Mercedes-Benz E-Class – Differentiating Between Sedan And Coupe

The current-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts one of the most complete compliment of bodystyles available in the model family’s history. In addition to the
sedan
 that we are familiar with along with an estate, the E-Class now also gets the All-Terrain high-riding AWD estate, a coupe, as well as a cabriolet.
Whilst Mercedes have been building coupe counterparts to the E-Class sedan since the days of the W114, the ‘E-Class Coupe’ was operating as the CLK for a couple of decades and they were based on C-Class platforms at that. The previous generation E-Class had a coupe derivative, but it too was mechanically based on the C-Class rather than its sedan counterpart. A full run down of the
E-Class Coupe’s model history is separately covered here
.
The
new C238 E-Class Coupe
 therefore represents the first time since the C124 that Mercedes is building an E-Class Coupe off an E-Class platform. But where the older E-Class Coupes of the C123 and C124 generations tended to look like shortened two-door versions of their sedan counterparts, the new C238 shares very little outward similarities to the W213.
From the outside, the only common parts between the C238 and W213 are the headlight modules and door handles. Each of the coupe’s body panels is unique from its counterpart used in the sedan.
Breaking out the tape measure, we find that aside from a 8mm increase in width, the E-Class Coupe is an outwardly smaller vehicle than the sedan in all other measurements which we have summarized below.

E-Class Coupe
(C238)
E-Class Sedan (W213)
Size
Difference
Length (mm)
4,826
4,923
-97
Width (mm)
1,860
1,852
+8
Height (mm)
1,430
1,468
-38
Wheelbase (mm)
2,873
2,939
-66
Front Track (mm)
1,605
1,619
-14
Rear Track (mm)
1,609
1,619
-10
Typically, most coupe derivatives take the front bumper and fenders off their sedan counterpart, but go on to differentiate themselves with unique front grille and bumper. This is not the case with the C238 – the panels may look similar, they may even be interchangeable, but they are most assuredly not identical.
Even compared against a similarly-kitted E-Class sedan with AMG bodykit, the coupe carries a subtly more aggressive stance. This is accentuated by a pair of bulges on the bonnet that are absent in the sedan.
Central feature of the frontal fascia, all styling variants of the E-Class Coupe bear a large three-pointed star on its grille; but where the sedan has dual slats spreading out to the side, the coupe only has one that nicely divides the grille horizontally along the middle. Also, the Coupe’s grille sports an intricate diamond mesh pattern which is absent in the sedan.
The lower edge of the E-Class Coupe’s bumper is sharper and flared compared to the more rounded lower end seen in the sedan. On the coupe, the bumper’s sharp lower edge is matched with a similarly sharp side skirt running along the flanks.
The front fender panel too, is surprisingly different between the sedan and coupe. This is because the coupe eschews the sedan’s sharp shoulder line running through the door handles. To give the coupe its more sensual shape, Mercedes designers rounded the edges of the shoulder line, giving it the same kind of shadow play but with a higher impression of quality.
Also different are the side mirrors. Where the sedan’s wing mirror housing extends out sideways from the base of the A-pillar, the coupe’s rise from the waist line.
Further aft, the E-Class Coupe takes no cues from the sedan, instead drawing inspiration of its appearance from Merc’s current range of coupes including the
C-Class Coupe
,
S-Class Coupe
, and, some might say, the
AMG GT
.
One little detail is common with the sedan, however, and it is the ‘jet engine-inspired’ crystal reflectors of the tail lights that give its illumination an added quality of luminescence. In a nifty little touch of flair, the LEDs of the tail lights illuminate successively outwards when the doors are opened at night as something of a ‘welcome’ gesture to the approaching owner. The sequence then runs in reverse when the vehicle is being locked.
Inside, the forward half of the sedan and coupe's cabins are largely common. Layout of displays and controls are all but identical, but a noteworthy element of differentiation is the air-con vents which, in Mercedes' own words, are 'heavily influenced by the look of a turbine engine'. The sedan, on the other hand, employs decidedly conventional-looking blowers, but with excellent finishing all the same.
As with the sedan, the coupe offers the Widescreen Cockpit optional upgrade, which consists of a pair of adjacent 12.3-inch high resolution screens spanning almost two-thirds of the dashboard's width. The screen directly facing the driver shows a virtual instrument cluster which can be adjusted between three different display themes. Like with the sedan model, we expect this feature to be made standard for the E-Class Coupe when it launches in Malaysia.
We were in Catalunya recently to test drive the all-new C238 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. Our full review is set to be published later this week; stay tuned for that!


Get to Know the Ford Ranger Raptor Better Through Ford’s “Deep Dive” Workshops

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford vehicles in Malaysia has announced the ‘Ranger Raptor Deep Dive Workshop’ – a free-of-charge initiative aimed at providing in-depth knowledge to new and existing customers on the
Ranger Raptor
’s functionality and capability.
Conducted by experienced motoring experts, attendees will learn how to maximise the usage of the multitude of high-tech features and functions that come with the truck. This includes educating attendees on when and how to use the trucks Terrain Management System (TMS) – a versatile system that offers six pre-set driving modes to drive on any terrain with the turn of a dial.
“The workshops are aimed at offering new and existing customers an experience that creates immediate value. The topics covered by experienced motoring experts will also allow attendees to appreciate and understand further on the first and only high-speed off-road performance truck in the market,” adds Syed Ahmad Muzri bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, SDAC.
The workshops are conducted in a small group of not more than 10 participants. Customers can also invite friends to attend the workshop to benefit from the ‘refer-a-friend’ promotion. With this, you will be rewarded with a petrol card worth RM500 if your friend purchases either a
Ranger WildTrak
 or a Ranger Raptor.
Dates and locations of the nine ‘Ranger Raptor Deep Dive Workshops’ are as follows:
7th Sept 2019: Ford Johor Bahru, Auto Lumina
14th Sept 2019: Ford Melaka, Sing Kwung
21st Sept 2019: Ford Puchong, Star East
5th Oct 2019: Ford Penang, SDAC Juru
12th Oct 2019: Ford Muar, Ang Trading
19th Oct 2019: Ford Ipoh, SNS Kembara Utama
2nd Nov 2019: Ford Kota Bharu, Tugu Etika
16th Nov 2019: Ford Ampang, Trio Mantap
30th Nov 2019: Ford Petaling Jaya 2, SDAC PJ2
Registrations are now open and interested parties are encouraged to call and sign up at their
preferred Ford showroom
 as seats are limited.
For the best deals on Ford vehicles, click
here
.


Suzuki Exits China, Transfers Remaining Shares To Chongqing Changan

Suzuki Motor Corporation has exited the Chinese market after struggling with low sales lately. The move to exit China was first reported back in June when Suzuki terminated its joint venture with one of its Chinese partners, Changhe Suzuki.
The company famous for its minicars agreed to transfer the remaining 50% stake in Changan Suzuki to Chongqing Changan Automobile, according to a report by
Bloomberg
.
According to a statement released by the company, Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki said, “Approximately 25 years ago, we launched the Alto in China, and since then we have made efforts in cultivating the Chinese market. However, due partly to shifting of Chinese market to larger vehicles, we have decided to transfer all equity to Changan Automobile.”
In China, the market share of cheap small cars dropped to 6.7% in 2017 from 35% in 2003, due to Chinese families now favouring larger sedans and SUVs. The Suzuki Vitara and S-Cross did very little to save the company as well.
Despite that, Chongqing Changan said that the company will continue to support Changan Suzuki’s operations and they will continue to sell Suzuki-branded vehicles and aftersales support.


EV Registrations Stall, JPJ Struggles To Apply 100% Road Tax Exemption

It might have been too much to expect good coordination and follow-through from our government, but at least the efforts promised by
last year’s Budget 2022 tabling
 seemed to be pointing in the right direction.

While brands offering new electric vehicles have started announcing revised pricing that reflects the fully slashed excise and import duties (but not sales tax, apparently, as that still applies), one of the major points of the incentive measures is facing more delays than the others.

Part of the Budget 2022 tabling was the road tax exemption which meant new EV buyers between January 1st, 2022 and December 31st, 2023 will not have to fork out a single cent in road tax, which prior to this was -
ridiculously - calculated based on the combined power output
 (in kilowatts) of its electric motors.

However, as was quickly noticed by prospective/new EV owners and the local automotive community, in general, was the lack of communication between the Road Transport Department and the rest of the government, in which both parties had seemingly not agreed on the terms or implementation process of the exemption.

Effectively, even as we approach February, this means that the promised free annual road tax scheme has not taken effect. Buyers of electric vehicles will still need to pay however many hundreds - most likely thousands - of Ringgit in road tax before taking delivery despite being lured, in part, to EV ownership due to the promised incentives and its (mostly) tax-free pricing.

We have confirmed this to be the case with some auto manufacturers in Malaysia offering EV models, whose customers face a choice to either pay the road tax for their new vehicles for 2022 or leave it in limbo until the government departments finally find competence, get coordinated and implement the promised exemption.

Of course, none of these brands were willing to disclose additional information on the backlog of EV orders or which route their customers were planning on taking with regard to registration, but this issue, if left stagnant,
can only balloon
 as the weeks and months roll on.

According to individuals familiar with the matter, the problem lies with the systems and processes in use by JPJ needing to be updated or manually overridden, and progress with finding a workaround has obviously not been very successful.

It’s actually the uptake of more mass-market electric vehicles that this fiasco might impede. The typical
buyers of a Hyundai Kona Electric
 in entry-level e-Lite guise are expected to pay RM243 in road tax for its 100kW single-motor powertrain, and having to do so might be enough to make them postpone the purchase or deter them from going zero-emissions altogether (at least in the short term).

A buyer of a new Nissan Leaf, meanwhile, will be handed a road tax cost of RM331 for the hatchback’s 110kW output, which
dwarfs the RM20 road tax
 of a similarly sized Almera sedan, which uses a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Meanwhile, a
MINI Cooper SE
’s road tax is RM724, which again is much higher than the equivalent Cooper S 3-door.

Moving up the kilowatt pecking order we find the
BMW iX xDrive40 Sport
 and
Porsche Taycan Turbo S
, which can respectively run as high as RM3,454 and RM12,094. That isn’t loose change, even for people that can afford high-end vehicles such as those.

We suppose it depends on just how much the buyer wants/needs the car, but won’t expect a road tax rebate or refund after the fact.

We’re not sure what exactly the actual hangup is with regard to JPJ and their processes, though it seems like a trivially simple change to implement. Hopefully, they will rectify whatever the root cause of this delay is in the coming weeks rather than months.


