Lelaki Lepas Geram Bakar Proton Wira –  Berhabis Duit Baiki Tapi Masih Rosak

"Binatang! Beratus-ratus duit aku habis sampai tak berduit, kau buat hal lagi? Matilah kau!"

Itu merupakan kata-kata seorang lelaki yang bertindak membakar
Proton Wira
 miliknya kerana geram kereta itu masih buat hal walaupun sudah banyak menghabiskan duit untuk membaiki kereta itu.

Menerusi rakaman video yang tersebar itu, lelaki terbabit telah menghamburkan kata-kata kesat terhadap keretanya sebelum bertindak
membakar kereta
 tersebut betul-betul di hadapan kawasan rumahnya.

Sambil berdiri di hadapan kereta yang dibakar, lelaki itu berseloroh sambil berkata, “Ingat aku main-main ke?”

Pada awalnya, beliau cuba untuk membakar enjin kereta tersebut pada waktu malam, namun apinya tidak berjaya untuk hidup. Beliau kemudiannya membakar kerusi tempat duduk pemandu yang menyebabkan api marak sekaligus memanggang kereta terbabit.

Menerusi video berlainan, lelaki itu kelihatan didekati oleh orang awam dipercayai jiran tetangganya. Maklumlah, bila ada
kereta terbakar
 depan rumah, siapa yang tak risau?

Jika dinilai berdasarkan video itu, tiada orang berfikiran waras yang akan bertindak untuk membakar kereta di depan rumah hanya kerana kereta rosak. Berdasarkan komen yang diterima, lelaki terbabit dipercayai mengalami tekanan sehingga menyebabkan dia membakar kereta miliknya.

Menerusi tinjaun yang dilakukan di ruangan komen video tersebut, kejadian ini dikatakan berlaku di Felda Maokil,
Johor
. Perbuatan lelaki tersebut membakar Proton Wira miliknya di kawasan perumahan merupakan sesuatu yang amat berbahaya. Tangki
minyak
 pada kereta tersebut boleh menghasilkan letupan dan berisiko untuk mencederakan orang sekeliling.

Memandangkan Wira itu dibakar di depan rumah, api yang marah boleh merebak ke rumah dan seterusnya merebak ke kawasan sekeliling. Perbuatan membakar kereta ini bukan sahaja menyusahkan jiran tetangga mahupun
bomba
, tetapi ianya juga menyusahkan diri sendiri. Tak pasal-pasal kena uruskan bangkai kereta pula nanti.

Kalau dah tak perlukan kereta itu sekalipun, lebih baik jual sahaja komponennya di bengkel alat ganti. Sekurang-kurangnya adalah duit sikit untuk digunakan sebagai deposit kereta baru. Barang Wira merupakan barang rare sebab Proton dah hentikan penghasilan
alat ganti
untuk kereta tersebut. Jadi pasti akan ada geng Wira yang sanggup untuk membeli komponen kereta tersebut sekiranya dileraikan.

Selain itu, jika anda mengalami masalah kereta sering rosak meskipun sering baiki, mungkin tiba masanya untuk anda mengembangkan lagi pilihan bengkel anda. Kalau anda hanya menghantar kereta anda di satu bengkel sahaja sebelum ini, cuba pelbagaikan pilihan bengkel. Bukan ingin menuduh bengkel buat kerja tidak ikhlas, tapi sebagai langkah berjaga-jaga sekiranya masalah masih berlaku walaupun dah baiki banyak kali.

Tetapi siapalah kita untuk menghakimi perbuatan seseorang kerana kita tidak berada di tempat mereka. Yang paling penting, sekiranya anda mengalami gangguan mental seperti tekanan perasan, dapatkanlah rawatan dan bantuan yang sepatutnya sebelum keadaan menjadi lebih teruk.


Hyundai Kona Launched In Malaysia - From RM 115,888

After much teasing, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has finally launched two out of three variants of the first-of-its-kind
Kona
 compact SUV.

In a segment rife with strong contenders comes something new from Korea in the form of the Hyundai Kona. The compact SUV has been touted and teased for months now, and it's poised to be quite the hot seller as these products have been extremely popular among entry-level consumers. With 361 litres of boot space and a cascading front grille, you can tell the
Kona
 is a blend between practicality and style.

Advanced High Strength Steel is the name of the game when it comes to Hyundai's products- after all, South Korea is known for their steel production, and Hyundai has touted this manufacturing process for generations. But with each new model comes improvements, and for the Kona the focus was on making a compact car less susceptible to noise, vibrations, and harshness - or NVH.

As you may know by now, there are two powertrains and three variants on offer. The 2.0 Nu MPi petrol engine makes 149 PS and 180 Nm of torque, and is the beating heart of both the entry level and Active variants of the Kona. Both variants get the same six-speed automatic transmission, as well as the three drive modes that are common across all Kona variants: ECO, SPORT, and COMFORT.

The entry-level Hyundai Kona will go on sale for RM 123,888, but with the current rebates the pricing stands at RM 115,888. It comes with 17-inch alloys, halogen projector headlamps, a 7-inch touch screen head unit that has Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity, a fabric interior, and a 3.5-inch Supervision TFT-LCD instrument cluster.

Bumping up to the Active model, the price jumps to RM 138,888 with an introductory price of RM 130,888. Going up to this level adds a number of SmartSense active safety features - namely Blindspot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning. The instrument cluster goes up to a 4.2-inch unit, the interior is swapped for leather and cloth materials, the headlamps are Bi Function Projector Beam LED units, and automatic climate control, automatic wipers, and a colour Heads Up Display are added as well. Oh, and the wheels are 18-inches in size.

The top of the line model gets the entirely different 1.6 T-GDi engine that pushes 177 PS and 265 Nm of torque, making it the best in class. Power gets sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and pricing stands at RM 151,888 with an introductory price of RM 143,888. In terms of kit, this full fat model gets a wireless charging system, a full leather interior, and far more features for the SmartSense system: Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Smart Cruise Control.

You can have your
Kona
 in a range of colours, both inside and out. The 2.0 is exclusively available with either Phantom black or Lake silver, while the Active comes in Phantom black and Pulse red (with red stitching and seatbelts), Chalk white (with lime seatbelts and stitching), or Blue lagoon (with grey stitching and black seatbelts). Finally, the top-of-the-line 1.6 T-GDi comes in two-tone paint with same colourways as the 2.0 Active, but the addition of a Ceramic blue exterior with grey stitching and black seatbelts.


Volvo Establishes First Carbon-Neutral Engine Plant In Sweden

Volvo Cars’ engine factory in Skövde, Sweden, has become the company’s first climate-neutral manufacturing plant, having switched to renewable heating as of 1st January 2018.
Skövde is the first plant in Volvo Cars’ global manufacturing network to reach this status, which marks a significant milestone towards realising the company’s vision of going carbon-neutral across its global manufacturing operations by 2025.
Skövde also becomes one of only a few climate-neutral automotive plants in Europe.
A deal inked between Volvo cars and a local energy supplier ensures that all heating supplied to the Skövde plant is generated from waste incineration, biomass and recycled bio-fuels.
Skövde along with Volvo’s other European plants have all been supplied with electricity from renewable sources since 2008.
Javier Varela, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Logistics at Volvo Cars added, “Improving energy efficiency is our first priority and then, for the energy we need to use, we aim for supplies generated from renewable sources. The Skövde plant achievement is an important addition to our broader efforts in minimising our environmental footprint. We are pleased to be a leader within the automotive industry in the move towards climate-neutral manufacturing.”
In addition to Volvo’s plan to
electrify
all new
 Volvo cars
 launched from 2019, climate-neutral manufacturing operations will further reduce its overall carbon footprint, supporting global efforts to tackle climate change.
Volvo Cars also constantly looks other innovative measures to move towards its 2025 vision. For example, in 2016, the production plant in
Ghent, Belgium
, introduced a district heating system that reduced carbon emissions by 40 percent, saving 15,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.


2016 Kia Sorento Launched in Malaysia; Three Variants from RM156k

The third generation of
Kia
’s large SUV, the Sorento, has made landfall in Malaysia as part of Kia's renewed assault at the growing SUV market. The seven-seater SUV was launched today together with the smaller five-seater Sportage, which we are covering in a separate story.
Noteworthy is the decision to finally make diesel power available for selection alongside the 2.4-litre petrol model. Both engines are familiar units to our market; the 2.4-litre Theta II petrol is a carry over powerplant from its predecessor, whilst the 2.2-litre R turbodiesel has been in use for two model generations of the
Hyundai Santa Fe
.
Both engines are mated with
Hyundai
 and Kia’s in-house 6-speed automatic transmission as standard, with drive going to all four wheels. Outputs are rated at 171PS / 224.6Nm for the petrol model and 200PS / 441.3Nm for the diesel. Auto start/stop is fitted in the diesel engine only.
Contrasting the line-up fielded by its sister car from Hyundai, the Santa Fe, Kia offers the Sorento with a selection of three variants with the more powerful diesel engine positioned as entry variant of the range. Pricing starts at RM155,888 on-the-road (with insurance and GST) for the 2.2 LS diesel varant with the following equipment:
17-inch alloy wheels
Halogen projector headlights, manual leveling adjustment
LED daytime running lights
Rear fog lights
3.5" TFT mono-colour LCD trip computer display
Audio - 3.8" mono display, USB, AUX, 6 speakers
Dual zone climate control, 2nd row air-con vents
Fabric upholstery
Tilt & telescopic steering with audio controls
Cruise control
Keyless entry, engine start/stop button
Electronic parking brake with auto hold
6 airbags
Electronic stability control
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Hill-start assist
ISOFIX mounts
Further up comes the 2.4-litre petrol model in two guises, starting at RM168,000 for the MS trim variant, which carries the following additional equipment in addition to what’s offered in the diesel LS model:
19-inch alloy wheels
LED tail lamps
Multimedia infotainment - Radio, MP3, MP4, Bluetooth, Voice Command
Reverse Camera
Leather Upholstery
Electric seat adjustment - Driver only
Driver seat 2-way lumbar support
3rd row air-con vent
Powered tailgate
Rear door sun blinds
Tonneau cover
Topping the range off is a higher grade HS version of the 2.4 petrol model at RM178,000 with the following additional equipment:
Adaptive HID headlights, auto dynamic leveling
7" TFT Colour LCD trip computer display
Alloy driving pedals
Electric seat adjustment - Driver and Passenger
Smart Parking Assist
Being underpinned by a monocoque frame, the Sorento competes directly against its sister car, the Hyundai Santa Fe, which comes with the same pair of engines. The 2.4-litre petrol variants also go against
Mitsubishi Outlander
 and
Nissan X-Trail 2.5
.
As with all Kia models on sale in Malaysia, the Sorento is covered by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.


