemed.
Though Malaysians will have the 2-litre variant, our drive being in Japan meant that Mazda Corporation was only able to prepare half a dozen MX-5 examples in the 1.5-litre guise. Now that doesn’t sound very encouraging, but if Mazda is confident that the 1.5-litre powerplant is enough to excite, then the MX-5 would truly turn out to be something special. And to put it through its paces, Mazda kindly granted us the use of their secretive Mine proving ground.
Moment of Truth – How does it fare?
Yamaguchi certainly knew what he was doing when he detailed the lengths to which they redesigned the driving position. Sitting low and leaned back, the pedals are exactly where you would expect it to be and the driving position is perfect for someone of my 175cm frame, my eyes just peering over the bonnet line, catching the car’s distinctive front flanks.
The engine’s humble quartet of cylinders delivers a fruity note when stoked and eager to rev up the powerband at the prompt of the throttle. Small in size it might be, but it certainly gives the MX-5 a big hearted character.
Though Mazda doesn’t quote 0 to 100km/h figures, acceleration off the line feels brisk enough, an experience made all the more visceral with the roof folded down and the wind blowing overhead. Although the engine’s peak torque of 150Nm is achieved at 4,800rpm, the Skyactiv-G engine doesn’t feel the least bit limp-wristed as it manages to dole out a smooth flow of power. After all it only 1,040kg worth of mass to push along, allowing the MX-5 to build momentum at a decent pace for a sports car.
Masami Mimori of the vehicle development division says that the engine output has been tuned to deliver an acceleration force that correlates exactly to the natural reaction time of the driver’s body. In essence, the MX-5 was engineered not to dump a big serving of power early on. Indeed whilst the MX-5 feels eager to go, it doesn’t deliver a kick to your back. Almost as though every action and reaction is cantered to your demands and expectations. Again, giving a feeling of oneness with the car.
Already through the first sequence of bends and the MX-5 and I are already bonding really well. Like the first-generation original, the steering is quick and precise, but not too nervous as there is a slight amount of free play from dead centre. You don’t need to wrestle the car into the corner, instead guide the nose smooth through the apexes, and the car follows through willingly.
The car’s 50:50 weight distribution and communicative chassis makes it easy to point the nose wherever you want it to go and lets you know what all four tyres are up to. Mimori further elaborates that the chassis has been designed to give a steady and progressive build-up of body yaw (sideways) movements, instead of giving big yaw movements early on that require driver intervention and corrective steering.
The six-speed manual Skyactiv-MT transmission on the test car is an absolute treat, so delectable is its slick shift action that I found myself hoping to squeeze one more gearshift before every corner, just to feel that smooth and mechanical movement in the palm of my hand.
In the interests of Malaysian preferences for automatics, I can report that the six-speed automatic isn’t half bad. It is responsive and shifts gears fast enough, with engineers even weaving in that slick mechanical shift into the stubby gear lever. Sadly it doesn’t quite have the immediacy and direct feel of the manual transmission. According to Mazda the MX-5’s automatic is similar to that used in its predecessor, instead of Mazda’s current Skyactiv-AT. Built for a front-engine rear-wheel drive setup the 6-speed automatic comes with a better control logic and faster response, but lacks the immediate clutch lock-up that the Skyactiv-AT offers.
Despite Mazda’s best efforts in improving the automatic, it is better to wait up for the manual transmission MX-5 that is set to be introduced next year, which will complement the MX-5’s nature better.
In keeping with the spirit of the original, Mazda has steered clear of giving it hard riding suspension, choosing instead to keep it pliant. No surprise then that there is plenty of body lean when you really push it hard into the corner, but it feels more beguiling for it. Many sports cars would resist body roll to a point you are left guessing where its limits lie.
Whereas with the MX-5, with its 195-width tyres, just lets you corner like you are riding on its door handles, tyres squealing away with utter abandon. Even when the tyres do give way the chassis is progressive, very forgiving, and easily correctible. A little slip in the tyres and a quick dash of opposite lock and all is well again. No fuss, the MX-5 keeps you in the centre and in control of things, as promised by its “Jinba-Ittai” philosophy.
If you still think 131PS is too low of a figure to count it as a sports car, then you are missing the point of driving. You don’t so much at marvel at its speed and pace, but by just how friendly and easy it is to drive right to the limit all of the time. And for drivers at heart, isn’t that what matters in a driver’s car?
That being said Malaysians will get to enjoy the 2-litre variant with a 29PS and 50Nm surplus of power to haul the variant’s 50kg worth of added weight from the bigger displacement, brakes, and wheels. For all its added mass Yamaguchi assures us that the 2-litre variant maintains the MX-5’s ideal weight balance.
Is the MX-5 Still Relevant?
For the MX-5 2.0L’s asking price of RM226,376 in Malaysia
 there are plenty of options present for the driving enthusiast. At that price bracket, the RM217,888
Volkswagen Golf GTI
 and its hot hatch kin immediately comes to mind, but they are a different kettle of fish. Hot hatches are fast and practical, but they cannot deliver the whole lightweight al-fresco sports car feel. That feeling of sitting low down, enjoying the rush of wind overhead, and the intimate connection with the road beneath. It is the sort of experience that make hot hatches feel like a sensory deprivation tank.
But what about the likes of the
Lotus Elise
 and
Toyota 86
? Both with a similar focus on lightweight and driver entertainment rather than outright speed and power. Unlike the RM279,888 aluminium and plastic bathtub on wheels that is the Elise S, the MX-5 has a beautifully trimmed feature packed interior and doesn’t compromise when it comes to user friendliness. Its roof takes one hand and a few seconds to close and open, instead of a few minutes and a friend to help on the Elise. Getting in and out is easy with its low sills, and while the Elise offers a raw and pure driving experience, it can be a pain to drive on anything but a track or a smooth winding road. The MX-5 on the other hand is more relaxed, more of a car that delivers the pleasure on any drive anywhere and everywhere.
Arguably the Toyota 86 is the rival that many will compare the MX-5 to. The 86 makes a better case for itself by being a 2+2 coupé, with more interior and boot space than the MX-5, and is more willing to kick its tail out than the Mazda. If you like having a coupé with a fixed metal top, the 86 is the answer, no doubt about it.
But as a driver’s car, the 86 and MX-5 are worlds apart. One is a coupé built to appeal to people who like to go sideways and little else, whereas the other is built to be less of a ruffian and more of a car focused on giving drivers that feeling of being one with the road be it on glorious open country roads or long highway jaunts. It really depends on which side of the coin you really prefer.
Verdict – Has Mazda done it?
One of the biggest criticisms of the third-generation MX-5 is that it didn’t quite live up to the 1989 original, that less-than-one-tonne back-to-basics roadster that had enthralled a generation of drivers. By growing in size and flab, only to be countered by more power from bigger engines, the MX-5 was in danger of falling away from Mazda’s original focus on not trying to chase the sports car trend of more power and speed.
Mazda’s decision to use small engines, and pare back the weight, whilst stuffing it with features, and breaking conventional packaging expectations follows closely to the spirit of the original. Less weight is a welcomed move, but less power from the 1.5-litre engine has allowed Mazda to focus on the sensation of driving, to which they have done remarkably well. So much so that I think this is the best MX-5 since the first iteration, perhaps the best interpretation of the “Jinba-Ittai” of them all.
After a few laps of Mine I didn’t care that it doesn’t accelerate hard or that it didn’t corner like a race car, because let’s face it, we aren’t all racing drivers. You don’t need the skills of Hamilton to get the best out of the MX-5. It already makes you feel like a hero from the moment you chuck it through your first corner. The way it connects you with the road and the confidence it instils in you to wring out its engine at every opportunity, makes it all the more endearing than the next 1,000PS supercar. And that is what “Jinba-Ittai” is all about, and why the MX-5 deserves to be celebrated.


The Toyota GR Corolla Is Coming!

Yes, the Toyota GR Corolla is coming but before you get your hopes up in anticipation of it landing in Bolehland - not just yet - it's headed for Australia first.

The fire-breathing Toyota GR Corolla, which first debuted in April this year, is slowly being dispersed around the world, and Australia will be one of the first countries outside of North America and
Japan
 to get it.

Australians are lucky as they are living in a country that is about to have one of the most comprehensive lineups of the GAZOO Racing cars. According to Toyota's press release, Toyota Australia will further expand its GR lineup in the first quarter of 2023 as the
GR Corolla hot hatch
 will join its brothers, the
GR Supra
,
GR Yaris
, and
GR86
, early next year.

GR Corolla powertrain

There are approximately 500 units secured for the Australian market, and all of them will feature the fabled
G16-E 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine
, but with
295hp
 instead of the full-blown 300hp that North America gets. According to Drive Australia, the drop in performance is due to "market-specific tuning".

Everything else is pretty similar to the North American version, including the intelligent six-speed manual transmission and the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system developed through
Toyota's involvement in the World Rally Championship
.

The Australian GR Corolla is also expected to get the same exterior design featuring the expansive lower grille opening shared by other GR products, rear triple-exit exhaust tips as well as an aerodynamic spoiler.

