Volkswagen Presents Its Tips To Travel Smarter This Raya

Apart from the quality time spent with family and friends plus all that delicious food, this time of the year (in fact, any festive period) is also characterised with the journey that precedes the actual festivities. In this case, the ‘balik kampung’.
Volkswagen
 Malaysia would like to share some tips that it thinks would be of greatest benefit to road users making their hometown journey. But rather than simply listing them out, they’d like to show you instead, and have prepared some clever infographics to get their message across:
Travel times are one of the more underrated of considerations when travelling and can make a substantial impact in total time spent on the road. Pick the best time to travel to plan around, and suddenly what was once a rigid schedule can turn into more flexible iteneraries.With help from PLUS, Volkswagen has also provided a little guide to help you choose the most opportune time to drive to the destination you want.
Volkswagen is offering savings on select models of their cars up to RM54,000. The Polo Sedan, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat and Volkswagen CC are available with
no downpayment and no interest
 for up to 7 years. Promotion runs until July 31.
Book a test drive online and drop by your selected dealership to test your favourite Volkswagen before 31st July to get hold of an exclusive limited edition Volkswagen Touch `n Go card.


Is A 5-Door MINI Still A MINI?

Valid question don’t you think? The MINI as its name suggests was built to be a nimble, quick run-around vehicle that drove on rails. It was the quintessential driver’s car, a legend that harks all the way back to the 1950s.

But now that they’ve lengthened the wheelbase, added two doors making it five, does it still handle and drive like a go-kart? Is it still as fun? Does it still leave you with a silly grin on your face? Like the MINI’s of yore?

The answer we’re glad to report is a resounding YES and here’s why...

We’ll focus on the MINI Cooper S 5-Door and the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid for this one.

The MINI Cooper S 5-Door comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine developing 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque and boy does she pull off the line! 0-100 is reached in a rapid eye-blinking time of 6.8 seconds.

With the two extra doors, you can now very easily carry your family of four in comfort. I know because I had my son in his car seat in the back with no complaints.

With a boot space of 278 litres, the MINI 5-Door will also carry all your groceries from Village Grocer with no complaints.

The MINI 5-Door also comes replete with the John Cooper Works signature embellishments with the aerodynamic kit, wheels, racing seats and steering wheel - a nice racy touch!

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, this is the time of electrification and if you’re keen on getting your hands on a PHEV yet still want that signature MINI heritage and fun in your porch then the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is for you!

Power for the Hybrid comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 134 hp and 220 Nm of torque. In addition, a rear-mounted electric motor (87 hp and 165 Nm) bumps up output to 221 hp and 385 Nm.

0-100 is achieved in 6.8 seconds and drive can also be channeled to all four wheels via the All4 electric all-wheel-drive system. Speed, torque and traction - MINI enough for you?

The battery on the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid has a full EV range of 42 kilometres with a top speed of 125 km/h. Perfect for your commute to work and back. Heck, if you live within a 20km radius to your office, you only need the batteries. Imagine the savings!

The battery on the Hybrid now also comes with 8 years or 160,000km warranty from MINI Malaysia. Oklah kan? 8 years warranty, siapa mau bagi?

And because MINI likes us and we like you, here are some unbeatable, once-in-a-year promos for you to capitalize on this year-end.

If you want the MINI Cooper S 5-Door on your driveway in time for Christmas, you can now get savings of up to RM11,000 with monthly installments that start from RM2,759 with Balloon Financing for a 5-year tenure.

If on the other hand, the mean and green MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid has you piqued then you are entitled to savings of up to RM16,000 with interest rates from as low as 0%. Alternatively, you can opt for RM26,000 savings under a standard interest rate.

On top of all that, you will also be getting a 4+1 year additional MINI Service and Repair Exclusive (MSRI) for selected models

Now, how’s that for value? A daily driver and weekend warrior packaged into one. I know because I did both and I’m not looking forward to returning the cars but maybe it’s time I bit the bullet and got myself a piece of history for my porch.

Catch of the year indeed!


Volkswagen Announces CNY Promo, Up to RM8,000 Savings And More

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced its Chinese New Year sales promo called “Wong” for all, with many deals for its customers.

Models and savings on offer are listed below:

Besides that, those considering a Tiguan variant (Highline, JOIN and Sound & Style) will enjoy an additional 1-year free insurance and 1-year free petrol rebate.

In time for the CNY festive season, Volkswagen is also offering a list of deals for its owners, including free 20-point free inspection, up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres, as well as complimentary Volkswagen Angpow packets.

Additionally, owners with free maintenance vouchers who spend a minimum of RM388 will receive a free fluid top-up consisting of coolant, windscreen cleaner and engine oil, while those without a voucher will only need to spend a minimum amount of RM488 to take advantage of the offer.

VCP customers can enjoy the same with a minimum spend of RM288.

This offer is subject to terms and conditions and is valid till the 29th of February 2020.

All Volkswagen models come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

For more deals on Volkswagen, click
here
.


Ford Ranger Facelift Launched In Bangkok, Gets 213 hp, 500 Nm Raptor Engine

When the world (or more specifically, Asia Pacific) received word of the Ford Ranger Raptor, it went wild. Finally, a model that would give us a taste of what the Americans had been keeping to themselves all these years - even though it wasn't packing a big ol' V8 or a smaller V6 turbo motor.
When the price was announced, that excitement died down a little: it would be prohibitively expensive in most cases to consider unless you were already in the market for a performance car like a hot hatch.
But we need not worry anymore, for Ford has just
unveiled the Ranger facelift up in Thailand
 - and the best part is that the Wildtrak variant will receive the same 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that the Ranger Raptor is powered by, in the same 213 hp, 500 Nm state of tune or a 180 hp, 420 Nm state of tune in single turbo guise. This makes it the most powerful pickup truck in the segment, going over 200 hp, and the 10-speed automatic transmission is also the most advanced by far.
This move was done to phase out the ageing 3.2-litre 5-cylinder engine due to emissions regulations. The 2.2-litre model is retained with outputs of 160 hp and 385 Nm, paired with either 6-speed manual transmissions or 6-speed automatic transmissions. Apart from the powertrain upgrades, Ford has included a few features with this facelift model: easy-lift tailgate, keyless entry and start, parking assist, and automatic braking at low speeds are all available depending on which specific trim.
On the whole, the prices have gone up as a result of the new features, but the entry level model remains at the same price. With 20 different variants to choose from, prices are as follows:
Raptor: 1.699 million baht (RM 206,826)
Wildtrak: 1.029-1.265 million baht (RM 125,227 - RM 153,947)
Limited: 889,000 to 1.029 million baht (RM 108,189 - RM 125,227)
XLT: 749,000-869,000 baht (RM 91,151 - RM 107,755)
XLS: 659,000-789,000 baht (RM 80,198 - RM 96,019)
XL: 559,000-799,000 baht (RM 68,072 - RM 97,298)
SWB: 589,000-799,000 baht (RM 71,725 - RM 97,298)
As mentioned earlier, the key motivator for the Thai market to introduce the smaller displacement diesel engine is due to their CO2 regulations. We suspect the top-of-the range Wildtrak variant with the new 2.0-litre twin turbo engine might not reach Malaysia so soon.
Recently, SDAC, the local distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, introduced the
Wildtrak with the 2.2-litre engine
 (160 hp / 385 Nm) and has received a positive response from consumers thanks to its high equipment count and competitive pricing.


Volkswagen Teases Its Electrified Future Behind A Veiled Van, To Be Unveiled At CES 2016

Volkswagen
 has something brewing for the upcoming next Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is being held, as always, in Las Vegas, and from January 6th to 9th for the 2016 exhibition. Whatever it turns out to be, they say it will focus on “networking and long-distance electromobility.”
A good thing, then - anything to divert attention away from their growing diesel emissions scandal. And a renewed push into alternative energy drivetrains and related technologies is perhaps their best bet to gain the right foothold to recover from their downward trend in public perception, sales, and bank balance. Could it lead the way in moving the industry away from fossil fuels?
That might sound a little far fetched now, but Volkswagen say it intends to illustrate several major changes that it predicts the car, as a collective, will go through over the next few years. This is referring to more and more cars using electric power to supplement their petrol or diesel engines or eschewing internal combustion altogether, and the strides in getting electric vehicles to travel for long distances between charges as well as reducing the time required and cumbersome procedures to refill the batteries.
Based on the veiled vehicle hidden in the teaser image, it does resemble a van of some sort, and it could be that Volkswagen will choose a futuristic Kombi to be the vessel for its newest innovations in this field. They will also be showing off their vision for the interconnected network of cars, it seems, and will also preview its next-generation infotainment systems at CES before they hit the market.
The
Golf

R Touch concept
’s in-car interface technologies will, it seems, be trickling down into other Volkswagen models. Although we’ll have to wait until January to find out the extent of this.


RM8 Billion In Fuel Subsidies Went to T20 - Tengku Zafrul

Finance minister
Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz
 stated that the T20 group has so far enjoyed RM8 billion in
fuel subsidies
.

It comes as no surprise considering that the blanket fuel subsidy can be enjoyed by all Malaysians, but more so by the top 20% of earners living in the country. To compare, the B40 group is said to have benefited from the fuel subsidy of around RM6 billion.

All the more reason why Tengku Zafrul keeps pushing the point where the blanket subsidies are benefiting the higher income earners more compared to those within the lower income bracket. This is also the reason why the government is pushing for a more
targeted fuel subsidy system
.

Fuel subsidy system already being tested

According to a written parliamentary reply, Tengku Zafrul stated "The (initial) testing will be followed by more extensive testing. It is expected to take between three and six months before the new system is implemented nationwide."

