Kia Is Trying To Save The Manual Transmission… And Put Them In Mild-Hybrids

Kia has unveiled more details of its new intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), which has been designed for the brand’s upcoming mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs).

The ‘clutch-by-wire’ system is engineered to boost fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions while retaining the driver engagement of a conventional manual transmission.

Instead of being mechanically linked and using hydraulic pressure – Kia’s iMT clutch operates purely electronically and is integrated seamlessly with a 48V mild-hybrid powertrain. The iMT works with the mild-hybrid starter-generator (MHSG) to switch off the engine earlier than the vehicle’s start-stop system when coasting to a halt.

The chosen gear remains engaged even with the engine off. The engine restarts in the same gear as soon as the driver presses either the brake or accelerator pedal thanks to the burst of power provided by the MHSG.

The transmission restarts the engine in neutral (with an open clutch) if the driver pushes the clutch pedal to change gear, or if the vehicle speed is too low for the current engaged gear.

Kia claims the iMT will improve overall fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by around three percent in real-world driving conditions.

How it works – step-by-step:

The driver leaves the car in-gear as it starts to coast, gently slowing the car down (e.g. for a corner, junction, or for traffic).

While in-gear, the iMT sends an electronic signal to the gearbox and MHSG to seamlessly switch off the engine and open the clutch.

With the engine switched off, and the transmission disconnected by the open clutch, the car is allowed to coast along to make the most of its kinetic energy.

As the driver pushes the accelerator to pick up speed, or engages the clutch to change gear, the MHSG restarts the engine in the driver’s selected gear, or in neutral (with an open clutch).

Electric power from the MHSG and 48V battery instantly bring the engine and transmission up to the correct speed.

If the car drops below a certain speed, such that it is too low for the engaged gear – the engine restarts with assistance from the mild-hybrid system, and the clutch closes, to avoid labouring the engine in the engaged gear

Although it might be difficult to imagine this without a visual representation, Kia claims that the iMT retains the same operation and driver engagement as a conventional manual.

The new system allows drivers to enjoy the uniquely engaging drive that comes from using a manual transmission. The clutch pedal operates in the same manner as a conventional manual, with greater controllability due to the electromechanical control of the clutch and a ‘biting point’ that enables drivers to change gears smoothly.

 The iMT is being developed at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Offenbach, Germany, overseen by Dr Michael Winkler, who added, “An automatic or a dual-clutch transmission suits a lot of drivers, but European drivers in particular still love changing gear for themselves. Alongside the increasing demand for electrified models, the iMT is a result of us exploring ways to electrify the ‘classic’ manual transmission.”

Kia’s new iMT will be first introduced in the 2020 Kia Rio EcoDynamics+, due on sale in Europe in Q3 of 2020 with a new 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol mild-hybrid powertrain.

The new transmission will be adopted across a number of future Kia models, with the brand set to introduce a range of new engines and MHEV powertrains later in 2020.


Proton Records 7.5 Year Record High Monthly Sales In March 2021

Proton
 is off on its strongest start in years as the company posted its best sales month since September 2013, after delivering 14,989 units (domestic + export) in March 2021, equivalent to a 26.2 percent increase over February 2021 and an estimated market share of 23.5 percent. In the first quarter of the year, the company achieved a cumulative sales total of 32,826 units and its highest quarterly market share figure since March 2012.

Proton’s two formidable SUVs, the
X50
and
X70
, continued to grow in March as the company’s new production line at Tanjung Malim increased its output for the month. 3,513 units of the Proton X50 were delivered to customers while the Proton X70 saw a month-on-month increase of 58.4 percent to 2,337 units. When combined, Proton delivered 5,850 SUVs in March, beating the previous record of 4,820 units that was set just last month.

The company’s top seller remains the Proton Saga with 5,589 units delivered, growing by 32.5 percent compared to February. The Proton Persona, Iriz and Exora also posted their best figures for the year.

The following chart shows the breakdown of model sales:

Proton Saga
: 5,589 units

Proton Persona
: 2,151 units

Proton Exora
: 584 units

Proton Iriz
: 810 units

Proton X70: 2,337 units

Proton X50: 3,513 units

Total: 14,989* units

(*) Includes sales of other models not listed added to the total sales figure.

Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar added, “After a soft start to the year, Malaysia’s automotive industry has finally hit its stride for 2021. We estimate TIV to be over 63,000 units in Q1 2021, suggesting all brands will post their best numbers for the year. For Proton, March was a very good sales month as we achieved our highest figure in 90 months but our sense of achievement is tempered by the fact that it could have been even better if we were able to produce more units. We are also mindful that
PENJANA incentives
 are currently due to expire by the end of June, so we aim to ensure as many customers as possible are able to enjoy the tax holiday given by the government.”

Alongside, Proton’s in-house auto-financing subsidiary, Proton Commerce Sdn Bhd, has seen a similar increase in volume for the financing of cars. Nearly 4,000 loans were disbursed in the first three months of 2021 with an estimated 1,700 going out in March alone. The latter figure represents a 122 percent growth over February and overall, disbursements for the first quarter of the year are up by 141 percent over 2020.


Tan Chong Motor Assembly Given An RM180 Million Bill By Customs Department

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) has dropped a whopping RM180.11 million bill to Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) for excise duties due from Nov 1, 2016 to Oct 31, 2019, according to
The Edge Markets
.

TCMA is a division under Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH), responsible for the manufacturing and assembly of vehicles ranging from Nissan, Renault, Subaru, and Mitsubishi, as well as commercial vehicles from UD Trucks, Foton, and Bison.

TCMA started with rather humble beginnings in 1976 with its first assembly plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur and subsequently another plant built up in Serendah, Selangor in 2007. More recently, TCMA ventured into Indochina with a plant in Da Nang, Vietnam in 2013 and Yangon, Myanmar in 2016 respectively.

Outside of producing locally-assembled Nissan vehicles such as the Nissan X-Trail and Serena S-Hybrid, TCMA also assembles (on contract basis), Subaru XV, and Renault Captur SUVs. Last year Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL), together with Subaru Corporation, established Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Limited (TCSAT) in Lad Krabang, Thailand which now produces the
fifth-generation Subaru Forester
 for Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

In response to the excise duty charges reportedly claimed by the Customs Department, in a bourse filing TCMA stated “TCMA does not admit to any liability on the demands made by the RMCD and will take the appropriate measures upon seeking further advice on the matter. The Company will update any material developments on the above matter from time to time,”

While details are scarce at this point, the claims made by RMCD could be related to the customised incentives that are offered to local automakers and assemblers in return for their localised investments in manufacturing and distribution. Though these customised incentive structures are widely known and understood to allow carmakers to price their cars more competitively, there is substantial opacity in how these duties are negotiated and finalised.

Since the last General Election and the subsequent change of government, there has been much scrutiny by the Ministry of Finance and the RMCD into how these incentives were handed out by the previous government.

However, despite its vagueness, the customised incentives mechanism was retained under the latest
National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020)
; and “would be continued based on cost-benefit analysis and investor proposals”

So is TCMA in hot soup or is this simply a case of miscommunication? Like you, we wait to find out.

Cover image credit:
Tan Chong Group


Buying a Used Vehicle: The Processes Involved

When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, the process is quite different for a new vehicle compared to a used one.

So, if you have been thinking of getting your hands on a second-hand vehicle, don’t stress, as we will enlighten you with the things you need to do, the organizations you need to deal with, and the forms you need to fill throughout the whole process.

Once you have identified the car you want to purchase, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with the seller, and find out everything you need to know about the car. Find out things like how long the seller has owned the car, the mileage, why he or she is selling it, if the car has been in an accident, has the previous loan been settled, if there have been any modifications to the car, if there are any problems with the car, if the seller smokes in the car, and if it is in a “buy and drive” condition.

Since most sellers would want to tell you only what you want to hear, it is always a good idea to cross-check with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) or the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and find out if the vehicle has been in a serious accident, if there are any pending fines, or if there have been any cases involving the vehicle.

If everything is ‘clean and clear’, always, meet the owner and test drive the car to get a first-hand experience on how it feels, so that you will really know how tip top the vehicle is. If possible, take a mechanic with you to spot issues that the layman sometimes faild to notice.

Next, the vehicle must be inspected by PUSPAKOM before JPJ approves of the ownership transfer because the regulations say so. This process used to be a pain in the butt because it required the owner to drive to JPJ and wait for hours to get it done.

But now that PUSPAKOM has their
Mobile Inspection Services
, just give them a call, set an appointment, and just wait for them to visit the vehicle and do the necessary. This process is usually handled by the seller.

And then comes the trip to JPJ. Keep in mind that both the buyer and seller must be there to complete the transfer of ownership. The documents needed are copies of the buyer and seller’s IC, the vehicle grant/ vehicle ownership card, transfer of ownership form (B5 form if you’re buying the vehicle cash, or B7 if you’re taking a loan).

Also, an official transfer of ownership requires the buyer to purchase a new insurance policy to take over the car’s coverage from the preceding one. For the road tax, no such restrictions apply. If the previous owner had paid for the car’s road tax, it remains valid until the stipulated expiry date. If not, you will have to renew it at JPJ.

As for the financing, if you want to take a loan for the vehicle, both you and the seller need to be at the bank with the car registration document in order to apply for the loan. However, if one or both parties are far away from one another, the seller can fax over the vehicle registration documents.

Upon approval, the bank will issue an undertaking letter and only after that, the seller ownership transfer takes place. Upon completion, bank will release the fund to the seller. Any additional fees in loan/transfer ownership shall be paid by the buyer.

If it is a cash deal, make sure that the seller issues you with a receipt stating the date, amount paid, make, model and registration number, along with the names, addresses and signatures of both parties.

Last but not least, please make sure that you have a pen with you. You’re welcome!


