Fasa 1 MRT Laluan Putrajaya Mula Beroperasi 16 Jun 2022

Fasa 1
Transit Aliran Massa (MRT) Laluan Putrajaya
 dilaporkan akan mula beroperasi pada jam 3 petang, 16 Jun ini, bagi memberikan ketersambungan dan akses lebih baik untuk orang ramai.

Pembukaan Fasa 1 Laluan Putrajaya ini akan memberikan penumpang pengalaman pertukaran tren yang lancar dan lebih pantas ke MRT laluan Kajang ekoran platform yang terletak aras sama di stesen Kwasa Damansara.

Fasa 1 MRT Laluan Putrajaya

Fasa 1 dengan 12 stesen pertama dari Kwasa Damansara ini, melibatkan jajaran sepanjang 17.5 km. Di mana tempoh waktu perjalanan tren dari Kwasa Damansara ke Kampung Batu dianggarkan dalam 24 minit.

Tambah pihak MRT, MRT Laluan Putrajaya akan membawa orang ramai lebih dekat kepada alam semula jadi dengan menawarkan sambungan ke Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia dan Taman Metropolitan Kepong.

Berdasarkan laporan FMT, MRT Corporation berkata 12 stesen akan dibuka dalam Fasa 1 seperti:

Kwasa Damansara

Kampung Selamat

Sungai Buloh

Damansara Damai

Sri Damansara Barat

Sri Damansara Sentral

Sri Damansara Timur

Metro Prima, Kepong Baru

Jinjang

Sri Delima

Kampung Batu

Bas pengantara dan
bas GoKL
 akan disediakan di stesen bagi menyambungkan destinasi pertama dan terakhir.

Pada mulanya, laluan itu dijadualkan mula beroperasi pada Ogos 2021, tetapi ditangguhkan ke pertengahan November lalu dan menghadapi kelewatan sekali lagi.

Sementara itu, Fasa 2 dari Kampung Batu ke Putrajaya dijadualkan mula beroperasi pada Januari 2023 jika mengikut perancangan awal.

Ia bakal melibatkan 24 stesen dari 36 stesen keseluruhannya dengan jajaran sepanjang 57.7 km. Daripada jajajaran tersebut, 38.7 km merupakan laluan bertingkat manakala 13.5 km merupakan laluan bawah tanah.


Boleh Rentas Negeri Jika Negara Capai 90% Kadar Vaksinasi Dewasa

Rakyat Malaysia bakal diberi kebenaran
merentas negeri
 setelah Malaysia mencapai 90% kadar vaksinasi dewasa.

Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Khas Pengurusan Pandemik COVID-19 yang dipengerusikan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob telah bersetuju dengan keputusan itu berdasarkan data, analisis serta penilaian risiko semasa yang telah dibuat oleh KKM dan MKN. Jika kadar 90% dicapai, lebih banyak pusat-pusat pelancongan, pulau-pulau atau kawasan pelancongan akan dibuka kepada umum.

Setakat ini, selepas 8 bulan pelaksanaan Program Imunisasi COVID-19 Kebangsaan (PICK) dijalankan, Malaysia telah berjaya melebihi
kadar 80%
 daripada penduduk dewasa yang lengkap menerima vaksin COVID-19.

Antara ketetapan lain yang dipersetujui semasa Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Khas Pengurusan Pandemik COVID-19 adalah membenarkan kedai runcit, mini market, restoran,
stesen minyak
 dan kedai serbaneka untuk beroperasi dari jam 6 pagi hingga 12 malam berkuatkuasa 23 September 2021.

Selain itu, operasi perniagaan spa, pusat kesihatan (wellness) dan urut kesihatan dibenarkan kepada pengungjung dan operator yang lengkap menerima vaksin bermula 1 Oktober 2021.

Pusat/premis/produk pelancongan seperti zoo, perladangan, akuarium, snorkeling, selam skuba, memancing dan taman rimba turut dibenarkan beroperasi di semua fasa PPN berkuatkuasa 1 Oktober 2021. Ia hanya terhad kepada pengusaha dan pengunjung yang lengkap divaksin sahaja.

Bagi setiap perniagaan yang diberi kebenaran beroperasi, kadar kehadiran pekerja yang dibenarkan adalah pada kapasiti penuh 100% dengan syarat majikan serta semua pekerja telah lengkap divaksin.

Perdana Menteri turut mengumumkan 3 negeri akan melalui
Peralihan Fasa PPN
 iaitu Negeri Sembilan ke Fasa 4, Pahang ke Fasa 3 dan Johor ke Fasa 2. Peralihan fasa ini mengikut garis panduan yang ditetapkan oleh Pelan Pemulihan Negara (PPN) dengan mengambil kira kemasukan ke hospital bagi kes bergejala, penggunaan katil Unit Rawatan Rapi (ICU) serta peratusan lengkap divaksinasi.

Selain itu, warganegara Malaysia tidak perlu menanggung kos ujian RT-PCR COVID-19 ketika tiba di pintu masuk negara. Sebaliknya, hanya warga asing yang perlu menanggung sendiri kos ujian tersebut.

Terdahulu, kerajaan telah mengumumkan untuk membuka lebih banyak destinasi pelancongan seperti
Melaka, Genting Highlands dan Pulau Tioman
 kepada pelancong domestik sebagai destinasi gelembung pelancongan baharu setelah
pembukaan Langkawi
 memberi perkembangan positif.

Dengan segala
kelonggaran
 yang diberikan kerajaan ini, kerajaan menyeru supaya ianya dapat dimanfaatkan sepenuhnya oleh rakyat dengan penuh disiplin dan bertanggungjawab bagi memerangi virus COVID-19.


Mercedes-Benz Automated Valet Parking is the Future

Well, it looks like Bosch and Daimler have finally done it. The solution to all our parking problems is here- at least in proof of concept form. It's the Automated Valet Parking and it's available at Daimler's multi-storey car park in their museum in Stuttgart. Through a smartphone app, owners can get the car to park itself autonomously while they carry on with their activities.
Through the use of sensors in both the car and the parking structure, the onboard systems can navigate a car park to an empty parking space without hte need for human oversight. The system is the first step towards a full working automated parking infrastructure that may eventually be rolled out nationally, regionally, or globally. This is perhaps the second most desired part of autonomous driving, after intelligent cruise control for traffic jams.


Sime Darby Motors To Bring In BYD Into Malaysia?

Word on the street is that
Sime Darby Motors
 is currently in talks to bring
China's BYD
 EV brand offering into the Malaysian market soon.

As reported by
The Edge
, Sime Darby Motors is looking to bring in 2,000 units into the country before the year ends, and we have a strong suspicion that it might just be the
BYD Atto 3 EV
.

10,000 more units incoming for 2023?

It's already the middle of September, so if the news is indeed true, 2,000 units of BYDs will enter the local market in the coming months and that's just a start, folks. Sources have also indicated that another 10,000 units will make their way into Malaysia in 2023.

With the ever-growing EV market, there's an increase in demand for more affordable models which are currently being left mostly unattended here in Malaysia. Sime Darby Motors is already well on its way towards EV adoption thanks to some very notable EVs under its wings such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 to name a few.

Sime Darby Motors in 'initial discussions' with BYD

The Edge also quoted that Sime Darby Motors is still in initial discussions with BYD regarding the matter which is still ongoing. Looking at its EV portfolio which consists of brands like BMW, Porsche, Volvo, Hyundai, and Kia, it'll most likely get finalised in the near future.

According to the Sime Darby Group, "Sime Darby Motors continues to grow our line-up of EVs via our partnerships with global brands. Besides BMW, other EVs in our portfolio include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Kona EV, Porsche Taycan, and Volvo XC40, with many other models in the pipeline."

Sub-RM150k for the BYD Atto 3?

With the BYD Atto 3 already making its presence in our neighbouring countries like Singapore, Australia, and most notably Thailand, it's just a matter of time before they're on our Malaysian roads. We've estimated that it might be sold within the range of RM100,000 to RM150,000, but that's an educated guess for now.

The BYD Atto 3 produces 201hp but more importantly carries a 60.4kWh battery that is said to cover around 480km. If the pricing is done right, it'll surely boost Malaysia's EV adoption to greater heights as more folks are able to afford them.


Will Malaysia Get The 3rd-Gen Honda HR-V In 2022? Here's What We Know.....

We’re about a year past the point where
the 3rd-generation Honda HR-V
 was first revealed to the world in production form. It’s reached Europe and other Asian countries, even our nearest neighbouring countries, but has so far eluded a Malaysian premiere. Is 2022 the year we see it on our shores?

As has become a typical occurrence, Malaysia is behind the curve when it comes to receiving the latest and greatest vehicles from the various auto manufacturers. In the case of Honda, the 11th-generation Honda Civic, City,
and City Hatchback
 only got its local debut after Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

So it goes - again - with the newest 3rd-generation HR-V. At the time of writing, the Indonesian market is being primed for its imminent launch having already gotten its market entrance in Thailand (November 2021) and Singapore even before that (June 2021).

However, despite being late to the party, the Malaysian market does end up receiving the bulk of goodies that other markets had earlier access to. For example, with exception of
the smaller 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine
in the City sedan and Hatchback, those cars arrived with the majority of their spec sheets intact, so we can expect the same for the all-new HR-V.

Since HR-V’s eventual local introduction is a question of ‘when’, not ‘if’, this also means we can make some educated guesses on what exactly will be available in showrooms when the time comes.

What Does It Improve On?

Honda would sure provide a blanket answer, declaring “Everything is better!” - but that might not be too far removed from reality. The outgoing model, the 2nd-gen HR-V was a beast
in terms of all-round usability and practicality
 and, despite its age (since 2013), still manages to put up a strong fight against much newer B-segment crossover rivals.

Obviously, the first aspect of the all-new model worth talking about is the exterior design. It boasts a much more squarish silhouette while retaining the rounded edges that give it a visual link to the
11th-gen Civic
 and Accord.

In a sense, it does look sportier even in base trim and without the RS cosmetic extras. The rake of the rear windscreen itself gives a ‘coupe-SUV’ impression, so it’s pretty clear that Honda trying to make the new model appeal to a younger crowd.

The 3rd-gen HR-V is built on the new Honda Global (Small Car) architecture that’s shared with
the 4th-generation Jazz
 and will underpin the majority of future passenger models from the brand. Though the main purpose of the unified platform is to streamline costs by expanding modularity, it does introduce improved structural integrity, increased cabin volume, reduced weight, better drivability, and better support for electrified powertrains.

