Peugeot's Versatile SUV Trio To Fit Any Lifestyle

Choosing between a shortlist of cars can be quite difficult, but among the three Peugeot SUV models currently - 2008, 3008, and 5008 - things can get a little more arduous, but only because they all offer a unique blend of emotional and intellectual appeal.

Whether your needs involve style and agility in a compact package, being a sophisticated jack-of-all-trades, or a priority on practicality without compromise, there’s something to be found in the newest range of Peugeot SUVs.

All three models were conceived to stand out and deliver that certain flair the brand is known for, but also represents quality in design and engineering. In the last 10 years, Peugeot has produced 3 winners of the prestigious European Car of the Year awards, the most of any automaker to take that top spot.

Now under new local distributor
Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd
, these latest generation of world-beating cars are available to Malaysian buyers. So, which one suits you best?

Peugeot 2008

The smallest of Peugeot’s SUVs,
the 2008
 is also the latest new model to be launched locally, built on the foundations of the highly acclaimed second-generation 208 hatchback and incorporating its bold design, elegant cabin, efficient powertrain, and impressive dynamics.

Its charm begins with the 2008’s exterior where its combination of soft undulating shapes punctuated by striking angularity makes for a statement that rejects the conventional designs of its rivals in the B-segment space.

Inside, the innovative Peugeot i-Cockpit impresses with its distinctive ergonomic layout - something the 3008 and 5008 also share - an impressive technology suite, all before even turning on the engine. Again, repeating the exterior’s attributes in delivering a novel, exceptional experience.

With the push of a button, the 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine comes to life, a blend of responsive performance and quiet efficiency to make every journey an occasion. Whether it’s a weekend trip or a grocery run, the 2008’s ample 434 litre boot and plush cabin are up to the task.

Peugeot 3008

The 3008
 is the step-up, the upgrade, a car that literally expands upon the distilled qualities that make the 2008 so competent as a vehicle yet brimming with personality. Yet retains the balance and poise that made it such a compelling package.

Recently given a thorough mid-cycle update, the French SUV comes into the C-segment battle with some extra firepower.

Its changes start at the nose with this 2021 revision given a sleeker front fascia and claw-like daytime running lights to add a spice of menace to an otherwise purely elegant offering. As enchanting as the way the exterior looks, it’s the interior that truly stuns.

Peugeot has clearly gone to great lengths to make sure that the 3008 delivers an in-car experience that will make other cars feel envious with materials, ergonomics, and a level of tactile luxury that’s elevated well above the norm.

Being larger and more spacious than the 2008 by some margin, Peugeot calls upon their trusted 1.6-litre THP four-cylinder turbo-petrol mill to motivate the 3008 with 167PS and 240Nm, dispensing refinement and a surprising amount of performance to match its sophisticated ride and handling balance.

Peugeot 5008

Despite there being ‘more’ of this Peugeot to try and summarise, given its sharper focus on practicality and commodiousness,
the 5008
 can actually be easily described in one word: more.

This is especially true when seen through the lens of the 3008 as, apart from an extended wheelbase and the inclusion of 3rd-row seating, the 5008 is nearly identical. There’s just ‘more’ of it.

It inherits every aspect that makes the 3008 such a well-rounded offering but adds space for two more occupants. That might not seem too special, but it now does something few other cars can manage while looking, feeling, and driving this good.

If Peugeot’s smaller cars managed to make each journey an occasion, the 5008 seeks to impart a sense of effortlessness in reaching every destination with copious amounts of interior and cargo space at your disposal and a panoramic sunroof to take in the scenery while securely cocooned in its high-tech, luxurious cabin.

For your peace of mind, all Peugeot vehicles come with a 3-years Free Service Maintenance, inclusive of parts and labour, with a mileage limit of 60,000km, whichever comes first. They also come with a standard 5-years Manufacturer Warranty, with a coverage period up to five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.

The only question remaining is, which Peugeot suits you best?


Motor Expo 2016: Volvo S90 D4 Launched In Thailand

Following the introduction of the
new Volvo V40
 at the 33
rd
 Thailand International Motor Expo, Volvo Car Thailand has taken the covers off its long-awaited S90.
Priced at THB 3,990,000, the S90 will give some Swedish competition to a segment that’s currently dominated by the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Unlike the rest of Volvo Car Thailand’s Malaysia-assembled models, Thailand's S90 is imported from Sweden, as the Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia plant in Shah Alam has yet to assemble the S90.
The Thailand market S90 is currently only available in one trim – the highest specifications Inscription trim, which comes with high-grade wood trimming, 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, the full suite of Sensus infotainment system and Intellisafe package.
The cabin’s fine Nappa leather can be specified either in black (Charcoal) or cream (Amber).
The sole engine on offer is the D4 2.0-litre Drive-E twin-turbo diesel. Paired to a front-wheel drive 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the 190 hp and 400 Nm D4 engine accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.
Unlike Malaysia, Volvo Car Thailand’s model line-up is dominated by diesel-powered models. The S60, V60 and XC60 are also powered by the same D4 engine while the XC90 is available with either a D5 or a T8 (petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, same as the model offered in Malaysia) engine.


2022 CX-5 To Debut Mazda’s New RWD Platform, Inline-6 Engine

The next-generation Mazda CX-5, which is due to arrive in 2022 will introduce Mazda’s new
rear/all-wheel drive large-vehicle architecture
 alongside their new-generation longitudinal mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

At least, this was the sentiment reflected by Mazda Australia’s marketing and product director Alistair Doak when asked about the Australian launch of the electric Mazda MX-30 in range-topping Astina form by
Carsales
. Though he would not call out the CX-5 by name, what he was referring to was made clear enough.

“We can't really answer specific model stuff, but I guess... what segment around the globe is the biggest? The answer would be ‘SUV’…,” he said. Adding to this, during a presentation to Australian journalists, Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi actually went a step further by highlighting the CX-5 as a prime candidate to spearhead their new platform and powertrain range.

“Mazda continues to invest in high-efficiency combustion engines, with SKYACTIV-X, and the new generation straight-six engine family that will power our new-generation large-platform products, which is CX-5 and above,” told Bhindi.

Given that the mid-size SUV is the company's most successful all-round vehicle and continues to win the favour of customers the world over, Mazda can somewhat guarantee strong demand for the all-new version, which also happens to build on the newly finished (and highly anticipated) rear-drive platform.

New passenger car market share is in decline and Mazda will be looking to shoulder the development costs for the new platform and its 48-volt mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder engine tech as quickly as possible. Logically, the most expedient and least painful route to achieve this would be to start with their strongest selling and most profitable model.

When it comes to sales, the current
2nd-generation CX-5
’s numbers dwarf the company flagship SUV model, the CX-9. And the same pattern is seen in multiple markets including that of their home turf of Japan where the CX-5 continues to quickly find buyers while the
larger and more luxurious CX-9
 tends to spend more time on the lot.

While the CX-9 isn’t exactly long due for a replacement model to reverse this, the Mazda 6 saloon is the company’s longest-running model
and was only recently discontinued
in some regions. It first made its debut in 2012 but received an extensive design overhaul for the 2018 model year, though that wasn’t convincing to enough buyers to really swell the order books. Its all-new replacement, however, looks to be a much different beast with
the BMW 5 Series firmly in its crosshairs
.

In time, though, all of Mazda's larger vehicles will be transitioned to this new platform, meaning all models below the CX-5 for SUVs and the 6 for saloons and hatchbacks. Presumably, other popular models such as the Mazda 3 and CX-30 will remain on the SkyActiv architecture for some years to come given their relatively recent market introduction.

In June, the company announced its new SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, which will be used with those aforementioned longitudinal powertrains in the company’s larger offerings while the smaller models will retain their transverse engine orientation and
predominantly front-drive layout
.

With regard to the RWD platform, however, it will reportedly underpin 5 hybrid variants, 5 plug-in hybrids, and three full electric vehicles (EVs) from 2022 to 2025. The next-generation CX-5's own electrification plan will factor into this rollout, but which petrol/electric combination will emerge in showrooms first remains to be seen. And we're still curious where the
rear-driven MX-5 fits into all this
?

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Frankfurt 2017: Volkswagen Polo GTI Unveiled

There may be a lot of attention surrounding Renault's booth at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, but let's not forget the humble Volkswagen Polo GTI. One of the underdogs of the hot hatch segment, the latest generation promises to be better than ever- based on the MQB platform that's being used for everything from the Polo to the Passat.
This time it gets a full-fat 2.0-litre TSI engine- a big jump from the previous generation's 1.4-litre TSI (and 1.8-litre TSI in some markets). This should be great news for tuners as the extra capacity offers a lot more breathing room (it's practically a Golf GTI engine). Power outputs from factory sit at 200 PS and 320 Nm of torque, which is nothing to sniff at for a compact hatchback.
The century sprint can be dispatched in just 6.7 seconds, or 0.2 seconds quicker than before. Initially the Polo GTI will be offered with a 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission, but there is talk of offering a manual option later on (something that wasn't available with the previous generation).
Whether this model is torsion beam or multi link is yet to be seen- but it is most likely the former given the design of the regular Polo and the necessary distinction between Polo GTI and Golf GTI.  In terms of chassis and dynamics, the Polo GTI isn't wildly different from the regular Polo.
There are stiffer springs and shocks courtesy of the Sport suspension, lowering the car by 15 millimetres, along with stiffer anti-roll bars and the added benefit of Volkswagen's XDS system (an electronic brake-based differential that mimics an LSD). The suspension, at least on the model shown in Frankfurt, does come with active adjustable suspension that can be stiffened up in sport mode.
Apart from all the external visual cues that this is a GTI model, such as the red accents, honeycomb grill, and GTI badging, it is the interior that sees the largest step up. There is a huge 10.25-inch Active Info Display digital dash sitting right in front of the driver, making this hot hatchback extra premium. No frills, this is not- and hopefully if this model comes to our market it will definitely shake things up in the compact hot hatchback segment.


