Review: Proton X50 - Berbaloi Atau Tidak Untuk Ditunggu?

Proton X50
 memang kelihatan seksi dari segi
exterior
,
interior,
teknologi dan trenkuasanya. Tetapi kalau nak beli model ni,
tempoh menunggunya
 pula yang seksa!

Tidak dinafikan, demam SUV masih lagi hangat di Malaysia dengan lebih banyak jenama memperkenalkan
SUV segmen-B
 di dalam pasaran Malaysia. Proton X50 merupakan antara salah satu SUV segmen-B yang padat dengan ciri keselamatan aktif serta teknologi yang maju.

Minggu lalu, saya berkesempatan untuk mencuba sendiri varian tertinggi Proton X50 selama seminggu dan terus terang saya katakan, Proton X50 ini memang sebuah kereta yang mengagumkan secara keseluruhannya.

Spesifikasi

Varian: Proton X50 1.5 TGDI Flagship

Enjin: 1.5L Turbo, 3 silinder in-line, 12 Valve DOHC

Kuasa: 177 PS/ 5,500 rpm

Tork: 255 Nm/ 4,000 rpm

Transmisi: DCT 7-kelajuan automatik dengan mod manual

Keselamatan: 6 beg udara,
Anti-Lock Braking System
 (ABS),
Electronic Brake Distribution
 (EBD),
Brake Assist
 (BA),
Auto Brake Hold, Electronic Stability Control
 (ESC),
Traction Control System
 (TCS),
Hill Hold Assist
 (HHA),
Hill Descent Control
 (HDC),
Autonomous Emergency Braking
 (AEB),
Forward Collision Warning
 (FCW),
Adaptive Cruise Control
 (ACC),
Intelligent Cruise Control
 (ICC),
Lane Keep Assist
 (LKA),
Lane Departure Warning
 (LDW),
Blind Spot Information System
 (BLIS),
Intelligent High Beam Control
 (IHBC),
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
 (TPMS),
Auto Park Assist
 (APA),
Front Parking Sensors, Rear Parking Sensors
, 360
Camera
,
Immobilizer
 &
Anti-Theft Alarm.

Harga: RM103,300

Exterior

Tidak banyak yang perlu diperkatakan tentang bahagian luaran kereta ini. Yang pastinya, bentuk kereta ini kelihatan garang dan tegap ala-ala
Range Rover Evoque
. Nasib baik saya dapat review kereta ini bila model ini dah ‘sejuk’ sedikit. Jika saya dapat kereta ini ketika ia sedang hangat diperkatakan seperti pada hujung tahun lalu, pasti ramai yang akan menolehkan kepala untuk menyaksikan sendiri SUV popular ini di depan mata.

Memandangkan varian yang kami terima merupakan varian TGDI Flagship, bahagian bumbung serta cermin sisi X50 ini berwarna hitam. Selain itu ia juga menerima garisan tajam di bahagian sisi kereta, Lampu utama hadapan serta lampu belakang jenis LED, lampu nyalaan siang (DRL), kemasan ala karbon fiber pada bahagian bawah bampar hadapan dan
diffuser
 belakang, 4 ekzos serta
spoiler
 belakang. Tayarnya pula dipadankan dengan rim 18 inci.

Pendek kata, dari segi rupa luaran, saya amat berpuas hati dengan Proton X50.

Interior

Meskipun ada yang berpendapat bahawa Proton X50 ini menggunakan material yang kelihatan murah bagi kereta yang berharga diatas RM100k, namun bagi saya, Proton X50 merupakan antara SUV segmen-B yang mempunyai interior yang jauh lebih cantik berbanding pencabar-pencabarnya. Gabungan plastik lembut dan keras di bahagian dalam kereta memberikan rasa premium pada interior kereta ini.

Gabungan dwi-tona hitam dan merah pada bahagian dalam kabin menaikkan lagi seri kabin Proton X50 yang dikatakan dibina berdasarkan kokpit jet. Jika kalau nak diukur dari pandangan mata, memang cantik. Tapi bila dah duduk lama dalam kereta ni barulah anda akan perasan beberapa kekurangannya.

Bunyi yang dihasilkan oleh speaker kereta ini tidaklah teruk, tapi masih boleh diperbaiki. Walaupun sistem infotainmen kereta ini tidak menyediakan sambungan Android Auto atau Apple CarPlay, namun sistem infotainmen kereta ini amat lancar untuk digunakan. Sambungan Bluetooth pula mudah untuk dipadankan bersama telefon pintar. Sistem infotainmen dibekalkan dengan internet terbina dalam yang membolehkan anda menggunakan peta arah jalan dan memainkan muzik melalui aplikasi Joox. Kawalan suara
Hi Proton
 pula hanyalah bonus kerana saya hanya menggunakan kawalan suara untuk membuka tingkap ataupun
sunroof
 sahaja.

Meskipun tempat duduk pemandu boleh dilaraskan menggunakan kawalan elektrik, namun bagi saya, kerusi yang diberikan di tempat duduk hadapan boleh diperbaiki. Untuk seseorang yang setinggi saya (183cm), perjalanan jauh akan membuatkan kaki letih kerana kerusi X50 ini tidak memberi sokongan yang menyeluruh pada bahagian peha. Walaupun kereta yang saya terima ini hadir dengan
power boot
, namun saiz but kereta ini merupakan yang terkecil dalam kelasnya (330 liter).

Prestasi & Pemanduan

Sebelum kereta ini dilancarkan dulu, ramai yang bertanya sama ada enjin 3 silinder bagus atau tidak. Selepas memandu sendiri kereta ini, terus terang saya katakan bahawa kuasa yang diberikan pada SUV ini sudah lebih daripada cukup bagi pemandu biasa. Output 177 PS dan 255 Nm yang diberikan memang mencukupi bagi pemandu biasa seperti saya.

Ada 3 mod pemanduan diberikan seperti
Normal, Eco
 dan
Sport
. Segala pecutan juga terasa lancar dengan turbo
lag
 yang sangat minimum. Walaupun kereta berada dalam mod
Eco
, pecutan masih lagi boleh dibuat dengan mudah. Kalau guna
Sport mode
, enjin kereta akan memberi tindak balas yang lebih laju.

Sementara itu, sistem suspensi yang digunakan pada kereta ini terasa lembut seperti berada di awang-awangan. Kalau nak dibandingkan dengan
Perodua Ativa
 yang mempunyai suspensi yang keras, berada di dalam Proton X50 jauh lebih selesa. Nak tidur pun senang!

Walau bagaimanapun, ketika kereta bergerak melebihi 100 km/j, terdapat bunyi seperti angin masuk di dalam kabin melalui tiang A di sebelah cermin sisi kedua-dua arah. Meskipun ia bukanlah masalah besar, tapi kalau anda dah bayar RM103,300 untuk model Flagship X50, perkara seperti ini boleh melukakan hati sesetengah pemilik X50.
Handling
 X50 juga tidak mengecewakan dan mudah untuk dikemudi ketika memasuki selekoh.

Keselesaan

Dari segi keselesaan, penggunaan suspensi lembut banyak membantu menambah keselesaan di dalam kabin. Kalau terlanggar bampar jalan atau lubang di jalan, ia masih kurang terasa. Selain itu, ruang kaki di bahagian belakang juga agak luas untuk SUV segmen-B. Pendek kata, kereta ini amat sesuai untuk sesiapa yang berkeluarga kecil ekoran saiznya yang tidaklah terlalu besar. Yang pastinya, anak kecil serta orang dewasa sememangnya boleh tidur dengan selesa ketika berada di dalam kereta ini.

Ciri Keselamatan

Kualiti kamera 360 darjah yang diberikan tidaklah begitu baik, namun ianya masih boleh digunakan pada waktu malam. Kebolehan untuk mengakses kamera tersebut pada bila-bila masa di bawah kelajuan 30 km/j amat membantu dalam mengharungi jalan-jalan yang sempit seperti di Gombak. Pemandu juga bebas untuk memilih kamera mana yang ingin di tunjukkan di paparan infotainmen seperti kamera hadapan ataupun kamera sisi (kiri/kanan).

Selain itu, sistem keselamatan seperti
Blind Spot Monitor
 (BSM) yang ada pada cermin sisi kereta ini juga tidaklah begitu menjengkelkan. Bunyi amaran yang dikeluarkan tidaklah begitu bising dan mengganggu perjalanan anda. Tetapi, saya perasan cermin sisi di bahagian pemandu seakan-akan tidak begitu memberikan pandangan yang menyeluruh meskipun cermin sisi itu sudah dikeluarkan secara maksimum.

Seperti yang anda tahu, Proton X50 ini dilengkapi dengan
ADAS
 Level 2 yang memberikan bantuan memecut, brek dan kawalan stereng dalam sesuatu keadaan. Ciri
Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) menggabungkan sistem
Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Assist
dan
Lane Keeping Assist
 yang membolehkan kenderaan itu mengekalkan jarak dengan kenderaan hadapan dan kekal dalam lorong pada kelajuan sehingga 150 km/j.

Apa-apa pun, anda perlu ingat bahawa ciri-ciri ini hanyalah bantuan pemanduan sahaja di mana pemandu masih perlu memberikan perhatian penuh terhadap jalan raya. Jangan sesekali aktifkan ICC ini dan terus tidur di tempat duduk pemandu pula!

Penggunaan Bahan Api

Jika anda ingin mencari SUV yang jimat minyak, Proton X50 ini bukanlah kereta yang anda patut beli. Jika nak dibandingkan dengan pencabarnya yang lain seperti
Honda HR-V
, Perodua Ativa dan
Hyundai Kona
, Proton X50 lebih kuat menggunakan
minyak
. Meskipun Proton mengatakan kereta ini hanya menggunakan 6.4L untuk 100 km, namun rata-rata apa yang saya perolehi hanyalah 8L-10L untuk setiap 100 km (bergantung pada cara pemanduan). Kalau tak percaya, nantikan video SUV Segmen-B kami yang bakal keluar tidak lama lagi.

Kesimpulan

Secara keseluruhan, Proton X50 merupakan kereta yang bagus walaupun ianya tidaklah sehebat khabar angin yang digembar-gemburkan sebelum ini. Jika nak dibandingkan harga dengan ciri-ciri yang ditawarkan pada kereta ini, ia pasti sesuatu yang memuaskan hati pembeli.
Walau bagaimanapun, banyak perkara yang anda perlu fikirkan terlebih dahulu sebelum membeli X50 ini. SUV ini tidak sesuai digunakan untuk keluarga besar manakala penggunaan minyak yang kuat juga akan memeningkan kepala pemandu yang menggunakan SUV ini sebagai kenderaan harian.