2022 Lotus Emira Revealed With 'Baby Evija' Looks And AMG Power

Last night, Hethel-based purveyor of finely tuned lightweight sports cars finally took the wraps off the 2021 Lotus Emira, Lotus’ first true sports car following their stewardship
takeover under Geely
 and sporting a surprise AMG motor.

Sure, technically the
very impressive all-electric Evija
 rolled out first, but that was more of a very limited-run statement piece than anything else. This is Lotus’ first all-new mass production model in more than 10 years, manifesting as a rather elegant and restrainedly aggressive mid-engine two-door coupe that blends plenty of styling cues from their earlier EV hypercar alongside some
whiffs of McLaren
 for good measure.

Keeping things nice and sleek is the decision to not include active aerodynamic elements or prominent splitters or rear wings. The engineers have designed the Emira to create additional downforce at high speed when it’s most needed, keeping the car’s handling balance constant and predictable, retaining that characteristic Lotus feel.

There’s a lot riding on the Emira’s shoulders as it is slated to be the only (combustion) sports car in the company’s stable for at least a couple of years with the planned discontinuation of the Evora at the end of 2021. The Elise and Exige, meanwhile,
met their end earlier this year
.

Obviously, this car is much closer to being a true successor to the Evora with its added focus on refinement, plush interior materials, and a look that’s designed to blend in well alongside its - presumably German and Italian - rivals.

Speaking of which, the likeliest candidate to compete against the 2021 Emira (which is pronounced ‘Eh-meer-ah’ and translates to ‘commander’ or ‘leader’ in several ancient tongues) is, naturally, the
Porsche 718 Cayman
 given prices are earmarked to land a little shy of £60,000, or about RM345,000 before taxes etc. More broadly, we can also foresee buyers cross-shopping between the new Lotus and the
Toyota GR Supra
, BMW M2, and
Alpine A110
.

The car is built upon their new Lotus 'Elemental' Sports Car Architecture, but is really just an evolved version of the Evora’s underpinnings and utilises the same bonded aluminium chassis construction that has been a Lotus staple since the 1996 first-generation Elise.

Much has been changed, however, with only the wheelbase remaining identical to the Evora. Measuring 4,412mm long, 1,985mm wide, and just 1,225mm tall, the 2021 Emira still a rather compact vehicle, though proportionally distinct to its spiritual predecessor.

In its lightest form, the car has a kerb weight of 1,405kg, which is noticeably heavier than the Evora’s sub-1,300kg starting number. The steering, though, remains hydraulically assisted instead of electric, which should please purists.

No doubt contributing to that scale number is the mechanical lump behind the passenger cell. Lotus surprised us all by confirming that the 2021 Emira indeed kicks off a technical relationship with AMG through their parent company Daimler, in which Geely owns a 9.7% stake.

Two engines will be offered, namely the returning supercharged Toyota-sourced 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6, as well as the M139 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, lifted from the
Mercedes-AMG A 45
, famed for currently being the most powerful 4-pot by specific output.

That said, Lotus has not released exact performance figures for either engine, instead opting to state that the 2021 Emira will have outputs ranging from 360hp to 400hp with a century sprint time under 4.5 seconds and a top speed in excess of 290km/h. Meanwhile, maximum torque on the Lotus Emira is stated to be 430Nm.

Seeing as how the current iteration of the Evora comes as standard with 410hp (and 400Nm), we can assume that the larger motor will be tiered higher while the M139 2.0-litre unit is tuned to 360hp. Since we know the same engine in the AMG A45 S chucks out 500Nm, we reckon this peak figure belongs to the smaller engine.

First examples of the 2021 Emira will be designated as limited run Launch Edition cars and will be fitted exclusively with the V6 which we have a sneaking suspicion will remain the more popular choice. Regardless, both are mounted transversely with the V6 being offered with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic while the
AMG four-cylinder
 is mated exclusively to an 8-speed dual-clutch, sending drive to the rear wheels.

The interior, which is entirely new and unrelated to any prior Lotus model, is perhaps the single biggest departure for the brand as a significantly larger emphasis has been placed on making the driver and passenger feel comfortable and cosseted.

Designed to feel more spacious than it actually is with modern ergonomics being heavily considered,  subtle accents of piano black and satin metal inlays also add a touch of class while the 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and wide
10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment
 panel (possibly from the Mercedes-Benz parts bin?) remind you that this car is thoroughly high tech where it counts.

On a side note, we can’t quite justify the orange contrasting trim accents present in these early press photos as they just reinforce the similarities to certain McLaren cabins.

The 2021 Emira is practical too despite not being a 2+2 like the Evora, with legitimately large door pockets, usable cubby spaces, and even some Venti-sized cupholders. Having a transversely mounted engine, the Emira also has a very usable 360-litres of total boot capacity, albeit divided between the cargo area up front (208-litres) and the secondary rear boot (151-litres).

Right out of the gate, as a package, we’ve no doubt that the 2021 Lotus Emira is a more rounded and accomplished car than the Evora was at launch, better suited to put a dent in the established players’ game plan and expose Lotus to a wider base of new buyers and help establish the marque as a major threat. However, has the 'newness' and creature comforts diluted the brand's unique appeal and driving experience? Is it still a Lotus?


Does The World Want Electric Cars? Nope...Apparently Not Yet

In January, multi-national consulting firm (among other things) Deloitte released their ‘
2022 Global Automotive Consumer Study
’. What a cuddly title, right? It painted a pretty mixed picture on the effort to get consumers to abandon combustion-powered cars in favour of battery-powered fully electric vehicles, or
BEV (EV for short)
.

The report can be found on the company’s website, but as its name already suggests, it covers a pretty wide vista of the state of the automotive industry. Importantly, it details and tabulates the current perceptions and future short-term intentions of car buyers from 25 different countries, totalling 26,000 individuals with roughly 1,000 individuals per country.

Though there is considerable momentum in the EV hype train and many
governments implementing aggressive plans
 to convert their legacy fleet of vehicles in their country to electric, the on-the-ground reality is that the buying public is much more pessimistic.

Importantly, the study collected data from consumers in Southeast Asian countries to include alongside the US, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Germany. Yes, this included Malaysia and was carried out between September and October 2021.

That’s a big and diverse enough sample size to deliver insights with a fairly sharp level of definition. Admittedly, a lot of it makes for a somewhat dull afternoon’s reading, especially since it reaffirms many of the predictable market trends.

For example, the study found that:

The majority of people overwhelmingly prefer personal vehicles compared to using public transportation.

They want to buy vehicles in person and not sight-unseen over the internet.

Are willing to embrace advanced tech features if they don’t have to pay a high premium for them.

Are either neutral or openly interested in electric vehicles
IF
 the price is right and they provide a better experience.

Actually, those last two points are interesting because of the high average cost of EVs, which is compounded by the fact that the bulk of the models being sold right now is ‘
halo
’ products either within the model range or the automaker’s entire vehicle portfolio. This is also why it's typically the case that more upmarket manufacturers are the ones pushing hardest into the space.

In short, cars aren’t getting any more affordable and the shift to electric isn't helping to reduce that access barrier to personal mobility. However, that might be due to change with the chorus of automakers investing heavily in more mass-market EV options aimed at volume sales.

Electric vehicles still look like the dominant alternative to cars powered by petrol and diesel over the next few years, but a surprising majority (66%) of buyers
surveyed in Southeast Asia
 admitted to choosing a vehicle powered by internal combustion engines (ICE - petrol/diesel) as their next car purchase.

A further 17% of these consumers said that they’d choose a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), another 11% answered in favour of a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV), leaving just 5% of those queried intending to purchase a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) as their next car.

What’s more interesting are the
parallels between those in Southeast Asia and the United States
 where hybrid vehicles and EVs have had much more time to saturate with buyers. Apparently, they remain as unconvinced as most of us with
64% of them wanting their next vehicle to be ICE powered and only 5% wanting fully electric.

Looking at Malaysia
 specifically, in which 1,005 people were queried, the numbers revealed from the Deloitte study does vary slightly from the region at large with
68% of local respondents preferring an ICE in their next car
, 18% preferring hybrids (HEV), 8% preferring PHEVs, and
just 2%
 preferring a battery electric vehicle.

We can probably combine HEV and PHEV
into the same
‘Hybrid’
 category
, making that chunk worth 26% of the Malaysians surveyed, due to the fact that most buyers might not be fully informed about the distinction between them and answered incorrectly when they called to mind a certain vehicle.

Sticking with our country
, ‘
Charging Infrastructure’
 was listed as the most common primary concern regarding battery electric vehicle ownership at 25% followed by
cost
 (18%),
battery safety
 (10%),
driving range
 (10%), and
charging time
 (8%).

Interestingly, the Malaysian sample was also asked to provide a number, in kilometres, of what range a BEV would have to be able to provide per charge for them to consider a purchase,
which averaged out to 572km
.

Starting in 2022, the Malaysian market is about to receive the longest string of consecutive new EVs entering the market in its history, which will now be sold to the public without excise or import duty and are even
exempt from annual road tax
 - among other incentives -
until the end of 2025
.

This influx of choice
 might have an impact on the preferences of those queried for the study if Deloitte returns to update it for 2023. That said, it will be hard to imagine an overwhelming shift in consumer perception and intentionality within just 12 months especially given the concerns of long-term EV ownership (battery degradation, resale value) related to its technology (range anxiety, long charging time) and infrastructure (the
lack of charging stations
).

It’ll be an interesting few years as the world wrestles with how to cut ourselves off reliance on depleting fossil fuel reserves to power both our vehicles and, much more significantly, the electrical grid.

Grab your popcorn and get comfy, you'll want to see how all this shakes out.


Cars 3 Extended Trailer – Aging McQueen Battles A Young Hi-Tech Racer

Your son’s favourite cartoon will be returning to the silver screens for a third installment this June. The latest trailer released by Disney-Pixar for Cars 3 has revealed a bit more details on the plot lines.
The first trailer released in November 2016 had a rather dark opening, hinting the arrival of a new character in the form of a Le Mans style GT racer. McQueen was seen crashing into the wall, possibly terminating his racing career for good.
The latest extended trailer tells us that the new character’s name is Jackson Storm. He is part of a new generation of hi-tech racers, with scenes showing us his carbon fibre rear wing, wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics and him training using a simulator, not too different from what modern day race car drivers do.
The thumbnail image on his character's introduction below states that Jackson Storm is powered by a 450 hp V8 engine with a carbon fibre and composite metal body. His chassis is made from hydroformed alloy and steel.
McQueen appears to be struggling with his career, as 10 years have passed since the first Cars was introduced in 2006. McQueen is now approaching the twilight of his racing career, and needs to come to terms that this new comer, Jackson Storm, is taking over his place on the track.
In comes Cruz Ramirez, a female character (voiced by comedian Cristela Alonzo) appearing in the animation in the form of a coupe that appears to have a mix of styling from a Chevrolet Corvette and a Ferrari 488. She seems to be a trainer of sorts, and working together with Doc Hudson Hornet to motivate McQueen
Cars 3 will premier in June 2016.