Waking Up From The SUV-Pocalypse

For most buyers, the de facto personal or family vehicle is now an SUV. Automakers are only so happy to perpetuate this trend as these vehicles are generally larger (or appear so) and allows them to charge a healthy premium over ‘normal’ cars such as your four-door saloons or 5-door hatchbacks.

In certain countries - Russia, Canada, China and the United States - SUVs (and their endless permutations) collectively accounted for over 40% of the new vehicles sold in 2018 according to data specialists Jato Dynamics. However, that uptick does seem to be tapering off, so perhaps the world is slowly experiencing SUV fatigue and regaining lucid thought after the stupor.

This path we’ve ended down, one of the ‘Modern SUV’, was pioneered by the likes of the first Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota LandCruiser, vehicles that were owned both as passenger cars and commercial workhorses, also popularised by the Jeep Cherokee and classic Range Rover.

In those early days, certain people wanted a do-everything automobile, and that population grew large enough to catalyse the birth of an all-new class of vehicle: one that could carry many passengers, lug bulky cargo, tow the odd something, would (hopefully) run like clockwork, and be able to do so on all manner of terrain. Trouble is, in 2020, we ask far less of our cars, so why is an SUV still seen as the default solution to everyday motoring; if it isn’t better at solving a problem, why choose it?

Before we dive into that, though, we have to address this worsening identity crisis. The definition of an SUV has gotten murkier with each passing year. What began as a body-on-frame design that prioritised utility, versatility, and, at times, true all-terrain ability at a level unmatchable by other vehicles, has now become a term much too loose and vague.

There are the Mini SUV ‘soft-roaders’ like your CR-Vs and RAV4s which follow the basic visual template of its ancestors but carries over none of the hardiness or brutal simplicity. But now there are even smaller Compact SUVs or ‘Crossovers’ which, by definition, are standard road cars made to seem more like SUVs yet often robbed of any of the interior space advantage of their larger cousins and, with a couple of exceptions, void of any ability to tackle anything but smoothy paved roads.

Now we come to the increasingly popular 'Sport SUVs' and their mutant half-brothers, the Coupe SUV. Both annoy me to a certain degree but I have a grudging understanding for why the Sport SUV exists. Maybe it’s the nonchalant rudeness of it but, in the case of a Range Rover Sport SVR, who wouldn’t want a 5.0 supercharged V8 to scare the neighbours.

Coupe SUVs, by contrast, are aberrations that should be culled from the gene pool. A mutated mess of contradictory priorities. It’s not a ‘coupe’ just because its roofline has been chopped off for compromised rear headroom, neither is it an SUV because you’ve just amputated out most of the ‘utility’ portion of that acronym. This is why BMW markets both the X6 and X4 as an SAC (Sport Activity Coupe) - clever.

Further, because it looks arbitrarily sportier, these Coupe SUVs tend to be more hunkered down and saddled with a stiffer suspension. Kinda sounds like a jacked up hot hatch, just heavier, more expensive, and does everything worse.

By now you might have gotten the impression that I’m not overly fond of these types of vehicles given the superiority of their alternatives, nor am I a proponent of calling anything that has a slightly elevated ride height and some gratuitous grey cladding around the lower perimeter an SUV (or crossover).

Fact of the matter is, SUVs have struck a chord with buyers. However, advancing the idea that they are
objectively superior
to other vehicle types in specific areas is to be arguing on shaky ground.

But let’s try and deconstruct what Modern SUVs are actually good at as they pertain to the everyday driver and clear up some false notions along the way.

So, What Are SUVs Actually Good At?

Are SUVs more practical?

There’s no reason why an SUV would be any more spacious for passengers or cargo than an MPV or wagon of a similar footprint. That extra ride height just means you’ll have a tougher time hoisting things (or yourself) up to the load height. When it comes to longer items and large items of luggage, again, a similarly sized MPV fares better.

Are SUVs safer?

Safety features are universally compatible across all cars, so we’ll leave them out of this argument. SUVs are further off the ground, giving them an inherently higher centre of gravity no matter what trickery an automaker might summon to mask this fact. This makes SUVs far more prone to rolling over in an accident or during evasive manoeuvres.

Also, despite their bulk, the structural integrity and deformation properties are also similar to cars given that they are both based on unibody construction methods, giving SUVs no advantage. Their size lends to the perception of being more solid, but this is a false sense of security.

Being higher up also compromises lower peripheral vision, which makes drivers potentially unaware of pedestrians or other vehicles in close proximity and makes reversing cameras (or, better yet, a 360-degree camera system) a flat-out necessity.

Are SUVs more fuel efficient?

No. Just no.

Again, as SUVs are often larger as a rule, you’ll often need an equally larger (or smaller but highly stressed) powertrain to extract decent performance or be stuck with something frustratingly slow.

Furthermore, their high profile only serves to disturb airflow and increase drag as air is sloppily channelled both over and under the vehicle. Consequently, they also generate higher levels of airborne pollutants compared to conventional passenger cars with similar or nearly identical engines due to the increased forces needed for normal driving.

As SUVs have risen in popularity, the additional global collective consumption of fossil fuels amounts to an astronomical amount, and directly attributable to the inherent shortcomings of the vehicle category.

Are SUVs more versatile?

“Compared to what?” is an important question to pose. Any vehicle larger than the other will naturally offer more space and so-called practicality, but when compared to their alternative vehicle categories, SUVs really don’t deliver the most versatility, as we’ve covered earlier.

The main appeal of an SUV (as they were traditionally defined, i.e not 'modern SUVs') was having the ability to tackle harsher, often off-road terrain - a domain that the majoirty of today's versions are too timid and ill-equipped to attempt. Except for Subarus, all of which have permanent all-wheel drive, so there’s that.


Renault Unveils Production Version Of The Arkana “Coupe” SUV

Renault has unveiled the production version of the Arkana, it’s new global C-segment “coupe” SUV which made its
world premiere
 at the Moscow International Motor Show last year.
Built at Renault’s plant in Moscow, the Arkana will contribute to the worldwide expansion of Groupe Renault as part of its strategic “Drive the Future” plan.
From what we can see, the external design of the production version of the Arkana Coupé SUV differs only slightly from the concept that was shown last year.
It retains the sloping roof line, the high waistline, and also the wide, expressive bumper.
When it goes on sale later this year, the Renault Arkana Coupé SUV will be offered in 3 trim levels, all of which will be fitted with 17-inch tyres.
Inside, the Renault Arkana Coupé SUV features a central console equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen interface for the Renault Easy Link multimedia system, which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Arkana also benefits from Renault’s Multi-Sense technology which gives the driver a choice of three driving modes (Eco, Sport, My sense), 8 ambience interior colours, Bose audio system, as well as a 508-litre boot which can be expanded to 1,333 litres with the rear seats folded.
Power comes courtesy of a 1.3-litre turbocharged TCe 150 petrol engine which delivers 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque, and paired to it is an X-Tronic CVT gearbox which sends power to the wheels via a smart All Mode 4WD system.
The Arkana Coupé SUV also boasts a reinforced chassis and a ground clearance of 208 mm, complemented by angles of approach and departure of 18° and 25° respectively, which makes it quite off-road-friendly.
According to Renault, the Arkana has been put through a range of sturdiness and durability tests, including 300,000 km of trials in extreme driving conditions in order to ensure optimum comfort, regardless of the condition.


‘Honda E’ Trademark For Upcoming Electrified Products

In a scoop by
Hybridcars.com
, Honda was seen filing trademark applications in both Switzerland and the European Union (EU) for the name ‘Honda E’.
Honda is set to unveil their new compact EV at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, and the new car could bear the ‘Honda E’ name.
There is also speculation the name ‘Honda E’ could be an umbrella name for a sub-brand of electrified Honda models, similar to the path taken by BMW and Mercedes-Benz with the BMW i and Mercedes-Benz EQ, respectively.
The name was said to be filed under a trademark classification reserved for automobiles, specifically “apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water; and parts and fittings of the aforesaid goods,” as such, usage the ‘Honda E’ can cast a wide net over anything automotive related.
Honda is set to unveil the new compact EV on March 5th, the opening day of the Geneva Motor Show 2019.


Mazda Announces Prices Of Vehicles With Effect From June 1 2018

Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn. Bhd., the official importer and distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, has announced its revised price list of new cars, in line with the recent announcement by the Ministry Of Finance to revamp the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to zero percent, down from six percent, effective 1st June 2018.
The revised price list will continue until further directives are issued by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia.
The revised prices of Mazda models are as follow:
The ever-attractive CX-5 is now under RM128,000, while the top-of-the-line Mazda 6 2.2 Diesel sedan is under RM200,000.
Meanwhile, the Mazda 3 2.0 continues to be the lowest priced 2.0-litre non-national C-segment model, priced from RM104,028.
How about the more engaging alternative to the Vios and City models, the Mazda 2 compact? Well, with zero-rated GST, the Mazda 2 is now just RM70,645.


Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge Makes Malaysian Debut

With the Cullinan, Rolls Royce Malaysia has now launched the full range of Black Badge range of their ultra luxury cars here on our home turf, making it one of the only countries where these cars are offered in their entirety.

The Black Badge range began in 2016 with the Ghost and the two-door Wraith, giving the British marque an edgier appeal to the younger clientele and inducting them into the Rolls Royce fold. A year later, the drop top Dawn joined range.

These comprise of all the models Rolls Royce currently offers, excluding their flagship Phantom, which are the aforementioned Ghost, Wraith, Dawn, and the newest addition, the Cullinan. In keeping with their name, all Black Badge versions take on a much darker tone with a pinch of aggressiveness to their revised personas. I’ll stop short of calling them properly sporty.

Anas Zawawi Khalid, Executive Director for Quill Motorcars Sdn Bhd said: “We are seeing a distinct change in the Super-luxury arena within Malaysia. Increasingly, we are welcoming younger, adventurous Rolls-Royce customers alongside our more established clientele. We have refreshed our Black Badge range for 2020, and have already seen strong interest from customers who are looking for something very contemporary and bold.”