Add to that the claimed refinement and handling benefits of the more rigid yet lighter body as well as the new bushings, mounts, and retuned suspension, and it should easily surpass the older model's more conservative driving manner.

Powertrain - You'll Have Options

A headline change here is the absence of legacy engines. Instead of a carry-over 1.8-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated four-cylinder, we see a switch to the exclusive use of the newer 1.5-litre mills.

As with our neighbouring markets, the standard engine is expected to be the now-established L15B. However, it arrives in the all-new HR-V without a turbocharger and has reduced output of 118PS and 142Nm
just like City E, S, and V variants
.

A notch up the pecking order we find the e:HEV version with Honda's i-MMD hybrid system (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive). It uses the same engine, albeit one that runs the more efficient Atkinson combustion cycle, to power an electric traction motor that delivers 106PS and 253Nm to the front wheels.

You’ll notice these are identical figures
to that of the City RS
 and City Hatchback RS, but given the extra bulk of the HR-V, we’re not expecting identical performance. It’ll be interesting to compare the Honda against its rivals in the Malaysian market as the majority of them do deliver more grunt and pace on paper, but we might be pleasantly surprised come launch.

Interior - Lagilah Premium

By volume, the all-new HR-V is slightly down on its predecessor thanks to being slightly shorter from nose to tail. It's lower too, but 20mm wider than before to accommodate its lower-slung coupe-like body.

That said, Honda has sought to keep the cabin experience in their newest crossover a commodious one, utilising its much-known use of excellent interior packaging to yield unexpected levels of cabin space which should at least be on par with the outgoing model in terms of shoulder room (extra width?) and is claimed to improve on legroom despite the same wheelbase length of 2,610mm. Headroom could be a weakness, though, thanks to that heavily raked rear screen.

Upfront, the dashboard has seen a total overhaul and adopts floating (but with a sizeable back panel) 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and
full-width look HVAC vents as the 11th-gen Civic
. Buttons on the centre stack have been reduced to ones surrounding a trio of knobs for climate control and some extras on the multi-function steering wheel, giving a very minimal aesthetic overall.

Honda Connect
 plays a larger role in the all-new HR-V, though its breadth of ability is contingent on the background infrastructure available locally, and in Japan is even able to support having its own in-vehicle WiFi network, but like the panoramic glass roof, we’re unlikely to receive that in Malaysia.

Honda Sensing - It's About Time!

Arguably, the big headlining feature here is the full inclusion of the
Honda Sensing suite
, something that the outgoing model sorely lacks, being the only current model in the Malaysian line-up to not support active safety.

When it does arrive, and knowing that it cannot afford to lose further ground to competitors, we expect the majority of the incoming range to feature some Sensing tech, if not the full complement altogether.

Still, seeing as how the City and City Hatchback only arrive with LaneWatch in the 1.5V, we’re not holding our breath for anything but the usual 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control in the base variants with Sensing reserved for the top-rung petrol-only variant and the e:HEV.

In those guises, buyers will be treated to autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and front departure alert. Also of note is the continuing absence of rear cross traffic alert.

So…When Is It Launching?

Good question! Our best guess would be the second half of 2022 based on what we’ve been hearing of the upcoming Indonesia-spec HR-V that will significantly overlap with the ones we can expect in local showrooms (see the section below).

Add to the near back-to-back launches of the Honda City Hatchback and 11th-gen Civic, both being locally assembled putting stresses on Honda’s manufacturing facility in Pagoh, Melaka which is only expected to ease further into the year.

As was the case with both aforementioned cars, Honda is unlikely to greenlight a Malaysian debut should the all-new HR-V not be ready in volume for post-launch customer deliveries as a locally-assembled (CKD) model. Accumulating that initial inventory will take time, of course, but will be a much smoother undertaking given the established foundations/experience of producing the i-MMD hybrid powertrain for the City e:HEV.

Ada VTEC Turbo?

The fortunate aspect of a delayed launch only after a few of the major ASEAN markets have received their lot of HR-Vs is the possibility of alterations after the initial rollout.

Recent filings by Honda with the Indonesian tax office seem to confirm the existence of a third powertrain option, that being the
1.5-litre VTEC Turbo lifted from the Civic
, which is expected to be offered in lieu of the e:HEV hybrid when the HR-V makes its national debut there later in February.

Should this be the case, this engine can be assumed to be included (or at least considered) for the subsequent Malaysian launch as well. Outputs should be similar, if not a match, to the previous 10th-gen Civic 1.5 TC-P at 173PS and 220Nm, mated to the usual Honda CVT. As certain markets - such as China, where it's called the XR-V - did receive the older 2nd-gen HR-V with the VTEC Turbo mill, this isn't an unprecedented move.

While the incoming HR-V e:HEV is busy trading efficient punches
with the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
, the gutsier turbocharged powerplant should stand it in good stead against other force inducted B-segment rivals such as the Proton X50 and
Hyundai Kona 1.6T
.

In this case, Malaysia will be the only ASEAN market (at least for a time) to offer both petrol engines - the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre and turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol - alongside the i-MMD hybrid. Those are three powertrain options to cater to the needs or preferences of Malaysian buyers!


Mitsubishi Triton VGT Premium Launched; 2.4 MIVEC Diesel, RM116k

Following the introduction of the
Triton VGT (AT) GL
 spec model in September, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has added yet another variant to the Triton range for our market, the Triton VGT AT Premium.
In the expanded Triton line-up, the new Triton VGT AT Premium variant slots in between the range-topping Adventure X and the aforementioned GL model. Equipment-wise, the new variant adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and reverse camera, and is priced at RM116,300 OTR without insurance.
There’s a total of six Triton variants to choose from now:
No
Variant
OTR Price (RM) without insurance GST inclusive in Peninsular Malaysia
1
Triton VGT Adventure X
126,990.00
2
Triton VGT AT Premium (New)
116,300.00
3
Triton VGT AT GL (New)
103,800.00
4
Triton VGT MT
107,600.00
5
Triton MT
93,920.00
6
Triton Quest
77,390.00
Meanwhile, the Triton Adventure X also receives an update in the form of a newly designed ‘Sports Bar’ and is priced at RM126,990 OTR without insurance.
The Triton is powered by a 2.4-litre Mivec turbodiesel engine which delivers 181 PS of power and 430 Nm of torque.
Another recent addition to the Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia line-up is the ASX Adventure, a 60-unit limited special with updates such as a new front grille, rear bumper garnish, side door and fender garnish, replete with new 18-inch alloy wheels.
On the inside, the ASX Adventure comes with a ‘Sporty Blue’ accents on the door trim and leather seats. The ASX Adventure also comes with aluminium pedals and air vent rings for a premium touch in the cabin.
The ASX Adventure is only available in 2WD guise priced at RM123,988, finished in Sporty Blue metallic colour and comes with five-year warranty package with unlimited mileage.
Mitsubishi Triton models are imported as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) vehicles from Mitsubishi’s plant in Thailand. All Triton models (except the Triton Quest) are offered with a 5-year or 200,000 km warranty. The Mitsubishi ASX is assembled locally at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) plant in Segambut.
In conjunction with the year-end holidays, Mitsubishi is also offering customers cash bonuses of up to RM11,000 for selected ASX variants and RM8,000 for selected Triton variants for bookings and registrations made before 31st December 2017.


How To Jump Start A Car That Doesn't Have An Accessible Battery

More and more cars are starting not to have the battery in the engine bay, so how on Earth do you jump start it if you have to?

A jump start is a method of starting a car that has a discharged or dead battery. A temporary connection through jumper cables is made from a healthy battery to a bad one where the healthy battery supplies electrical charges to the bad one and provides enough power to crank the engine.

Knowing how to jump-start a car should be part and parcel of being a motorist because you never know when you might need to help someone who has a dead battery, or even yourself.

Jump starting a car is a straightforward process or it's supposed to be at least; that's if the battery is exposed. But with more and more modern vehicles hiding their batteries in locations where it is inaccessible, it can get a bit mind-boggling and tedious.

Before learning how to jump start a car that doesn't have an exposed battery, you must know the basic method first.

Exposed battery

If the battery is exposed, it's pretty much a simple process. Be sure that both cars are off at the beginning of this process.

Clamp one end of the positive (RED cable) jumper cable to the positive terminal on the bad battery.

Clamp the other end of the positive cable (RED cable) to the healthy battery.

Clamp one end of the negative (BLACK cable) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.

Clamp the other negative (BLACK cable) cable to a clean unpainted metal surface in the engine bay of the other car with the bad battery. Some tend to clamp the end of the cable to the negative terminal, but it's best practice not to do so as it may ignite hydrogen gas directly over the battery.

Start the car that has the healthy battery; run for 2 to 3 minutes before starting dead car.

Remove the jumper cables in reverse order. Keep the jumped car running for at least 30 minutes to give battery sufficient time to recharge. Drive it around for about 30 minutes.

Inaccessible battery

When vehicle manufacturers decide to stuff the car's battery in inaccessible places, they did come up with a backup plan. They are usually in the form of an auxiliary battery terminal in the engine bay. The process is the same as the one mentioned above but instead, you will be doing this through the auxiliary terminal.

An auxiliary battery terminal should be in the engine bay and would look like something in the picture above. They are often not coloured red so lookout for a positive symbol. Remove the cap or plastic piece and clamp the positive cable there. The rest of the process is similar to the exposed battery method. Just make sure you find a naked part (paintless) of the engine bay for the negative terminal. Sometimes a bolt can also be used.


Video: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) CKD To Launch On 20 Apr?

It’s interesting times for the premium executive buyer in Malaysia. Last week’s launch of the all-new
Volvo S90 and V90
 is set to be swiftly followed by the all-new
G30 BMW 5 Series
 tomorrow. The
W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
, which was newly-launched only last year, suddenly finds itself becoming the segment’s elder statesperson.
Well, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia still has an ace up its sleeve. On the eve of the launch of the E-Class’ greatest rival, a teaser video pops up on Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s official Facebook page announcing the coming of ‘The next Masterpiece of Intelligence’ on 20 April.
As we all know, The Masterpiece of Intelligence is Mercedes-Benz’s marketing tagline for the current generation E-Class, so the video quite obviously insinuates at the arrival of a new E-Class variant, but what?
It could be the
E-Class Coupe
, but we are more likely looking at the roll-out of CKD variants of the E-Class Sedan which, as
twice reported
 earlier on
Carlist.my
, was slated for a Q1 2017 launch.
There is no official word on the CKD model mix, but the current
CBU line-up
 of the E-Class consists of the
184hp E200
, 211hp E250, and 245hp E300. We expect the plug-in hybrid E350e to join the party either in conjunction with the CKD launch or at a later date, benefitting from EEV tax incentives.