Toyota, Hino, Daihatsu, And Perodua To Consolidate Under UMW Holdings?

Last week, UMW Holdings made an offer to acquire MBM Resources (MBMR) from their present controlling shareholders Med-Bumikar Mara SB and Central Shore SB for approximately RM501 million in cash.
Med-Bumikar Mara SB and Central Shore SB control 50.07 percent of MBMR, which in turn holds a 22.58 percent stake in Perodua. If the offer is accepted, and when combined with UMW’s separate offer to purchase the government-owned PNB Equity Resource Corporation Sdn. Bhd.’s 10 percent stake in Perodua for RM117.5 million in cash, UMW Holdings will control 70.58 percent of Perodua.
It is important to note that to date, MBMR has yet to come to a decision regarding UMW’s offer but analysts at RHB Research say that the offer by UMW is too low and shareholders of MBMR are expected to hold out. Accepting the offer by UMW would also trigger a mandatory general offer (MGO) for the remaining shares at MBMR.
UMW’s offer for PNB’s stake in Perodua however, is likely to proceed since PNB is also a major shareholder of UMW Holdings.
As Malaysia’s best-selling automotive brand, the focus of UMW’s deal was very much centered around Perodua.
However apart from its interest in Perodua, MBMR also owns 51.5 percent of commercial vehicles distributor Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (DMSB) and 42 percent of Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (HMSM), plus 42 percent of lorry assembler Hino Motors Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (HMMM).
Both Daihatsu and Hino brands are part of the Toyota Motor group, with Perodua being an extension of Toyota’s universe by virtue of Perodua’s partnership with Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. If successful, it would also imply that UMW Holdings will consolidate all Toyota-owned brands’ local operations under its umbrella.
Presently, UMW’s presence in the commercial vehicles segment is limited only to the Hiace van and Hilux pick-up truck, so the addition of Daihatsu and Hino products will be a good complement. UMW is also the distributor for Penzoil lubricants, including lubricants for heavy duty commercial vehicles.
Last year, Daihatsu sold only 803 vehicles, contributed solely by the Gran Max range. Hino however, is the second best-selling commercial vehicle brand in Malaysia, ranked behind the DRB-owned Isuzu Malaysia. Last year, Hino sold 5,002 vehicles versus Isuzu’s 5,650 units (excluding D-Max pick-up truck and MU-X SUV).
On the retail front, MBMR also owns Federal Auto Holdings Berhad, the largest dealer for Volvo cars in the country, as well as F.A. Wagen, a prominent dealer for Volkswagen. Both compete against UMW Holdings’ Toyota and Lexus operations so the deal will have an indirect effect to both Volvo Car Malaysia and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia.
The offer by UMW will remain open until 5pm 28 March 2018.


Mercedes-AMG Close To Unleashing 800hp 2022 Hybrid GT 73e 4-Door Coupe

The upcoming, and previously teased, Mercedes-AMG flagship sedan, is all but confirmed to be making a debut - even arriving in showrooms - within a few months time, pairing hybrid power with Affalterbach’s mighty twin-turbo V8 for a combined output of more than 800hp - or so goes the rumour mill.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 73e is an upcoming, hybrid version of the company’s range-topping
GT 4-Door
 to slot above the combustion-only GT63, itself related more to the E-Class-based CLS than the two-door GT coupe. As such, some are claiming this as the spiritual successor to the famed W124-based brute, the 300CE Hammer from 1988.

Set to become the range-topping model, the GT 73e (or, its full name: GT 73e 4Matic+ EQ Power+ 4-Door Coupé) will feature a hybrid drivetrain that brings together the already familiar M177 4.0-liter V-8 petrol engine and a rear-mounted electric motor.

The hybrid saloon is said to generate around 800hp combined and offer an all-electric range of around 25 miles on the WLTP cycle, making it the most powerful and fastest-accelerating four-door ever put out by AMG, with a 0-100km/h sprint time of under 3 seconds and a top speed over 320km/h.

As is, the electrified and performance-oriented hybrid powertrain is also set to make an appearance in the upcoming SL as well as an AMG-fettled version of the S-Class. Later on, however, that rear-mounted electric motor and hybrid backbone will be a shared basis for the C 63, albeit paired to
a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4
 - reportedly.

This layout is termed by Mercedes-AMG as P3, which utilises an electric motor integrated into the rear axle assembly, freeing up the engineers from the packaging constraints posed by the older P2 system used in Mercedes-Benz’s PHEVs which had its e-motor sat within the automatic transmission housing.

Not only does the P3 allow direct drive to the rear wheels with minimal frictional losses for more instantaneous performance, but it also optimises weight distribution and is more efficient when driving on full electric mode.

Where previously, with P2, the electric motor was constrained by the torque limitations of the gearbox, a rear-mounted motor allows AMG to fit a much more powerful unit. Specifically, various sources point to the motor being related to the ZF-produced M0 found in the
Benz’s own EQC
, reportedly boasting around 205PS and 362Nm on its own.

Given an unchanged output from the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 from the GT 63S at 640PS and 900Nm, the electric motor assist should easily bump combined torque well beyond the 1,000Nm mark, perhaps even comparable to
AMG’s upcoming One hypercar
 with its F1-derived hybrid power unit.

The only real competitor to the GT 73e will be the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which also pairs a 4.0-litre V8 to an electric motor.
Launched in 2017
, it has comfortably stayed at the top of the fast saloon pecking order.

Following its 2021 facelift and spec bump, the Porsche now produces 700PS and 870Nm, but that might not be enough of a boost to face off against this newest electrified big boss from AMG.


Apa itu Toyota’s Hybrid Drive?

If we look back at the history of hybrid cars, there's no denying that Toyota is basically the company that helped popularise it.

Yes, they were not the first, but it was Toyota with their Prius that made hybrid technology widespread to the masses. In international markets since its debut in 1997, the Prius is considered to be the world's best-selling hybrid vehicle, spawning the
Toyota Hybrid Drive
 that is now seen in a lot of newer Toyotas.

But what is Toyota's Hybrid Drive? How does it work to improve a Toyota and save your fuel costs? To answer this, we must first understand what a hybrid car is?

What is a hybrid car?

A hybrid car
, popularly known as HEV, is basically a vehicle with two or more power sources. They usually consist of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. This synergy gives cars better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, as well as provide you with smoother acceleration and reduced emissions.

Next question, what is an HEV?

An HEV is usually a vehicle made with hybrid batteries.
Unlike conventional vehicles
 with ICE, hybrid cars are powered by a combustion engine (petrol/diesel) and an electric motor that gets its juice from the hybrid battery.

HEVs do not have a socket for recharging purposes as the batteries are generally recharged through a regenerative braking process. When the brakes are pressed, the energy accumulated from the vehicle's braking is converted to electric energy, which in turn charges the battery pack.

The advantage of an HEV compared to a conventional vehicle is, of course,
better fuel economy
 which in succession provides you with lower fuel costs.

HEVs also have lower greenhouse gas emissions than their conventional ICE counterparts, especially when it is running purely on electricity from the batteries at low speeds.

More questions: How does Toyota's Hybrid Drive work?

The Toyota Hybrid System (THS) is an HEV system that combines a highly efficient petrol engine
with an electric motor
 to provide efficiency, drivability, performance and longer range between refuelling.

THS consists of six primary components:

an ICE engine

electric motor

hybrid battery

electric generator

power control unit

power split device that employs a unique gearbox to distribute power from the engine, motor, and generator smoothly.

It's a clever fuel-saving system that can seamlessly and automatically switch between electric and conventional engine power. It can also adapt to different driving conditions, where the THS intelligently controls the power coming from both sources and tells the car how to combine them for the greatest efficiency and performance.

The system delivers a synergy between the two power sources. For example, when starting off and accelerating, which generally reduces fuel efficiency, the system uses its electric motor to accelerate efficiently and powerfully.

When driving conditions allow it, such as in slow-moving traffic, the generator can cut out the petrol engine and let the electric motor take over for zero-emissions travelling. This sophisticated engine management system can also sense when the car is stopped and will switch off the engine to conserve power and cut emissions, automatically starting up again when needed.

The battery is kept well charged by the system, so a hybrid-powered Toyota won't need to be plugged into an external supply to be recharged.

But, how is the battery charged?

THS charges the batteries in a couple of ways:

The first way it does this is through the petrol engine, which drives the generator to charge the battery.

The second way it charges the battery is through regenerative braking, converting braking energy into electric energy.

Every time a driver puts their foot on the brake or lifts off the accelerator, the system diverts energy back to the battery. Instead of wasting energy as heat or noise from the brakes, the system recovers kinetic energy as electrical power.

This is an excellent system, especially for those who are constantly in stop-start traffic, as the system recovers and stores a great deal of energy that would be otherwise lost.

Aaah so you ask, how long can the hybrid battery last?

The 4th generation THS battery has been improved drastically and is designed to last as long as the vehicle itself. Toyota has managed to achieve this by improving the battery's cooling system, including changing the cooling air filter material for better dust-protection (mesh to non-woven fabric), improving filter accessibility for easier cleaning and relocating the air intake for better quality cooling performance.

Not only have they improved its durability, but they have also improved its pack structure, which is now made more compact to allow the pack to be installed under the rear seats, thus ensuring the same luggage capacity as its ICE equivalent.

It sounds all eco-friendly, but what is it like to drive?

The 4th Gen THS adopts more of a compact design and the use of efficient components (Hybrid battery, transaxle, motor etc.), which contributes to weight saving of the whole system.

When you combine this with the hybrid system's positioning, which helps lower the vehicle's centre of gravity, a Toyota HEV is actually quite a fun car to drive.

Some people might think HEVs are slow and boring, but on the contrary,  HEVs can perform rapid acceleration in every speed range. In addition, the electric motor supports the car with more responsive and controllable acceleration, especially when launching from a standstill.