AES Cameras To Be Implemented At 262 New Locations By Year End 2015

The Malaysian government is reportedly set to begin its second phase of its AES (Automated Enforcement System) implementation, which surrounds the introducing of 262 new AES camera locations throughout the nation.
According to
The Sun Daily’s report
, the local Transport Ministry is working to expand the use of the controversial cameras by the end of this year, primarily targeting traffic light intersections.
Why at the lights? A source close to The Sun Daily disclosed that, “The focus has now shifted to safety measures at the traffic light intersections, since records have showed that collisions and fatalities have been on the rise due to bikers and drivers beating the red light."
At a cost of some RM700 million (as reported), the pilot phase of the AES camera introduction saw 14 of these cameras introduced, and already in place throughout Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Perak – 10 of which at fixed locations, another four believed to be mobile units.
Back in 2012, it was also believed that the government would further introduce another 831 cameras in the nation to curb errant motorists, but that’s a figure that’s believed to be thrown out, at the moment.
The new list of 262 AES cameras will be rolled out in stages by the end of the year, with the news daily also reporting the following breakdown of the states and their expected new AES camera count:
Selangor: 38
Johor: 32
Kedah: 26
Perak: 22
Terengganu: 20
Negri Sembilan: 18
Penang: 18
Kelantan: 16
KL, Labuan, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, Melaka and Putrajaya: 72


10 Most Searched Used Car Models in Malaysia for 2022 - Guess Who's #1?

Less than 400,000 used cars were sold in 2021 but those numbers are expected to double in the next coming years.

We've come up with a bunch of lists in relation to used cars from sedans and family SUVs, but this time around, we're going to look at the most searched used car models in Malaysia for 2022 (so far). Here's the top 10 list based on the
Carlist.my's used car listings
 and data.

10) Mazda CX-5

The current-generation
Mazda CX-5
 here in Malaysia was launched back in 2019 and those who are into compact/medium SUVs almost always have good things to say about this particular model. There are several reasons why people are actively looking for a used Mazda CX-5 (apart from the price slash compared to a new one). With decent performance figures and a timeless design (particularly the 2.5 Turbo AWD), perhaps the two highest qualities of the CX-5 are supreme handling and driving comfort.

9) Mercedes-Benz C200

Next up is the
Mercedes-Benz C200
 and this goes without saying (but we're going to say it anyway) - it's the most affordable Mercedes-Benz that you can buy brand new and the prices are indeed more enticing in the used car segment. Decent all-rounder with that iconic Mercedes-Benz facade, the C200 offers an instant increase in 'street cred' without breaking the bank.

8) Toyota Camry

Ah yes, our favourite 'uncle's car' has made it into our list. There's no doubt that the current 2022 model is the best
Toyota Camry
 in Malaysia to date with its very sleek styling and impressive performance plus comfort, but the previous pre-facelifted version isn't too far off and there are some decently priced ones being marketed in the used car segment. Find one in black and slap on some sick rims and you'll fit into a lot of car meetups.

7) Honda Accord

The last brand-new
Honda Accord
 was introduced into the Malaysian market back in early 2020 and to ensure that it sells as well as it can, Honda Malaysia tricked it out with quite a list of features to make the Accord a worthy car to own and drive on a daily basis. We love an uncle's car, but just like the current Camry, the Accord is also looking a lot more youthful compared to the models of yesteryears.

6) Toyota Vios

The battle of entry-level sedans wouldn't be complete if there was no mention of the
Toyota Vios
. The reasons are very straightforward - decently priced in the used car market, comfortable interior, and basically bulletproof to own as long as you keep it serviced within the intervals. I've personally owned the Vios 'dugong' in the past and it served me extremely well. The Vios is a no-fuss and headache-free choice for many.

5) Toyota Harrier

The
Toyota Harrier
 is one of those premium SUVs that's just a wee bit too expensive for the majority of SUV enthusiasts, but a used one can just be the ticket. Any Harrier that's 2018 and newer offers a great-looking exterior, respectable handling, and enough power to push it beyond its maximum speed stated on the dash. With a little bit of work on the exterior and you'll get a mean-looking SUV machine.

4) Honda City

Here's another entry-level sedan that just makes sense to buy, including used ones. Some of the
Honda City
 units might have travelled quite a distance prior to entering the used car market, but there are a number of units with decent mileage paired with good price tags. I personally own the previous-gen Honda City Hybrid and it's been a wonderful experience so far (especially regarding fuel consumption). A worthy and most affordable offering to become a respectable 'warga H'.

3) Perodua Myvi

Our very own Malaysian 'supercar' enters the list at number 3 and the reasons are obvious and go without saying - cheap, spacious, easy to maintain, and will easily fit into all parking lots. The
Perodua Myvi
 is a breeze to drive for beginners, and we've seen some prime examples of carving corners like a boss at SIC with minor to major modifications. Better yet, keep it stock and run it reliably for years. Who doesn't love the Myvi?

2) Honda Civic

The
Honda Civic
 has gained cult status for the longest time and a lot of folks are constantly looking for their favourite model. The list of favourite Civics is long and each variant/model has its own reasons to be loved and adored by not just Malaysians, but around the globe. Some models are a lot harder to find due to their rarity and obsession from the JDM community, but who knows, you might just be the lucky one. What's your favourite Civic?

1) Toyota Alphard/Vellfire

Surprise, surprise (not really). The
Toyota Alphard
/
Vellfire
 tops the charts and it's just one of those cars that are so popular amongst Malaysians for its decent power figures, ultra-spacious interior and capacity, plus sleek looks. A wide array of specs, finishings, and custom works can be found for these two Toyota MPVs which means that it's relatively easy to find a nearby workshop that can work on these without much hassle. Other than that, having your very own Alphard/Vellfire is arguably the quickest way to look like an 'atas' family.

There you have it, folks. If you are in the market to purchase a used car, head over to
Carlist.my
 or
Carsome.my
 to look at the latest deals for quality used cars online.


100 Years Of BMW: How BMW Wrote The Greatest Comeback Story Ever

With products ranging from the science fiction-like BMW i8 plug-in hybrid to iconic MINIs to incomparable Rolls-Royce, it’s hard to imagine that just 60 years ago – an era that your parents might remember - BMW was perceived to be inferior to Alfa Romeo, Volvo, and even Ford. Some even thought that BMW stood for British Motor Works.
World War 2 reduced BMW to a maker of pots and pans, and If not for a last minute rescue plan by a Daimler shareholder who secretly admired BMW, BMW might now be just a parts supplier to Mercedes-Benz.
The story of BMW’s comeback is one of the greatest comeback stories in the industry.
‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ is the world’s most recognised tagline. BMW’s strategy of segmenting products along the ‘Series’ name set the template that is followed by nearly every premium brand. The practice of using a high performance halo model (M Series) in the marketing of regular models, is now aped by Mercedes-Benz’s AMG, Audi’s RS, and Lexus’s F range of models.
This is a story of how of the power of youth, discipline and respect for people can push a tiny, almost bankrupt company to overtake its seeming indomitable foe - Mercedes-Benz.
Origins
BMW’s origins can be traced back to 1916, as a maker of aircraft engines.
Karl Rapp’s company Rapp Motorenwerke manufactures aircraft engines for Gustav Otto’s aircraft company Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik. The two would soon run into financial difficulties after World War 1.
In 1916, under the stewardship of financier Camillo Castiglioni, Rapp Motorenwerke was renamed into Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW, Bavarian Motor Company), but this BMW was not the same BMW that we know today.
From here onwards, the narration of BMW’s history gets a bit complicated.
Gustav Otto is the son of Nikolaus Otto, the inventor of the four-stroke engine used by nearly all cars today. Struggling with poor business, Gustav’s company was later renamed to Otto Werke and later on 7-March 1916, reorganised as Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke (BFW, Bavarian Aircraft Company), the predecessor to the present day BMW.
In 1919, Germany had lost World War I, and was barred by the Treaty of Versailles from manufacturing war planes. This severely affected BMW (Rapp) and BFW’s fortunes.
BMW, the one from Rapp Motorenwerke, had to resort to manufacturing braking systems for trains under license from Knorr-Bremse. In 1920, Castiglioni sold BMW to Knorr-Bremse, effectively making BMW a subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse, thus ending the lineage of the so-called ‘original’ BMW company.
In 1922, Castiglioni had assumed control of Gustav Otto’s BFW, and at the same time, Knorr-Bremse had little interest in engine manufacturing and sold the rights to the BMW name back to Castiglioni, who also took a small group of BMW employees with him.
Castiglioni wasted no time to reorganise BFW into BMW. BMW’s engine manufacturing business was restarted at BFW’s former production facility at the Oberwiesenfeld airfield in Munich, where BMW’s Munich plant and Group Headquarters office remains until today.
Thus, after this complicated genealogy, 7-March 1916, the date of Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke’s founding, was considered by BMW to be its date of birth.
The BMW Logo – Aircraft propeller or Bavarian Flag?
There is a prevailing myth that BMW’s blue-white roundel logo is related to BMW’s history with aircraft, but this only a myth, as explained by a BMW archivist in the video below:
From Planes To Cars
Unable to make planes, BMW started building cars and motorcycles. The 1923 BMW R 32 was BMW’s first motorcycle.
In 1928, BMW acquired an automobile production plant in Eisenach from struggling car maker Automobilwerk Eisenach, which had been licensed to produce Britain’s Austin Seven under the Dixi DA-1 3/15 name.
BMW continued producing the Dixi, technically BMW’s first car, until 1932, after which BMW had gained sufficient know-how to build its own cars.
Just four years after acquiring the Eisenach plant, BMW engineers were able to build a more powerful engine, and fit it into a larger BMW 3/20 – the first car to wear a BMW badge. It produced 5 hp more than the Austin-based Dixi, and was built on a BMW’s own chassis, which had a longer wheelbase.
BMW continued to gain momentum and each subsequent model was better than before. The brand quickly became synonymous with superior handling and performance.
The signature ‘kidney grille’ and six-cylinder engine made its debut in the 1933 BMW 303.
The BMW 328 was the peak of BMW’s reputation until World War 2 nearly destroyed everything BMW had.
On 14-June 1936, at the International Eifel Race in Nurburgring, the 328 made its first public debut. Despite having a lower power output 2.0-litre six-cylinder engine, it beat several more powerful supercharged rivals to win the race and set a new lap record for sports cars, firmly cementing BMW’s image for superior handling prowess.
Destroyed By Bombs, Nearly Got Sold To Mercedes-Benz
World War 2 hit BMW particularly hard, harder than either Audi (Auto Union), Mercedes-Benz, Porsche or Volkswagen.
Unlike its more established German peers, BMW had only one car plant – the Eisenach plant, which had fallen into Soviet Union’s control.
The Munich engine plant was heavily bombed, and whatever machinery that was spared from damage was dismantled by US military and shipped out of Germany. What was left was only good enough to make bicycles, pots and pans.
Germany was soon split into two by the Berlin Wall and there was no way for BMW to recover its automotive assets from Eisenach.
In 1948, the company was somehow able to produce a new motorcycle at its Munich plant – the R 24. For seven years after the war, the company that conquered the Nurburgring did not build a single car.
The 1952 BMW 501 (above) was BMW’s first post-war car, followed by the 507 roadster (below), but post-war Germany had little appetite for six-cylinder saloons and sports cars.
The 1955 BMW Isetta ‘bubble car,’ an improved version of a design purchased from Italian carmaker Iso, was a last ditch radical solution to keep BMW afloat but it couldn’t stave off the looming bankruptcy.
By 1959, Daimler, which owns Mercedes-Benz was circling over BMW like a predator waiting for a weak prey to collapse. If BMW falls under Daimler’s control, BMW would almost certainly be reduced to nothing more than an insignificant part of Daimler, probably a parts supplier.
BMW’s shareholders, while acknowledging that there was no way for BMW to remain independent, their Bavarian pride couldn’t stomach a sale to Daimler and protested. The rivalry between Daimler and BMW goes beyond just business. There is a quirky German cultural dimension to it as well.
BMW hails from Munich, Bavaria while Daimler is from Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, a Swabian region. The Bavarians are very proud of their identity and see themselves as a distinctly different from their Swabian counterparts.
BMW shares were owned by many Bavarian families, who don’t sell it but passed it down to their children.
For many BMW shareholders, selling BMW, the pride of Bavaria, to the Swabians at Daimler was a major slap to their Bavarian pride.
A Daimler Board Member and Closet BMW Fan To The Rescue
In came Herbert Quandt, the first protagonist in the unfolding drama of BMW’s rescue. Herbert was a wealthy industrialist whose family owns battery company Varta. He owned many shares in the then Daimler-Benz AG and sits on Daimler’s supervisory board.
Curiously, despite his position at Daimler, there was something about BMW that attracted him. Herbert changed his mind about supporting Daimler’s position at the last minute, after witnessing the strong pride among BMW employees and shareholders, and their relentless effort to keep Daimler out of BMW. Some also say that Herbert, a car lover of sorts, did not want to see BMW gone after being attracted to BMW’s sportier, more emotional cars.
Against his financial advisor’s advice, Herbert poured a lot of his own money into the ailing BMW, snapping up much of BMW’s shares and made arrangements to put together an emergency fund for BMW to stave off bankruptcy. Quandt bought 30 percent of BMW’s shares just to that Diamler-Benz would not be able to buy it. He even negotiated with the Bavarian Financial Ministry for assistance to keep BMW independent.
As he was taking a huge risk with his personal wealth, he needed to be absolutely sure of BMW’s potential. BMW’s engineers had already developed a prototype BMW 700, a rear-engined small car powered by a flat-twin 697cc motorcycle engine.
David Kiley’s book ‘Driven: Inside BMW, the Most Admired Car Company in the World” tells of the then Head of Finance at BMW, Ernst Kampfer driving the prototype BMW 700 to Herbert, who then ran his hands over the car’s design (Herbert suffered from failing eyesight, and needed an assistant to read documents to him), and inspected the car’s interior by hand.
Using his position in Daimler, Herbert had Kemfer drove the car to Stuttgart to have the car inspected by Daimler engineer Fritz Nallinger. Fritz drove the prototype BMW around Daimler’s test track, and told Herbert that apart from the dangerous location of its fuel tank (in front of the car) and its weak motorcycle engine, it was a fine car.
“Yes, build it!,” Fritz told Herbert.
It was a commercial successs, and stabilised BMW's finances.
After confirming that he had a decently good product, Herbert used his business contacts to hire talented engineers away from Borgward Works, another struggling German carmaker.
Herbert now had the car and the engineers. He needed someone to sell the car. For that, Herbert recruited two more individuals, Bob Lutz and Eberhard von Kuenheim.
The next part will explain how these two individuals came together put in motion the plans to execute one of the best marketing moves in history, and turned the ailing company to be become one of the most admired companies in the world. Click to read
Part 2 of the story.