While each Rolls Royce model is almost infinitely customisable, Black Badge variants are treated to exclusive upgrades that aren’t conventionally available. Contrary to their name, Black Badge can be had on any of the 44,000 paint options that the marque offers, though admittedly the most popular is still that classic darkest of shades.

Speaking of which, Rolls Royce insists on the purity and perfection of each car’s paint finish, which is why multiple layers of paint and laquer are meticulously applied and hand-polished 10 times in their Goodwood facility, representing the most comprehensive surface finish process ever applied to a solid paint colour.

The blacked-out look applies to nearly every element of the exterior, replacing what used to be chrome or silver with a highly polished dark version of itself. Not even the company’s signature mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy, or the brand’s Double R badge escapes this treatment. One of the most obvious identifiers of any Black Badge car, however, are the bespoke forged two-tone 22-inch wheels.

Inside it is awash with new details, each leaf of the Technical Carbon trim accents are finished with six coats of lacquer before being left to cure for 72 hours before being treated to a gauntlet of hand polish rounds to achieve a mirror finish, altogether taking 21 days. Then there are the Cullinan’s famous Starlight Headliner, a handwoven mosaic of 1,344 fibre optic illuminators that can be customised to match any night’s sky.

Like the Ghost, Wraith, and Dawn, the Cullinan Black Badge also receives some performance upgrades over the standard version, starting with its V12 heart, an uprated version of the marque’s 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged unit that now produces 592hp and 900Nm of torque, paired to a ZF 8-speed gearbox which sends power to all four wheels.

Rolls Royce has also given the SUV a custom throttle and transmission map to match the increased output and to improve responsiveness while also making the most of its new sports exhaust system and a rumbling, bass-heavy soundtrack.

Prices for the Black Badge range in Malaysia, as with all Rolls Royce cars, are difficult to pin down due to the sea of customisation options. Roughly, though, things start from RM1.4 million for the Ghost while both the Cullinan and Wraith kick off from RM1.7 million. The Dawn Black Badge goes upward of RM1.8 million.


Post-SST: Honda Slashes Prices For CKD Models, Hybrids To Be Confirmed

Honda Malaysia has announced the latest prices for its lineup following the reintroduction of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) that came into effect on 1 September 2018. Locally-assembled (CKD) models receive a small reduction in price by 2-3%, but prices for fully-imported (CBU) models - Civic Type R and Odyssey, have increased by the same percentage.
The new SST rates are set at 10% for sales and 6% for services. Honda Malaysia’s after-sales services are subjected to a 6% service tax for maintenance labour charge.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “With the new SST legislation taking effect on 1 st September 2018, Honda Malaysia have adjusted the prices for Honda models and after-sales services accordingly. We remain committed to providing the Joy of Buying to our customers with quality products and unique advanced features and technology”.
Prices of the Honda City and Jazz Hybrid models will be announced at a later date. As for the HR-V, Honda Malaysia will be introducing the facelifted model soon.
Below are the updated prices.


Mazda will debut their MX-30 with a rotary engine next year - It's actually going to happen!

Mazda will finally revive the rotary engine, but it no longer stands to be that powerful high-revving exciting engine we've known it to be.

After many years of rumours, teasers and prototypes, Mazda will finally revive the rotary engine. Don't get too excited though, because the Wankel engine isn't in a Mazda sports car, as it will only act as a range extender powerplant
for the MX-30 EV
.

Apparently, the Wankel engine will only operate at a constant speed to provide energy to
the MX-30's puny battery
. This according to Mazda is their solution to extend the driving range of their EV, where now the MX-30 will have the benefits of an electric drivetrain but with the range of a normal car.

The MX-30 has a 35.5-kilowatt-hour battery that only offers an EPA-estimated range of 161 kilometres, so with the range extender in play, the car can probably double or triple up its driving range which should make it into a very usable car.

The displacement of the Wankel range extender engine has yet to be unveiled and that's a shame, as we're pretty curious to see just how big it is. Even in rotary powered cars like the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8 the Wankel engine was pretty small, so just imagine how cute it would be in the MX-30.

With the range extender in place, it's still unclear whether Mazda would give the MX-30 a bit more grunt because it potentially can, but at the very least, they should give the electric motor a bit more juice just to compensate for the extra weight incurred by the range extender.

Many details regarding the MX-30 with range extender engine are still undisclosed, but we're pretty keen to see how Mazda would explain how this Wankel powerplant is different from the ones of yesteryears, as the traditional Wankel engines was notoriously known for having lousy fuel consumption as well as emissions, which killed it off in the first place.

There's also the big question now of what we should call the upcoming MX-30, because in a traditional sense, it sounds more like a hybrid rather than a pure electric vehicle.

Whatever it is, well know more in January 2023, as Mazda has promised to introduce it during the Brussels Motor Show in a couple of months.


Anwar Ibrahim to meet Elon Musk for Investment talks in Malaysia

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that he will be meeting with Tesla's CEO Elon Musk next week. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss potential investment opportunities in Malaysia.

According to Utusan's report, the Prime Minister shared that Elon Musk has expressed interest in discussing the possibility of increasing his investments in the country.

Speaking at the Prime Minister's Address to the Negeri Sembilan Civil Servants event, he stated, "Elon Musk has requested a meeting with me next week
to discuss his potential commitmen
t to further investment in Malaysia."

Anwar emphasized the importance of managing the country's economic approach, focusing on
increasing domestic investment and attracting foreign investment
.

He highlighted recent meetings with Japanese investors who expressed interest in expanding their investments and the historically high levels of investment from China.

"This is crucial because without investment, unemployment will increase, the economy will not grow, and industries such as restaurants and hotels will be affected," Anwar added.

The meeting between Anwar Ibrahim and Elon Musk signifies Malaysia's efforts to attract more foreign investments and stimulate economic growth. The discussions hold the potential for significant developments in the country's investment landscape.


The Tron Realm - Where Science-Fiction Meets Reality

Shanghai Disney Resort and its alliance participant SAIC-General Motors today opened a new experience inside the park dubbed the Tron Realm, Chevrolet Digital Challenge. The new attraction is sponsored by Chevrolet and offers visitors a chance to be immersed in a highly imaginative and innovative world of technologically advanced marvels.
Located at the park's Tomorrowland section, the Tron Realm invites guests to explore three exciting interactive zones – Imagine, Create, and Drive – designed to immerse guests in the future of transportation.
In the Imagine zone, guests can virtually suit-up in a specially-designed Tron Light Suit and drive through the world of Tron.
The Create Zone allows visitors to dabble with Advanced Vehicle Design, exploring and creating next generation vehicles.
In the Drive zone, guests can drive a Tron Light Runner through the compelling digital world of Tron from the seat of a Chevrolet-inspired Driving Pod.
Three futuristic concept vehicles are available at the Tron Realm - Qing Yi, Ling Si, and Guang Suo, showcasing outstanding driving dynamics and innovative technologies.
Qing Yi is a Tron transport that features Lightcycle-inspired ergonomics for pilot and navigator. Fusing a Corvette with cutting-edge technology. Qing Yi has the unique ability to drive on and off the Grid using the first generation light fusion reactor powered by Blue Light Energy.
Inspired by the movie’s lead character, Sam Flynn, Chevrolet engineers made it possible to bring Tron technology off the Grid and into our world. The Ling Si is powered by a new generation of Ecotec Power packs and features smart technology such as enhanced connectivity for autonomous driving. Ling Si is powered by Green Light Energy.
For the Guang Suo, Chevrolet’s designers developed new materials for a performance Light Runner, inspired by the Chevrolet Camaro. Guang Suo is inspired by the Tron Light Jet system, the high energy burst propulsion of Guang Suo gives it a distinctive red light ribbon trail and hyper quick speed.


The Demise Of Malaysian Motorsports

In this time of COVID-19, many industries have ground to a halt as a result of movement restrictions, borders being shut down, and a general lack of money or budget to be spent. One of the biggest budget entertainment industries is motorsports, and the hits are massive as many race series around the world have had to be postponed almost indefinitely as racetracks shut their doors. It’s a very uncertain time for those working in the industry, and it may not really return to the same kind of peak.

With this in mind, we decided to take a look at how motorsports has risen and fallen over the decades in Malaysia. We start this story somewhere in the middle – or at least, in the recent past. Prior to COVID-19, motorsports in Malaysia was simultaneously at a very low point while showing great promise for the future. There are a few reasons for this, but perhaps most significant was the exit of Sepang International Circuit from the Formula 1 calendar.

As someone who isn’t a fan of Formula 1, I have no real love or understanding of that level of sport – but it was one of the more important events that helped to keep Malaysia somewhat relevant in the eyes of the motorsport world. Granted, it really didn’t help as much with our local tourism economy or developing local talents across the motorsport industry, but you could think of it as a stamp of approval. The last Malaysian Grand Prix was held in 2017 – and nothing really major has filled the void since with the exception of Moto GP (which is still strong here).

But even before this, we were already making a number of moves that would inevitably stifle and stymie our local motorsport industry. One of the biggest issues was the shutdown of the racetrack at Batu Tiga which, while not a Formula 1 level track, offered a great arena for grassroots racing, all the way up to touring cars. Since the shuttering of Batu Tiga thanks to greedy housing developers, we haven’t had a single track to replace it – and Sepang International Circuit is just a little too big and far too expensive for these smaller scale events.

To make matters worse, Pasir Gudang circuit down in Johor was eventually left to decay and shut down with the promise of renovation and a re-opening, but it hasn’t been made available to any non-Johorean in years. The circuit was said to be technical and exciting and was a hotspot for Singaporeans as well as other motorsport competitors from around the country. With both of these circuits gone, the only remaining ones were small tracks like MIMC in Melaka or Dato Sagor in Perak – though these tracks are a little small for door-to-door racing.