If that doesn't do it for you, we're pretty sure its serene NVH attributes will, as the engine relies heavily on the electric motor, which pretty much gives you a refined driving experience.

You can also select 'EV MODE', which allows you to run the vehicle using only the electric motor if you wish to run the vehicle quietly, for example, early in the morning or late at night.

Tapi kan, is a Toyota HEV good for Malaysia?

According to Toyota, they consider HEVs as the
most realistic and affordable
 choice for Malaysians at this point in time. Due to the lack of charging infrastructure plus the ability to charge itself, a Toyota HEV is the most realistic and dare we say affordable move into electrification for the masses.

HEVs are also only approximately 10% more expensive than their internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalent, but still more affordable compared to fully electric vehicles.

In effect then, are HEVs the answer for today, for Malaysia?


Wawasan 2021: Malaysia Flying Car Project Tercapai!

It's one year late but it seems like we've always had a car that could fly in Malaysia so this Wawasan 2021, Malaysia's Flying Car Project tercapai juga!

In a video uploaded on TikTok a few days ago, a
Myvi
 was spotted at the edge of a slope near the Kuala Lumpur Royal Military Police Corps (PULAPOT) training centre, showcasing its flying capabilities over a divider.

The TikTok user who captured the video said that the incident happened only 25 minutes earlier where the Myvi went up the steep bank right in front of his own eyes.

"Baru jadi 25minit td….depan mata tgk die naik atas tu,sempat pegang kete die,suruh keluar dlu…takut jatuh je…mangsa selamat xde pape…."

Watched over close to 300,000 times and liked by over 15,000 people, many commented that the national car has never failed to
get itself
 into the most peculiar of incidents, truly earning the title
King of the Road.

Despite being in the national market for 16 years, the Perodua Myvi or better known as the King of The Road often
appears in the press
 and is still a topic of conversation throughout the country, placing it controversially as the most successful model in the Malaysian market.

Some have even gone as far as saying that you don't choose the Myvi, the Myvi chooses you, and that based on ancient rumours that have spread from the first generation to the third generation of this model, anyone sitting in the driver's seat of King Myvi no matter what generation will instantly get a personality change as if they are possessed by a speed demon.

The third-generation Myvi has been with us
since 2017
 and is rumoured to be receiving a facelift in
2022
.


Honda E Production Version Will Come With Cameras For Side Mirrors And Flush Door Handles

Honda has confirmed that the Side Camera Mirror System of the new
Honda e urban electric vehicle
 will be available as standard when the car enters production.
As seen on the prototype version, the technology is a first in the compact segment and brings significant benefits for styling, safety, aerodynamics and refinement.
The Side Camera Mirror System replaces conventional side view mirrors with compact cameras providing live images to two six-inch screens inside the vehicle.
Integrated at either end of the dashboard, these ergonomically positioned screens ensure a natural feel and vision for the driver. The camera technology helps the car retain a modern, clean and simple design, and complements the stepless A-pillars and flush ‘pop out’ door handles, also confirmed for the production version of the Honda e.
Unlike conventional side mirrors, the cameras are contained within the width of the car and do not extend beyond the wheel arches.
Besides improving visibility, the compact cameras also reduce aerodynamic drag by around 90% compared to conventional door mirrors.
The result is an approximate 3.8% improvement for the entire vehicle, contributing towards the models overall efficiency and range. Furthermore, there is a significant reduction of wind noise compared to normal side mirrors at higher speeds.
The shape of the camera unit housing is designed to prevent water drops on the lens. A water-repellent coating on the lens surfaces deter any other residual water build up.
The optimal positioning of the Side Camera Mirror System cameras delivers a host of safety advantages. The driver can choose between ‘normal view’ and ‘wide view’ via the vehicle settings, extending the field of vision further than with conventional side mirrors and reducing blind spots by around 10% in normal view and approximately 50% in wide view.
When selecting reverse gear, guidelines appear on the side view screens in addition to an enhanced camera angle, expanding visibility and delivering further benefits to the driver.
Brightness levels on the interior displays automatically adjust based on the prevailing light conditions. Extensive testing and development has been undertaken to ensure the Side Camera Mirror System delivers superior visibility in poor weather, low-light and night-time conditions with no dazzle or glare.
This provides drivers with greater clarity and awareness of surrounding objects than conventional side view mirrors in all conditions. Inside, the spacious, contemporary interior creates a comfortable lounge-like feel with an intuitive and customisable dual touch-screen interface to keep passengers engaged with their connected lifestyles.
The car’s sporty rear-wheel drive set up, advanced electric powertrain and high-performance battery, delivers a fun, dynamic driving experience. Speaking of powertrain, the Honda e will feature a driving range of about 200 km and ‘fast charge’ functionality, providing 80% range in just 30 minutes.
 Expected to enter production later this year, the Honda e will only be offered in Europe.


New Mitsubishi Triton Athlete Launched, Priced from RM126,990

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just launched the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete, with some exclusive exterior and interior enhancements.
On the outside, a new gloss black grille with honeycomb pattern boldly adorns the front. A lower bumper spoiler with gloss black inserts, matched with new fog lamp garnish, completes the look of the new front styling.
The gloss black treatment continues around the entire vehicle, strategically covering the following items:
17-inch multispoke alloy wheels
Over fenders
Door handles
Side mirror cover
Side step bar
Rear bumper
To further enhance the dynamic outlook of the Triton Athlete, a new colour coded Sports bar is fitted on the deck, together with rear spoiler at the tip of the tail gate.
Completing the sporty look is a set of special orange and black stripes at the lower proximity of the doors as well as the corners of front and rear bumpers, and the Sports bar.
Highlight of the interior of the Triton Athlete are perforated orange leather combination seats with ‘Athlete’ embroidery on the front seats.
Matching orange stitching are found on steering wheel, shift knob, console armrest and door trim inserts in the predominantly black interior.
The 7-inch infotainment system receives an upgrade, now with Apple CarPlay connectivity.
There are no changes to the powertrain in the Triton Athlete, with the 2.4-litre MIVEC generating 181 PS and 430 Nm of torque.
Rough terrain is effortlessly handled with the Easy Select dial with shift-on-the-fly function to engage four wheel drive.
The Triton Athlete, fully-imported from Thailand, comes only in Black Mica and is priced as affordably as the Triton VGT Adventure X from RM 126,990. It is backed by a five-year/200,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.


Fuel Price Update: April 2017 Week 1

As we reported
earlier
, the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism has announced that petrol and diesel prices will be updated on a weekly basis.

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 For the first week of April 2017, here's the new prices:
RON95 - RM2.13 per litre (down 17 sen)
RON97 - RM2.41 per litre (down 19 sen)
Diesel - RM2.11 per litre (down 9 sen)
Euro 5 Diesel - RM2.21 per litre (down 9 sen)


2022 Honda HR-V 1.5S vs 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G vs 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8V

The new
2022 Honda HR-V
 has just been launched and many people we know are comparing it against the
Toyota Corolla Cross
 - but how do the non-turbo variants compare?

Here we are in the middle of 2022, and car buyers who are looking to get a new SUV have a much harder choice to make thanks to all the new options in the market to date.

Honda Malaysia has unveiled its latest
2022 Honda HR-V
 line-up, and we want to see how the non-turbo 1.5S goes up against the likes of the
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G
 and
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8V
, which were launched back in March 2021. This is the battle between the
non-turbos
, baby!

These two models are constantly put head-to-head (and they were level on some occasions), but with the new HR-V S variant being fitted with a smaller 1.5-litre N/A engine, will the outcome carry a big difference compared to the 1.8-litre also N/A mill in the Corolla Cross?

Below is the spec sheet between the three models for your perusal before we break them down further.

MODEL

2022 HONDA HR-V 1.5S

2021 TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS 1.8G

2021 TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS 1.8V

PRICE

RM114,800

RM128,303

RM134,429

ENGINE

1.5L DOHC iVTEC

1.8L DOHC Dual VVT-i

1.8L DOHC Dual VVT-i

POWER

121PS @ 6,000rpm

139PS @ 6,400rpm

139PS @ 6,400rpm

TORQUE

145Nm @ 4,300rpm

172Nm @ 4,000rpm

172Nm @ 4,000rpm

TRANSMISSION

CVT

7-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic

7-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic

DRIVEN WHEELS

FWD

FWD

FWD

BOOT SPACE

Not specified

440L

440L

INFOTAINMENT

8-inch Advanced Touch Display

9-inch Capacitive Touch Screen

9-inch Capacitive Touch Screen

SPEAKERS

4

6

6

AIRBAGS

4

7

7

SAFETY

Collision Mitigation Braking System

Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow

Road Departure Mitigation

Lane Keep Assist

Auto High Beam

Wide-angle rearview camera system

Parking sensors

Auto Brake Hold

Hill Descent Control (HDC)

Agile Handle Assist (ASA)

Cruise Control

Blind Spot Monitor

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Tyre Pressure Warning System

Parking Sensors

Vehicle Stability Control

Traction Control

Hill-Start Assist Control

Emergency Brake Signal

ABS, EBD, BA

Pre-Collision System

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Lane Tracing Assist

Automatic High Beam

Blind Spot Monitor

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Tyre Pressure Warning System

Parking Sensors

Vehicle Stability Control

Traction Control

Hill-Start Assist Control

Emergency Brake Signal

ABS, EBD, BA

Safety Specs - Honda Sensing or Toyota Safety Sense?

Safety-wise, the 2022 Honda HR-V 1.5S is on par with the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8V due to the complete offerings in terms of the Honda Sensing and Toyota Safety Sense.

The Corolla Cross 1.8G is left slightly behind due to the missing Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Automatic High Beam, which are readily available in the 1.8V.

The downside of the HR-V is that the base model only has four airbags (compared to six in the other three due to missing curtains). That's quite a difference when you notice the Corolla's seven airbag setup (with curtains & driver's knee) for both the G and V variants.

1.5L vs 1.8L

As for the powertrain, it's true that you'll be paying less for road tax in the Honda HR-V and its 1.5-litre engine, and it's only 18PS down compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross non-hybrid duo (although torque is considerably lower by 27Nm, which can be noticeable depending on occupancy and cargo).

With that being said the Corolla Cross outputs its maximum power at 6,400rpm compared to the HR-V at 6,000rpm, its higher torque production is a clear winner for the Toyota with more torque getting laid down at a lower rpm range. 172Nm @ 4,000rpm from the Corolla Cross simply stomps the HR-V's 145Nm @ 4,300rpm.

Price

There's a reason why there are so many Toyota Corolla Cross models on the Malaysian roads today - competitive pricing. From RM128K-RM134K, it's honestly a good price for an SUV of this size, power, and calibre.