2016 Haval M4 Elite unveiled. Priced at RM74,950 and comes with 7-year unlimited mileage warranty.

GO Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, the authorised distributor of Haval vehicles in Malaysia today took the wraps off the latest variant of the Haval M4, called the Haval M4 Elite.
The M4 Elite is basically the Haval M4 with additional cosmetic updates and safety features, such as projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights (DRL), an Around View Mirror (AVM), a Digital Video Recorder (dashcam), new colours, as well as a new front grille which incorporates a new ‘Haval’ emblem.
Notable features in the M4 Elite include leather seats, cruise control, a touch-screen navigation system with DVD player and Bluetooth connectivity, an around-view monitor, and a rear-view camera with integrated SmartTAG reader.
Standard safety features on the other hand, include two airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, ESP, traction control and Hill Start Assist, Car Locating Function, Battery Alert Sensor, and Front Door Locking Error-Proofing function.
Priced at RM74,950 (on the road with insurance), the compact SUV, which is being assembled locally in Gurun, Kedah, is powered by a 1.5-litre VVT MPI four-cylinder engine which is capable of producing 105hp and 138Nm of peak torque. Paired to the engine is an AMT gearbox.
With the introduction of the Haval M4 Elite, the total number of variants for the Haval M4 model now stands at five, which are:
Haval M4 Manual Comfort – RM54,747
Haval M4 Manual Premium – RM61,771
Haval M4 AMT Comfort – RM61,950
Haval M4 AMT Premium – RM67,950
Haval M4 AMT Elite – RM74,950
*All prices are on the road including insurance
According to GO Auto, Haval M4 Elite units that are purchased through official authorised channels will come with a 7-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty. Besides that, buyers who purchase the compact SUV from now until Sunday will also enjoy an insurance rebate or service voucher up to 25,000km.
On another note, GO Auto announced that it aims to sell 1,500 units of the Haval M4 Elite this year, and to further expand its dealership network from 21 outlets to 42 by end of 2017.
Thinking of purchasing a Haval M4? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Coupe Combat: Toyota GR Supra vs Nissan Z

Toyota GR Supra vs Nissan Z...

Is the
all-new Nissan Z
 (Z34)
 all that it’s cracked up to be?

Plenty of hype has preceded its unveil, as was the case with its closest rival from Toyota, the GR Supra, but it will only be sustained if it delivers a driving experience worth waiting for. Does it?

Before we start, allow me to express how good it feels to have Nissan out there with a fresh version of the Z car, which has now fully embraced that colloquial name. It - the Z- despite sporting some retro styling, tries its best to bring a well proven formula into the 2020s, a decade where its territory was being dominated by
the GR Supra
 prior to its debut.

The Z34 doesn’t try to be future-facing, which is all the more reason to appreciate it. Given the world trying to force-feed electrification upon the industry, this might well be Nissan’s final enthusiast coupe apart from
the supercar-killing GT-R
.

It’s a two-door, two-seater coupe with a big power V6 up front, a manual transmission in the middle, and rear-wheel drive at the rear. Expectedly, the automaker is primarily expecting the North American market to make up the bulk of sales, so we’ll be lucky if this car ever sees the showroom floor in Malaysia in any official capacity.

Assuming it does, and through local distributors Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), should you put your name down for booking as quickly as possible or might your six-cylinder sports car itch be better scratched by something else?

Old Enemies

Let’s start with the obvious comparison as these two have a long history in competition. The year 1978 saw the launch of the second-generation Z-car (the Nissan S130 or 280Z) alongside the first-generation Toyota Supra, both sporting similar dimensions and styling, both featuring inline-6 engines. And so it began.

In contrast to the Z34, which might disappoint those eager to see a more radical departure
from the 370Z
, today’s GR Supra is quite a different beast to its 90s forebear, the iconic A80. Of course, none of these present day cars are the mythical JDM heroes of the past and are in fact now catering specifically to export markets.

However, the GR Supra is more foreign than many had expected it to be or might be comfortable with.
The ‘BMW connection’
 cannot be overstated as not only does it feature a mostly
untampered B58 inline-6
 as well as the equally Munich-sourced CLAR platform and identical wheelbase, but it’s even manufactured alongside
the G29 Z4 convertible
 in Graz, Austria, under contract by Magna Steyr. Climb inside and there’s even iDrive and a very BMW gear selector.

Its badging might indicate Toyota and its exterior is very well designed - even unique and evocative - but besides this any link to the Japanese automaker remains tenuous. Still, all could be forgiven if it’s spectacular to drive. Thankfully, by most accounts, it is. That said, we have yet to put it through its paces ourselves.

Power Games

Since we can’t compare the 2.0-litre version of the GR Supra, we’ll only be pitting the 3.0-litre against the Nissan Z (Z34. On paper, the Nissan’s 400hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 does manage to outgun the Supra’s 382hp 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged straight-6 on pure output, but the Toyota edges out on peak torque (500Nm vs 475Nm).

According to Toyota, the GR Supra in 3.0 guise can sprint to 100km/h from rest in 4.3 seconds though independent testers have gotten as low as 3.9 seconds from an unmodified example. Nissan have not confirmed acceleration times as yet, but
the Infiniti Q60
’s sprint of 4.5 seconds can be gauged as a decent approximation given its shared powertrain and underpinnings. That said, the Z34 should be significantly lighter, so it should be pretty close to the Supra.

Toyota GR Supra

Nissan Z

Infiniti Q60 Red Sport

Engine

B58 3.0 Inline-6 Turbo

VR30DDTT 3.0 Twin-Turbo

VR30DDTT 3.0 Twin-Turbo

Power

382HP

400HP

400HP

Torque

500Nm

475Nm

475Nm

Transmission

ZF automatic - 8-speed

Manual - 6-speed

Automatic - 7-speed

0-100km/h

4.3s

TBC

4.5s

Kerb Weight

1,520kg

TBC

1,835kg

Against the Supra, the Nissan is the only one to offer a manual transmission at all (6-speed with auto rev-matching) as the Toyota defaults to an 8-speed ZF automatic that, while excellent, might not appeal to enthusiast drivers. The Z can also be had with a 9-speed auto as an option.

Though firm pricing has yet to be disclosed by Nissan, the Z should be quite a bit less expensive than the Toyota with US prices rumoured to be “around $40,000”. While the GR Supra is sold there with a starting MSRP of $43,090, you’d need to fork out $51,090 to access the 3.0-litre engine.

A Call To Arms

In all, the GR Supra and Nissan Z are very closely matched on paper and should yield a gritty sparring session when someone finally does put these two head to head on track. As road cars, they’re almost equally desirable as mere objects with the Toyota’s sumptuous athletic lines and the Nissan’s retro chic since they pretty much just decided to mass produce
the Z Proto
.

The Z34, however, does manage to get some brownie points by being an entirely ‘in-house’ endeavour over the Supra’s more outsourced approach, if only for the sake of authenticity. Understandably, some might consider things like a car’s provenance a triviality.

As we said in the beginning, it does feel good to have Nissan back in the game with a new Z car. Even better, Toyota is there to join them in the arena with the GR Supra. Purely as contenders, one might zig while the other zags, but both seem fantastical foils for each other. Hopefully, with some renewed interest in this space, other automakers might be inclined to step into the ring - maybe even Japanese ones.

Honda, it’s time to
bring back the S2000
. Mazda, we can’t wait to see
your new RX
.


More Proton Dealers Upgrade Facilities to 3S, 4S Centres

Five additional Proton dealers have taken up Proton’s incentive programme that offer existing dealers to upgrade their dealership to 3S and 4S centres.
File photo of a Proton 3S Centre in Bintulu
The agreements were signed between Proton’s Dr Ho Tuck Sum and the respective dealer’s management team, involving:
Dato’ Shamshudin Nor, Director of Pantai Bharu Corporation Sdn Bhd
Liew Vee Lee, Director of Harima Automobil (M) Sdn Bhd
Judith Yam Siew Chu, Managing Director of Atiara Johan (M) Sdn Bhd
Mohd Nazrin Bin Mohamad Fozi, Director of Rahman Brothers Automotive Sdn Bhd
Leong Chue Chye, Managing Director of Hoi Keen Services Sdn Bhd.
Management team of Atiara Johan (left) and Pantai Bharu Corporation (right) with Dr Ho Tuck Sum
The new management team has identified customer satisfaction a key priority in upturning is business. The facilities upgrading incentive programme is touted to be different from the rest in the automotive industry, offering dealers the best incentive support scheme.
CEO of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong explained, “There must be a reason why Malaysians are fascinated with the Tiger. The Proton logo itself has the image of a roaring Tiger. Surely it represents boldness, courage and a spirit of survival. Just like us now at this point, taking it all in our stride, we will move ahead to ensure we continue to remain relevant and competitive in the automotive industry, by delivering to you top of the class products, quality and services. Hence, it is only natural that our dealers have agreed to upgrade their premises to 3S and 4S, as they believe that treating customers well with the best possible sales and service experience is not an option - it is a must”.
“For me, the fact that we have more dealers joining in to upgrade their outlets speaks volume. This shows that there are businessmen out there who believe in the Proton brand and have utmost confidence that this partnership with Proton will elevate to greater heights and increase brand presence in the industry,” Dr Li added.