Toyota GR Corolla specifications

Inside, the GR Corolla will feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen display screen with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and satellite navigation, all included as part of the infotainment system.

For clear and instant information for the driver, the GR Corolla incorporates a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster display, heads-up display, and a wireless smartphone charger.

Comfort features include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather trim for the steering wheel, parking lever and shift knob, power windows, smart entry and start, illuminated entry, and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment.

The GR Corolla will arrive in Australia with a high level of active safety features as standard, including a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daylight cyclist detection, intersection assist, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist, active cruise control, blind spot monitor, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the GR Corolla continued the brand's commitment to offering customers exciting and engaging vehicles.

"With the GR Corolla nearly here, Toyota's mantra of building fun-to-drive cars is clear to see," Mr. Hanley said.

"With the GR brand's motorsport DNA, the new GR Corolla promises to deliver on just what driving enthusiasts desire - high-performance turbocharged power, agile and dynamic handling, and stylish good looks," he said.

Pricing for the GR Corolla will be confirmed closer to the model's launch, however, dealers have begun taking expressions of interest.

The new GR variant will also complete the Corolla family in Australia, which will be offered locally in hatch, sedan, SUV, and performance hot hatch forms.


Vin Diesel Names Daughter In Memory Of Best Friend And Co-Star Paul Walker

Vin Diesel and partner Paloma Jimenez welcomed their third child into the world and decided to name her Pauline, in memory of the late Paul Walker, his close friend and co-star in the five out of the seven films in the Fast and the Furious series.
"He was in the room. There's no other person that I was thinking about as I was cutting this umbilical cord. I just ... knew he was there. It felt like, you know, a way to keep his memory a part of my family and a part of my world," the actor said in an interview with NBC Today, with the confession holding a visible emotional weight over him. Pauline was reported to have been born right around when first screening of Furious 7 was underway at the SXSW festival.
Vin Diesel and Paul Walker had a friendship rooted deeper than merely their on-screen camaraderie, one that had not faded in the light of their hectic acting careers; considering him family and commented on how he “lost a brother” when the actor died in a car accident in 2013.


ETCM introduces the new 2023 Nissan Serena J IMPUL

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) introduces the new Nissan Serena J IMPUL.

One of Malaysia's best-selling hybrid MPVs
has become even more stylish and aggressive
thanks to the introduction of the J IMPUL variant.

Developed in collaboration with IMPUL, the Serena J IMPUL enhances the Premium Highway Star package, by featuring a Japanese-made J IMPUL aerokit with chrome accents on the front and rear elevating its exterior with high-quality touches.

Chrome accents on the front bumper and a distinctive V-Motion grille add elegance, while chrome trims on the rear bumper distinguish the J IMPUL variant. The Japan-imported 18" IMPUL Millennium Y-spoke alloy wheels also provide a refined look to complete the exterior package.

The interior is business as usual, but the seats are wrapped in Nappa leather with a black-burgundy two-tone combination, showcasing a unique Japanese rock garden-inspired pattern and embroidered IMPUL logo.

Just like all Serenas, the J IMPUL retains one of the MPV's best features that make it a favourite among buyers. It offers unparalleled loading flexibility with the Dual Back Door and split tailgate. The Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors make entering the vehicle easier when hands are full. Additional conveniences include 7 USB charging slots, pre-installed window mirror protectors, power door opening switches in the third row, and versatile cargo solutions.

The Serena J IMPUL is equipped with Goodyear Eagle F1 Sport ultra-high-performance tires, ensuring confident handling and a smooth ride. DynamicBraking helps enhances braking efficiency, while ActiveControl provides exceptional steering stability. Its efficient S-Hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre MR20DD CVTC 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor power control, delivering impressive power and fuel efficiency.

The total system output of 150hp and 200Nm capably powers the seven-seater via a smooth XTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control. More importantly, it returns a remarkable fuel economy of 14.2km/l, equivalent to 852km on a full tank of fuel, according to ETCM.

With Nissan Intelligent Mobility 360° Safety Shield, the Serena J IMPUL also offers advanced safety features.

Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking provide warnings and automatic braking to minimize collision risks. The Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems enhance urban manoeuvrability, while the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection ensures safer parking. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert warns of approaching vehicles while reversing.

The all-new Nissan Serena J IMPUL is priced at RM169,888 and comes with a 3-year warranty or up to 100,000km (whichever comes first).


KLIMS 2018: All-New Toyota Camry (XV70) Launched In Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor has launched the all-new Toyota Camry earlier today at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. Built on Toyota’s latest TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that promises better ride and handling, and easier integration of advanced driving aids, this all-new Camry promises to be the safest and best handling Camry ever, if you can accept the RM 189,900 asking price (excluding insurance).
For this generation, the previous 2.0-litre Dual VVT-iW-powered model has been retired, likewise the 2.5 Hybrid model. Only the 2.5V model remains, powered by a naturally-aspirated (2AR-FE) Dual VVT-i engine that produces 184 PS at 6,000 rpm and 235 Nm at 4,100 rpm.
Drive is transferred to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
On discontinuation of the popular tax-deducted hybrid variant, company president Ravindran K. explained, “As the decision has been made to import the all-new Toyota Camry from Thailand, the vehicle will not be entitled for the EEV incentives. Therefore the price would be much higher than before and it would not be competitive enough for our customers.”
The RM 189,900 asking price might be steep for a Camry considering the previous Camry Hybrid tops out at RM 177,800, but you do get a lot more for your money, including many features that are not found in a higher range Mercedes-Benz C200 or BMW 318i - that is if you can look past the badge.
Like the new turbocharged Toyota Harrier (from RM 238,000), the all-new Camry comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes the full suite of advanced driving aids systems - Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Automatic High Beam (AHB).
You also get Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), and tyre pressure monitor. With such a high level of active safety systems, vehicle stability control (VSC) and seven airbags is a given.
Inside, you get a huge 10-inch full-colour Heads-Up Display and a 9-speaker JBL audio system that also includes a subwoofer, an 8-channel Class-D amplifier providing 800W of power, and Clari-Fi sound processing technology.
The leather seats include an 8-way power adjustable, 2-position memory function for the driver. Adding to the wow factor is an electrically adjustable steering column that automatically retracts every time the car door is opened, aiding access to the driver’s seat.
There’s also a Qi wireless charger for compatible mobile devices and three USB ports (two in front, one behind).
A completely revised chassis setup, including a new Parallel Axis Electric Power Steering System (EPS) and revised suspension promises to deliver what Toyota claims to be a best-in-class ride and handling.
Still think that it's not worth the money because, at the end of the day, it's still just a Camry, albeit a very talented one? You're not alone but don't be too hasty in forming an opinion before experiencing the car first hand. Prior to the car’s unveiling at KLIMS 2018, we were given a rare opportunity to sample the all-new Camry. You may read our
review here
.


Isuzu May Return to Passenger Cars if They Find a Partner

For those who may not remember, there was once a time when Isuzu was into passenger cars. They made the Piazza and the Gemini, although neither model survived the crashing of the Japanese economy and Isuzu was forced to streamline their product range. For the last few decades they've focused on products with long product lifecycles, which helps to keep development costs low, and that has limited them to trucks, pickup trucks, and their derivatives.

Go Auto
 had a chance to speak to Isuzu during the Australian launch of their updated MU-X and D-Max, the bread and butter of the Isuzu range, and executives within the company have said that they are looking to a passenger car comeback. More exciting is the fact that it may be based off of the Mazda MX-5 roadster, given the company's strong ties with Mazda. Naturally they are averse to products with a short lifespan, but this could be an interesting way for the company to diversify.

So far it seems that Mazda is happy to play ball when it comes to rebranding their perennial roadster, with Fiat already having their own version in the form of the 124 Spider. If anything, an Isuzu model would be a revival of their early Piazza, which was an exciting little rear-wheel drive coupe. As they don't exactly have many small displacement powerplants in their portfolio, an MX-5 rebadging exercise would likely involve taking the powertrain as well, along with the entire dynamics package given that Isuzu hasn't had much recent experience with sports cars.


Sixth-Gen 2023 Civic Type R To Come With An Automatic Transmission

The sixth-generation 2023 Civic Type R is
set to arrive this year
, and it might just break tradition by having an automatic gearbox.

Once upon a time, it was pretty unimaginable for the Subaru WRX to be equipped with an automatic transmission, but here we are today, where you can buy one with the aforementioned gearbox.

Well, it seems that the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is next up in line, as reputable Japanese website, Best Car has reported that the hot hatch is set to arrive with an optional automatic transmission. They however could not confirm whether the auto box will be a dual-clutch unit or the regular torque converter type.

If this materialises, this will be the first time that
the hot hatch
 will be equipped with an automatic transmission, citing current global trends as the main reason behind the move.

As this will probably be the last Civic Type R to be offered in Europe, the automatic transmission offering can be seen as the last hurrah to prolong the popularity of the hot hatch a little longer.

For now, there is no confirmation from Honda regarding this, but it has been said that the manual transmission will be the standard transmission, with the auto being optional.