The 2022 Honda HR-V might bring the heat when it comes to design and overall offerings, particularly the 1.5 S which has a slight advantage thanks to its slightly lower pricing (RM114,800) . It's still a good offering, though, probably has a slight advantage against the Corolla Cross 1.8G when looking at the overall specs, but it's neck and neck with the 1.8V in our eyes.


2015 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Officially Launched In Malaysia: From RM789k

Keeping the lid on its mightier
M6
 Gran Coupe for the moment,
BMW
 Group Malaysia has just launched its new, facelifted 2015
6 Series
 Gran Coupe.
You’ll have to drop a whopping
RM788,800
 (OTR without insurance) for the sole variant, a 640i Gran Coupe, but rest assured the package comes with BMW Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranted and Free Scheduled Service Program).
The new prices is a slight increase from the pre-facelift version of the four-door luxury sports coupe (RM8,800 more), but it does come loaded with a lot more toys.
So what’s new to get?
As you
ought to know by now
, exterior changes brought on by the new 6 Series Gran Coupe largely surround what you see in front of the car, and a barrage of updated materials inside it.
EXTERIOR:
 Starting outside, the changes include a redesigned kidney grille, the addition of a few new chrome trims. Adaptive LED headlamps with Selective Beam technology is standard kit, and so is the superb-looking 19-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels.
Then there’s the offering an M Sport Package (included in the price, standard kit), which adds of an M Aerodynamic kit (front, rear aprons with unique side sill covers), and a sportier bumper trim in dark shadow metallic.
INTERIOR:
Moving inside the car, you’ll notice the introduction of a heap of new, higher-quality materials that keeps the 6 Series as contemporary as ever. The new frameless design information display screen is present, while the head unit’s displays have also been improved to be seen better is various light conditions, including harsh sunlight.
A neat new party trick of the 6 Series Gran Coupe is its Seatbelt Parking feature, which detects when you’re about to park the car, and loosens the seatbelts via an electric motor to free up the driver’s body for easier movement.
The interior itself is available in two bicolour options, being a Nappa leather upholstery in either Ivory White on Black, or Cognac on Black.
PERFORMANCE:
 With just the one variant carried forward by BMW Malaysia (640i), so to does the 3.0-litre six-cylinder BMW TwinPower engine continue to feature. Making 320hp and 450Nm of torque, the inline six-pot is capable of launching the behemoth 6 Series Gran Coupe from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
And to make the sprints and speed bursts all the more fun, BMW has added a new sports exhaust system which has an adjustable flap. Activated when the car’s Sport mode is turned on, the flap creates a louder and sportier exhaust note.
Now, let’s see the M6 Gran Coupe, BMW Malaysia.


Lexus Reveals The All-New RX 450h and RX F Sport In New York

Before the start of the 2015 New York International Auto Show,
Lexus
 has revealed the all-new, fourth-generation RX in 450h and F Sport guise and we have to say, this is certainly one good looking SUV. However, it’s not just about looks as the all-new
Lexus RX
 gets more of everything as well.
Starting with the design, Lexus’ current design language is apparent on the front fascia with the brand’s trademark spindle grille. Beside it, you’ll find L-shaped LED headlamps and fog lamps found in angular crevices.
Along the side, the new profile with its flowing roof line serves to minimise drag and reduce lift at the front and rear. Large 20-inch aluminium wheels are also fitted but the highlight is the unique C-pillar design is blacked out to create a floating roof effect. The aggressive rear-end features L-shaped taillights and a lower bumper lip to cap things off.
The F Sport version of the RX features special visual and performance features beginning with an F-motif mesh at the front and rear, new alloy wheel designs. dedicated instrument cluster,
Moving inside, the larger cabin space is a result of a longer wheelbase on the RX. At 2,790mm, it is 50mm more than its predecessor. In fact, the RX has sits larger than before at 4,890mm in length and 1,895mm in width, 120mm longer and 10mm wider.
At first glance, the cabin is now more driver-focused with the gear shifter placed further ahead to improve reach as well as a longer centre console that cocoons the driver. The dials on the hybrid omits the rev counter in favour of an hybrid status gauge while the F Sport gets a LFA-inspired dial instead along with a sports steering wheel, paddle shifters, and a wider array of colour options and trim.
A 12.3-inch infotainment screen comes as standard and the rear seats now come with a power-fold feature. For those looking for a little more sun, there is a panoramic sunroof as well.
Lexus say the all-new RX “has been engineered to deliver car-like handling.” This includes strengthening the entire chassis and making the body structure stiffer. Elsewhere, the fully independent MacPherson struts manage things at the front while a rear double wishbone set-up, at the rear and most RX versions will come with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) as well.
Additionally, the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) recognises the situation ahead of the car and makes the necessary adjustments to keep the car under control as well. The RX F Sport is also fitted with an active stabiliser system as is the AVS. An additional Sport S+ mode is added to the Drive More Select system as well.
Power-wise, the same 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is retained but now produces 300hp and is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. A full hybrid powertrain is available as well that features an Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6 with an electric motor where system output is around 300hp.
The Lexus Safety System+ suite of active and passive safety systems can be found here with technologies that include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). Other optional safety features are Adaptive High Beam System, Panoramic View Monitor, and Blind Spot Monitor.


Review: 2016 Honda Accord Facelift – Refining A Proven Winner

In competition, a commonly-held wisdom is that first spot is often easier to attain than it is to defend. Without an opponent in front to chase and overtake, the focus shifts to defending one’s turf and ensuring complacency does not creep in, a task often easier said than done.
Honda pulled off a shock in
2015 by overtaking Toyota to become the best-selling non-national brand in Malaysia
, a position it successfully
defended in 2016
. That position will be hard to maintain amidst challenging marketing conditions and intensifying competition, but one thing Honda will not do is sit still and be an easy target for competitors.
Across the board, Honda has class-leading products and among them is
the Accord
. After its most recent
full model change in 2013
, the
Accord
 supplanted the Toyota Camry to become the best-selling model in the D-segment.
Three years into its model life cycle, Honda gave the Accord its
mid-life facelift in 2016
. In this review, we seek to find out, albeit belatedly, if Honda’s efforts are sufficient to keep its D-segment flagship ahead of the pack.
Specifications:
2.0 VTi, 2.0 VTi-L
Price: RM144,800 – RM153,800 (OTR with Insurance)
Engine: 2.0-litre, Inline-4 Transverse, SOHC i-VTEC, Petrol
Power: 155PS @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 190Nm @ 4,300rpm
Transmission: 5-speed torque converter automatic, FWD
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX, Electronic Stability Control (VSA), Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Parking Sensors Front & Rear, Multi-Angle Reverse Camera (VTi-L), Lane Watch Camera (VTi-L)
2.4 VTi-L
Price: RM172,800 (OTR with Insurance)
Engine: 2.4-litre, Inline-4 Transverse, DOHC i-VTEC, Petrol
Power: 175PS @ 6,200rpm
Torque: 225Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 5-speed torque converter automatic, FWD
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX, Electronic Stability Control (VSA), Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Parking Sensors Front & Rear, Multi-Angle Reverse Camera, Lane Watch Camera
Origin: Locally-assembled in Pegoh, Malacca
Overview
External alterations are minimal and mechanical changes are, for all practical purposes, negligible. What Honda has focused on its midlife facelift of this critically-acclaimed Accord is substantial enhancement of its value proposition whilst giving subtle tweaks of its design cues.