Find your dream BMW here on
Carlist.my
.


All-New Hyundai i10 Breaks Cover - New Design, New Tech, No New Engines

Hyundai has unveiled the all-new i10 ahead of its slated launch at the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show, featuring a new design, as well as a wide range of new connectivity and advanced safety features.
Compared to the current model, the all-new i10 is 20 mm shorter and 20 mm wider, and comes with a wide front grille, LED headlights with DRLs, 16-inch wheels, an X-shaped C-pillar, as well as 22 exterior colour options.
Inside, the car features a very youthful appearance, with key features like the air-vents which protrude into the door trim, a large décor panel on the dashboard, honeycomb 3D pattern on the door panels, an extra open storage compartment above the glovebox on the passenger side, as well as four colour options.
Available in four and five seater configurations, the all-new Hyundai i10 also comes with better visibility than its predecessors, and offers 252-litres of boot space.
In terms of infotainment, safety, and driver assistance features, the all-new i10 is fitted with an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with a reverse camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
There is also wireless charging, Hyundai’s Bluelink telematics driver assistance system, as well as Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features, which includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and the Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW).
In terms of powertrain options, the all-new i10 will be available at launch with the same two engines as before - a 1.0-litre MPi 3-cylinder mill producing 67 PS and 96 Nm torque, as well as a 1.2-litre MPi 4-cylinder engine producing 84 PS and 118 Nm torque.
Both engines are available with two transmission choices - a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). The Idle Stop and Go (ISG) is a standard feature for all powertrains.
However, the All-New i10 is also available with an Eco Pack, which includes an adjusted gear ratio, four seats and 14-inch wheels for more optimised fuel efficiency.
Looking for a new Hyundai? Get the best deals
here
.


2015 Volvo XC90 Excellence – Luxury SUV Slated For Shanghai Debut

Volvo
 wants a slice of the luxury automobile market and is not content with letting the
Range Rover
 become the default high-end SUV of choice yet again. For the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, they will be unveiling this, the
XC90
 Excellence, aimed for sale in selected global markets – and in China too, presumably.
Keen to change its automaker image from premium to luxury, the XC90 Excellence comes loaded with creature comforts unlike anything it has offered previously, except you probably wouldn’t be able to tell just by looking at it. Aside from the ‘Excellence’ badging and some lashings of chrome on the exterior, and the new eight-spoke alloy wheels, there’s little to suggest its range-topping status or the levels luxury that is lavished behind its doors. Its unassuming discretion is actually quite admirable and is something the Swedes have an affinity for.
Describing it as its most luxurious car ever built in its 88-year history, Volvo also wants to steal attention and customers away from upcoming competitors from entrants
Rolls Royce
 and
Bentley
 into the SUV space, as well as the fending off the
BMW

X5
 and
Mercedes-Benz
 GLE in their most premium trim (which this still blows away). While it doesn’t have the badge prestige of the Rolls and Bentley, the XC90 Excellence’s interior can stand up to the best of them. First of all, Volvo has thrown out the rear seats and centre seat in the middle row, bringing the occupant count to just four with each having an individual seat. Obviously, this is a car that’s made to be driven around in rather than driven.
Rear passengers get ample legroom and enjoy reclining first-class airline inspired seats that massage, are heated and ventilated, has retractable foot rests, and tray tables that fold into a centre console that stretches through the entire cabin, on which there is a refrigerator and a set of hand-made Orrefors crystal glasses that can be sat in cup holders that can be cooled or heated at the touch of a button. Rounding off the luxuries are moveable touchscreens for each of the two rear passenger seats and ambient lighting. To isolate yourself from the outside world even further, Volvo has included much more sound insulation in the cabin, Pirelli Noise Cancelling System tyres, and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. There’s also a CleanZone climate system that utilizes an ionic air cleaner to remove dust or smoke particles.
"This is our new flagship car," said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design. "We have created the ultimate luxury experience of Scandinavian design. Volvo has never launched a car like this before. This is the car that demonstrates what the name Volvo now means."
Although Volvo remains silent on the exact technical details for this early preview, the T8 “twin engine” logo on the car’s rear hints at it being – if it’s like the normal XC90 T8 - a plug-in hybrid that’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine that is supercharged and turbocharged as well as being augmented by an electric motor, and a larger 60 kW electric motor mounted between the rear wheels. Together, these produce roughly 400 hp and 640 Nm of torque, sending drive to all four wheels. Volvo will likely tweak those figures to better suit the driving conditions, fuel economy, and passenger comfort of this particular model up until its official launch, however.
The XC90 Excellence is set to go on sale globally later in 2015, with the Swedish automaker specifying price, the countries it will be offered in, along with how many units it intends to produce in the lead up to its full production. Interestingly, or rather futuristically, customers in some markets will be able to purchase it over the internet.


Video: BMW 5 Series (G30) Shows Off Autonomous Driving Systems; Teases Interior

More details continue to emerge ahead of the all-new BMW 5 Series’ upcoming global debut. Internally codenamed G30 by BMW, the new seventh-gen 5er is set to once again fight tooth-and-nail against the similarly new
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)
.
Upping its ante in the segment’s technological arm’s rest, BMW is set to bring a whole raft of autonomous driving systems to bear on the new 5er’s rivals, with a newly-released video showcasing two of many features set to be offered in the G30.
First up comes Steering and Lane Control Assistant, a
technology first introduced in the G11 7 Series
 in which the vehicle is able to detect road markings and autonomously apply steering angle to keep it from drifting into another lane.
In the 7 Series as illustrated in the two videos below, the system requires the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel at all times. The new G30, interestingly, does not seem to impose the same restriction on the driver – the gentleman in the new G30 demo video clearly took his hands off the wheel.
A new feature debuting in the G30 is Crossroads Warning, which monitors errant vehicles exiting from junctions into the path of the car. The system functions as an extension of the vehicle’s autonomous braking system by first pre-conditioning the brakes and then applying full braking force if the driver does not react within a certain amount of time.
Through the video, we also get very minute glimpses of the G30’s cabin as well as a blurred outlook of the vehicle’s exterior shape. Inside shots of the vehicle still show a partially camouflaged cabin, but familiar items such as the steering wheel, free standing screen, and instrument panel from the 7 Series.
Follow the links below to read more about the all-new BMW 5 Series (G30):
2016 BMW 5 Series (G30) To Put Remote 3D View Into Your Phone
2017 G30 BMW 5 Series: What We Think We Know (Updated)
BMW G30 5 Series: What It Will Probably Look Like
BMW Group Prepares Dingolfing Plant for G30 Production, Magna Steyr to Supplement Production
BMW 5 Series G30 US Ordering Guide Has Been Leaked


PM Umum Kebenaran Rentas Negeri Bermula 11 Oktober 2021 - Aktiviti Pelancongan Dibenarkan

Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob telah mengumumkan aktiviti
rentas negeri
 bagi semua negeri di Malaysia kini dibenarkan bermula Isnin, 11 Oktober 2021.