With fuel subsidies expected to set back the Malaysian government around RM30 billion this year, the right system and timing for the fuel subsidy implementation are crucial not only for those living in different areas, but also to avoid any unwanted inflation and economic downfall.

Once the system has been finalised, the government will most likely introduce the new system in stages. For some of you reading this, be prepared to pay more for that lovely RON 95 petrol in the future. Enjoy that RM2.05/litre while you still can.


12 Days Of Christmas - Home Alone  - Cars With The Best Setup For Holiday Movies

With these cars, you can surely enjoy a good ol' Christmas movie while being driven around.

Movies such as Home Alone, Die Hard, The Grinch, and Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas are all usually the type of films that people watch over the Christmas period.

They're all just classics that the whole family can enjoy over the festive season. For those who will be traveling a lot during the holidays, perhaps the only way they can enjoy these films is through the car's entertainment system.

Some cars are better equipped than others to provide this entertainment, so let's take a look at some of the cars available on the market today, which could possibly give you a good movie experience.

2020 Nissan Serene S-Hybrid

The combination of Nissan's super comfortable Zero-Gravity Seats, Clarion infotainment system, rear food trays, and 10.1 inch roof-mounted LCD Panel at the rear, gives you the perfect tool for a good old movie setup.

While the front passengers will not be able to enjoy this, the rear passengers will surely be able to watch any movie they want comfortably. Since the rear chairs can be adjusted substantially, you can easily get the best viewing position just with a few simple adjustments.

2020 Toyota Alphard

There's a simple reason why the Toyota Alphard is one of the most loved MPVs in Malaysia and that reason is the fact that it is one of the most complete family movers on the market. It has everything you need. It has space, comfort, and has good road behaviour which makes it a pleasant cruiser as well as a people hauler.

On top of all the pleasant things that we have just mentioned about the Japanese MPV, it's also got a rear 10.2" display screen surrounded by ambient lighting. No wonder Toyota's always going on about how the car gives you a first-class experience.

2020 BMW 740Le xDrive Plug-In Hybrid

BMW's 7 series is one of the finest machines to have come out of Germany. It is no surprise then that they have equipped the car with everything a person and his family needs. Although considered to be a car for serious high-ranking professionals, there's no reason why that professional and his family can't enjoy some of the features which bring entertainment at the press of a button.

One of these playful features is the Rear Seat Entertainment system, which offers the rear-seat passengers direct access to relevant functions of the infotainment system where they can individually choose the desired media and entertainment sources aboard the vehicle.

Whether you like listening to your favorite Christmas songs or would rather watch a Christmas movie, as a passenger in a BMW you are always cherished with multiple attractive options. Traveling in the rear seats of a high-end Bimmer has never been more fun.

2020 Range Rover

One of the key features that Land Rover loves to highlight about their uber-luxurious SUV the Range Rover is how well endowed it is in the connectivity and entertainment department. Although it is an optional extra, the kit is worth every cent.

The Range Rovers' Rear Seat Entertainment system can be had either in two 8" screens built into the rear of the front headrests or 10" high-definition seat-mounted articulating touchscreens. The system is fitted with wireless headphones and remote, USB, and HDMI ports to support multiple devices.

With this level of functionality, it's hard not to enjoy a good ol' Christmas special, especially when the Range Rover provides one of the smoothest rides in its class through the help of its magic carpet air suspension ride.


LA 2017: 2018 Lexus RXL 7-Seater Unveiled

Lexus has unveiled the seven-seater Lexus RX "L" at the ongoing 2017 Los Angeles International Motor Show. The longer RXL model will be offered in two variants, dubbed the RX350L and RX450hL, complementing their five-seater siblings respectively.
The RX's body length has been stretched by 110 mm in the RXL, now 5,000 mm long and uses a steeper tailgate window angle to ensure good headroom for third-row passengers and greater cargo room behind the third row.
The seven-seat version uses a 60/40 split bench-type seat on the second row. Access to the third row is made easy with a lever that slides the second-row forward. There’s even a six-seat configuration which features captain chairs in the second-row, similar to the ones found in the Alphard.
Lexus designed the third row of the RXL models to offer similar levels of comfort as the middle row. The positioning of the second row is slightly higher than the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers. Leather upholstery is offered as standard.
A new tri-zone climate control system gives third-row passengers separate rear air conditioning and dedicated vents. Additionally, a power-folding third-row seat and power tailgate with a hands-free operation (wave hand on rear tailgate Lexus emblem) are both standard on the RXL models.
Design wise, the RXL’s biggest giveaway is the longer C-Pillar, with the larger blacked-out window section to create a floating-roof effect.
The Lexus RX 350L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 equipped with variable valve timing that allows the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles. Peak power is rated at 294 hp and 357 Nm of torque, connected an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350L, like the five-seater model, is offered with either front-wheel drive or Dynamic Torque Control AWD drivetrains.
In the RX 450hL, the 3.5-liter V6 is paired with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators, to produce a combined power output of 308 hp. RX 450hL comes with AWD as standard, utilising an independent rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. The hybrid system uses a 37 kW nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) hybrid battery – allowing for a short EV range, although specific range figures are not specified.
The RXL models are fitted with 10-airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags to cover all three rows. The Lexus Safety System+ that is standard for most markets will include Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Intuitive Parking Assist and Cross-Traffic Braking is optional.
The RXL will offer as standard the Lexus Display Audio system which includes an eight-inch screen, HD Scout GPS Link, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker audio system. The Luxury Package upgrades to a 12-speaker premium audio system and, on the RX 450hL, a navigation system. Optionally, an 835-watt, 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround System is claimed to offer audiophile-quality mobile sound.


Five-superbike incident at Karak highway - only 1 rider had licence?

The story of five
superbikes
 that got into an accident yesterday at the
Karak Expressway
 has gone viral.

Videos and photos have circulated on various social media platforms portraying the aftermath of the incident but unofficial information about the riders involved has allegedly popped up as well. It seems that out of the five riders, only one was riding with the full B licence (for motorcycles 250cc and above).

No full B licence for the other four involved

Unofficial information that has travelled across several social media platforms stated that three BMW S 1000 RR and two Honda CBR1000RR bikes were ridden by five individuals aged between 35-58 years old and only the oldest in the group had the proper licence to ride the superbike.

Three of them were equipped with either a B2 or D driving licence and one didn't have any license registered under his name. The incident which took place at KM26.4 on the Karak highway from Genting heading towards Gombak was said to be a chain reaction when the bike at the very front lost control trying to avoid a car that was reported to suddenly entered the lane he was riding on.

Unknown car suddenly entered the bikers' lane was the cause?

The other four who we assume were riding quite closely tried to evade the fallen rider but to no avail. Multiple injuries were reported and two of them are currently being treated in the red zone of the Selayang Hospital, including severe burn marks from one of the bikes that caught on fire following the crash.

One of the videos also showed the group of riders riding before the incident happened but at what seemed to be non-extreme speeds. A report by
The Star
 also stated that Gombak OCPD Asst Comm Zainal Mohamed Mohamed informed the media that the incident was triggered by an unknown car that allegedly entered the lane the bikers were on suddenly, which caused the unfortunate chain reaction. Ongoing investigations are still currently underway.


Parking structures cannot tahan the weight of EVs?

With
more and more EVs
 hitting the roads today, an interesting question about whether the current parking structures can withstand their weight has popped up.

A recent post by the
Daily Mail UK
 seemed to have raised a concern regarding car parks and parking facilities that were not designed to handle the weight of EVs as they tend to weigh roughly double the standard ICE models or counterparts. Let's dive in a little bit deeper, shall we?

Multi-storey car parks can possibly collapse?

*Image credit: KLIA2.info

The
British Parking Association (BPA)
 has urged the local authorities in the country to carry out 'urgent structural surveys' for the thousands of multi-storey and underground car parks in the UK. The reasoning behind this is that most of them were constructed based on the weights of popular cars back in the 1970s and 1980s.

With EVs being heavier than their
ICE brothers and sisters
, a structural load check should be the best move forward together with improving existing standards for building construction if the plan is for the world to majorly migrate towards electric. Seems fair, but are EVs really that heavy compared to ICEs?

ICE vs EV, mana lagi berat?

For this particular article, we're just going to look at a few comparisons between EVs and ICEs in terms of weight. An
Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain
 weighs around 2,025kg kerb and is fully loaded at 2,600kg gross. A
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
? 2,227kg kerb, 3,230kg gross.

We've seen these popular pickup truck models everywhere, but there was never a question related to their weight impacts on parking facilities as folks are more concerned about dimensions (the thought of dinging the car parked next to you or vice versa is just urghhh).

The only concern when it comes to most parking lots is the height clearance to ensure that the roofs of the cars don't get damaged from overhanging pipes and whatnot. From this, we can only assume that the weight limit of the vehicles that can enter the parking facility is based on the dimensions of that height limitation.

Let's then look at the kerb weights for some of our favourite EVs of 2022 (not fully loaded with passengers and luggage):

Kia EV6 - 2,105kg

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Max - 2,020kg

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric - 2,150kg

BYD Atto 3 - 2,090kg

BMW iX xDrive40 - 2,440kg (3,010kg gross)

It's safe to assume that when the car is fully loaded, around 500-600kg is added to the kerb weight stated above to get a rough estimate of its gross weight.

If we look at the kerb weight alone for argument's sake, almost all of the EVs stated above are heavier than the very popular pickup truck model from Isuzu. This is due to their battery packs and beefier chassis setups to make sure that the EV can withstand the load, yet they are smaller in size.