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 The same three variant line-up from before is carried forward and retained at roughly the same price points. Whilst new features aren’t introduced, kit that was previously reserved for upper models have trickled down.
From two previously, the base 2.0 VTi model now gets six airbags along with keyless entry, engine start button, cruise control, and hands-free telephone as standard for a modest price increase of RM3,700 to hit the road at RM144,800 with insurance.
Moving up, the mid-range 2.0 VTi-L receives the award-winning Honda LaneWatch system, powered front passenger seat, auto wipers, and auto-dimming rear view mirror for an even slimmer price hike of RM1,500 to put its on-the-road price at RM153,800.
Finally, the range-topping 2.4 VTi-L gets no significant add-ons to its equipment manifest, but sees its price slashed by RM5,400 to RM172,800 on-the-road with insurance.
Exterior
New bumpers, new grille, new lights, new alloy wheels – that pretty much sums up what’s new in the facelifted Accord’s appearance.
As before, the 2.0-litre models get halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights whilst the 2.4 VTi-L gets full LED illumination; LED daytime running lights have been and continue to be standard in all variants. The designs of both headlight variants have been altered, with the 2.4’s LED headlamps getting the same Acura-inspired pattern as seen in the current
Civic Turbo
.
A bolder chrome grille, reprofiled bumper with sharper more aggressive edges, and LED-illuminated fog lamps complete the changes at the front end.
Alloy wheels sport new designs, but their sizes remain differentiated according to engine capacity as before – 17 inches for 2.0-litre variants and 18 inches for the 2.4. More crucial difference is the rubber they wear – Goodyear Excellence for the 2.0-litre, Michelin PS3 for the 2.4.
Astern, new LED-illuminated BMW-esque tail lights take centre stage amidst additional strips of chrome spanning the boot lid and bumper. Rear fog lights, previously unavailable, have been added for better visibility – no excuse to use the hazard lights on rainy days then.
Three new colours are introduced with this facelift, with White Orchid Pearl (RM400 extra), Lunar Silver Metallic and Obsidian Blue Pearl replacing the Champagne Frost Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Taffeta White shades previously offered. Two carryover colours from the pre-facelift model, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl, are also available for selection.
Interior
Just as we’ve seen outside, changes to the Accord’s cabin are similarly minor. There is the odd smattering of new trim materials here and there, but the overall layout is largely unchanged.
Honda’s intriguing approach of using two central screens with touch interface provided to lower one is retained and further refined. Satellite navigation is dropped, but in comes Android Auto and Apple Car Play, allowing users to directly tap in to their phone’s GPS apps.
As usual, Honda’s interior packaging and ergonomics are spot on. The abovementioned dual-screen centre console may sound confusing, but proved remarkably intuitive to operate upon familiarization. It also contributed to significantly reduced clutter.
In fact, all audio control elements have been migrated into the 7-inch display screen, usefully freeing up space to introduce an additional storage bin just below the climate control switch panel. The compartment is large enough to swallow even the largest mobile phones currently on sale and comes complete with a USB charging slot.
Driving Experience
The two four-cylinder petrol i-VTEC engines powering the Accord and the 5-speed automatic transmission tacked to them require no further introduction. They are far from cutting edge hardware, but with 155PS / 190Nm from the 2.0-litre and 175PS / 225Nm from the 2.4, they remain competitive on paper.
In practice, both powertrains proved adequately quick and smooth-revving, though decidedly old-school in the fashion of their power delivery, especially when pushed. Honda’s 5-speed auto, whilst still smooth in its shifts, is starting to feel its age especially where shift times are concerned; ‘S’ mode in the 2.4-litre brings a more responsive shift programme out of the transmission.
Honda has traditionally favoured a sportier setup for its suspension. The Accord in its current generation shifts its scope of priorities to give a greater emphasis for comfort, though it remains a highly competent driver’s tool. Steering is not the last word in weight and feel, granted, but the chassis is sufficiently balanced to engender confidence around bends.
Whilst not entirely effective in its ability to isolate long-wave undulations, the suspension – MacPherson struts up front and multi links at the rear – does a fair job of keeping all four wheels on the ground, helping maintain a good modicum of body control. High speed stability is confident and reassuring.
Comfort & Refinement
Rarely does a media drive excursion dedicate an entire section of its programme for journalists to be chauffeured over an extended distance, but that was what Honda Malaysia built into the itinerary of its 2-day trip with the Accord to Gambang, Pahang. It was a demonstration on Honda’s part of its confidence in the Accord’s viability to serve the needs of the rear-seated
towkays
 who have typically gone for the
Toyota Camry
 as their cut price alternative to a Mercedes-Benz.
Certainly, the accommodations are adequate. Aft section is not found wanting for space in all the relevant metrics – leg room, head room, and knee room. You get a centre arm rest with cupholders and retractable sunshades for both rear doors. Rear blowers are provided, but dedicated fan and temperature controls would be welcomed additions. Shoulder-mounted control switches for the front passenger switch as provided in the
Camry
 wouldn’t go amiss either, if Honda is serious about giving the Accord chauffeur duty credentials.
At least the ride quality is up to the task – the suspension copes well in absorbing sharp intrusions from potholes and speed bumps. Noise levels are acceptably muted too, quiet enough to carry out conversations at highway speed without needing to raise one’s voice.
Against The Competition
Honda’s current wave of success is fuelled by a range of competitive products each with a fine blend of abilities. Such is the company’s confidence in its current model line-up that road-tests against competitor cars have become a staple in the itinerary of their local media drives for some time now.
On this occasion, Honda brought along the Accord’s two closest competitors, the Toyota Camry and
Nissan Teana
, both vehicles present in their 2.0-litre guises. Other challengers in the segment, though not represented at the event, include the Mazda 6,
Volkswagen Passat
, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima,
Peugeot 508
, and the
Ford Mondeo EcoBoost
.
Despite starting with a seemingly weak hand, its rated outputs of 136PS and 190Nm being the lowest on paper, the Teana 2.0 felt surprisingly sprightly on the move. Credit is due, we feel, to Nissan’s superb calibration of its X-Tronic CVT, which always seemed on the ball in making the most out of the engine’s modest outputs. The chassis is pleasing too, almost European in behaviour, confidently thumping out rough patches of road whilst effectively reining in body roll when pushed. The Nissan is let down by its cabin ambiance, however, which feels no better than an oversized Sylphy with regards to materials and fit.
In many ways, the Camry is a contrast to what the Teana has to offer. Toyota built this car with chauffeur duty in mind, and its interior is finished accordingly; its selection of materials more classic and more exquisite in comparison with the Nissan. On the road, the Camry’s class-leading 6AR 2.0-litre dual injection VVT-iW powerplant promises much on paper, but finds much of its delivery retarded by a reticent 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s a smooth-shifting ‘box, granted, but its ratios are spread too wide requiring one to utilize the entire rev band for any form of enthusiastic driving. Its body control is also the weakest of the trio present.
Conclusion
Our experience here reinforces our earlier findings in the
2015 great D-segment shootout
. Against its diametrically opposed competitors, the Accord occupies a happy middle ground. It has a more appealing interior than the Teana and more enjoyable to the drive than the Camry. Conversely, in areas where it lags against these two competitors, the Accord isn’t far behind. So, whilst its rivals do exceed it in some areas, the Accord ultimately redeems itself by offering a better-rounded skillset.
Honda had already found its winning formula with the Accord in 2013, and has sensibly chosen not to overdo the tinkering in this facelift exercise. The trickle down of extra equipment to the lower models was just what was needed to enhance the model’s overall competitiveness. The next generation Accord will probably need to feature more significant alterations, including a full powertrain change, but for now, minor tweaks are all that’s needed.


Kia Introduces Facelifted Sorento And Grand Carnival In Malaysia, Prices Maintained

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, today unveiled the facelifted versions of Sorento SUV and Grand Carnival MPV.
The company also updated the features of the Kia Rio as well as the Kia Optima GT
.
“After receiving an overwhelming market response of our four best-selling models, we at Naza Kia Malaysia are proud to introduce the facelift versions of Optima, Sorento, Grand Carnival and enhanced version of the Rio,”
“We are confident with the advanced automotive technologies and upgraded features, our vehicles will provide a more refined driving experience and satisfaction to our customers," said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.
On the exterior, Kia’s designers have made a series of modifications which includes redesigned front and rear bumpers, new LED head and taillamps, new dark metallic ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as newly designed wheels.
The Kia Sorento continues to be offered in two variants- a 2.4-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel. The petrol engine, developing 172 PS and 225 Nm of torque is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.2-litre turbo diesel generating 200 PS and 442 Nm of torque is paired with an 8-speed self-shifter.
Exterior differences between the two variants can be identified by the size of the tyres and wheels- the petrol variant is fitted with 18-inch size while the turbo diesel variant is an inch larger.
On the interior upgrades, the powerful SUV now comes with Bluetooth activated by voice recognition, memory seat package, and a wireless smartphone charger for a hassle-free experience.
The new Sorento 2.4L EX Petrol is priced at RM169,888, while the New Sorento SX 2.2L Diesel is priced at RM179,888 on-the-road without insurance.
Moving to the Kia Grand Carnival 8-seat MPV, now with new head lamp design with LED DRLs and re-profiled front bumper with more focus on fog lamp area.
The higher-equipped SX variant feature LED technology in the head lamps with auto-levelling as well as a new ‘Ice Cube’ LED projector fog lamps. With this facelift, SX variant now comes with Blind Spot Detection System (BDS), memory seat package for the driver’s seat, and a wireless smartphone charger.
A new 8-speed automatic transmission delivers better driving performance from the unchanged 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine. Vital figures from the engine are 193 PS and 440 Nm of torque.
Among the colours available for the New Grand Carnival are Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl Silky Silver and Panthera Metal. The new Grand Carnival KX variant is priced from RM155,888, while the SX variant is priced from RM184,888 on-the-road without insurance.
All new Kia models come with a five-year/unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.


MIROS: 16 Road Fatalities Every Day During Raya Month

According to data gathered by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), an average of 16 people died every day during the 2017’s month of Ramadan and Syawal (Hari Raya month).
This is a shockingly high number and part of the reason is due to low usage of seat belts, especially among rear passengers, as well as child seats.
In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya festive season, Volvo Car Malaysia is working closely with MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety) and JKJR (Road Safety Department) to raise public awareness on the importance of using three-point safety belts – itself an invention by Volvo back in 1969, but its patent was given free to all car makers.
The #SafeDrive campaign by Volvo Car Malaysia also aims to dispel certain misconceptions like having airbags alone is sufficient.
“All automotive safety technologies rely on the three-point safety belt as a reference point. Without the safety belt, any protective or preventive features in a car could become ineffective. The misconception that the public have is that airbags, crash structures, and active safety systems alone are enough to protect in-car occupants; this is of course, inaccurate,” said Mr Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.
He also added, “Volvo is continually introducing many safety innovations, but it is high time that we get back to the basics – we will work closely with the Road Safety Department (JPJ) and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) to raise public awareness on the importance of using the three-point seat belt. I believe the increased use of safety belt by all car occupants, will help to reduce the number of road fatalities and serious injuries in the country.”


Online Booking For Volvo XC40 EV Now Closed - Over 400 Orders Received

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has decided to close its online order for the
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
 because the bookings have been 'overwhelming'.

Since its debut back in March 2022, they've received over 400 online orders for the XC40 EV model and over 120 units have been successfully delivered to excited customers.

According to Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, "The encouraging sales numbers are a stepping-stone to our
all-electric journey
. Just a couple of months ago we launched our first fully electric car and announced the local assembly of EV cars. We have started delivery of the cars to our customers since April, providing them with a vehicle that allows them the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable, and safe way."

While the bookings for the 2022 model are now done and over with (for now), those who still have their eyes set on the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will be glad to know that VCM will
start taking orders
 again following the introduction of the 2023 model year in the near future

Just a little bit of patience on your next step as an 'eco warrior'.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is VCM's first all-electric model that offers a fully-electrified driving range of up to 418km (based on the WLTP cycle). Priced at RM262,459 ('Hassle-Free Price' with five years warranty + service package + roadside assistance, and eight years EV battery warranty), the 2022 CKD model is available in five different colour options - Black Stone, Crystal White Pearl, Denim Blue, Glacier Silver, and Sage Green.


Car Trailer Caught Fire, Five Brand New Honda Civics Destroyed

A total of
five brand new Honda Civics
 were incinerated when the car carrier trailer they were on caught on fire.

Fresh from the
Honda assembly plant
 in Alor Gajah, Melaka, these
new Civics
 were meant to be transported to Penang before the incident took place at KM227.2 of the North-South Expressway near Pedas, Negeri Sembilan (6 September 2022) around 5.30pm.

*Image credit: The Star

Technical issues with the carrier's braking system

The Star
 reported that the cause of the fire was due to technical issues related to the transporter's braking system. A total of six brand new Honda Civics were on the carrier at the time, four of them were completely burnt, one was around 50% destroyed, and one positioned at the top front end was the only unit that survived the whole ordeal practically unscathed.

*Image credit: The Star

The Fire and Rescue Department were quick on the scene to control the situation, but due to the gravity of the situation at the time, they had to temporarily block all three lanes on the North-South Expressway heading northbound which also resulted in a 3km congestion.

Looks like the
waiting period
 for five potentially new Honda owners just got a little bit longer. Luckily, no casualties were reported.