Sehubungan dengan itu, larangan rentas negeri yang dilaksanakan di seluruh negara sejak lebih 4 bulan lalu kini melabuhkan tirainya. Aktiviti pelancongan juga dibenarkan sempena dengan pembukaan rentas negeri ini. Namun ia tidak terpakai ke kawasan merah atau di bawah Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Diperketat (PKPD).

PM juga berkata aktiviti rentas negeri ini hanya dibenarkan kepada
individu yang lengkap divaksin sahaja
. Pihak berkuasa masih mempunyai kuasa untuk memeriksa individu secara rawak dan mengenakan kompaun sekiranya individu belum divaksin didapati merentas negeri.

Selain itu, kerajaan juga telah memansuhkan penggunaan My Travel Pass bagi rakyat Malaysia yang ingin keluar negara termasuk bagi aktiviti pelancongan bermula esok, 11 Oktober 2021. Namun ia hanya terbuka pada individu yang lengkap divaksin sahaja. Individu yang pulang ke Malaysia masih lagi perlu menjalani kuarantin selama 14 hari. Pintu masuk Malaysia walau bagaimanapun masih belum dibuka kepada orang luar buat masa ini.

Seperti yang dinantikan oleh semua rakyat Malaysia, kebenaran aktiviti rentas negeri ini dilaksanakan secara serentak di seluruh negara. Ketika ini, Malaysia telah pun mencapai 90% kadar vaksinasi populasi dewasa.

Sebelum ini, Menteri Kesihatan Khairy Jamaluddin telah memberi jaminan bahawa
Sekatan Jalan Raya (SJR)
 di pintu masuk atau sempadan negeri juga tidak akan diadakan selepas ini khusus untuk rentas negeri. Namun PM telah menyatakan bahawa SJR tetap akan diadakan dari semasa ke semasa bagi memastikan keamanan negara terkawal, khususnya bagi tujuan jenayah. Golongan yang tidak menerima vaksin mungkin boleh terlepas untuk merentas negeri, namun tetap tidak akan menerima
kebebasan serta kelonggaran
 yang dinikmati oleh golongan yang sudah lengkap divaksin.

Meskipun semakin banyak kelonggaran diberikan oleh kerajaan bagi mengembalikan semula kehidupan normal kepada rakyat secara beransur-ansur, PM turut menasihati orang ramai sentiasa mematuhi SOP yang ditetapkan kerana virus COVID-19 masih berleluasa dan sesiapa sahaja boleh terdedah untuk dijangkiti.

Pihak berkuasa akan terus melakukan pemeriksaan secara rawak di premis perniagaan, kedai makan dan tempat tumpuan awam bagi memastikan segala SOP dapat dipatuhi oleh orang ramai. Kegagalan mematuhi SOP akan dikenakan kompaun serta merta.


Grab Shares Dropped 12%, RM2.45 Billion Loss Reported in Q2

Grab Holdings Ltd
 is in for a wild ride this year as the group reported a
wider loss
 than what was estimated for the second quarter of 2022.

While they're still struggling to gain some form of profit from its
ride-hailing
 and
delivery business
 modules, Grab's net loss for Q2 2022 sits at US$547 million (RM2.45 billion). The figure is considerably higher than the expected US$335 million (RM1.5 billion) initially projected. Ouch.

Grab shares also tumbled 12% on NASDAQ

Grab's company listing on America's NASDAQ stock exchange tumbled a further 12%, which is now down to more than 55% in 2022 (so far). Bloomberg, however, did report that Grab's revenue has risen to 79% or US$321 million (RM1.44 billion), which was higher than what was projected earlier at US$273 million (RM1.22 billion).

Despite the worsening state of inflation in the countries that Grab currently operates, demand from consumers and app users has been steady despite reports of price hikes for its food delivery and e-hailing services. There's also the expansion towards groceries to combat the ride-hailing downturn, in which a significant investment was placed.

That venture, however, was cut short in countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines in an attempt to cut costs and essentially streamline all of its delivery services. That made yet another impact on its overall net loss, plus the reports of investors pulling out from money-losing ventures since the lockdowns caused by the pandemic.

Less food deliveries + inflation = lower projected GMV

While the food delivery demand is expected to drop slightly going to the last month of Q3 due to price hikes and further inflation on overall goods, Grab has lowered its gross merchandise value (GMV) expansion to 21-25% as compared to the earlier projected 30-35%.

This was pointed out due to the fact that Grab only reported US$2.5 billion (RM11.2 billion) in GMV for its delivery arm falling short of its quarterly projection of US$2.65 billion (RM11.89 billion). It's quite a hole to be in, but a number of vital strategies going into the final quarter of 2022 should make things more bearable for Singapore's giant tech company.


The Skyline Legend Was Born Over 50 Years Ago

When you talk about legendary Japanese cars, there is one particular line of cars that you cannot avoid discussing. It's Nissan's Skyline GT-R, and it's a series of cars that became a hit- at first within the Japanese domestic market and, in later generations, the world over. While the GT-R name lives on in the form of the R35, it is actually the Skyline prefix that enthusiasts will remember more- and the story begins way back in 1964, at Suzuka.
It's a story that's been told numerous times, over and over, but it's one that's worth repeating. Before the world knew of the R32 Skyline GT-R, before the legend of Godzilla, there was a humble car known as the Skyline GT. At the time it was not produced by Nissan, but rather by a small outfit known as Prince Motor Company that would go on to merge with Nissan. At Suzuka there were a team of these cars being fielded, and they were of a very limited production run that barely met homologation requirements.
The cars were not perfect, but the team made do with what they had. Even with the body extended by 20 centimetres in an effort to improve stability, these 4-door saloons still slipped and slid around Suzuka as they tried to dial it in. But with a bit of practice, they started to get the hang of it. Soon enough they were posting lap times that were the quickest among the competition at Suzuka.
One of the more fearsome opponents on the track during that fateful race was the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, which was the one to beat. While the Skyline GT did not manage to win the race, as the Porsche outclassed it in many respects, it did however manage to overtake and lead the Porsche for one lap of the circuit. While that may not count as an outright victory, it was a huge success in the eyes of the team and the people of Japan.
That one lap set forth a chain of events that led to the fearsome Skyline GT-R models that dominated on racetracks in the late 1980s through to the early 2000s. Toshiyuki Shiga, who once served as Nissan's Chief Operating Officer, says that day decided his path in life. "I was just nine years old at that time, but I still remember the big news," said Shiga. "1964 was the moment Japanese motorization began. Nissan always led the initiative with motorsports. I was so happy. It was my dream, and I wanted to enter Nissan."
While the Skyline may not live on as a racing legend in this day and age, it is still a name that is synonymous with performance and racing, and gets any true-blue car enthusiast excited. It's a car with humble beginnings, that fought giants, that inspired hundreds upon thousands of young men and women to enter the automotive world, be it as engineers or racecar drivers. And for that reason, it is remembered.


Sime Darby Swedish Auto Tawar Perkhidmatan Bertaraf Dunia untuk Kereta Volvo

Kemudahan Membaiki dan Mengecat Badan Kenderaan Berpusat
Sime Darby Motors
 yang terletak di Bukit Jelutong telah memenuhi piawaian sebagai Pusat Baik Pulih Kerosakan Bertauliah Volvo (VCDR).

Dengan matlamat menyediakan perkhidmatan membaiki dan mengecat badan kenderaan bermutu tertinggi, piawaian VCDR bertaraf dunia ini memastikan teknologi lestari dan proses terkini diguna pakai di kemudahan ini untuk mengurangkan kesan ekosistem terhadap alam sekitar dan menggalakkan penggunaan tenaga yang lestari.

Piawaian VCDR

Piawaian VCDR melibatkan penggunaan sistem baik pulih badan kenderaan terkini dan peralatan canggih, termasuk sistem pengukuran dilengkapi sensor 3D yang pantas dan sangat tepat.

Ruang cat yang moden dan terkini juga disediakan untuk mewujudkan persekitaran yang bebas habuk dan pengudaraan yang baik sekali gus membolehkan hasil kerja dan prestasi terbaik dicapai secara konsisten bagi kereta
Volvo
.

Pengarah Urusan Bahagian Peruncitan dan Pengedaran Sime Darby Motors Malaysia, Jeffrey Gan berkata piawaian ini adalah sebahagian daripada usaha khusus mereka untuk terus memberi perkhidmatan yang terbaik bagi para pelanggan.

Tambahnya, pelaksanaan piawaian VCDR di Kemudahan Membaiki dan Mengecat Badan Kenderaan Berpusat Sime Darby Motors menyokong komitmen mereka dalam prinsip memelihara Alam Sekitar, Sosial dan Tadbir Urus (ESG) yang baik, dan memastikan penyediaan perkhidmatan serba lengkap bertaraf dunia bagi kereta Volvo.

Kelebihan Program VCDR

Program VCDR telah pun dilancarkan di
Sime Darby Swedish Auto di Ara Damansara.
Bersempena dengan pelancaran itu, setiap pelanggan yang membelanjakan sekurang-kurangnya RM3,000 bagi perkhidmatan membaiki dan mengecat badan kenderaan di Sime Darby Swedish Auto layak menerima khidmat perapian ruang dalam dan luar kereta mereka secara percuma dan juga pencucian ozon bernilai RM1,200, tertakluk kepada terma dan syarat.

Dilengkapi dengan teknologi terkini dan disokong juruteknik yang terlatih, Kemudahan Membaiki dan Mengecat Badan Kenderaan Berpusat Sime Darby Motors yang terletak di Bukit Jelutong buat masa ini merupakan hanya satu daripada dua pusat servis Volvo di Malaysia yang mematuhi piawaian VCDR.

Dengan kapasiti untuk menerima 1,260 kenderaan setahun, kemudahan ini berupaya menyediakan perkhidmatan membaiki dan mengecat badan kenderaan untuk pelbagai model kereta Volvo, termasuk kenderaan hibrid dan elektrik. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Volvo Ara Damansara di 03-7623 3200 atau Volvo Setia Alam di 03-5870 1188.