Best Car also reported that the sixth-generation 2023 Civic Type R would be equipped with Honda’s best
FWD
 engine, the 2.0-litre turbo K20C1, as seen on two previous generations of the Civic Type R (FK2 & FK8). The turbocharged engine will not have any new power figures and is expected to push out around 306 hp.


Where to Install Two New Tires on Your Vehicle

Tyres, the little rubber doughnut that has a contact patch the size of your palm to keep your big, heavy, complicated and powerful machine to the road. But yet, even when you look at it in this perspective, many still overlook the importance of tyre know-how, so we thought we would look at one of the most important aspects of it, as it happens daily anywhere in the world.

There's this common scenario where vehicle owners would need to replace a pair of tyres instead of all four. Of course, for best efficiency, all four must be replaced, but in the real world where money is a consideration, two is better than zero.

The reason for this change in pair is because the tyres on your car wear at different rates. The front tyres always wear faster than the rear. They wear 2.5 times faster than the rear according to Toyotires as they are responsible for steering.

So, in most cases, the front tyres would need changing first, but the question is, do you slap on new tyres to the front, or move the used tyres from the rear to the front and put the new tyres on the back? According to Goodyear tyres, the answer should always be REAR.

"When tires are replaced in pairs, the new tires should always be installed on the rear axle, and the partially worn tires should be moved to the front. Driving with new tires on the rear axle can help the vehicle to maintain control on wet roads because the tires with deeper treads are more likely to resist hydroplaning."

"When front tires have less tread than the tires on the rear axle, the vehicle is generally considered easier to control, since sliding would likely be the result of understeer – which is easier for the driver to control by decreasing throttle. If worn tires are placed on the rear axle and a slide occurs, it's likely the result of oversteer (where the rear of the vehicle continues to move straight ahead). Oversteering is generally harder to recover from and decreasing throttle may actually amplify the negative effects of the oversteer."

It's common for tyre shops to recommend this practice to you but if they do not, insist they put the new tyres on the rear because now you know why it is best to do so.


New 2017 Honda Jazz Facelift Makes Global Debut In Malaysia

Honda Malaysia has pulled the covers off the new Jazz, available in both petrol and hybrid form. Interestingly Malaysia is the first country in the world to receive the new Honda Jazz, as the model will be making its debut in Japan next month.
The new Honda Jazz facelift is expected to arrive in Q2 2017, with the Sport Hybrid variant arriving a little later in Q3 2017. Malaysia is also the only market outside of Japan to receive the new Honda Jazz Sport Hybrid i-DCD.
In terms of powertrain, the new Honda Jazz Hybrid receives a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine paired to seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated high power motor. The Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) features high capacity Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries integrated under the boot floor area, without sacrificing seat versatility. Coupled with the electric motor, the Jazz Hybrid is able to output 137 PS, comparable to a naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre engine. Honda also added that the electric power steering has been retuned.
As for the petrol variant, the identical 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine is retained, mated to an Earth Dreams Technology CVT-type automatic.
Visually, the updated Honda Jazz receives a new chrome front grille, new front and rear bumpers, LED daytime running lights and dual-tone alloy wheels with a new design. Honda further included keyless entry with push start button for all variants of the new Jazz.
Head over to the Carlist.my MAA DRIVE Test and Buy event that's happening at the Setia City Convention Centre today and tomorrow to test drive and experience more than 50 different models from 15 different brands. Test drive, compare and buy, all in one location.


Review – The 2016 Mazda CX-3 Diesel You Can't Have, Yet

Compact SUVs have been all the rage over the past couple of years, probably due to the fact that more and more motorists are looking for a vehicle in which they feel safer than being in a sedan or hatchback.
If we look at the Malaysian market, many compact SUV owners with whom we spoke mentioned that the deteriorating road conditions, the growing number of irresponsible drivers, and even the unpredictable tropical weather had them wanting a taller vehicle with better visibility.
However, since full blown SUVs are too big and difficult to manoeuvre for this group of motorists, compact SUVs tick the right boxes for them. In realising this new trend and growing demand, almost every brand has a compact SUV to offer in their product portfolio.
And among all the models introduced, one particular model stood out like how Michael Jackson stood out among the other members of the Jackson 5 – the Mazda CX-3.
Featuring a stunning design, impressive build quality, and a very fun and engaging driving experience, many experts described it to be the best thing one can buy for under RM140,000.
Even though it asks more than the CX-5, Bermaz Motors, the authorised distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has had no issues in clearing whatever allocation it has so far.
But while we were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the locally assembled version which is expected to be introduced in November, the company surprised us by showing a version of the CX-3 which we thought we will never see – the 1.5-litre SkyActiv D diesel variant.
Yet to officially go on sale; we managed to have a short stint with the CX-3 diesel over a couple of days recently, and we have to say that it is quite an interesting proposition.
Specifications for Mazda CX-3 1.5-litre SkyActiv D
Price: Not for sale yet
Engine: SkyActiv-D 1.5-litre diesel with single variable geometry turbo
Power: 105 PS @ 4,000 rpm
Torque: 250 Nm @ 1,500 – 2,500 rpm
Transmission: SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic
Safety: 6 airbags, electronic stability control (DSC), traction control (TCS), anti-lock brakes (ABS), brake assist (EBA), Electronic Brake Force distribution (EBD), hill start assist (HLA), ISOFIX (rear)
Origin: Fully imported from Japan
Overview
Bermaz first showcased the CX-3 1.5L SkyActiv-D at the official launch event of the diesel variants of the CX-5 and Mazda 6 last month. However, the company said that it is still being evaluated and tested to see if it really suits our market.
Specs wise, the model you’re looking at now is similar to the petrol variant being sold here, with standard features like:
Automatic air-conditioning
Half-leather upholstery
7-inch touch screen full colour MZD Connect infotainment system with 6 speakers, Bluetooth and USB and reverse camera
Paddle shifters
LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights
LED tail lights
Power-operated tilt and retractable sunroof
Keyless entry system with engine push-start button
Heads-up display
Exterior
On the outside, there were no unique features to distinguish it from the petrol variant. From the lights, grille, bumper, rims and all, the diesel variant is identical with the latter.
And as we mentioned in the
review of the petrol variant,
 the
 CX-3
 has the smallest body in its class (putting aside the
 1.5-litre Ford EcoSport
 and
 1.6-litre Peugeot 2008
), measuring about 20 mm shorter than the
HR-V
 and
ASX
, about 5 mm narrower and significantly lower than either models. Its 2,570 mm long wheelbase is a 100 mm and 40 mm shorter than the ASX and HR-V respectively.
So, if you are looking for a vehicle that is taller and bigger, the ASX or HR-V are still the better choice, but as far as looks go, the CX-3 beats all of its rivals by miles. In fact, the CX-3’s design remains its biggest strengths.
Interior
On the inside, the cabin feels premium, and comprises high quality material everywhere you set your eyes or hands on.
However, as good looking and well-built as it is, the CX-3’s cabin lacks space. Storage compartments and also head, as well as leg room come at a premium.
Since the writer embarked on a journey with his family of three, all it took was a baby seat to cover half of the rear seats. The most the rear can take is three children or two mid-sized adults.
Add dad and mom in front and the CX-3’s cabin space will already reach its limits. So, it is not really what you would want if space is your utmost priority.
Plus, there is no console box to keep your belongings. In fact the only way to keep your valuables away from prying eyes is to keep them inside the tiny glove box.
The seats are half-leather, just like the HR-V but the CX-3 uses higher grade fabrics, almost suede-like material. The dashboard and instrument cluster on the other hand, is made of with similarly high grade metallic materials. At night, it is illuminated by a very expensive looking white glow that radiates out from the centre.
But in terms of equipment, the CX-3 is generous. There is a 7-inch touch screen, two USB slots, decent audio, and the BMW i-Drive-ish dial on the centre stack to ease the process of accessing all sorts of information via the screen. Boot space came at a bargain as well, but the rear seats could be folded flat.
How does it drive?
The diesel variant of the CX-3 has a few significant differences compared to the petrol variant.
The first thing which we noticed while driving the diesel version is that it packs more punch than its petrol-powered sibling at low rpm. Since maximum torque was available from 1,500rpm itself, the way it accelerated was nothing short of impressive.
However, once we got onto the highway, the engine felt like it lost its mojo the moment we hit speeds of about 120km/h. So, as enjoyable as it is in the city, the CX-3 diesel lacks ‘oomph’ when it comes to cruising on the highway.
And when we worked the engine harder to squeeze whatever we could from it, it started sounding like a 1-tonne lorry and passenger comfort got compromised.
Pretty much a Mazda2 on stilts, the chassis setup is superb and steering feedback is spot on. Hence, cornering and manoeuvring the vehicle through tight spots can be done with ease. In fact, when driven along enjoyable twisty countryside roads, the CX-3 doesn’t miss a beat and does exactly what you expect it to do.
How economical is it?
If at all the diesel variant of the CX-3 gets launched here, there’s no doubt that it will be among the most economical choice in the segment for a few reasons.
Firstly, we observed an average fuel consumption of 6.5-litres/100km after driving it for about 800km, through a combination of highway and inter-city roads. With a full tank of fuel, we could drive to Penang from Subang Jaya and spend two days there with non-stop driving from morning till night, before refuelling on our way out of the island.
Fuel consumption aside, the vehicle is powered by a 1.5-litre engine, which also translates to affordable road tax.
Conclusion
In all, the CX-3 1.5 SkyActiv D might look similar to its petrol sibling but there are many significant differences, especially in the way it drives.
It is still as exciting to drive but it lacks the top end power the petrol version delivers. So, as ideal as it is as a city-dweller, it is not that fun on long journeys. But on the brighter side of things, it is very economical.
That being said, we stand by our opinion that this vehicle is not for everyone. While it might appeal to those who are all about style and driving dynamics, those who prioritise practicality are better off with other models in the segment.
Looking for a Mazda? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Proton X90 receives 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating for the STANDARD variant

The new 2023 Proton X90 that was recently launched has received a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating and that's indeed something to shout about.