Walaupun kereta ini kelihatan seksi, namun penantiannya suatu penyeksaan. Ketika ini, tidak dapat dipastikan berapa lama tempoh menunggu untuk model X50 ini. Namun yang pasti, ramai terpaksa menunggu lama untuk mendapatkan kereta ini. Jika anda mencari kereta secepat mungkin dan tiada kereta kedua untuk digunakan terlebih dahulu, anda perlu fikirkan dahulu keputusan anda untuk membeli kereta ini. Itu baru nak tunggu kereta, belum lagi kalau nak tunggu alat ganti untuk X50 pula.

Yang pastinya, tepuk dada, tanya selera!


Mazda Brings Car Servicing To Your Doorstep

In an effort to better serve the growing number of Mazda owners in Malaysia, Bermaz has launched, the first-of-its-kind Mobile Service Unit, which elevates customer service to a whole new level, by bringing the service centre right to their doorstep.
CEO of Bermaz Motors, Dato Sri Ben Yeoh said, “With the increasing Mazda population on the road, we see a need in the after-sales service expansion program, not only by increasing the number of workshop outlets but exploring ways of providing after-sales servicing to owners at the convenience and comfort of their own home. The Mazda Mobile Service Unit will be backed by well-trained mechanics and technicians that have conformed to Mazda SOPs and are fully endorsed by Bermaz”.
The types of services rendered are providing scheduled maintenance for vehicles within the 3 year/60,000km time period, inspection and replacement of the battery, wiper blades, brake pads, and auto transmission fluid.
The Mazda Mobile Unit relies on a repurposed Mazda BT-50, retrofitted with all necessary tools and powered equipment, which includes a fully equipped tool set, a 2.5 ton aluminium “quick-jack” capable of lifting the
Mazda CX-5
 or even the BT-50 pickup truck. The mobile unit also carries with a Mazda Mobile Diagnostics System (MMDS) to conduct various assessments and diagnostics of electronic circuits and car control systems. The truck is also equipped with an onboard generator to power all relevant tools.
Bermaz is the first automotive brand to venture into this type of service and has invested over RM500,000 for the convenience of its owners. The service is currently only available in the Klang Valley and Penang region. Mazda has yet to announce rates and charges of the new mobile service. The announcement of the Mazda Mobile Service Unit was made in conjunction with the launch of the new range of
G-Vectoring Control
 vehicles, and snazzy 2017
Mazda MX-5 RF
 coupe.


2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Launched In Malaysia, Priced From RM242k

Mazda’s latest variant of the MX-5, the MX-5 RF has officially landed in Malaysia.
The official importer and distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, Bermaz Motor is offering two variants of the retractable roof MX-5.
All two variants are powered by a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine that pumps out 158 hp and 200 Nm to the rear wheels. One is equipped with Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic, whilst the other is equipped with a SkyActiv-MT six-speed manual. Both transmissions send drive to the rear wheels.
Standard equipment includes:
Power-folding retractable roof
MZD Connect infotainment system with 7 inch display
Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
Paddle Shifters (Auto only)
Cruise Control
Engine Push Start button
Smart Keyless Entry system
Leather upholstery
Automatic air-conditioning
LED headlights with auto on/off
Automatic levelling for headlights
Daytime running lights
I-Stop Idling Stop System
I-Eloop Regenerative Braking System
ABS with EBD, DSC and TCS
Four airbags
I-Activesense
Prices start from RM242,717 for the stick shift Mazda MX-5 RF, whilst the automatic variant retails for RM248,182. Both prices are OTR with insurance.

Related Articles

Mazda MX-5 RF Has Arrived Discreetly and Apparently It’s Open for Booking

Auto News

February 16, 2017

2015 Mazda CX-3 Opens For Bookings: RM120k, Top-Spec Variant Only

Buying Guides

July 20, 2015

SPOTTED: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Appears On Malaysian Soil

Auto News

August 18, 2015

Bermaz is pointing out that the MX-5 RF effectively replaces the MX-5 roadster, as Mazda is ceasing production of the MX-5 in roadster right-hand drive format.
Bermaz is backing its MX-5 with a 3 year/60,000 km free maintenance program plus a new 5 year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty.


2016 All-New Proton Saga – What We Think We Know So Far

The all-new Proton Saga is expected to be launched by the end of September. Unlike its elder brother the Persona, which is a sedan version of the Iriz and is aimed at the B-segment Toyota Vios/Honda City/Nissan Almera crowd, the A-segment Proton Saga will have its sight set on the Perodua Bezza.
Official photos have yet to be released by Proton but there are enough
leaked images and spyshots
 floating around the Internet to give us a good indication of how the all-new Saga will eventually look like.
While the
larger Persona
 is built on an all-new platform that’s shared with the
Proton Iriz
, we understand that the all-new Saga will ride on a heavily modified version of the outgoing Saga’s platform, and is likely to retain the current car’s 2,465 mm wheelbase. It will however feature totally revamped body styling and a new engine.
Based on information collated from unofficial sources familiar with the matter, here’s what we know of the all-new Proton Saga:
Price
Indicative pricing puts the 1.3-litre Saga within the RM35,000 – RM45,000 range. That’s quite competitive considering that an equivalent 1.3-litre Bezza ranges from RM42,800 to RM50,800.
Of course, there also a significantly cheaper 1.0-litre Bezza which ranges between RM37,300 and RM39,300, an entry-level variant which Proton has no answer for.
Engine
Unlike the Perodua Bezza, which is available with two engine options – 1.0-litre VVT-i and 1.3-litre Dual VVT-i - the Saga will only be available with a 1.3-litre VVT engine. It’s the same engine that’s shared with lower specification variants of the Iriz.
Transmission
There will be two transmission options, a 5-speed manual and a CVT-type automatic. We’ve also been told that the Saga will feature several improvements to reduce the ‘droning’ transmission whine that plagued earlier models of CVT-equipped Proton models.
Safety features
Recent Proton models have typically feature significantly higher levels of safety features over Perodua’s offerings and we don’t expect the Saga to be any different.
Compared to the current Saga, the all-new Saga might even move the goal post further by offering electronic stability control (ESC) and Hill Hold Assist (HHA) as standard. Considering that these features are available as standard across all variants of the Persona and Iriz, there is a high chance for the same to be offered to Saga buyers.
In contrast, Perodua only provides VSC (the company’s equivalent to ESC) on the most expensive RM50,800 Bezza 1.3 Advance.
Dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) will certainly be offered as standard for the Saga.
We understand that the vehicle has already been tested by
ASEAN NCAP
, and the results (like to be 5-star, considering Proton’s past performance) will be announced in the coming weeks.
If safety is a top priority, then you should consider the Saga.
UPDATE:
 The all-new Saga managed to score just
4 stars in ASEAN NCAP
. Contrary to earlier speculations, the upcoming Saga wasn't able to match the Persona's excellent scores, or even that achieved by the Perodua Bezza.
Interior Space
Frankly Perodua’s technical partner Daihatsu has one of the best talents in the industry when it comes to vehicle packaging. Thus, interior space will always forte of Perodua.
If space is a top priority, then the Bezza might better meet your needs.
Having said that, we understand that the all-new Saga will have a 430-litre boot space. In comparison, the Bezza offers 508-litres of boot space.
The Saga’s cabin is unlikely to match the spacious Bezza’s.
Ride and Handling
This is an area where the Proton is expected to trump the Perodua. The Bezza, while cheap, is based on the Axia and its low-cost underpinnings are very evident once the car driven at highway speeds.
Even when driving at well within the highway speed limit, the Bezza is very susceptible to crosswinds and does not offer much to instill confidence to the driver.
Looking at the driving experience offered by the Iriz, Persona, Preve and Suprima, it is reasonable to expect the all-new Saga to offer above an average driving experience.
Comfort
Thanks to a new three-point mounting that is said to be able to better isolate engine vibrations, the all-new Saga is expected to offer a significantly more refined ride.
When will it be launched?
The all-new Proton Saga is expected to make its local debut within the next few weeks. Watch this space for more information.
Information above is collated with input from our friends at
Pandulaju.com.m
y and
funtasticko.net
.


End Of The Road For The Peugeot RCZ

Fans of the uniquely-shaped
Peugeot RCZ
 will be upset to know that the coupé will not be replaced as part of
Peugeot’s
 plans to reduce the number of vehicle it produces from 26 to 13 by the year 2022.
Speaking to
Autocar
 at the Shanghai Auto Show, managing director of Peugeot, Maxime Picat said Peugeot suffered financially in 2012 and 2013, making losses amounting in the billions. Since then, the company is on a streamlining programme that enabled it to be profitable again last year.
“If I tell you that the 13 most important silhouettes that we sell account for 95% of all our sales and more than 100% of all our profits you will understand why this is necessary,” said Picat.
A fan of the RCZ himself, Picat wants the company to focus on strengthening its core models which is from the Peugeot 108 upwards. He adds that chasing niches had been a distraction for the company.
Currently, the Peugeot RCZ is sold in Malaysia in two variants – manual and automatic with prices starting from RM248,888. This could very well be your last chance to own the double-bubble roofed coupé.


Nissan Admits To Emissions Testing Misconduct For Cars Sold In Japan

Over two years on, and more manufacturers are still coming forward with admissions of testing misconduct with regards to emissions. Nissan is the latest in this line of automakers according to an
article by Reuters
, saying that they had improperly measured exhaust emissions for 19 vehicle models sold in Japan.
There's a couple of things to understand about this revelation. The first is that these procedures for emissions testing have always been voluntary, and not mandatory such as in other countries. As a result, there's no entirely definitive negative aspect of the results being falsified so to say.
That's not to say that falsifying data is right, but rather than there is much less impact in this case than, say, the diesel testing issues faced in the United States and Europe. As a result of this, 1.2 million cars were supposedly signed off by unqualified inspectors, and as such are subject to a recall.
This discovery was a result of voluntary compliance checks, during which it was found that 1,200 Nissan vehicles out of 2,200 sample tests across five locations had some form of data falsification. Testing routes and durations did not follow Japanese testing standards, and equipment had not been calibrated properly.
So far, Nissan is blaming the issue on a lack of certified inspectors and manpower to properly conduct the testing. Once again, it is important to note that emissions and efficiency still falls within brochure figures, so this issue is more one of legislation and paperwork than outright cheating. That being said, Nissan's share prices dropped 5% following the news, so the market certainly doesn't view it as such.


Tokyo 2019: The Toyota LQ Concept Is A Car That Wants To Emotionally Connect With You

Toyota will display the LQ concept at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show this October.  The next generation of the Toyota Concept-i, first seen at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2017, is equipped with automated driving capabilities and the latest version of Toyota’s on-board artificial intelligence agent named “Yui” – an interactive agent designed to learn from the driver and deliver a personalised mobility experience.

Daisuke Ido, development leader of the LQ added, “In the past, our love for cars was built on their ability to take us to distant places and enable our adventures. With the LQ, we are proud to propose a vehicle that can deliver a personalised experience, meet each driver’s unique mobility needs and build an even stronger bond between car and driver.”

Yui and its automated driving technology have been developed in partnership with Toyota Research Institute.  Both elements combine to create a unique mobility experience; an experience that builds the relationship between vehicle and driver by learning from and responding to individual preferences and needs.