Detroit 2016: All-New Honda Ridgeline Debuts – The Pick-Up Truck You Can’t Have

The Honda Ridgeline is an odd, one of a kind type of pick-up truck. While it might look like a truck, it’s actually more passenger car than pick-up truck. Unlike other pick-up trucks, the Ridgeline uses a monocoque body rather than a body-on-frame construction that’s typically used by all other pick-up trucks on the market.
The North American-market only Honda Ridgeline seen here is the all-new second generation model. With a rigid, monocoque body and fully independent suspension, it’s more like a Honda CR-V with its back looped off than a typical pick-up truck whose body-on-frame construction is prone to flexing, leading to a compromise in driving behaviour.
Under the bonnet is a 3.5-litre, direct injected i-VTEC V6 petrol engine, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system.
Honda claims the Ridgeline – which will only go on sale in USA and Canada in Q2 this year - will deliver top-in-class powertrain refinement and targeting best-in-class acceleration performance and segment-leading fuel economy ratings.
Being a Honda, utility and packaging has to be best-in-class. Honda claims the Ridgeline has the largest and most versatile cabin and the only 4-foot-wide flat bed space in the midsize pickup segment – which in the US includes the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado (slightly different from our Colorado) and Nissan Frontier (Navara to us). Ford has since discontinued the Ranger in the US but you could consider the Ranger to be in the same class as the Ridgeline.
The Ridgeline’s cargo bed is pretty impressive, including a lockable in-bed trunk which opens to reveal a hidden storage compartment (why isn’t this available in other trucks? It’s so brilliant!), a tailgate that opens two ways – flip down or sideways, and an in-bed audio system. There’s also a drain plug which makes it easier to wash the cargo area with a garden hose.
The new in-bed audio system utilizes six exciters located inside the bed walls, in place of conventional speakers, pumping out sound from the Ridgeline's audio head unit, with up to 540 watts of power.
There’s also a 400W inverter located in the bed’s wall, allowing users to plug-in electrical appliances like power tools or even a small TV.
One of the reasons the Ridgeline is not sold outside North America is because being a monocoque chassis truck, it will be classified as a passenger car, which in many countries including Thailand, will will attract a higher excise duty, making its price not too different from a CR-V thus severely limiting its market potential.
In Thailand, pick-up trucks, defined as body-on-frame cargo carrying vehicles, are taxed (excise duty) at between 3 to 12 percent, while passenger cars, including monocoque SUVs like the CR-V, and a hypothetical Thai-market Ridgeline, are taxed at between 30 to 35 percent.
In Malaysia, pick-up trucks are exempted from excise duties but this exemption is not extended to pick-up truck-derived SUVs, which explains the big price gap between a Toyota Hilux and its SUV twin, the Fortuner.


2017 Toyota Corolla Altis Previewed Before Official Debut

Close to a month ago, UMW Toyota announced that the 2017 Toyota Corolla Altis facelift was
open for booking
. A little over a week ago, we got to see the facelifted model at the
Thailand Motor Expo
, courtesy of our neighbours up North. Thanks to our friends at
Autofreaks
, we get a first look at the car before its official debut, in a striking red paint scheme no less. Two new exterior colours – Phantom Brown Metallic and Red Mica Metallic – join the four existing choices of White Pearl CS, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic and Attitude Black. All variants have a black theme for the cabin.
As you would expect with a facelift, the front and rear bumpers get a change. There are new LED headlights and daytime running lights across the range, fitted into a sportier looking front bumper. This particular model is the range-topping 2.0V variant, replete with an optional aero kit to sharpen up the looks.
On the inside there are very few changes, although the driver and passenger side vents are now ball shaped and the climate controls have been streamlined to make operations a little easier. The Corolla Altis had a fairly unique interior at the time of its launch a few years back, following on from the flat-face design of the Toyota 86. Reverse Link Tilt Down wing mirrors have also been added and automatically tilt down when in reverse gear to enhance visibility of the area along the sides and help ease parking.
While Sport mode is now available across the range, the rest of the powertrain has hardly changed with this facelift. What is important is the addition of safety equipment, namely in the form of 7 airbags as standard across the range, along with Vehicle Stability Control among other electronic safety aids. This really helps to push the Corolla Altis up in terms of value and it counters accusations of cost cutting on UMW Toyota's part.
All variants also come with driver and passenger seatbelt reminders, ISOFIX points, front and rear parking sensors, seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiter, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). At point of purchasing the new Corolla Altis, customers can also upgrade their infotainment system to enjoy more features and capability. A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is also available to record the view ahead while driving.
As mentioned before, UMW Toyota now offers a 5-year manufacturer's warranty that can be transferred to the next owner. The prices for the variants of the 2017 Corolla Altis are as follows:
Region
Corolla Altis 1.8E
Corolla Altis 1.8G
Corolla Altis 2.0V
Peninsular Malaysia
RM120,900
RM123,900
RM138,900
Sabah
RM122,632
RM125,613
RM140,476
Sarawak
RM122,632
RM125,613
RM140,476
Langkawi
RM80,591
RM83,595
RM90,405
Labuan
RM81,434
RM84,420
RM91,142


2015 9th Generation Honda Civic Facelift Review – For Those Who Can’t Wait

Yes we know that the all-new 10
th
 generation FC-series Honda Civic has already been revealed in the US. So what is this 9
th
 generation FB-series Civic doing here on our site then? Because the 10
th
 generation Civic won’t be here so soon (yet), and Honda Malaysia is very adamant in trying to convince us that this outgoing Civic, is still the best in its class, so we took it out for a quick spin.
If you love the
10
th
 generation Honda Civic
 as much as we do, then by all means hold out for it. We expect the all-new Civic to be here sometime in late-2016. Historically, there’s always a gap of at least one year between the Civic’s launch in left-hand drive US, and production of right-hand drive models outside of the US.
This review is aimed at those who don’t have the patience to wait till then for the awesome looking four-door coupe-like 10
th
 generation Civic, and simply need a fuss-free, dependable family sedan for their daily commute soon.
Since this is a soon to be discontinued model, dealers are expected to throw huge discounts for it, especially in the months running up to the 10
th
 generation Civic’s launch, deals that you will certainly not be able to get with the 10
th
 generation model.
So what you lose in not getting the latest metal in the neighbourhood, you win in cash savings.
Specifications for Honda Civic 2.0S Navi
 (FB-series, 9
th
 generation facelift model)
Price: RM132,210.10 on-the-road with insurance (discounts of at least RM6,000 is on-going)
Engine: 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC (R20A)
Power: 155 PS at 6,500 rpm
Torque: 190 Nm at 4,300 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Safety: Six airbags, ABS, VSA, ISOFIX (rear), ASEAN NCAP five-star
Origin: Locally assembled, Pegoh, Melaka
Facelift? What’s New?
At a glance, the updated Civic appears to be the same as the model that was launched in 2012. The most obvious difference is the new honeycomb grille in front. There’s some minor upgrades to its features count, but nothing major.
Honestly, prior to this test drive, I had even forgotten that Honda had facelifted the Civic.
This lack of significant changes is in stark contrast with how much better this ‘new,’ updated Civic drives. The car felt much more refined than the pre-facelift model.
It’s Looks Almost The Same, But Drives A Lot Better
Since its launch, this outgoing generation Civic is weighed down by criticisms that it wasn’t as good as the predecessor but personally, I was never a big fan of the eighth generation ‘FD-series’ Civic.
The FD was just too much of a boy-racer’s car, too rough on the edges, too harsh, unrefined. The styling was cool but it was just too adolescent for my liking. Back in an era where choices were much more limited (it was either the Civic or the dowdy Corolla Altis), the Civic was king. Today the Civic competes in a very different market. The Kia Cerato offers great value, while the Volkswagen Jetta and Ford Focus tugs the keen driver’s heart. There’s also the Toyota Corolla Altis which has moved the goal-post for cabin refinement, albeit a bit too pricy for what it is, while the Mazda 3 sets new benchmark in interior quality and emotive styling.
Compared to its predecessor, this ‘FB-series’ ninth generation Civic is a different, more grown up car, albeit conceived at the height of the global financial crisis, and some cost-cutting measures were obvious. It however, was to me a more liveable car than its predecessor, though younger fans might disagree.
How Does It Drive?
Surprisingly, for a facelift model that appears to be almost unchanged from before, this updated Civic drives a lot better than the pre-facelift model.
Every individual component just felt better integrated – the steering delivers better feedback (still vague though) and is a tad sharper than I remembered it to be, the leather material used on the door linings feels plusher than before, there’s some slight changes to the instrument panel’s graphics to make it easier on the eyes for night driving, and it’s noticeably quieter on the highway.
I guessed over the course of the Civic’s model life, Honda has made numerous improvements in its manufacturing, and these minute improvements on individual components add up to deliver a rather substantial improvement in its overall behaviour. This is normal for any car, as manufacturers are constantly improving their processes throughout a model’s five- to seven-year life, which also explains why some savvy buyers tend to avoid buying an all-new model in its early years, preferring to wait for the facelift model.
On many cars, there is a noticeable gap between the dashboard and the steering column, as well as between the steering column and wiper and signal stalks. Squint your eyes hard enough to look through the gaps and you could see some wires and mechanical linkages behind. This Civic however, has felt materials covering these gaps – a nice little touch from Honda.
On the move, the Civic’s steering wheel’s feedback is better than before but is still too vague to be passed off as a driver’s car. That’s unfortunate because underneath the car is a very competent chassis.
Spend some time to understand its limits and there’s a lot of potential to be exploited by a good driver. Despite its lack of feedback, the electrically assisted steering is actually very precise, once you understand its behaviour.
Mechanical grip is ample, and it actually takes quite a lot of work to trigger the car’s stability control (VSA). The body is well-balanced, with the rear axle suspended by a multi-link setup, with MacPherson Struts keep the front in check. Of course, traction on this particular test car was greatly assisted by the set of grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres.
The SOHC 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine has one camshaft less than the previous generation model in the interest of affordability and fuel economy, but continues to stay true to Honda’s hallmark of a free-revving engine. It’s probably the most characterful engine in its class.
It’s an engine that coaxes you to work it hard before it rewards you with more power. As this will be the last generation of Civic to be powered naturally-aspirated engine (next model will be turbocharged), its linear throttle response, free-revving character engine will be missed.
Sure, turbocharged engines are great on the highways. The ample reserve of torque from low revs makes for effortless driving, but try attempting a cone-filled gymkhana slalom course with a turbocharged engine and you will quickly understand why racing drivers often talk about linear throttle response of naturally aspirated engines.
For what it is, the engine’s 155 PS (at 6,500 rpm) and 190 Nm (4,300 rpm) is more than sufficient to meet the expectations of its target buyers.
The 5-speed automatic transmission is responsive enough, especially in S-mode, that there is little need to use the paddle shifters to force the transmission to kick-down a cog or two.
How comfortable is it?
The Civic’s cabin is without a doubt the most practical in its class. I wished more manufacturers would follow Honda’s cue to incorporate sufficiently big utility boxes into the centre console. Wallet, keys, smartphones, access cards for your office or condominium, Smart Tag – there’s three locations along the centre console for you to empty the contents of your pocket into.
The box on the centre has a sliding the cover to protect its contents from prying eyes, doubles as a pair of cup holders. In fact, this is one of the top-3 features that I love most about the Civic, and it makes the car so much easier to live with every day.
It’s a remarkably spacious for a C-segment sedan, and rear occupants will appreciate the flat floor surface.
Honda is always known for their exemplary ergonomics and the Civic is no different. All the controls are logically located, within easy reach, and are canted towards the driver.
On the move, ride is pliant enough, and is definitely a much better place to be than the previous generation FD model.
Even at speeds well over 110 km/h, the cabin remained quiet enough for conversations. Tyre roar and wind noise were well controlled, but the often criticised ‘tinny’ sounding roof when heavy rain drops pound the roof is still there.
There are only three items in the Civic’s cabin that fell off the mark – rearward visibility, infotainment’s user interface, and the lack of lights for the vanity mirrors in front.
While forward visibility is superior to its competitors thanks to a low dashboard and A-pillars that extend far into the bonnet, rearward visibility is hampered by a rather high boot line. A reverse camera option is highly recommended but unfortunately this is only available on the highest specifications 2.0S Navi model.
On the upside, the reverse camera comes with a function that allows you to switch between multiple angles – not a common feature in other cars. There’s an option that is useful for checking cross-traffic as you reverse into a busy road, another for reversing on uneven surfaces or kerb-lined surfaces.
The 7-inch touch screen infotainment system comes with Bluetooth hands-free controls for cellular phones, but its integration with the steering wheel control buttons could have been better. For example, to make a call, other cars allow you to pull up your contact list simply by pressing the call button on the steering wheel, or return back to your media playlist by pressing the hang-up button twice. In the Civic, you would have to operate both the touch screen and the steering wheel switches, which rather defeats the purpose of having steering-wheel mounted switches.
For the price that Honda is charging for the car, the lack of lights on either one of the front vanity mirrors is disappointing.
How economical?
Throughout my 400 km plus drive with the car, the trip computer showed an average fuel consumption of 11 km/litre. This was achieved without using the ECON mode, and involved a significant amount of hard driving. 12 km/litre is definitely achievable with a smoother driving behaviour.
Service interval is every 6 months/10,000 km. Total maintenance cost over a 5-year/100,000 km period is RM3,823.16 – excluding consumables like brake pads, wipers, battery and tyres.
Conclusion
If you are not in a hurry to get a new car soon, and don’t mind paying a little bit more, then do wait for the all-new 10
th
 generation Civic.
But if you do manage to haggle for a good deal from a dealer, and don’t mind owning an outgoing model, there is still much to like about this FB-series Civic.
It’s the most complete family sedan in its class. Yes there be might other models that cost less, or drive better, or even looked better, but none of them can match the Civic’s all-rounded competence – it’s spacious, comfortable, quiet, fuel-efficient, drives well enough, has a proven reputation for reliability and high resale value, and is backed by a wide network of service centres that none apart from Toyota can match. Its safety is also class-leading, and Honda is the only brand in this segment to go well beyond what is required by regulations and what is tested by independent third party organisations – more at
When NCAP’s Five-Star Rating Don’t Mean Much – And How Honda Is Moving Ahead
.
You might also be interested in our review of the
Honda CR-V 2.4-litre 4WD
.


