New 2015 Lexus IS 200t Range Prices Revealed, From RM279k

Prices for the
new 2015 Lexus IS 200t range
 have been revealed on the brand’s local website. A total of three variants of the new turbocharged sedans look to be confirmed alongside their price tags.
You’ll have to dig a bit deeper than usual to find this, but if you visit the Finance & Insurance section on the local website, and take a look at their section for Individual Pricing, you’ll see the new
Lexus
 IS 200t’s prices listed clear as day. Here’s what they look like, all OTR with GST, without insurance:
IS 200t Premium: RM278,400
IS 200t Luxury: RM311,900
IS 200t F Sport: RM344,900
IS 300h: RM394,900
More expensive than before…
The new four-variant line-up no longer includes the previously-available IS 250, with the new turbocharged and more powerful 2.0-litre Lexus engine taking over the reins.
Equally, it looks like the new IS 200t is more expensive than before, pushing up the base variant’s price by more than RM12k. Where the previous IS 250 F Sport retailed at RM328,494, it’ll cost you an extra RM16k for the coming IS 200t F Sport model. Strangely, the unchanged IS 300h gets a massive RM15k bump too.
So what’s new?
Introduced to the world earlier this year, the new IS 200t was unveiled with very minor exterior and interior tweaks, but was all about the new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which has been making several appearances now in various Lexus models – in Malaysia, you’ve already seen it in the
NX SUV
.
We don’t have final, localised performance and torque specifications for you at the moment, but
when it was first unveiled to the world
, the IS 200t was rated for a total of 241hp and 350Nm of torque, when paired to the standard-included eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Lexus IS 200t vs. Mercedes-Benz C 250, BMW 328i
It’s significantly more horsepower than a comparable
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 250
 is capable of, itself producing 211hp and 350Nm of torque. The IS 200t’s power output is more closely comparable to a
BMW 328i
, which pushes 245hp and 350Nm of torque.
This makes the new IS far more powerful and capable than the previous 205hp IS 250.
SPEED:
 A three-way drag race between the three rear-wheel drive cars on paper will see the BMW 328i come out tops with a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds, while the Mercedes-Benz C 250 would come second with 6.6 seconds, and the Lexus a little further behind with 6.9 seconds.
PRICE:
 For price, the Lexus IS is also a little bit more expensive than the competition. Here’s how it stakes up against its Mercedes-Benz and BMW comparisons.
Lexus
 IS 200t: RM278,400 to RM344,900 (CBU)
Mercedes-Benz

C 250
: RM299,888 (CKD)
BMW

328i
: RM292,800 to RM308,800 (CKD)
The new Lexus IS 200t is certainly an upgrade in power over the previous models, but with that, also comes the additional cost. Will that be enough to lure you away from the typical segment champs from Germany?


Two Isuzu D-Max models are up for grabs at the Perfect Livin Exhibition

The Perfect Livin exhibition has begun its tour of the country. With over 1200 booths putting home and lifestyle products on display, the exhibition will be on at Putra World Trade Centre for this weekend, before moving to Kuching, Kuantan, and back to Setia Alam in the coming months. As the main sponsor of the Perfect Livin Exhibition, Isuzu has placed two D-Max models on display and filled their cabins with pillows.
As part of the
What’s your Hunch?
 contest, visitors who spend over RM 500 on products at the exhibition are welcome to guess the number of pillows in these vehicles. The person with the closest guess to the correct number will be taking home a brand-new Isuzu D-Max; one unit of the 2.5-litre 4x4 model and one unit of the 3.0-litre 4x4 Safari model are up for grabs.
Should visitors feel that they would want a different Isuzu model- say an MU-X- there will also be Isuzu booths operating at these events with exclusive offers only for the Perfect Livin Exhibition days.


2012 Nissan Almera vs 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo: Is It Time For An Upgrade?

Last week, the 2020
Nissan Almera Turbo
 officially surfaced in Malaysia, the media had the chance to preview as well as test-drive it and we came away impressed.

Until when you, our captive readers get the chance to test-drive it for yourselves, we thought we would make a comparison of the old 2012 Nissan Almera against the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo. Current Almera owners have been asking us whether there are significant changes to the car that would prompt them to upgrade their vehicle, and the short and sweet answer is, Yes!

The difference between these two cars is night and day, but that is what we get when manufacturers don't update a model for eight years. Every part except for the key is new. Although we expected the new generation Almera to have a bigger interior space, better build quality and a more efficient drivetrain, nobody expected it to come with so many safety features as a standard, but we will get to that later.

Space: 2012 Nissan Almera 0-1 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo

Longer, lower and broader than ever before, the Almera Turbo is now generally a bigger car. It doesn't feel like it on the inside or the outside, but when you put it next to the previous generation Almera, it does have a bigger footprint. The rear roofline is slightly lower too, but this was done without sacrificing interior space that the Almera is primarily known for. For those who like numbers, the Nissan Almera Turbo is 70mm longer, 40mm lower and 45mm wider compared to the first generation Almera. Even the wheelbase has been lengthened by 20mm.

Exterior and Interior: 2012 Nissan Almera 0-2 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo

Based on the European Nissan Micra, you could say that the Almera Turbo has this touch of European-ness. Whereas the previous generation Almera looks and feels like a car that came out of Asia, the Almera Turbo's design was clearly made to cater to European taste. The interior is a serious departure from the previous generation with two-tone soft synthetic materials used to create a chic looking dashboard.

Performance: 2012 Nissan Almera 0-3 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo

The biggest headline for the new Almera is obviously the Turbocharged engine. True to its moniker, Nissan really wanted to make sure that people knew about the turbine living in the engine bay and they have every right to be proud of it too because it is a peach. Although it is missing a cylinder compared to the sixth generation's four-cylinder engine, the Nissan Almera Turbo can still push out more performance, having 10Nm more torque. 10Nm doesn't seem like much, but when the torque kicks in at lowly 2,000rpm instead of the sixth generation's 4,000 rpm it does make a huge difference. The CVT in the seventh generation Almera is excellent too and does feel like a conventional automatic gearbox.

Safety: 2012 Nissan Almera 0-4 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo

The sixth generation Almera's safety system as standard only included the likes of ABS, EBD and BA but the Nissan Almera Turbo's standard safety equipment consists of all of the above the ones and is topped up with Traction Control System, Intelligent Forward Collision, Warning (IFCW) and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking as well as Vehicle Dynamic Control. If you go for the top-spec, it also comes with blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, but the standard safety features on all cars are pretty impressive.

So there you have it, a clear and resounding win for the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo over its predecessor.