Dongfeng Nissan Commences Production Of Nissan Sylphy EV

Dongfeng Nissan, Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group of China, has started production of the Sylphy Zero Emission at its Huadu plant.
This is Nissan’s first all-electric vehicle built in China specifically for the Chinese market. The Sylphy Zero Emission is built using a combination of knowledge gained from the Nissan Leaf and the platform of the Sylphy, Nissan’s best-selling sedan in China.
Power comes from an electric motor that does 80 kW and 254 Nm, hooked up to a 38 kWh battery. According to Nissan, the Sylphy Zero Emission’s theoretical range is 338 km.
The Nissan Sylphy Zero Emission is also rather feature-laden, as the model is fitted with a reverse camera, anti-glare rear view mirror, Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA).
Hiroto Saikawa, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s president and CEO said, “China is already the world’s largest automotive market. But China isn’t just a leader in terms of market size: It stands at the forefront of the development of the industry itself. The market is now evolving extremely quickly, especially in the areas of electrification and connectivity. In fact, China is expected to lead the world in the adoption and spread of EVs in the coming years. We’re confident that the Sylphy Zero Emission rolling off the production line today will become a main player in the EV market here. It’s going to pave the way for our Nissan Intelligent Mobility strategy in the Chinese market."
Prices start from CNY 166,000 (~RM 99,912) for the Sylphy Zero Emission.


Hyundai Creta Sketch Shown: All-New Subcompact SUV From Korea

With a booming segment like the subcompact SUV trending like it is these days (think
HR-V
,
CX-3
,
EcoSport
 etc.) it’s with little surprise that
Hyundai
 is looking to get in on the action.
After
announcing the name ‘Creta’ just last week
, the Korean carmaker has now revealed design sketches of its upcoming subcompact SUV. And it looks remarkably familiar, because reserved for the Chinese market is subcompact SUV the company calls its ix25 (concept for now, launching later this year), and we can’t help but notice the design similarities.
The Creta is going to be a global model, which means that yes, it does have a shot at coming to Malaysia if Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (the local distributors) see it fit to face off against the Honda HR-V, Ford EcoSport, and coming Mazda CX-3.
The Creta, like its ix25 cousin, will sit a segment just below the Tucson: a car also known as the ix30 in foreign markets.
For now, we understand that the Creta will first make its full debut in India before the end of the year, and will then on make its way to other global markets.
In China, the existing and very similar ix25 offers various 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines that offer power outputs that range between 123hp to 158hp. That, along with the choice of transmissions will be shaken up to match each market the Creta joins, as expected.
But what do you think? Would this be something to consider over the Honda HR-V, Ford EcoSport types?
Here's a look at the ix25 Concept from the Beijing Auto Show 2014:


Malaysia’s First Emission Test Centre Launched

The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) together with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and Department of Environment (DOE) have jointly launched the country’s first National Emission Test Centre (NETC) in Rawang.
The NETC, located near the Perodua manufacturing plant cost RM50 million to set up, will be operated by MAI and will be available to all vehicle manufacturers locally and regionally (ASEAN) for testing of emissions standard and fuel consumption in accordance to UN Regulations R83 and R101.
“As Malaysia moves to improve energy efficiency in transportation, reducing carbon emissions is vital to meet global standards. The NETC, being the first full-fledged emission test centre in the country, will serve OEMs operating in Malaysia and the ASEAN region,” said Dato’ Madani Sahari, CEO of MAI.
The emissions lab is equipped with a soak room (to prepare the test vehicle to stabilized ambient temperature) and an emissions chassis dynamometer within a climatic chamber which can adjust the labs ambient temperature to replicate hotter climates. Data sampling equipment as well as a control room are all within the proximity of the lab.
Technicians operating the NETC have received training and certification from the centre’s technology partner Daihatsu Motor Co. There is also a plan to include motorcycles and commercial vehicles in the near future.
Emissions tests are a requirement for vehicles to comply with JPJ’s (Road Transport Department) Vehicle Type Approval and EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certification.  With the establishment of the NETC, MAI foresees a significant reduction in testing and certification cost plus faster test cycle times for OEMs/vehicle manufacturers, versus the current practice of having it done overseas.
In conjunction with the NETC launch was the introduction of the Voluntary EEV Labelling scheme. The label, to be placed on EEV certified vehicles is also planned to contain added information such as ASEAN NCAP safety rating. In 2017,
52% of new models introduced are certified as EEV
, surpassing MAI's internal target of 50%.
The label serves as an awareness platform for consumers on a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and emissions, as Malaysia is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 45% by year 2030, as according to the Paris Agreement.
Alongside the test centre launch and labelling introduction, MAI signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) – one with Department on Environment (DOE) and one with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
The MOU with DOE aims to enhance collaboration in furthering initiatives towards environmental preservation. Both parties aim to develop a pool of experts in environmental conservation, strengthen research and technical support for pollution source data collection, policies, and technology roadmaps for the automotive industry.
The MOU with UKM is to increase government-academic cooperation with the Faculty of Economics and Management, and to engage the faculty as a university-industrial partner for information exchange in fields related to teaching, student development, innovation and commercialization.


All-New Honda Civic By 2022 - Next Type R Could Be Made In USA, Might Be Electric

By now, you would’ve read that Honda will be shutting down its
Swindon plant in the UK by 2021
. The company says the move is related to necessary restructuring in the face of significant challenges of electrification but we all know the real reason – Brexit.
The UK’s Swindon plant only makes Civic hatchback models, and is also the world’s source for the Civic Type R. So the announcement also indirectly means that the Civic Type R will retire in 2021.
In fact, Honda’s official announcement specifically mentioned that the plant will close “….at the end of the current model’s production lifecycle.”
No announcement has been made regarding the future of the Civic Type R but CEO Takahiro Hachigo’s speech yesterday on organizational changes did mention that the Civic hatchback could be produced in (but not limited to) North America - but he stopped short of confirming if it refers to the Type R as well.
“Our automobile production plant in the U.K., Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing or HUM for short, is currently supplying one model, the Civic Hatchback, to global markets. However, with due consideration of the global production allocation for the future, we intend to produce it in other regions including North America, starting from the next-generation model,” said Hachigo.
Assuming that there will be a next generation Civic Type R, USA is a logical production site since it is the largest market for the Type R. Unofficial data gathered by Carlist.my suggests that the Swindon plant makes about 5,000 Civic Type Rs annually, and about two-thirds of it are exported to the USA.
It is also worth pointing out that although UK makes the car, the car’s K20C engine is made in Ohio, USA. So it actually makes perfect sense for Honda to move manufacturing of the Civic Type R to its largest market, and save the hassle of shipping Type R engines across the Atlantic.
On a related note, Honda has also announced that it will be terminating manufacturing of the Civic sedan in Turkey, also in 2021.
All of which suggests that the current generation Civic, which was announced in 2015 before going on sale in 2016, will retire in 2021. An all-new model can be expected by 2022, a fairly reasonable timeline considering a model’s typical five- to seven-year lifecycle.
As for Europe, Hachigo said that in response to tightening environmental regulations there, Honda will bring forward its goal of making two-thirds of its new cars electrified five years earlier, to 2025.
At the same time, Hachigo said that producing electrified vehicles in Europe is difficult. Instead Honda Europe will deepen its collaboration with Honda’s operations in China, a country which is intensively promoting electric vehicles and thus shares similar regulatory direction with Europe.
“In particular, based on the direction of strengthening inter-regional collaboration that I mentioned earlier, we will strategically strengthen the foundation of our business in Europe, including electrification, through collaboration with our operations in China, where the direction of environmental regulations is similar to that of Europe. This will include utilizing a common product lineup,” he said.
In other words, Europe will share more electric or plug-in hybrid Honda models with China.
Honda will be announcing its
first series production EV model
 at next month's Geneva Motor Show. First previewed as the Urban EV Concept in 2017, the upcoming EV model is said to be a reinterpretation of the first generation Civic, but with an electric twist.
Making a further extension on that matter, we wonder if it could also imply that the next generation Civic Type R will be a hybrid like the NSX? Sounds sacrilegious but this is no longer 1995. We live in a world where people say a 200 plus horsepower Toyota 86 is considered slow and an old school naturally aspirated Type R will fail every emissions and safety test today.
Back in 2015, we test drove a
300 PS all-electric all-wheel drive CR-Z prototype
, and it hugged tight corners and accelerate way harder than any Type R model we’ve driven. Could this be the beginning of an electrified Type R era?


2017 New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Drives Itself Off The Production Line

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class has just set a new standard in automotive production, by being able to drive itself off the assembly line autonomously.
For the official commencement of the facelifted S-Class’ production at the Sindelfingen plant, an S560 4Matic drove independently off the final assembly line, without a driver at the wheel for 1.5km to the loading area within the plant.
The car uses a network of newly developed and patented camera, radar and ultrasonic sensor technology that works in conjunction with powerful software to accelerate and brake the vehicle independently.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain commented, “The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class sets worldwide standards for safety, comfort, connectivity, and is on the road to automated driving. The S-Class's independent journey from the production line to the plant's loading area shows the future of how we will be able to use driver assistance systems in production,”
He added, “Perhaps, in the not too distant future, a Mercedes-Benz will even find its own way from the production line to its new owner”.
The Sindelfingen plant is actively studying the possible use of the system for series production and investigating its future potential. Proper implementation of autonomous driving within the plant would negate the need for plant staff to drive assembled cars to the loading area and then be shuttled back to the plant.
The start of production of the facelifted S-Class also brings about the introduction of Mercedes’ latest manufacturing technology and processes, dubbed Industry 4.0 in the assembly area. Industry 4.0 implements the close integration of complex IT systems and communication technology – resulting in the optimised flow of materials, improved manufacturing flexibility and efficiency, and enhanced ergonomics for the workforce.
The new S-Class, which celebrated its premiere in April at the
2017 Auto Shanghai
 motor show, and will be launched in Europe from the middle of July onwards.
Several new engines are planned for the new S-Class – inline-six cylinders diesel and petrol engines and a new V8 twin-turbo petrol engine. Mercedes-Benz also plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with an electric range of about 50 km.
The facelifted S-Class will also debut new technology such as 48-volt Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and electric booster compressor (eZV).
The top-of-the-range S-Class will feature the latest generation of the company’s Intelligent Drive suite. Features such as Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Steer Assist is able to keep which now automatically adjusts cruising speed ahead of curves or junctions in addition to active steering assistance.