Continental Tyres Kicks Off Its Hari Raya Tyre Safety Check Campaign 2015

Continental Tyres PJ Malaysia Sdn Bhd has launched its Hari Raya Tyre Safety Check campaign for 2015. The company has teamed up with Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd to impress upon the importance of proper tyre maintenance and its role in road safety among general motorists.
The jointly-organized campaign will be held from 5
th
June to 5
th
 July, and during that month will set out to, first of all, educate the public on tyre maintenance, and secondly, to provide an easy means to fit their cars with new tyres to ensure a safe “balik kampung” journey this festive season.
Officiating the campaign launch was Mr. Cameron Wilson, Vice President of Marketing & Sales PLT &TT Malaysia, Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia Sdn Bhd along with Tuan Haji Jasmi bin Yusoff, Director of Policy and Innovation Division, Road Safety Department (JKJR) and Badrul H Mahmud, Head of Retail Marketing for Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd.
“We believe that by conducting the Hari Raya Tyre Safety Check Campaign, it will assist the government in promoting awareness of road safety and will reduce road accidents during the festive season,” said Mr. Wilson during his speech.
He added, “Correct tyre inflation pressure and sufficient tread depth are essential to ensure safe motoring. Without these measures, emergency stopping distances can be much longer which means more accidents at higher impact speeds. So clearly, correct tyre inflation, sufficient tread depth as well as choosing quality tyres such as Continental’s can make the difference between life and death.”
There will be tyre safety checks and tyre care demonstrations conducted at 21 Shell petrol stations throughout the country. Participants will receive a booklet of tyre maintenance tips, Continental premiums, and a RM50 voucher for purchase of Continental tyres.
The full list of campaign dates and participating Shell petrol station locations are:
5-7 June
 - Sunway & Company, Lot PT24331, Taman Sri, Petaling,
Kuala Lumpur
.
5-7 June
 - SH Wangsa Maju 2, Wangsa Maju, 53300
Kuala Lumpur
.
5-7 June
- SH Shah Alam Seksyen 9, Jalan 9/20 Sek 9, 40000 Shah Alam,
Selangor
.
5-7 June
 - SH Jalan Song Ban Kheng 2, Lot 2933 Jalan Soon Beng Kheng, Seberang Perai Tengah, 14000
Penang
.
5-7 June
 - Green Island Service Station, 4A, Jalan Masjid Negera, 11600
Penang
.
12-14 June
 - Pearl Violet Enterprise, Lot 4747/8, Jalan Berseran, 25300 Kuantan,
Pahang
.
12-14 June
 – EnerCont Enterprise, Lot 9818, KG Kerteh, Mukim Kerteh, 24300 Kemaman,
 Terengganu
.
12-14 June
 - SH Bandar Sri Menjelara, Taman Menjelara Kepong, 51200
Kuala Lumpur
.
12-14 June
 - SH 10208629 Jalan Gombak KL 65, Batu 3 ½, Jalan Gombak, 53300
Kuala Lumpur
.
19-21 June
 - MDA Perdana Enterprise, Lot 19392, Taman Kinrara, Seksyen 1, Batu 7 ½, Jalan Puchong, 47100
Selangor
.
19-21 June
 - SH Jln Tujuan SS18 Subang Jaya, Jalan Tujuan SS18, 47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor
.
19-21 June
 - Stesen Minyak Shell Jalan Sulaman, Jalan Sulaman Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu,
 Sabah
.
19-21 June
 - Chen Yi Sdn Bhd, Jalan Salim, Lot 60, Block 18, Seduan Land District, 96000 Sibu,
Sarawak
.
26-28 June
 - SH 10208741 Jalan Kajang Semenyih, Jalan Kajang Semenyih, 43000 Kajang,
Selangor
.
26-28 June
 - Mutiara Rizqi Petromart 68, Jalan Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru,
Johor
.
26-28 June
- Sri Wangsa Sdn Bhd, 593946W, Bt 3, Jalan Kluang, 83000 Batu Pahat,
 Johor
.
26-28 June
 - Shell Noorhayati Kamaludin Lot 2789, Mukim Balai Panjang, 75250
Melaka
.
3-5 July
 - Addeen Indah Trading, No 912, Seberang Jalan Putera Mergong, 05150 Alor Star,
 Kedah
.
3-5 July
 - SH Langkawi 46A Pekan Kuah, 07000 Langkawi,
Kedah
.
3-5 July
 - Bulan Maya Sdn Bhd, PT128889, Jalan Raja Musa Mahadi, 31350 Ipoh,
 Perak
.
3-5 July
 - AZA Maju Ent, Jalan 7/, Seks 8, Bandar Baru, 43650 Kajang,
Selangor
.


Geneva 2019: All-New Mazda Compact SUV Teased

Mazda is set to unveil a new compact SUV model at the upcoming 89th Geneva Motor Show.
Based on the single photo that depicts a narrow rear windscreen area, the new model is widely tipped to be the stylish CX-4, a model that was launched in
China back in 2016
, and still only
exclusively available there
.
According to Mazda, the new SUV will feature the maturing Kodo design language and the new-generation Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture. Ride quality will also be elevated to more refined levels.
The revolutionary
Skyactiv-X powertrain
 is also expected to be offered in this new-generation vehicle, which debuted in the recently launched
all-new Mazda 3
.
Full details of the new model are scheduled to be delivered by 7th March 2019, the opening day of the Geneva Motor Show 2019.