Bridgestone Opens New Asia Pacific Technical Center For Stronger Local Innovation

Bridgestone held a celebration ceremony for the successful relocation of its Asia Pacific Technical Centre (APTC) from its previous facility north of Bangkok to a new laboratory building in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. This shift would allow the APTC to better build around the region’s customer needs and expands its reach in the surrounding markets.
The Asia Pacific region is a point of focus for Bridgestone along with its APTC, and growth in these markets would propel the brand to new heights. To do this, the new center in Pathum Tani will be integral to the development of new products and to adapt existing technologies to more localised needs.
Through state-of-the-art material testing, new compounds can be fabricated and performance and durability can be improved tremendously by fine-tuning parameters to suit road surfaces and temperature tolerances that are region-centric.
APTC has under its employ around 90 employees of various backgrounds and nationalities – Indian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, and Thai – that have come together in the pursuit of furthering tyre technology. Bridgestone believes that this can only be achieved through strengthening its framework for R&D. Increased tyre production capacity, quality improvement, sales network expansion, and an upshot in customer satisfaction are what are ultimately the goals that the APTC aims to help Bridgestone achieve.
“By working close to the markets, APTC will enable Bridgestone to grasp changes in our customers’ needs, and reflect them in the development of our products.” said Mr. Naoto Yamagishi, Managing Director of the Bridgestone Asia Pacific Technical Center.


Frankfurt 2019: Audi AI:Trail quattro Unleashed – Future Off-Roader

Audi have pulled the covers off its latest concept, the Audi AI:Trail, the fourth and latest of a quartet of concept vehicles that also includes
Audi Aicon
,
AI:Me
, and AI:Race – all of which are presented at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show.
The four-seater Audi AI:Trail quattro combines the capacity for electrified, automated driving with superb off-road capabilities.
Marc Lichte, Audi’s Head of Design, describes the concept, “With the AI:Trail, we are showing an off-road concept with an emissions-free electric drive for an innovative driving experience away from paved roads. Consistent with this, we designed a monolithic basic vehicle body with maximum glazing to create an intense connection to the surroundings. A concept for sustainable mobility on demand.”
The AI:Trail measures 4.15 meters in length, 2.15 meters in width and 1.67 meters in height. Given its massive 22-inch wheels and 33.5-inch offroad tyres, the AI:Trail has an impressive ground clearance of 340 mm and a water wading depth of more than 500 mm. For a relative size comparison, the AI:Trail is slightly smaller than an Audi Q3.
The characteristic feature that indicates the vehicle’s kinship with Aicon and AI:Me is the protruding ridge halfway up the side windows. This line continues to both the front and rear and acts as a waistline for the body.
Along the flanks, the side sills beneath the opposing doors act as retractable running boards. This makes it easier to load and unload the roof rack. On rough, rocky terrain, the vehicle’s architecture provides plenty of agility without the lithium-ion battery unit (in the floor) coming into contact with the ground.
The cabin itself is an expansive space surrounded by polygonal shapes, with room for up to four people. Another standout design feature is the windshield, which wraps around the front of the vehicle like the cockpit of a helicopter. Passengers have an unobstructed view of the road or trail both in front and to the sides.
Perhaps the coolest feature of the AI:Trail is its lights, Instead of conventional low beams and high beams, the Audi AI:Trail is equipped with a total of five rotorless, electrically operated drones with integrated matrix LED elements. They are capable of landing on a roof rack or directly on the roof of the vehicle, and docking onto the inductive charging elements. They can fly ahead of the AI:Trail, and illuminate the path ahead, thereby replacing headlights entirely.
If required, the on-board cameras can also generate a video image that can be transmitted to the display in front of the driver via Wi-Fi, turning the Pathfinders into eyes in the sky.
With the electric drive system arranged around the axles and the battery in the floor, there is no need for overhanging sections or separate attachments for the motor or batteries. The Audi AI:Trail is made up of a mixture of high-tech steel, aluminum and carbon fiber. As a result, it weighs just 1,750 kilograms despite the large battery pack.
In terms of drive hardware, the Audi AI:Trail is equipped with four electric motors installed near the wheels, each of which propels one wheel directly: therefore AI:Trail is a true quattro AWD vehicle. The maximum system output is 429 hp and maximum torque is a whopping 1,000 Nm. But Audi placed less emphasis on the AI:Trail’s performance credentials, instead optimising the powertrain for traction and driving range; the claimed range is 400 to 500 km (WLTP cycle) on roads or easy off-road terrain or around 250 km on tougher terrain.
Due to the individually propelled wheels, the vehicle can do without differentials and locks. Electronics coordinate driving stability and traction. If energy-consuming slip can be avoided, it reduces the supply of torque to the affected wheel. Gear ratios have also been optimised to provide sufficient torque without the need for reduction gears.
The suspension system features beefy transverse links and MacPherson suspension struts with coil springs and adaptive dampers for robustness and to ensure safe driving stability. Behind the tyre lies a structure of supporting struts, which are integrated into the treads, and the actual surface. This design allows the tires themselves — in addition to the suspension struts — to contribute a further 60 mm of suspension travel.


Video: BMW 5 Series – Six Generations Of Driving Pleasure

BMW turns 100 this year, and how fitting it is that the occasion is marked by the launch of an all-new 5 Series. The 5 Series is BMW’s longest-running nameplate with a history spanning 44 years. Since the original model launched in 1972, BMW has went on to produce seven generations of its executive sedan; the latest being the
G30 that was unveiled only this year
.
At the international media launch of the G30 5 Series held in Portugal recently, the meticulous folks of the BMW Group Classic heritage division brought a unit each of every generation of the 5 Series as tribute to the nameplate’s cherished heritage.
Besides the chance to admire these beautifully-preserved classics up close, we were also handed the keys of these magnificent machines, which this writer gleefully accepted to embark on a journey through memory lane of BMW’s most recognized models.
Only the first four generations were available for driving, however; the more recent E60 and F10 generations were put for display only. The selection is nevertheless a well-considered one - flavours on offer include carburettor and injection-fed petrol inline-sixes, a turbodiesel, and a V8.
1
st
 Generation – E12 (1972 – 1981)
Featured Vehicle: BMW 528 (1975)
Engine: 2.8-litre M30, Inline-6, Longitudinal, Carburettor
Power: 165hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 233Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 3-speed torque converter automatic, RWD
This is where it all started. The E12 was not only the first BMW 5 Series, but it was the first BMW model to adopt the three-digit model naming convention that BMW continues to use today. To drive, however, it is a very stark contrast from newer vintages of BMW models that we are more accustomed to today.
There is barely a trace of electronic gadgetry in this car – everything on board is either mechanical or, at most, electric. The radio is perhaps its most sophisticated piece of hardware. The pristine 528 example on test had a smooth-running carburettor-fed inline-6 helped along lazily by a 3-speed automatic transmission. This was an era when automatic gearboxes are sufficiently rare that BMW saw fit to denote that fact with a bootlid label.
For people accustomed to the comforts of a modern vehicle, cars from this era can sometimes be difficult to acclimatize, but the E12 was remarkably easy to live with. It has power steering, thank God, and the 3-speed automatic shifted through its cogs with way more smoothness than one can expect of such a rudimentary transmission.
It’s neither as agile nor as responsive as its successors, but there is crispness to its controls; feedback of sensations through the steering and pedals make the car feel alive and properly engaging to drive. Not a car to be hustled around corners, but definitely good enough a relaxed Sunday morning cruise. The E12 is not quite the sporty sedan that the 5 Series has grown to become, but here is where the foundations were laid.
2
nd
 Generation – E28 (1981 – 1988)
Featured Vehicle: BMW 524td (1986)
Engine: 2.4-litre M21, Inline-6, Longitudinal, Turbodiesel
Power: 115hp @ 4,800rpm
Torque: 210Nm @ 2,400rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, RWD
Despite the evolutionary design, the E28 is a massive step up from the E12. It inched the 5 Series further upmarket with a wider range of fuel-injected inline-6 powertrains plus many other innovations. It pioneered the introduction of BMW’s first ever diesel engine – the 2.4-litre M21 in the naturally-aspirated 524d and turbocharged 524td.
The 524td’s outputs of 115hp and 210Nm is positively shamed even by BMW’s smallest engine today, but with a kerb weight of about 1.3 tonnes, its power-to-weight is comparable with
F30 318i
. Combined with its slick-shifting 5-speed manual, the 524td has more than enough in reserve to pull its own weight. Even around the hilly test route, we barely needed to summon more than 2,000rpm on the tacho to achieve brisk progress.
Refinement of the engine too, is impressive. The characteristic diesel clatter is barely audible, and the engine responds to prods of the throttle with immediacy and smoothness that would match a petrol counterpart of the era. If it wasn’t for the low redline and beefy low-end torque, one would be hard-pressed to tell that this is a vehicle that runs on the black stuff.
3
rd
 Generation – E34 (1988 – 1996)
Featured Vehicle: BMW 540i (1994)
Engine: 4.0-litre M40, V8, Longitudinal
Power: 286hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 4,500rpm
Transmission: 5-speed torque converter automatic, RWD
The E34 looks understated by today’s standards, but its styling had departed quite radically from the template laid by its predecessors. Substantial changes were implemented under the sheet metal too. This was the first ever 5 Series with a V8 engine (530i and 540i) and also the first 5 Series to be offered with all-wheel drive (525iX).
On test was the range-topping 540i V8, launched in the latter years of the E34’s model cycle. Compared to the more common 6-cylinder models, the 540i takes on the role of a relaxed cruiser – the V8 up front providing effortless progress, but the expense of front end agility. If you want a car to hustle about, the 6-cylinder 520i and 525i remain the more rewarding cars to drive.
The V8 makes a wonderful sound though; its burble was audible enough to be picked up by the microphone of our recording equipment – you can hear it in the background noise of our video (scroll below). Our friend from Malaysian EVO, Keegan, who followed me in the E39 during the drive, was similarly appreciative of the V8’s noise.
4
th
 Generation – E39 (1996 – 2003)
Featured Vehicle: BMW 528i (1998)
Engine: 2.8-litre M52, Inline-6, Longitudinal, Single VANOS
Power: 193hp @ 5,300rpm
Torque: 280Nm @ 3,950rpm
Transmission: 5-speed torque converter automatic, RWD
A personal favourite of this writer, the E39 has aged well not only in looks but in dynamics as well. This was my first time driving an E39 and there was nothing in the experience that disappointed my expectations.
The 528i demo unit on test was a well-preserved example, though its appearance was hardly the E39 in its most flattering guise. The Corona Ring headlights and Celis tail lights introduced in conjunction with the newer Double VANOS engines in latter models represented the E39 in its best, be it in standard or M Sport trim.
Extensive on-board electronics began to take hold in the 5 Series with the E39. The test example had a first-generation in-dash GPS system, Tiptronic automatic transmission, and electronic stability control among others – it is sufficient to ensure the E39 remains modern enough even by today’s standards, a full two decades after its introduction.
The E39 was highly-rated for its exceptional chassis construction, which featured the extensive use of high-strength lightweight alloys. The lovely combination of strength and lightness translated to impressive refinement on the move and delightful fleet-footedness around corners. Steering itself is beautifully rich in its feedback, adding a great level of intimacy to the overall driving experience.
5
th
 Generation – E60 (2003 – 2009)
Featured Vehicle: BMW 545i (2004)
Engine: 4.4-litre N62, V8, Longitudinal, Valvetronic, Double VANOS
Power: 333hp @ 6,100rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 3,600rpm
Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic, RWD
Perhaps the most controversial member of the 5 Series lineage, the radical ‘flame-surfaced’ E60 drew a lot of flak from critics during its launch. Time, however, has illustrated the methods behind Chris Bangle’s madness. Even today, various styling elements of the E60 continue to be copied by car makers and aftermarket part suppliers in the market. Indeed, it can be argued that the boldness of the E60’s design was the final push that elevated BMW’s brand standing to an entirely new level.
6
th
 Generation – F10 (2009 – 2016)
Featured Vehicle: BMW 535i (2012)
Engine: 3.0-litre N55, Inline-6, Longitudinal, Valvetronic, Double VANOS, Twin-scroll Turbo
Power: 306hp @ 4,000 – 6,000rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed torque converter automatic, RWD
With the F10, BMW returned to a more conservative styling approach, going back to the simpler E34 and E39 for inspiration. Yet, there was nothing simple about this highly-sophisticated vehicle. Initially launched with BMW’s usual line-up of creamy-smooth inline-6 engines, the F10 eventually served as springboard of BMW’s massive shift to downsized four-cylinder turbocharged engines.
The F10 was notable for being among BMW’s first model to feature the widely-acclaimed ZF 8HP automatic transmission, a gearbox still regarded as being one of the best in the business today. During the initial years of the F10’s model cycle, nearly half of BMW’s customers took up the car with manual transmission, a fraction that shrunk to just 5% toward the end. Hence, BMW now offers the G30 with manual transmission only in the base 520d.
I reviewed the F10 535i when it was first launched in Malaysia during the early days of my career, and distinctly recall the brutally savage acceleration served up by its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6. I went on to review many other variants of the model and I find that, despite the superior smoothness of the 6-cylinder motors, the F10’s chassis seem best balanced when running on the 2.0-litre N20 engines with the 245hp 528i being the sweet spot.
G30 - What's Next For The 5 Series?
Whilst BMW did not achieve outright excellence in the 5 Series at its first attempt, successive generations of the company's oldest-running nameplate have constantly reinvented themselves with revolutionary upgrades and improvement over their predecessors. Impressively, however, every return to the drawing board sees BMW consistently produce vehicles with the uncanny ability to thrill and engage its drivers.
We all have our favourite versions of the 5 Series, although BMW will always want to tell you that the latest version will invariably be the best. he G30 has a long and glorious heritage to live up to; and BMW would undoubtedly have poured the best of its engineering know-how into its latest mid-sizer not just to stay ahead of its rivals, but also ensure that the newest 5 Series thoroughly deserves the name.