VIDEO: All-New Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Teased On Track

Mercedes
 gave us a premature look at their new
C63
 coupe
via some presentation slides
. Or was that merely premeditated?
Actually, that was the C63 S Coupe.
In either case, they’re back with a proper video teaser to fully showcase the two-door’s exterior.
Accompanying the exterior look is the revving snarl of its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Which, really, makes up the bulk of this video’s appeal as we’re treated to some pretty snap transitions that getting a clear look at the whole car become an exercise in mashing the pause button.
The official reveal comes very soon, August 19
th
 in fact, so we won’t have to wait long until all our curious eyes are satiated. But we in Malaysia must wait until the sun makes its way over to Europe before they get things rolling.
What’s unclear though is whether Mercedes-AMG decided to leave the engine tune untampered, meaning either a 469hp or a 503hp version, mirroring the
sedan
. But we’ll find out soon enough. Even with those outputs, they handily outdo the competition from their closest rival, BMW's M4 and the 3.0-litre straight six with 430hp that lives under its hood.


All-New Volkswagen Passat Showcases Its Dirtier Side: Meet The Alltack

Another one heading for a full unveil at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show is this new
Volkswagen

Passat
 Alltrack. VW plans on having it on sale by September and all indications point to a European market availability, at least initially.
This brings it to the newest B8 generation and goes on to compete with other D-segment contenders in the soft-roader wagon space such as
Volvo
 XC70 and
Audi
 A6/A4 Allroad.
The changes that VW made over the standard Passat wagon is most notably a height rise by over one-inch as well as a more softly tuned suspension to better cope with uneven terrain. There are more robust panels all around as well as more pronounced wheel arch mouldings to set it apart visually.
Engine choices come in a range of five, two gasoline – a 1.4TSI with 148hp or a 2.0TSI with 217hp - and three diesel options with either 148hp, 187hp or 237hp, depending on the tune of the 2.0TDI.
Standard equipment includes Volkswagen’s Haldex-based 4Motion all-wheel drive system to keep the power heading to where it’s needed most, and operates primarily as a front-wheel-drive system with the rear tires coming into play once grip levels get trickier to manage. A combination of electronic differential lock, ABS, and throttle and shift points, can be intelligently managed by Alltrack’s Off Road mode.


The Koenigsegg Gemera Is Fit For A Family Of Four

Have you always wanted to buy a Koenigsegg but just couldn’t bring yourself to do it because they were exclusively two seaters? Yeah, we totally know how you feel – but fret no more because the first four seater Koenigsegg has arrived and it’s called the Gemera. Headline figures are 1700 hp and 3500-ish Nm of torque.

It’s a little crazy, isn’t it? They look like normal performance numbers with an extra “0” tacked on the end – but Koenigsegg is as Koenigsegg does. It achieves this through a hybrid setup which packs three electric motors and a turbocharged 2.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that supplies 600 hp on its own. Those three electric motors are distributed with two delivering power individually to each rear wheel, and one for the front wheels with hydraulic couplings for torque vectoring.

With all of this performance, you can hit 100 km/h from a standstill in just 1.9 seconds – and you can do it with a full payload of four occupants thanks to rear seating arrangements. By downsizing the engine and dropping one cylinder, the Gemera has an incredibly large interior space and luggage room without making it excessively large.

Those trademark dihedral synchro-helix doors are present as well, making it easy for all occupants to get in and out. There’s even a sensor to stop the door from crashing into the roof of your garage. Total weight of the car is expected to come in at 1879 kg, which might seem heavy for a hypercar but it is packing 1700 hp, seats four, and has seriously powerful electric motors.

The Gemera is even (almost) carbon neutral if you choose to run it on alcohol, which the conventional motor at its heart allows for. The engine is the first in the world to use Freevalve technology that allows infinitely variable valve timing – basically it offers total control over how much air the engine is breathing in and in turn how efficient or powerful it is. The technology has a huge range of applications, even if taken to the mass market, and can transform relatively simple engines into incredibly potent powerplants.

No prices have yet been announced – but in true Koenigsegg fashion you will expect its planned production run of 300 units to be sold out the moment Christian Von Koenigsegg says “Go!”. It’s a truly crazy machine but you come to expect these from the Swedish hypercar manufacturer.


The Nissan Z (400Z) - This Is How You Build A Two-Door Sports Car!

We’ve been waiting quite a while for this one. The 7th-generation Z car from the Japanese marque. Now that it’s here, there’s no avoiding the fact that this is how you build a two-door sports car. It’s literally
everything we wanted in a Supra-killer from Nissan
.

Just when we reckoned there’s no way that Nissan was going to invest in an all-new Z car, they dropped this one prototype on us back in September last year. Eleven months on, it’s clear that the car had been pretty much finished given how little has changed over the Z Proto.

By the way, despite everyone already in the habit of calling this the 400Z given the horsepower output of its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6, Nissan has decided to drop the numerical scheme entirely and just call it the
Z
.

This wise move in our books as there’s definitely a limitation in naming all Z cars based on their engine displacement. Plus, the ‘300’ designation was already used between 1983 to 2000 over two generations of the much loved 300ZX.

Count ‘em up, guys. It has been 13 years since the emergence of the 370Z. That long void was mostly responsible for the collective loss in faith that Nissan was even going to bother with another sports car, perhaps choosing to only focus on the next
giant-killing GT-R
.

Nissan Chose Courage

It was pretty widely known that Nissan wasn’t exactly hitting high notes these past few years with so much of their worldwide market share being eroded by countrymen competitors Toyota and Honda, compounded by the sudden and scandalous departure of
disgraced former CEO Carlos Ghosn
.

Automakers, facing trying times, would have almost always played it safe and pander to the lowest common denominator in pursuit of profits and mass appeal. Basically, the opposite of betting on a lower volume enthusiast-focused two-door sports car.

Perhaps an example that most exemplifies this line of ‘trend chaser’ thinking is Mitsubishi’s decision to kill the Lancer Evolution (and later the Lancer altogether)
in favour of SUVs and crossovers
. Ironically, they’ve since all become sister brands under a three-way alliance with Renault.

With regard to the new Z’s biggest and most direct rival, even cash-flush Toyota chose to ally themselves with BMW in a big way.
The A90 GR Supra
 is built alongside the Z4 in Austria with the German brand supplying the powertrain and chassis. Despite the hype surrounding that car upon launch, it has only enjoyed modest success so far.

With the all-new Z, it’s clear that Nissan is choosing to power through this period of adversity by returning to their most prized assets. It’s cars like this, along with the GT-R, that capture the imagination and build brand support, something that will galvanise into long-term loyalty.

Still, it’s far from certain that the Z will even sell in the volumes necessary for the whole project to be profitable. With the world currently in a precarious position from a certain health crisis, sports car buyers might be a little limp when pulling the trigger.

With so many risk factors at play, this decision - in and of itself - to launch a new two-door sports car, developed entirely in-house, should be applauded. Even more worthy of praise is how the car turned out, seemingly ticking all the boxes in terms of design, perfectly blending the classic Fairlady-inspired lines and proportions.

Tried And True Formula

With the all-new Nissan Z only just seeing the light of day in finished production form, we don’t yet have a meaty cross-section of reviews from which to know if the car drives and performs as it should.

From what we can surmise, however, there’s isn’t much to worry about. It retains the classic short wheelbase, front-midship engine placement, manual gearbox, and rear-drive configuration of its predecessors.

The bulk of its
new-ness
 stems from its underpinnings and powertrain, that being shared with
the Infiniti Q60 coupe
, as many of us had expected it to. At the front we have the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol as the Q60 Red Sport, producing an identical 406PS and 475Nm. The engine itself, designation VR30DDTT, even comes from the same family as the R35’s VR38DETT powerhouse.

In terms of its exterior, the Z is spot on even at a glance. Look closer and notice a rather surprising emphasis on small details from Nissan. They’ve retained the smooth sloping roofline and side profile synonymous with Z cars as well as the two-tone colour combo from the Z Proto, including its near-flush door handles.

The Z logo just above the rear fender haunches are a very nice touch, and we especially love the rear end with its blackout facia and 3D effect LED illuminators, a brilliant homage to the Z32 300ZX.

Inside, Nissan has seriously stepped their game up. The Z’s cabin looks modern, stylish, plush with leather and Alcantara, but totally driver-focused with its stubby short-throw gear lever, and sporty cocooned seating position.

Meanwhile, the perched turbo boost pressure and turbine speed gauges on the dashboard are just perfect.

Through the instrument binnacle, a 12.3-inch display replaces the usual analogue cluster, and this is supplemented by an equally substantial central touchscreen for media and navigation, which is quite nicely integrated into the centre stack design.

Good News For The Next GT-R

We’ve mentioned Nissan’s flagship performance model a number of times already, and though the company has been silent as the dead with regard to the R35’s successor, the raw substance we have now witnessed on the Z certainly bodes well for its development.

If this new Z car is anything to go by, the next GT-R should be an equally balanced mix of the old and new, incorporating cutting edge design and tasteful surfacing with plenty of respect for heritage and legacy. It’ll also have a pretty fancy interior if its little brother is anything to go by. Nissan, by all accounts pertaining to their fast cars, has got their priorities straight.

The next ‘Godzilla’
 might well be a hybrid as the rumours suggest, which is likely to be a lethal (in a good way) combination with their mighty engines if deployed for performance, but odds are it will stay true to the GT-R’s ethos in the same way that the new Z is a very worthy modern personification of the Fairlady.


Toyota Introduces Limited Edition Yellow 86 For Japan, Readies For New Model

Between now until 30-September, Toyota dealers in Japan will be accepting orders for a “Yellow Limited” variant of the Toyota 86.
Production for this limited edition Japanese market only variant of the Toyota 86 will begin in November, likely as part of a final hurrah run-out campaign before a new facelift Toyota 86 enters the market.
The 86 was first launched in Japan in November 2011, before going on sale in early 2012. The model expected to receive a mid-life facelift update sometime next year.
The 86 Yellow Limited comes with an exclusive Sunrise Yellow exterior paint, black painted side mirror, yellow 86 emblem, black painted wheels, yellow stitching on the Alcantara leather materials lining the door trims, dashboard, gear shifter, handbrake lever, and seats.
Other than that, equipment levels are the same as the highest specifications 86 GT Limited variant. Powertrain remains unchanged.
Prices start from 3.17 million Yen for the 6-speed manual variant and 3.25 million Yen for the 6-speed automatic. The standard 86 GT Limited model sells for 3.09 million Yen for the manual and 3.17 million Yen for the automatic.
There’s also an optional ‘aero package’ that adds a sportier looking lower spoiler at the front and rear bumper, a ghastly huge rear wing, side skirts, aerodynamic floor undercover, aluminium 18-inch BBS wheels, Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres, higher performance brake pads, and Sachs dampers.