To paint a bigger picture, below is the list of some of the country's most popular ICE models and their kerb weights:

Perodua Alza - 1,170kg

Perodua Myvi - 1,025kg

Toyota Vios - 1,145kg

Honda Civic FE - 1,362kg

Honda HR-V RS - 1,403kg

Proton X70 1.5 - 1,650kg

For bigger and way more premium EVs with longer driving ranges thanks to larger battery packs, their weights are even more astonishing like the
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+
 at 2,440kg kerb (2,945kg gross) and the
BMW i7
 which is roughly estimated at around 2,715kg kerb (3,250kg gross). Starting to get the picture?

What about Malaysia's car parks?

*Image credit: KLIA2.info

(DISCLAIMER: We might be wrong about this but to be on the safe side, we got our information from a couple of lecturers who specialise in teaching architecture, built environment, and design)

Based on the info that we have received, the current practice of parking structure designs is based on what the entire building can withstand in terms of weight or structural load. As for the parking spaces themselves, the focus has been only on dimensions of size and height as well as maximising those slots - not the weights of individual cars parked on individual lots.

With most popular car models here in Malaysia weighing under 2,000kg gross (meaning fully loaded with passengers and luggage), will it be a problem when more and more heavier EVs are on the roads and parked at multi-storey parking lots, apartments, and shopping malls in the years to come?

And yes, there are EVs that weigh under the 2,000kg mark like the
Ora Good Cat
 (around 1,510kg) and yes, there are also ICEs that weigh significantly over the 2,000kg mark (this list is a lot longer).

But if the country is heading towards electric, this is probably one of the things that should be looked into, particularly for older parking facilities and even more so with the possibility of upgrading them with EV charging stations. One can also argue that future EVs will get lighter and lighter. But hey, no use crying over spilt milk, right?


2021 Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line Coupe Launched - RM495k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the 2021 E 300 AMG Line Coupe, the latest addition to its already illustrious offerings here in Malaysia, retailing at RM495k.

Available in one single variant, the AMG Line, the 2021 E 300 AMG Line Coupe is style and sportiness redefined.

According to Sagree Sardien, President & CEO Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, "The new Mercedes-Benz
E-Class
 Coupe is the embodiment of luxury and performance. “This is a car that is sure to stir emotions. With its luxury appeal that is unique to the Mercedes-Benz brand and its new enhancements, the E 300 AMG Line Coupe not only offers customers an exhilarating and spirited drive but also sportier styling, which exudes character. We are confident that this new dream car by Mercedes-Benz will exceed expectations and will continue to be a top choice for motoring enthusiasts.”

Now let's delve into the highlights of the new 2021
Mercedes-Benz
 E 300 AMG Line Coupe, the only pillarless coupe in its class for those of you uninformed:

Engine and Transmission:

2.0-litre 4-cylinder

258 hp, 370Nm of torque

0-100km/h - 6.4 seconds

9G-TRONIC transmission

Exterior:

Signature
AMG
 styling for front and rear spoiler

Diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome

19-inch AMG 5-twin light-alloy wheels

Redesigned two-piece taillight

Equipped with MULTIBEAM LED

Interior:

Panoramic sliding roof

Ambient lighting with 64 colors and three-zones

New intelligent steering wheel finished in high-gloss black surrounded by silver shadow

Dual 12.3-inch displays with a wide range of personalization

Entertainment:

Burmester surround sound system

MBUX multimedia system (NTG 6)

Safety:

Hands-off detection feature - the E 300
AMG
 Line Coupe will react quickly if the driver is unable to do so

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC

Active Steering Assist

Active Brake Assist

Evasive Steering Assist

Active Lane Keeping Assist

Active Blind Spot Assist

PRE-SAFE Plus

The above is all part of the
Mercedes-Benz
 Driving Assistance package except for the Hands-off detection feature.

Colors:

Polar White

Obsidian Black

Rubellite Red

Graphite Grey

Mojave Silver

Brilliant Blue

High-tech Silver

Emerald Green

Selenite Grey

Price:

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line Coupe retails for
RM495,071.47
 - recommended retail price listed is effective until the 31st of December 2021, as per the PENJANA sales tax exemption by the government.

Financing:

The Step Up Agility Financing Plan starts from RM4,288 per month for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line Coupe.  For more details, you can refer to
http://mb4.me/StepUpAgility
 or speak to a Finance and Insurance Executive at your nearest Mercedes-Benz Autohaus.


Rafizi announces opportunity for public to apply for small budget to address clogged drains and potholes

If you have the desire to repair potholes yourself but are unable to come out with the budget to do so, the government will soon provide assistance for such repair works.

According to a report by Malaysiakini, the Ministry of Economy will offer opportunities for citizens to apply for funding for any small public development and infrastructure projects directly to the ministry.

Minister of Economy, Rafizi Ramli, stated that the application system is currently in its final preparation stage, and his ministry will provide further details regarding the eligible project application forms and related requirements when it is introduced in the next two to three weeks.

This includes repairing potholed roads
 and addressing clogged drains.

"The federal government is making changes to allocate small funds for the people. As a representative of the people, I have had to take various actions, such as repairing drains and so on."

"We are planning to allow direct application for public projects to the ministry by anyone, without the need to go through all the layers of bureaucracy," Rafizi said.

He also mentioned that this opportunity is open to allow citizens to contribute input and development proposals to the government, which will then be aligned with the relevant department's planning.

We think this is a great idea, as long as there is no hanky panky involved. Not only will this help us repair our potholed laden roads, but it can also possibly create job opportunities.


Proton Offers Customers Free 30 Points Safety Inspection In Conjunction With 30th Anniversary

As part of
Proton’s
 30
th
 anniversary since the first Saga rolled out in 1985, the national car maker is giving back to customers by providing free 30 points safety inspections at all of its authorised service outlets nationwide, in its bid to promote the awareness on vehicle safety of its customers.
Ongoing from now until 31 October 2015, the comprehensive 30 points inspection will include checks on fluid level, battery, wiper blades, radiator cap, pedal operation, suspension system, steering linkage and ball joint system, cooling system, fuel and brake systems as well as tyre pressure (including spare tyres).
Customers will also be provided free consultation on engine and car maintenance, as well as being educated on how to identify genuine parts from imitation parts. Discounts on selected parts will also be offered.
“In previous years,
Proton
 has been offering between 18 to 20 points free inspections to our customers. However, in conjunction with the 30th anniversary celebration this year, we have increased the inspection to 30 points to give a more in-depth check on customers' cars. This is partly our way of saying thank you to our customers,” Dato' Abdul Harith Abdullah, CEO of Proton said.
Proton will also station teams at five different areas consisting of Petronas stations and an R&R area to cater to the needs of customers who are already on the way back to the their kampung or holiday destination.
In addition, customers who take advantage of the free inspection at these areas will also receive a goodie bag. This extension of the programme will be held on 9-15 July 2015, from 3pm to 7pm and is jointly organised by Proton with Petronas Dagangan Berhad.
Locations and dates of the venues for Proton’s Free 30 Points Safety Inspection are as listed below:
Central Area (9, 10 and 11 July 2015)
Petronas KM 15.3, NKVE Damansara Station.
North-South Highway (13, 14 and 15 July 2015)
Petronas Juru, Penang.
East-Coast Area (13, 14 and 15 July 2015)
Petronas Tok Giring, Terengganu.
R&R East Coast Highway, Gambang, Pahang.
South Area (13, 14 and 15 July 2015)
Petronas Station Seremban, Negri Sembilan


First All-New Honda Civic Type R Models Roll Off Swindon Assembly Facility

The first
Honda Civic
 Type-R models have rolled off the assembly line at Honda’s European manufacturing facility in Swindon, United Kingdom.
Appropriately, the first three models to arrive are painted in red, white, and blue – the colours of the UK flag where
Honda
 of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) operates. In March, it was announced that HUM will be the global production hub for the next-generation Honda Civic with production of the European-market CR-V transferring there from Canada as well. £200 million has been further invested into the plant to allow this, bringing total invest up to £2.2 billion since 1985.
Soichiro Takizawa, Managing Director at HUM, thanked the staff for their hard work and commented: “The new Civic Type R is an imperative model for Honda, representing our racing spirit and demonstrating our commitment to innovation and passion. We are extremely proud to be the only manufacturer of the Civic Type R in the world. Our high standards have earned us this privilege and this is testament to the continued commitment of our Associates.”
The all-new Honda Civic Type R is the
company’s most extreme hot hatch to date
. Powered by a new 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged engine developing 305hp and 400Nm of torque, the ‘Race car for the road’ features an advanced suspension system and a new +R track mode, with a top speed of 269 km/h.


Lego Starts 2019 With A Bang With The Technic Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Following the super cool Bugatti Chiron and the James Bond “Goldfinger” Aston Martin DB5, Lego is back with yet another interesting model – the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
The coolest thing about the Lego Technic Corvette ZR1 is that it is a 2-in-1, meaning that you can either assemble it to be a Corvette ZR1, or turn it into a Hot Rod replica.
Comprising 579 pieces, the Corvette, which is significantly smaller than the aforementioned Chiron, DB5, and the popular 911 GT3 RS, comes with numerous realistic features, including a large rear wing, 4 tailpipes, black spoked rims with low-profile tires, a working steering, and also a detailed V8 engine with moving pistons.
Once assembled, the Lego Technic Corvette measures 8 cm height, 29 cm in length, and 12 cm in width, while the Hot Rod measures 8 cm high, 23 cm long, and 12 cm wide.
Being designed with fewer blocks and parts, the Corvette ZR1 is also more affordable
at under RM200
. The much larger 3,599-piece Bugatti Chiron retails for over RM1,600, while the now-discontinued Porsche 911 GT3 RS can be purchased for under RM1,200.
The collectable also comes with an authentic orange and black colour scheme, plus a cool sticker sheet for additional detailing.
So, if you’ve been hoping for a Lego Technic collectable that screams ‘America!’ instead of the usual European models, this Corvette ZR1 and Hot Rod 2-in-1 is a must-have.