Apart from announcing the official prices for the Proton X90 (RM123,800-RM152,800, OTR excluding insurance), Proton also announced that they've improved its parts supply concerns as well as its first mild-hybrid SUV getting a five-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries).

The Standard variant of the 2023 Proton X90 was sent in for the ASEAN NCAP assessment where it received an overall score of 83.75. A five-star rating right now is even more crucial considering the fact that it is now more stringent thanks to the updated 2021-2025 assessment protocols which a couple of new additions - the Safety Assist and Motorcyclist Safety on top of the Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection.

The breakdown of the five-star ASEAN NCAP rating for the 2023 Proton X90 SUV is as follows:

Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) - 30.2 out of 32 (37.75% out of 40%)

Child Occupant Protection (COP) - 45.37 out of 51 (17.79% out of 20%)

Safety Assist - 16.5 out of 21 (15.71% out of 20%)

Motorcyclist Safety (MS) - 10 out of 16 (12.5% out of 20%)

All variants of the Proton X90 get the same six airbags setup which includes the driver, front passenger, two for sides, and two more for the curtains. While this is already an impressive figure for the base Proton X90 model, the Premium and Flagship variants should be rated even higher considering the fact that they come standard with safety features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning, (LDW), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC), plus more.

To know more about what the 2023 Proton X90 has to offer, particularly the Premium and Flagship variants, check out our walkaround video, below!


New Peugeot 308 Looks Naughty Enough To Try Stealing The Golf’s Crown (Again)

A few days ago, a few surprisingly clear pictures of the next-generation Peugeot 308 had been making the rounds over the internet, revealing the French marque’s C-segment hatch undisguised (mostly) for the first time.

Technically, this car would be the 3rd-generation 308, and that’s due to the very short history of that particular model, though its lineage is long dotted with such cars such as the 307, 306, and, confusingly, the 309.

From what we know of Peugeot’s latest VW Golf-rival, which isn’t much, it has been confirmed that the car will be built upon the same modular hybrid-friendy EMP2 platform that underpins most of Group PSA’s latest cars, suggesting that the spread of variants are quite likely to include electrification.

It won’t be a particularly revolutionary step forward in styling or interior luxury either, at least not in the same vein that
its predecessor managed
. Rather, this new 308 will continue to build where the last one left off while embracing all the technological and design progress that Peugeot has forged in the years since.

Speaking of its design, we’re really not used to seeing a 308 wearing such a deep green, and
fancy that new logo
 up front too, which looks pretty slick. As typical for the brand, the bonnet adopts a clamshell shape with the model designation (‘308’, in this case) positioned at the very tip. It obviously does bear a resemblance to its little (but newer) brother, the 208, but who doesn't expect that to
be the case
.

The headlights, while a continuation of the vertical ‘fangs’ seen in recent Peugeots, look even more angular in this instance, kinda like the facelifted 3008. And the black accents along the front cowling, weather stripping around the doors, and side mirrors indicate that we’re dealing with a sportier variant here - perhaps a GT or GT-Line.

Though much of the body is undisguised, the full profile of the car is obscured by some stray tarpaulin as it’s loaded onto a transport truck. Oddly, the wheels look a little undersized and sunken into what can’t be a particularly large fender well - about average sized for a C-segment hatch.

Our guess is that those alloys are about 17 or 18 inches in diameter, but perhaps are not meant to be wearing those overly thin tyres in its final spec. We can’t get a clear look at the rear pair but they look a little beefier despite being of the same spoke design. Just above the front fender, however, there’s another sighting of that new Peugeot badge.

Wheels aside, it looks as if the car has pretty much stuck to the proportions and general footprint of its predecessors. However, to properly put up a worthy fight against the
8th-generation Volkswagen Golf
, the new French contender will have had to address some of the most common stumbling points mentioned of its predecessor, namely rear passenger space and a lacklustre boot.

While its possible that Peugeot might even have a fully electric variant of the 308 waiting in the wings, it’s much less likely that we’ll see it until this car has spent a couple of years in showrooms. Until then, we’re expecting the return of Peugeot’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol motor (now labelled PureTech) in various levels of tune.

This powertrain strategy mirrors
the 508
, which given any luck, should be seeing some action in the Malaysian market before long. Power figures for the 308 will range from around 180hp to 220hp to kick things off, with a PHEV variant bumping power and efficiency credentials considerably later on in its life cycle, and perhaps even capped off with a fire-breathing GTI variant from Peugeot Sport.

Remember, the previous 308 GTI managed to extract 270hp from an older version of that 1.6-litre turbo-four. This time around, though, get ready for much of that added grunt to come from an electric motor (or two) in similar fashion to the 360hp
508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered)
. Unlike that car, hopefully, the 308 incarnation of the high-performance hybrid won’t be trapped in production limbo after its announcement.

Given how complete the all-new 308 looks so far, an official premiere can’t be too far off. Under new local distributors BAA, let’s also hope that the car will return to the Malaysian line-up in short order following its international debut.


Fuel Price Update: April 2017 Week 2

We reported back in March that fuel prices are now updated on a weekly basis.

Here are the new fuel prices for the second week of April

RON95 - RM2.16 per litre (up 3 sen)

RON97 - RM2.44 per litre (up 3 sen)

Diesel - RM2.08 per litre (down 3 sen)

Via: Sin Chew


Proton Satria Cabriolet – Prototaip Convertible Proton Yang Dilupakan

Proton Satria
 memang menjadi salah satu model yang penuh bersejarah bagi Proton.
Selain Satria GTi
 dan
Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing
, Proton juga pernah hasilkan prototaip Satria versi
c
abriolet
!

Jika sesetengah daripada anda yang langsung tidak pernah dengar tentang projek ini, ia kerana kereta prototaip ini dibina pada 1997, iaitu 25 tahun lalu.

Walau bagaimanapun, hanya dua prototaip
Proton Satria Cabriolet
 sahaja yang berjaya disiapkan sepenuhnya di mana unit pertama berwarna ungu manakala unit kedua berwarna emas.

Satria Cabriolet pertama berwarna ungu ini telah membuat penampilan sulungnya di Pameran Motor Antarabangsa Frankfurt pada tahun 1997. Memandangkan ianya sebuah
convertible
 (bumbung boleh dibuka/ditutup sepenuhnya), kereta ini telah dibangunkan oleh Proton dan memakai droptop yang tidak dinamakan dari California.

Pada waktu itu, Proton agak terkenal di pasaran UK. Jadi objektif utama projek
Cabriolet
 ini adalah untuk menembusi pasaran Eropah lain, terutamanya pasaran Jerman memandangkan sejumlah kecil Proton 300 series telah berjaya dijual di Jerman, Perancis dan Turki.

Namun ada juga sesetengah rakyat Malaysia yang masih ingat pada model
Cabriolet
 berwarna ungu itu kerana ia juga telah digunakan ketika acara perasmian Sukan Komanwel 1998 yang membawa Tun Dr. Mahathir mengililingi Stadium Bukit Jalil.

Rupa luarannya agak unik di mana ia menggunakan bampar hadapan yang berbeza daripada generasi Satria yang lain. Ia masih hadir dengan dua pintu, rim 5 jejari (namun telah ditukar pada rim Satria GTi pada sekitar awal tahun 2000-an), dan dua buah tip ekzos berbentuk bulat di bahagian belakang.

Prototaip Satria
Cabriolet
 pertama yang berwarna ungu pada awalnya hadir dengan lambang Proton berbentuk
diamond
 yang kemudiannya digantikan dengan lambang harimau. Sementara itu, ruangan dalamannya mendapat gabungan warna beige (coklat muda) bersama kemasan berwarna kelabu di bahagian kerusi dan tepi pintu.

Tidak banyak butiran lebih yang diperolehi mengenai kedua-dua kereta prototaip Satria
Cabriolet
 ini dan kereta ini telah pun dianggap sebagai salah satu sejarah Proton. Meskipun Satria
Cabriolet
 ini kelihatan menarik dan mungkin boleh terjual di pasaran Malaysia pada waktu kini, namun kedua-dua prototaip ini langsung tidak pernah dihasilkan untuk dijual kepada umum.