It's obvious to us that the Nissan Almera has gone upmarket as it should especially looking at its competition in the B-segment. Gone are the days when you'd buy an Almera because it was the only Japanese car you could afford or you wanted a more comfortable car to do Grab with. Today you would buy one because you wanted one. Well done Nissan, well done!

If you need help shifting your old Almera, you could always use
Carlist
 or
Carlistbid
, try it out, it's better than you think.


BMW Will Start Producing EV Batteries In Thailand In July

Our neighbours up north are really taking off and embracing the coming wave of electrified vehicles, with great government policies that make it favourable for manufacturers to set up shop. According to Bangkok Post, DTS Draexlmaier Automotive System Thailand will be starting the production of batteries for BMW's electric vehicles from July onwards. The plant output will be supplied to BMW's Rayong plant, just 14 kilometres away, for the many plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that they plan to build there.

The first models to receive these Thailand-produced batteries will be PHEV variants of the 5 Series and 7 Series. PHEVs are a fairly large market for the Thai market, with 800 wallbox chargers supplied to customers across the country and 121 ChargeNow charging stations and plans to increase the network to 150 chargers by the end of 2019.

Of the four stages of building an EV battery, the plant is capable of doing the final two stages: module production and pack assembly. This differentiates it from other plants which will only focus on pack assembly, but this new plant is also not able to do component and cell production - the first two stages of the process.

All of this would not have been possible without Thailand's Board of Investment approving the 540 million baht necessary for land purchase and factory build up and outfitting back in November of last year, which in turn won EV privileges - or rather, it would have been possible but not a very favourable option for BMW.


BMW (E36) 3 Series: The Cheapest Entry Level Performance Car Money Can Buy

I have often quipped to friends,
BMW
s are the
poor man’s sports car
, or the cheapest entry level performance car money can buy.

The guys with money buy Hondas and Mitsubishis (and you probably know which models I'm talking about). Quite the reverse of what you pay for these cars when new.

However, given the relative depreciation of
BMW
s and the
“appreciation” (or wishful pricing) of certain Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) sportscars
 – reaching that of property prices for certain iconic models, one must ask if Japanese sports cars aren't the defacto cheap and fast cars, what’s the best way to obtain a decently fast car at prices that don’t require selling your kidneys on the black market?

Have RM2.0 million lying around anywhere?

What is a performance car?

We first have to define what this is. A performance or sporty car is perhaps one that at the very least, offers an engaging drive and has a good balance of power, handling and tunability – more so than cookie-cutter cars available at dealerships anyway. To be clear we are not saying you need Ferrari beating performance, just enough to put a smile on your face occasionally when the roads open up.

Subaru BRZ owners
 will tell you that power is not everything, that lightness and prolific handling balance is a better way of enjoying your car, and 700hp
Toyota Supra
 owners will tell you that power is the way to go, as long as you have the grip to put it down.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
 owners, on the other hand, will tell you front-wheel drive and 220PS is plenty if you can change gears faster than you can blink an eye (and in one corner are the Myvi owners who think they’re faster than all of the above).

Therefore, a performance car can be defined in many different ways, but if we’re looking at something that has talent in loads (and one that can be had for cheap), then enter the BMW (E36) 3 Series.

A little backstory…

There is no need to wax lyrical here, you probably already know
how iconic the 3 Series is
. The ‘3’ is an insignia almost synonymous with the brand itself, with a model span that has lasted a third of the life of the company. For many years – it was the starting point into the realm of what has come to be known as the ultimate driving machine.

The second-generation E36 3 Series in many ways is the genesis of the compact luxury BMW. While the E30 cemented the reputation of the 3 Series, it was the E36 that defined the levels of engineering, performance and luxury that we associate with the model today.

The E36 was the first 3 Series to incorporate wind tunnel testing and the earliest versions of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling that gave birth to its aerodynamic shape. It introduced a range of silky smooth twin-cam six-cylinder engines and had a chassis designed from the outset to be both comfortable and yet dynamic on a twisty backroad.

Hence, it was no surprise that BMW took it racing, after the fanfare of the E30 M3, it was the E36 that continued to thrive and win on the racetracks of the world in multiple disciplines and championships, most famously touring car racing and rallying.

In fact, the E36 is still a familiar sight on many tracks to this day, and remains a mainstay of 'tin-top racing', actively competing in various championships across the world, including bonafide series such as the Nurburgring VLN Endurance Series.

Image credit:
bridgetogantry.com

Let us explain why we love the BMW E36 3 Series…

What do we mean by a cheap fast car?

Just to be clear, we’re not saying that the BMW E36 is the only cheap fast car, many others are decently priced and pretty quick as well – numerous VTEC engine powered Hondas come to mind, Toyota Corollas (with 4AGE 20V engines) and the endless amount of modified
Proton Satrias
 will fit the bill.

However, for about the same amount of money,
RM10k-RM15k, you could also pick up a decent condition (E36) BMW 325i or 328i sedan
 (we will be discussing these two variants in this piece). In Malaysia at least, the 325i models were offered between the early to mid-90s and subsequently replaced by the torquier 328i variants until the late-90s. Of course, there were boatloads of imported recond units, so take your time looking for a good one.

How fast is fast?

Out of the box, both 325i and 328i (denoting their displacements of 2.5Ls and 2.8Ls respectively) are powered by smooth, naturally-aspirated inline-six cylinder engines that will deliver (if cared for well) over 190hp out of the box. Even by modern standards – those numbers are quite impressive – for context, the 2.5L engine in the current Toyota Camry delivers 181hp, and 10Nm (of torque) less than the 325i, which is 2 decades older.

That gives you some context as to how much engineering went into the powerplants of these engines, plus, all that power goes through either 4-Speed autos or 5-Speed manuals to the rear wheels which gives the E36 excellent balance and great traction out of corners. Another aspect that makes the E36 a great car to drive is its relative lightness – weighing anywhere between 1.3 and 1.45 tonnes, which gives it lithe handling in the corners.

Both models if maintained well, will accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in around 8.0 seconds and keep accelerating past 200km/h if the road allows. The manuals ( if you can find one) are faster and more engaging as you can surmise. Therefore, the E36 is a well-rounded package from which to start building your performance dreams, or, at the very least be an entertaining drive when the mood takes you.

Can it go faster?

Image credit: condorspeedshop.com

Of course. Any good performance car should have ample aftermarket support – it is for this reason Japanese sports cars are lauded the world over. Simply because one can elevate the performance of any JDM sportscar by upgrading certain components. The E36 is no different, and for the most part, simple upgrades can be done at relatively decent prices, sometimes even by adopting parts of higher performance models within the BMW range.

For instance you can upgrade the braking performance of any E36 by replacing the disc and rotors with the units from a later model E46 330i. Some minor fabrication is required but otherwise, it’s a bolt-on replacement. Other common upgrades range from installing M3 parts to complete engine swaps from other fast BMWs, fancy a V8? No problems.