This car only needs you to smile at it to get it unlocked and going

The Genesis GV60 doesn't need a key or a smartphone to get it unlocked and going.

Facial recognition technology has moved by leaps and bounds in the last few years, and it seems that auto manufacturers are about to take advantage of this helpful technology and integrate them into their cars.

The first to do so is
Genesis
, where they will use similar technology to the latest smartphones, where all it takes to unlock it is to look at it.

A glance or a smile is all it takes to unlock the doors and start the upcoming Genesis GV60. The South Korean automaker, the luxury division of Hyundai, has announced its plans to add facial recognition to the security package for its newest model.

The system, called Face Connect is apparently already fitted to the GV60 sold in the USA, according to Drive Australia, and will be added to European cars in 2023.

"The system allows owners to unlock and access the car using what Genesis calls a 'face recognition sensor with a deep-learning image processing controller'. Facial recognition is built around a sensor in the car's roof pillar next to the driver's door, which scans the driver's face and also uses an LED indicator to confirm when the system is active."

Genesis believes Face Connect will be ideal for outdoor activities, including swimming and running, where the driver will be key-free when doing their leisure activity.

We're pretty sure the facial recognition technology will trickle down to most of the companies' associated brands, including sister brand KIA, but it'll probably be a while till the more entry-level cars from the group to be utilising this advanced feature.


An EV Boom, A Battery Crisis, And The Deadly Cost Of ‘Progress’

No matter what we tell ourselves to obscure the obvious, fossil fuel is being depleted from the bowels of our Earth at a rapid rate. Though
petrol
 and
diesel
 are the most prominent items on any given list of by-products, they’re far from the only non-renewable resource that the automotive industry gobbles up.

Any kind of metal also falls into the “once it’s gone, it’s gone” category, but luckily it is still available more abundantly than crude oil. Mining for it is a real pain in the neck, though, which is why much of the steel and aluminium used to construct the car you drive was most likely not extracted from the ground recently.

Rather, it was recycled from something else - an old cooking pot, maybe, or the beams from a demolished building. Lithium is another metal that’s mined out of the ground, and you might recognise this material as the cornerstone of the present-day lithium-ion battery. Not only is it a nasty and costly process to obtain lithium in large quantities, but we’re quickly reaching a point where our increasing dependence on this one resource is only setting us up for a big smack across the face.

There are entire countries that have - haphazardly - set in motion (or slapped together) a plan to disallow the sale of cars powered by internal combustion engines as early as 2030. In our ongoing collective attempts to promote sustainability and reduce the environmental toll that humanity takes on the planet, simply jumping from one non-renewable resource to another (that’s potentially less abundant) is both counterproductive and just plain stupid.

Just like lithium, cobalt is another metal that’s essential to the production of lithium-ion batteries, exactly the kind that’s on the verge of swelling to even more ridiculous levels of demand as mobile devices and, most especially, electric cars continue to increase. As you might know, an EV’s battery is its largest, heaviest, and most expensive component.

One of the reasons why
China has such a booming EV industry
 comes from its in-border supplies of cobalt and lithium. Though they only account for a respective 7% and 37% of the total global production volume annually, it’s enough to rank them as the world’s second largest producer.

This, among other concerns, were highlighted in the September 2020 report by the European Commission titled
‘Critical Raw Materials Resilience: Charting a Path Towards Greater Security and Sustainability’
.

Outside of China, the majority of lithium and cobalt supply comes from a collection of third-world countries in Africa and South America where conditions are even more hazardous and labour is even cheaper. Specifically, material sourcing is largely concentrated around Chile and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Credit- Julien Harneis (Flickr)

While lithium and cobalt deposits are far from limited to these regions, most other countries are hesitant to engage in or allow these type of mining and raw material processing given the high use of poisonous chemicals and the resulting waste that, if mishandled, renders vast expanses of land barren and saturated with toxic spillover.

The life-threatening conditions in and around lithium and cobalt mining are ballooning into one of the worst humanitarian and environmental crises in recent times, yet the ‘low’ price of consistent material supply is only made possible at the expense of
(1)
a destitute population of men, women and child workers that are often willing to risk permanent and chronic health conditions, even death, to provide for the survival of themselves and families and
 (2)
 governments willing to look the other way, sacrificing their landscape, people, and even children to be exploited and forever scarred, in the name of profit.

Apple
, potentially the largest single consumer electronics company that relies on lithium-ion batteries in their laptops, tablets, and smartphones, had publicly walked away from conducting any business with supply chain vendors that source battery materials from the DRC because of the rampant human rights abuses. While that’s a good start, too many other companies have not taken an equally aggressive stance.

If we think that EVs are already priced at too high a premium, it sounds like we’re in for a very rude awakening once battery supply gets even more constrained and/or the cost of labour starts to - justifiably - climb.

There are also concerns around the sustainability of high volume natural graphite production, another material used in electric vehicle batteries, alongside the heavy rare-earth elements used to manufacture the permanent magnet motors they power, but these aren’t as immediately pressing as the looming crisis of lithium and cobalt shortages and cost.

According to that same report, in order to meet its targets for EV battery and energy storage, the EU estimates that it would need up to 60x more lithium and 15x more cobalt by 2050. Not only is that likely to be a conservative estimation, it’s but a fraction of the demand from the rest of the world.

Makes you think.

In the short term, though, Volkswagen is therefore very wise in their efforts to streamline and promote the
recycling of batteries
 to lighten their dependency on these valuable raw and non-renewable materials.

With their newly launched plant in Salzgitter, Germany, their goal is to eventually achieve an industrialised closed-loop process to recover and reuse more than 90% of elements such as lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt.

VW’s next-generation of batteries are also purported to feature a unique design and chemical makeup to allow for easier dismantling and raw material segmentation in a manner that significantly reduces CO2 emissions by, for example not requiring energy-intensive melting in a blast furnace.

“As a consequence, essential components of old battery cells can be used to produce new cathode material,” explains Mark Möller, Head of the Business Unit Technical Development & E- Mobility.

“From research, we know that recycled battery raw materials are just as efficient as new ones. In the future, we intend to support our battery cell production with the material we recover. Given that the demand for batteries and the corresponding raw materials will increase drastically, we can put every gram of recycled material to good use.”


Lexus To Debut LS 500 F Sport In New York

For the upcoming 2017 New York Auto Show, Lexus will unveil the sportier LS 500 F Sport. Lexus
unveiled
 the fifth-generation LS at the 2017 North American International Auto Show back in January, subsequently
launching
 the LS 500h at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March.
The company only released a lone teaser of the LS 500 F Sport's rear, showcasing the F Sport emblem on the boot. Compared to the regular LS 500, the upcoming model appears to have a blacked out rear diffuser for that added sportiness. On top of that, we can also expect Lexus to fit bespoke suspension to the LS 500.
Lexus is set to release more information once the model goes official next week.


Honda Decides To Sell Civic Type R Engines, Will Fetch Premium A Week Before Racewars

There are many companies around the world that offer crate engines for installation in the vehicle of your choice, but as of yet the brunt of those which are OEM are usually from American companies. V8 crate engines are fairly commonplace in the United States as people love to put them into just about anything.
While other outfits like TOMEI and Spoon Sports also offer built engines for sale as a package, these aren't quite the same as a full on manufacturer providing the crate engine option. Honda has decided to do just that with their Civic Type R engines, through their Honda Performance Development arm in the United States.
Designated as the K20C1, the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine has 306 hp for applications in the United States. It continues on from the legacy of the naturally aspirated K20A that has found itself in everything from Toyota Corolla AE86s to Porsche 911s.
The engines will be sold as part of the Honda Racing Line program. In the United States, the Honda Civic Type R is the most powerful Honda available- but only because the NSX is sold under their Acura brand instead of Honda. The program follows on from their commitment to grassroots racing.
It goes for 6,519.87 USD (excluding shipping cost), or a little under RM 28,000. It might be a hefty price to pay but you can be guaranteed that there's plenty of room for performance improvement over the standard output, as people commonly find with Honda engines.


2018 BMW M8 GTE Completes First Track Shakedown

The highly anticipated 'M' version of the upcoming BMW 8-Series, which is also the brand’s new GTE challenger, successfully completed its first proper race track shakedown session last week at the Lausitzring circuit, Germany.
Driven by factory drivers Martin Tomczyk and Maxime Martin over a period of three days, the M8 GTE, which was first rolled out on July 1 at BMW's Dingolfing plant near Munich, will be participating in numerous competitions next year like the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC), and the 24 hours of Daytona.
“To see the BMW M8 GTE on the racetrack makes me very proud. Everyone involved has done a magnificent job in recent months to allow us to reach this milestone in the development of our new flagship for the GT racing scene,” said BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt.
“I had great fun with the car. The BMW M8 GTE is good to drive from the outset, and it is easy for us drivers to work out the way it handles, which is important. We got a lot of kilometres under our belt, and gathered a lot of data. We also took our first steps with regard to performance, which is by no means a given at a first test. We will obviously work more intensively on that at the coming tests, and will build on the strong basis we established here at the Lausitzring,” said Tomczyk.
According to BMW, the M8 GTE will undergo many more tests at racetracks in Europe and North America to ensure it is ideally prepared for its race debut in January.