Features of the LQ’s artificial intelligence agent, Yui, include an air-conditioned seating system that self-adjusts according to driver levels of alertness and relaxation – a world first.

The LQ uses the roof and floor mat areas as other communications platforms to share information between the vehicle and passengers.  Embedded lighting displays different colours to indicate the automated or manual driving modes and lights up different footwells, for instance, to indicate which passenger Yui is addressing.

Another first for Toyota is the LQ’s organic LEDs (OLEDs) which are used on the dashboard and meters, ensuring high visibility. On the outside, the LQ can also communicate information such as road surface conditions to people inside and outside of the vehicle using the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) installed in its headlights. The system can activate one million tiny embedded mirrors to project complex figures on the road ahead.

The LQ is equipped with SAE Level 4 equivalent automated driving functions and an automated valet parking feature and augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD). Automated parking uses an in-vehicle system that identifies the current position of the vehicle by using multiple cameras, sonar, radar, 2D road mapping, and cameras installed in the car park.

The AR-HUD – jointly developed with Panasonic – uses augmented reality (AR) to expand the information display area of the head-up display (HUD), supporting safe driving by reducing driver eye movement. Driving information such as lane warnings, road signs, and route guidance can even be displayed in three-dimensionally.

The LQ’s cabin is designed with a futuristic, forward–projecting silhouette that puts Yui at the centre of the instrument panel, with lines that flow from the inside of the vehicle and out across its exterior.

The LQ is a battery electric vehicle (BEV), details of the powertrain are scant for now but Toyota claims the LQ has a cruising range approximately 300 km.


May 2016’s New Vehicle Sales – Little Improvement Seen

For the fifth consecutive month this year, year-to-date new car sales continued to be lower than the same period last year. Total registrations for the first five months of 2016 totalled 218,101, about 18 percent lower than the same five-month period last year. May 2016 also saw a total of 44,669 vehicles registered, 6 percent higher than April 2016.
The only respite from this rather long drawn negative spiral is that the gap between this year’s performance and the last year’s is narrowing. We started January 2016 at 36 percent lower than January 2015, but with each succeeding month, the gap in year-to-date sales has reduced considerably, to 19 percent in April.
June will be a crucial month, as the coming Raya celebrations should see a cyclical bump in sales, driven by the many festive season promotions. If sales do not improve by the end of June, then it would mean that the car market will remain trapped in this downward spiral for many more months to come, possibly even pre-empting us of a coming economic slowdown.
Below are the highlights of May 2016’s new vehicle sales:
The launch of the all-new Toyota Hilux has given a much needed boost to the pick-up segment, where monthly sales was down by over 30 percent in April, largely due to the phasing out of the segment leading previous generation Hilux.
Interestingly, sales of the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max do not appear to be affected by the all-new Hilux, increasing by 13 and 12 percent respectively from April 2016. Of course, the increase could also be due to an increase in dealer incentives and discounts, so we will have to wait for a few more months to conclude if these two models are indeed attracting a different crowd of buyers from the Hilux.
Monthly sales of the Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara were down 4.2 percent and 2.5 percent respectively.
Proton has dropped out of the list of Malaysia’s top-three best-selling brands, having been overtaken by Toyota and Honda, the latter selling about 600 more cars than Proton last month.
The launch of the all-new Proton Perdana will certainly improve Proton’s fortunes, albeit driven mostly by sales to government agencies rather than private buyers, but it’s unlikely to match the all-new Honda Civic, which despite it being model from one segment below the D-segment Perdana, the Civic will undoubtedly be the choice of private buyers.
May also saw the introduction of an updated Honda HR-V, with 17-inch wheels, improved suspension for better comfort, and a new Dark Ruby Red Pearl colour option.
After months of sitting out of the top-three spots, Toyota is now back in contention, wrestling back the title of Malaysia’s best-selling non-national brand away from Honda. However it’s a hollow victory as Toyota’s success was delivered on the back of the all-new Hilux, a segment which Honda doesn’t compete in. In May, the Hilux contributed nearly 40 percent of Toyota's sales, making Toyota increasingly reliant on just one model, as the rest of its passenger vehicles range continues to face stiff competition.
In the more varied passenger vehicles segment, Toyota still trails behind Honda by a large margin. In the first five months of 2016, Honda sold 30,400 passenger vehicles, versus Toyota's 14,569. Last month, Honda sold over 40 percent more passenger vehicles than Toyota, 5,659 units versus 3,925.
Honda’s lead over Toyota's passenger vehicles range is expected to widen further in the coming months as it ramps up production of the all-new Civic.
However Toyota might still spring a surprise in the next two months, depending on how well the market accepts its upcoming Indonesian-made, seven-seater, sliding door MPV
Toyota Sienta
. It starts from just RM93k, has a very practical interior, but comes with only three airbags (driver, driver’s knee, front passenger).
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s fortunes also continued to improve on the back of a wider range of models, which now includes the new entry-level
A180
 and the C180, as well as the higher performance
C300
. Last month’s sales tally showed less than 100 cars now separate Mercedes-Benz and Mazda.


Weststar-Maxus Announces Great Deals For Raya Season

Weststar Maxus, sole distributor for the Maxus range of vehicles in Malaysia, has just announced a number of attractive deals for Ramadan and the Hari Raya season, valid up until the 31st of July. As part of its campaign, owners are also offered the opportunity to trade in their MPV for a brand new Maxus G10. In addition to this, Weststar Maxus is now offering a five-year, 120,000 kilometre warranty with two years of free service (inclusive of parts and labour) for new Maxus G10 customers.
The Maxus G10 is a family MPV with its standout feature being the ability to carry 10 passengers without hassle, without the external footprint of something like a Ford Transit. Retailing for around RM 140,000 ringgit (now lower due to the zero rated GST), the G10 comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine pushing out 225 hp and 345 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
It is available in both G10 and G10 SE variants, with the latter being packaged with more premium features such as powered sliding doors, a panorama glass roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera, a 220V 3-pin power supply, and touch-screen infotainment.
Also worth noting is that from now until the implementation of SST (sales and service tax), both the Maxus G10 and Maxus V80 are being offered with zero percent GST. Like many other companies, they are taking full advantage of the reduction in tax and passing it on to their customers. For those at either end of the peninsular, there are two new 3S centres in Plentong, Johor Bharu, and Bukit Mertajam, Penang, both of which will help with getting your vehicles serviced regularly.


Towing Your Car Home When Drunk - Is It A Good Idea?

Let’s face it, a lot of us drive to most watering holes, and taking a Grab back might raise a red flag to our inner car lover, who judders in fear of leaving our pride and joy behind, even only for a few hours.

That’s why a number of enterprising tow truckers in Penang have started offering their services to the late late night crowd, as discovered by
The Star
. Not only will the car be towed back safely, but the owner will be allowed to rest up in their own car, presumably waking up to find their or just keep on slumbering on and on (with the window down?).

Drink-driving has been a hot topic lately as the nation has come off home quarantine during the Movement Control Order to suddenly not being able to control their liquor intake once we were allowed to venture outside again as we transitioned to the Recovery Movement Control Order.

A new Bill was passed
 last week which dramatically increased the penalties meted out to those found guilty of drink driving, even imposing long jail terms to those convicted of causing injury or death while driving under the influence.

While learning to consume alcoholic beverages in moderation or simply abstaining from it all together is indeed the long term solution, it doesn’t necessarily solve situations where someone is left with the prospect of getting home safely. Yes, in the vast majority of situations, ride-hailing services are an extremely convenient way of tapping out the night.

After seeing the frequency of news stories that covered road accidents caused by drink-driving, 43 year old tow trucker Chan Kok Hoe came up with the idea of taking both the car and owner back home safely.

“It is a safer option than trying to drive when drunk. Rather than risk being jailed for up to 15 years and fined up to RM100,000, this is more reasonable. Licensed tow truckers have insurance that protects your car when you engage us, so this is a safer option,” he said, also urging other tow truck companies to consider offering a similar service.

Mr. Chan said he is charging between RM100 to RM120 on average for a late night tow home, similar to the towing costs when responding to a breakdown that isn’t claimed under insurance.

While that’s a reasonable rate, you have to remember that a lot of these night spots are tightly packed with parking spaces at a premium, limiting maneuverability or perhaps even rendering a tow away impossible. Secondly, while the cost isn’t astronomical, it’s still many more times costlier than ride-hailing.

To get additional perspective on this matter, we
once again
reached out to Niranjan Visuvalingam of Allianz auto insurance, who has been in the industry for close to 15 years. According to him, there is currently no measures being taken by insurance providers to curb any tow panel of truck drivers from engaging in this alternative service, but that it is definitely not endorsed by them either. While it isn’t regulated at the moment, the proliferation of this activity could mean intervention in the future.

Of course, your general auto insurance does not permit you to have your car towed in good health, and should your provider learn of such abuses, it could lead to increased premiums or a revocation of the policy altogether.

The same would apply to the tow truck driver, more or less, who claim to have coverage that protects against any damage your car may come into should you engage in having your car towed from a late night spot. However, not all tow truckers have uniform insurance policies, and it’s these differences in protections that could leave you exposed and paying for any accidental bumps, scrapes, or other mechanical mishaps.

Basically, you’re at the mercy of your tow trucker’s insurance. And should that not cover you, you’ll have to either dig into your own insurance, which negates your NCD and could mean paying higher rates upon renewal, or pay out of your own pocket.

Depending on the long term effects of this practice, especially if they are negative, it’s also possible that the auto insurance providers will modify their contracts with tow truckers to disallow them from taking on these kinds of customers, or face being removed from their panel.

Finally, Niranjan added that it is also a possibility that auto insurance providers will want to get involved in a more official capacity, one day package these ‘additional towing’ privileges as a perk of an
add-on package
 to their own policies, if there is customer demand.

The main takeaway here is that, while it sounds like a decent (if expensive) cure-all to the problem of getting both you and your car home safe after a fun night out, getting your car towed (with you in it) does come with its own set of risks which you may not be in the best state of mind to deal with. Unless you live very far away, don’t mind the extra risk, and have an extra RM150 to burn, getting someone else to drive you home is much easier - whether it’s a friend, a cabbie, or an e-hailing driver.