2016 Renault Koleos Launched in Malaysia – 2.5 FWD, RM178k

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), Renault’s sole distributor in Malaysia, has officially launched the
all-new second-generation Renault Koleos for our market
.
Expected to hit the roads by mid-October, the Koleos is currently being offered with only a single variant, consisting of a 2.5-litre front-wheel drive petrol model.
Speaking at the new model’s official launch event, CEO of TCEC Mr Kuan Kim Luen mentioned that Malaysia is among the very first few countries to introduce the all-new Koleos, which will eventually be present in more than 80 countries across the world. The Koleos had debuted globally in April this year at the
2016 Beijing Motor Show
.
Design
Inspired by styling cues of the Renault Talisman D-segment flagship, the all-new Koleos exudes an advanced appearance and stretches 4,672mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,705mm. External fitments include full LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Configured as a five-seater, the Koleos offers 550 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up. As with all SUVs, 60:40 split-folding rear are provided to expand the overall cargo capacity to 1,690 litres. Handles are placed inside the boot to enable easy folding in an instant.
Engine & Transmission
Sharing its running gear with the current T32 Nissan X-Trail, the Koleos is powered by the same 2.5-litre petrol engine producing maximum outputs of 171PS and 226Nm. Ensuring good response at low revs, the engine serves up 200Nm of twist from as low as 1,800rpm. Drive goes to the front wheels via Nissan’s X-Tronic CVT.
Equipment
The all-new Koleos comes standard with the following equipment:
R-Link 2 Multimedia System – 8.7-inch tablet-style portrait touchscreen, GPS navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, USB
6 airbags (2 frontal, 2 side, 2 curtain)
Blind spot warning
Anti-whiplash headrests (front & rear)
ISOFIX (rear)
Electronic stability control, traction control
ABS, EBD, brake assist
Hill start assist
Reverse camera, all-round parking sensors.
Pricing
The all-new Renault Koleos is priced at
RM177,917.72 (OTR with insurance)
 for private individual registration in Peninsular Malaysia. Customers in tax-free Langkawi enjoy a much lower price of RM120,374.36. The Koleos is fully-imported from Busan, South Korea.
Like all mainstream models of the Renault brand, the Koleos is backed by a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty.
Competitors
The Koleos is unique for being the only SUV of its size and price to seat five passengers. The
Honda CR-V 2.4 (RM172,600)
 is perhaps the closest in its combination of pricing against seating capacity. Additionally, the Koleos is also notable for offering a front-wheel drive layout when most competitors have the option of sending power to all fours.
Official presentation slides at the launch event, however, identify the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, and Kia Sorento as key rivals. In their closest comparable specification, the three models are priced as follows (OTR with insurance):
Mazda CX-5 2.5 2WD
: RM159,815.90
Nissan X-Trail 2.5
: RM164,148.94
Kia Sorento 2.4 AWD High Spec
: RM175,888
Additionally, we'd consider the following models in the same breath:
Mitsubishi Outlander
: RM173,579.82
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 Elegance: RM167,735.65 (OTR without insurance)


Mitsubishi XR-PHEV II Concept: A Preview Of The Next-Gen ASX?

In 2013,
Mitsubishi
 introduced its XR-PHEV concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. At the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, they brought along an updated version of that concept. This is the Mitsubishi XR-PHEV II concept and it could serve as a preview for the next generation
Mitsubishi ASX
.
The company has made alterations to the exterior with revised headlights, grille, and skid plate. Along the sides, the concept now has wing mirrors and has included a small window in the C-pillar. The blackened A-pillar in the previous concept has also been omitted.
At the rear, a diffuser now takes its place of the previous aluminium bumper and a see-through tailgate blends in with the sharp aggressive cuts on the vehicle.
Moving into the cabin, the original concept has now been replaced with a whole new, almost production ready one. With a cockpit-style layout, there are three displays – one for the instruments one for the air-conditioning, infotainment, and the final to display data on the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Yes, the PHEV stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and in its previous iteration, a turbocharged 1.1-litre three-cylinder engine and 120 kW electric motor pairing was in place. In the XR-PHEV II, Mitsubishi say that its new PHEVE system is designed for use in front-engine/front-drive models and comprises of a MIVEC engine, a new electric motor/generator and a new power drive unit.
No mention was made as to MIVEC engine used but the 120 kW electric motor with a 12 kWh battery capacity can be found. The powertrain is capable of running in all electric mode and can call upon the petrol engine to recharge the car’s battery pack.
Interestingly enough, the Mitsubishi XR-PHEV II’s dimensions (4,490 mm length x 1,890 mm width x 1,620 mm height) are just a little larger than that of the current Mitsubishi ASX (4,295 mm length x 1,770 mm length x 1,615 mm length) but they both share the same wheelbase of 2,670 mm. Whether or not this points to what the next generation ASX could come to resemble, we’ll have to wait and see.


New Honda HR-V Facelift Previewed, Launching In Q3 2018

Honda Malaysia has announced that bookings for the new HR-V facelift are now opened at all 95 Honda authorized dealers across the nation. Prices have yet to be announced, as the model will only be launched in the third quarter of this year, presumably after the introduction of Sales and Services Tax (SST) in September.
Differences between the new HR-V and pre-facelift model are very minor, limited only to the new front and rear bumper, new headlights, and grille.
Standard safety features for the new HR-V include six airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and a multi-angle reverse camera.
The new HR-V will also see the introduction of a new RS variant.
Highlights of the new HR-V RS include:
LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
LED front fog lamps
LED tail lamps with guide lights
18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
LaneWatch
RS grille
New front and rear bumpers
Dark chrome outer door handles
Black chrome number plate garnish
Sport black side sill
Mesh fog light garnish
The new Honda HR-V RS variant is also the first model in Honda Malaysia’s lineup to feature the new Passion Red Pearl body colour.
According to Honda Malaysia, the updated HR-V is expected to be introduced in the third quarter of 2018. Customers who place a booking no later than 31 October 2018 for the new HR-V will receive a Petronas gift card worth RM1,000.


VIDEO: Koenigsegg One:1 Sets Another Lap Record Around Spa-Francorchamps

The Koenigsegg One:1 is a beast. We’ve seen this proven many times and we defy anyone to truly declare otherwise. We’ve seen it destroy the
world record from 0-300km/h
, even seen it blast up the
hill at Goodwood
.
Still not content with its place at the top of the hypercar food chain, Koenigsegg with its fearsome One:1 have broken the street-legal production car lap record at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium by more than an entire second at
2 minutes and 32
.14 seconds,
Just one second faster? That might seem unimpressive, but the previous record was also set in June with a Koenigsegg One:1 at 2 minutes and 33
.26 seconds
. So, it just beat itself by more than a full second.
The lap itself is really something to behold. The speedometer seen in the video measures per 65mph (or 105km/h). The rate at which the car accelerates from particularly slow corners to eye-bleeding speeds is ridiculous and can only be described with excessive use of ‘colourful’ language.
The whole time, driver Robert Serwanski – who
drives a Mazda 3
, by the way -  handled the blinding speed and massive braking forces very handily around the famous circuit.
Koenigsegg, however, has yet to officially verify the lap time and quips at how there surely is room to improve that figure even further. Must be that Swedish modesty.


Safety tips: How to sit behind the wheel (BM)

Contrary to popular belief, the ideal sitting position while driving is NOT like Vin Diesel in the movie Fast and Furious. In fact, it doesn’t even come close to that. Rumour has it that over 80 per cent of drivers still don't know how to sit behind the wheels.
Since our driving schools’ syllabus only goes as far as ‘how to hold the steering wheel’, we feel that it is necessary for each and every driver out there to know what is the ideal sitting position behind the wheel.
Why it is such a big deal to know how to sit behind the wheel is because it will ensure that you are not only comfortable, but also safe.
That said, attached here is a video by our friends at
Roda Pusing

on how to sit behind the wheels. What they are explaining in the new Mitsubishi Triton is basically all you need to know about the ideal driver's position, and why you need to sit in such a way.
Now, these are not regular Joes who are presenting in the video in case you’re wondering. The host, Hisham Jahudi, is actually an ex-professional racer in the Malaysia Merdeka Endurance championship, and also the founder of
Motomassa Driving Academy
, which specializes in offering various advanced driving courses.
So, unless you have more experience on the race track than our friend Hisham here, we would suggest that you spend a few minutes watching the video. It would be better if you can share it with your nephews and nieces who are new drivers as well.
Looking for a Mitsubishi Triton? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Between RM 100k and RM 125k – MPVs and SUVs Edition

When it comes to interior space, you’ve got two major options – an 7-seater MPV, or an SUV. Which you decide on depends on whether you want flexibility or capacity.

So you’re looking for a car – but you’re willing to forgo the traditional three box sedan in favour of something a little more practical. Well, your options are either an MPV or an SUV, but you would be surprised just how many different options you have even within the RM 100,000 to RM 125,000 (or so) bracket. Below are your choices – with a little explanation on why they’re worth your time.

Honda HR-V

This model needs no introduction, as it’s one of Honda’s most popular models. The HR-V comes in three variants,
starting at RM 104,000.21 for the 1.8L E
, and going up as high as RM 118,581.81 for the top spec 1.8L RS. Powertrain wise you get a 1.8-litre engine paired with a CVT-type transmission across the range, but the standout point is flexibility in seating and storage.

Toyota Innova

The first MPV as we make our way through the list, the Innova commands a relatively tight price bracket
from RM 110,034.00 for the 2.0E
, up to RM 127,126.00 for the top-spec 2.0X. All models get the same 2.0-litre powertrain with a 6-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels – a rarity in this class. If you do opt for the 2.0X, you will be getting a six-seater as the second row gets turned into Captain Seats, but of course there’s additional comfort and convenience as a result.

Nissan Serena

The MPV that made Nissan – in a way. The Serena is a fairly popular choice and we can see why, given its no nonsense approach to people carrying. Getting one will set you
back by RM 127,524.00
 if you don’t pick one of the higher-end packages, and with Captain Seats in the second row you get a total passenger capacity of six. The rear bench can be slid forward and rearward depending on whether you want to crush your children’s knees in favour of a couple more suitcases – but hey, that’s your choice.

Nissan X-Trail

A model that has seen massive evolutionary leaps, the X-Trail comes in four variants – though the top-spec Hybrid model just can’t meet the RM 150,000 limit. Prices
start at RM 128,630.00
 for the 2.0-litre 2WD model and go as high as RM 146,731.00 for the 2.5-litre 4WD model. You can also fit up to seven people as there’s a third row of seats that can pop up – which makes this kind of both an MPV and an SUV.

Mazda CX-3

One of the smallest options you can get is the Mazda CX-3, since it’s effectively based on the Mazda 2. The boot space may be measly and legroom may leave you wanting, but it’s arguably the most enjoyable car of the options here – and not a slouch either as it packs a 2.0-litre engine and a six-speed automatic sending drive to the front wheels. A singular variant
goes for RM 126,829.00
 – but if you’re not hard up on the space, you may find yourself liking the CX-3.