Mazda Japan Restores A 250,000 Kilometre 323 Familia

In order to know how to design the car of the future, sometimes we need to take a look back at the past. That's been the case with many car manufacturers across the world, from the Germans to the Japanese, as they honour and respect their models of the past through restoration programs. For Mazda, the latest project they have completed is to bring a 323 Familia back to showroom condition, after many decades and 250,000 kilometres of usage.
It's the fourth project that's been undertaken as part of this program, and the restoration efforts are entirely voluntary. The idea is to help the next generation of engineers understand what influenced the design and engineering choices of yesteryear, to help further develop their abilities and broaded their perspective.
Restoring this Familia saw 16 employees from various departments within Mazda taking part, as well as liaising with around 60 business partners for sourcing various parts. Even students from a vocational school in Hiroshima were brought on to help. Over the course of 10 months, this dedicated team helped to restore the Familia to its former glory.
For those who weren't around in the 1980s, the Mazda 323 Familia was one of the first cars produced as part of a joint development between Mazda and Ford. This decision was made in part due to unfavourable currency exchange values (the yen was becoming extremely strong, to Japan's misfortune) and an oil crisis, and in turn it benefitted both companies.
The Ford Laser and Mazda 323 Familia were twin sisters, and both were also raced in various club level motorsport events - even in Malaysia. It was the first "FF" (front-engine, front wheel drive) Familia, which meant a big leap forward in packaging and practicality at the time.
This particular unit that Mazda restored is a Familia XG, which is a 3-door variant. Its original colour was a bright Sunrise Red, which was a stark contrast to the more monochrome options that the Japanese preferred at the time - perhaps a distant predecessor to Soul Red.
But more than just the alluring shape - one that is appealing even by modern standards - the 323 Familia was an engineering challenge thanks to tightening emissions regulations of the time. The days in which the 323 Familia was developed are similar in nature to what engineers are facing today, and this is where the benefit of such a project comes into play.
To meet the emissions requirements, the engine in the Familia used the "Mazda Stable Combustion Method", as well as a 4-2-1 designed exhaust extractor which is similar in principle to the design used by the SKYACTIV-G engines of today. With an output of 85 PS and 120 Nm of torque moving 820 kilograms of car, the 323 Familia would be only a little slower than a modern Mazda 2.
As for the restoration project, it is as extensive as you would expect from a methodical Japanese company. The car was stripped to its body shell, with individual components repaired or replaced when they couldn't be repaired. The chassis was repainted in the factory Sunrise Red, and everything was cleaned and polished before going back into the car.
The result is no less than spectacular, and the unveiling of the car drew crowds that were disproportionate to how grocery-getter the car was for the time. The reality is that many have fond memories of the car, especially in Mazda's hometown of Hiroshima, and seeing one in concourse condition is a sight for sore eyes.
As for Mazda's next restoration project, it seems that it will be a three-wheeled truck - perhaps the oldest in their model history.


Bentley Takes First Step Towards Electrification – The Bentayga Hybrid

Bentley has taken its first step towards the electrified future with the introduction of the Bentayga plug-in hybrid variant, which now goes on sale in Europe.

The Bentayga Hybrid is the first electrified variant of a much larger group of future models, which will see the marque roll out an electrified version of every nameplate by 2023.

The Bentayga Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that works in tandem with a 94 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor/generator that outputs 126 bhp and 400 Nm.

The combined power output is rated of 443 bhp and peak torque output of 700 Nm is capable of propelling the Bentayga Hybrid from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds onto a top speed of 254 km/h. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

On a full battery charge, the Bentayga offers a 39 km electric range (WLTP Standard); the combined range is claimed to be 747 km. The 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery requires just 2.5 hours for a full-recharge.

Another highlight of the Hybrid variant is the 'Intelligent Satellite Navigation' system which can use GPS data to calculate and plan the optimum hybrid drive settings for the chosen route for best efficiency.
The Bentayga Hybrid goes on sale across Europe with prices starting at EUR 141,100; customer deliveries in the UK and Europe are set to begin in the final quarter of 2019, US deliveries start in Q1 of 2020.


Waymo Introduces First Self-Driving Taxi Service In The USA

Waymo, a subsidiary of Google that has been researching and developing autonomous vehicle technologies for nearly a decade, has just begun offering a self-driving taxi service to a select group of users.
For now, the Waymo One self-driving taxi will only be available in four suburbs within Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Waymo One uses a fleet of Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid MPV that has been retrofitted with all the terrain scanning and mapping equipment that is necessary for autonomous driving.
Waymo, who has been performing trials on the robo-taxi service since April last year, says that self-driving technology is new to many and thus a trained Waymo personnel will still be seated at the driver’s seat to supervise the entire operation.
Waymo certainly hopes to expand the customer base as well as the application of self-driving vehicles to examples such as delivery vehicles as well as licensing its technology to other companies. The company has clocked over 16 million kilometres of self-driving on public roads, with simulation runs registering 700 times more mileage.
Nissan has also started trials on a
robo
-taxi service
 earlier this year, using a Nissan Leaf with autonomous technologies circling a 4.5-kilometre loop that includes their Global Headquarters office block, shopping malls, and other point-of-interest in Yokohama, Japan.


Your Next RWD Hero: All-New Toyota (GR) 86 Prototype Spotted On Streets

A curiously camouflaged coupe was spotted recently near Toyota’s R&D centre in Michigan, and everyone is pointing to that being conclusive proof of a second-generation 86. Can’t fault their logic.

It’s been about 8 years since everyone’s favourite Toyobaru was first revealed to the world, delivering rear-drive, manual shifting thrills to the masses and a new generation of car enthusiasts.
We are forever in its debt
.

The car we know here as the Toyota 86 (GT86 elsewhere, Scion FRS for bonus points) and the Subaru BRZ has now passed that typical cycle after which we automatically assume an all-new replacement model is about ready for prime time - unless you’re the R35 Nissan GT-R, of course, which is now 13 and still going strong-ish.

Time has been kind to the two-door and, thankfully, the car that’s due to replace it doesn’t seem to have deviated much from that recipe, at least in terms of broad strokes styling. Judging from the video of the car caught in traffic, the next 86/BRZ retains that familiar silhouette and rather thin tyres. Maybe it’s a little too familiar, as if a current 86 owner wrapped his car up for a few laughs and we all fell for it.

The car, assuming it’s really the new version, and despite still being in its prototype stages, certainly appears roadworthy enough for Toyota USA to brazenly let it out onto the open road; on urban streets no less. It was only a matter of time before someone captured the car on video. That being said, the fact that this wasn’t captured in clear 4K HDR video is a crime (hence the screen grabs). Someone needs a phone upgrade.

Speaking of which, the footage comes from the Instagram account under the
@kystify
 handle, which has then spread quicker the Sivagangga cluster. We’re just surprised there aren’t a few dozen separate videos of the same car wandering around traffic in broad daylight. Clearly, it wasn’t trying very hard to be discreet.

The smart money is predicting that the car will be fully unveiled in the early stages of 2021 with a global rollout to follow that up toward the middle of next year. It’s also very likely that, at least for the Toyota-branded version, it will adopt the name GR86 in all or most markets in order to align with the Japanese automaker’s other performance/sport models: GR Yaris and GR Supra.

Alongside the updated moniker, the car should still have a flat-four engine sourced from Subaru. However, instead of a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit, we should see something with
much more punch
 being slot in, that being a new 2.4-litre turbocharged mill that’s also due to be powering the next WRX STI.

This will likely result in some increase in price, especially since the car is unlikely to also offer a lower-end secondary powertrain like the A90 Supra. Some are even speculating that Toyota will offer the ‘GR86’ with optional all-wheel drive - again, sourced from Subaru. While that certainly is possible, it would also go against the analogue and uncomplicated ethos of what made its predecessor so appealing.


Perodua Sales Up By 30% - Myvi Still The King But Bezza Is The Model Of The Moment

Judging by the interest shown in the
soon-to-be-launched Alza
, Perodua is set to have a bumper year.

Perodua has sold 127,343 vehicles from January to June 2022, a 30% jump from 97,290 units sold in the same period
last year.
 The Myvi is still Perodua's top-seller with 38,039 units registered, followed by the Perodua Axia with 29,183 units and closely behind that, the Perodua Bezza at 28,719 units.

Although the
Myvi is still the king
, according to Perodua, the
Bezza
 is gaining sales momentum and is the most sought-after model at the moment.

"There was a significant rush in vehicle booking, especially when the government
extended the registration period
 to 31 March 2023 and we thank Malaysians for choosing Perodua as their brand of choice," Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato' Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

"Speaking of the sales tax exemption; on the last day of the initiative, Perodua saw the highest single booking day on 30 June 2022 with 25,100 vehicles orders taken," he said.

"This is unprecedented and a testament to the growth potential of Malaysia's automotive industry given the right incentive."

Perodua however was keen to point out that their sales performance increase was contributed by the low number of sales of vehicles in June 2021, due to the second lockdown to reduce Covid-19 infection cases.

As a comparison, for the month of June 2021, Perodua only registered 1,009 units, while in June 2022, we sold 21,164 units. On a month-to-month comparison, Perodua's sales performance increased by 10.7% from 18,901 units registered in May 2022.

Dato' Zainal said that the increase in registration in June 2022 was also due to better parts supply compared to the month of May.

Despite this upbeat news, Dato' Zainal said that issues such as skilled labour and
parts shortages
 are still present and has asked customers to help them out by being tolerant in terms of delivery.

Perodua is working closely with its suppliers and in some cases, has sent Perodua staff to work at their premises to ensure that parts supply continues to flow.

"We sincerely apologise for the long wait and are doing everything in our power to further improve production for the benefit of our customers," he said.

Despite these issues, Perodua is still maintaining that it will achieve its full-year sales target of 247,800 units, which the
soon-to-launch Perodua Alza
 will probably boost.