All-New Nissan Serena Previewed in Japan ahead of August Launch

Nissan has previewed the first images and details of the all-new Nissan Serena which is scheduled to go on sale in Japan at the end of August. This is the fifth-generation of the popular MPV since first introduced in 1991.
The commonplace MPV proportions are etched with fresh exterior features. The front fascia now features Nissan’s V-Motion grille to tie it in with the new corporate profile, while the two-tone body colour is claimed to highlight the dimensions of the exterior and interior.
On the inside, the dashboard adopts a “lateral flow” theme and features a thinner instrumental panel to give a more spacious feel and provide better all-round visibility. A thinner A-pillar design is also said to largely decrease blind spots. On the second row, built-in seatbelts further accentuate the cabin’s airiness for third-row passengers.
Equipment levels have also been updates, with features such as emergency braking system, Lane Departure Warning, Around View Monitor and Smart Rearview Mirror. And, making its debut is Nissan’s autonomous drive technology, ProPILOT, which can automatically control the accelerator, brakes and steering when driving on the highway, in both heavy and flowing traffic.
Exact details about the engine and transmission have yet to be released, but Nissan confirms the new car will continue to utilise the S-Hybrid direct-injected MR20DD inline-four of the current model. Nissan claim some tweaking has managed to deliver improvements in fuel economy.
Further reinforcement of the structure around the rear door, including improvements to the suspension system via adopting larger shock absorbers are said to improve the Nissan Serena’s lateral body control.


The Lexus UX300e Is Rumoured To Be Joining The Malaysian EV Crew Next Year

Rumour from the grapevine is that Lexus will be bringing in their fully electric UX300e next year into Malaysia.

The proposed incentive by the Malaysian government to make fully electric vehicles practically tax free next year has got manufacturers scrambling to try and bring in their EVs.

The latest rumour out of the grapevine is that Lexus also wants to be part of the EV option list, ready for the big Malaysian EV push next year.

Of course, the weapon of choice is the UX300e, an electric vehicle built based on the
UX subcompact
 SUV which was launched in 2018.

The Lexus UX 300e brings a single electric motor configuration capable of producing 201 HP via the front axle. In addition, the lithium-ion battery pack system with a capacity of 54.3 kWh can provide a range of 400 kilometres once fully charged, according to the NEDC cycle data.

Interestingly, Lexus is banking on their
unique
 air-cooled system to keep all the UX300e's 288 lithium-ion cells within the optimal temperature range, claiming their solution is safer and lighter than the water-cooled alternatives used in other EVs.

The automaker has kept the finer points of their engineering an
internal secret
 but says that the car leverages the cabin air conditioning system to "enhance performance, battery life, and charging performance."

A Tesla-style Ludicrous Mode and sub 3 second century sprints are out of the equation with the Lexus, which should mean its batteries are far less strained throughout its life, contributing to its expected longevity.

Before its European launch, the UX300e was
rumoured to come
 with an epic 10-year battery warranty, and it seems Lexus has made it happen as they are offering a 10-year battery warranty. In the UK however, the UX300e comes with an 8-year/ 100,000 mile warranty (whichever comes first) on the electric battery. The battery warranty can be extended to 10 years (or 600,000 miles, whichever comes first), with Lexus' Battery Health Check service.

We doubt Lexus Malaysia would be able to do the extendable 10-year battery warranty in countries with much warmer climates such as Malaysia, given how sensitive current-generation batteries are to heat - but we'll just have to wait and see.

To recharge the battery, the Lexus UX 300e has a 50 kW DC fast-charging capability that can be used on the CHAdeMo charging facility.

When Lexus built the UX300e, they wanted to ensure that the car drives well, which saw them placing the battery pack low under the floor, giving it a lower point of gravity, thus improving the handling.

They also focused on its NVH, pretty much like all other Lexus vehicles, which sees the UX300e employing a unique Active Sound Control (ASC) feature where the system will transmit natural ambient sound that allows the driver to understand the current driving conditions, as well as provide a more natural feeling for the passengers in the cabin.

All UX300e's are made at the Japanese manufacturer's Kyushu plant in Japan and retail around JPY 5,650,000 (RM211,685). It was launched in Japan and Europe in 2020.


2015 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Review In Thailand: Is 2,000km Really Possible?

Nearly a year ago, a diesel-hybrid
Mercedes-Benz
 was involved in something a bit crazy. One journalist, one car, one destination, and one goal: to travel from North Africa to the UK on a single tank of fuel.
The journey would take the ambitious Andrew Frankel, senior contributor at Autocar, and a special
E-Class
 through Morocco, Spain, and France, surviving various weather and traffic conditions, before arriving at his destination at Goodwood, in the United Kingdom.
27 hours later, Frankel did in fact reach his destination without needing a single stop for fuel, travelling a distance of 1968 kilometres, with a range of 160km left in his 80-litre fuel tank. His average consumption was
3.8 -litres/100km
throughout the journey
.
Impressive, isn’t it?
The Malaysian E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Challenge
The car that did it all for Frankel was the very same
2015 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid we have in Malaysia
, equipped with the optional 80-litre fuel tank over the standard 60-litre ones – by default, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has made the optional larger tank a standard feature on all its E 300 BlueTEC Hybrids here.
But as we’ll explain shortly, Frankel’s vehicle was specified quite differently to the Malaysian-spec cars we had – which ought to inevitably show differing results, right? We’ll see.
RECAP:
 Just in case you missed our
launch coverage
 or need a bit of a refresher, here’s a brief recap of the car at hand. The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is powered by a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine that makes 204hp and 500Nm of torque. Making it a hybrid is the addition of a 20kW, 250Nm of torque electric motor that takes the place of the torque converter in the transmission.
The 19kW lithium-ion battery is capable of powering the vehicle’s forward motion for a claimed distance of 1km, and up to a top speed of 35km/h before the combustion engine automatically kicks in. There is a second 12V battery located in the boot of the car (main lithium-ion traction battery is in the front) that helps to power standard power-consuming devices such as the headlamps and air-conditioning.
In short, this, together with the various fuel-saving features such as the ECO start/stop function, gives you the benefit of driving away from standstill on pure electric power, while other features like a ‘sailing’ function lets you coast along highways for further distances at a time, without ‘bogging down’ the vehicle with energy regenerative measures.
KEY SPECS: 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid
Price: RM338,888
Engine: 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Electric Motor: 20kW, 250Nm of torque
Traction Battery: Lithium-ion, 19kW/ 0.8kWh
Transmission: 7G-TRONIC PLUS Seven-speed torque converter automatic
Electric Driving Range: 1km, up to 35km/h
Power: 204hp (total system output)
Torque: 500Nm (total system output)
0-100km/h: 7.1 seconds
Top Speed: 242km/h
Fuel consumption: 4.1-litres/100km (claimed, NEDC test cycle)
CO2 Emissions: 109g/km
*Get the full scoop of the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid from our launch report.
Challenges Accepted: The perils of Malaysian specifications
Six Malaysian and six Thai journalists were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to drive several of those very models from KL to Bangkok, on a near 1,500km trip across the border to find out for ourselves if or not the car in question was truly capable of the feat.
Starting from the Saujana Kuala Lumpur resort off the old Subang Jaya airport road, and destined for the Mercedes-Benz Metro Autohaus in Bangkok, the rules for the challenge were simple enough: two drivers per car, driving at whatever pace/ speed was most comfortable to us for the near 1,500km trip, and that was pretty much it. No silly time penalties for being late, no sealing of the air-conditioning controls; only the fuel filler lids were sealed (as pictured above).
However, there were some variables such as the nature of our climate, features of the Malaysian-spec cars, fuel grades and more. These were all going to play massive roles in our results, and here’s a few brief reasons why:
WEATHER:
 With a sunroof and only a fabric blind to shield from the direct sun and 35 to 40-degree Celsius temperatures outside, we would have to keep the A/C running to keep us any sort of comfortable. We doubt Frankel’s drive saw this much persistent heat for him to need the A/C. With temps set between 21 to 25 degrees for the most part of our drive, we discovered later how massively influential it can be to your consumption results.
AERODYNAMICS:
The spec of car that Andrew Frankel completed his 1,968km journey in looks as you see above – a bog standard E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid with smaller 17-inch wheels, and a base exterior kit. We had a full-spec AMG exterior package, larger 18-inch wheels, and a sunroof – great for premium style and comfort, not so great for fuel efficiency challenges.
EURO 2M:
 Plainly, the Euro 6 grade of diesel used in the UK makes a vast difference in performance against our Euro 2M. Apart from the harmful gasses caused by things like the higher sulphur content in our Euro 2M, Euro 6 simply burns cleaner, and most importantly, improves fuel efficiency and engine performance.
TRAFFIC & NAVI:
 This was another issue: yes, we were on straight highways for the most part, and there was a massive benefit gained from being able to drive on familiar Malaysian roads on the first 500km or so. Then of course, began the Thai adventure, which started out with a difficult border crossing, and ended in the perils of Bangkok’s simply mad traffic.
To help us navigate the route, we relied on the E-Class’ on-board navigation (COMAND Online). You’ll note that some of the competing cars may have longer distances clocked, but that's largely because some of us were on the rare occasion taken on a slightly longer way around by the sat nav, or plainly took a wrong turn somewhere.
So, can it be done?
Well, if you’re asking this in the context of everyday driving in Malaysia, then the answer is a resounding and firm “no.” Having experienced what you’d have to endure to get anywhere close to 2,000km from a single tank, we can safely say that the combination of Malaysian traffic, treacherous road conditions and poor standard of driving will completely neuter any chances you might have of achieving this.
Our positive results were a sum of long highways, careful throttle usage, and being considerate of the air-conditioning. There were instances of running into urban traffic and its stop/go situations, but far fewer than what we’d normally run into on a daily basis in the Klang Valley, for example.
So, while we may have been able to best Mercedes-Benz’s claim of 4.1-litres/100km (our top-drawer efforts resulted in 4.0-litres/100km over a 470km stretch), we can’t say that the results are easily replicable in urban Klang Valley, for example. But you can get very, very close, and that’s massively impressive any way you look at it – especially for a luxury-minded sedan.
Driving styles:
Largely influencing the end results would be the various driving styles taken by each car/ driver. While some of us actually ‘hypermiled’ it in the spirit of competition, others (basically the Thais) were more invested in snapping the best photos and escorting the film crew about. As you can imagine, the Malaysian lot were reliably the most unnecessarily competitive bunch – us included, of course.
But it wasn’t like that all of the time, for us at least. My co-driver, Anthony, and I fell into a bit of a hybrid approach. With one lacking sleep and the other good health on the first day, we kept the A/C on at 21-degrees Celsius throughout the first day, and cared little for what gears or revs we were on. We picked ourselves up a little more on day two, and only really gunned for glory on the final day (3), even shutting off the A/C for a good 80% of the day’s driving, in an impromptu game of car sauna.
The other two Malaysian cars (six drivers, three cars in total for us) took unique approaches as well.
Car no.3 took what was probably the most consistent approach: never too aggressive, never too light-footed, while car no.4, the eventual champions, came away with an overall consumption figure of 4.3-litres/100km with their full-on hypermilling.
Their attempt was by far the most ridiculous, too: sweating it out under the 35-degree+ heat, constantly crawling off the line as gently as humanly possible, being extremely delicate with the throttle, and keeping their gazes fixed on the live consumption readings. In this country, it’s a matter of time before you get beaten for driving in that way, but having crossed the border, it gave us a chance to discover how truly patient the Thais are on the road – we never heard a single beep of a horn. Not once!
Day 1 of the Hybrid Approach: The real-world test
As mentioned, the first day of our ‘hybrid’ approach saw us go somewhat gentle on the throttle, whilst maintaining an average top speed that barely exceeded the local speed limit. Our bad shape that morning saw us maintain the A/C’s temperature at 21-degrees Celsius. We overtook cars as we approached them, but maintained the intent of keeping our revs under 2,000rpm – which you can do rather easily with the E-Class’ 7G-Tronic transmission. This was also a tip provided by MBM’s drivers.
Regardless, we managed
4.9-litres/100km over the 535km
 travelled, as we crossed the border into Thailand, and made our first stop in Hat Yai, Thailand.
Day 2 of the Hybrid Approach: Half-and-half
On the second day, my co-driver and I felt a whole lot better after a relatively good night’s sleep. As a bonus, however, I did manage to magically conjure up an eye infection.
We decided to try a little bit harder to challenge the Malaysian hypermilers, this time maintaining the air-conditioning between a warmer 24- and 25-degrees Celsius, and being a lot more mindful of our throttle inputs than the previous day.
It wasn’t long before my co-driver and I intuitively discovered a groove for the milking the most efficiency out of the car: keeping it between the 80 to 95km/h mark, maintaining seventh gear as much as possible, and making sure revs stayed under 1,500rpm. We also began to focus on maximising the car’s own clever fuel-saving tech, using the E 300’s sailing function a lot more: while coasting and regenerating energy, flick the ‘up’ paddle shift once to stop the car from regenerating energy and allow it to ‘sail’ further.
Anticipating traffic lights better was quickly added to our to-do list, once we figured out the pattern of road signs which led up to a potential red light.
And the end of day two, we had covered nearly 500km, for a total of around 1,032km driven so far. We also managed to lower our overall fuel consumption average from 4.9-litres/100km to
4.7-litres/100km
– all with a little bit more patience and understanding of the powertrain and vehicle’s characteristics. The day’s consumption average alone was 4.5-litres/100km.
Day 3 of the Hybrid Approach: All-out hypermiling
Recovered from an eye-infection that suddenly developed on day 1, and a mild cold that came on day 2, yours truly said to his co-driver on the third day, “Today, we go hard, or we go home.” And since our flight back was only booked for a day after, “going home” wasn’t an option.
The drastic measures we took included a discipline to creep off the line entirely in electric mode for as long as we could hold it (deserving the awkward stares we got from other road users), feathering the throttle barefoot, switching off the air-conditioning entirely for a good majority of the drive despite the 35- to 40-degree heat, and constantly putting the transmission in neutral whenever we could: with the benefit of the car’s engine start-stop function, we would literally roll on this way for hundreds of metres at a time before slipping back into a gear and restarting the engine.
It was utter madness; we were pulling out all the stops. But we had to know what a hypermiler could achieve if they tried really, really hard.
After 470km or so of torturing ourselves in a car with its windows shut, A/C off and under the sort of heat we were under (yes, we were that sweaty afterwards), we came away with a decent surprise for ourselves, especially after dealing with Bangkok’s rush-hour traffic at the very end of our journey.
Getting into the Metro Autohaus dealership with an average of
4.0-litres/100km
 as day’s result, we were completely ecstatic to have delivered the best average over a single day for the entire group – the next closest was 4.2-litres/100km (car no.4), achieved by the winning team that also scored their best daily score over the three-day journey. The third Malaysian car (car no.3) managed a more realistic 4.5-litres/100km.
Over the entire three-day journey, we could only manage an average of
4.5-litres/100km
, which was good for second place in the competition. We did however have an estimated range of 446km left on the multi-info display, with a clear quarter tank of diesel remaining.
So there you have it: after nearly 23 hours of driving, covering a total distance of 1477km from KL to Bangkok, we achieved an average fuel consumption of 4.5-litres/100km from our mixed driving styles, with 446km, or, a quarter tank of diesel left in the car. You could add the numbers up to say a total of 1,923km was theoretically possible. Damn, were we impressed.
In hindsight, despite the differences between the Malaysian-spec, AMG-outfitted, E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid and the base model Frankel drove from Africa to the UK, our cars performed amazingly well to achieve the sort of results it did.
And yes, we know Isuzu’s D-Max has just done one better, going from
Bangkok to Singapore on a single 76-litre tank of diesel
, but we’re quite certain we were all better off revelling in the comfort and luxury of a proper top-spec Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Here are the overall results of our faithful Car No.2, and the winning Car. No.4:
Overall Car No.2 (our car):
4.5-litres/100km average
1477km distance travelled
446km range remaining (quarter tank)
22:28 hours driving time
Overall Car No.4:
4.3-litres/100km average
1486km distance travelled
23:11 hours driving time