Renault Captur

When automakers started to pile into the compact crossover segment, Renault reacted fairly quickly with the Captur and it proved to be a funky left-field alternative for those in the market for a crossover. The interior is simple and easy to use, with a good balance between interior room and storage space. All variants are powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre engine for spritely dynamics, and even the top-spec model will only
run you back RM 111,308.79
.

Proton X70

It’s the most popular SUV in the country, so it goes without saying that one of the prime choices for the money is the Proton X70. Four variants are
spread across RM 94,800 to RM 122,800
, meaning you can go right for the top spec Premium X 2WD variant and get the full monte – though you’re really only getting a panoramic sunroof over the regular Premium 2WD variant, which already comes with the Advanced Driver Assistance System, larger wheels, an uprated sound system, and a powered tailgate.

Mitsubishi ASX

It’s one of the oldest models in its class, and yet there’s still something charming about the Mitsubishi ASX. The Lancer-based crossover was also a first for Mitsubishi and its dimensions strike a balance between being compact enough to fit in an urban environment, but large enough for practical space. Pricing starts
from RM 111,628
 for the 2WD model, and tops out at RM 125,182 for the 4WD model.

Kia Sportage

We come to the first of the Korean models on our list with the Kia Sportage, their smaller crossover or compact SUV model. The latest facelift was launched at the end of 2018, but this only brought minor cosmetic enhancements and detail changes. The broad strokes are the same and the appeal of this model – like most Kias – is surprisingly high build quality and refinement. The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine variant goes
for RM 126,888
, while the higher spec model goes for RM 149,888 but comes with a 2.0-litre R CRDi powerplant.

Hyundai Tucson

The sister car to the Kia Sportage is obviously going to feature here as well, although there are some minor differences that separate the two. The Hyundai Tucson starts
at RM 123,888
 for the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol model, but the top spec variant goes for RM 143,888 and is packaged with a 1.6-litre T-GDI that pushes a healthy amount of power and torque. Parts of the interior may not feel as premium, but in terms of functional features this Hyundai can deliver.

Subaru XV

What a ride it has been for the entry-level model in the Subaru line-up, but the XV remains a representation of Subaru’s belief in their technology and surprising finesse. This model has been in the market since late 2017, powered by the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine that sends power to all four wheels through a CVT-type automatic. It may not have a huge amount of space, but it is easily the most capable in class if having to head off-road. Pricing
starts at RM 118,819
, and goes as high as RM 130,788 for the top spec.

Citroen C3 Aircross

The last on our list comes from a French brand, and it’s one of the smallest models as well. Powering it is a turbocharged 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine, sending power to the front wheels alone through a six-speed automatic gearbox. There is but a single variant
going for RM 115,888
 – if we had to sum it up, it’s probably the most left-field option you can choose but it rewards you with unique styling and a vibrant palette of paint options.

Do you want to read more MPV/
SUV models
 comparison? Here you go:-

Honda BR-V vs Mitsubishi XPANDER vs Perodua Aruz vs Toyota Avanza vs Proton Exora - Sub RM100k MPV Battle

MPV Mampu Milik Bawah RM100k – Honda BR-V vs Mitsubishi XPANDER vs Perodua Aruz vs Toyota Avanza vs Proton Exora

MPV or SUV? What Car To Buy Depending On Family Size

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MPV
 choices here. Sure there is one suits you and your family.

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Geneva 2017: Audi Q8 Sport Concept Further Previews Ingolstadt’s Future SUV Flagship

Audi’s intentions to launch a new flagship SUV above the
Q7
 has just been reinforced with the Q8 Sport Concept being showcased at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show.
A further development of the
Q8 Concept
 shown earlier this year at Detroit, the Sport Concept showcases another possible powertrain setup for us to expect with the production model.
Whilst the original Q8 Concept had a plug-in hybrid setup with net system output of 442hp and 700Nm, the Q8 Sport Concept offers less in the way of electrification but a greater amount of brute force, shoving out 476hp and 700Nm from its mild hybrid powertrain.
Consequently, the performance numbers of the Q8 Sport Concept are accordingly improved, with 0-100 km/h time cut from 5.4 to 4.7 seconds. Maximum speed too, is raised, from 250 to 275 km/h.
Despite its greater dependence on fossil fuel power, the Q8 Sport Concept’s engine is no less sophisticated than the Q8 Concept’s PHEV setup. It borrows the
SQ7 TDI
’s forced induction arrangement in utilizing two exhaust-driven turbochargers supplemented by an electric supercharger to boost its 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine to generate 450hp.
Able to spin at 70,000rpm in less than 250 milliseconds, the electric supercharger provides virtually lag-free boosting for the engine at all revs, stepping in for the two turbochargers as they spool up.
Its mild hybrid system, meanwhile, consists of a starter-generator placed between the engine and transmission that alternates in function between recuperating excess energy and providing a boost of 20kW and 170Nm on the go, leading to the aforementioned net system output of 476hp and 700Nm.
Electricity for the starter-generator is stored in a lithium-ion traction battery with 0.9 kWh energy storage capacity. It is, Audi claims, sufficient to keep the Q8 Sport Concept moving purely on electric power in stop-start traffic.
The considerable power consumption of the electric superchargers as well as its mild hybrid drive system necessitates the use of a 48V electrical architecture in the Q8 Sport Concept.
In appearance, the Q8 Sport Concept notably carries more aggressive styling details than the earlier Q8 Concept although the basic silhouette and proportions remain identical. The Sport’s more sinister orange-black exterior finish contrasts the cooler blue-silver theme of the earlier car.
Up front, the Q8 Sport Concept’s singleframe grille receives a darkened honeycomb grille and its bumper air inlets are made larger than the Q8 Concept. Astern, aluminium blades add a detail of aggression to the fake air vent below the tail lights. Also, the elegant integrated tail pipes of the Q8 Concept make way for larger ovoid-shaped exhausts.
Inside, the Q8 Sport Concept’s four-seater cabin previews what surely is Audi’s next-generation interior design. In line with present design trends, the number of buttons are minimized with a greater acreage of screens all of which, aside from the 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, offer touch interface.


Bermaz Launches Stylish 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV Crossover - RM199k

After a long wait
, Bermaz Motor has launched the MX-30 in Malaysia, Mazda’s first fully electric (BEV) vehicle. It comes for now in a single, well-equipped ‘High’ variant starting from RM198,780 (on-the-road without insurance).

This pricing slots it into close contention with other sub-RM200k EVs such as the
Hyundai Kona Electric
 and possibly the incoming Ora Good Cat. There’s more on the way too, believe me, such as the smart #1, which might be sold through Proton.

Mazda had always pitched the MX-30 in an unconventional manner, insisting that it is
a secondary car for shorter journeys
 that also just happens to be fully electric, is decently practical, and quite stylish. I mean, it even has frameless doors.

Since its initial debut back in 2020, Mazda has offered just one powertrain configuration for the electric MX-30, that being a single electric motor powering the front axle with
145PS
 and
271Nm
 of torque.

Supplying this is a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery that’s securely integrated into the car’s floor for a low centre of gravity. Admittedly, that’s far from the most energy-dense battery to be offered in an EV, yielding a claimed range of 200km on the WLTP test cycle.

But as mentioned earlier, the MX-30 is meant to be a daily runabout, not a long-distance road trip cruiser. You’re meant to be charging and recharging the battery regularly, thus having a smaller battery does also mean less time waiting while it’s plugged-in.

It’s equipped with an onboard 6.6kW AC charger that should yield a full charge in 5 hours via a Type 2 connector. However, this can be shaved to around 36 minutes when hooked up to a DC charger (via CCS2 connector) to which its maximum charge rate is 40kW.

Sure, it’s technically a crossover but those rear-hinged ‘suicide doors’ and coupe-like roofline tells you all you need to know about who this car is aimed at and what it’s trying to reference (the RX-8, for one).

On the outside, the MX-30 adheres to the tenets of
Mazda’s KODO Soul of Motion
 design philosophy with subtle curves and taut but graceful surfacing that’s become synonymous with the brand’s cars of the past decade.

Without going into exhaustive detail, we’ll just conclude that it’s a good-looking car (err…crossover). However, there are some elements here that point to their future aesthetic, so if you like the MX-30 visually, you’ve got plenty to look forward to with regard to other cars coming up from Mazda.

Inside, the MX-30’s build quality and high grade materials do elevate the experience very close to something we expect from a German marque. Here, again, we see echoes of Mazda’s other cars, especially those of comparable footprint on the road such as the 3 and the CX-30.

While most of the touch points are comparable, the most obvious difference here is the secondary touchscreen on the centre stack that toggles the climate control settings.

Ahead of the driver is a 7-inch digital instrument cluster joined by an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with Mazda Connect that supports all the usual features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the MX-30 is one of the new local-spec cars from the Japanese automaker to feature a premium Bose audio system with 12-speakers.

In terms of safety kit, Mazda’s debutant EV for the Malaysian market comes with 7 airbags and the usual spread of anti-lock brakes, EBD, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Assist, but complements this with active safety features from the brand’s i-Activsense driver aid suite.

This adds Adaptive LED headlights, 360-degree view monitor, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Smart Brake Support (or Autonomous Emergency Braking, AEB).

Bermaz Motor has also hinted at their intention of introducing a less expensive ‘Mid’ variant at a later date in Q4 that swaps some luxury and equipment for sharper value while retaining the same electric powertrain and battery configuration.

Available colours for the 2022 Mazda MX-30 include both single and dual-tone finishes. Polymetal and Machine Gray are the only two mono-colour exterior options while Soul Red Crystal comes with a black roof, Jet Black Mica arrives with silver roof pillars, and Zircon Sand gets a black contrast roof.

The Mazda MX-30 comes with a 5 years manufacturer warranty (or the first 100,000km), whichever comes first. In addition, the Mazda MX-30 EV battery warranty coverage is up to 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.