Fuel Price Update: 12th to 18th April – No Change

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced new fuel prices for the next seven days and there is no change in the prices.
RON95 –
RM2.20
per litre (no change)
RON97 –
RM2.47
 per litre (no change)
Diesel –
RM2.18
 per litre (no change)


Mercedes-AMG GT 63S Edition 1 Announced – 639 hp, 900 Nm

Prior to the launch of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe in September 2018, the Affalterbach-based company will be offering an Edition 1 variant for a limited 12-month period.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63S is the first-ever four-door AMG GT model, which will complement the two-door AMG GT sibling.
According to Mercedes-AMG, the Edition 1 package is available exclusively for the range-topping GT 63S 4Matic+ variant, pumping out a massive 639 hp and 900 Nm from its 4.0-litre biturbo V8. From a dead start, the new four-door AMG GT model can complete the century sprint in just 3.2 seconds, before reaching a terminal velocity of 315 km/h.
Outside, the Edition 1 GT 63S can be had in Design Graphite Grey Magno, Diamond White Bright, or Graphite Grey Metallic. The AMG Aerodynamic Package gives the GT 63S a larger front splitter and a fixed rear spoiler with mechanically adjustable blade. AMG sport stripes in matt graphite grey and 21-inch AMG forge wheels complete the exterior.

As for the cockpit, AMG Performance seats with nappa leather in magma grey/black with yellow stitching come as standard fitment, while the AMG Performance steering wheel will receive various yellow stitching and an Edition 1 emblem. More yellow highlights can be found on the interior, including the seat belts, stitching on the upper section of the instrument panel and floor mats.
If that is not enough, buyers of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63S Edition 1 can further add these options:
AMG Night Package
AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package 2
AMG high-performance ceramic braking system
High-class rear seat
Mercedes-AMG will launch the GT 63S Edition 1 at the ADAC Zurich 24h Race at the Nurburgring this weekend and the new model can be ordered from summer 2018.


Local Assembly Of AMG 43 Models - A Joint Effort Between Thailand And Malaysia

The biggest local news this week has to be the launch of not one but two locally-assembled AMG models in Malaysia. It’s a major milestone not just for Mercedes-Benz’s performance sub-brand AMG, but also for Mercedes-Benz’s local offices in Thailand and Malaysia.
Local assembly creates room for substantial savings on import duties, which are punitively high in many markets in this region.
In Malaysia, local assembly has brought down prices of the Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Sedan and GLC 43 4Matic by RM 90,000 and RM 70,000 respectively. Up north, the Thailand-assembled C43 Coupe saw a corresponding drop of 1.05 million Baht (about RM 130,000).
The Malaysia-assembled C43 Sedan 4Matic now sells for 408,888 while the GLC 43 4Matic sells for 468,888, with no reduction in features and specifications.
At the sidelines of the
twin AMGs’ launch
 at Sepang International Circuit yesterday, we caught up with Mark Raine, Vice-President Sales and Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, to learn more about the work leading up to the successful CKD (completely knocked down) programme of AMG cars in Malaysia.
Mark revealed that part of the reason for the success is the joint effort with Mercedes-Benz Thailand. Together, the two companies pooled together their resources in committing to the CKD project before presenting a business case to their counterparts in Germany.
While the final objective was the same, both companies have slightly different ideas on what works best for their respective markets.
Thailand elected to pursue the emotional buyers crowd and decided on a coupe, the
C43 4Matic Coupe
. Malaysia on the other hand, went for the pragmatic path and chose to build upon their existing CKD programme for the more practical C-Class sedan and GLC-Class SUV, widening the offering to include the C43 4Matic Sedan and GLC 43 4Matic.
Mark explained that based on their experience with the fully-imported C63 and C63S, it was the sedan that has a wider appeal.
“We’ve been extremely successful with the C-Class (sedan) in general. The C43 and C63 have also found their fan base. Yes we’ve also been successful with the coupe but I feel the C-Class (sedan) has the best of both worlds, and to a certain degree a bit more practicality than the coupe and it obviously broadens the base of customers that can go into the product,” said Mark.
The decision to expand the offering to a GLC 43 was also an easy one for Mark, given the popularity of performance luxury SUVs in Malaysia.
“I see there is a general trend in the market towards SUV, especially towards performance SUVs, and I want to capture a portion of that market. If you look at Porsche Macan, that has also been very successful. There’s a general market for performance SUVs and we believe with these two products localized, we’re perfectly setup,” said Mark.
While many car makers tend to shy away from high performance variants due to their limited market potential, Mark disagrees and believes sees the need to promote both its
EQ Power range
 plug-in hybrids alongside high performance AMGs.
“I think that is what is required, you need a different approach. If you do business as usual, then yes maybe you can protect the status quo but our aim is always to be the No.1 and to be best of the best. We are the inventor of the automobile. We always want to drive or push boundaries in every way. If you look at the progression of our brand - how our brand is perceived in the market, our market share development, it has been a huge success story.
“But It is not only the product, it’s not only being successful. For me, it’s important that we put the customer at the centre of our activities so we look at what are the requirements of the market. For me when I came here, it was very imminent that there are many performance cars enthusiasts, many sports cars enthusiasts here,” said Mark
Mark also mentioned the popularity of tuned cars in Malaysia, popularity of motorsports series like MotoGP and the proliferation of car clubs centering around performance cars.
“They group, they spend a lot of time and money to pursue that favourite past time of theirs. That’s why I said one of our strategies in order to provide the best products to our customers, hopefully new customers and fans, was to go on the Dream Cars offensive. The Dream Car offensive kind of started with the launch of the AMG GT S, roughly three years ago. Then in the second half of 2015 we did that huge Dream Car offensive – we brought down the S63, we brought down not only AMGs, but also coupes and cabriolets. So it was a holistic approach to Dream Cars,” he added.
He went to say that while Dream Cars don’t sell in great volume, they are very important in shaping the brand.
“One of the key aspects of Mercedes-Benz is that we have a huge portfolio of exciting cars, and the brand shapers in that portfolio for me are the Dream Cars – the coupes, the cabriolets, the super sports cars, the performance driving machines from AMGs. Having that portfolio of Dream Cars that are uniquely catered to a niche market is for me one of our successes,” he said.
Mark also mentioned that Malaysia’s earlier success with the AMG 45 series cars were also instrumental in allowing the brand to progress to this stage. Contrary to what many suspected, it wasn’t very hard for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to convince the decision makers at Suttgart and Affalterbach to support the CKD programme. Yes, there was a lot of homework and studies that needed to be done, but that applies to all projects and this is no different.
In fact, Mark chuckled when we asked what his team had to prove to the decision makers halfway around the world that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is able to sustain a business case for CKD AMG cars. In most other car companies, pushing through such a request for a market like Malaysia is almost impossible, as evident by the lack of locally-assembled performance cars here.
"Prove?," he laughed before running through a quick recap on why Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is stronger today than ever before - leading in all key measurable metrics of sales, market share, growth.
 “We’ve also been highly successful with the AMGs (45 series cars) in the past. The success journey kind of kick started with the launch of the AMG 45s and we get great support from our headquarters and Affalterbach, the home base of AMG. They are very supportive in terms of providing all the cars available to us. That’s also one of the reason we were able to have the
AMG GT R
 here. The first customer cars will be delivered in the second half of this year,” he added.
In short, it's a text book case of success begets success. A company that doesn't capitalize on its strong success today to push the boundaries for tomorrow will only squander away potential opportunities and fall into a lull, and that's why Mark believes strongly in doing what other car companies say cannot be done - to assemble high performance cars in Malaysia.
Moving forward, Mark said he is keen to get more AMG products for Malaysia. Models like the upcoming four-door AMG GT, currently previewed by the AMG GT Concept, is high on his wish list and he is hopeful that the concept car will go into production.
Next week, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the EQ Concept car at Desa ParkCity in Kuala Lumpur, a first for the region.
“That’s not something that you get on an everyday basis. I am actually extremely excited that it is coming and it is a special occasion for Malaysia, and for us a brand and for me personally as well,” said Mark.
The Generation EQ Concept points toward an upcoming all-electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz. The vehicle is currently under development and is expected to go into series production sometime in 2019.
The concept will be the highlight of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s EQ Brand Exhibition at Desa ParkCity, happening from 4-May to 7-May 2018.


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Enhances Triton, Introduces Triton Quest At RM 79,890

It feels like just yesterday, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) had finally managed to launch the current generation Triton after multiple roadblocks and hold ups following the previous general election. Coming to the end of 2019, MMM has decided to provide minor updates and enhancements for their Triton variants, as well as launch the Triton Quest workhorse variant.

The enhancements are fairly easy to get through, so we’ll address them first. The Triton Adventure X now comes with an All Round Monitor, which is a great aid when it comes to parking in tight spots – especially with a large pickup truck. For those unfamiliar with the term, the All Round Monitor stitches together the views of various external cameras to provide a “birds-eye view” of the car when parking.

In addition to this, the Adventure X variant also gets a Driving Video Recorder – essentially a built in dash-cam – which helps to record any potential incidents on the road, as well as side body stickers and a premium solar and security tint.

One step below, the Triton AT Premium also gets the Driving Video Recorder, as well as leather seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. The rest of the range retains the same specifications that you’ve come to expect from Mitsubishi’s ever popular pickup truck.

Moving on to the Triton Quest, it’s a name that some may be familiar with if you’ve stuck around long enough. The Quest is essentially Mitsubishi’s most basic, workhorse variant of the Triton – but don’t assume that means it is bare bones.

Powering the Quest is a robust 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which pushes 110 PS and 200 Nm of torque – not quite the performance of the more lifestyle oriented variants, but you can count on this engine to keep on ticking no matter what punishment you throw at it. The load capacity is a whopping 970 kilograms, inclusive of passengers and cargo, which means it has the largest cargo deck in class.