On the talent side of things, there are few Malaysians that have made it to the world stage despite having some seriously promising talent. With the exception of Alex Yoong and Karamjit Singh, no Malaysian driver has really managed to fly the flag in front of a global audience – and it’s a shame, because in the late 2000s to early 2010s, there was a rather promising program known as the Petronas Formula Xperience. A number of young Malaysian drivers were selected and developed, competing in series like Formula BMW – up to the point where they would eventually fight in the world-renowned Super Taikyu series in Japan.

It wasn’t really known to the world, but our Malaysian drivers were truly on the path to make it big and would have gone on to greater and greater heights. Dominic Ang, Melvin Moh, and Ryan Ritchie were among the last drivers to pilot the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG decked out in Petronas livery, standing tall above the competition – that is, until Petronas decided to pull the plug in late 2013, along with various other commitments as a result of trying to cut their expenditure.

It was a real shame, because these drivers would be fighting in the same league as those who compete in World Endurance Championship events (think 24 Hours of Le Mans, Nurburgring, Bathurst) – they had the pace, they had the racecraft, but their legs were cut out from underneath them. With the world in as much chaos as it currently is, it’s even tougher for them to find a drive and continue their motorsport careers.

Right now, perhaps the most notable international motorsport effort that could be tied to Malaysia is the Proton Iriz R5 rally car over in Europe – but even this isn’t really a Malaysian effort as the cars were developed and run by Mellors Elliot Motorsport UK. We mean no disrespect to Proton R3 (we really do love their local efforts), but we wish they would once again field entries in series like the Asia Pacific Rally Championship – but alas, money is really tight.

If this is all off-putting, well perhaps it may give you some hope to know that there are those who are still fighting the good fight. The MSF series in particular has tried its best to give local racing drivers and young talents a place to develop and prove themselves – and the following only grows stronger with each passing event. But their story – and the few others who are doing their best to put Malaysia back on the motorsport map – is one for another time.


Isuzu Thailand Teases Facelifted Isuzu MU-X Blue Power

Isuzu Thailand, today released a short but detailed teaser video that all but masks the facelifted Isuzu MU-X seven-seater SUV, which is slated to be launched on March 4 for the Thai market, according to details on their website. The short teaser video also confirms the entry of the new 1.9-litre Ddi Blue Power engine for the seven-seater MU-X range.
First introduced on the Thai-market D-Max (with the MU-X is based on), the new RZ series 1.9-litre Ddi Blue Power will replace the outgoing model's 2.5-litre Ddi iTEQ engine. Despite having a smaller capacity, the new engine produces 150hp at 3,600rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1,800-2,600rpm. That's 20 hp and 30 Nm more than the outgoing 2.5-litre engine.
The 15-second video cuts across the front and rear of the car – crucially revealing new tube-style LED daytime-running lights for the head lights and new LED graphics on the tail lamps. Along the flanks, a new six-spoke design for the alloy wheels is also obvious from the video.
On the inside, the video gives us a glimpse of the interior, which is finished in Tan-coloured leather upholstery. The dashboard trim is highlighted in what looks to be a ‘pseudo’ wood panel now.
The Malaysian market MU-X model received a new variant late last year, called the
Type S Special Edition
, which was launched alongside the
facelifted Isuzu D-Max
 pickup truck. Isuzu Malaysia introduced several updates such as the Ivory color leather seats and armrest, keyless entry and start, a new 8-inch display audio system and the new e-Lumax meter panel.
It's powered by the same 2.5-litre commonrail, direct injection turbo diesel iTEQ engine from the D-Max pickup.
This leaves the curious question if Isuzu Malaysia will match their Thai counterparts in offering the Blue Power power plants on the facelift MU-X, or simply revamps the SUV’s aesthetic features? Afterall, the MU-X is imported from Thailand.


Nissan official teases the elusive hotter version of the Nissan Z

The teaser of the Nissan Nismo Z left us yearning for more!

When Nissan
launched the highly anticipated Z
, we couldn't help but feel a twinge of dissatisfaction. Something was amiss. The absence of a true performance-oriented variant left us longing for more.

Nissan previously delighted us with the 350Z and 370Z Nismo editions, but nearly two years after the modern Nissan Z's debut, there was still nothing. However, brace yourselves, for change is on the horizon. Nissan has tantalizingly hinted at the imminent revelation of a bona fide performance-focused Nissan Z.

In an electrifying 45-second YouTube video, we catch a glimpse of professional drifter Chris Forsberg, briefly peering beneath the hood of a menacing Nissan Z, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

As the video unfolds, the Nismo emblem graces various parts of the car's hardware, including the striking digital meter cluster. The title, "There's a New NISMO in Town - Introducing the Nissan NISMO Z," might have already given it away, but the true gem lies in witnessing the forthcoming Nismo Z's aesthetic splendour.

Prominently featured are its aggressively styled design elements, headlined by angular bumpers that sport a bold red contrast along their lower edges. The Z also boasts an alluring wraparound spoiler, extending from the decklid and stretching far beyond the rear glass. Furthermore, the clip unveils Nismo-branded bucket seats, thoughtfully equipped with mounting points for a five-point harness.

While precise performance figures remain shrouded in mystery until the official unveiling, Road and Track recalls that the previous generation's 370Z Nismo offered a mere 18-horsepower boost over its base counterpart. As enthusiasts, we yearn for more power but hints from the video suggest that the Nismo Z shares the same 7,000 RPM redline as the standard model, leaving us cautiously optimistic.

Considering the video's emphasis on-track performance, we anticipate other enhancements that will render the car even more thrilling and track-ready. Perhaps it's not solely about brute force but also about finesse, poise, handling prowess, and how that power can be harnessed on the tarmac.

Patience becomes our virtue as we eagerly await the day when the Nismo Z unveils its true potential.
Will it conquer the GR Supra
 or merely become another fleeting contender crushed beneath its wheels? Only time will reveal the answer, propelling it further into the realms of automotive legend.


Audi Adopts A New Naming Style For Its Models, And Its A Bit Confusing

Audi has announced that it will be adopting a new naming style for its models worldwide beginning sometime in the final quarter of this year.
The company says that the new standardised nomenclature aims to clearly define the hierarchy in each model series.
How the new style will work is that the names of the model series – from the Audi A1 and the Audi Q7 – will remain unchanged, but within the model families, two-digit numbers will replace the various engine capacity designations used currently.
The numbers, which won’t directly correspond to a car’s output, actually represent a range of power, and will apply to both vehicles with combustion engines as well as hybrids and electric powered ones.
For example, “30” will appear on models with power outputs of between 110PS and 130PS, “45” will be used for models that produce between 230PS and 252PS, and they will go all the way to “70” which can be found on vehicles that make 544PS and more.
In each case the numerals will appear along with the engine technology indicator – TFSI, TDI, g-tron or e-tron on the vehicles’ rear.
Simply put, there will now be a two-digit number between the model name and the engine technology indicator – Audi A4 45 TFSI for instance, instead of Audi A4 1.4T TFSI, and the bigger the number, the more powerful the model is. That’s all.
High-performance models like S and RS variants as well as the R8 however will retain their names in reference to their top position in the model range.
The new A8, which will be unveiled within the next couple of months will be the first model to adopt the new naming style, where the two six-cylinder engines have been redesignated from ‘A8 3.0 TDI’ and ‘A8 3.0 TFSI’ to ‘A8 50 TDI’ and ‘A8 55 TFSI’.


Renault Group Grows Steadily In 2018 – Asia Pacific Biggest Growth Market

The Renault Group have rounded off a strong year in 2018, recording total sales across all its brands to 3,884,295 units, up 3.2 percent from its sales performance of 3,762,077 units in 2017.
Renault racked up registrations of 2,532,567 units (a drop of 5.2 percent), followed by a strong showing from Dacia and Lada, selling 700,798 (+7.0 percent) and 398,282 units (up 18.7 percent) respectively. Korean market subsidiary Renault Samsung Motors' registrations fell by 14.9 percent to 84,954 vehicles, but the Group’s Chinese market brands, Jinbei and Huasong , performed well with 165,603 vehicles.
In terms of regional markets, the strongest performer was Asia Pacific region, with a 68.3 percent year-on-year growth, to 329,744 units, versus 195,920 in 2017. The European market, consisting EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland remains Renault’s biggest market, in terms of volume, raking in 1,920,742 unit sales, a 0.5 percent increase in a market that grew by 0.2 percent in 2018.
Closer to home, the brand also experienced greater demand, as the company shifted over 1,000 units in 2018, an increase of 70 percent compared to 2017 (592 units).
The Group's growth comes mainly from the B-segment, which features the Clio,
Captur
, Dacia Sandero, and Dacia Duster. The Dacia brand also posted a new sales record in Europe with 511,622 vehicles registered (up 10.3 percent).
In the electric vehicle segment, Renault brand sales volumes worldwide increased by 36.6 percent over the year. Renault is the European leader in the EV segment, with a 22.2 percent market share. The Renault Zoe saw its volumes increase by 26.1 percent (39,458 vehicles) and the Kangoo Z.E. by 105.1 percent to 8,747 vehicles.
In the light commercial vehicle segment, the Group's volumes increased by 33.7 percent, including Jinbei and Huasong. The Renault brand reached a new record high in 2018 despite the decline in sales in Turkey and Argentina- two important markets for this segment.
In 2019, the world market is expected to be stable compared to 2018. The European market is also expected to be stable. The Russian market is expected to grow by at least 3 percent and the Brazilian market by 10 percent. In this context, Renault Group is aiming for a slight sales increase in 2019, with an acceleration in the second half of the year thanks to the launch of the new Renault Clio.
Renault’s steady growth is in line with its Drive The Future plan, which aims to grow overall sales volume across the Group’s brands to over 5 million vehicles by 2022, leveraging off an enhanced product portfolio of its conventional powered passenger vehicles, EV vehicles, and light commercial vehicle range, increased efficiency across its supply chain, shared R&D and production activities across the group, and improving autonomous and connected vehicle technology.