The Truth About Proton's X50 Engine

Did Volvo have any sort of helping hand in building the Proton X50's engine?

Just like that and all of a sudden, Malaysians are all concerned about the
number of cylinders
 in an engine, we've all also become overnight experts on why the four cylinder is more superior to the three cylinder. Now before you brand us elitist, let us first clarify that we're all for knowledge-sharing and learning but not for so-called-experts spewing fallacies.

Of course, the chain reaction epicentre for all of this comes from the much-anticipated
2020 Proton X50.

The Proton X50's engine has an odd number of cylinders (3 opposed to the much more familiar 4), but what do we actually know about it? Thankfully, we don't have to speculate and guess anymore, because Geely, Proton's partners have released official information regarding the engine for the first time.

Concentrating specifically on the 1.5T PFI port injection 3-cylinder turbo engine found on the 1.5T Standard, Executive and Premium X50, Geely thought it would be a great idea to give transparent facts about it so that it squashes any concerns or myths.

The 1.5 TGDi engine in the Flagship X50 is a familiar direct-injection turbocharged engine developed by Geely and Volvo. It can be found in Proton X50 twins like the Coolray and Binyue. The 1.5T PFI port injection on the
Standard, Executive and Premium X50
 is virtually unheard of, and the reason for that is because the engine is actually making its debut in the X50.

All we knew beforehand was that the 1.5T PFI engine has a power output of 148hp/ 226 Nm, and a claimed fuel consumption of
6.5 litres per 100 kilometres
. Better late than never, Geely finally has shed light on the engine confirming that the engine is a Geely-Volvo co-developed engine.

The family name of the engines in the X50 is called the 1.5TD. According to Dr Hakan Sandquist, who is Geely's Director of Powertrain Strategy at CEVT (China Euro Vehicle Technology), the 1.5TD was jointly developed by Geely and Volvo at Volvo's R&D centre in Gothenburg, CEVT China Euro Vehicle Technology in Gothenburg, and Geely Research Institute in China. The VEA – Volvo Engine Architecture developed by Volvo under Geely formed the foundation of the 1.5TD.

The 1.5TD engines are produced in powertrain plants around the world, following Volvo's Global Manufacturing System. The engines share over 90% of the same global suppliers through Geely's global joint procurement system.

Volvo and Geely tested and validated the 1.5TD above and beyond the industry standard - a typical Volvo policy. The 1.5TD engines are designed to last 15 years or 350,000 km, much higher than the industry standard of 10 years or 200,000 km.

Geely and Volvo have so far developed three base variants of the three-cylinder engine. The three-cylinder engines are all turbocharged and include port fuel injection (1.5T PFI) or direct injection (1.5GDI). The latest variant, 1.5T Miller has been designed specifically for HEV application by adjusting variable valve timing to enable the engine to run on the fuel-efficient Miller cycle.

The modular engine was also created to support electrification as both Geely and Volvo are convinced that electrification is the future and Volvo has promised that every model it sells will come with an electrified option. This is good news for Proton for when they do decide to venture down the path as the platform is there.

One of the reasons why they went for a 1.5 turbocharged 3 cylinder is because a small-sized engine leaves room for hybrid systems and gives designers more freedom.

But what about this three-cylinder vibration that everyone keeps going on about? Well, Geely and Volvo did not think this was an unsolvable problem. For years, Volvo has utilized a five-cylinder engine and has extensive experience developing engines for the premium market segment - those five-cylinder Volvo engines are something else.

The latest engine technologies in the Geely 1.5TD engine such as counterweighted crankshafts, dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorber damper and many more that we won't bore you with have effectively eliminated perceivable engine vibrations for drivers and passengers inside the vehicle. NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) in models utilizing Geely 1.5TD engines is on par or better than some equipped with four-cylinder engines - did you hear that? Better than some four-cylinder engines.

By separating facts from fiction, we finally have some sort of logical reason to be impressed with the engine. No vibration, developed hand in hand with Volvo, possible future electrification - apa lagi kita nak complain about?

Can we finally be 100 per cent optimistic about the X50 now? Well, Proton can't always please everyone, so we're sure someone will complain about something else soon - maybe the carpets will be too thin.


2016 Porsche Macan retail prices confirmed, from RM415,000

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), authorised importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, has finally confirmed prices for the entry-level Porsche Macan. Starting at RM415,000, the confirmed base prices are some RM20,000 lower than was previously indicated during the
launch
, at RM435,000.
The updated Macan features minor styling enhancements, added standard infotainment equipment such as the Porsche Communication Management system (PCM) and a power hike of some 15bhp, now totalling 252bhp between 5,000rpm and 6800rpm, while a 20Nm increment of torque now totals 370Nm, enjoyed between 1,600rpm to 4,500rpm.
The optional list of equipment is exhaustive, as with any Porsche – including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) which continuously adjusts the headlight level and the Sport Chrono Package which cuts down 0.2 seconds on the 0-100km/h sprint to just 6.5 seconds.


VIDEO: A Tsunami Of Garbage Takes Over The Streets Of Beirut As Landfills Spill Over

An unnerving sight is seen by the residents within the capital city of Lebanon. The mountains of garbage accumulated in makeshift landfills used to contain the ever increasing amounts of waste dumped carelessly into the streets.
And when heavy rains finally bear down on the many steaming, stinking piles as well as the clogged drains and water channels throughout the city, something has got to give.
The scene seen here was shot from the Bauchreih neighborhood located in the northern suburbs of Beirut and is likely far from the only district befell with the disgusting state of affairs.
At least in part, the situation there also stems from political unrest, with the Lebanese people choosing to be deliberately cavalier with their own trash disposal method as a means to do away with the current government in a very unconventional and harmful way.
Additionally, another politically-motivated campaign, the You Stink movement, organized there over the summer months have only intensified the problem. Paired with authorieties that are unable to manage it and it has led to much more garbage accumulating at street level than would normally be the case, as we can see.
You can guess what happened next. What a sad sight.


A Closer Look At The Geely Jiaji – Next Proton MPV?