Honda Malaysia tops 2015 non-national sales charts

Honda sales in Malaysia grew by nearly a quarter from 2014 to 2015, the company closing its accounts last year with all-time sales of 94,902 units, making it the best-selling non-national brand in the country.
The record-breaking total achieved in 2015 was an impressive 22% leap from 77,485 units achieved in 2014. It is an astonishing total for a brand whose
line-up
 consists solely of passenger cars.
Top contributor of sales was the
City B-segment sedan
, which accounted for 40% of Honda’s overall numbers. The
HR-V
 and
Jazz
, themselves competing in the B-segment SUV and hatchback niches, follow in the City’s trail contributing 21% and 18% respectively to the company’s sales volumes. Each of the three vehicles were best-sellers of their respective segments.
Commenting on the company’s overall performance, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno said, “The year 2015 turned out to be an outstanding and memorable year for Honda Malaysia. We started off the year with a challenging sales target of 85,000 units.”
“We ended the year surpassing our target by 12% despite the tough and highly competitive market situation in 2015. In the month of December, Honda Malaysia also recorded the highest monthly sales in history with 10,741 units of vehicles sold,” Ueno continued.
Honda’s achievement in 2015 is unlikely to go unnoticed over at
Toyota
, and we can be certain of a response from the latter to regain the non-national sales crown that it has steadfastly held for many years.
Nevertheless,
2016
 promises to be another exciting year for Honda Malaysia. We are anticipating minor updates for the Jazz and
City
, whilst the excellent
Accord
 should be due for its
midlife facelift
. More exciting, perhaps, are slated introductions of the
all-new BRV compact SUV
 as well as the
tenth-generation Civic
 that will potentially be offered with Honda’s brand new
1.5-litre VTEC Turbo
 engine.
Searching for a Honda vehicle? A wide range of
new and used Honda vehicles
 are available for browsing on Carlist.my.


Porsche Mission R Is A 1,088hp Electric 'Mid-Engine' Racing Weapon

Porsche has revealed the Mission R, a racing concept vehicle that potentially previews an upcoming one-make motorsport series that could take shape as early as 2025. Even more interestingly, the car’s future-facing design elements could likely trickle into the
next-generation 718 Cayman
 or, specifically, its electric replacement.

In 2021, we’re 6 years past the first time the German sports car maker previewed another ‘Mission’ vehicle,
the Mission E
, which portended the company’s foray into fully electric cars and powertrains.

Rather than focusing on an upcoming showroom EV model, as they did with their Taycan progenitor, the Mission R takes an alternate route through the crucible of motorsport.

The car is dimensionally more compact than Porsche’s current Cayman or Boxster measuring just 4,326mm in overall length, but wider at 1,990mm and lower at a mere 1,190mm.

Meanwhile, despite its racing focus, there's a much larger story unfolding when examining its design. Beyond that extremely wide track and big aero, there’s definitely a road car hiding somewhere in there - a rather elegant looking one too.

Of course, the automaker has not commented on the relation between the Mission R and any possible production model, though they have previously hinted at the development of an electric mid-engine sports car similar to the 718, either as a sister model or a direct replacement.

Porsche is presenting the fully electric racing concept at this year’s ongoing IAA in Munich, much like the pre-Taycan Mission E did.

In fact, it takes plenty of
tech from Porsche's first production EV
, such as its 800V architecture and dual motor powertrain with the front axle catered to by a 435hp motor while the rears receive a beefier 653hp motor. However, the Taycan’s 2-speed transmission has not been carried over, opting instead for a single reduction gear for quicker acceleration and less weight.

The Mission R's combined output would typically be capped at 610hp in its ‘standard’ mode to balance speed and endurance but is able to unleash up to 1,088hp in its most intense hot lap qualifying mode. With so much power and such a lightweight carbon fibre and NFRP (natural fibre reinforced plastic) body that comes in under 1,500kg, the 0-100km/h dash is done in less than 2.5 seconds while top speed is 300km/h.

Feeding the twin-motor setup is a high voltage battery packing 80-85kWh of energy capacity, which Porsche claims should offer around 40 minutes of hard racing. The bulk of the cells are concentrated behind the driver, approximately where the engine would sit in a typical mid-engine performance car, giving the Mission R a familiar set of dynamic characteristics.

Other racing-specific additions include adjustable flaps on the front wing and a two-stage rear wing with support for F1-style Drag Reduction System (DRS). When the Mission R evolves into a more complete product, the car is intended to be sold to and used by customer racing teams with special modifications to ensure an easy transition from Porsche’s current crop of 911 GT3 Cup and GT3R racers.


Toyota Teases The Supra's Aural Excellence

By now, the broad strokes of Toyota's all-new Supra are pretty much well known. A chassis shared with the BMW Z4 but developed in isolation, and powertrains based on what BMW offers in their various models, as well as the possibility of a manual option that the Z4 does not have available as of yet.
But despite the spy shots and random clips across the internet, we haven't really had a solid listen to how the new Supra sounds. A big part of the driving experience is the noise involved, as many manufacturers will go so far as to introduce artificial noise, or to amplify engine bay noise in order to make the driving experience more exciting.
Toyota has released perhaps one final teaser video of the Supra before its launch, this time showcasing the noise of the glorious turbo straight-six that powers the higher-spec Supra. The video is rife with rorty induction noise, sharp gearshifts, and pops and crackles on overrun that make it sound like a true-blue sports car. Click play and enjoy.


The A90 Toyota Supra Will Be Sold In Malaysia – Very Limited Units

We have received confirmation that the all-new A90 generation Toyota Supra, the sister-car to the all-new BMW Z4 convertible, will be sold by UMW Toyota Motor next year.
Jointly developed with BMW, the Supra and the Z4 are differentiated mainly by their unique body styles, with the Toyota to be introduced as a coupe while the Z4 will be a soft-top convertible.
Both cars share the same selection of BMW Twin Power Turbo engines – a choice of a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, both paired to an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
However don’t assume this to be a BMW with a Toyota badge, as reports from the American and European press revealed that Toyota and BMW parted ways almost as soon as the basics of the car and parts to be shared was agreed upon. Engineering teams at both companies then went on to develop their respective car’s dynamic attributes independent of the other party.
As the development cost for sports cars is very high and the market potential is limited, both BMW and Toyota needed each other to share the development cost.
A six-speed manual transmission has reportedly been developed by Toyota for the Japanese-market Supra, but details have yet to announced.
Both the Z4 and Supra will be assembled by contract manufacturer Magna Steyr’s plant in Graz, Austria.
BMW has
revealed the Z4
 but the Supra is still hidden under camouflage cover materials, to be revealed in early next year, possibly at January’s Detroit Motor Show.
UMW Toyota Motor have yet to make any announcements with regards to the Supra but sources have confirmed that the Supra will be launched in Malaysia next year.
However the allocation secured for Malaysia is very limited. Orders will only be placed upon request by a customer – similar arrangements with the Toyota 86, as well as any low volume, fully-imported BMW model.
Elsewhere, Toyota have begun collecting orders for the Supra in major markets around the world. Prices have yet to be announced but pundits are estimating prices to be close to that of a Porsche 718 Cayman. In the UK, that’s around GBP 50,000.
However do note that the vehicles taxes in the UK work very differently from Malaysia. As Malaysia still adopts an engine capacity-based road tax, import and excise duty structure, we expect the 3.0-litre Supra to be priced significantly more expensive than the 2.0-litre flat-four 718 Cayman (starts from RM 540,000).
Instead, we expect the 3.0-litre six-cylinder Supra to be priced closer to a BMW M4, which uses a similarly large engine and starts at RM 772,800. So interested buyers should budget around RM 700,000 for the Supra. Sounds a lot but remember that the previous A80 generation Supra was also sold by UMW Toyota Motor (also in very limited units) in the ‘90s at prices similar to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class of that era.
Why would anyone want to pay so much money for a Toyota? Just ask a petrolhead which is more sought after, a mint condition stock A80 Toyota Supra - which is extremely rare these days - or yet another Porsche Cayman/911?
Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada have also gone on record to say that the A90 Supra will be Toyota's last present to fans of traditional sports cars. At the sidelines of the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, Tada-san listed five things that he would liked fans to know about the Supra. His fifth and most important point was this: "Looking at the current automotive industry, the talk is all about autonomous driving, electrification and artificial intelligence. What that’s doing is giving rise to a lot of strict regulations, and that limits our capacity to make emotional sports cars; it’s getting much more difficult to do that. So for the fifth point, I think the new Supra will be the last present from Toyota to those who enjoy hearing the pleasing sound of a pure petrol engine at high revs."
Other markets will also carry a cheaper 2.0-litre four-cylinder variant of the Supra, but considering our taxes, it’s unlikely that UMW Toyota Motor will bother with it. Once past the half a million Ringgit mark, savings becomes less consequential to potential buyers shopping within this price range. Plus, if the six-cylinder sounds as good as the videos have suggested, why would you want to short change yourself for a four-cylinder?


JPJ, SPRM Buat Spot Check di PUSPAKOM – Sasar Kenderaan Perdagangan

Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ)
bersama
Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM)
akan menjalankan ‘Ops Puspakom’ di semua
Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer (PUSPAKOM).

Ekoran banyak insiden kemalangan membabitkan
kenderaan perdagangan
 kebelakangan ini, pihak berkuasa telah mengambil keputusan untuk mengadakan pemeriksaan mengejut di PUSPAKOM bagi menyasarkan kenderaan tersebut.

Pemeriksaan Mengejut Di PUSPAKOM

Ketua Pengarah JPJ, Datuk Zailani Hashim berkata, ini adalah kali pertama pihaknya membuat operasi di tempat pemeriksaan kenderaan.

Pemeriksaan tersebut bakal dilakukan secara mengejut tanpa sebarang pemberitahuan terlebih dahulu. Ketika ini, Zailani sudah meminta pasukannya membuat pemeriksaan di PUSPAKOM Wangsa Maju dan kemudian diperluaskan ke seluruh negara.

Menurut Zailani, operasi ini menunjukkan komitmen tinggi pihak berkuasa dalam memastikan setiap kenderaan yang diperiksa di PUSPAKOM berada dalam keadaan yang bersedia untuk digunakan.

Pasukan kejuruteraan automotif JPJ di seluruh negara akan membuat pemeriksaan di PUSPAKOM sekurang-kurangnya seminggu sekali bagi melihat aspek pemeriksaan kenderaan dibuat dengan lancar dan mengikut peraturan tatacara sebenar serta sepatutnya.

Kenderaan Perdagangan Diberi Perhatian

Setiap kenderaan perdagangan perlu menjalani pemeriksaan awalan dan pemeriksaan berkala (66B Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987) di Puspakom mengikut ketetapan peraturan semasa bagi memastikan kenderaan tersebut selamat digunakan di jalan raya.

Pihak berkuasa akan memberikan perhatian kepada penilaian standard dan tahap pematuhan pemeriksaan di Puspakom berhubung kualiti penyelenggaraan teknikal kenderaan perdagangan bagi mengurangkan kemalangan berkaitan kenderaan jenis ini.

Pengusaha kenderaan perdagangan dinasihatkan supaya sentiasa mematuhi semua peraturan jalan raya yang telah ditetapkan termasuk membuat pemeriksaan berkala di PUSPAKOM.

"Kita tidak akan berkompromi terhadap sebarang kesalahan terutamanya kegagalan melaksanakan aktiviti penyelenggaraan harian seperti digariskan dalam Tataamalan Industri Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan Bagi Aktiviti Pengangkutan Jalan 2010 (ICOP)," ujarnya.