BMW M240i M Performance Edition Announced. Limited to 750 Units

BMW yesterday revealed a limited edition variant of the 2 Series called the M240i M Performance Edition, featuring a plethora of M Performance parts all over.
Powered by a turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine that is paired to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the small yet potent car is capable of kicking out 340hp, accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and clock a top speed of 250km/h.
In addition, the BMW xDrive system is also available as an option, but only with the automatic transmission.
Limited to just 750 units, the M240i M Performance Edition is clad in Alpine White paint, complemented by 19-inch double-spoke forged alloy wheels.
The main highlight is of course, the generous dose of M Performance parts which include the air guides, splitter, black kidney grille bars and bumper lip up front, as well as a matte black carbon fiber spoiler, carbon fiber twin exhausts and a carbon fiber diffuser in the rear.
On the inside, things are left pretty much unchanged, except for the special M Performance steering wheel and the addition of a few ‘M Performance’ emblems.


Kerana Tersilap Jalan, Perodua Bezza Naik Jejantas Motosikal

Akibat tersalah laluan, sebuah kereta
Perodua Bezza
 dirakamkan telah memasuki jejantas motosikal di Sungai Petani, Kedah baru-baru ini.

Kejadian kereta tersalah laluan sehingga memasuki
 laluan motosikal
 ini bukanlah pertama kali berlaku, namun bila berlaku kes seperti ini, pasti ada yang berfikir apa yang sedang bermain di fikiran pemandu ketika melalui jalan tersebut.

Bezza Naik Jejantas Motor

Berdasarkan sebuah video yang dimuat naik seorang pengguna media sosial, kereta tersebut didapati sedang melalui jejantas motosikal yang jelas tidak muat untuk dinaiki oleh sebuah kereta, tambah-tambah di bahagian lencongan jejantas tersebut.

Melalui video tersebut, Bezza itu didapati cuba untuk mengundurkan kenderaannya, namun tidak dapat dipastikan sama ada untuk turun ke bawah semula ataupun ingin membetulkan kedudukan kereta dengan menggunakan segala ruang yang ada untuk terus menaiki jejantas tersebut.

Meskipun saiz kelebaran jejantas itu mampu memuatkan sebuah kereta, namun lencongan tajam pada jejantas itu yang sepatutnya tidak memberi sebarang masalah kepada motosikal telah menyebabkan kereta tersebut gagal untuk melepasi bahagian itu.

*Kredit video: 我们是马来西亚人 We are Malaysians

Video Raih Perhatian Ramai

Selepas tular di media sosial, rata-rata pengguna memberi maklum balas mengatakan mungkin pemandu tersebut terlupa dia sedang memandu kereta, bukanlah menunggang
motosikal
ketika hari kejadian.

Ada juga yang mendakwa mungkin pemandu tersebut menggunakan tetapan navigasi untuk motosikal sehingga diberi laluan sedemikian ataupun sengaja mahu melakukan sesuatu yang berbeza menggunakan Bezza miliknya.

Apa pun alasannya, jejantas motosikal ataupun laluan motosikal di lebuh raya bukanlah laluan kereta. Berhati-hatilah di jalan raya.


2017 Toyota Innova Officially Launched in Malaysia. From RM109k

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has officially launched the
all-new Innova MPV
 earlier today featuring an updated engine and many new features.
Sharing the same ladder frame as the Hilux pickup truck and the Fortuner SUV, the new Innova is now 35mm taller, 55mm wider, and also 150mm longer than the outgoing model, bringing its dimensions to 4,735mm long, 1,830mm wide, and 1,795mm tall.
The wheelbase length however, remains at 2,750mm long. Besides the growth in dimensions, the Innova is also about 100kg heavier than before.
That said, the new Innova will be
available in three variants
:
Innova 2.0E Manual – RM109,000
Innova 2.0E Auto – RM117,000
Innova 2.0G Auto – RM126,000
*Prices indicated are OTR with insurance and GST
Powering all three variants of the Innova is the same 1TR-FE 2.0-litre petrol engine as before, but the mill now comes with Dual VVT-I technology, which apparently has improved the fuel economy and made the Innova an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV). The engine's total output and maximum torque ratings stand at 139PS and 183Nm respectively.
While the Innova 2.0E comes with a choice of either a 6-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox, the 2.0G’s engine is paired to the 6-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the outgoing 4-speed automatic transmission.
Sporting a much more premium look now, the list of standard features in the Innova 2.0E includes:
16-inch wheels
Halogen multi-reflector headlamps with ‘Follow Me Home’ and Manual Levelling functions
Silver/body coloured radiator grille
Black and silver interior trim
Fabric seats
Power adjustable wing mirrors with signal lamps
Body coloured door handles
Rear spoiler with LED stop lamp
Conventional panel with Multi-information display
6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, USB, AUX, MP3 connectivity
Manual air-cond control (front & rear)
Steering-mounted audio control
Urethane steering wheel & gearknob
Fabric door trim
Manual adjustable front seats
60:40 split-folding 2nd row seats with ‘One Touch Tumble’ function
50:50 split-folding 3rd row seats with ‘One Touch Easy Space Up’ function
Glove box with cooler
Engine start/stop button
ABS with EBD
Front & rear parking sensors
3 Airbags
ISOFIX mounts for all 3 rows
The range-topping 2.0G variant adds the following:
Chrome radiator grille
Power retractable wing mirrors
Puddle lamp
Leather-wrapped steering wheel & gearknob
Silver and Piano Black finishing on door trims
Armrests with cup holders (2nd row)
Glove box damper
Foldable seatback table
LED roof ambient lighting
Easy closer back door
Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Stability Control (VSC)
Traction Control
Hill-Start Assist
Emergency Stop Signal
7 airbags
Keyless entry
Optitron meter panel with Illumination control
4.2-inch TFT screen
Wood & silver interior trim
Available in six exterior colours, the new Innova also comes with enhanced noise insulation, new suspensions, and improved fuel consumption of 9.1L/100km over its predecessor’s 11.2L/100km.
The eight-seater also benefits from a five-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty which is fully transferable to the next owner if the vehicle is sold off during the warranty tenure. An early bird discount of RM5000 is offered to customers who register their Innova by 31st December 2016.
We had the opportunity to drive the all-new Innova recently. Watch this space for the full review to be published shortly.


Fuel Price Update: 26th January to 1st February – Diesel Up 1 Sen

The Ministry of Finance Malaysia has announced the price of petrol and diesel fuel starting tomorrow (January 26th) and will be valid for the next seven days.
The prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol will remain unchanged at RM1.98 per litre and RM2.28 per litre respectively, while the price of diesel will increase by 1 sen to RM2.18 per litre.
Price summary is as listed below:
RON 95 – RM1.98 per litre (no change)
RON 97 – RM2.28 per litre (no change)
Diesel – RM2.18 per litre (increase 1 sen from RM 2.17)


The Bezza 2020 Opens For Booking Now Comes With A Surprising Feature

If you keep tabs on car portals, surely you would have seen recently that so many of them are running pictures of lorries with cars on them. Well, those cars on the lorries are the 2020 Perodua Bezza and Perodua today officially announced that the latest version of the popular sedan is open for booking.

Developed mostly based on customer feedback, the 2020 Perodua Bezza is is offered in 1.0 G MT, 1.0 G AT, 1.3 X AT and 1.3 AV AT variants, priced from RM34,580 to RM49,980 (on-the-road before insurance in Peninsular Malaysia).

With newly designed bumper grilles, LED headlmaps and some attractive two-tone side skirts, the Bezza looks sharper than ever. These new features will also be standard across the range a big win for everyone.

What's not standard across the range are rims, with the X and AV variants receiving new 15-inch alloys. Power- adjustable door mirrors are now available on all models, except for the AV which is retractable.

Perodua has also proudly announced that their Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0*) system will be making a debut in the Bezza AV variant, making the AV one of the most affordable sedan with such a feature.

ASA 2.0 comprises Pedestrian Detection (up to 50 km/h), Pre-Collision Warning (up to 100 km/h), Pre-Collision Braking (up to 80 km/h), Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control, all of which work together to mitigate collisions.

Meanwhile, the X variant now gains the Vehicle Stability Control and traction control already previously offered on the AV variant.

White-illuminated gauges uplift the interior, while keyless entry and start, as well as front corner sensors, are offered on X and AV variants. All variants get reverse sensors; the AV adds a reverse camera.


Land Rover’s Transparent Trailer Tech Makes Towing Cargo A Breeze

Engineers over at
Land Rover
 have revealed their newest in augmented reality, allowing cameras to feed an altered view of the car’s rear but without the obstructive view of whatever it may be towing. They call it transparent trailer tech.
Towing a large item such as a trailer, horse box, boat, or even a caravan seriously impedes the driver’s visibility. With this technology, they will be able to easily see what’s coming up behind them and make maneuverability much easier, showcased in the film below using a
Range Rover
.
The video feed displayed on the rear view mirror is a doctored image, which is in real-time being combined from the reversing camera, wing mirror mount cameras, and an additional wireless digital camera mounted on the rear of the trailer – when combined, they able to make the trailer appear invisible to the driver looking at the screen.
Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology at
Jaguar
 Land Rover said, “Our transparent trailer project is researching how we could offer a view out of the vehicle unrestricted by your trailer, no matter what its size or shape. Our prototype system offers a very high quality video image with no distortion of other cars or obstructions. This means the driver would have exactly the right information to make safe and effective decisions when driving or manoeuvring, making towing safer and less stressful.”
Cargo Sense, however, uses sensors placed strategically within the cargo trailer to monitor temperature and, importantly, contains an accelerometer to sense any impending destabilizing movement. It will then warn the driver remotely (via a smartphone app) or while he or she is driving.


Here's All You Need To Know About The All-New 2020 Honda City

On one of those rare occasions where a car can literally break the internet - Honda Thailand has officially pulled the covers off of the 5th-generation all-new Honda City before it hits showrooms over there starting 24th December 2019.

The new model introduces a more grown-up design – akin to the larger Civic and Accord models – a new infotainment interface system called Honda Connect, a new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, and for the first time ever, an RS variant.

Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “Honda City has been the main contributor to driving Thailand’s automotive industry in the city car segment as it continuously set new benchmarks, becoming like an icon for this class of automobile.”

He added, “As a result of Honda City’s achievements and its significance over the past two decades, developing the next-generation Honda City was very challenging, as we aimed to come up with a better-developed model than the previous ones and every other model in this class, along with new value-added by advanced technology features and a lower price for every variant.”

The City’s exterior was designed to deliver a sportier appearance with sharp character lines – which are married to a more fastback-style silhouette (like the Civic) – and features projector headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Tail Lights, Chrome Front Grille, Shark Fin Antenna, and newly-designed 15-inch alloy wheels, depending on variant.

The RS variant adds to that an array of aesthetic parts including a Gloss Black front grille with RS logo emblem, front bumper and grille, LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Fog Lights, Black power-retractable wing mirrors with turn indicators, Gloss Black trunk spoiler with an “RS” logo, and new sporty-design 16-inch Alloy Wheels. The RS also exclusively receives the Ignite Red exterior colour.

Honda claims that the already purposeful and brilliantly packaged interior has been made even more spacious, with better ergonomics for occupants. The thoroughly redesigned dashboard is offered with a black interior or leather seats with a two-tone ivory/black interior, and a Piano Black console and chrome door handles – depending on variant. The RS variant takes the sportiness further with a newly designed suede leather seats with red stitching, and a Multi-Information Display (MID) with red illumination.

Also new is the Honda Connect application which provides a seamless connection between the car and a smartphone and offers additional features such as remote vehicle control, driver monitoring, speed alerts and even a "Find My Car" function.

Elsewhere, the in-car infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Perhaps the biggest news is the introduction of a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder, 12-valve, VTEC Turbo engine which produces a maximum 122 PS at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 173 Nm between 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. Honda claims new engine provides driving performance superior to the 1.5-litre engine of the previous generation and torque equivalent to a 1.8-litre engine. The engine is mated to a CVT-type automatic transmission with 7-pseudo ratios (and paddle shifters depending on variant) for spirited driving.

The all-new Honda City meets the EURO 5 standard and has a CO2 emission rate of only 99 g/km. This engine is compatible with E20 fuel. Fuel economy is rated at 23.8 km/liter.

The City is supplied as standard with six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Multi-angle Rearview Camera.

Prices for the Thai market range from THB 579,500 (RM80.1k) for then “S” variant to THB 739,000 (RM102.5k) for the “RS” variants. Prices are lower than the corresponding variants of the outgoing model. Honda Thailand has also introduced an array of Modulo accessories for buyers who would like to further customise their cars.


AD: Experience BMW Hybrids This Weekend At Setia Alam With Wheelcorp Premium

It's coming to the end of the year, which usually means that you're going to find some great deals on the market. This is it, besides jumping behind the steering wheel of the ALL New BMW Plug-in Hybrids models, BMW Wheelcorp Premium is hosting their Year End Extravaganza in Setia Alam this weekend, from the 20th to the 22nd of October.
Get electrified this weekend where you will get a chance to test drive BMW's iPerformance Plug-in Hybrid models, such as the 330e M Sport, the X5 xDrive40e, and the 740Le- along with some of BMW's other products available at the facility. Click
Here
 and drop a message Wheelcorp Premium’s Facebook page to secure a test drive slot!
Besides exclusive deals on various BMW models, customers who purchase an iPerformance vehicle this weekend will be able to redeem a complimentary Wallbox charger that is worth RM 7,000.
It is also the perfect time to buy a car as trade in values are relatively higher compared to the later months of 2017. Wheelcorp Premium BMW Premium Selection and MINI will also be participating in this exclusive event in having limited edition models line up for you.
But even better than the experience are the deals on offer. Public Bank is offering attractive low interest rates for selected BMW models purchased during this promotion period. So, head on down to Setia Alam to experience Sheer Driving Pleasure with Wheelcorp Premium.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia And Hap Seng Star Reaffirm Partnership In East Malaysia

With a 46-year history of representing the Mercedes-Benz brand in East Malaysia, dating back to 1969, Hap Seng Star is deepening its ties with the three-pointed star by opening a RM 2 million Hap Seng Star (HSS) Kota Kinabalu Autohaus, the seventh Mercedes-Benz autohaus in the country.
The expenditure is part of Hap Seng Star’s RM30 million long-term investment plan to enhance its reach in East Malaysia, starting with the HSS Miri Autohaus launched in May 2015.
Like the recently launched HSS Balakong Autohaus in Selangor, HSS Kota Kinabalu complies with the latest Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) corporate identity.
Housed at the Ground Floor of Plaza Shell (built by Hap Seng’s property development arm) at 29 Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, HSS Kota Kinabalu is spread across 7,346 sq ft.
The 7,346 square feet showroom is supported by a 24,000 square feet area service centre located in Inaman, which has also been refurbished and has a work bay capacity to support 14 passenger cars and two commercial vehicles.
“The history we have with Hap Seng Star is a testament to the importance of a valued partnership,” said Dr. Claus Weidner President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, during the opening ceremony on Wednesday.
“From Kota Kinabalu to Miri and Kuala Lumpur, Hap Seng Star has fully embraced an ‘enduring passion’ for the Mercedes-Benz brand and business. To us, automotive excellence goes beyond the vehicle; it includes an entire customer experience. And Hap Seng Star has consistently met the needs of our customers, with passion.
“As we celebrate the opening of HSS Kota Kinabalu, we hope to further strengthen the bond we have with Hap Seng Star,” added Dr. Weidner.
Harald Behrend, CEO of Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd said:
“At present, we have seven Mercedes--Benz Autohauses nationwide, and, our sales volume has tripled over the past 5 years to more than 3,600 units in 2015. Although the total investment of Hap Seng Star is more than RM160 million to date, I can assure you we will not stop here.
“Our continued investment signifies our readiness and confidence in Mercedes-Benz as the premium automotive brand.”
Hap Seng Star’s other Mercedes-Benz outlets are located in Kuching and Miri Sarawak, Kinrara (Puchong), Balakong, Jalan Sultan Ismail, and Jalan Ipoh in the Klang Valley. Hap Seng Star is also the distributor of Mitsubishi Fuso (a brand under Daimler) commercial vehicles in East Malaysia.


2015 Isuzu D-Max Diablo Launched In Malaysia: The Devilish 4X4 From RM110k

So, as
spied weeks ago
, here is
Isuzu
 Malaysia’s latest version of its tough-going
D-Max
. Known officially as the 2015 Isuzu D-Max Diablo, the rugged pick-up is the third of Isuzu Malaysia’s “lifestyle” variants since the
D-Max Artic
 and the D-Max X-Series.
2015 Isuzu D-Max Diablo 2.5L VGS Turbo Diesel: RM110,189 (OTR with insurance)
2015 Isuzu D-Max Diablo 3.0L VGS Turbo Diesel: RM116,959 (OTR with insurance)
From what we understand, Isuzu Malaysia hasn’t had much problems depleting stock of such variants, with the X-Series selling out quick while it was on display at KLIMS13, and the Artic’s 510 units all gone now. The Diablo will be limited to a shorter run of just 300 units (unspecified if 2.5 or 3.0), so best you be hurrying on your way to book one!
Thankfully, then, D-Max enthusiast have this: the darkest pick-up with “wicked desires” to “announce your arrival with its uniquely bold and stylish features.”
So, what do you get?
As visually obvious, the D-Max Diablo presents itself as a very, very different looking D-Max: the general theme Isuzu are going with here is a goth-like, dark and devilish styling.
EXTERIOR:
 All the chrome bits typically visible on a regular D-Max have been replaced by black or dark grey finishing, leaving the only chrome bits left on the front of the pick-up, where the Isuzu logo is featured, while the bumper guard is painted in contrasting silver.
Only one body colour is available for the Diablo, and that’s a Cosmic Black Mica. Further complementing the look is a set of 17-inch LENSO ‘Beastly Black’ alloy wheels. And if you haven’t noticed them yet, the sides of the Diablo feature tribal decals.
Around the back, what used to be called the V-lid has been renamed and redesigned to become a D-LOC lid, which offers a lockable lid over the cargo bed. The D-LOC lid even has its own rear aero spoiler at the back. Up top, the roof rails too are painted in black for a very menacing look overall.
LED Daytime Running Lights are also a feature of the Diablo, positioned similarly to where the Artic had its DRLs: effectively replacing the fog lamps on the front bumper.
INTERIOR:
 The centrepiece of the Diablo’s interior is its “Bloody Red” premium Italian leather upholstery, which wrap the seats and centre armrest. Stitched rather elegantly, they also feature black elements in leather as well.
The rest of the interior is pretty much as you’ve seen it on D-Max variants before, so not many surprises there, apart from highlights that include piano black door trims and centre tunnel inserts which spark the whole dark-themed interior.
Where infotainment matters, it’s a familiar Blaupunkt multimedia entertainment system that’s equipped, offering quite an impressive sound quality (as we’ve heard before), and of course, a reverse camera display as well.
PERFORMANCE:
 Two engine options are available for the D-Max Diablo, and these are Isuzu’s 2.5-litre VGS turbo diesel, and its 3.0-litre VGS turbo diesel, with a premium of RM6k splitting the two pick-ups.
The 2.5-litre makes 136PS and 320Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,800rpm, while the more powerful 3.0-litre serves up 177PS and 320Nm of torque from the same rev range.
Buyer’s Guide:
Included in the D-Max Diablo’s OTR with insurance prices are a three-year or 100,000km warranty, together with Isuzu’s Doctor Mobile 24-hour assistance service.
Do note however that prices for the two Diablo variants listed above do not include some of the items you see on the car here, which can however be purchased separately from the accessories list:
D-LOC boot lid: RM5,500
Bed Liner: RM800
Side Step: RM1,350
Multi-media DVD player: RM2,500


2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X vs 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete vs 2021 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain

The entire Japanese pickup truck ensemble is going through a refresh at the moment, this time it's the turn of the Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max. Let's see the comparison together.