Back in March, Geely
introduced the all-new Jiaji
, a new family MPV that joins Geely’s ever-growing line-up.
During our recent visit to Geely’s headquarters in Hangzhou, China, we had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the new people mover.
Considering that the most important aspect of an MPV is the interior, the Geely Jiaji lives up to expectations.
Seen here is the 6-seater version of the Jiaji, with a 2+2+3 seating arrangement. The other 6-seater option for the Jiaji is a 2+2+2 seating arrangement. Geely also offers a 7-seater version of the Jiaji with a 2+3+2 seating arrangement.
The interior of the Geely Jiaji features a generous dose of leather and metal, which gives the impression of an upmarket model. Key touch points in the Jiaji look and feel like they were lifted off a Volvo. No, really.
The Geely Jiaji seen here also gets a long list of creature comforts, such as:
Auto Hold Brakes
Auto Headlights
Auto Wipers
Borderless rear view mirror
Panoramic sun roof
Park Assist
360-degree surround view camera
Eco and Sport drive mode selector
Digital rear AC controls
Power tailgate
USB charging ports for the rear passengers
In its home market, the Geely Jiaji can be had with four engine options:
1.5-litre turbo petrol (177 PS/255 Nm), 6-speed manual
1.8-litre turbo petrol (183 PS/300 Nm), 6-speed torque converter automatic
1.5-litre mild hybrid turbo petrol (190 PS/300 Nm), 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
1.5-litre plug-in hybrid turbo petrol (258 PS/385 Nm), 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Prices start from 99,800 Yuan to 182,800 Yuan, which is around the ballpark of the Geely Boyue, which is priced from 98,800 Yuan to 159,800 Yuan.
We also understand that the Geely Jiaji is one of two more models destined for Malaysia, as reported by Geely’s
financial report last year
. Considering the dimensions of the new Geely Jiaji, it is possible that the new model could be slotted above the Proton Exora as a more premium people mover.


AD: Rising to the challenge – Could Grab Driving Be Your Next Career?

In the wise words of the novelist, Ayn Rand, “The Ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity”. Yet, for the most part, many would agree that true opportunities with the capacity to change our lives are
few and far between in this day and age
.
But, what if there was an awesome opportunity just waiting for us to seize?
Every day, more and more people are joining the Grab community – more than just a ride-hailing app, Grab as a company, is empowering their partners (drivers) not only by providing the app as a business platform but also the relevant training and reward systems that can foster your growth in the long term.
All you need is a qualified vehicle that is well-maintained and you’re good to go!
Having experienced the ins and outs of being a Grab driver recently, I have come to realise that it’s far more
than something we can do from time-to-time
, it could even be your next job, even career. In the shortlist below, I have drawn significant parallels from my Grab experience; to key attributes we look for in any employer.
Here are seven reasons why being a
 Grab driver could be your next career…
1.
Grab Has a Clear Mission
Grab is guided, much like many Fortune 500 companies, by a clear mission statement. The premise of providing the safest transportation platform, so that every passenger and Grab partner travels with confidence. Grab is committed to improving the lives of its partners and users, by providing a rewarding and fair system for all. Last but not least, Grab intends to offer accessible transportation for all – with a service that meets all needs and price points.
2.
Grab is Fair to Everyone
Perhaps, we’ve all been there, we put in the long hours and strive for perfection in all we do, only to have our manager or superior tick off on a less than suitable performance rating. Grab, on the other hand, employs a similar grading system for all its partners, no favouritism or politics, just a well-designed and managed platform that measures each and every driver’s performance based on three criteria – acceptance, overall ratings, and cancellation frequencies. Your performance is judged only by your hard work, planning, and intelligence, the rewards likewise are equal across the board.
3.
Grab Rewards
Grab has a comprehensive rewards program to help all its drivers save money and also improve their lifestyle. Grab’s program allows for drivers to save on auto maintenance costs, fuel, and provide rebates that can be used on purchases, even food!
4.
Grab Is Flexible
Regardless if you are a full-time Grab driver or do it on a part-time basis – Grab suits your schedule.
Turn on the app once you’re ready, and turn it off as you choose
. Plan your drive times and routes to suit Grab’s incentive programs to maximize your earnings. Even up to RM60 per hour!
5.
Grab Rewards On-The-Job Experience
Much like the most rewarding corporate jobs out there, being a Grab driver requires experience, determination, and finesse. Having an interest in your passenger’s needs, and likewise providing consistent positive performance adds up to a great driver rating, which in turn influences your rewards. Small gestures go a long way, simply follow Grab’s advice on good conduct to a fast track five-star rating!
6.
Grab is Challenging
As with any rewarding job, the challenges are present as well. Punctuality, managing your routes, planning incoming fares and navigating our crowded cityscapes – all this,
while you maintain an upbeat and polite disposition
, can be challenging at times. Trust that experience over time will hone your skillset and ethics, stay positive and face the challenges of the day.
7.
Grab is Fun
Rarely, does any job allow one to interact and engage with people from all walks of life. Grab allows freedom from the monotony and repetitiveness of most jobs, and allows one to make new friends everyday, all from the comfort of your car.
All that’s left to do is go out and
Grab
that opportunity!
This post is sponsored by Grab Malaysia


Geneva 2019: Mitsubishi To Reveal Electrified SUV Concept Called Engelberg

Mitsubishi today released a teaser image of its latest creation which is set to be revealed at the upcoming 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
Called the Engelberg Tourer, the concept is an electrified SUV which promises to “bring more SUV, more EV, more technology, and more style”.
From what we can see, the Engelberg Tourer features the brand’s Dynamic Shield design theme, with a huge Mitsubishi emblem, slim and sleek LED headlights, as well as DRLs which run from the headlight all the way until the lower section of the bumper.
There also seems to be a skid plate, wide tyres, high ground clearance, and roof-mounted LED spotlights which hint at what could be a rugged and sporty vehicle which is designed to tackle some rough terrain.
Named after the rugged Alpine town in Switzerland with a history of sporting success, more details of the Engelberg Tourer will be revealed later on, so watch this space.


GALLERY: New 2015 Suzuki Swift Facelift Previewed At Sunway Pyramid

Today marks the start of
Suzuki
 Malaysia’s FUN365 roadshow campaign with its first stop at Sunway Pyramid and will go on until Sunday, 28 June, 2015.
Recently,
Suzuki Malaysia announced that it will be accepting pre-sale bookings
 of the new 2015
Suzuki Swift
 facelift. Available in three variants – GA, GL, and GLX, the new Swift brings with it a slightly updated exterior design along with new interior features. However, all three retain the same powertrain combo of a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 95PS, paired to a four-speed automatic transmission, and will share common active and passive safety features – dual SRS airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
The new Swift is currently on display at Sunway Pyramid but only the mid-spec GL and top-of-the-line GLX can be found at the booth. Also, for the first time, the new entry-level GA variant is shown albeit in a brochure that gives us a better look at its basic specifications, justified by an affordable price tag.
Suzuki Swift GLX
First up, the top-spec Swift variant which like the other two variants, gets a new front bumper design as well. However, unlike the other two, there are actual fog lamps flanked by LED daytime lights. It still has 16-inch wheels but here come in a five twin-spoke design, wrapped in 185/55 series tyres. The GLX also comes with retractable side mirrors with integrated indicators which aren’t new introductions to the Swift model including the keyless operation (entry with engine push-start).
Inside, the most significant change is a new touchscreen head unit with a navigation system. Audio playback is handled via a six-speaker audio system while an automatic air-conditioning unit handles cooling requirements.
Five exterior colours are up for selection – a new Lagoon Turquoise, Supreme Red, Bayside Blue, Superior White, and Olive Gray.
Estimated pricing for the GLX (OTR price with GST, but without insurance) is RM73,000.
Suzuki Swift GL
Next, the mid-spec model features a new front bumper like the GLX but does away with the fog lamps, replacing it with a plastic cover with silver garnish around it. Along the side, the 16-inch alloy wheels gets a multi-spoke design, paired to 185/55 series tyres. Inside, the interior has the familiar basic audio system and manual air-conditioning unit.
Colour options are the same as the GLX with five on offer.
Tentative prices for the Suzuki Swift GL (OTR price with GST, but without insurance) is RM65,000.
Suzuki Swift GA
Although not shown at the roadshow, the Suzuki Swift GA is the most affordable among the three models coming in at an estimated price of RM59,000 – mind you, confirmed prices are expected to be even lower than this.
To meet the entry-level cost price, the GA does away with a few comforts like the head unit – it’s gone entirely. Cosmetic changes also see black painted door handles and side mirrors which are adjusted manually from the inside. Also, 15-inch steel rims with a plastic cap adorn the car and a tyre repair kit replaces the spare tyre and wheel found in the other two variants. The new front bumper design is however, retained.
Check out our gallery below for a better look at the new 2015 Suzuki Swift (GL and GLX). For a full specification sheet of all three Suzuki Swift variants, we've provided them below (click to view larger size):
As we've mentioned, the roadshow is currently happening at Sunway Pyramid from now until this Sunday so head on over to check out the new Suzuki Swift.
Also on display the ongoing roadshow at Sunway Pyramid the other vehicles in the Suzuki line-up including the compact off-roader
Jimny
 and practical
SX4 S-Cross
.


The Polestar 2 Will Take The Fight To Tesla In Norway And China

What do China and Norway have in common? In terms of the automotive world, China is one of the largest markets so it goes without saying that it will be one of the largest single contributors to the sales of a vehicle. Norway, on the other hand, doesn't quite have the claim of volume. What it is known for, however, is its massive shift towards electric vehicles. With these two markets combined, an electric vehicle company could make some serious waves if their product is good enough to convince buyers.
Right now, Tesla is sitting on top with their electric vehicles being the posterchild for the entire market segment. In that last year or so that has changed quickly as other traditional manufacturers have gotten their electric vehicle production facilities up and running, as well as rolled out their first all-electric vehicles. Polestar is a brand that will sit on the higher end of things, despite being an offshoot of Volvo, and their all-electric Polestar 2 will be their all-electric dog in the fight.
Speaking in an
interview with Automotive News Europe
, Volvo CEO Thomas Ingenlath shared his thoughts on where the Polestar 2 would be performing best. With word of Tesla building another mega-factory in China, manufacturers are rushing to penetrate that all-important and heavily progressive market. The reality is you can't do business in China without a Chinese business partner, but thankfully for Volvo they have Geely to get things rolling - so to speak.
A whopping 40% of the Polestar 2's global sales are expected to come from China. The next biggest market after this is likely to be Norway - which is also where Volvo's Swedish roots may be as an advantage as they have a very deep understanding of the needs of Scandinavian consumers. Beyond this, the Polestar 1 has already had its first year of production entirely sold out, leaving just under 1,000 units up for grabs.
To find the best deals on Volvo models, click
here
.