After The Proton X70, Here's What’s Coming Next From Proton

At least five new Proton models will be launched between this year and 2023, averaging one new model every year.
This was revealed by Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong at a media event earlier this month. Li did not reveal the identities of any of the upcoming models but the images used in Proton’s presentation slides suggests that the next two cars are tall riding, utility type vehicles, which could mean either an SUV or an MPV.
However there's little need to speculate much because Proton’s Hong Kong-listed technology partner Geely Automobile Holdings Limited already announced last year that its parent company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited had agreed to license three Geely models to Proton until 2020. The models are the NL-3, SX11 and VF11 - all internal codenames.
The NL-3 has since been introduced to Malaysia as the Proton X70. The SX11 a Honda HR-V size crossover and it has since gone on sale in China as the
Binyue
 while the VF11 is seven-seater MPV that will soon go on sale in China as the
Jia Ji
.
Geely Binyue (SX11)
Judging by the introduction timeline of these three models in China, we think that the next Proton model to be launched here later this year should be the Geely Binyue, followed by the Jia Ji in 2020. Of course, these Chinese names will be dropped for overseas markets and replaced with more export market-friendly alphanumeric names, like the X70.
The Binyue crossover is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. There's also a 1.0-litre turbocharged unit but in China, this engine is only available with a 6-speed manual, a combination which is very unlikely to be offered here.
Geely Jia Ji (VF11)
The seven-seater Jia Ji is clearly a replacement for the aging Exora. It is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid is also available in China, and it can be had either as a mild hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
The following two models to be launched between 2021 to 2022 should be sedans. The silhouette of the images used seem to suggest so.
Geely Borui
Geely's flagship sedan is the Geely Borui, a Camry/Accord class D-segment sedan. Engine options range from a 2.4-litre four cylinder to a 3.5-litre V6, both naturally aspirated, as well as a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that’s available either as a mild hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
It could be a potential candidate to replace the Proton Perdana but the D-segment is on a decline and it’s hard to say if Proton can make a business case for it. Even Geely's product strategy for China is centred mostly around SUVs.
The same diminishing market can also be said for the C-segment. The success of the Honda Civic here is an exception rather than the norm for C-segment sedans. Geely's answer to the Civic is the
Binrui
. Engine options range from a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder paired to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, while a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is paired to a CVT-type automatic.
Geely Binrui
Below that, Geely's range of products for the A/B-segment range is rather weak and none would be able to go up against the Honda City, or even the
significantly improved Toyota Vios
. At this moment, no Geely model appears to be a suitable candidate to replace the Saga, because doing so would mean replacing an aging product with another equally old product.
Proton has previously mentioned that it plans to produce only export-capable world class cars, and that it no longer wants to compete with the likes of Perodua, but rather Honda; suggesting that Proton might exit the budget, compact cars segment. However further checks with Dr. Li revealed that Proton is certainly not going to abandon this segment, which is currently dominated by the Perodua Axia, Bezza and Myvi.
“This segment (budget, compact class cars) contributes nearly 40 percent of the market so certainly we are not going to abandon this segment,” said Dr. Li, who also added that the Saga and Iriz have a very safe, solid construction and make for a decently competitive product.
We will interpret this to mean that the Saga (and Persona) will continue soldier on into the next decade, but minor tweaks/upgrades can be expected.
The identity of the final, utility-type model slated for 2023 is also a mystery. Judging that it uses the same representative image as the Binyue and Jia Ji, we think it would most probably be another SUV.
We are hoping that it’s for the now codenamed
FY11
, a low roofline SUV that’s styled in the vein of a BMW X6. Now that’s a Proton we all want to see.


AirAsia Wins 'Most Number of Complaints' For Airlines in Malaysia In 1H22

AirAsia
 has received the
most number of complaints
 against airlines in Malaysia, as reported by the
Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM)
.

For the first half of 2022, a total of 42.1% of all aviation-related grievances were filed against AirAsia. They are now ahead of the 'game' followed by Malaysia Airlines at 40.7% and Batik Air at 7.9%. This was published in MAVCOM's 12th issue of its bi-annual consumer report.

Over 1,200 complaints were filed in the first half of 2022

MAVCOM also stated in its report that a total of 1,251 complaints were registered where a whopping 99.1% of the said reports were against airlines and only 0.9% were about the airports.

It was also reported that 87.9% of the total complaints were resolved and closed by the airlines, but only a quarter of those showed the customers receiving 'equitable or satisfactory resolutions'. We're guessing that the rest were 'problem settled but still
tak puas hati
'.

46% of complaints on flight rescheduling & cancellations

The majority of the complaints were filed due to three major factors - flight rescheduling, flight cancellations, and online bookings. This accounted for 46.1% of the total complaints, or 577 in the first six months of 2022.

According to MAVCOM executive chairman, Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim, "As a proactive measure by MAVCOM, we have also been actively engaging aviation service providers to ensure that these issues are being addressed. Additionally, MAVCOM is working towards the enhancement of the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC) to further protect air travellers and in continuing to empower them to exercise their rights."


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Ranked Highest By JD Power In After-Sales Satisfaction

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official importer and distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia has been ranked highest in this year’s JD Power Malaysia Customer Service Index (CSI) Mass Market Study with a score of 814.
Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia said, “MMM is happy to be ranked highest for the CSI Mass Market Study conducted by J.D. Power 2018. This reflects MMM‘s commitment to continue to provide a rewarding and positive customer’s experience from the first initiation of purchase to a satisfying after sales service. This is an encouragement for us to aim to do better and to strive to maintain number one every year!”
According to JD Power, the 2018 Malaysia Customer Service Index (Mass Market) Study is based on surveys from 2,957 new vehicle owners that received their new vehicle between March 2015 and July 2017 and took their vehicle to an authorized service centre between March 2017 and July 2018. The study measures customer satisfaction with after-sales service and vehicle return process, gauged from March to July 2018.
The score is calculated based on service quality, vehicle pick up, service initiation, service facility, and service advisor. The industry average is about 754 points.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia currently has 52 showrooms, out of which 46 are 3S centres and 51 service outlets in Peninsular Malaysia. For East Malaysia customers, MMM has 14 showrooms, 6 of which are in Sarawak and 8 in Sabah.


F48 BMW X1 Malaysia Review – Radical product rethink

Being introduced only as recently as 2010, the
X1
 is a relatively new member of
BMW
’s range. Yet, with 730,000 examples sold worldwide in a six-year model cycle, the X1 has firmly established itself as a vital cog in BMW’s global model line-up.

At the time, car makers were racing to fill every available niche in the SUV market, and BMW was the first to plant its flag in the premium compact crossover territory with the original
E84 X1
. The relative absence of competitors then allowed BMW to get away with, shall we say, a less than sterling effort.

Whilst it was blessed with excellent dynamics (especially the
xDrive variant
), the E84 X1 was also let down by an interior that is not only poorly packaged, but less than satisfactorily built as well. It was also, shall we say, not a very handsome-looking vehicle.

The marketplace has grown significantly more competitive in the last five years, and remembering that the X1 is meant to capture new buyers into the brand, BMW cannot afford to replace the E84 with a half-baked product. The all-new
F48 X1
,
launched last year
, represents a fundamental rethink of the X1 product concept.

Specifications:

Price: RM279,800, on-the-road without insurance

Engine: 1,998cc, 4-cylinders transverse, DOHC

Power: 192hp @ 4,700rpm

Torque: 280Nm @ 1,250 – 4,600rpm

Transmission: 8-speed torque converter automatic, FWD

Safety: 6 airbags, ISOFIX (rear), Dynamic Braking Lights, Electronic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Origin: Fully imported from Germany

Overview?

Mechanically, the new F48 X1 represents not only a significant advancement from its predecessor (which was based on the
E90 3 Series
), but also representative of a fundamental paradigm shift in the way BMW will be building cars in the future.

It is the third BMW-branded vehicle to utilize the firm’s new UKL platform that is also featured in the
new MINI
 as well as the
2 Series Active and Gran Tourer
 siblings. Here, the significance is that the
X1
 will be the first existing model line that switches from a longitudinal engine predecessor to transverse engine installation. The
1 Series
 will be next.

Globally, BMW offers the X1 with a range of petrol and diesel engines, each with the option of front- and all-wheel drive. For Malaysia, the sole variant on offer is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo engine that puts power down to the front via an Aisin-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission. Additional variants are possible if and when the X1 switches to local-assembly at a later date.

BMW claims that its traditional 50:50 weight balance is maintained in this new X1; quite how this is possible in a FWD vehicle that naturally has much of its weight concentrated on the front is beyond our comprehension.

The new X1 arrives in a market that has become far more crowded than what its predecessor faced, although BMW’s pricing strategy seem to suggest it is unfazed by the competition. The X1’s pricing is undercut by both its closest rivals even in their highest level of specification, namely the
Mercedes-Benz GLA
 (
RM237k – RM267k
) and
Audi Q3
 (
RM219k – RM255k
). It is also worth noting that in range-topping spec, both the GLA and Q3 send traction to all fours, as opposed to just the front in the BMW.

Exterior

The new X1 may not conform to the familiar BMW mechanical template, but you are not likely to mistake it as a product of any other brand – the double kidney grilles and angel-eye DRLs see to that. The signature Hoffmeister kink is present and recognisable, albeit suitably reinterpreted to blend into the vehicle’s silhouette.

Because there is no longer the need to make space for a 3.0-litre six-pot up front, the F48’s proportions look better balanced and resolved than the sometimes awkward-looking E84. In fact, its appearance fits nicely into the family look of BMW’s larger SUVs; its resemblance with the
X5
 particularly acute.

Measuring 4,439mm from stem-to-stern and 1,821mm between the side mirrors, the F48 stretches 38mm shorter in length than the E84 but spans a good 23mm wider. The newer model is taller too, with overall height increased from 1,545mm to 1,612mm.

Space between the wheels have shrunk by 90mm, but remember a far bigger fraction of the E84’s wheelbase area was taken up by the engine. This means that despite having a shorter wheelbase, the F48 is able to provide more space for its cabin.

Without being burdened by the extra weight of a prop-shaft, BMW is able to shave 25kg of mass off the front-wheel drive F48 X1 sDrive20i compared to its rear-wheel drive E84 equivalent with automatic transmission.

Interior

The biggest benefits of BMW’s decision to abandon its traditional mechanical layout with the X1 is plainly seen in its interior. Freed from the constraints of having to accommodate a long-mounted engine and bulky transmission tunnel, BMW’s cabin designers were given unpredecented amounts of space and flexibility to craft a cabin that is far superior to its predecessor in both space and usability.

First thing you’d notice upon climbing onboard is how the selection of materials, colour schemes, and switch gear all feel very quintessentially BMW in a visual sense, contrasting a layout that is atypical of the brand. As mentioned earlier, the new model’s transverse engine packaging grants space for a bigger cabin despite having to make do with a significantly shortened wheelbase.

Because there is no need for a transmission tunnel, the centre console is less bulky in the X1 than it is in a traditional rear-wheel drive BMW. What’s even better, there are a lot more empty spaces to empty the content of your pockets into, including a huge storage tray at the rear half of the centre console.