In most cases, if you’d like to keep it simple – get a set of great tyres, aftermarket performance springs/ coilovers, beefier anti-roll bars, and an ECU rechip/tune from a trusted brand will set you on your way to realising tangible improvements in power and handling. After which, the aforementioned brake upgrades and perhaps an aftermarket exhaust upgrade is all you really need.

Image credit: FB @ Ramon Smeets

From there, the sky’s the limit – forged engine internals, turbocharging or supercharging, 450hp, 500hp, 600hp with launch control and sequential shifting – don’t forget bespoke suspension setups, carbon body panels, and custom aerodynamics packages. You name it and someone has done it with an E36.

You can build an E36 into whatever you want…

Of course, it’s all a matter of cost but depending on what you intend to achieve with your playtoy, the E36 will most likely accommodate it. It can be a weekend car to just blow of some steam, it can be a trackday car that you can drive to/ from your home, it could be wild drift car, or even if you want to take it further, a full-on time attack beast.

Image credit: Schiedmann

Given its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, the E36 can be optimised for a variety of different driving disciplines. Therefore, as far as a platform goes, it's as cheap and good as it gets.

You will find a world of information online

Perhaps the best thing about buying an E36, or any BMW for that matter is the wealth of information you can garner online. There’s a variety of BMW owner clubs, forums, and online websites that cater to almost any BMW model and topic.

Regardless if it's regular maintenance, tuning, diagnosing problems, or just sharing your own experiences the internet and social media is all you need to get up to speed on anything to do with your Beemer.

Surely, there’s a catch… right?

The most important aspect is taking your time in finding the right car. BMW’s have a reputation for being unreliable but more often than not, most issues will stem from lack of care at some point in the car’s lifespan and not necessarily shoddy build quality and engineering. As we’ve mentioned earlier, these cars are pretty advanced for their age and unfortunately, components are stressed to achieve those performance and driving parameters.

Image credit: BMWrepaairguide.com

Therefore, BMW requires diligent care and timely maintenance to keep performing well. Regardless of the car you choose to buy, it’s ideal to put aside some money or lots of it to perform basic repairs and replace wear and tear items (such as fluids, belts, and suspension bushes) as soon as you take ownership. Always get a car diagnosed by a competent mechanic before purchase to ensure you’re getting a good car.

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

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

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

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


Toyota Sienta Coming To Malaysia In 2016?

About five months ago, we posted a few
spyshots of a mysterious MPV
 in Thailand, which our Thai colleagues at AutoSpinn.com strongly believed to be a Toyota Sienta.
At that time, the all-new Sienta hadn’t been launched yet, so it was difficult to conclude anything.
Now that the second generation all-new Toyota Sienta has already been launched in Japan, we looked back again at the same set of spyshots and noticed several key items on the heavily disguised car that seems to match the all-new Sienta.
At a glance, this development ‘mule’s’ upper body appears to be too upright and too boxy to be a Sienta but look closely at the base of the A-pillars and you will notice that the A-pillar’s width is narrower at the base than the top, suggesting that a lot of padding have been inserted behind the ‘camo’ materials to hide the car’s true silhouette.
The rear sliding door’s rail is at the same height as the Sienta’s, cutting into the tail lamps at the same angle and position.
The outline of the tail lamps can be seen beneath the blackout materials and it matches with that of an all-new Sienta. The same goes for the outline of the rear windshield.
The position of the wing mirrors, height of the tail lamps, width and profile of the radiator grille also appears to match that of the all-new Sienta.
The pictures were submitted by an anonymous reader (Pee71) from Thailand, via our Thai sister-site
Autospinn.com
.
Toyota’s current MPV model line-up in the region consists of the Indonesia-made Avanza and Innova (also assembled in Malaysia). There's also the Noah (NAV-1) in Indonesia but it's not a big seller there.
The Avanza is dominant in Indonesia but less so in other parts of ASEAN.
The Innova on the other hand has been hugely successful in many emerging markets including Indonesia, Vietnam and even India, where the car is seen as a pseudo-premium car and is often chauffeur-driven.
Both models however are less successful in Malaysia, where consumers are more demanding and expect a bit more sophistication from their family MPVs – an aspect which the Sienta should be able to meet.
While both the Indonesia-focused Avanza and Innova are extremely durable vehicles with a high ride height to tackle Indonesia’s notoriously bad flash floods, the seven-seater Sienta boasts of a very passenger car-like, low ride height (step height into cabin is only 330 mm from the ground) for easy ingress and egress, a trait which would appeal to families with young children, and the elderly.
Special attention is paid to make ingress and egress as easy as possible – including conveniently positioned grip rails around the door aperture, and a wide 665 mm electric sliding door. The Sienta also adopts a stadium seating format, where occupants in the third row are seated higher than occupants in front.
The second-row seats have a tumble mechanism that allows them to be folded with one touch; this creates a 495 mm-wide door opening at waist-height, facilitating easy ingress and egress.
The dashboard-mounted gear shift lever and wide opening between the front seats makes it possible for occupants in front to simply walk to the second row seats.
The third row seats not only fold flat, but can also be stowed away beneath the second row seats.
Like many compact Honda models, the Toyota also features a slim fuel tank located beneath the seats. Toyota stopped short of calling it a
centre tank layout as Honda holds a patent
 for that design.
Enough text for now, we will just let the video the below do the explaining.
When will it come to Malaysia?
We can’t say for sure if it is coming to Malaysia, but seeing that the car is currently undergoing testing in Thailand, and considering that Malaysia has a bigger market for privately registered MPVs than Thailand, the likelihood of it coming to Malaysia is very high.
Remember that Toyota was a pioneer in affordable family MPVs in Malaysia. The company started the affordable MPV trend in the late ‘90s with the Unser, and later extended its dominance in the 2000s with the Avanza, before the introduction of national-brand MPVs like the Proton Exora and Perodua Alza pushed it out of favour.
We expect to see more news of the Sienta by 2016, with a possible introduction in Malaysia by late-2016, assuming our speculations are correct.
We would like to stress that neither Toyota Motor Thailand nor UMW Toyota have confirmed anything about the Sienta.
What engine will power the Sienta?
The majority of Sientas sold in Japan are powered by a 1.5-litre 1NZ-FXE petrol-electric hybrid engine that’s shared with the Prius c (Aqua in Japan).
Considering that duty exemptions for locally-assembled hybrids will expire on 31-December 2015, we don’t expect this engine to be offered here unless the government offers any extension to the duty exemption period.
The other option offered in the Sienta is a 1.5-litre high-efficiency Atkinson cycle 2NR-FKE engine shared with the
Japanese-market Corolla
.
Both engines are quite sophisticated, and are both high cost engines. We would be very surprised if they are in fact offered here. We haphazard a guess that the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine from the Vios will power the ASEAN-market Sienta instead.
How much will it cost?
A fair bit higher than MPVs with regular opening doors like the Toyota Avanza or Nissan Grand Livina.
Sliding-door MPV generally cost more to produce as they are more complex and require additional measures for side-impact protection.
Remember that this is a family-MPV and it has to comply with a stricter set of passive safety regulations that regular commercial vans with sliding doors are exempted from.
The closest thing to the Sienta that we ever had was the 1.5-litre Honda Freed, which cost RM99,813 before it was discontinued in June 2014.
The Freed was very successful in Japan and Indonesia, but the benefits of a tall body, sliding-door MPV is less appreciated here.
However, the youthful Sienta has a distinctively different image from the conservatively styled Freed.
It will be interesting to see if the Sienta is available to pick up from where the Avanza left off, and do what the Freed was unable to do – to convince local consumers why families all over the world overwhelmingly prefer MPVs with sliding doors rather than conventional doors.
If UMW Toyota played its cards right, the Sienta might just be ace card it needs for this decade.