Avoid Scammers - Watch Out For These Common Tactics

With an abundance of information and professional reviews, rarely does one have to do much ‘tyre kicking’; to find and negotiate a good deal these days. Unfortunately, the downside of the information age is the ever-present threat of online scams and cyber con-schemes that are all too ready to capitalise on the less informed of car buyers.

As the online listings grow ever larger, so do the magnitude and complexity of cyber scamming, but here are a few red flags to look out for during your next purchase.

The price is “too-good-to-be-true”

Photo credit:
www.pexels.com

The oldest trick in the book. Nothing quite attracts a prospective buyer like offering the deal of the century. But, beware, With the advent of online classifieds, there is ample transparency as to what the general market asks for a particular car. Even less knowledgeable sellers are inclined to perform market checks online before finally determining a reasonable selling price for their own vehicle – so anyone who would price a car much lower is mostly up to no good.

The scam will normally involve telling the prospective buyer that the car already has a confirmed purchaser, that will be coming on the day to pay a deposit. If you still want the vehicle, you’d have no choice but to wire transfer funds as a deposit, to secure your purchase. At which point, the seller detaches from the deal, with your money safely in his bank account.

What to do:

Speed is the ultimate weapon in a good scam, by making you believe you have limited time, one may be inclined to throw caution to the wind. Take your time, research prevailing market rates over time. Do not limit your searches just the classifieds, read up forums and arm yourself with good credible knowledge of the vehicle and speak with owners on what to look out for and the price you should pay.

In the case of older classic or collectible cars – your best guide will be to participate in classic car meets or convoys, more than often, existing owners are very happy to share their knowledge and experience, which can be a godsend on your next purchase. But if the deal sounds too good to be true, the chances are… it is!

Owner impersonation

Picture credit: Facebook, Chris Wee

To quote a friend's personal experience, he once found his own car re-advertised on an online classified site, months after the vehicle was actually sold. Pictures of the car were reuploaded, with a substantially lower asking price in an effort to lure unassuming buyers.

The scammer's modus operandi involved transferring a small sum or deposit to view and test drive the car, at which point, the "seller" detaches from the deal.

What to do:

Never pay a deposit, regardless of it being a small or large sum if you cannot see, start and drive the car first. Also, inspect the vehicle registration card and cross check the owner's name, engine and chassis code to see if they match up. If they don't, walk away.

In some cases, yes, owners may elect representatives or dealers in the event they’re unable to be around, but the buyer can also request to hold off on the deal until the owner is present – conclude final negotiations then.

Incomplete or fishy paperwork

Photo credit:
www.flickr.com

Photo credit:
www.puspakom.com.my

This is a growing occurrence and one that is not limited to just scam artists but unscrupulous used car dealers as well. A growing number of clone cars seem to be making their way in from Singapore, in most cases, these cars are due for scrappage after the vehicle’s Certificate of Entitlement (COE) expires, instead, are transported here by organised syndicates. At this point, these smuggled cars are given forged or downright fake documents and sold as legitimate second-hand cars.

What to do:

Always ask for the Puspakom inspection forms when purchasing a car. Most used car dealers will perform the inspection upon obtaining the car from a private seller or company, and in the case of a private purchase, request that a Puspakom inspection is done before you pay a deposit or down payment.

Puspakom even offers mobile inspection services that can be performed at the owner’s residence, where you as the buyer can be present as well. If the car was brought in from tax-free zones such as Labuan or Langkawi, request for official Royal Malaysian Customs documentation and get them verified prior to purchasing the car.

What you see is not what you get

Photo credit:
www.pexels.com

Photo credit:
www.flickr.com

It’s in the best interest of the seller to have attractive pictures of the car in order to attract buyers. However, if the actual car is substantially different from the ad, beware. Some pictures might deliberately be framed to hide certain issues or shortcomings of the car. In some other cases, unscrupulous sellers will also use pictures that are available online to advertise an otherwise incomplete or less than satisfactory vehicle.

What to do:

The best defense against this tactic is to arm yourself with ample knowledge of the vehicle. This ties in with the first point, by talking to existing owners and reading up forums, one is better equipped to suss out common problems find irregularities with the car. If you’re unsatisfied with what you see, walk away!

Buying With Confidence

One effective way of protecting yourself from unscrupulous sellers or used car dealers with a poor reputation is to look out for the
Trusted Dealer
 tag on the Carlist.my advertisement. A little green thumb on seller information field points out that the dealer is genuine, with a good history of providing good customer service and support.

A
 Trusted Dealer
 is required to uphold the best car selling practices, as defined and certified by Carlist.my. Every
Trusted Dealer
 ad is confirmed to meet the listing quality metrics and is reviewed and updated consistently by the advertiser to prevent misinformation. Prices are also updated frequently to provide the best deals to prospective buyers.


CIMB Launches 1-Minute Auto Financing InstaApproval

If you’ve ever had to go through the trouble of finding a loan when you’re looking to purchase a brand new car, you know how frustrating the process can be. It’s not merely whether you qualify for a loan, but rather the procession and the waiting periods that can really hamper your decision making process.
Part of the reason this comes about is because of the sheer amount of paperwork and slow manual processes that need to be executed before one can receive a decision and the necessary documents. One of the ways to speed this process up is what many outfits are moving to, but CIMB is the first to implement it within the auto financing industry.
With the launch of the CIMB 1-Minute Auto Financing InstaApproval digital platform, customers can receive approval for their financing within one minute of full information and document submission. This follows on from their 1-Minute Home Financing InstaApproval system that, as you guessed it, catered to housing loans. The system is fast, secure, paperless, and has the complete financing approval process online, involving things such as biometric fingerprint identification.
It’s important to note that these approvals are not conditional either, as some other banks have done when issuing loans. That is to say that once you receive the approval, CIMB will not rescind it pending other details. The approval comes complete with the issuance of a Letter of Undertaking and instant notification via SMS and email to the customer and car dealer.
The system is aimed at both new and used cars, with new car dealers being the first to adopt the system and used car dealers having the system introduced in the coming months. Of course, one cannot expect loans to be provided for vehicles of too old an age and such – it would still very much have to be a vehicle you would be able to get a loan for through traditional means.
For the time being, seven partners are participating – Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Ingress Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd, and UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd. More partners will come in the future.


Nissan Extends Takata Airbag Recall For Navara (D40), Grand Livina, X-Gear (L10)

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), together with Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Centre (TCEAS) today announced an additional recall campaign extension for its customers to replace the Driver and Front Passenger Takata Airbag Inflator module.
Approximately 11,971 units of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia have been identified to be affected in the Takata airbag inflator recall campaign as stated below:
The Nissan NP300 Navara which was launched in Malaysia on November 2015, as well as others current selling Nissan models are not affected.
Customers of the affected Nissan vehicles will be notified directly by letter through TCEAS, and are advised to call the nearest TCEAS outlet for an appointment.
Selected TCEAS outlets have extended operation hours and are open 365 days a year, making it easier for customers to service their vehicles on weekends and public holidays, as well as to alleviate capacity surge during this recall campaign.
As of June 2019, TCEAS has completed 99,670 vehicles or 56% of Takata airbag inflator replacements but many affected vehicles are yet to get their inflators replaced.
ETCM and TCEAS are also urging Nissan owners who have yet to undertake the replacement activity to urgently replace their affected Takata airbag inflator at the nearest TCEAS outlet to avoid any injury and fatality. As vehicle ownership may have changed over the years, current owners of these models are reminded to find out if their Nissan vehicle is involved in the recall campaign.
Customers may call Nissan Customer Care Centre toll-free line at 1800-88-3838 for further clarification or visit
www.nissan.com.my
 (click on ‘Owners’ tab followed by ‘Recall Campaign’) to find out if their Nissan vehicle is involved in this recall campaign. All labour and replacement parts for this service campaign will be at no cost to owners.
Additionally, ETCM is also providing Takata Airbag Inflators Replacement for affected Nissan vehicles during Nissan Test Drive Carnival over 2 weekends of 17th to 18th August, and  24th to 25th August respectively at selected ETCM showrooms across the nation.
Looking for a new Nissan? Get the best deals
here
.


Rappers May Have Just Found Their New Dream Ride - The 2017 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet

After the
Mercedes-Maybach S‑Class
 and the S650 Cabriolet, Mercedes’ luxury sub-brand has added its magic touch to a rather unexpected model – the open-top G‑Class.
The G650 Landaulet as what it is called, is Maybach’s first ever pickup truck to make it to its portfolio.
According to Maybach, this special all-terrain vehicle, which is limited to only 99 units, was designed to meet the expectations of customers who demand the very highest standards of their G-Classes.
Measuring 5345 mm long with a wheelbase length of 3428 mm and a height of 2235 millimetres, there is almost half a metre of ground clearance and ample space and comfort for four passengers.
Outside, there are exclusive "Landaulet" lettering worked into the rim flanges of the ceramically polished 22‑inch 5‑twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, front and rear underride guards, as well as large carbon fibre wheel-arch flares.
Inside, the rear seats are taken straight from the S-Class. And then, there is the electrically powered folding roof. There is also an electrically operated glass partition which separates the rear compartment from the driver's section. The best part is that the glass can be changed from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.
The seats, which can be set to a fully reclined position, also come with a massage function. The cherry on the cake however, has to be the large business console with thermal cup holders between the individual seats.
Similar to an aircraft seat, the centre console comes with two tables which can be easily folded in or out with one hand. The table tops have leather inserts to provide a comfortable writing surface or to allow the use of tablets and notebooks.
As elegant and luxurious as it is, the Landaulet G 650 is a complete beast, powered by the most powerful engine Mercedes has in its collection – a V12 biturbo engine which delivers a 630 hp and 1000 Nm of torque.
All the power is not only reserved for tarmac, but also for the beaten track. Similar to the AMG G63 6x6 and G500 4x42, the Landaulet comes fitted with portal axles which provide ample ground clearance, allowing the open-top all-terrain vehicle to overcome even extreme obstacles in masterly fashion.
Of course, the latest "G" also features the typical 100 per cent differential locks which can be engaged while on the move, as well as the low off-road ratio of the transfer case, making it a true off-roader that can take on the likes of Range Rovers and Jeeps.
Like all other variants of the G-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, too, will be produced by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. It is expected to make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017.