The turning radius has always been a strong point of the Triton, and in this case it pulls off a turning radius of just 5.7 metres. It’s also only available in the 4x2 variant with a 5-speed manual, but for workhorse duties and as a low rider you don’t expect to need the capabilities of a 4x4. It sits on 15-inch alloy wheels after all, but it does manage to keep halaogen projector headlamps with automatic levelling and a rear fog lamp. You can only get it in a White Diamond paint colour.

What’s retained from other variants is the array of safety features. In addition to dual SRS airbags, ABS, and EBD, there is also seatbelts with pretensioners, auto speed adjustable wipers, auto door relock system, open door alarm, and a power window timer. There’s even a Multi-Information Display that provides information such as mileage and range, service reminders, fuel range, and average fuel consumption.

For now, pricing of the entire Mitsubishi Triton model range is as follows:

Variant

Price (RM)

Colour

Triton Adventure X

137,900.00

White Diamond, Jet Black Mica

Triton AT Premium

121,000.00

White Diamond, Graphite Gray

Triton MT Premium

112,500.00

White Diamond, Graphite Gray

Triton AT

105,990.00

White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Triton MT

100,200.00

White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Triton Quest

79,890.00

White Diamond

To find the best deals on Mitsubishi models, click
here
.


Open payment toll collection system to be Implemented this September

Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, recently announced that the open payment toll collection system is expected to be implemented starting from September.

The system
will involve 12 highways
, including the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE), Sungai Besi Highway (BESRAYA), New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Penang Bridge (JPP), and Butterworth-Kulim Highway (BKE).

He added that it also includes the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP), Sprint Expressway (SPRINT), Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), SMART Tunnel, Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Highway (MEX), and Duta-Ulu Klang Highway (DUKE).

"The
Open Payment Toll Collection System
 is one of the government's efforts and initiatives towards the transition to the implementation of the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) toll collection system, which is expected to be gradually realised by 2024," he said.

According to him, the open payment system allows users to pay tolls using debit and credit cards to facilitate smooth passage at toll plazas. He stated that all toll plazas on the SUKE Highway are also designed considering the implementation of MLFF.

When Bernama asked whether the system would be implemented in all toll lanes, Nanta said it would be implemented gradually at all toll plazas according to suitability.


VIDEO: Dealing With The Cops Can Be Tricky, Here’s What You Shouldn’t Do

There’s been another
trending video
 making its rounds on social media involving an errant driver dealing with Malaysian traffic policemen that makes us wonder if this chap has read our guide on ‘
What to do when the police stops you
.’

(Click to play video)
It’s apparent that the man behind the wheel has been accused of “jumping a red light,” a point which the disgruntled driver doesn’t seem to latch on to nor accept.
Now, it’s easy to jump to conclusions pointing out that the driver is clearly in the wrong, and it’s certainly the way it seems in this video. But if a commenter on the original video post who claims to be the Singaporean man’s daughter
(Ivy Lee)
 can be believed, it’s a fair point to say that his poor command of the English or Bahasa Malaysia language, paired with a bit of a temper, got him in more trouble than there should have been at all.
But language barriers or not, he made two very obvious mistakes in our humble opinion. One, he lost his temper – raising your voice like that is never going to solve anything. Two, he shouldn’t have uttered the words “I give you money” or “Come la, I give you anything” just like that, in any circumstance – that’s just going to draw a heap of negative attention, especially where a video camera is involved, and regardless of what intentions you had behind the choice of words.
Equally, the traffic officer wasn’t on his best form either from what we can tell: constantly repeating “show me your license!” and then saying in a threatening way “I give you saman ah.” He also calls for the support of another officer to “tangkap, tangkap, tangkap dia” which loosely translates to a call to arrest the man.
The second traffic officer comes around, and plainly doesn’t want to be on camera – again failing to reiterate the driver’s errors in a clear fashion – then disappears.
The way we see it, both parties had a little bit of the blame to shoulder, paired with poor communication between them. The driver seems to confuse wanting to discuss what his mistake was with the officer, saying instead “what you want” again and again. That likely sparked the officer’s frustrations.
It’s hard to conclude that point without knowing what happened before the camera started rolling, and after it stopped. From what we can tell, it looks like the driver just wasn’t cool enough to handle the situation, nor was he equipped with the right knowledge required at the time.
Either way, there’s a way for you to avoid such difficult situations entirely. With cops cracking down on errant drivers as hard as they are these days, be sure to
know yours rights, and know what to do when the police stops you
.
And come on, guys and girls. Let’s ease off the racial slurs, yes?


Toyota And Suzuki Expand Scope Of Partnership In India

Toyota Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation have agreed to start discussing new joint projects in the fields of technological development, vehicle production, and market development in India.
Having signed a memorandum of understanding on February 6, 2017, the two companies have been pursuing concrete forms of cooperation and have announced the mutual supply of vehicles for the Indian market as well as other joint efforts.
The two companies have also been broadening the scope of their partnership considerations to include joint efforts related to production and market development.
According to the agreement, Toyota will provide Suzuki with technological support for a compact, ultra high-efficiency powertrain which will be developed by Suzuki.
The models which will be developed by Suzuki will then be produced by Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd. (TKM) for sale in India through each of the Toyota and Suzuki brand network.
Commenting on the joint venture, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said, "As members of Indian society, Toyota, along with Suzuki, will do its best to enhance freedom and fun in a future society of mobility and to make 'Make in India' vehicles cherished in Africa and in many other countries around the world."
He also added that Suzuki was among the first Japanese companies to enter India, responsible for pulling forward India's automotive society representing the nation’s 'Let's do it' and ‘Make In India’ initiatives.


Auto Bavaria Opens Malaysia’s First BMW i Dealership

BMW’s i sub-brand has a new home in Malaysia, and it is at Auto Bavaria’s Jalan Tun Razak dealership, which saw the introduction of the country’s first BMW i showroom and service centre.
Occupying a total built-up space of up to 1,383 square feet on the dealership’s first floor, the new BMW i showroom features the sub-brand’s newest identity, furniture, and fittings. Of course the showroom wouldn’t be complete without a BMW i car, and it will feature the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, with the wall-mounted charging accessory for BMW i, the BMW i Wallbox.
According to BMW Group Malaysia’s managing director & CEO, Alan Harris, the BMW i brand goes beyond vehicles, but also includes services that complement the vehicle.
“With BMW i, we have seen a new wave of technology that interacts drivers and passengers with their vehicle for a better experience and easier user ability. Solutions and Apps such as the BMW i Remote App and the BMW i ConnectedDrive suite of solutions enables BMW i vehicle owners to interact with their cars as well as the cities and communities they live in,” explained Harris.
Jefferey Gan, managing director of Auto Bavaria said, “i8 customers can rest assured that our BMW i centre will offer excellent day-to-day support for their BMW i vehicles. This includes service and maintenance appointments, as well as vehicle repairs and on the road assistance with a dedicated mobile charging service for owners courtesy of our BMW i Mobile Care Centre.”
The new Auto Bavaria BMW i Dealership is located at 362, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.


The Toyota Supra Is Coming In September; Our Price Guesstimate Is RM590k

As you’ve probably heard, the Toyota Supra is coming, hence we may end up eating a slice of humble pie if we get this wrong, but it’s a gamble we’re willing to take. Based on information gathered from sources in the know and some good ‘ole fashioned educated guesswork, we estimate that prices will start at RM590k when Toyota’s flagship sports car and reborn legend goes on sale in September.
Depending on the market, the Supra is offered with a choice of three powerplants – the first two feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in two states of tune: 197 PS and 320 Nm and 258 PS and 400 Nm – these two engines are mirrored by the 20i and 30i variants of the Supra’s co-developed sibling, the BMW Z4 – and finally a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder (the one we expect to be introduced here) which outputs 340 PS and 500 Nm between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This engine is also found on the BMW Z4 M40i.
All engines are mated to an 8-speed (ZF) automatic gearbox. In terms of performance, the 2.0-litre engined variants take 6.5 seconds (197 PS) and 5.2 seconds (258 PS) to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint respectively, the 3.0-litre version requires just 4.3 seconds.
Our conjecture is based on the fact that the Supra – if introduced here in its 3.0-litre guise – will cost substantially more than the RM479,800 retail price tag of the
BMW Z4 sDrive30i
, given its iconic status, worldwide desirability, and limited supply. And these are genuine factors carmakers consider when pricing their products.
If BMW Malaysia offered the 40i variant here, that would be the closest price benchmark but since they don't, the other factor to consider is the
recently introduced BMW M2 Competition
 which retails for RM626,800.
More so than the Z4, the M2 is the more fitting competitor to the Supra given its rear-wheel drive powertrain, coupe body style, aggressive design, and bonafide driving performance. And for that price tag, the M2 gives you the same (S55) 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo engine found on the M3 and M4 models. The engine produces 410 hp and a maximum torque of 550 Nm. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M-DCT (double-clutch transmission) with Drivelogic, the M2 Competition can be also ordered with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Hence, we believe that the Supra’s price will just about dip underneath that RM600k pricetag to eliminate any cross-shopping between the M2 and itself, but still be substantially more than the Z4 sDrive30i, which offers less power and caters to an entirely different audience. A further factor to consider is the track-focussed (albeit mid-engined) Porsche 718 Cayman S, which is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four engine which produces 350 hp and 420 Nm and sells for circa RM700k.
It is also unconfirmed at this point, whether UMW Toyota will introduce more than one variant of the Supra, in Australia for example, the Supra is offered in GT and GTS variants. The GT offers as standard: keyless ignition, carbon-look interior trim, 8-way powered front seats, and paddle shifters. The GTS adds on 19-inch forged alloy wheels, sport brakes, and the options of red leather or black Alcantara seats.
Separately, during the kickoff of the third season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival, the company also announced that we’ll soon see the first-of-its-kind GR Garage, a dedicated retail arm which will focus on Toyota’s high-performance and motorsports themed products, in much the same way Mercedes-Benz has AMG Performance Centres at selected dealer locations. These GR Garages will likely be customers touchpoints for those who want to get behind the wheel of a Supra.