Projek Satria
Cabriolet
 terpaksa dilupakan setelah menjadi salah satu mangsa Krisis Kewangan Asia 1997 yang menyebabkan projek itu ditangguhkan. Selain itu, nama Proton hanya gah di pasaran UK sementara sahaja dan rekod jualan Proton di pasaran Eropah lain ketika itu agak lemah membuatkan Proton mengundurkan diri dari pasaran Eropah (kecuali UK).

Pada Julai 2020, kedua-dua prototaip Satria
Cabriolet
 telah dilelong kepada umum. Kelihatannya seperti prototaip kedua berwarna emas telah berjaya dibida, namun nasibnya pada waktu ini tidak diketahui. Walau bagaimanapun, prototaip pertama berwarna ungu kemudiannya ditarik balik daripada lelongan.

Mungkin Proton nak simpan satu sebagai kenangan. Mungkin juga Proton ada cita-cita nak melawat semula projek
convertible
 ini di masa hadapan. Sekiranya model ini dilancarkan dan diperbaharui dengan teknologi dan komponen terkini, ada yang berminat ke?


Mofaz Expands The Mercedes-Benz Experience To East Coast Region

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM), together with authorised dealer Mofaz Exotic Car Sdn Bhd, have unveiled the all-new Mercedes-Benz Mofaz Kota Bharu (KB) Autohaus and Mercedes-Benz Mofaz Kuala Terengganu (KT) Autohaus, thus expanding its presence to serve customers in the east coast region.
The Mercedes-Benz Mofaz KB Autohaus is a 5,372 sq ft facility capable of accommodating four showroom vehicles and three work bays in the service area. While the Mercedes-Benz KT Autohaus spans 4,435 sq ft, and is able to showcase three showroom vehicles and accommodate three work bays in the service area.
Mofaz Exotic Car is the only authorised Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Kelantan and Terengganu, and the two full-fledged 3S Autohauses are managed by a staff force of 14 each, who are trained in sales, technical services and spare parts. Collectively, the teams are capable of servicing a total of 131 vehicles a month.
With a total investment of RM600,000, both Autohauses are fully compliant with the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II), the global Autohaus benchmark of customer experience, complete with the new Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI).
The Mercedes-Benz Mofaz Kota Bharu Autohaus and Mercedes-Benz Mofaz Kuala Terengganu Autohaus are part of three authorised dealers in the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia dealer network catering to east coast customers.


Renault unveils Clio R.S. 16 Concept at Monaco

Renault Sport is back at it again- this time with the Clio R.S. 16 Concept. They launched this concept over the weekend during the Monaco Grand Prix, with the car’s livery designed to mirror that of their F1 team. The Clio R.S. was a fun enough car with its turbocharged 1.6-litre motor, but Renault Sport has taken it one step further by transplanting the Megane R.S. 275 Trophy engine into the slightly smaller Clio R.S. chassis.
The specifications remain the same, with 275 hp and 360 Nm on tap. There were numerous engineering challenges, chief among which was fitting the engine and gearbox into the Clio engine bay.  Airflow needed to be optimized as well in order to keep the motor running cool. Running to the back is an Akrapovic twin exhaust system for an especially sharp sound. The bodywork itself has also been widened by 60 mm in order to house the large 19-inch wheels and increased track width for stability.
The next official appearance for the car will be in June at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. There’s a lot of hope that this concept makes it through for production, even if only in limited numbers. The sheer firepower of the 275 Trophy motor in the lighter Clio chassis is a recipe for a fun car, both on and off track.


The All-New 2015 Ford Mondeo Now Open For Booking, Previewed At Road Show

Ford
’s all-new
Mondeo
 is now up for pre-launch bookings and kicks it off with a preview event happening at the Bangsar Shopping Centre betweest 1
st
 to 5
th
 April 2015, allowing the public to have an up-close look at the award-winning Ford flagship passenger car.
We were on location to bring you a first look at the car. It will be going on sale very soon with an estimated on-the-road retail price of RM203,800, inclusive of insurance. Following on from what we
previewed previously
, this all-new car comes with a 2.0L GTDi EcoBoost engine producing 237 hp and 345Nm of torque, mated to a 6-Speed SelectShift Automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. It rides on 17-inch wheels fitted to 235/50 tyres (Michelin Primacy 3 on the show car) and features McPherson struts on its front suspension and multi suspension arms on the rear. Ford claims it can achieve a combined consumption cycle of 8.0L per 100 kilometres with tank capacity of 62.5 litres.
On the outside, the Frozen White colour option is shown here on this showcase unit; other options include Tectonic Silver, Panther Black, and Ruby Red. The car itself is sleekly designed, with subtle curves adorning every corner of its body and its roofline tapering off to meet the rear that makes it almost looks like a coupe in profile. The Mondeo is furnished with a bevy of technological equipment as well, including adaptive LED headlamps, power folding wing mirrors with puddle lamps, front and rear fog lamps, rain sensing automatic wipers, daytime running lights, front and rear parking aid sensors, and a reversing camera.
Moving on inside, there definitely is an air of quality to the cabin from the get go. The shape hugging leather front seats suggest a sporty nature but are very comfortable and supportive with 10 way power adjustments for both driver and passenger, a sharply detailed instrument cluster flows into a dashboard that is modern but uncluttered, with accents of aluminium and piano black veneer scattered throughout. Dual-zone automatic temperature controls and a 9-Speaker 8-inch Sony touchscreen-operated multifunction system dominates the centre console and, with Microsoft SYNC II, provides Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX interface, and voice a command input method. For the rear, the leather seats fold with a 60:40 split and centre-mounted air conditioning vents together with cabin-wide ambient lighting ensures passenger comfort.
In terms of safety and security, the list of features included in the all-new Mondeo is thorough and rather exhaustive: some highlights include its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, electronic stability control, 7 airbags (driver, passenger, side, curtain, knee), keyless entry & start system, Thatcham Category 1 alarm, engine immobilizer, lane-keep assist, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, ISOFIX mounts, Ford MyKey, and adaptive cruise control. Hydro-formed high-strength used in its construction adds rigidity while magnesium components save vital weights in strategic areas. Ford also includes 3-year manufacturers warranty plus a 2-year extended warranty as well as three years (or 60,000km) free maintenance.
“The new Mondeo delivers a dynamic boost to our expanding Ford lineup in Malaysia. With advanced Ford technologies and elegant design, the Mondeo offers a sophisticated driving experience that Malaysian customers have come to expect from Ford,” said Veemala Rethinasamy, sales and marketing director, Malaysia, Ford Motor Company.
If you’re not able to check out the car during its preview event at the Bangsar Shopping Center, it will also be shown at various showcase locations throughout Klang Valley.
As we’ve mentioned in
a previous article
, test drive events will also be held on between the 22
nd
 and 26
th
 of April at Desa Park City and between the 6
th
 and 10
th
 of May at Setia City Mall with bookings also being taken during.


Honda Revamps Quality Processes – Reaffirms Commitment To 120 Percent Product Quality