The 2023 Proton X90 will come in FOUR variants - 1.5TGDi BSG engine, six and seven-seater models

More details of the
2023 Proton X90
 were revealed earlier today during a media preview - and yes, we can finally confirm that Proton's upcoming D-segment SUV will be called the X90.

Moving to a more premium segment, the Proton X90 will come in four different variants - Standard, Executive, Premium, and of course, Flagship. All of them will be fitted with the same 1.5TGDi BSG mild-hybrid powertrain that produces 190PS and 300Nm of torque.

Compared to the 1.5TGDi engine found in the Proton X50, the addition of the Belt Start Generator or BSG in the Proton X90 (basically a 48V electric motor) will not only offer more power and torque but also an increase in fuel efficiency by 15%.

Speaking of variants, the 2023 Proton X90 will come in two different seating configurations - seven seats for the Standard, Executive, and Premium variants followed by a more 'premium' six-seat configuration for the range-topping Flagship model.

As for design, the 'evolution' found in the Proton X90 offers the new 'Sensual Prestige' exterior design which offers more premium-ness from the brand. This is highly portrayed via its new front grille that features jewel-like diamond shapes inspired by songket patterns to match with the X90's new 'Ethereal Bow'.

As for the 'Infinite Weave' grille design, you can still see its essence as part of the background for this new and more premium-looking grille. Not a bad party piece that's flanked with a set of full LED headlamps and sequential turn signals.

The side profile offers a more muscular yet dynamic profile that emphasises a lot on width and stability apart from just looking like the biggest Proton X model yet.

Riding on a set of 19-inch wheels with a dual five-spoke design, the X90 has indeed been given the premium touch compared to the X70 and X50 models. Hiding behind those is the X90's multi-link suspension setup.

As for the interior, this premium design DNA has not been left behind thanks to its 'Inner Haven' and 'Appointed Luxury' interior philosophies. Proton has included its biggest 12.3-inch LCD infotainment head unit (1920x720 HD resolution) together with a dominant centre console.

Other highlights include:

Comfort seats with electric adjustment (Nappa leather AND ventilation)

Expandable boot space up to 2,050 litres

Dual-zone AC with independent rear unit

All-row air vents

G-Clean N95 cabin filter

Interior ambient lighting

Nearby Auto Unlock & Walk-Away Auto Lock

Hands-free tailgate operation + more

Proton also mentioned that the X90's safety features have been enhanced with three new additions to its Advanced Driver Assistance System or ADAS. These three new features are Rear Collision Waring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Traffic Sign Information.

We're expecting the all-new 2023 Proton X90 D-segment SUV to be launched sometime in May to commemorate the brand's 40th anniversary. More details will follow suit, particularly the price, availability, and even which dealer will be selling this new Proton model.


Review: G20 BMW 330i M Sport – When Beauty Is Not Only Skin Deep

Following our initial
review of the European market specifications G20
 generation BMW 330i, we finally had a chance to sample the Malaysian market specification 330i, on Malaysian roads.
From our previous review, you would have noted that we were suitably impressed with the G20’s handling but were less impressed with its ride and the opposite facing dials of the Live Cockpit Pro instrument cluster. Now that the G20 has been launched in Malaysia, let's see how it fares in our local driving conditions.
Specifications for G20 BMW 330i M Sport
Engine: B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection
Power: 258 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm
Torque: 400 Nm from 1,550 – 4,400 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
Safety: Six airbags, ABS, electronic stability and traction control, cruise control with braking function (holds speed during downhill, non-adaptive),
Origin: Imported from Germany
Price: RM 328,800 excluding insurance
At the moment, the 3 Series range has only one 330i M Sport variant. Lower priced, locally assembled variants are certainly in the plans - but not so soon.
Exterior
Compared to the model we drove in Portugal, our local 3 Series misses out on laser headlights, making do with LED headlights. The mixed sized tyres are also smaller: 18-inches instead of 19-inches, with 225/45 R18 rubbers in front and 255/40 R18 behind.
Painted in the same signature Portimao Blue Metallic, the G20's side profile looks very similar to an Estoril Blue F30 generation 3 Series. Viewed from the front, it’s also easy to mistake the G20 for a G30 530i M Sport, which has a similarly wide grille – which now closes/opens depending on vehicle's speed and engine cooling requirements.
It is only when you look into details like the small kink in the headlights and the blacked out Hoffmeister kink that’s now on the C-pillar rather than the rear three-quarter window, that you know this to be a G20.
Despite the strong resemblance to the previous 3 Series, the G20 still stands out as the prettiest in its class. Not even the similarly new Audi A4 can match the G20’s captivating looks, never mind the aging Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Interior
Inside, our local 3 Series misses out on the colour Heads-Up Display as well as other driving aids like the blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking - that's quite a step backwards as such features are already common in cars costing just half as much. The 3 Series' infotainment also doesn’t support gesture control, but at least it comes with the 'Hey BMW' contextual, natural language voice command system.
Aesthetically, the G20’s interior is a lot better than before and there’s now a lot more leg and shoulder room at the back, plus bigger storage bins in larger numbers.
A driver-centric dashboard layout also makes a return. The infotainment screen, controls for vehicle functions and amenities are all angled towards the driver, just like iconic 3 Series models of yesteryear.
Cabin materials are also better than before. It is now more in keeping with the car’s premium positioning, thus addressing a main shortcoming of the previous F30 model.
However if we are to be honest, the G20’s interior still falls short of our expectations. The
all-new Mazda 3
 for example, actually feels more expensive - shocking but true. Ergonomics have also been compromised slightly. For example, the relocated iDrive rotary dial feels like a step back from the F30. The dial is now located further away and you can no longer operate it while resting your wrist on the armrest. The new crystal gear knob also has an oddly placed Park button. In the past, you could easily select Park with your thumb, but the new gear knob requires a bit more dexterity to select Park.
The biggest shortcoming however, is the 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Pro full LCD instrument panel. Where Mercedes-Benz or Audi will use the same technology to allow for different display modes, BMW insists on displaying the same simulated, opposite facing analogue dials at the extreme edges irrespective of which driving mode is selected.
The empty space between the tachometer and speedometer is used to display the navigation and music selection, duplicating what’s already shown on the 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Do you really need to have the radio station’s logo or Taylor Swift’s album cover on the instrument panel?
Even after a few days of driving, we never quite got used to it. For a driver-centric car, the new instrument cluster confuses more than it informs.
On the upside, the new iDrive control layout plus migration to an electric parking brake has freed up more space in the centre console box - which in the previous F30, was rather useless for anything thicker than a smartphone. The front console box also houses a wireless smartphone charger now. There’s also more leg and shoulder room at the front and back. Finally, this is a 3 Series that four adults can comfortably travel in.
Driving experience
Throughout its 40 plus years history, the 3 Series has cycled through various interpretations of sports luxury, never once reaching a setup that satisfied everyone – which is of course, impossible.
The early E30 and E36 had a laser-like focus to appeal to keen drivers. The E46 was tasked with broadening the 3 Series’ appeal and thus had a softer ride, which keen drivers didn’t like. The E90 was an overreaction to that, with sharper handling but at the expense of an unnecessarily stiff ride. The F30 was ideal for Malaysian roads but this G20 however, is best seen as a progression of the E90’s stiff but sharp handling character.
It now handles a lot better but ride comfort is also poorer, which just goes to show that the F30 had the best setup for our local roads.
On the move, the G20 sets the pace for all its peers. The steering is sharp and precise, front and rear axles tracking your intended path with a hint of playfulness - always keen to dance but never missing a step.
The steering wheel is thicker than before. Depending on your preference, it may or may not be a good thing. Some like thick-rimmed steering wheels for the confidence inspiring feel while others say thinner rims offer better feedback. Personally, it doesn’t really matter when the chassis is this well balanced.
The 330i might have only four cylinders but it still makes a pleasant, almost six-cylinder like noise when you up the pace. No doubt a good deal of digital trickery is involved but the important thing is that it works.
The power band is broad and sustained throughout the rev range, offering a high level of performance reserve that’s easily accessed in all driving conditions.
The grabby brakes take quite a while to get used to though. Even when judged by the standards of German cars in this segment, the brakes lack linearity in their bite, making driving in stop-go traffic less pleasant.
The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission has one cog less than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class but it doesn’t matter. The gearbox is far more responsive and makes for a much more dynamic drive than the C-Class' slow shifting 9-speed.
In Sport mode, the exhaust note pops with every upshift, but in a far more subtle way compared to the delinquent that is the Golf GTI.
On public roads, you will run out of talent before you can make full use of the updated B48 engine’s 258 hp/400 Nm - it’s the ideal daily car for the enthusiast driver. The G20 is BMW’s dominating territory marker. It’s a statement that this an area that BMW commands and it owns the competition.
Ride comfort
Switching to smaller 18-inch tyres did little to improve the G20’s ride. Fitted with run-flat tyres, our local G20 with M Sport suspension rides as poorly as our
European specification test car with 19-inch wheels
. The G20 M Sport's improved handling came at the cost of the previous F30 M Sport’s pliancy, which is a shame because the improved leg and shoulder room would have made it into a decent family sedan.
Even when driving over mild speed breakers, occupants can feel jarring jolts sent to the cabin. It was stiff enough to make us realize road surface irregularities than we previously never paid attention to.
Still, the ride is much better than a C-Class with passive-type AMG sports suspension, which has an even harsher ride but none of the G20’s sharp handling. The only exception to that is the AMG C43, which has adaptive suspension.
It would be interesting to see if a softer Sport Line variant (currently not offered here) without M Sport suspension, would strike a better midway compromise between handling and comfort.
Conclusion
Critics will use the omission of adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, and autonomous emergency braking as reasons to walk away from the 330i M Sport. On paper, it’s a valid criticism given the car’s asking price, but to us the bigger challenge is to accept the Live Cockpit Pro’s instrument panel. After all, this is supposed to be a driver-oriented car.
However, BMW’s ethos has always been about joy rather than value. If you can overlook all the details and ask yourself what it is about a car that brings you joy - and if your answer is how the car makes you feel when you get behind the wheel, then there is no substitute to the 3 Series. Unless of course you are referring to an even better 3 Series, like a six-cylinder 340i, which BMW Group Malaysia doesn’t offer (but if you are willing to pay up, special orders can be arranged).
The G20's chassis offers huge potential but in its current setup, the stiff M Sport suspension makes it harder to live with everyday than the previous F30 (although you will enjoy your Saturday morning drives more). A less intense variant without the M Sport suspension would improve the G20's appeal.
Find the best deals for new BMW vehicles
here
.