The Circuit Safari is Crazier than the One in the African Fields

When one mentions ‘Safari’, the first thing that pops up in our minds is a bunch of people sitting in the bus that is stopped in the middle of an open field in Africa, probably witnessing a lion munching down a zebra for lunch.
But this “Safari” you’re looking at now, called the Circuit Safari, which took place at the Fuji Speedway in Japan during a round of Super GT championship recently, is nothing like the one we mentioned earlier. In fact, it is scarier and in true Japanese way, odder.
What happened was that people were given bus rides on the Fuji Speedway while the practice session was actually going on. So, as the bus was crawling its way around, it was being overtaken by Nissan GTRs at speeds of more than 200km/h!
As you can see, the host and his buddies appear to be more excited than a bunch of children who’re looking at a lion for the first time of his or her life.
While some of you, especially those who are big Super GT fans are aware that the circuit safari has been a part of the championship for more than a decade; many are still unaware of the activity’s existence. In fact, it even happened right here at the Sepang during the Malaysian Super GT round a few years ago.
But now that the championship is no longer part of the Sepang International Circuit's calendar, we probably have to head to Japan to get a taste of the Circuit Safari.
As fun and thrilling as it is, let us hope that the bus and the race cars don’t get too close to each other at any time in the future.
Interesting, isn’t it? Which racetrack would you want to explore in a bus while being overtaken by racing cars?


Geely-Proton Partnership: Boyue To Underpin New Proton SUV?

As part of the agreement between Proton and its new foreign strategic partner
Geely
, the latter will be offering Proton its Boyue SUV to Proton as the basis for its first-ever SUV.
Launched in early 2016, the Geely Boyue is the company's fourth SUV in its massive line up. For the Chinese market, Geely is offering two engines, namely a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two states of tune. In total, Geely offers 13 variants of the Boyue SUV for the Chinese market.
Geely's entry-level Boyue SUV receives the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated mill that does 139 hp and 178 Nm. Fitted exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission sending drive to the front wheels, the naturally-aspirated mill can achieve a top speed of 185 km/h.
Sitting above that is the 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The lower of two states of tune does 160 hp and 250 Nm, which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Top speed is 10 km/h more than the naturally-aspirated unit, with a top speed of 195 km/h.
Then there's the more powerful 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, outputting 181 hp and 285 Nm. This version of the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine is mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to the front wheels, though the range-topping Boyue comes with on-demand four-wheel drive. Top speed is identical to the other 1.8-litre turbocharged engine. Whilst the six-speed gearbox commonly reported as a dual clutch transmission, Geely's official specs describe it as a conventional auto.
Dimension wise, the Geely Boyue comes in at 4,519 mm long, 1,831 mm wide and 1,694 mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,670 mm. That puts the Geely Boyue in the same segment as the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail. Unlike some of its key rivals, the Geely is strictly a five-seater. Curb weight of the Geely Boyue ranges from 1,565 kg to 1,745 kg. A 60-litre fuel tank is standard for all Geely Boyue variants.
All variants of the Geely Boyue is equipped with electric power steering. Up front there are MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar and multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar. Tire wise, 225/60R18 tires are fitted to all variants of the Geely Boyue, except the entry-level model, which comes with 225/65/R17 tires. All models get ventilated disc brakes up front and solid disc brakes at the rear.
Looking at the exterior, the Geely Boyue can be had in six different colours, white, silver, brown, black, red and gold. Depending on the variant, the Geely Boyue can be fitted with halogen projector headlights, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, auto headlights with Follow Me Home feature, Active Bending Lights, auto wipers, panoramic sunroof with anti-pinch, luggage rack, puddle light, heated side mirrors and power folding side mirrors.
Safety kit is rather generous, as all variants of the Geely Boyue comes fitted with ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Brake Assist, Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto hold, ISOFIX child seat anchor points and two front airbags. Apart from the cheapest Boyue variant, the rest of the lineup gets Hill Hold Control (HHC), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and side airbags (except the entry-level 1.8 MT turbo). Curtain airbags are available on higher grades of the Geely Boyue. Elsewhere, selected variants of the Geely Boyue receives seat belt pretensioners for all seats, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Intelligent High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), cruise control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), 360° camera with 3D imaging, reverse camera with guide lines plus front and rear parking sensors.
Inside, all variants of the Geely Boyue gets automatic air-conditioning with Air Quality System (AQS), adapted from Volvo's Interior Air Quality System (IAQS). The system utilizes a number of sensors and a multi-filter aimed to reduce the number of contaminants entering the vehicle. 60:40 split folding rear seats, all round one touch power windows and push start button are standard for all Boyue variants. Depending on the variant selected, the Boyue SUV can come with a drive mode selector with Sport and Eco modes, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear air vents, air purifier, seat upholstery with either high-grade fabric, leather or Nappa leather, power adjustable driver seat with six-way adjustment, power adjustable passenger seat with four-way adjustment, front heated seats, driver seat with massage function, anti-pinch power windows and keyless entry.
Elsewhere, the Geely Boyue can come with a regular meter cluster with a 3.5-inch multi info display or a full seven-inch LCD. Tilt and telescopic steering comes as a standard fitment for all Boyue variants. On top of that, leather-wrapped multi-function steering is standard, though depending on variant, Nappa leather can also be had. Electrochromatic rear view mirror is also available on selected trims.
The company is offering two types of infotainment system with the Boyue SUV. The first is the Geely G-Link system, featuring an eight-inch touchscreen display with Android connectivity, Bluetooth, USB, AUX-in and GPS navigation. More expensive variants of the Geely Boyue get the Geely G-Netlink system. Here, the system features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, on top of offering in-car WiFi, 3G connectivity, intelligent voice interaction system that is activated by saying "Hello Boyue", USB, Bluetooth, AUX-in, GPS navigation and Geely telematics system, similar to Toyota's G-Book service. There is also a 24-hour emergency service button located on the rear view mirror, for selected Boyue models.
Apart from the Boyue, Geely also offers sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs in its extensive product lineup. Other noteworthy products in the company's range include:
- Vision X1: This is the company's most affordable compact SUV, priced from CNY 47,800. Three variants are offered, all powered by a 1.3-litre VVT four-cylinder petrol engine that can be had with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Despite its entry-level nature, the Geely Vision X1 can be had with multi-function a flat-bottomed steering wheel, LED daytime running lights and a massive 11.6-inch infotainment system
- Borui GC9:  The Geely Borui GC9, or GC9 is the company's flagship model. Power comes from three different engines, a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, 1.8-litre turbocharged and a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6. All three engines are paired to a six-speed automatic that sends drive to the front wheels. The Geely GC9 was named Car Of The Year in China for 2016.
What do you think? Could Geely's latest SUV help Proton regain lost ground? After all, new car buyers are favouring SUVs over the traditional three-box sedans in recent years.


AC100 2023 Toyota Vios accidentally leaked on Instagram

UMW Toyota released the 'Defy' video teaser which we all theorised that the new
2023 Toyota Vios
 is coming to Malaysia.

Now, we can definitely confirm the news thanks to an accidental photo leak by the person who's in the commercial shoot to promote the AC100 2023 Toyota Vios, Malaysian actor
Sean Lee
. Thanks, buddy.

2023 Toyota Vios - launch date 24 February 2023?

The series of photos posted by Sean Lee on his Instagram page (already deleted) showcased the all-new AC100 2023 Toyota Vios model in some sort of commercial shoot. The photos also confirmed that we're not getting Thailand's Yaris Ativ, but rather the same model as the folks in Indonesia.

You'll notice the same 17-inch 'Machining Alloy' rim design as the one offered in Indonesia, which also means that the 2023 Toyota Vios in Malaysia will also get the 1.5-litre 2NR-VE engine paired with a CVT transmission package.

The red colour option also appears to be new as compared to the current-generation Red Mica Metallic, but that's the name of the colour for the new Toyota Vios for the Indonesian market. More info will be released on 24 February onwards.


The Proton X50's Booking Numbers Are Causing A Stir

The 2020 Proton X50 has created what people term a "good problem" for Proton.

Without a doubt, all these teasing, updates and recent information about the Proton X50 is just adding fuel to an already intense burning fire and if you've just made your mind up and would like to pull the trigger on making a booking for the much-anticipated SUV, this little bit of information might be useful to you.

According to various sources, the booking numbers of the Proton X50 has entered the 20,000 territory. That's quite a phenomenal number for a car that doesn't even have a price just yet.

Most customers will not receive their Proton X50's before the end of 2020 but will still qualify for the SST exemption. In cases like these, the SST exemption should be tied down to the invoice date of the vehicle. The invoice date will typically follow after successful booking, loan application, and downpayment processes are completed.

Despite some reporting otherwise, Proton has not till today extended the SST exemption period for the Proton X50 on their own accord. There have been rumours that the government may do so but until time of publication, we do not have confirmation.

Now, Proton has previously said that they are able to produce 8000 units of the car at their Tanjung Malim plant by the end of the year. They have added another 1000 to that number which will put some smiles on the lucky owners of these 9000 units.