Jakarta 2017: All-New Honda CR-V Debuts In Indonesia – 1.5 Turbo, 7 Seats, Higher Price Too

The all-new 2017 Honda CR-V made its Indonesian debut at yesterday’s opening of the 2017 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS).
Locally assembled in Indonesia, the Indonesian-market CR-V now comes with seven seats, as well as Honda’s latest 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine that we’ve already experienced in the Honda Civic. The forced induction engine is paired to a CVT-type automatic transmission driving the front wheels. There are no 4WD variant offered as Indonesia’s tax structure puts a penalty on 4WD vehicles.
The 1.5-litre turbo engine replaces the previous model’s 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine option, with the 2.0-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated engine continuing its role as the base model’s engine, but this time it’s paired to a CVT.
There are three variants on offer – 2.0-litre, 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo, and 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo Prestige, all paired to a CVT.
All three variants come with roof-mounted air-conditioning vents for rear passengers while the most expensive Prestige variant adds LED headlamps, panaromic sunroof and engine push-start button, as well as side and curtain airbags and electronic stability control (VSA). It also has height adjustable power-operated tailgate.

Related Articles

Honda CR-V Diesel Under Consideration For Malaysia

Auto News

June 30, 2015

Rumour: All-New 2017 Honda CR-V - Sporty Like The Civic, VTEC Turbo, 7 Seats

Auto News

May 25, 2021

Leaked: All-New 2017 Honda CR-V To Open For Bookings In Malaysia

Auto News

May 31, 2017

The improved features come at a price though.
With an additional third row seat and a more sophisticated engine, there is a marginal increase in price. In Indonesia, the CR-V’s starting price is now 5 percent higher than before, starting at IDR 432,000 for the 2.0 i-VTEC before topping out at IDR 508,000 for the 1.5 VTEC Turbo Prestige.
The all-new CR-V is expected to be launched in Malaysia before the year ends.


Kadar Tambang ECRL Dijamin Murah, Mesra Rakyat – PM

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob telah meminta
Kementerian Pengangkutan
 untuk berbincang dengan pihak berkepentingan bagi merangka kadar tambang perkhidmatan
Projek Laluan Rel Pantai Timur (ECRL)
 yang berpatutan.

Beliau menepis spekulasi di media sosial yang mengatakan bahawa harga tambang ECRL akan mahal dengan mengatakan ianya hanyalah fitnah semata-mata.

*Kredit foto: Bernama

Tambang Murah, Mesra Rakyat

Ketika Majlis Perasmian Permulaan Pembinaan Terowong Genting ECRL Pahang, PM menjelaskan tambang ECRL nanti seharusnya seperti kadar tambang perkhidmatan tren elektrik (ETS) KTM yang mesra rakyat.

Terdahulu, Menteri Pengangkutan (MOT), Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, telah menepis dakwaan Pengerusi PKR Terengganu, Azan Ismail bahawa tambang ECRL akan dikenakan sehingga enam kali ganda lebih tinggi berbanding harga tiket penerbangan.

Menurut Wee dakwaan tersebut bersifat spekulatif dan tidak berasas kerana penetapan kadar tambang ECRL dibuat berdasarkan
Akta Pengangkutan Awam Darat (APAD).
 Tambahnya, kadar tambang yang ditetapkan kelak akan memastikan ECRL terus berdaya saing dengan harga berpatutan, dalam masa sama mampu untuk menanggung kos pengoperasian serta penyelenggaraan.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

MOT Ada Cara Tentukan Kadar Tambang ECRL

Kementerian Pengangkutan sudah mempunyai mekanisme sendiri dalam menentukan harga tiket ECRL bagi memastikan ia mampu milik.

"Kita ada mekanisme kita sendiri. Di peringkat APAD kita memang ada kaedah pengiraan. Sebab itu untuk perkhidmatan yang dibekalkan atau diberikan oleh pihak KTMB termasuk ETS, kadar pengiraan adalah berdasarkan per kilometer, jadi akhirnya penjumlahan itu tidak membebankan," jelas Wee.

*Kredit foto: The Star

Tambah Wee, kadar pengiraan tambang ECRL juga tidak akan memasukkan komponen perbelanjaan modal (Capex). Maksudnya, jika Capex dimasukkan, kerajaan perlu meminta balik pulangan yang dibelanjakan dan ia bukan yang ingin dilakukan kerajaan.

"Sebagai contoh, untuk seorang penumpang yang kerap menggunakan MRT, kos sebenarnya RM200, tetapi RM200 ini kita tidak kutip sepenuhnya, sebaliknya kita berikan pas
My50
 bermaksud 75% atau RM150 itu ditanggung oleh kerajaan. Itu pun kita tidak mengambil kira pelaburan asas untuk membangunkan infrastruktur terbabit. Kalau kita masukkan semua ini ia akan menjadi jumlah yang besar,” katanya.


Bermaz To Locally Assemble Mazda CX-8 In Malaysia, Estimated Launch In mid-2019

The forthcoming three-row seat Mazda CX-8 will be assembled locally at Mazda Malaysia’s plant in Kulim, Kedah by mid-2019, according to information gathered from an investors’ newsletter published by RHB Research.
Further checks with Bermaz Auto have confirmed that the CX-8 will follow the same introduction plan as the all-new CX-5, in that there will be no fully-imported CBU (completely built up) models, and the CX-8 will be launched in Malaysia as a CKD (completely knocked down) model.
Exports to Philippines, where Bermaz’s subsidiary Bermaz Auto Philippines is also the distributor, have yet to be confirmed but is highly likely.
Details on the CX-8’s powertrain and seating configuration for the Malaysia-bound CX-8 is still unclear. In Japan, the CX-8 can be ordered either as a six- or a seven-seater, powered exclusively by a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Measuring 4,900 mm long, the CX-8 is just 175 mm shorter than the CX-9. It’s also 129 narrower and 17 mm lower than the CX-9. Despite being smaller, it is the CX-8 that has more headroom, but of course, legroom is slightly tighter than the longer CX-9.
The odd positioning between the two models is because the CX-8 was originally meant to be Mazda’s flagship for its domestic market in Japan, where the CX-9 is not available. The CX-9 is primarily aimed at buyers in North America.
However, Carlist.my understands that there is a strong interest for the CX-8 in Australia, and Mazda Australia have made a successful business case of pitching the CX-8 as a cheaper alternative to the CX-9. Following this, several regional markets including Malaysia and Philippines have expressed a similar interest in the CX-8.
Currently, there is a huge price gap between the CX-5 and CX-9. The most expensive CX-5 variant, the 2.2-litre AWD GLS turbo diesel, tops out at RM174,779 excluding insurance while the cheapest CX-9 starts at RM289,571 excluding insurance (2WD, 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol). We expect the forthcoming CX-8 to be priced somewhere in the low to mid RM200,000 range.


No Tolerance For ‘Fancy’ Number Plates, Especially In Johor

Following the recent summons issued to an individual in Johor for using vehicle registration number plates that did not conform to official specifications, the state’s police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin defended the actions taken during the operation.

According to Bernama, the 36-year-old man became irate at being issued with two summons “for using a
fancy number plate
” as well as for making modifications to his car’s exhaust along Jalan Mutiara Emas Putih.

Following a verbal altercation with officers during which a video that was recorded to broadcast his dissatisfaction filled with abusive words, he was detained at the Seri Indah police station, said Johor Bahru Selatan (JBS) district police chief ACP Mohd Padzli Mohd Zain separately.

The suspect’s insistence that he had been using the vehicle
registration plate
 for over 10 years did not excuse the fact that it was in violation of official specifications all this while. Also, a subsequent background check revealed a history of drug-related incidences, leading to him being remanded for 3 days to assist in additional investigations.

Bukit Aman’s director of traffic investigation and enforcement, Datuk Azisman Alias, told Mingguan Malaysia there have been 365,410 summonses issued to owners with ‘fancy’ number plates since 2019. Of that number, 183,509 summonses were dealt to offenders this year with the majority of them being issued to motorcycles.

Though it is a nationwide initiative by PDRM, Johor has been at the forefront of this longterm crackdown on non-standard number plates with officers actively looking for a variety of non-standard customisation including using italicised fonts or modifications to spacing or arrangement.

Should one be found guilty, the owner can be charged under Section 14 (4) and Section 119 of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carry separate penalties that result in a fine up to RM4,000 or a 12 months jail.


Volkswagen Grew 8.1 Percent In 2017, Scores Big Improvement After-Sales Experience

In only its first year of operation after the restructuring of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) in 2016, sales of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia grew by 8.1 percent, outpacing Volkswagen’s global operation’s 4.2 percent.
Last year saw VPCM successfully pulling itself out from a rut to deliver 6,536 vehicles (versus 6,048 in 2016), 95 percent of which were locally-assembled models. VPCM was keen to point that the numbers, while not very high in absolute terms, represent a sustainable growth as in 2017, as the company had only one major product launch – the Tiguan.
VPCM did not reveal a breakdown of its sales by model, but confirmed that the contribution was quite equal from all its locally-assembled models, which consists of the Vento, Polo, Jetta, Passat and Tiguan.
“It is a reflection that our brand is equally accepted across all the segments that we are present in,” said Mr. Erik Winter, Managing Director (Brand and Human Resources) of VPCM, at a media roundtable this morning.
Although the current
Chinese New Year promotion
 campaign by VPCM includes additional cash rebates for 2017 models, Winter revealed that nearly all their 2017 stocks have already been sold out, again as a testament to the company’s efforts in pursuing sustainable growth.
In addition to that, all Volkswagen models purchased after 1-Jan 2018 are now covered with a 3-year/45,000 km (whichever comes first) free maintenance. It should also be noted that unlike a typical Japanese car’s 6-month/10,000 km service interval, Volkswagen cars follow a longer 12-month/15,000 km service interval.
Also in the plans is the establishment of Das WeltAuto in Malaysia. Already a common sight in Europe, Das WeltAuto is the Volkswagen Group’s certified pre-owned car retail outlet. The move will eventually see Volkswagen dealers offering high quality used Volkswagens at attractive prices, with a longer term benefit of stabilizing resale value of Volkswagen models.
Buoyed by the unexpectedly strong response for its first-ever online car sales partnership with Lazada, VPCM is mulling the establishment of Volkswagen Marketplace, an online store where customers can place an order for a Volkswagen and enjoy specific online purchase-only promotions. While customers may place a booking online, the actual delivery and arrangements for auto financing etc, will still be done by a Volkswagen dealer.
Last year, VPCM put out 12 special edition Volkswagen Beetles on sale in Lazada, and all 12 units were snapped up in just 20 minutes!
On the after-sales front, Mr. Florian Steiner, Managing Director (After-Sales, IT and Finance) of VPCM was pleased to announce that results from its internal Customer Experience Management survey has shown a sharp 21 percent improvement, increase from 3.45 points in 2016 to 4.17 points last year, out of a maximum of 5.00 points. In fact, Volkswagen was ranked fifth in last year's J.D. Customer Satisfaction Index, behind first-placed Toyota but well ahead of tenth-placed Honda.
Repairs/warranty claims that plagued earlier DSG-equipped Volkswagen models have been reduced to almost none, with minimal outstanding mechatronic-related issues for some older models.
Separately, VPCM has also initiated its own ‘mystery shopping’ programme, where customer cars are selected at random and are intentionally planted with minor faults like a burnt light bulb, loose windshield washer hose, before it is sent to the service centre. Through this, VPCM is constantly monitoring the thoroughness of Volkswagen service centres.
Later this year, Volkswagen will be relocating its regional parts centre from its current location in Singapore to Tanjung Pelepas to Johor. With the relocation, customers can expect even faster delivery of parts. At the moment, Volkswagen service centres are placing orders for parts once daily, with urgent safety-related parts delivered within the next working day. The new facility will soon be able to accept orders twice daily.
The warehouse will be operated by an independent Volkswagen organization, Volkswagen Regional After-Sales (VRAS).
The recently opened Volkswagen Automotive Academy will also be operating at close to its full capacity this year, with technical training sessions planned for 250 out of the 260-plus working days this year. The Academy is collaborating with local technical colleges like TOC and Akademi Saga to provide VW-specific certification to trainee technicians, as well as soft-skill training to other Volkswagen staffs.
Related
:
New 2018 Volkswagen Golf Mk 7.5 To Be Launched In Malaysia By H1 2018