Apart from Toyota, which had already unveiled the
new Hilux
 at the very cusp of last year, all of the other Japanese pickup truck players are rushing to release their new utes just in time to catch the last few months of the SST tax exemption period - which by the way ends on June 30, 2021.

Nissan already unveiled their new top-spec facelift Navara, the PRO-4X, ahead of its official launch on April 16, Mitsubishi has just made public the Triton Athlete, which will replace the
Triton Adventure X
 as the flagship of the Triton pickup range, and Isuzu is just a week away from unveiling the 2021 D-Max.

With that being said, we're pretty sure some of you will look into buying one of these new pickups, so let's take a look at some of the key features from the new Nissan Navara PRO-4X, Mitsubishi Triton Athlete and Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain.

Underpinnings

The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete and Nissan
Navara PRO-4X
 ride on the same platform from the current generation, but the Navara PRO-4X has received some suspension tweaking at the rear, which now allows it to carry a payload of up to 1.1 tonnes.

On the other hand, the 2021 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is built on Isuzu's new Dynamic Drive Platform, which is stiffer and lighter compared to the outgoing model. Isuzu has also changed the standard body mount to a shear mount, which has helped reduce noise and vibration while at the same time increasing driving stability.

Powertrain

The story of recycling parts continues for the Navara and Triton as they are equipped with the tried and tested powerplants from the current generation.

The Triton Athlete is equipped with the award-winning
(4N15) 2.4-litre Mivec
 common-rail turbodiesel engine, which produces 181 PS and 430 Nm of torque. Power is sent to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The Navara PRO-4X soldiers on the use of the YD25 2.5-litre DOHC intercooler turbodiesel engine, which has 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to the
existing 7-speed automatic transmission
 with manual mode.

The new top-spec Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain will get the reengineered 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre engine which has learned a thing or two from the efficient RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre engine. It now makes 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque an increase of 13 PS and 70 Nm over the 4JJ1-TCX engine it was based on. The Isuzu truck has also received an upgrade in the transmission department and will sport a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Exterior

While the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete's exterior looks are not completely new, it has received some stylistic treatment and now features a gloss black front under garnish, whereas the 'Dynamic Shield' front design concept now incorporates a glossy black radiator grille and sporty 'Athlete' graphic design side stripe stickers. The side mirrors, door handles, aero-type window deflectors, side steps and 18-inch gloss black rims also get the new blacked-out beautification.

The Navara PRO-4X is a facelift after all and now features a more pronounced front end, including a taller hood, large black front grille, a la the Nissan Titan (Nissan calls it the Interlock grille), and headlights with four projector LED cubes in the housing surrounded by C shaped daytime running lights. Non-reflective orange accents at the bottom of the new front bumper and wheel arches are also new.

It also receives the same facelift beautification at the rear, continuing the C-shaped theme with taillights that have a C light guide design, a beefier bumper, and a redesigned tailgate. The new bumper receives a welcome integrated step ladder type feature which helps provide easier access to the truck bed.

The theme of the
D-Max
 X-Terrain having the newest upgrades continues here and is headlined by that really aggressive grille that stretches out proudly at the front end. Flanked by slimmer headlights that house bi-LED illumination equipment, as well as U-shaped LED daytime running lights, we can safely say this is the most aggressive-looking front end featured on any D-Max.

The side profile now has more of a wedge-type shape to it which helps give the car better aerodynamics. At the rear, the bumper is now integrated into the bed giving the D-Max a more streamlined look. The 18-inch alloy wheels on the top-spec is new too. The taillights have some similarities with the outgoing model, but it does come with LED edge lighting.

Interior

While the Triton's interior is largely the same, the Athlete is spiced up with orange-stitching leather-wrapped steering, gear knobs and LED illuminated scuff plates. The Triton Athlete also comes with a first-in-class rear air circulator.

The Navara on the other hand comes with a newly designed Nissan steering wheel and improved styling of the instrument panel which highlights the 7-inch higher-resolution TFT screen. Passengers can enjoy new rear seats with upgraded seat cushions and back shapes.

For added convenience, passengers in the back can now also utilize the new rear armrest with built-in cup holders to store beverages or smartphones. 4 USB ports (two at the front and one in the rear) have also been added in the new Navara. An acoustic windshield and front windows complete the Navara's comfort features

The old D-Max never had the best of interior ergonomics and comfort, but the new one seems like it has changed this. It now includes telescopic and tilt steering wheel adjustment, MDI polyurethane cushions which help reduce fatigue on long journeys. The rear seats have also been re-engineered to improve ride comfort.

Safety and Infotainment

Safety-wise, the Triton Athlete comes standard with 7-airbags, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist (BSW with LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), and Auto High Beam (AHB). An All-Round Monitor (ARM), Driving Video Recorder (DVR) and 7-Inch Touchscreen Audio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto comes as standard.

The Navara PRO-4X has an impressive host of safety features, including 6-airbags, an intelligent forward collision system, intelligent emergency braking, intelligent around-view monitor (360 camera angle), and an offroad monitoring system that can help check and detect obstacles. The off-road monitoring system automatically comes alive through the Pro-4X's 8-inch touchscreen display when the 4WD system is engaged, which helps confirm surrounding obstacles when off-roading.

Other noticeable parts of the safety gear include intelligent driver alertness, lane departure warning, intelligent lane intervention and blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent moving object detection, and high beam assist. An 8-inch infotainment screen that is Android Auto ready accompanies the 4 USB ports (two at the front and one in the rear) in the car.

As we have mentioned in a previous article, the D-Max X-Terrain will get many advanced driver assistance features - most notably Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, which has given the incoming D-Max a Euro NCAP 5-star rating.

There is also adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multi-collision braking. Seven airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, traction and stability control, hill start and descent assist systems, all-round parking sensors, and a reverse camera should also come as standard in the top variant.

Conclusion

All of the trucks mentioned above are top-spec variants and which one you should get is totally down to your own preferences. Obviously, the D-Max X-terrain will be the newest out of them all, but the rest of this trio has also been updated which makes them all current.

To say one is better than the other would be unfair as they are all good trucks, but as far as road tax is concerned we know the Triton probably makes the most sense. if you want a bit of Americana, go for the Navara as that Titan grille really does shine!

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ASEAN NCAP: Five Stars For New 2015 Ford Ranger

All models of the new 2015 Ford Ranger that are equipped with ESC (electronic stability control) has been awarded the maximum five stars by ASEAN NCAP.
The model tested by ASEAN NCAP is a Thailand-market model, and comes without ESC. Therefore it was given a four-star rating but ASEAN NCAP adds that because it scored a very high 15.45 points (maximum is 16.00 points) in Adult Occupant Protection, its passive safety performance is already in the five-star category. However, ESC is a pre-requisite feature to obtain the five-star rating.
In Malaysia, ESC is already a standard feature on all Ranger models sold by Sime Darby AutoConneXion, so the five-star rating applies to all Ranger models sold in Malaysia.
Even the cheapest RM91,588 (excluding insurance) Ranger XL is equipped with ESC.
In terms of child occupant protection, the Ranger scored 30.75 points (maximum is 49 points), giving it a Compliance score of 63 percent. ISOFIX and top tether are fitted as standard across all Ranger variants.
The test was conducted at ASEAN NCAP’s partner laboratory in Australia, at ANCAP’s Crash Lab facility in West Sydney, as ASEAN NCAP’s own PC3 facility in Melaka is not yet equipped to test heavier vehicles like pick-up trucks.
Related link:
New Ford Ranger Launched – Plenty First in Class Features, Priced From RM91,588


Volvo Car Malaysia Introduces New PHEV Powertrain - Longer Electric Range, More Power, Price ??

Volvo Car Malaysia to introduce a new PHEV powertrain for its series 90 and 60 vehicles that will bring with it more electric range and also more power.

The new PHEV powertrain will be made available for all the Recharge T8 models including the
V60
 (without a doubt the best looking Volvo available in Malaysia to date), S60, S90, XC60 and XC90 from May 1, 2022.

Key highlights of the new PHEV powertrain include:

New long-range battery of 18.8kWh, up from 11.6kWh

New rear electric motor generating 145hp compared to the previous 88hp

Increased EV range up to 90km from the previous 40 to 49km

Increase in total power to 462hp compared to the previous 407hp.

One-Pedal Drive will be made available on the XC60 and S90 PHEVs

In this new and improved powertrain, a third layer of cells is built in to increase the battery capacity from 11.6kWh to 18.8kWh, channeled to the rear electric motor, increasing its output to 145hp. Total power also shoots up by a significant 55hp from the former 407hp to 462hp. Let's bear in mind the
S60 T8 already had a 0-100 km/h of 4.4 seconds
 with 407hp, it would be interesting to find out what that time will be now?

Electric driving range also benefits from the larger capacity battery, going up to between 70 - 90 kilometres, almost double the previous electric range of between 40 to 49 kilometres.

No mention has however been made of the additional weight that the cars will now carry and how that will affect the handling of the series 90 and 60 Volvos that will come with this new PHEV powertrain, that is built on the
Scalable Product Architecture
 (SPA) platform.

“Our new line of PHEVs will transform the way our customers experience electric driving,” said Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia. “The improved powertrain lets our customers drive sustainably at a longer distance, at the same time providing them with range confidence that fits the needs of their everyday lives.”

For buyers of the XC60 and S90 PHEVs, they will also be able to enjoy One Pedal Drive, especially beneficial in stop-and-go traffic. The One Pedal Drive system also offers a more effective battery regeneration and higher regeneration too which will further add to fuel efficiency.

Volvo Car Malaysia will be adjusting the prices of their fleet of offerings in Malaysia from 1, May 2022. The price adjustment will begin with the XC40 T5, XC40 Recharge T5, XC60 B5, and
XC90 B5
 while the new line-up of the 90 and 60 series will be sold at the new price point upon rollout. The price for the current Recharge T8 models remains the same and will be sold while stocks last.