We're not saying that the cars that will be delivered next year will be any less good than the first 9000 units, but Proton will want to start strong and on the right foot with these first batch of orders. After all, it will set the tone of future sales. Many are adopting the wait and see approach, so there is a potential of RM millions to be made or lost for Proton.

Proton did a good job with the X70 with little major complaints about it, but the X50 will be Proton's biggest test to date. The X70 sold up to 27,000 units in a year, and with the 19,000 bookings already made for the X50, only Raja Bomoh knows how much of it will be sold in 12 months' time.

With this monumentally good problem at hand, Proton will also want to use this wave of positive sentiment to further cement their hold as a vehicle maker of unrivaled value, be it of local or foreign makes. This must also serve to further elevate the standard of Malaysia's automotive industry within Asean, we are overdue a more prominent position in the region.

We still reckon the 9000 unit number is a conservative one, it is probably a number that Proton is comfortable with in terms of giving the best possible start to the X50 in terms of quality.

The Proton X50 will be remembered as either the car that put Proton back on the map or the car of unfulfilled potential. We hope it's the former, after all, Proton does plan to export the X50 by the end of 2021 and Geely has said that they aim to sell 1 million Proton cars in the next 10 years.

All the best Proton!


2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe (C205) Revealed: It’s A Baby S-Class Coupe!

At long last,
Mercedes-Benz
 has unveiled its all-new, 2016 C-Class Coupe. Codenamed internally as the C205, the latest iteration of the brand’s sportiest
C-Class
 has also been confirmed for global debut at the coming Frankfurt Motor Show.
Not so surprisingly, given the amazingly
accurate renders we showed you
 last time around, what we’re looking at here is effectively a baby S-Class Coupe – a point we can’t find much to complain about really, because this thing is gorgeous.
Performance:
At launch, four petrol and two diesel variants will be available (more to come, we assume), with the petrol options ranging between a C 180,  C 200, C 250 and C 300: all of which offering power outputs of 156hp to 245hp.
The diesels will offer power outputs ranging from 170hp to 204hp (C 250d). Then on, we know Mercedes-AMG will soon be unveiling its monstrous C 63 Coupe, which will play the role of a top-shelf C-Class Coupe, while further C 450 AMG, or other, power variants may come.
Exterior & Interior Styling:
As mentioned, the C-Class Coupe is effective a baby S-Class Coupe for design. They’ve employed the same front-end designs from the regular C-Class, but given it a diamond-design front grille. The roof swoops downwards in a hurry, ala coupe-style, while the rear-end is full-on S-Class Coupe stuff.
Inside the car, not much is different here from the C-Class Sedan, with its three-spoke steering wheel, free-standing infotainment display screen, five AC vents and touchpad hand rest on the center console. The trim and material designs don’t look too different from the Sedan, either.
No details were shared over the rear seating arrangements just yet, but from the pictures here, it does look like several switches for electronic movement of the front seats are available to rear passengers to use getting into the back. If or not it fits passengers comfortably, we can’t say for sure just yet.
Dimensions and Space:
Against its Coupe predecessor, the new model is 95mm longer and 40mm wider overall. It also has a wheelbase that measures 80mm longer than before. All this new dimensions create a more spacious interior, of course, when compared to the previous C-Class Coupe.
The rest of the car’s internals pretty much follow what the Sedan variant had to offer when it was first reveal: a new four-link front axle with wheel suspension decoupled from the spring strut, and a multi-link independent rear suspension with five links.
What’s different here between the W205 Sedan and the C205 Coupe is that with selected variants (ones with the selective damping control) the ride is up to 15mm lower for an overall sportier stance. There’s also the option of Airmatic suspension, of course.
The vehicle’s stance and slipper design give it a wind-cutting Cd value of 0.26: what that means for potential owners is a ride free of wind resistance and noises up to higher speeds, with the body cutting through the more far more efficiently.
Loads of Mercedes-Benz tech:
Who are we kidding anyways? The C-Class Coupe is loaded with equipment, as expected, offering a full suite of the brand’s latest safety system as well an infotainment options.
Briefly, you can expect  Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist, adaptive cruise control (0 to 200km/h), Active Parking Assist, a 360-degree camera, optional Burmeister audio – you know the score.
Updated here is the car’s audio systems as well, which has been updated from the base system up, to feature new internet capabilities: from the base Audio 20 head unit, all you need is a mobile device with Bluetooth and a data connection to get your car online.


Be Rewarded When You Purchase PETRONAS Motor Oils This Raya

This Raya festive season, before you set off on that “balik kampung” trip, why not take some time to ensure that both you and your car benefit from an oil change with the PETRONAS Syntium Hari Raya promotion.
Valid from now until 12 August 2015, the promotion is applicable when you purchase any
PETRONAS Syntium with °CoolTech™ motor oils
 from PETRONAS stations, PETRONAS LubeXperts™ workshops, service centres, or spare parts stores.
With every purchase of a 4L bottle of PETRONAS Syntium 3000 or 7000, you will receive a free cooler that is perfect to store cold drinks for your drive back to the hometown. Alternatively, each purchase of a 4L bottle of PETRONAS Syntium 800 gets you a free flask.
The new PETRONAS Syntium with °CoolTech™ range of motor oils was launched in March and is specifically engineered to remedy excessive engine heat in passenger cars. Modern-day driving conditions involve traffic congestions and brisk acceleration on highways, something not uncommon when you “balik kampung”.
This can result in excessive engine heat residing within the engine, which is not visible on the car’s engine temperature gauge on the dashboard and can cause damage to critical components of the engine and affect driving performance.
Which is where PETRONAS Syntium with °CoolTech™ comes in, providing excellent heat dissipation to prevent engine failure, delay oil thickening, and maintain top engine performance.


New Hyundai Grand Starex Facelift, To Be Previewed At KLIMS?

The outgoing Hyundai Grand Starex is expected to be replaced by a new facelifted model real soon, as a Hyundai dealer recently posted photos of the new facelifted model on their page.
The current Starex sells for RM154,888 (on-the-road, without insurance, and 0% GST), we expect the new model to be priced more or less within the same range.
To recap, this facelift was introduced in Korea back in late-2017, bringing with it a redesigned front end featuring the company's Cascading Grille, new headlights and a new lower air intake. The Korean-market model also gets a revised tail light design, though this may not be the case for the Malaysia-bound units. Additionally, the photos also show us that the wheel design has remained unchanged from the outgoing model.
A 2.5-litre turbocharged commonrail diesel mill that churns out 168 hp and 392 Nm comes as standard, paired to a 5-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels. Also standard is the 11-people seating capacity.
Photo credit:
Hyundai - Millenium Automart


Mitos Push Start Button - Kena Tekan Sekali Atau Tiga Kali?

Bagi pemilik kereta yang hadir dengan fungsi butang
Push Start
untuk menghidupkan
enjin
, bagaimanakah cara yang betul untuk menghidupkan enjin? Tekan sekali sahaja atau tekan 3 kali?

Masih ingatkah anda tentang isu butang
Push Start
 yang pernah tular beberapa tahun lalu? Meskipun sudah dibongkarkan beberapa kali sebelum ini, namun masih ada yang was-was dengan cara penggunaan butang
Push Start
 ini.

Tekan Butang Push Start 3 Kali

Sebelum ini, pernah tular bahawa cara yang betul untuk menghidupkan enjin menggunakan butang Push Start adalah dengan menekan sebanyak 3 kali seperti berikut:

Tekan butang
Push Start
 tanpa menekan brek untuk membuka kunci
stereng

Tekan butang
Push Start
 sekali lagi bagi menghidupkan aksesori elektronik di dalam kereta

Pijak brek dan tekan butang
Push Start
 sekali lagi untuk menghidupkan enjin

Khabarnya, cara diatas adalah cara paling selamat untuk menghidupkan enjin kereta di samping memanjangkan jangka hayat kereta. Persoalannya, adakah cara ini merupakan cara yang terbaik atau hanya
mitos
semata-mata?

Betul Atau Mitos?

Meskipun cara itu mungkin kelihatan seperti logik dan boleh dipercayai, namun belum ada bukti kukuh yang menunjukkan sistem komputer kereta boleh mengalami kerosakan jika enjin kereta dihidupkan dengan menekan butang
 Push Start
 dan brek secara serentak selama 1 kali sahaja.

Ini kerana teknologi kereta zaman sekarang bukanlah seperti kereta zaman dahulu. Tiada istilah sistem kereta terkejut atau tidak bersedia kerana kotak komputer enjin untuk kereta zaman sekarang berfungsi dengan amat pantas.

Enjin kereta terkini juga telah direka dengan pelbagai tetapan keselamatan yang bertindak menjaga enjin dengan optimum. Malah dengan teknologi zaman sekarang, pengguna tidak perlu lagi menunggu lampu ‘
check engine
’ terpadam sebelum menghidupkan enjin kereta.

Mungkin ramai yang tidak tahu bahawa butang berkenaan juga ada jangka hayatnya yang tersendiri dan boleh mengalami kehausan. Jika anda perlu menekan sebanyak 3 kali setiap kali ketika ingin menghidupkan enjin, ia sudah tentu memendekkan jangka hayat butang terbabit.

Jika cara yang diajar pada buku panduan pemilik kereta ini boleh mendatangkan masalah kepada kereta, takkanlah pengeluar tak beri amaran awal serta cara menghidupkan enjin yang lebih spesifik kepada pengguna?

Yang paling penting, kembalilah pada kitab yang paling berguna kepada seseorang pemilik kereta iaitu buku panduan pengguna. Kalau buku itu dah nyatakan hanya perlu tekan sekali sahaja, ikut sahaja cara tersebut.

Ingatlah, teknologi itu memudahkan, bukan merumitkan.