Nissan to Put Self Driving Vehicles On the Road for the First Time in Europe

As part of its commitment to creating a zero-emission, zero-fatality future for mobility, Nissan showed its real-world testing of next generation autonomous drive prototype vehicles taking place in the east of London yesterday.
While Nissan has already conducted public-road testing of its autonomous vehicles in Japan and the United States, This is the first time the company has demonstrated its latest self-driving vehicle technology on public roads in Europe.
During the test, participants in the passenger and rear seats were given the opportunity to experience the technology which consists of millimeter wave radar, laser scanners, cameras, high-speed computer chips, and a specialized HMI (Human Machine Interface), just to name a few.
It is said that all of this helps allow the vehicle to operate in an autonomous manner on both highways and city roads including runabouts, once the destination points are entered into the navigation system.
The London test follows recent announcements that both the updated Qashqai and the new Nissan LEAF, both coming in the near future, will be equipped with ProPILOT autonomous drive technology to enable single lane autonomous driving on motorways.
Meanwhile, last year in Japan, Nissan launched the Serena, its first model to be fitted with ProPILOT. The company added that there are also plans for the technology to be introduced in the U.S. and China markets.
That said, the multi-lane autonomous driving technology which will enable automatic lane changes on highways is planned for introduction in 2018 while autonomous driving on urban roads and in intersections is planned for launch in 2020.


Pada 5 Ogos lalu, Proton telah melancarkan model facelift baharu
Proton Persona 2022
 seiring dengan pelancaran
Iriz Active
 baharu. Jom kita tengok sikit beza antara Persona 2022 yang paling terbaru dengan Persona yang lama.

2022 Proton Persona vs 2016 Proton Persona

Sebelum kita pergi lebih mendalam tentang Proton Persona, mari kita lihat terlebih dahulu
sejarah
pengeluaran
Proton Persona
 ini.

Generasi Pertama

Tahukah anda, generasi pertama Persona (C90) merupakan
Proton Wira
? Betul! Tetapi ianya digunakan pada model export Proton Wira sahaja. Penggunan nama 'Proton Persona' pertama kali digunakan pada November 1993 di pasaran British yang turut disertai dengan model 3 pintu Persona Compact (
Satria
), dan model 2 pintu Persona Coupé (
Putra
).

Generasi Kedua

Generasi kedua
Proton Persona (CM)
yang dilancarkan pada 15 Ogos 2007 merupakan model pertama Proton yang menggunakan nama 'Persona' bagi pasaran negara sendiri. Persona (CM) dibina berasaskan pelantar Proton Gen-2 yang dipanjangkan, dan dijual sebagai pelengkap sedan bagi model hatchback Gen-2.

Generasi Ketiga

Proton Persona generasi ketiga (BH)
 dilancarkan pada Ogos 2016. Ia dibina berasaskan pelantar
Proton Iriz
 yang dipanjangkan dan berkongsi enjin 1.6-litre VVT dan struktur asas yang sama seperti Iriz, tetapi bahagian luarannya direka semula bagi memberikan persona yang tersendiri.

Berdasarkan sejarah di atas, kami akan membuat perbezaan antara model Persona (BH) 2016 dengan Persona 2022 memandangkan kedua-duanya menggunakan pelantar yang sama, iaitu Proton Iriz.

Exterior

2022 Proton Persona

Reka bentuk baharu gril bercorak
Infinite Weave
 dan
Ethereal Bow

Logo Proton bulat

Lampu hadapan LED

Lampu nyalaan siang (DRL)

Lampu gabungan belakang baharu

Rim aloi 6 jejari berkembar bersaiz 16-inci

2016 Proton Persona

Logo 3D lama Proton

Lampu hadapan halogen

Lampu kabus

Rim aloi 15 inci

Interior

2022 Proton Persona

Paparan unit infotainment 8-inci terapung dengan fungsi arahan suara
Hi Proton!
 yang mampu mengawal penyaman udara dan tingkap sebelah pemandu

Rekaan corong penyaman udara di bawah skrin infotainment

Kawalan penyaman udara digital

Konsol tengah direka semula

Upholsteri balutan kulit berwarna coklat seakan Proton X70

6 slot USB

Papan pemuka serba hitam

2016 Proton Persona

Upholsteri balutan kulit berwarna hitam

Papan pemuka dwi-tona

Rekaan corong penyaman udara di tepi paparan infotainment

Kawalan penyaman udara manual

2 slot pengecas USB

Ciri Keselamatan

2022 Proton Persona

Kamera dan sensor parkir (bantuan visual dan audio)

Mod ECO

5 bintang ASEAN NCAP

Struktur badan yang diperkuat menggunakan keluli Hot Press Formed (HPF) steel

Kawalan Stabiliti Elektronik (ESC)

Sistem Kawalan Traksi (TCS)

Bantuan Pegun Bukit (HHA)

ABS

EBD

Brake Assist

Reverse camera

2016 Proton Persona

Sistem kawalan kestabilan kenderaan (VSC),

Bantuan Mula Mendaki (HHA),

Cagak tempat duduk kanak-kanak ISOFIX

ABS

Reverse camera

EBD

Brake Assist

5 bintang ASEAN NCAP

Enjin dan Prestasi

Sama sahaja, model facelift sahaja

Model facelift 2022 ini tidak menawarkan transmisi manual seperti model 2016 terdahulu.

Menghasilkan 109 PS dan 150 Nm tork.

Harga

2022 Proton Persona

Persona 1.6L Standard CVT - RM45,200

Persona 1.6L Eexcutive CVT - RM50,100

Persona 1.6L Premium CVT - RM55,800

2016 Proton Persona

Proton Persona 1.6 Standard (Manual) - RM46,350 (solid), RM46,800 (metallic)

Proton Persona 1.6 Standard (Auto CVT) - RM49,350 (solid), RM49,800 (metallic)

Proton Persona 1.6 Executive (Auto CVT) - RM55,350 (solid), RM55,800 (metallic)

Proton Persona 1.6 Premium (Auto CVT) -  RM59,350 (solid), RM59,800 (metallic) + bodykit RM1,000

Tidak dinafikan, Persona 2022 ternyata tampak jauh lebih baik berbanding pada kali pertama model Iriz sedan ini dilancarkan pada 2016 lalu. Harganya juga kini lebih murah berbanding kali pertama ia diperkenalkan dahulu. Namun sekiranya anda sedang mencari
kereta terpakai
 seperti Persona 2016, ianya masih lagi dilihat sebagai pilihan yang baik dengan harga dalam lingkungan RM30,000.

Sebagai pembeli atau pengguna kereta, adakah anda berpuas hati dengan segala penambahbaikan yang diterima pada Persona 2022 ini jika nak dibandingkan dengan model Persona 2016?

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
Auto News
.

Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at
Carlist.my.

Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at
CarlistBid.my
.

Get the latest new car promotions at
New Car
 website now.


Toyota C-HR Hybrid Goes On Sale In Indonesia

The Toyota C-HR Hybrid has been officially introduced to the Indonesian market.
Just days after our sister site Mobile123
broke the news
, official distributor PT Toyota-Astra Motor has confirmed one variant with two colour choices – priced from IDR 523.35 million (RM 153.7k) for the single-tone colour and an additional IDR 1.5 million (RM 440) for the dual-tone exterior colour.
The hybrid variant costs approximately IDR 31 million more than the conventionally-powered 1.8-litre variant, which starts off at IDR 492.35 million; a jump of 6.2 percent.
The C-HR’s competitive price tag is possible due to exemptions of its ‘Luxury Goods Sales Tax’ currently granted by the Indonesian government for alternative-powered vehicles.
The C-HR Hybrid features the (2ZR-FXE) 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol-electric hybrid engine which is also shared with the Toyota Prius. The petrol engine produces 98 PS and 142 Nm, while the electric motor is rated at 53 kW and 163 Nm, allowing for a combined system output of 122 PS. Power is sent to the front wheels through a CVT-type automatic transmission.
The C-HR Hybrid is fully-imported from Thailand.
Separately,
CNBC Indonesia reports
 that Toyota expects sales of its hybrid vehicles to reach 700 units in 2019. Current hybrid models sold in Indonesia include the C-HR, Camry, and Alphard hybrid.


Kia Introduces Its Own FWD 8-speed Automatic Transmission

Kia Motors
 has revealed details of its advanced new eight-speed automatic transmission (8AT), which is engineered especially for use in front-wheel drive vehicles.
According to Kia, the transmission (FWD 8AT) was developed in-house and engineered to offer a high level of mechanical efficiency and smooth gearshifts.
Crucially, the new FWD 8AT occupies the same space as a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, and weighs 3.5 kg less.
To improve the 8AT’s fuel economy, Kia engineers significantly reduced the size of the oil pump (the main source of power loss in an automatic transmission) and simplified the structure of the valve body. Boasting the smallest oil pump of any production transmission in its class, the 8AT is able to use hydraulic oil more efficiently, distributing it evenly throughout the unit at all times.
Kia’s engineers already have experience of developing eight-speed transmissions for rear-wheel drive vehicles, mounting the transmission longitudinally and sending power to the rear axle. However, incorporating the same number of gears into a front-wheel drive car is incredibly challenging, due to packaging constraints and the need to mount the transmission transversely, competing with the engine, suspension and auxiliary components for space under the bonnet.
Incorporating an additional clutch and gear over Kia’s existing 6AT, the ratio between the top gear and the lowest gear in the new transmission has been increased by 34% over the 6AT, resulting in greater fuel economy and improved NVH in higher gears and faster acceleration and climbing performance in low gears.
It is said that the new front-wheel drive 8AT will be making its global debut in the
2017 Kia Cadenza
 – on sale across selected global markets this year – and will also featured as standard on Cadenza models powered by the 3.3-liter V6 GDI engine.
Kia also announced that new eight-speed automatic transmission will be applied to a number of mid-sized and larger front-wheel drive models, and will serve as a stepping stone to the development of future advanced Kia transmissions.
Looking for a Kia? Find one now at
Carlist.my