Infiniti Q50S Hybrid

Its makers tout it as being one of the quickest hybrids around, but its hybrid performance isn’t the only bit that astounds us about the Q50S.
For an industry that was built on technical innovation it seems that we are deeply entrenched and highly defensive of traditional values. Old technology such as manual transmissions and hydraulic powered steering systems should have gone the way of the Dodo long ago. But enthusiasts are a very traditional lot. We do quite enjoy the raw, mechanical feel in driving even though to the casual observer, those traits come across as being uncomfortable and rather unnecessary.

Enter Infiniti’s new Q50 sedan, which should come across as pure heresy then, as it is the world’s first production car to come with “Steer-by-Wire” technology, a car that does away with that last bastion of mechanical connection between driver and car, the steering wheel.

Instead of a direct mechanical linkage connecting the steering wheel to the steering column, the steering in the Q50 communicates with the front wheels via data streams going through an ECU, instead of the traditional method of a having a physical shaft. There is a conventional steering mechanism built into the Q50, but for the most time it is decoupled from the steering wheel and only activated should there be a malfunction with the ECU. Even when that happens the Q50 packs two additional ECUs as a backup. Why all the needless complication for a system that has been working fine for the better part of the last century you might ask? According to Infiniti, by having no mechanical linkage, you won’t get the steering wheel jinking about as the wheels tramline, nor would you have to feel or input any steering corrections in the event of a crosswind as the wheels would be able to self correct themselves thanks to the information fed from the steering wheel motors.

The system, known as Direct Adaptive Steer (DAS) gets a little spookier when you count in the array of camera systems and sensors that can recognise if you are wandering from your lane or might be on a collision course with a car in your blind spot. The information of your surroundings are constantly being fed into the steering ECU and carries out complicated algorithms to determine if you are really oblivious to the things around you and promptly realigns your steering to avoid any danger without any input from the driver or any change in steering angle. However far from feeling like a giant Sony Playstation controller for Gran Turismo, the steering on the Q50 is surprisingly weighty and very quick in its response. You are given a huge amount of freedom to tailor the steering weight and response to your liking, though I never really saw the need to go for anything less than the heaviest and sharpest response.

Set with those settings, the Q50 has a rather lovely weighty and razor sharp response, any little nudge in the steering angle and the motors in the wheels would immediately response with the appropriate amount of direction change. However there are times when the steering does feel slightly artificial, which is weird to say for something that is already artificial in itself. Not in the sense of feeling over assisted, but moments where I caught the front wheels doing some minor adjustments without any steering inputs. I suppose it was the DAS’ self-correcting functions that Infiniti can only achieve with the steer-by-wire system. But then again it isn’t so much a flaw of the DAS but rather me being too use of having complete steering control and relying on my instincts to read what the movements of the car. Instead the DAS is meant to take away the stresses of dealing with unforeseen situations on the road, but that is only if you would trust the system entirely, and being a traditionalist, I find it hard to trust the ghost in the machine.

The powertrain on the other hand is something that is very familiar and traditional. This being the range-topping Q50S Hybrid, it comes with the powertrain of the M35h (now renamed the Q70 Hybrid), with the exception of a number of mechanical improvement done to the gearbox in order to improve its hybrid nature and potential. The clutch which connects the gearbox-mounted electric motor to the engine now boasts a better response time, whereas modifications to the hydraulic actuators delivers a more seamless power transition, and improvements in the motor has improved the car’s all-electric range. With a light throttle, and probably a downhill start, you can get up to 100kmph on electric power alone. Put together the hybrid system works remarkably well, with barely a shudder to be felt or heard when the massive 3.5-litre V6 engine comes into play. But then again we are talking about one the smoothest engines in the business, and when hard pressed, it delivers a linear powerband overlaid with the growl of a big-displacement V6.
With a power output of 298PS at 6800rpm and 338Nm at 5000rpm, topped with the assistance of a 50kW electric motor delivering 270Nm of torque, the Q50S Hybrid isn’t lacking in power, with 100kmph achievable in 5.1 seconds. Put together the hybrid system delivers 364PS and 546Nm of torque. The surge from the electric motors is satisfying and the urge from the V6 is unending, right up its 7000rpm redline. Unleash the power quickly and it could easily overwhelm its specially developed performance Dunlops tyres. But unlike the fully digital steering the chassis feels rather communicative and predictable. The stability control comes with an additional feature known as Active Trace Control, which applies braking force to individual wheels to improve grip in the corners.

With such power on tap and such mass to keep in check, the Q50S Hybrid is specified with huge 355mm four-piston front disc brakes and 350mm two-piston rears. However, this being a hybrid, while the big brakes delivers big stopping power, its regenerative system still suffers from the familiar trait of being tricky to modulate, particularly in low speed traffic where its engagement is rather jerky.

The Q50S Hybrid performance brings into mind that other Germanic uber-hybrid, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 which only deals 340PS and a 0 to 100kph of 5.3 seconds. Despite the Q50S claiming top trumps, the BMW comes across as the more engaging and exciting of the two. Then again you get the impression that despite Infiniti’s presence in Formula One, the Q50S Hybrid wasn’t built to be the sort of car for drivers, but as a technological showcase.

Credit where credit is due, the DAS works remarkably well, better than expected, even though it is still at odds with drivers at heart. Furthermore the car just bristles with safety technology with the world’s first Predictive Forward Collision Warning system that is able to detect the speed of the car in front of the car that you are following behind, radar guided cruise control, and even a system that prevents you from reversing out of a parking into oncoming traffic. On that note I have to admit that the Q50S Hybrid is by far, the most technologically advanced car of its class. Pity that it is quite far from being the most thrilling to drive.