Pop open the tailgate, the new X1 offers 505 litres for your suitcases, which you can expand to 1,550 litres by fliping the 40:20:40 split-folding seat backs down. Comparatively, the old E84 had to make do with 420 and 1,350 litres respectively.

Perhaps the most notable area of improvement in the F48’s cabin over the E84’s is with regards to build quality and material selection. It’s neither quite as plush nor as slick as Mercedes or Audi cabins, but it does consign the shockingly poor and brittle plastics that inhabit the E84’s cabin to history.

How does it drive?

The BMW brand image of sporty driving is one that has been carefully honed for decades. So, even though the firm is finally seduced by the packaging and cost benefits of the transverse engine setup, you can be assured that every effort has been made to ensure that strong driving performance as well as surefooted handling, virtues that we’ve come to regard as BMW call cards, remain very much ingrained in the new X1’s DNA.

In broad terms, the X1 is largely successful in preserving the time-honoured qualities we’ve come to expect from behind the wheel of a BMW; which is to say it packs respectable straight line punch, corners with controlled poise, and handles high-speed driving with admirable composure. You won’t get the kind of steering interaction and intimacy as you would in a 1990s BMW; but in this era of electric-assisted power steering, that statement holds true for the company’s core RWD models as well.

Pushing the X1 hard around a corner, however, reveals unfamiliar details for devotees of the propeller badge. Unavoidable due to its mechanical configuration, this a BMW that washes wide at the apex when pushed and one in which oversteer is induced by lifting-off as opposed to giving the throttle the full weight of your right foot. Migrating buyers from other marques are not likely to bother, however, which is just as well, as the new generation of UKL-based models are aimed primarily at converting new buyers into the brand.

This is one aspect perhaps which the E84 will be most missed by existing owners. For all its flaws, the E84’s handling was almost superlative. Versions with xDrive, in particular, seemed to boast endless reserves of mechanical grip - for a crossover, the confidence it inspired around corners is outright unnatural. In sDrive20i guise as tested, you can’t put power down in the current model as judiciously as the old one without risking an encounter with the road barrier or, worse, oncoming traffic.

We await the opportunity to review an xDrive-equipped F48 X1 in Malaysian shores in the future (should BMW decide to introduce such a variant here) before giving this matter a final say.

How comfortable is it?

As the predecessor’s outright sportiness gets scaled back, the new X1 accordingly gets a commensurate improvement in comfort and refinement. The E84’s ride, especially the xDrive20d version, was as brittle as its plastics.

In exchange for not being able to attack corners with the verve of a hot hatch, BMW compensates with a significantly more pliant ride. We believe the majority of the X1’s targeted clientele are likely to find this to be an agreeable compromise.

The very same clientele are also likely to favour the new model’s electric power steering setup that is more sensibly-weighted than the unnecessarily heavy hydraulic-assisted rack fitted in xDrive versions of the E84.

How economical is it?

BMW engines of recent years, be it petrol or diesel, have excellent track records of frugality relative to the kind of performance they deliver.

Whilst we were never likely to replicate the sDrive20i variant’s quoted fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100km, a recorded average of 10.5 l/100km on the trip computer represented decent returns for test route that mixed urban, highway, and heavy-footed backroad driving.

Putting the above numbers in context, this writer, in similar driving conditions, recorded the same consumption in a
Mitsubishi ASX
 – a vehicle that makes do with 42 fewer horses and 83Nm less twist.

The first five years of owning the BMW X1 is also likely to be blissful – you get the protection of an unlimited mileage warranty and free-servicing. Your tyres are also protected by a 24-month
BMW Tyre Warranty Programme
 that covers damage caused by any sharp objects or pot holes.

Conclusion

There is no doubt about it. The new F48 X1 is far and away a much better vehicle than the E84 model it replaces. It’s a more handsome-looking vehicle with an interior that is more spacious, better built, and more thoughtfully-conceived.

By freeing themselves of the shackles imposed by an almost-stubborn decades-long adherence to the traditional long-engine mechanical template, BMW is able to deliver a premium compact crossover that is far more effectively packaged and definitely easier to live with on a day-to-day basis.

That same radical rethink of the product concept also underlines the caveat that accompanies the X1, however. For all the magic and knowhow which BMW’s chassis engineers possess, the X1 cannot and will not drive like a traditional BMW. This is perhaps one area which the F48 and its future successors will never exceed the original – the conflicting blend of hot-hatch dynamics with the raised ride height of an SUV. It is something the enthusiasts in us will miss, but the masses will likely appreciate the new X1’s significantly wider scope of talents in other aspects.


Proton S50 Mungkin Guna Enjin Turbo – 1.5L TGDI

Proton S50 mungkin bakal menjadi kereta sedan kedua dalam sejarah Proton yang bakal hadir dengan enjin turbo pada tahun hadapan!

Ketika pelancaran
Proton Saga MC2 2022
 pada Mei lalu, Proton telah mendedahkan pelan strategi syarikat mereka bahawa mereka bakal melancarkan satu lagi model sedan selepas Proton Saga.

Sejak daripada itu, ada beberapa pengguna media sosial yang terserempak dengan model sedan yang menggunakan pelekat celoreng menandakan ia sedang menjalani ujian jalan raya. Model tersebut juga menggunakan nombor pendaftaran perdagangan yang pernah digunakan Proton ketika ini.

Proton S50 Guna Asas Geely Emgrand

Proton S50 dikatakan dibina berasaskan model generasi keempat
Geely Emgrand
 yang telah tiba di China dan Filipina. Menerusi gambar intipan Proton S50 penuh dengan celoreng yang terdedah di media sosial, bahagian tiang-C serta cermin belakangnya kelihatan seperti Emgrand berbanding
Binrui
.

Pernah dikaitkan sebagai pengganti
Persona
. Namun oleh sebab dimensi serta jarak rodanya lebih panjang berbanding sedan segmen-B Proton itu, ia dikaitkan dengan
Proton Preve
 pula memandangkan kedua-dua kereta ini berkongsi jarak roda yang sama.

Model

Proton Persona

Proton Preve

Geely Emgrand

Panjang (mm)

4,362

4,543

4,638

Lebar (mm)

1,722

1,786

1,820

Tinggi (mm)

1,554

1,524

1,460

Jarak Antara Roda (mm)

2,555

2,650

2,650

Kapasiti But (liter)

510

508

680

Proton S50 Bakal Guna Enjin Turbo?

Kalau nak diikutkan, ada potensi besar enjin kereta sedan akan datang Proton ini bakal menerima enjin turbo selepas Proton Preve yang dilancarkan pada 2012 lalu.

Andaian bahawa Proton S50 bakal muncul dengan enjin turbo bukanlah tidak berasas memandangkan Proton telah memperkenalkan
kilang pemasangan enjin baharu yang berteknologi tinggi
 di Tanjung Malim.

Kilang tersebut menghasilkan enjin 1.5 TGDI
(Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection)
 yang merupakan kali pertama ia dipasang di luar China dan merupakan salah satu kilang pemasangan enjin yang tercanggih di Malaysia.

Enjin tiga silinder yang telah memenangi anugerah ini sudah digunakan pada beberapa jenama di bawah Geely Group, dan variannya setakat ini telah digunakan dalam lebih 750,000 kenderaan yang dijual di seluruh dunia termasuk X70 dan X50.

Untuk perbandingan, lihat perbezaan antara output enjin 1.5 TGDI dengan enjin yang digunakan pada Geely Emgrand di China:

Model

1.5 TGDI

1.5 NA

Kuasa (PS)

177

114

Tork (Nm)

255

147

Transmisi

7-Kelajuan DCT

CVT

Malah, Proton turut telah menjelaskan bahawa enjin 1.5 TGDI ini bakal menjadi enjin utama yang bakal digunakan oleh Proton pada model-model baharunya kelak. Tambahan pula, Geely Emgrand dibina menggunakan platform segmen-B Modular Architecture (BMA) yang turut sama digunakan oleh Proton X50. Menurut Geely, platform tersebut memberikan:

Fleksibiliti dari segi rekaan, ruang dalaman, keselesaan dan kawalan pengendalian yang lebih baik

Kelebihan untuk membina jarak roda sedan segmen-B ini lebih lebar untuk menambah kestabilan dengan lebih cengkaman pada tayar

Ruang belakang dan but paling luas dalam kelasnya

Penglihatan lebih baik dan mengurangkan titik buta pada pemandu menerusi rekaan tiang-A yang dikemaskini

Jika sedan keluaran Proton kelak hadir dengan enjin turbo yang sama digunakan pada X50 dan X70, adakah anda berpuas hati?


ACOTY 2016 Finalists: Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry – For Managers And Executives