Despite best efforts by car companies, quality issues are bound to happen from time to time. The sheer complexity of a modern day car, with their complex interplay between mechanical, electrical and electronic components, means that there is always a high probability of something going wrong, compared to say a far simpler ‘80s era car.
At the same time, consumers are expecting safer, more comfortable, more powerful, more fuel efficient, more of everything cars so it’s simply not possible to make cars like they used to anymore.
What separates a good car company from mediocre ones is its approach in handling a recall – which can happen to any car maker, not excluding prestige brands like Rolls-Royce.
In this aspect, one can’t help but be impressed by the way Honda handled its recent quality issues – despite it being a relatively small problem confined to its Japanese market models only.
The Japanese-market all-new Jazz (Fit) Hybrid and HR-V (Vezel) Hybrid were recalled five times within 12 months, for issues related to its hybrid-only 7-speed Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD) transmission. As overseas launches of these two models have been consequently delayed, the problem was localised within Japan only.
Still, in quality-obsessed Japan, the repeated recalls severely tarnished Honda’s reputation.
In typical Japanese fashion, Honda’s President Takanobu Ito and R&D chief Yoshiharu Yamamoto stepped down from their respective positions, replaced by Takahiro Hachigo and Koichi Fukuo respectively.
As for the Takata airbag recalls that have taken place, that’s an issue that affects many other manufacturers as well, including BMW, Chrysler, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, requiring an industry-wide collective action to address.
Inside the company’s Sustainability Report 2015 released today, Honda's candid admission to its recent slip ups is commendable.
The company said, “Due to the recalls of the Fit Hybrid and Vezel Hybrid in Japan, we have caused widespread inconvenience to customers and society. To regain the trust of our customers and society, we are thoroughly investigating the causes of the recalls and are making efforts to strengthen quality.”
Honda’s own investigations into the recent quality setbacks led it to conclude:
“The hybrid systems that were the subject of the recalls aimed for unprecedented high efficiency through the interoperation of various functions of the vehicle. Because of this, the control system that integrates the functions of each part is unprecedentedly complex and expansive, and we were unable to fully identify all of the concerns in the evaluation system at the time of development. Moreover, we have found that an insufficient system to verify and evaluate customers’ ways of using the vehicle from all standpoints were also a cause behind the occurrence of the issues.”
Again, the company’s transparency in owning up to its mistakes is impressive.
Learning from the low-point of the company’s otherwise stellar reputation for quality, Honda announced a new quality improvement initiative.
Under Honda’s new quality improvement initiative, development of an electronic control system for the engine, transmission, and chassis (brake, steering, etc.) will coordinated by one unified organization.
In addition, Honda’s R&D teams will also be working closely with its after-sales teams in the vehicle’s pre-development stage, in order to thoroughly identify all types of driving conditions the car is likely to be subjected to.
Special attention is also paid to parts suppliers, who will now be involved from the planning stage, and will be better engaged in strengthening quality assurance.
The report said “We will advance these initiatives company-wide in an effort to regain the trust of customers and society and meet the expectations of our customers with the high quality that characterizes Honda.”
The report also describes how new and redesigned Honda models are disassembled after undergoing rigorous long-term durability test drives. The vehicle’s individual parts are then stripped down for detailed inspections.
As a countermeasure to manage increasing complexity of electronics installed in today’s cars, Honda has installed a device called Line End Testers (LET) at its plants in Japan and overseas. LET is a system developed in-house by Honda based on a modified emissions testing tool. It enables Honda associates to quickly and accurately perform inspections for all of the vehicle’s electronic control systems.
The report also recalled a quote by founder Sochiro Honda who said: “We have to aim for 120% product quality. If 99% of the products we make are perfect, that would seem like a pretty good record. However, the customers who become the owners of the remaining 1% will surely consider their products 100% defective. It is unacceptable that even one customer in a thousand – even one customer in ten thousand – should receive a defective product. That’s why we have to aim for 120%.”
The 120% represented a goal of exceeding customer’s expectations, to be a company that society wants to exist.


Review: Proton X70 - Is It Worth The Hype?

Prior to its introduction to Malaysia as Proton’s first-ever SUV, not many people outside of China had heard of the Geely Boyue or now Proton X70.

Granted, the Boyue was exported only to left-hand drive markets like the Middle East, where it was sold as the Emgrand X7 Sport, so few people in this part of the world understood why this Chinese SUV is outselling many European/Japanese-make SUVs in China.

In 2018 alone, Geely sold more than 250,000 units of the Boyue, making it the fourth most popular model in China.

Since its launch in Malaysia back in December, the X70 has won the hearts of many Malaysians. Historically, no other SUV has sold as fast as the X70 did, but does the car live up to the hype?

Specifications for Proton X70 Premium 2WD

Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged

Power: 181 hp at 5,500 rpm

Torque: 285 Nm at 1,700 – 4,400 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic, Front-wheel drive

Safety: Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)

Origin: Fully-imported from Geely’s Baoji Plant, China (local assembly to begin in late-2019)

Price: RM 123,800, on-the-road, without insurance

Overview

The Proton X70 is the firstborn of the Proton and Geely partnership, making it a historical milestone for both companies.

While the Proton X70 may be based on the facelifted Geely Boyue, the donor car itself has been around since 2016, and was facelifted in March 2018 - featuring a revised exterior and the addition of the new GKUI infotainment system.

On paper, the X70 offers very good value for money so kudos to Proton on that. Judging based on features alone, the X70 is without a doubt a better value buy than a Honda CR-V or a Mazda CX-5, but whether it is better to drive and to live with every day - that's a different story.

Exterior

While the exterior of the X70 is largely similar to that of the facelifted Geely Boyue, the X70 gets a different front grille. In addition to that, the rear features a trim piece that connects both tail lights with the Proton wording embedded across.

The range-topping Premium 2WD variant we tested here features LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and 19-inch alloy wheels. It is also worth noting that buyers of the Premium 2WD variant can choose any of the five colours, including
Flame Red
.

Interior

Moving inside, the Proton X70 does not disappoint, as the interior features a good mix of high quality materials and tactile buttons, something that existing Proton owners would be envious of.

The Nappa leather upholstery found on the range-topping Premium 2WD variant certainly looks and feels the part, comparable to some of the best offered by its rivals. In fact, no other similarly priced rival offers such high quality Nappa leather.

Seeing that Geely has been the owner of Volvo since 2010, it comes as no surprise that the X70 features some bits from the Volvo parts bin. For example, we noticed that the signal and wiper stalks are shared with several recent Volvo models, including the XC90 and XC60. Despite that, Geely has added some Chinese motifs to the stalks, differentiating itself from the Volvo models.

As for the meter cluster, the all-digital design cluster found in the X70 is largely inspired by the one found in the previous generation, Ford ownership-era Volvos, albeit with some modifications.

Shared parts aside, Proton has been drumming up a lot of hype for the X70’s infotainment system, as it is the only system on the market right now to offer contextual-based natural voice command (Mercedes-Benz's MBUX system has limited functionality in our market, more on that below).

Does it work as well as advertised? Yes and no. During our time with the X70, we noticed that even speaking slowly and clearly to the X70, at times the system would fail to comprehend what was being said. But truth be said, a lot of voice command systems on the market perform poorly during the first few tries. It takes time for both the user and the system to adapt and learn.

Over time, the experience gets better with more practice. In addition to that, future system updates can also help improve the voice recognition system.

In reality, voice command is something you show off to your friends rather than use on a daily basis. Why would you want to issue a voice command to lower the windows when the auto-down power window button does it much faster?

On the upside, what separates the Proton X70's voice command function from even a Mercedes-Benz is that the X70 is the only model sold in Malaysia to support contextual voice commands. What this means is that instead of entering a destination, you can simply say "Hi, Proton. I am hungry." to find the nearest eateries.

In theory, the all-new Mercedes-Benz's A-Class' MBUX system is also capable of doing this but not in Malaysia, as the function requires in-car internet connection, which is not offered here and thus the A-Class can only understand basic voice commands, limited to certain in-car functions.

What we don't like about the Proton's GKUI infotainment system is that it is currently limited to certain Chinese apps. Out of the box, the GKUI system doesn't support Spotify or Waze or any Google-based services. Instead of Google Maps, you have to make do with Baidu Maps. While Baidu Maps does a decent enough job of navigating around our given test route in Langkawi, there were instances where the infotainment system failed to locate a destination.

Android Auto running on the Honda CR-V

The Proton's Japanese rivals might not have such fancy infotainment systems, but the important thing is that they work better in our local context and supports apps that Malaysians use. The Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Mitsubishi Outlander all offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which the Proton doesn't have.

Compared to GKUI, both Apple Car Play and Android Auto (not officially available in Malaysia but can be easily installed on your own) works better for drivers because they are developed from the ground-up as driver-focused systems to minimize distractions. The icons and text are large, which makes them easier to read at a glance. Furthermore, both Apple and Google have to approve any applications that developers intend to put on either system, as a misbehaving app could be a safety and security concern for a car.

Also, the GKUI system, while running on an Android operating system, does not come with the Google Play Store, so installing your favourite applications won't be a straighforward process.

Granted, the Proton GKUI system offers MirrorLink, but who would want to use a system that is clunky at best? MirrorLink, in theory at least, should be able to fill in the void left by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but compatibility and usability of MirrorLink leaves much to be desired. Not every phone is supported by MirrorLink, and if a device is supported, getting it to work is yet another painstaking affair that is best left unattempted.

In short, the X70's voice command is impressive but we won't miss it every time we jump back into a Honda CR-V or a Mazda CX-5 and fire up our Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Safety

While its infotainment might have been a hit or a miss, there is no doubt about its safety credentials. All variants of the X70 come equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Hold Assist (HHA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), and a reverse camera.

The Premium 2WD tested here adds Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Door Opening Warning System (DOW), 360-degree camera, and Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC), making that model the most feature packed SUV in its price bracket.

Compared to the Honda CR-V's Sensing system, the X70 misses out on Low Speed Follow, which allows you to rest your feet while the car creeps forward safely in a traffic jam (driver still controls the steering wheel) but the X70 counters by offering a 360-degree parking camera. The Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander also come with 360-degree parking cameras, but none can match the X70's resolution and seamless image stitching. The X70's 360-degree camera can even project a 3D model of your X70 with the surroundings, giving drivers a bird's eye view of the SUV.

There is no denying that the X70 packs more safety features than anyone else in the segment.

Driving experience

When it comes to driving experience, the X70 is quite a mixed bag.

Compared to the CR-V and CX-5, power output is slightly less but it offers the most torque (285 Nm), diesel-powered CX-5 variants aside. However it is also the heaviest at 1,695 kg, thus negating a lot of its advantages in engine performance. It doesn't drive like its 181 hp output suggests. Compared to the 1.5-litre turbocharged CR-V, or even the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated CX-5, the X70 is noticeably more sluggish.