Specifications
Engine V6, 3498cc, with 50kW electric motor
CO2 144g/km
Power 364PS (combined)@ 6800rpm
Torque 546Nm (combined) @ 5000rpm
Performance 5.1sec (claimed 0-100kph), 250kph (limited)
Weight 1750kg (208PS/tonne)
Price RM398,800
+Technically the most advanced car of its class, that powertrain
-Objective not the most fun car of its class, those brakes
This article first appeared on our performance oriented-sister publication,
Malaysian Evo magazine
 (October 2014 issue).


Korea To Become First Asian Country To Launch Nissan Maxima

Competition in the Korean car market is getting increasingly stiff as more foreign brands are muscling into a market that one decade ago, was
97 percent dominated by Hyundai and Kia
.
Nissan Korea is now upping the ante by introducing its made-in USA, Maxima ‘sports sedan’ to Korea, the first Asian market to sell the Maxima.
Imported from USA, the Nissan Maxima will sit one rung above the also US-made Nissan Korea’s Altima (Teana to you and me), and will be priced no more than 45 million Won, pitting it against the 40 million Won Hyundai Aslan, as well as the US-made Toyota Avalon.
Nissan Korea is now taking pre-orders for the Maxima, and the model is expected to be launched within
 next month.
Power comes from a 3.5-litre V6 that pushes out 303 PS via a CVT, driving the front wheels.
Korea is a left-hand drive country and a Korea-USA Free Trade Agreement signed in 2012 has opened the once-closed Korean car market to an increasing number of American-made full-size sedans.
Just one month ago, the General Motors introduced its 3.6-litre Chevrolet Impala, priced at 42 million Won.


Lockdown 3.0: Travel Approval Permit Only Issued From 6 Ministries Or Agencies

The travel approval permits can only be given by these ministries or agencies.

Starting from
8 June 2021
, PDRM will only accept approval letters from six ministries and certain agencies for those who need to bypass roadblocks to travel to and from their workplace.

"The public is reminded to submit the documents issued by the ministries or agencies that have been listed when going through the roadblocks and those who fail to do so or found using a fake letter will be subject to stern action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342)," said, Inspector-General, Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah in a statement reported by The Edge.

These ministries and agencies are:

International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI)

Transport Ministry

Agriculture and Agro-Industry Ministry

Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry

Communications and Multimedia Ministry

Home Ministry and all its agencies

Local authorities

Bank Negara Malaysia

Securities Commission of Malaysia

Malaysian Rubber Board

Police

Sani also said that letters must be dated from June 1 and those that were issued before that date will be rejected.

PDRM will only issue
travel
 permits for self-employed individuals such as plumbers, traders and maintenance workers and those who would like to cross state or district borders for emergencies and deaths.

PDRM will also give one-off approval letters for non-essential workers that
need to go
 to the office to carry out unavoidable company procedures such as payroll or to prepare documents. An employer’s letter must be prepared as proof and the approval letter will only last for a few days.

Hawkers, small-time traders or food trucks may use letters from their local councils, but operating licences for those in strata management, waste and sanitation will be issued by MITI.

Approval letters for legal firms with 20% workforce will be issued by the Prime Minister's Department's Legal Affairs Division through MITI and legal practitioners who need to attend court to represent their clients in new cases will need to produce printed documents or the legal firm's letter at roadblocks.

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

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

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

Get your latest
new car promotion
 here also.


Opal Warranty Set To Become Malaysia’s Largest Extended Warranty Service Provider

Opal Auto Mart and EWP Services, two leading warranty service provider in Malaysia for used and reconditioned cars, are set to extend their reach even further with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with multi-brand car dealer One Auto Group.
Both Opal Auto Mart and EWP Services had recently merged to create Opal Warranty – the largest extended warranty service provider and administrator in Malaysia. Opal Warranty is supported by a network of 200 workshops nationwide and all its warranties are underwritten by established insurance companies in Malaysia.
Subject to the relevant authorities’ approval, the MoU will eventually see Opal Warranty strengthening its operations as a subsidiary of One Auto Group.
One Auto Group operates a network of dealerships representing Hyundai and Peugeot brands in five cities around the country. The company is also involved in the used car and reconditioned cars business, hence the synergy with Opal Warranty.
The partners involved in the deal are confident that the deal will be completed by February this year.
“This merger is a godsend for owners of used and reconditioned vehicles. Opal Warranty will be able to provide support services through 200 workshops nationwide,” said David Lee, CEO of Opal Warranty.
While many dealers of used/reconditioned cars provide a six-month or one-year warranty for their cars, most of the time these are simply verbal agreements and are not supported by any legally binding documents.
“It is one thing for a company to offer a verbal warranty and quite another to offer one which follows strict professional standards and is backed by licensed insurance companies,” added Lee.
As the proposed merger with One Auto Group is still in the process of completing the necessary due diligence and legal approval, the company will only be announcing the premiums charged for its services and eligible vehicles after February. However we understand that the warranty will cover vehicles aged up to seven or eight years old.
To comply with the terms and conditions of the warranty cover, users will need to have their vehicles maintained at one of the 200 workshops around the country. Customers to book their service appointments by downloading the Opal SOS app from Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store for free.
Dato Billy Goh, Managing Director of One Auto Group Companies said “Apart from reaching out further to consumers in Malaysia, we are looking to make Opal Warrantt a major player in South-East Asia.
On another note, Opal Warranty also announced that AmGeneral Insurance Berhard has appointed Opal Auto Mart as their Third Party Administrator for their Mechanical Breakdown Insurance programme for used and reconditioned cars.


Buka Harga RM95,000 Untuk Yamaha 125zr – Boleh Swap Dengan Pacuan 4 Roda, Civic FC Kena Tambah RM30k

Masih ingatkah lagi kisah motosikal
Yamaha RXZ
 yang khabarnya terjual dengan harga RM60,000 sebelum ini? Nampaknya harga ‘adik’ RXZ, iaitu Yamaha 125zr turut tidak ketinggalan untuk melonjak naik seperti tiada hari esok apabila diiklankan pada tanda harga RM95,000.

Yamaha 125zr ini sudah ditamatkan produksinya pada tahun 2017 lalu. Mula dilancarkan sejak tahun 1998, model terakhir Yamaha 125zr di negara ini dihasilkan dalam edisi Movistar yang terhad kepada 5,000 unit sahaja.

Kebiasaannya, harga
motosikal
 seperti ini meningkat mendadak setelah kilang tidak lagi menghasilkan motosikal tersebut membuatkan sesetengah pemiliknya menggelar motosikal mereka sebagai barang ‘
rare’
.