2021 Toyota Vios GR-S is HERE - from RM 95,284

UMW Toyota unveiled not just the GR Yaris this evening but also the introduced in a world premiere the
Vios
 GR-S, the very first locally-engineered model that will sport the Gazoo Racing Sport badge after the GR Supra and the GR Yaris of course.

This will also be the first GR Sport model to be manufactured at UMW Toyota's facility in Bukit Raja, Klang.

How does the
Vios GR-S
 differ from the regular Vios, both inside and outside?

Aggressive aerokit

Sculpted front bumper similar to the GR Yaris

Rear bumper complete with diffuser

Blacked-out boot spoiler

Side skirts

Blacked-out side mirrors

Bespoked and blacked-out 17' alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45/17 low profile tyres

Black with red stitching suede and leather sports seats

Embossed GR logo on the headrest

Three-spoke leather steering wheel

Leather shift lever knob

GR embossed floor carpets

GR logo on the Start/Stop button

Red Optitron meter panel

GR animation on the 4.2” inch MultiInformation Display.

The powerplant in the Vios GR-S is the same 2NR-FE 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine which pumps out 107 PS with 140 Nm of torque but instead of the 7-speed, the GR-S comes with a 10-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) activated via sports mode using the steering mounted paddle shifters. It is claimed that this configuration allows the car to be more responsive by being able to sustain higher RPMs for better throttle response. How it performs, we'll have to wait to see for ourselves.

The Vios GR-S will come in Platinum White Pearl and Red Mica Metallic.

“This is a very special model for several reasons: it was developed locally, it was inspired by the success of the Vios Challenge, and above all, it had to meet with all the criteria of what the GR brand represents before becoming truly worthy of being bestowed with a GR badge,” said UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd Deputy Chairman and Gazoo Racing Malaysia Chief Motorsport Officer Akio Takeyama.

“What Toyota has done with the Vios GR-S is to take it to another level. It is not the run-of-the-mill special edition cars produced in Malaysia that normally focuses only on body kits, wheels and tyres, and interior enhancements. The Vios GR-S was developed to incorporate the essence of Gazoo Racing with the focus on developing a car with exceptional driving pleasure at a particular price point. A lot of thought went into developing a car that is worthy of wearing the GR badge, and for the price, you are actually getting a lot of car,” said the GR Ambassador and two-time Vios Challenge champion Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel.

This is how it breaks down price-wise for all variants of the 2021 Toyota Vios:

1.5 J - RM 74,623

1.5 E - RM 82,593

1.5 G - RM 87,584

1.5 GR-S - RM 95,284

For those of you enamored with the looks of the Vios GR-S, you can purchase the body kit and sports suspension as a separate option on all Vios facelift models for RM7,700.

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Mercedes-Benz Malaysian Confirms ‘Few’ CLA-Class Units Affected By Recall

As you may have heard, several models from
Mercedes-Benz
 Australia’s compact range of vehicles have been affected by a recall – the models affected in particular there are the
A-Class
 and
B-Class
.
The problem surrounds a potential improper deployment of the front passenger side airbags, caused by a poorly installed fuse box that could come loose at their contacts, and fire incorrectly. The airbags aren’t at any risk of unnecessarily firing at any moment, but do pose a risk to passengers when they are called into action, in the event of a crash, for example.
In Australia, only 64 units of the A- and B-Class are known to be affected collectively.
CLA-Class Recalls In Malaysia
Having quizzed Mercedes-Benz Malaysia on how this may affect Malaysian owners of the cars, they have assured us that their A- and B-Class models aren’t affected, however, the
CLA-Class
 (CLA 200) and the CLA 45 AMG have been.
A representative from the company confirmed to Carlist.my that,
“In regards to the A-Class recall, in Malaysia we do not have any A- or B-Classes affected in this recall.  That being said, we have a few units of CLA-Class affected in Malaysia.
“This recall is mainly caused by the inaccurate installation of several fuses of the passenger side interior fuse box. As a consequence, over time the electrical contact of this fuse might be lost due to vibrations during driving. This mainly affects the comfort related features of the vehicle such as the sunroof, auxiliary heater and etc.”
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has also confirmed to us that all owners of the affected vehicles have been contacted and called in for the free rectification works.
What Else Should I Know?
For owners of the CLA-Class that have not purchased their vehicles through official sources (via one of MBM’s official dealerships), you may want to have your vehicles checked yourselves.
Like most brands, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will not be responsible for vehicles that are not sold by them.


Spyshot: Nissan Navara-based Terra Spied, Set To Challenge Fortuner And Everest

The Nissan Navara-based Terra has been caught undisguised ahead of the model’s debut in China.
Set to compete against the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Fortuner, the Terra is based on the same ladder frame platform as the Navara NP300.
Strictly a five-seater model, the Nissan Terra’s length comes in at 4,882 mm, 1,850 mm wide and 1,835 mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,850 mm. All the other SUVs are seven-seaters.
According to
Autohome
, the upcoming Nissan Terra is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated QR25 petrol engine with 184 hp.
Design wise, the Nissan Terra features the company’s V-Motion front fascia. The Nissan Terra can be had with LED projector headlights or regular halogen units, though the latter is not fitted with DRLs. Elsewhere, it appears that some variants of the Nissan Terra could be fitted with Around View Monitor (AVM), Nissan’s 360° camera solution.
Seeing that the Nissan Navara NP300 comes fully-imported from Thailand, the Terra could arrive here via the same method. If the Terra does arrive here, we can expect the model to be fitted with Nissan’s YD25 turbodiesel engines.


2022 Perodua Myvi vs 2022 Honda City Hatchback - Raising The Bar In The B-segment Hatchback?

Has the 2022 facelift Perodua Myvi and all-new 2022 Honda City Hatchback raised the bar in the B-segment Hatchback market?

The end of 2021 saw the arrival of the most anticipated hatchbacks in recent times. These hatchbacks are of course the
2022 facelift Perodua Myvi
 and all-new
2022 Honda City Hatchback
.

While it has been suggested that these new hatchbacks have upped the ante in their segment, it's pretty hard to see whether they have, without comparing them to their competitors.

The main rivals of the facelift Myvi and City Hatchback are naturally the 2022 Proton Iriz and 2021 Toyota Yaris. The Iriz received an
update this year
 (MC2 and the second of its lifespan), while the
Yaris received one in 2020
. While there is a difference in introduction years, we can pretty safely say that all hatchbacks are quite new, which should make them quite competitive against each other.

With that being said, let's put all of them side by side in a comparison table so that we can have a better outlook at all the hatchbacks. To standardise the table, we have picked the top variants of each model.

B-Segment Hatchback Crew 2021/2022

Index

Perodua Myvi

1.5L AV

Honda City Hatchback

1.5 V

Proton Iriz

1.6L Executive

Toyota Yaris

1.5 G (AT)

MSRP

RM59k

RM88k

RM48k

RM85k

Engine

1.5-litre

1.5-litre

1.6-litre

1.5-litre

Transmission

D-CVT

CVT

CVT

CVT with 7-speed Shiftmatic mode

Horsepower

102 @ 6,00rpm

119 @ 6,600rpm

108 @ 5,750rpm

106 @ 6,000rpm

Torque

137 @ 4,200rpm

145 @ 4,300rpm

150 @ 4,000rpm

140 @ 4,200rpm

Wheel Size

15"

15"

16"

16"

Airbags

6

6

6

7

Safety

ABS with EBD and BA

Vehicle Stability Control

Traction Control

ABS with EBD and BA

Vehicle Stability Control

Traction Control

ABS with EBD and BA

Vehicle Stability Control

Traction Control

ABS with EBD and BA

Vehicle Stability Control

Traction Control

Advanced Driver Assist System

Pre-Collision Warning

Pre-Collision Braking

Pedal Misoperation Control

Front Departure Alert

Lane Departure Warning

Lane Departure Prevention

Blind Spot Monitor

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Auto High Beam

Parking Assist

Honda Lane Watch

N/A

Pre-Collision System

Lane Departure Alert

Blind Spot Monitor

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

If you study the table, there's no denying that the 2022 Honda City Hatchback is the most expensive hatchback in the group, but the pricing is comparable to the Toyota Yaris (RM3k difference). Being national cars, of course, the Myvi and Iriz are the cheaper options out of the bunch, but the Myvi's 11k premium over the Iriz is justified due to the level of advanced driver assistance system it carries.

Power-wise and on paper, the Honda City Hatchback is the most powerful car out of the four, but the Iriz does have a bit more torque than the City. Generally, however, the performance figures are all pretty comparable and we're pretty sure in real life there is not much noticeable difference in them.

As far as transmission goes, they all carry a fuel-saving CVT tranny, but the Myvi and Yaris do have some uniqueness to theirs. The Myvi has a dual mode CVT and the Yaris has a CVT with a 7-speed Shiftmatic mode. The D-CVT in the Myvi is touted to bring a reduced rubbery feel whilst giving a more direct drive, while the 7-Speed Shiftmatic gives drivers a virtual 7-speed.

For those who are really picky about CVTs, yes the offerings from Perodua and Toyota will make a difference, but for the general public, a CVT transmission is pretty much a CVT transmission. Even the Iriz has a more
refined CVT
 now, due to some upgrades given to its software when it was launched.

The safety department is perhaps where you will start to notice the most difference. The Toyota Yaris has the most airbags, with the rest carrying six. All of them have regular active safety features such as vehicle stability and traction control but it's at the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) where all vehicles go their own way.

For its price, there's no denying that you are getting a lot with the 2022 Myvi, especially when you consider the
ADAS
. It pretty much punches way above its class, providing buyers with a whole host of ADAS features including pre-collision warning, blind spot monitoring and more.