For those upgrading from
C-segment family vehicles
, the D-segment executive cars are the last stop before progressing into luxury marques. The competition in this club is tough, with shoppers accordingly more demanding with their requirements.
Cars in this segment need to match a compact luxury vehicle for equipment, exceed them in size, whilst being sold at lower prices. Whilst they are mostly driven by their owners, it is also not uncommon for them to perform chauffeuring duty; such are the wide-ranging demands that they serve.
The three
ASEAN Car of the Year 2016
 finalists for the Executive Car category nominated here are by far the segment’s most popular choices and they have become the staple of middle management buyers.
The Accord and Camry have been the segment’s mainstays for the better part of two decades now, but the Mazda 6 has also firmly established itself as the dynamic alternative for those that want to stand out from the crowd. Which of the three will be crowned Executive Car of the Year 2016?
Mazda 6
Nominated by:
 22 out of 26 judges
Pricing:
 RM163,854.67 – RM208,739.11
Overview:
 Easily the enthusiast’s favourite in a segment of straight-faced entries. Among a sea of conventional choices, the Mazda 6 stands out with a bold and powerful design which it backs up with an equally engaging driving experience. This is an exceptionally well-engineered vehicle that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face if you’re so in the mood to exploit its talents.
Pros:
Most dynamic-looking in the segment.
Fun and lively chassis.
Powerful, smooth, and refined engines.
Choices – you can have a wagon, you can also have a diesel.
Cons:
Steep starting price; higher-specced models are priced in BMW territory!
Harsh ride on 19-inch wheels.
Poor insulation of road and wind noises.
Cabin not as spacious as rivals.
Read More:
Review: Mazda 6 2.2 SkyActiv-D – Efficient Thoroughbred
New Mazda SkyActiv Diesels Enter Malaysia – Mazda 6 and CX-5
2015 Mazda 6 SkyActiv Facelift Appears In Malaysian Showrooms, From RM164k
Research:
Find out more:
Mazda 6 in New Car Showroom
Cars for sale:
Mazda 6 listed in
Carlist.my
Honda Accord
Nominated by:
 21 out of 26 judges
Pricing:
 RM144,800.00 – RM172,800.00
Overview:
 Once the perennial also-ran, the Honda Accord is now firmly established as the segment’s favourite. It is a supremely good all-rounder that ticks many boxes to appeal to its target market. It starts with understated looks and continues to a well-executed cabin that rivals luxury makes for quality. That it does all this whilst maintaining the selling price of the old model makes for a winning package, and many buyers have vote conclusively in Honda’s favour with their wallets. The recent facelift has only made the Accord even stronger and even more compelling against its peers.
Pros:
Reasonably priced.
Excellent cabin packaging.
Honda Lane Watch is a unique and useful feature.
Decent comfort and refinement.
Cons:
Steering is lifeless and lacks feedback.
2.0 SOHC i-VTEC engine is a little dated against the competition.
Read More:
2016 New Honda Accord Launched In Malaysia – From RM144,800
40 Years of Honda Accord – How Ford and Lotus Inspired The First Accord
Research:
Find out more:
Honda Accord in New Car Showroom
Cars for sale:
Honda Accord listed in
Carlist.my
Toyota Camry
Nominated by:
 13 out of 26 judges
Pricing:
 RM154,900.00 – RM174,900.00
Overview:
 Once the segment’s default choice, the Camry is no longer the dominant force it once was. The 2.0-litre variants, despite featuring an excellent engine, let the side down with exorbitant pricing and poor equipment; but the Hybrid model leads the charge thanks to EEV pricing that enable it compete with superior performance and kit against similarly-priced 2.4- to 2.5-litre opposition.
Pros:
Most advanced engine in the 2.0-litre segment,
featuring dual injection
.
Hybrid variant is excellent value for the kit and performance.
Still strong on comfort and refinement.
Cons:
2.0-litre variants are over-priced yet poor on kit.
No electronic stability control in 2.0E at RM155k!
Hybrid variant requires compromise of boot space.
Read More:
2015 Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid Review - Last Chance Hybrid
What A Pro-Driver Thinks of the Toyota Camry Hybrid
New 2015 Toyota Camry Launched In Malaysia: 2.0E, 2.0G & 2.5L Hybrid From RM150k
Research:
Find out more:
Toyota Camry in New Car Showroom
Cars for sale:
Toyota Camry listed in
Carlist.my
Back in 2015, we gathered with a few of our media friends from other publications to organize a great nine-car D-segment shootout. Follow this
link to read the story
; will it give us a possible indication of this segment's eventual winner?


2016 Nissan LEAF Gets 30kWh Battery, 170km Range

Nissan
 has announced an updated version of their US market
LEAF
 electric car which they say will offer additional range over the previous car of around 27 percent.
The reason for the upshot comes down to a larger capacity battery, this time being 30kWh, which extends the LEAF’s charge capacity to enable a travelling distance of an EPA claimed 170 km.
The original LEAF was equipped with a 24kWh battery which gave it an EPA claimed range of 135 km, making the added stamina of the newer model that much more useful in everyday driving situations, not to mention curbing the dreaded ‘range anxiety’, at least to an extent.
"Since Nissan LEAF launched in December 2010, we've become the global leaders in electric vehicle (EV) sales with an all-electric car specifically designed for the mass market," said Andrew Speaker, director, Nissan Electric Vehicle (EV) Sales & Marketing. "We know that to maintain that leadership, we must continue developing battery technology that strikes that ideal balance between capacity, packaging, durability and affordability."


Volvo Teases Polestar Engineered S60

With Polestar making big headlines for their up and coming "1", let's not forget that the performance division of Volvo is still producing and developing models based on regular road-going Volvo vehicles.
In the past they've had entire specially produced cars built to their specifications, down to optional equipment that customer can outfit their cars with after purchasing. In the case of the all-new S60, Polestar is offering performance upgrade items for a car that hasn't been launched yet.
For now, Polestar Engineered (which will seemingly be the umbrella under which their performance items are branded) will be made available for the T8 Twin Engine variant of the S60, and will sit one step above the R-Design models. It will eventually be made available for the V60 and XC60 in the coming year, available in limited numbers for both sale and leasing.
There are new lightweight wheels, gold-coloured 6-piston Brembo mono-block calipers, Polestar emblems, gold seat belts, black chrome exhaust tips, and Ohlins suspension from the Polestar 1.
Power has also been increased by a modest 15 hp and 30 Nm of torque, for a total of 415 hp and 670 Nm of torque from the twin-charged 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain. Not a huge increase in raw numbers, but paired with a change in gearbox mapping and the fact that it improves fuel consumption and maintains emissions, it's a nice enough addition.


The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Is A Very Angry Car, Be Afraid Now

Mercedes
-AMG has decided to
shed some light on its new race car
 prior to its officially unveiling at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Made to comply with the FIA’s GT3 race rules and as the successor to the SLS AMG GT3 racer, this is the Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Powertrain
Now, the basic Mercedes-AMG GT on which the GT3 is based on, has a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in place. That just won’t do for what Mercedes-AMG has in store for its race car. Instead, they taken the same 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine from the SLS AMG GT3 and tweaked it a little to produce around 600 hp.
That is nearly 100 hp more than the standard road car in its ‘S’ variant and with a successful motorsport campaign in the previous race car, why change what is already a proven race engine, right?
Lightweight
That massive V8 functions to propel the immensely-lightened body of the GT3. What used to be a luxurious interior has been stripped-out in the interest of losing a few kilos. And it doesn’t just end there because the engine cover, doors, front wing, front and rear aprons, sidewalls, side skirts, diffuser, boot lid and rear aerofoil are all made from carbon fibre too. Other racing modifications include the installation of an integrated steel rollcage with carbon fibre racing seats.
Styling
Make no mistake, if you see this car in your rear-view mirror, you’ll know what it is. With wide wheel arches, slates, sharp pointy angles and a front grille inspired by the classic W194 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racer, the GT certainly has presence to it. And should it pass you, that large rear end and GT wing is the last you’ll see of it.
Future development
Although the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is made to compete in the FIA GT3 championship next year, the racer could also serve to inspire or act as a mobile development laboratory for a more hardcore version of the regular GT road car that could see a lightened and more powerful version of it made for the roads.
Competition
The world of FIA GT3 racing is occupied by various other car makers. Among the other racers the Mercedes-AMG GT3 will go up against will be the Bentley Continental GT3, Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, Lamborghini Huracan GT3, McLaren 650S GT3, Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and more.


GIIAS 2021: MG Motor Indonesia Lancar SUV Edisi Terhad Liverpool FC - Berharga dari RM98k

MG Motor Indonesia secara rasminya telah melancarkan dua kenderaan edisi khas yang merupakan kolaborasi antara MG Motor bersama pasukan gergasi EPL,
Liverpool FC
 di
Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2021
 baru-baru ini.

Sejak 2019,
MG Motor
 telah menjadi rakan kongsi automotif global rasmi untuk pasukan Liverpool FC di mana mereka bebas untuk menghasilkan kenderaan edisi khas yang bertemakan pasukan tersebut. Oleh itu, MG Indonesia menjadi pengeluar pertama di Asia yang mengambil peluang tersebut.

Kedua-dua model yang diperkenalkan adalah MG ZS Liverpool FC Limited Edition dan MG HS i-Smart Liverpool FC Limited Edition. Memandangkan ia edisi terhad, hanya 200 unit model ZS dan 100 unit model HS versi Liverpool akan ditawarkan kepada pembeli.

Bagi model MG HS i-Smart Liverpool FC Limited edition, ia menerima penambahan seperti lencana khas di bahagian belakang dan tepi kereta serta di bahagian bawah pengawal
penyaman udara
 digital di bahagian dalam. Ia juga datang dengan alas kaki khas bertemakan Liverpool FC. Setiap pembelian model ini akan disertakan bersama jersi Liverpool yang ditandatangan dan sijil khas Liverpool.

Sementara itu, model ZS Liverpool FC Limited Edition pula tampil lebih agresif dengan penambahan kit badan seperti bahagian hadapan dan belakang, skirt sisi serta spoiler belakang. Sementara itu, bahagian dalamannya turut menerima penambahan seperti model HS i-Smart Liverpool FC Limited Edition. Sama seperti model HS LFC Edition, setiap pembelian model ZS juga turut menerima jersi Liverpool dan sijil khas Liverpool.

Di Indonesia, MG ZS ini adalah sebuah
SUV segmen-B
 yang merupakan lawan kepada
Proton X50
 di pasaran Malaysia. ZS LFC Edition ini hadir dengan enjin 1.5L
naturally aspirated
 yang menghasilkan output sebanyak 114 PS dan 150Nm Tork yang dipadankan bersama transmisi CVT 8-kelajuan automatik. Sementara itu, MG HS pula tampil dengan enjin 1.5L turbo yang menghasilkan 162 PS dan 250 Nm Tork dan dipadankan bersama transmisi Sportronic klac berkembar (TST) 7-Kelajuan.

Untuk pasaran Indonesia, model edisi khas MG ZS bersama Liverpool FC ini dijual pada harga bermula 334.8 juta Rupiah bersamaan RM98,326. Untuk perbandingan, model ZS biasa dijual dari Rp 269.8 juta (RM79,240) hingga Rp 309.8 juta (RM90,994). Sementara itu model HS I-Smart LFC Edition pula dijual pada harga Rp 494.8 juta (RM 146,399).

*Kredit foto: MG Motor Indonesia