Berdasarkan sebuah hantaran yang dibuat oleh Zack Bangi di Facebook group Jual Beli Barang Yamaha 125zr Dan RX-Z Malaysia, motor 125zr edisi Movistar itu telah diiklankan dengan harga RM95,000. Tapi kalau ada diantara para pembeli (atau pemberani) berminat yang lebih sukakan sistem barter atau ‘
swap’
, keutamaan diberikan kepada kenderaan pacuan 4 roda sahaja.

Selain pacuan 4 roda, keutamaan juga diberikan kepada pemilik
Honda Civic FC
 berminat dengan motosikal tersebut. Walau bagaimanapun, mereka perlu menambah sebanyak RM30,000 jika mahu ‘swap’ kereta mereka dengan Yamaha 125zr ini.

Dalam hantaran yang sama juga, pengiklan turut menyatakan sekeras-kerasnya bahawa semua kereta lain selain daripada yang disebutkan tidak akan diterimanya kerana tidak menepati cita rasanya, terutama kereta keluaran tempatan.

Seperti biasalah, hantaran sebegini akan mengundang pelbagai reaksi daripada orang ramai di media sosial. Ada yang menganggap harga yang ditawarkan langsung tidak masuk akal sementara ada yang menggelarnya sebagai langkah untuk mencari publisiti di samping cubaan menaikkan harga Yamaha 125zr di dalam pasaran Malaysia.

Dari segi bisnes, tiada sebarang masalah dengan harga yang ditawarkan oleh penjual memandangkan dia berhak untuk membuka harga. Tindakan menjual motosikal dengan harga yang sangat tinggi memang tindakan yang bijak, namun sesiapa yang sanggup membeli pada harga tersebut mungkin akan dikelaskan sebagai kurang bijak oleh sesetengah pihak.

Sekali pandang, kemungkinan hantaran iklan yang dibuat oleh saudara Zack Bangi ini merupakan satu hantaran yang bersifat mengail tunda atau ‘
troll’
. Mungkin ianya hanyalah hantaran yang boleh kita baca, ketawa dan
move on
.

Namun jika anda terasa ia terlalu mahal, kemungkinan besar anda bukan berada dalam target pasaran mereka. Mengikut sesetengah penjual, bidang jual beli barang ‘
rare’
 seperti ini hanya memerlukan para pembeli yang betul-betul berani dan tahu harga sahaja.

Dengan duit bernilai RM95,000, anda boleh mendapatkan sebuah pangsapuri kos sederhana rendah di sekitar kawasan Serendah atau Rawang bersama pulangan baki RM10,000. Tetapi dengan harga yang sama, anda juga boleh memiliki sebuah Yamaha 125zr.

Katakanlah anda mempunyai
Toyota Hilux
 di rumah, sanggupkah anda menukar trak pacuan 4 roda berkenaan dengan sebuah motosikal 2 lejang yang dianggap ‘
rare’
 oleh sesetengah pihak? Pilihan di tangan anda!


Toyota reveals first look of C-HR crossover's interior

Toyota has revealed the first glimpses of the interior of the Toyota C-HR crossover which
goes on sale
 in 2017. The
C-H
R
 stands for Coupe-High Rider and is billed as an eye-catching combination between an SUV and Coupe which promises the best of both worlds. For the Malaysian market at least, the Toyota
C-H
R
will slot in amongst the hugely competitive crossover market currently occupied by the Mazda CX-3 and
Honda HR-V
.
Designed at Toyota’s European design centre, the
C-H
R
’s interior styling represents a new 'Sensual Tech' design concept, a fresh perspective in terms of interior design which will breathe inspiration for other Toyota vehicles in the near future.
The layered architecture of the of the instrument panel continues onto the door trim, which is paired alongside blue ornamentation and piano black panels to offer a stylish yet spacious cabin space.
The driver orientated cabin space includes a 8" display audio touch-screen, featuring a redesigned display interface with Toyota’s (Multi-Media ’16) navigation platform and enhanced connectivity options. Toyota also claims the improved control range of the touch-screen has also allowed for fewer toggles and switches on the centre console, the upper dashboard is now considerably lower in depth, further helping driver visibility.
The new two-tiered front seat design combines a sporty looking upper section which is more strongly bolstered and supportive in the lower area, these differences emphasised through the use of differing tones, textures and patterns of the upholstery.
Three main interior finishes have been chosen for the Toyota
C-H
R
, leather-like for all background surfaces, Nappa grain for all touching points and surfaces and technical grain for functional switchgear.
Toyota has offered a choice of three colour combinations at the outset, which includes dark grey, Black/Blue and Black/Brown.
The
C-H
R
’s interior is also capable of being equipped with a JBL premium audio system comprising an 8-channel, 576 Watt stereo amplifier with 9-sepakers which includes two newly-patented acoustic JBL waveguides, known as horn tweeters.