2022 BMW iX3 vs BMW X3: Taking The Stress Out Of EV Adoption

The BMW
iX3 has arrived in Malaysia
, offering buyers here who are interested in a fully electric vehicle a much needed dose of variety due to it being the more accessible stablemate to the iX.

Without the burden of carrying a
flagship title and the heftier price tag
 that comes with it, the iX3 is something of a ‘gateway drug’ into the weird and wonderful world of full time zero emissions motoring.

So, what exactly sets the iX3 apart from the X3 and is it the right fit for you?

Design

Even if you weren’t paying attention to how BMW were expanding their line-up of vehicles and totally oblivious to their EV offerings, any casual observer could easily determine the close link between the
third-generation X3 (G01)
 that we all know and love and the iX3.

Of course, that name is the first major clue, but BMW have deliberately refrained from making any radical design alterations. The light blue accents are reserved for the company’s electric models, and they feature prominently on the iX3’s exterior and M Sport aero bits.

Up front, BMW’s signature kidney grilles are filled in since there isn’t an engine to cool. Those wheels are rather distinct too, and also accented in blue to telegraph the presence of an electric powertrain within. Otherwise, the they’re pretty much identical. Put simply, if you’re already a fan of the X3, there isn’t much to put you off about the iX3.

It’s obvious that the iX3 is very much an
electric version of the current X3
 in both philosophy and execution - cut from the same cloth but with very different approaches to generating motive force.

Price

By now we’re all pretty used to seeing EVs commanding high end prices, even within the range of established premium marques, but the fully imported iX3 starts at RM317,360 for the base M Sport Inspiring, which slightly undercuts the equivalent X3 with the M Sport pack - namely, the xDrive30i - at RM318,060, despite this being locally assembled.

Model

Price

Road Tax Per Year

BMW X3 sDrive20i xLine (CKD)

RM 279,060

RM 380

BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport (CKD)

RM 318,060

RM 380

BMW X3 M Competition (CBU)

RM 880,680

RM 2,125

Even before factoring in the savings on petrol over the course of ownership, already the iX3 represents an impressive value proposition against its ICE-alternative given it comes with a rather generous list of standard equipment and tech features.

Of course, there is the matter of road tax. Because Malaysia currently calculates road tax for electric vehicles based on the vehicle’s total power output (
and in kilowatts, to make things more confusing
).

Model

Price

Road Tax Per Year

BMW iX3 M Sport Inspiring

RM 317,360

RM 2,343

BMW iX3 M Sport Impressive

RM 336,360

RM 2,343

Since the iX3’s single electric motor produces 210kW, and because it doesn’t fall into the ‘saloon car’ category, it incurs a base rate of RM903 per year. However, being above 150kW also means the an additional RM1.20 per 0.05 kilowatt, so that’s an extra RM1,440.

This bringing the final sum to RM2,343 in road tax for the iX3, annually.

By contrast, the X3 xDrive30i, is charged just RM380 with its 1,998cc turbocharged B48 four-cylinder petrol engine. Unfair much?

Engine and Powertrain (Or Lack Thereof)

Since we’re on the subject, everyone should be familiar with
the BMW B48
, this 2.0-litre mill can be found powering nearly every model in the BMW range (at least in Malaysia) and more than occasionally paired with an electric motor in their PHEV variants.

In the X3 xDrive30i, it produces a stout but very familiar 252hp and 350Nm sent to all four-wheels with BMW claiming a hot hatch-rivalling but questionably relevant 0-100km/h sprint of 6.3 seconds. We’ve sampled this powerplant many times before and have little to fault or mention. It’s a great little four-cylinder, full stop.

The electric iX3, ironically, can be interpreted as the more traditional BMW in terms of drive layout as its single electric motor is located at the rear axle. It’s also more powerful with 286hp and 400Nm, but due to the weight penalty incurred by its 74kWh lithium prismatic batteries, is slower in that century sprint at 6.8 seconds.

Still, with just one electric motor draining those cells, range is a very usable ‘real world’ 453km to 461km on the WLTP cycle, but expect to average much less in city driving.

Beyond urban centres, that could theoretically take you on a road trip from Kuala Lumpur to Penang with charge to spare, but keep in mind that you will very likely have to plan your routes around charging stations and account for time spent stationary while replenishing the battery.

Even plugging the iX3 into the fastest 150kW fast DC charger it supports will still mean at least 32 minutes of downtime, and using the 11kW onboard AC charger will take 7 to 8 hours.

Practicality

Being taller and with more space for cargo and passengers, both the X3 and iX3 were designed as more versatile alternatives to BMW’s saloon models, but despite how closely these two are related, practicality does take a hit due to that electric powertrain.

As the iX3’s floor is mostly filled with battery, composed of 188 individual lithium prismatic cells, along with its rearward electric motor, boot space is reduced to 510-litres compared to the X3’s 550-litres. With the seats folded, this expands to 1560-litres of empty space; again, 40-litres down from the X3’s 1600-litres.

Still, that’s plenty of space to handle most of everything life can throw at the average BMW owner. Crucially, the iX3’s boot is a good 60-litres larger than the
Mercedes-Benz EQC
, its closest rival with 500-litres of cargo space.

So, Which One?

On paper, when weighed against its petrol equivalent, the X3 xDrive30i M Sport, there’s very little between them. As well as boasting comparable performance, both models are just as capable in the role of a do-everything vehicle.

When it comes down to it, the BMW iX3 sounds like a pretty great offering for both first-time and veteran EV buyers, coming in at a price that represents solid value for a zero-emissions premium SUV given its equipment levels and standard features.

By making them so alike,
it reduces the mental gulf
 that stands in the way of EV adoption from a brave leap to a casual hop. BMW is clearly aiming the iX3 at buyers who might already be considering an X3 but are open to the prospect of EV ownership.


All-New Volvo V60 Cross Country Goes From The Suburbs To The Skogen

Volvo Cars has finally revealed the new V60 Cross Country, adding some ruggedness and versatility to the V60 estate.
The main difference between the estate and the Cross Country is that the latter’s ground clearance is up to 75mm higher than the regular V60, thanks to the specially developed Cross Country chassis and suspension that enhance the car’s off-road capability.
Like its 60 Series and 90 Series stablemates, the new V60 Cross Country benefits from Volvo Cars’ award-winning Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, and will be available with a T5 AWD petrol powertrain and a D4 AWD diesel engine for time being. According to Volvo, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants will follow at a later stage.
All-wheel-drive is standard on the new V60 Cross Country, as are Hill Descent Control, Electronic Stability Control, Corner Traction Control and a special Off-Road driving mode.
Speaking of safety technology, Volvo’s City Safety with Autobrake, Pilot Assist system, Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other steering assistance systems are all offered as standard.
Where the infotainment is concerned, the V60 Cross Country is fitted with the latest Volvo Cars’ Sensus Connect infotainment system, which is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G.
“With the new V60 Cross Country, we take our Swedish family estate from one natural habitat to another,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars.
“We invented the Cross Country segment over 20 years ago and with this car, we reinforce our long-standing pedigree in safe, capable and versatile family cars.”
"The V60 Cross Country is every bit as refined as the other 60 and 90 Series cars based on our SPA platform,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President of research and development at Volvo Cars.
“The added versatility makes it at home in town and country, thanks to a higher seating position, increased ground clearance and dynamic all-wheel-drive capabilities.”