Proton sales people will try to convince you that a lighter car is not safe, but this is not 1970s and material science has progressed a lot since then. Every manufacturer is aiming to improve emissions and fuel efficiency by reducing weight.

The X70's hefty weight is also felt through corners, which compromised an otherwise positive driving experience. Even the older generation Mazda CX-5, which is found in the home of yours truly and driven quite regularly, handles varying road conditions with much better overall composure - never mind the current all-new CX-5, which still sets the standard for dynamic handling in this segment.

But what about overall ride quality? Well, when shod with the 19-inch wheels, the X70 rides on the firm side. The suspension does a decent job of soaking up bumps, but the thinner sidewalls on the 19-inch wheels contribute to a slightly bumpier ride. We reckon that models fitted with the 17- or 18-inch wheels should offer a more compliant ride.

Despite its less-than-engaging driving experience, the X70 does manage to redeem itself when it comes to noise isolation, as the X70’s cabin is perhaps among the top when it comes to quietness. Road and tire noises are well insulated from the cabin. It's certainly quieter than the Honda CR-V, which has the noisiest cabin in its classs. Compared to the CX-5, the X70 is still marginally quieter.

While the X70 may be the best Proton to date, one trivial detail we noticed during the media drive was the fact that quite an alarming number of X70s had dead or inconsistently lit LEDs in their third brake lights. Apart from that, we didn't notice any obvious quality shortcomings from this China-made X70.

Conclusion

With prices starting from a hair below the RM 100,000 mark, all the way up to RM 123,800, one cannot deny the value preposition offered by the Proton X70. It's a Honda CR-V/Mazda CX-5-class vehicle but is priced against the one segment lower Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.

While the contextual voice command may be a cool feature to some, it's novelty will wear off quickly as the system is a hit or a miss at best. We will gladly trade contextual voice commands for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, because 'OK Google' or 'Hey Siri' works just as well.

So as a whole, the Proton X70 does impress us with its cabin quietness and generous use of high quality materials. However, if you’re a person that puts emphasis in the infotainment system or driving experience, the X70’s Japanase rivals still have the upper hand in our local context.

All the criticisms above must be put in the context of the Proton's asking price. It doesn't score an A in every aspect but it scores B+ in enough areas for us to call it a highly recommended A-grade model overall. At such a competitive price, most of the car's shortcomings can be easily overlooked.

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AD: Low Interest Rate Promotions And Why It Matters

For the majority of consumers, buying a new car is only possible with financing. Technically, auto financing should be referred to as hire purchase rather than car loan, because unlike a home loan, your car is not given as a collateral to the bank. Instead, the bank owns your car until you’ve settled all outstanding charges.
However for the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, we will continue to refer to hire purchase for cars as a car loan.
In many ways, choosing the right financing option for your new car is just as important as choosing the right car.
Before deciding on the best option, it is important that you have a clear, detailed record of your monthly expenses, and how much you can put aside for your car.
Remember that maintaining a car involves more than just about paying your monthly installments and fuel. There are also other costs like annual insurance and road tax cost, as well as servicing cost.
Next, the two most basic elements of auto financing are interest rate and tenure period. While one can stretch the financing period to 9 years to lower your monthly repayment, it’s not recommended because you will be paying a lot in interest charges.
Not many realize that a RM80,000 loan spread over a 9-year period, at a typical rate of around 3%, will incur over RM21,000 in interest charges! That’s nearly enough for you to buy a brand new base model Perodua Axia! This is why longer loan tenure periods are not a wise option.
At the same time, it also goes to show why you should take advantage of low interest rate promotions.
Let’s take Volkswagen’s on-going Year-End Sedanza promotion for example, which offers interest rates of as low as 0.28%. It’s nearly as good as borrowing money with near zero cost.
The table below illustrates several borrowing scenarios for a Volkswagen Vento.
Prices for the Vento starts from RM79,888 for the Vento 1.6 MPI Trendline but under Volkswagen’s Year-End Sedanza promotion, buyer of the Vento Trendline stand to gain from a very significant RM10,000 discount, bringing its price down to RM69,888.
On top of the discount, Volkswagen will arrange for you the buyer financing packages with interest rates as low as 0.28% (five-year loan).
Compared to standard financing options during off-promotion periods, the low interest rate deal saves you an additional RM200 to RM300 every month, depending on the loan tenure period. For most people, that equals to free petrol every month, with change left for toll.
Further savings are also possible with the higher range Vento Comfortline and Highline.
On top of this, the Vento also comes with a 5-year manufacturer backed warranty and a 5-year free service package. This means that for the next five years, you pay nothing for maintenance apart from filling it up with petrol, changing the tyres, battery, wipers and brake pads.
The 5-year free service package is worth close to RM6,000, bringing your total savings to between RM15,000 to RM18,000.
Think about that – you buy a car with near zero borrowing cost, and with the monthly savings in instalments, you could balance your budget so you no longer pay for petrol and toll, while maintenance is already covered by Volkswagen for five-years.
Think of what you can achieve with the RM15,000 to RM18,000 savings gained can contribute to your retirement savings, investment funds, or children’s education fund.
The promotion is also applicable for the Volkswagen Passat and Jetta (1.4 TSI Comfortline only), as illustrated in the table below:
Like the Vento, both the Jetta and Passat are covered by a 5-year free service package, which is worth about RM5,000 and RM6,000 respectively, raising the total savings to up to RM18,000 for the Jetta and RM25,000 for the Passat.
For more information about the Volkswagen’s Year-End Sedanza promotion, go to
www.volkswagen.com.my
 or visit your nearest Volkswagen dealer.
Alternatively, prospective buyers in Klang Valley are invited to test drive a range of Volkswagen models at the Carlist.my DRIVE: Luxury Edition 2017 test drive event this weekend at TPC Kuala Lumpur. More information can be found
here
.