The Mercedes-AMG A45 S Is Now The Most Powerful Hot Hatch In The World

A performance level on par with the sports cars of today, and one that rivals supercars from just a decade before. It's the all-new Mercedes-AMG A45, and it shakes up the hot hatch segment in a variety of different ways. For many parts of the world, there's big money to be made in this highly competitive segment, as it's one that appeals to both performance car enthusiasts and those who are seeking a little more practicality than a 2+2 coupe.
We wrote about the engine in this new A45 a
short while back
, but let's recap for those who aren't in the know. The engine powering this all-new model is in some ways related to the one in the past, but there have been so many revisions done to it that it would be unfair to even consider it the same engine. The entire engine is now backwards, with the turbocharger sandwiched between the engine and firewall, and the intake facing forward. An uprated valvetrain and variable valve lift, as well as a new turbocharger, all contribute to an output of up to 421 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
New to this generation is a distinctive new sub-designation - the A45 S, replete with yellow accents and stitching. Perhaps we've been a little misleading - the regular A45 will get a 387 hp, 480 Nm version of the engine, while it is the A45 S that gets the full fat 421 hp tune. The engines are still hand built regardless of which you're buying, and both variants get a new 8-speed AMG Speedshift dual clutch transmission that delivers power to all four wheels. Century sprint times stand at 4.0 and 3.9 seconds for the A45 and A45 S respectively, with a top speed of 250 km/h and 270 km/h respectively.
As expected there are a variety of drive modes, from the all-important Eco mode which even allows for transmission decoupling when gliding along, to a regular Comfort mode, and even a RACE-START launch control function when you're in Race mode. The rear end receives an electronically-controlled limited slip differential that can precisely split the torque between each rear wheel to give you the maximum possible traction and higher exit speeds from corners.
Being an all-wheel drive car requires a centre differential or coupling, and in the case of this all-new A45, it's an electro-mechanical unit. This allows for quicker and more precise delivery of torque to the rear wheels when necessary, giving you the advantages of an aggressive differential setup without compromising the comfort of day to day driving. How the torque is distributed between the axles depends on the drive mode as well, with an AMG Dynamics setting that ranges from Basic to Master, with Master allowing for more oversteer and slip angle.
You want a drift mode? You'll get a drift mode. Powersliding is possible to a certain extent with the A45 when you put it in the aforementioned Race mode, deactivate the ESP, and leave the transmission in manual shift mode. Naturally you would expect the A45 to be a little more robust than its other all-wheel drive brethren which are known to slowly divert power back to the front when the rear differential starts to overheat from sustained sliding.
Even beyond the drivetrain bits, this A45 has a lot of advantages over the regular A Class models in order to further hone its driver-focused personality. The front subframe is rigidly mounted, while the standard shock and spring package are both highly tuned to provide progressive handling and weight transfer, with higher overall peak lateral grip. In terms of design, it retains a MacPherson strut front and a four-link independent rear suspension setup. Even the steering rack now packs a variable ratio that has two different response curves depending on which drive mode you select.
Perhaps one of the coolest features that is only limited to the A45 S model is the AMG Track Pace data logger, for use at race tracks. The logger stores all kinds of values from the car such as speed, acceleration, steering angle, and so on, and compiles all of that data to help you improve on track. There's even an integrated performance delta function that shows differences in speed and time compared to previous laps, and even the MBUX Augmented Reality function that shows the ideal racing line on a number of pre-stored racetracks, functioning as a virtual instructor.
But even with all of this incredible kit, there are still options you can select. Things such as the leather package and upholstery for the performance steering wheel are pretty par for the course, along with three different kinds of AMG performance seats, but perhaps the most important option to select is the AMG Ride Control which is effectively an adaptive suspension system that broadens the range between the most comfortable and the sportiest settings.
As for everything else, the A45 is identical to the regular A Class models - and that's a good thing. The MBUX remains the practical centrepiece with its domineering dual screen setup and a wealth of connectivity options. Mercedes-AMG has proven that to make a great hot hatch, you've got to start with a great hatchback to begin with, and in this day and age a car must be able to fulfil multiple roles.
For the best deals on Mercedes-Benz models, click
here
.


Perodua Rusa Prices Go Up By More Than 100%

The prices of the Perodua Rusa - has now gone up by more than 100% as Malaysians find a new purpose for this once
unloved van
.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how some people approach vacations. Where it was once just about getting suitable accommodation at hotels or a bed and breakfast, people these days want to head out to places where it is less crowded and as far away as possible from others. Cue the Perodua Rusa!

The camper van life...

The camper van life has seen a rise in families heading out to secluded locations where camping is possible. While traditional camping entails a rough-it-out approach, the new generation of campers
wants comfort
, where the whole family has a good time without the need to rough it in the woods.

Due to this, we have seen a rise in campervan conversions, which has seen prices of the Perodua Rusa going up more than 100% over the past year.

What is a Perodua Rusa?

For those who are unfamiliar with the Perodua Rusa, the newly popular vehicle was
Perodua's first-ever van
, produced from 1996 to 2007. It was based on the Daihatsu Zebra, the Japanese marque's cab-over van.

Perodua Rusa variants:

Perodua Rusa 1.3CX - 1.3-litre engine, two-seater

Perodua Rusa 1.3EX - 1.3-litre engine, five-seater

Perodua Rusa 1.3GX - 1.6-litre engine, seven-seater

The 1.3-litre Rusa had performance figures of 73PS/92Nm of torque, while the 1.6-litre Rusa pushed out 82PS/115nm of torque. All of them came with a 5-speed manual transmission, MacPherson Struts at the front and a rigid axle with a semi-elliptic leaf spring at the rear. It wasn't the fastest thing on the road, but it could carry many people or cargo, which was the appeal of the Rusa in the first place.

But why the Perodua Rusa?

Picture Credit: Journalist On Campervan

At one point, the unloved and unwanted Perodua Rusa could be bought for as low as RM2,500. Because of its low price, it was the perfect candidate for a campervan conversion, whereby most of the van's interior is gutted to be transformed into a mobile camping home.

Apart from being easy to maintain, the
sliding side doors on the left and right
 of the vehicle made it a
perfect vehicle to build your campsite around
. With just a bit of tarp on the left and right side of the Perodua Rusa, you could practically have a luxurious campsite with covered shelter from which you and your family could enjoy nature.

Perodua Rusa prices go up by 100%

Because of its potential, the Rusa that was once available for RM2.5k is now being sold for up to RM13k. If you were to convert it into a campervan, it would cost you a further RM10k, but some creative Malaysians have resorted to a DIY setup that can lower the conversion cost.

If you're now interested in a Perodua Rusa, you can window shop
here
.

Campervan alternatives?

Well, you could always buy the Kia Pregio or the Nissan Vanette with starting prices from as low as RM7.5k. The problem with these options is that maintenance costs will be higher, and we're pretty sure that the vans would not be as simple to fix up as the more rudimentary Rusa.


Ferrari Approved- More Than Just Peace Of Mind

Malaysia has quite an active used-car market, and the supercar segment is especially dynamic. Buying something so iconic and highly advanced in technology such as a Ferrari requires that extra research and definitely assurance of durability and reliability.
Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia, has unveiled their latest catalogue of exquisite vehicles, called Ferrari Approved.
Ferrari Approved
 encompasses vehicles that are certified pre-owned by the company. Ferrari models that are carefully selected for this program must first have their ownership status certified. This, together with the completed and well-documented service and maintenance history ensures that new owners have a complete long-term piece of mind when purchasing a pre-owned Ferrari.
Apart from certified care by the previous owner, Ferrari will also perform extremely rigorous technical checks and controls, done by Maranello-trained technicians.
The inspection involves no less than 190 different checks covering everything from the powertrain, electrical systems, diagnostics, chassis, bodywork, and the interior. It concludes with a test drive by a professional driver.
Any defects that emerge are repaired carefully using original Ferrari spares, including trims and upholstery, ensuring that the hours of research, dedication, and meticulous craftsmanship are not lost when a Ferrari changes hands. Ferrari Approved vehicles also enjoy a 24-month warranty plus comprehensive emergency roadside assistance.
Owning a Ferrari is just more than having it spotless in the porch and at the trendiest valet parking lots. Naza Italia continuously engages with its customers to ensure that they truly experience the magic and
creating new memories in driving a Ferrari
.
Apart from exclusive track days complete with instructors and five-star hospitality, Naza Italia also organizes frequent lifestyle events with owners.
Short drives, as well as longer excursions, allow fellow Ferrari owners to better network with key figures of various industries in a more relaxed manner.
Naza Italia’s current range of
Ferrari Approved vehicles can be viewed online here
 or at their showrooms located in Petaling Jaya and Platinum Park, Kuala Lumpur.