You can contact any Volvo car authorised dealer or follow Volvo Car Malaysia on Facebook
 http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-FB
 and Instagram
 http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-IG
 for more details on the new Recharge Plug-In Powertrain and car price adjustment.


Toyota Reveals Specifications For The 2016 All-New Toyota Prius

When the all-new fourth generation Toyota Prius was unveiled last month, Toyota only showed us the car and didn’t reveal much about the vehicle’s specifications. Toyota has since announced that the all-new Prius will go on sale in Japan this December, and has revealed more details on the vehicle’s specifications.
What’s New?
Engine and Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 1.8-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle 2ZR-FXE engine, the same engine code as the previous generation Prius. It is however, a very different engine.
Despite sharing the same engine block and valvetrain (therefore retaining the same model code), this new engine uses large-volume exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, has a redesigned air intake port improves airflow inside the combustion chamber, while the coolant passages have been redesigned to optimize internal engine temperature. The friction created by the piston skirts, rotating parts and the oil pump has been reduced, while the use of low-viscosity oil reduces friction between sliding engine components. All this add up to deliver a thermal efficiency of 40 percent (1.5 percent higher than before) – the world’s highest for a petrol engine.
All key hybrid components ―including the motors, transaxle, power control unit and hybrid batteries―are now smaller and lighter.
The MG1 and MG2 pair of motor-generators, a key component in the Prius’s two-motor full-hybrid system, are all-new and uses an innovative rolling-coil structure.
Further aiding fuel economy is an automatic grille shutter that opens and closes the grille as necessary in response to outside temperatures.
Claimed fuel economy is 40 km/litre (up from 32.6 km/litre) when tested under the Japanese JC08 driving cycle. The all-new Prius has yet to be tested under the US EPA or European NEDC driving cycle it will only go on sale in these markets later next year.
The petrol engine is produces 97 hp at 5,200 rpm, and 142 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. This is further boosted by the 71 hp (53 kW) electric motor.
Choice of Li-On and NiMh Traction Battery
Depending on markets, the Prius can be specified with either a Li-On or NiMh traction battery, which has been moved from behind the rear seats to under it.
Relocating the batteries have freed up 56 litres of cargo volume, bringing it up to 502 litres.
E-Four AWD Option
Certain markets will have the option of an AWD Prius. Rather than a mechanical AWD drivetrain, the Prius uses another 53 kW motor (same as the ones driving the front axle) to drive the rear axle. To support the motor’s functions, an air-cooled inverter (the one fitted in front is liquid cooled) is also installed in the rear’s rear section.
Chassis And Body Control
The all-new Prius’s TNGA platform has accorded it with a significantly stiffer chassis (torsional rigidity up by 60 percent) and a better driving experience thanks to its lower centre of gravity.
Driver and passenger hip points in the Prius have been lowered by 59 mm, combining with optimized placement of the steering wheel and pedals.
The welds along the frame are now completed using Laser Screw Welding rather than conventional spot welds, while other sections are held together using structural body adhesives, and the use of ring-shaped frame structures. Toyota says these improvements combine to produce a firmer, more stable ride.
The regenerative braking system has been improved by using a new active hydraulic booster, which Toyota says emits less noise and improves pedal feel.
The rear axle is now suspended using an all-new double wishbone rear suspension (previous model uses torsion beam).
Is It Coming To Malaysia?
Unlikely. Without the tax incentives that the previous generation Prius enjoyed, the Prius will be priced way too high, like above RM250k. However, there is a chance that the car might be available on a special order basis, for those few that can stomach the price.
More on the all-new fourth generation Toyota Prius in the videos below.


Lotus To Get An RM 5.5 Billion Factory In China Thanks To Geely

There's no money like Chinese money, in all its vast, life-giving glory. Geely is fast becoming known as a company that breathes life back into companies with significant injection of capital, and as you can see from their efforts with Volvo it has very much paid off. While they are working hand in hand with Proton, let's spare a thought for Lotus - the British sports car manufacturer that was once owned by Proton as well.
Now under Geely's stewardship, Lotus is going to go through a number of big changes - most of which are for the better. While Lotus models are extremely fun to drive and provide a sensational raw driving experience, they are also very limited in scope and are usually rejected in favour of more conventional options like Porsches and the like. All of that could change with Geely's financial backing, and the first big step they are taking is to build a 9 billion Yuan (RM 5.5 billion) factory in Wuhan city, China.
This is actually a very important step for breaking ground in China, as without setting up shop locally it's nearly impossible for a brand to penetrate the largest car market in the world. That being said, even with a massive annual capacity of 150,000 cars a year, this plant is more an expansion of Lotus' manufacturing footprint globally than it is a shift in headquarters. The main base of operations will still very much be in Norfolk, in the UK.
Perhaps the first target that Geely has lined up is the luxury SUV segment that is currently dominated by the Germans. To have Lotus develop an SUV may go against the ethos of the brand, but it is highly necessary in order to become profitable and remain relevant in this day and age. These are the bread and butter of the range and will afford Lotus enough cashflow to develop the models that enthusiasts are really looking forward to. The plant is authorized to build all-electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine vehicles.


Should Learning To Drive A Manual Be Mandatory?

If you’re someone who got their Malaysian driver’s license before mid-2014, you are part of a large pool of people who share a unique bond. If the title hasn’t clued you in to that yet, it is because all of us had to learn how to drive a manual – it was the only option at the time, and it was something that we all endured regardless of whether we preferred nasi lemak, roti canai or dim sum for breakfast

In a way it gave us all memories to bond over. The dreaded hill start test, trying not to stall while out on the road, and figuring out when was the right point to shift up. Some of us breezed through it, while others struggled and stumbled through it, but at the end of the day we all had to do it.

In the years following the introduction of the automatic license in Malaysia, there was a topic that popped up on occasion and it was whether newer drivers are ready to handle real world driving if they couldn’t handle the rigours of a driving a manual car. The problem is that there are pretty solid points on both sides of the aisle – so let’s get to it.

Manual Cars Build Character

After the vast majority of license holders completed their mandatory manual licenses, it was immediately obvious that they would almost never have to drive a manual car again. Even as early as the 1980s, automatic cars were popping up in the market and by the 1990s, they were becoming common in every segment of the market. By the time we entered the 2000s, manual options were scarcer than automatic variants.

And yet, learning to drive a manual helped drivers appreciate the convenience of an automatic transmission. It also presented the additional mental challenge for most who did not find it natural, as dealing with a clutch and gear shifts in traffic meant paying more attention to how traffic was flowing and getting ready to move off from a standstill.

There is some pretty solid logic to the idea that being able to drive a manual means that you will be better able to multi task when on the road – not to mean that you can play with your phone or fiddle with your car’s head unit, but you will be more ready for dealing with various changes in condition or erratic drivers on the road.

More Than A Mindset

To equate driving ability with whether one can drive a manual car is a bit of a tricky problem. The vast majority of current professional race-car drivers have probably never had to race with a manual car, and the next generation is likely to follow that route as race cars are adopting sequential gearboxes by and large – but nobody doubts the driving ability of a professional.

The secondary question is that we look at being able to drive a manual car as a testament to competence, but we never questioned not having to learn how to brake without anti-lock brake systems, or shift without synchromesh gears, or a myriad of other things that were introduced over time to make driving easier and more convenient. Why then should the manual transmission be the gatekeeper?

There’s also a very strong argument that driving a manual car badly doesn’t make one a good driver. For those of you who can recall, while everyone was forced to take the driving test with a manual car, it would hardly be fair to say that everyone was proficient at driving a manual car. Crunching gears, lugging the engine, slipping the clutch excessively, or holding gears unnecessarily were all part of the abuse that these cars suffered.

Where do we go from here?

The reality is that a lot of more local seasoned drivers view the ability to drive a manual car as a competence test because the general requirements for our driver’s licenses are woefully low compared to other countries. We wouldn’t have to regard it as a litmus test for driving ability if we had better standards in place for driving.

In other countries, the driving license syllabus includes advanced and defensive driving techniques. Drivers must be able to control a car during a skid and recover it among many other situations that a driver may face on the road. Guided driving hours during both day and night are required as well – all important things that our current driving tests never cover.

This is also why there’s immense value placed in modern active and passive safety systems during global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) testing and scoring. These systems may be unnecessary or intrusive for drivers with more experience, but they definitely bridge the gap and fill the holes in ability for the less trained, less seasoned drivers.

Whether these systems make us worse drivers – well, that’s something we’ll discuss another time.


Next Generation Mazda 2 Could Be An SUV

Since its introduction in 2015, the fourth-generation Mazda 2, codenamed DJ, has managed to redefine how we perceive B-segment hatchbacks, offering an engaging driving experience coupled with a premium interior.
While the current model still has some life left in it, Mazda has already dropped a potential bombshell in regards to its replacement model.
Speaking to Australian media at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show where the company unveiled the all-new Mazda 3, Mazda's Global Head of Design Ikuo Maeda said that the next generation 2 could become a baby SUV, positioned below the CX-3, instead of a conventional hatchback.
"At the moment I don't have the answer to what will happen with the Mazda 2, but we will put some focus on the future of that size of car and what it might turn out to become," he said.
While Maeda-san said that compact cars are important, the baby SUV segment is practically untapped as recent trends have shown that new cars buyers are shifting towards SUVs. "All I can say is that we have just started with this new generation [of design] and we will always look for new opportunities. We will take time to see where this design takes us and we have many different options for this at the moment," he added.
Originally slated for a debut as soon as 2021, Mazda has since held back on finalizing the design of the new generation model, as the design studio and development teams have reached their limits. A range of new models have been keeping Mazda’s team hard at work, including a new BT-50 and two electric crossovers.
The new BT-50 is expected to arrive next year. As for the electric crossovers, these two models will spearhead Mazda’s foray into electric vehicles, with one being a battery-powered electric model while the other with a range-extender hooked up to Mazda’s rotary engine to recharge the batteries.