Perodua really has spoilt the market for the rest as the Myvi make all of them look extremely weak in this department. The Yaris can claim it has a few of these advanced features and the
Honda only has one
 (you'll have to buy the hybrid variant to get the full suite of ADAS). The Iriz on the other hand is completely blank in this department but what can you expect from a car that at its core is nearly eight years old. But then again, it is affordable so you have to balance that out.

However, purchasing a car is not as simple as picking out the one with the most features. You are sometimes connected to how the car feels and how it looks.
Looks and feel wise
, there's no denying that the Honda City Hatchback is the freshest out of the lot.

The City's interior feels classy and it comes with amazing ULTRA seats which is a cargo carrying monster feature. We also like the exterior and interior look of the Yaris, but find the Myvi AV's two-tone black and red interior a bit vulgar.

Each and every car on the table has something to offer. If you want the safest and most value for money car, go for the facelift 2022 Myvi, if you like the freshest, go for the 2022 City Hatchback. If you want something in between the Honda and the Myvi, go for the Yaris and if you have budget constraints, then the Proton Iriz with its low price is the one you should go for.

Yes, it might feel like they all compete against each other, but in hindsight, they all pretty much offer something different to specific consumers. But the question still remains - has the 2022 facelift Perodua Myvi and all-new 2022 Honda City Hatchback raised the bar in the B-segment Hatchback market?

The short and simple answer is, Myvi yes, City Hatchback no - on these variants we've compared at least.


Is It Time For Perodua To Go Back To Motorsports - We Think So!

It is perhaps a lesser-known fact to many, that
Perodua
 actively competed as a fully-fledged racing team, particularly in the local rally scene for much of their early years as a company. However, unlike its
biggest rival Proton
 – who has enjoyed great participation and success in local and regional motorsports events – Perodua has had little to no active involvement in the years after it ceased its rallying efforts.

Perodua however did recently tie up with Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), and Persona Energy to promote the local motorsports industry through technology transfer and component development through participation in the 2021
FIA World Endurance Championship
 (with Persona Energy being the interface). The venture is said to collect data and insight from endurance racing which can then be reverse-engineered into creating better components for road-going cars – Perodua’s presumably.

Though it’s a step in a new direction for Perodua, it's light on how Perodua will benefit from the venture and how exactly this data can be translated into executable technology, especially since they already benefit from a very cohesive partnership with
technology partners Daihatsu
. There’s also the ambivalence of how Perodua will benefit in terms of branding and positioning that comes with such limited participation, which is a primary motivator of foraying into motorsports in the first place.

The early days…

Image: autoworld.com.my

It’s a far cry from the grassroots efforts the company undertook with its rallying team – dubbed the Perodua Castrol M5 Rally team – which not only competed but enjoyed stellar success in the highly competitive and popular AAM Rally Championships between 1996 (when they first entered with the Perodua Kancil) and the late 2000s.

It was on the rough and dusty SS Stages of Johor, Terengganu, and Pahang where the Perodua Kancil, Kelisa, Viva, and finally the first-generation Myvi made their name doing battle against far more powerful cars such as turbocharged Mitsubishi Evos (piloted by
Karamjit Singh no less
) and manufacturer-backed teams from Proton. Many times, proving to be faster and tougher than their size and stature would have you believe.

Perodua cars took to rallying like ducks to water given their small sizes, making them superbly manoeuvrable and agile on a tight and rugged rally stage, small yet powerful engines (certain rally cars were prepped turbocharged engines and AWD powertrains borrowed from their Japanese counterparts), and impressive reliability.

The latter may have been a driving factor behind why Perodua may have chosen rallying as the perfect demonstrator of how well their cars were built and how reliable they can be. Hey, it if can survive 16 rally stages in Felda plantations, it’ll surely last years on the roads – truth be told, 20 years on, no one would argue otherwise.

"
Some bodywork needed but runs great"

However, motorsports have little to do with Perodua in this day and age. For lack of better expression, Peroduas literally sell themselves on the back on sublime value for money, a well-earned reputation for reliability and dependability, great design and practicality, and most recently with the
introduction of the Ativa
, a complete salvo of body styles that caters to almost any entry-level buyer.

Should Perodua go back to motorsports… yes!

Well, this is an expensive question to ask, because any manufacturer-backed racing team that plans on being competitive requires pretty involved expenditure and resources to make any sense. The second question is if you’re going to spend money, what are you getting back in return?

As we’ve mentioned, the crucial motivator of motorsports is the branding and the recognition it builds for the brand. However, while Perodua might not directly need it – motorsports can still be used o great effect, in much the same way Toyota has built a global following for the
Gazoo Racing brand
, to elevate the brand presence amongst its buyers.

Motorsports, as seen with other manufacturer-based teams – such as
Honda’s local HMRT
 outfit and
Proton’s R3 division
 – is a venerable testbed to test a company’s youngest and most energetic minds to build on their products and create race-winning cars with relatively limited resources.

It gives back more direct and usable data (as opposed to the WEC effort) simply because you’re proving your own products in the most demanding arenas out there. Also, if something breaks, you learn to fix it and make it stronger, which undoubtedly creates a usable feedback loop to guide future testing and development.

And perhaps most importantly, Perodua will forge an identity and vibrancy and culture of competitive spirit, something that bodes extremely well for the huge division of young buyers who flock to the brand. In addition, whether they may appreciate it or not, Perodua’s are already seen as the starting brand for a boy or girl racer, so why not build on a following, which is already present.

Image: FB @
Andy Hwang

Another crucial aspect points to the company’s aspiration of growing beyond their own backyard – if Perodua wants to become a regional or even global brand, then motorsports is a formidable communicator of product strength and ability. The famous adage that goes “win on Sunday, and sell on Monday” couldn’t be more true in other countries which already have their mass selling favourites. If you want to make a name for yourself, you have to do it on their turf, wherever it is that Perodua might want to go to.

Should Perodua go back to motorsports… no!

As it would seem, the only reason Perodua shouldn’t have to go racing seems to be the fact that the investments they would have to drop into the venture can be repurposed for other branding and communication exercises – such as CSR activities – which Perodua quite often conduct.

However, given their overall resources and financial strength, it would seem a penny from the piggy for them to actually put together a race team that could complete at a small capacity in local events such as the
Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF)
 or annual
Sepang 1000km
 races. In addition to local and regional rally events such as the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) that have a steadfast following through the years.

As with any form of racing, the most important aspects are first, the right car (Perodua has this in the form of the
Myvi
 and
Axia
) and the will to compete. Because racing gives a car brand something that cannot be quantified with just
great spreadsheets and sales numbers
.

The best car brands in the world all have good spreadsheets, it's something else… soul!

Cover image: Youtube @ Hashrulsubzero

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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia To Launch EQC And S560e

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has dropped a teaser on its Facebook page, indicating that not one, but two EQ-branded models will be introduced here soon.
First up is the Mercedes-Benz S560e, a plug-in hybrid variant of updated S-Class. The plug-in hybrid S560e was showcased at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, succeeding the S400h in Mercedes-Benz’s growing portfolio of plug-in hybrids. The S400h has since been discontinued.
Power for the S560e comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that does 367 hp and 500 Nm, which is supplemented by a 90 kW electric motor with a peak torque of 400 Nm. Thanks to a 37 Ah battery pack, the S560e is able to boast an electric driving range of about 50 km.
Compared to the now-discontinued S400h, the battery pack found in the newer S560e is more compact, meaning boot space is marginally more spacious in the S560e versus the S400h – increasing from 395-litres to 410-litres.
Next up is the full-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC. While it may look similar to the petrol-powered GLC, Mercedes-Benz insists that the EQC is more than just a GLC converted to run on electric power.
The EQC gets a pair of electric motors – one on each end of the SUV, allowing the SUV to be AWD and boast 408 hp and 760 Nm. Foot flat on the throttle, the EQC completes the century sprint in just 5.1 seconds. But driven sedately, the EQC boasts a range in excess of 450 km.
As the EQC runs on electric power, it does not require cooling like a conventional engine, so Mercedes-Benz took liberty and redesigned the entire front end. The end result is a sleeker-looking, more handsome SUV with subtle EQ branding littered across the exterior.
Expect more details later this week after MBM officially introduces these two models.
Looking for a new Mercedes-Benz? Find for the best deals
here
.


The Perodua Ativa D55L - The History Of The Turbocharged 1KR-VET Engine

It may be the first forced-induction engine for Perodua, but it isn't the first of its kind.

Malaysians who were involved with modifying Perodua models over the last few decades will have an idea of where we're going with this. Perodua started as a company that effectively rebadged and localized Japanese ultra-mini cars and more practical vehicles - starting with the Kancil in the 1990s, and slowly broadening their range of models to suit a wider range of customers.

While Perodua as a company has come an amazing way since their humble beginnings (each generation of products sees more input from Perodua and less from their technical partners) there has been one thing that has so far managed to evade our second national car brand. Yes, we're talking about the turbocharged engine - and the upcoming Ativa is going to change all that with its tiny turbocharged 1.0-litre heart.

Daihatsu has been dabbling with small displacement turbocharged engines for a much longer time though - which in turn means that they were popular performance engine swaps for Perodua models, given that they shared the same base chassis and were fairly easy to swap components with. Turbocharging small displacement engines for Daihatsu was naturally in line with Japanese Kei car displacement regulations at the time, and dates back to even the 1980s.

What Malaysians are familiar with are the turbocharged engines from the Daihatsu Mira L200 and L500, which were (usually) turbocharged 3 cylinder engines with a capacity just shy of 660 cc. In stock form they made anywhere from 40 to 60 hp, which was reasonable for the cars they were placed in. They also were fairly potent when modified, which led to some monstrous Kancil and Kelisa builds that could go toe-to-toe with performance cars of the 1990s and 2000s.

In more recent times is the Daihatsu YRV, or Young Recreational Vehicle. This little MPV-esque car came with an engine that become quite nearly worshipped by Perodua enthusiasts - a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, with the code K3-VET. The naturally aspirated version of this engine was found in the
Perodua Myvi
, while the larger 1.5-litre 3SZ-VE powers both the Myvi and the Alza - none of which came with a turbocharged variant.

Now we come to the
Perodua Ativa
 - their upcoming compact crossover that is said to be the spiritual successor to the Daihatsu Rocky. It's also sold in other markets as the Toyota Raize, and it only comes with a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine with the engine code 1KR-VET. If that name sounds familiar, it's because the 1KR-VE is also used in the Perodua Axia and Bezza 1.0-litre variants.