Perodua Aruz- How Does It Compare To Toyota Rush And Honda BR-V

The Perodua Aruz is the most expensive product that bears the Perodua badge exiting its assembly plant at Rawang.
However, it is also one of the most affordable SUVs after the compact Haval H1. Compared to its internationally available competitors, the Perodua Aruz offers plenty of features at a price level that might be unfamiliar to the majority of Perodua owners.
After enjoying plenty of success since its launch in late 2016, the Honda BR-V is now met with not only Toyota’s all-new Rush but also the Rush’s ‘sibling’ from Perodua.
Perodua has
formalized the prices
 of its new Aruz just last night, with the 1.5X starting from RM72,900 and the 1.5AV (or Advance) starting from RM77,900. The Honda BR-V meanwhile occupies the RM80,000 price range and the Toyota Rush sits in the RM90,000 price range.
So, with three different price ranges, what are the differences between the Perodua Aruz and
Toyota Rush
 which are made in the same plant?
We also take a look where the entry Honda BR-V 1.5E lacks compared to the entry Aruz 1.5X and Rush 1.5G.
The Honda BR-V accelerates away with quite a large margin in the sense of engine power and how efficient the power is transmitted to the wheels (smooth CVT versus 4-speed auto). Honda's engine has the highest output of 120 PS and 145 Nm of torque. While the Rush and Aruz share the same 2NR-VE engine, the Aruz listed 3 PS and 3 Nm lower values compared to the 105 PS and 136 Nm found in the Rush.
In terms of size, all three vehicles create the same footprint on the ground. However, being a longitudinally arranged powertrain with a propeller shaft driving the rear wheels, both the Aruz and Rush are taller.
This in turn affects cornering comfort, as a taller height with a higher centre of gravity tends to lean in the corners a lot more. The transverse layout of the Honda BR-V’s powertrain also explains the better comfort during cornering.
However, with the front wheels able to rotate more (no driveshaft linkages), the Perodua Aruz and Toyota Rush have a much smaller turning radius of 5.2 metres. This makes negotiating U-turns and parking easier. The front-wheel drive BR-V is much more at 5.6 metres.
All three vehicles have ground clearance above 200 millimetres, but both the Aruz and Rush has an even higher value at 220 millimetres. Depending on what you are looking for, this can either be a positive or a negative attribute. A tall ride height makes the car more resistant to flash floods, but it also makes it harder to get and out of, especially if you have children or elderly members in your family, as well as the aforementioned compromises in handling.
The Honda BR-V 1.5E doesn’t match the impressive exterior features offered by the entry Aruz 1.5X and Rush 1.5G. The Honda is only shod with 16-inch wheels, halogen head lamps (automatic on/off function though), and a standard remote control unit key lock/unlock.
Comparing the Aruz with the Rush, both actually have the exact same features (differences in the bumpers at each end), but UMW Toyota Motor has added the ‘R-Blade design’ bodykit on the Rush, something Perodua does not offer. Standard features on both models from Rawang include LED head lamps, 17-inch wheels, and keyless entry and push start button.
Inside, all three SUVs are equipped with a rear air conditioning system and easy-access one-touch tumble second-row seats. Leather upholstered seats are only reserved for the high-spec variants in all three models. Automatic air conditioning is standard on both the Aruz and Rush while the BR-V is only making this feature available in the high-spec 1.5V variant.
The front air-conditioning system in the Aruz includes a multi-direction/mode feature, front demister, plus a memory system for two settings. These are features not available in the Rush, which only blows the cold air through the front-facing vents.
The infotainment unit in the Honda 1.5E does not feature a large display touchscreen, where the Aruz and Rush impress occupants with this feature.  The Toyota Rush increases the specification count here further with the Panoramic View Camera fitted as standard. This feature greatly assists the new driver who might not be familiar with the extended length of the 7-seater, with camera offering views in front as well as the sides.
Both Toyota Rush and Perodua Aruz also feature 6 airbags and availability of the
autonomous emergency braking feature
 available on both high-spec variants. (1.5S and 1.5AV respectively). The Honda BR-V however, makes do with just two airbags.
We should applaud both Perodua and Toyota for making this feature available. Currently, it is only exclusive to both these models that are manufactured in Rawang, Malaysia. The Rush/Terios pair that is made in Indonesia does not have this advanced driving assistance system.
Toyota’s Rush gains another safety feature: Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). All three models also specify front fog lamps as a differentiator between high-spec and entry-spec variants.
The Honda BR-V meanwhile only offers 2 airbags and does not feature the autonomous emergency braking feature.
In terms of warranty coverage, all three models are covered by the same 5-year term. Both Toyota and Honda also have unlimited mileage coverage on their Rush and BR-V models.
Perodua meanwhile only provides warranty coverage up to 150,000 kilometres.
In terms of driving experience and comfort, the BR-V is clearly the leader in the segment. With the highest power output and riding on a passenger car-like monocoque chassis versus the Rush/Aruz's truck-like (semi) ladder frame chassis, the BR-V is also the most refined of the trio. Our
review of the BR-V
 revealed that the BR-V is marginally more comfortable than a Honda City, thanks to its longer wheelbase and wider track width.
We have yet to drive the Aruz but we have
briefly reviewed the Toyota Rush
, which is mechanically identical to the Aruz so the driving experience will not differ much. Yes, the Aruz has a slightly different suspension tuning but that won't address the Rush/Aruz's weakest points - noisy cabin, noisy engine and below average handling.
The video below is a demonstration of how agile the BR-V is. This video was produced in 2017, before the Aruz/all-new Rush was introduced.
What about other alternatives if you still require 7-seat capacity and within a similar budget? The ageing Nissan Grand Livina is available with the highest engine output (1.8 litres) but safety equipment of two airbags and ABS has not been updated since its debut in 2007. We expect
a new Grand Livina based on the Mitsubishi Xpander
 to materialize within this year.
The Toyota Avanza, the basic vehicle platform for the Perodua Aruz/Toyota Rush, shares similarly low levels of safety features as the Grand Livina. The Toyota Avanza is also
due for a facelift, as seen in the
spy shots
 that made its rounds in Indonesia
.
Summary:
Like everything else in life, there are pros and cons to each car. The Perodua Aruz wows with its high level of safety and convenience features, with the bonus of being the cheapest of the trio. Its sister-car the Toyota Rush adds a 360-degree panoramic view parking camera and blind spot warning, but asks for about RM15,000 more too. The Honda BR-V does not match the high level of features fitted on the Aruz/Rush but it drives the best and is the most comfortable of the trio.
Learn more about the:
Honda BR-V - The Car That Middle-Class Malaysia Needs
Toyota Rush 1.5S - Fully Loaded For The Safety-Conscious Families


MRT Putrajaya Line Phase 2 officiated by PMX - free rides until March 31st

Phase 2 of the MRT Putrajaya Line
 has been opened following roughly 9 months of operational testing while the earlier completed Phase One had been running smoothly but seeing only mild passenger numbers.

A lot of us have been patiently awaiting this as it’s the second part of the Putrajaya line that comprised the bulk of stations within high density and high interest areas, such as within Kuala Lumpur city and Putrajaya itself, including a transit point onto the KLIA Express.

At the officiation where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and
Transport Minister Anthony Loke
 were in attendance, the former announced that all rides on the new light rail service would be free of charge until 11:59pm on March 31st.

This will commence from 3pm today where MRT Putrajaya Line Phase 2 will be fully open to the public, so get planning on how to make the most of your journey if you’re heading to any of the areas the new route passes by.

Phase 2 completes the Putrajaya Line’s total of 36 stations, of which 17 will have park-and-ride facilities. This brings the grand total to 6,416 parking bays now open and available to commuters with stations Sungai Buloh and Putrajaya boasting a respective 1,236 and 1,000 bays respectively.

According to service operator Prasarana Berhad, the line will be serviced by 49 fully autonomously controlled trains between 6am and midnight with each one able to transport a maximum of 1,200 passengers. Frequency will vary between 7-10 minutes during off-peak hours and as little as 4-6 minutes during peak periods on weekdays.


Uber Welcomes Budget 2017’s RM4,000 Rebate And BRIM Aid For Purchase Of Proton Iriz

Following Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s announcement that BR1M recipients will soon be able to use their handout as downpayment for a Proton Iriz with a RM4,000 rebate, Uber Malaysia has announced that it welcomes the recognition that Uber can play a role in uplifting the lives of everyday Malaysians.
In statement released to the press late evening, Leon Foong, General Manager, Uber Malaysia said:
“We are delighted that the Government and Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak have recognised how Uber can positively impact the socioeconomic status of Malaysians in the B40 segment. By providing the choice to earn at the touch of a button to Malaysians from all walks of life, driver-partners can provide for themselves and their families, as well as have greater independence to pursue their dreams.
“We are also thrilled to be engaging Proton, the national car manufacturer, and as a partner, and will make an announcement with more details soon. This is the first of its kind in the world for Uber. Just as Uber has been a key pioneer in the ridesharing industry, Proton has also pioneered the automotive industry in Malaysia. We share the same vision to drive Malaysia forward through technological innovation and creating economic opportunities.
“The initiative clearly provides tangible growth and economic empowerment. It is also a clear win for the ridesharing industry and shows forward-thinking leadership. We commend the Malaysian Government for this astute, people-centric Budget!
“Wherever we operate, Uber has positively impacted people and cities and we have positively contributed to the local economy. Ridesharing is here to stay and Uber will certainly continue to do our part in improving urban mobility in Malaysia.”
Earlier today, Prime Minister had in his Budget 2017 speech said that drivers of ride-sharing apps like Uber have the potential to earn up to RM1,500 a month if the drive part-time between 10 and 40 hours a week, while full-time drivers who work over 40 hours a week can earn up to RM4,300.
The initiative is aimed at improving the income levels of B40 Malaysians (bottom 40 percent household income group. Only BR1M recipients who don’t already own a car are allowed to use their BR1M handout as a downpayment for a Proton Iriz with RM4,000 rebate.
The state-owned investment arm Khazanah Nasional has indirect interest in Uber Technologies Inc via global growth equity investment General Atlantic LLC, while Malaysia’s second-largest pension fund, Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) has reportedly investing over RM120 million in Uber.


Alpine A110 On Display At Renault PJ

One of the hottest French cars in the last decade or so has finally arrived - will we be able to buy it?

One of the more peculiar appearances this month has been the arrival of a
relatively compact, mid-engined sports car
 at one of the Renault dealerships - specifically the one in Petaling Jaya.

The car in question is the
Alpine A110
 - and it has been made very clear that this is only a display unit, and not one that's up for sale (yet). Prices have been guesstimated to be anywhere between RM 500,000 and RM 700,000.

For a quick recap, the Alpine A110 is essentially packing the same powertrain as the Renault Megane RS, being a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired exclusively with a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

The Alpine A110 makes 252 PS and 320 Nm of torque, with an impressive kerb weight of 1,103 kg. There is a more fire-breathing version of it known as the A110S that makes 292 PS and various other performance improvements.

A colleague reminded us that there is no smoke if there is no fire. If there is demand might we see this Alpine on Malaysian roads? For now, TC Euro Cars are remaining tight-lipped about any solid interest locally but time will tell...

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MINI Malaysia Outs The Countryman Blackheath Edition

The
MINI
 Countryman Blackheath Edition has been released as the marque’s first-ever special edition of the British crossover made available to Malaysian buyers. There’s no surprise as to what  motif the Blackheath has in mind.

As the name would suggest, one that’s taken from the dark shrub land of Blackheath in South East London,  it wears an exterior that’s dressed in some very dark shades of gloss and matte black.

To be fair, the Blackheath does also feature a pair of contrasting bonnet stripes finished with a matte grey ‘Brushed Aluminium’ effect. All the other accent items, however, have been given a piano black treatment.

Stepping inside, the blackout theme continues with Carbon Cross Black Punch (actual name) leather seats and yet more piano black trim pieces. There’s also a 360-watt Harman/Kardon stereo, if that’s your thing.

With just 48 units of the car headed our way, there’s no doubting the exclusivity, but some may balk at the RM253,888 price tag - some RM21,000 more than the standard MINI Countryman in Cooper S guise.

Under the bonnet is the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from BMW’s B48 family and paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It chucks out 192hp and 280Nm that lets the Countryman Blackheath sprints to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.