In fact, Toyota even uses the 1KR-FE (non VVT variants) in cars like the previous generation Toyota Aygo and Passo. It saw use by other companies such as Subaru, Citroen, and Peugeot in their offerings for the same segment too - truly a testament to how robust these 1.0-litre engines are. In turbocharged form, they push a healthy 98 PS and 140 Nm of torque, which is more than enough to
get the Ativa going
.

This engine will be a test for Perodua, not just from a production standpoint but also maintenance and after-sales perspective. Many companies who started to introduced forced-induction models to their line-up had to take extra steps and extra care as there are naturally more moving parts and a little more care is required. This is part of the reason why to this day, Perodua still uses a four-speed automatic gearbox - simplicity and robustness while achieving the performance required.

But we expect Perodua to handle it perfectly well, as the company has always adapted and grown to fit the tasks at hand. Hopefully we may see a turbocharged variant of the
Myvi
 or Alza in the coming generations as well - perhaps as a range topper and to get the economies of scale up by upping production of these turbocharged powerplants.

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2020 BMW 5 Series Facelift Images Leaked Ahead of Debut

Leaked images of the upcoming 5 Series facelift have found their way onto the internet.
BMW Blog reports
, the two leaked images of what looks to be press images of the (G20) 5 Series M Sport – given its crisp white background – offers a clear look of the aesthetic updates of the facelifted model, initially slated for a late-2020 debut.

The dark blue car features an updated front fascia, which now features visibly slimmer headlights and grille combo, much like the
 BMW (G12) 7 Series
. The facelift model, or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW speak, also features an aggressive front bumper with three distinct sections, and rounded edges on the bottom edge. This seems to be more akin to the
(G20) 3 Series M Sport
 variants.

The flanks feature a sporty silhouette, highlighted by large multispoke rims with a two-tone finish. Other details such as the blacked-out front bumper trim and air vents or air breathers as BMW calls it, just after the front wheels, is a further indicator that the pictured vehicle might be equipped with the BMW Shadowline trim package.

A charging outlet cap along the side and the 530e moniker emblazoned on the boot confirm that this is the Plug-In hybrid (PHEV) variant of the 5 Series. It is also rumoured that a 400 hp high-performance hybrid, dubbed the 545e is also in the works.

Round the back, the changes are more subtle, with the focal point being the slimmer taillight with a distinctive and bolder light signature than the outgoing model. The apron on the lower regions of the bumper also appears to be updated; now featuring more detail with two vertical strakes in the central regions of the bumper – unlike the
pre-facelift model
.


Neta U EV SUV coming to Malaysia in 2024, Neta S in 2025

The Neta EV brand has finally penetrated the Malaysian market following the official launch of its first-ever model in the country, the
Neta V
.

Representatives from Neta Auto as well as the country's official distributor,
Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd
, are already in the headlines by bringing in the first-ever EV into Malaysia that's priced under the RM100,000 mark. That, however, won't stop there as they have plans to launch two more Neta EVs by 2025.

Considering the high prospect of great sales figures paired with outstanding warranty periods, the Neta V will hopefully get the Neta ball rolling here in the country before the introduction of the brand's second EV offering, the Neta U.

Targeted to arrive here on our shores by the second quarter of 2024, you may think of the Neta U as the bigger and more premium version of the budget-friendly Neta V small electric SUV. The dimensions of the Neta U EV SUV should be an interesting prospect considering the fact that wider, taller, and carries a longer wheelbase compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross.

The base model of the Neta U is powered via a single-electric motor setup powering the front wheels with 161hp and 210Nm of torque. There's also a slightly more powerful version that outputs 201hp and 310Nm of torque which offers a 0-100km/h time of seven seconds as compared to 10 seconds for the former configuration.

As for battery capacity, we can most likely expect it to come with a 54.32kWh pack that offers 400km of range (NEDC) or a bigger 81.57kWh pack that extends the range up to 500km for every full charge. We can also assume that its DC fast charging capability should be around the same as the Neta V at 30 minutes from 30%-80%.

If SUVs aren't your thing and you want something that can most likely bring the fight closer to the likes of a Tesla Model S, the Neta S might brilliantly float your boat in terms of design, firepower, and driving distance.

As to which powertrain that'll come into the Malaysian market, it's still pretty much in the dark. The Neta S version kicks off strong with an NEDC-rated range of 710km, but there's also the range-extended model that pushes things off the charts up to 1,000km per full charge.

It's indeed an interesting and logical strategy for the Neta brand in penetrating the Malaysian market. Their first step of offering an EV under the RM100,000 mark is already a huge talking point for many, and with enough publicity (paired with an EV that can withstand the tests of Malaysian roads), expect the same level of success for the Neta U as well as the Neta S.


Jaguar Land Rover Unveils Their Spectre Cars To Take Down Bond

James Bond and his Aston Martin DB10
 may be hogging the limelight in the lead up to the release of
Spectre
, and if you’re rooting for the bad guys (like some of us) in the latest entry of the iconic film franchise, good news! Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) recently unveiled their own arsenal which will go head-to-head against Q’s latest offering.
Unveiled recently at an event ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show are a series of Jaguar and Land Rover stunt vehicles which included the Range Rover Sport SVR, Land Rover Defender, and the show-stopping
Jaguar
 C-X75.
You may have seen the Jaguar C-X75 as it
pursued Bond’s DB10 on the streets of Rome
, keeping the
Aston Martin
 on its toes. However, the concept vehicle first appeared at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, where the two-seater supercar packed a 778hp hybrid four-wheel drive powertrain. Jaguar had intended to produce the car in limited numbers, priced around £900,000 (RM5,916,980) but due to the onset of the global financial crisis, the project was cancelled.
In the Rome chase scene, the Spectre C-X75 is driven by Hinx (played by David “Batista” Bautista). Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) worked with Williams Advanced Engineering to develop the car for the movie although no specifications about it was mentioned. We’re guessing Jaguar are more than willing to play the role as the villain as it is in line with their hugely popular ‘Good to be Bad’ campaign.
Joining the Spectre vehicle fleet alongside the Jaguar are specially modified Land Rover Defenders that are fitted enormous 37-inch diameter off-road tyres and enhanced body protection to tackle the challenging terrain of the snow-covered mountain roads used for filming. These features are courtesy of the JLR Special Vehicle Operations division. It also helps that the most powerful Land Rover ever, the Range Rover Sport SVR is at the disposal of Spectre operatives.

Spectre is scheduled to open in cinemas on November 6, 2015.


Discovery Channel’s Idris Elba: No Limits Is A Must Watch For Petrolheads

Let’s face it – we are running out of good car shows to watch. Besides the usual TopGear, Fifth Gear, Wheeler Dealer, and a few other shows, all we have is a few hundred programmes showing classic American cars being restored by some Redneck garage somewhere in the U.S.
Fortunately, Discovery Channel Asia is introducing a new automotive show called ‘Idris Elba: No Limits’ tomorrow, which promises to add some variety to the existing ‘menu’.
And as the title suggests, Hollywood superstar Idris Elba is the host, and he will be on a mission to fulfil his life-long passion to enter the world of motorsports.

By looking at the teaser video, we can rest assured that the show will have almost movie-like production quality, cover various aspects of the automotive world, and showcase something more than just hot rods and restorations.
The four-part series will follow Idris Elba as he pushes himself to the max to master some different speed disciplines in the world, before taking to both land and air to participate in some of the most fiercely fought competitions in motorsport.
He will be helped by incredible mentors in each of the four disciplines: rally driving, aerobatics, drag racing, and land speed records.
Along the way he will have to find and modify the right vehicles. And it’s not smooth sailing: he has to contend with a variety of issues including bad weather, claustrophobia, a fear of heights, potholes and multiple technical problems.
No Limits will also show Idris Elba as you have never seen him before. Armed with no experience but an abundance of courage, grit, and determination, the show captures every high and low as he takes on the biggest challenge of his life.
The show will be making its Malaysian premiere tomorrow, 28 July on Discovery Channel (Astro channel 551) at 9:55pm, and go on for a month at the same time every Thursday, with the season finale set to air on 18 August.


Mercedes-Benz E250 Joins W213 E-Class Range In Malaysia; From RM421k Onwards

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia continues to flesh out its W213 E-Class model range, with two variants of the E250 joining the existing E200 model that was officially launched in June. This introduction keeps MBM on its promised staggered roll-out schedule that will see the E300 arriving in November followed by a switch from the current CBU sourcing to
 local-assembly early next year
.
Powering the E250 is the same 2.0-litre M274 turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine found in the E200, but tuned to higher outputs of 211hp and 350Nm. As with the E200, the E250 sends drive astern via Mercedes-Benz’s in-house 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. The E300 will operate an even more aggressive version of this same setup pushing out 245hp and 370Nm.
Two trim variants are on offer for the E250. Both variants offer the same level of functional equipment but differentiated by their respective appearances.
E250 Avantgarde:
 More dynamic appearance with large central star on sport radiator grille with dual horizontal louvres finished in matt iridium silver and chrome inserts. The car comes with 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels.
E250 Exclusive:
 The classic E-Class appearance with the traditional three-louvre grille and bonnet-mounted three-pointed star. Upgraded bumper specific to this trim wears chrome trim elements to differentiate it from other trim lines. Priced RM5,000 higher than the E250 Avantgarde.
To recap from our earlier
local launch story of the W213
, E-Class range currently available in Malaysia offers the following equipment:
E200:
Paddle Shifters
Carplay and Android smartphone integration
18-inch alloy wheels
Aluminium cabin trim
Heated front seats with lumbar support
Double sun blind, electric rear window blind, roller sun blinds for both rear doors
Park Pilot (autonomous side and reverse parking)
Reverse camera
E250:
Adaptive High Beam Assist
19-inch alloy wheels
Panoramic sunroof
360-degree camera
Keyless entry
Open pore black ash wood trim (Avantgarde)
Brown high-gloss ash wood trim (Exclusive)
Upper dashboard in Artico leather (Exclusive)
Prices of the fully-imported W213 E-Class range in Malaysia (OTR without Insurance, inclusive of GST) are as follows:
E200 Avantgarde:
 RM395,888
E250 Avantgarde:
 RM420,888
E250 Exclusive:
 RM425,888