CKD Malaysia Subaru Models Are Randomly Selected For Crash Testing In Japan

As you might already know, Subaru currently assembles two SUVs at its contract assembler Tan Chong Motor Assemblies’ (TCMA) plant in Segambut. The plant assembles the all-new XV and Forester not just for domestic sales in Malaysia but also for export to Thailand.
At the sidelines of yesterday’s launch of the all-new Subaru XV, we’ve learned that Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries Limited) have been shipping samples of finished cars from TCMA’s Segambut plant to Japan to conduct their own quality audits, including crash testing.
“Theoretically everything should be the same, but our engineers would like to make sure that the cars assembled here (in Malaysia) meets our crash standards. The cars are shipped back to Japan for testing. It’s a risk (added cost), but that’s what we do,” said Tomohiro Ishitobi, Senior General Manager for Overseas Sales and Marketing at Subaru Corporation.
Off his mind, Ishitobi can’t recall the exact number of Subaru vehicles that have been sent back to Japan so far but it was certainly more than just a few token samples.
When asked about gaps in quality between the cars that are manufactured in Japan versus the ones assembled here Ishitobi said, “The quality level is definitely the same, otherwise we won’t allow it to be introduced here. Regardless of whether it’s CKD (locally-assembled, completely knocked down) or produced anywhere else, the quality need to meet our standards. The quality audits are the same as the CBU (imported, completely built-up) cars.
The all-new Subaru XV have yet to be tested by ASEAN NCAP but it did score the maximum star-rating at Euro NCAP and Japan’s JNCAP. However as per our usual advice, a car’s NCAP rating from another country has little relevance to Malaysian consumers, as the safety features are different and in some instances even the body structure can also be different, even when referring to the same model.
Subaru assured us that all Subaru vehicles sold in Malaysia, regardless of whether it’s locally-assembled or imported, share the same body structure as the ones sold in Japan and Europe.
Prices for the
all-new Subaru XV,
 now riding on all-new Subaru Global Platform, ranges from between RM142,828 to RM150,248 but a for limited time period, the all-new XV will be offered at an introductory price of RM118,119 and RM125,868 for the base and high specifications variant restively.
Related:
Subaru Is Fine Tuning EyeSight For ASEAN Region, Malaysia Debut Soon


Proton Wira wins 'Most Stolen Vehicle' title AGAIN

Surprise, surprise. The
Proton Wira
 has retained its status as the most stolen vehicle in Malaysia.

It's actually an unsurprising surprise as the Proton Wira has maintained this infamous title for the past 11 years now, according to the Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTREC).

131 Proton Wiras reported stolen in 2021

*Image credit: Berita Harian

The figures were published by the Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia and according to its coordinator, Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, these were the numbers based on claims received by insurance companies in the country.

On top of that list of the most stolen vehicle in Malaysia for 2021 is the Proton Wira with 131 reports followed by the Proton Iswara with 75 reports. The third place belongs to the Perodua Kancil. Why is this? Easy cars to steal? Easier to sell? High demands for parts?

All of the above, actually. Unsurprisingly, the Toyota Hilux gets the title of the most stolen foreign-made vehicle in 2021 with 65 cases reported. As for the king itself, the Perodua Myvi sits in sixth position.

Supply & demand for parts are still high

Even though the production of the Proton Wira stopped close to 15 years now, there are still a number of them roaming around. The demand for parts is still high for this particular model, which is why car thieves are still targetting the Proton Wira.

This trend will most likely continue with other models on the list once that particular gen, make, or model finally ends its production by the manufacturer. According to VTREC, the older-gen Perodua Myvi might see an increase in theft activities in the years to come.

For the rest of the cars that don't end up as scrap after they've been stripped for parts, they're usually sold online with labels such as
'piang', 'lari bank', Jalan Terus'
, and more. Don't believe us? Go to any online marketplace and search for
 'piang
'. You would be amazed by the results, and even the prices they're offering for some high-end models.

Over 50% reduction in thefts compared to 2020

VTREC also reported that there was an upside as they've seen a reduction in all vehicle-type theft cases. A 51% drop for private cars and motorcycles in 2021 showed a significant improvement, followed by a massive 81% for commercial vehicles (Q1-Q3 comparison between 2020 and 2021).


'Uncharted' Is The Theme For This Year's BMW Shorties

Of all the corporate social responsibility programs that car brands take part in or head in Malaysia, it's BMW Shorties that has been the most interesting. The annual short film competition has discovered more than 900 talents in the film and digital content space over the last 12 years, providing emerging filmmakers and digital content creators with a platform on which they can display their talents.
This year, the theme is "UNCHARTED" - to speak of the grand discovery and the celebration of pursuit. It's a farily open ended theme that ties curiosity and tenacity and it will be interesting to see how this years competition interprets that theme. This year's line-up of judges comprises of award-winning filmmakers and veterans of the local film industry. They include Saw Teong Hin (Puteri Gunung Ledang and Rise: Ini Kalilah); Indrani Kopal (The Game Changer and Incarcerated Rhythm), Amanda Nell Eu (Lagi Senang Jaga Sekandang Lembu), as well as panel advisers for the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) – Nadira Ilana (The Silent Riot) and Adrian Teh (Ice Kacang Puppy Love and PASKAL The Movie).
The BMW Shorties 2019 will award the grand prize winner a production grant of RM 80,000. Recognition for filmmaking talent will also be awarded in an extensive range of supporting categories, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Sound Design and the People’s Choice Award, along with this year’s new category for Best Student Award. The BMW Shorties is open for entries from 8 th August 2019 and aspiring filmmakers as well as digital content creators will have until 11 th October 2019 at 6:00PM to submit their entries.
This year, the BMW Shorties will also be leading the film segment of Urbanscapes – Malaysia's longest-running creative arts festival. For further information on the BMW Shorties and how to participate, visit the official BMW Shorties website at
www.bmwshorties.com.my
 or the official BMW Shorties Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/bmwshorties
 and Instagram page at
www.instagram.com/bmwshorties
.


Kia's Electric EV6 Is Faster Than A Porsche Taycan, Believe It Or Not

Kia, following some teasers over the last few weeks about a groundbreaking new production EV, have revealed the EV6 - at least as far as the most fully equipped and most expensive variant is concerned.

Though the name is simple, it does imply at least 5 more companion models to pad the South Korean automaker’s electric range. This one is positioned as a sort of crossover of modest dimensions, but also has some cues to suggest its fun character and potentially quite potent powertrain.

In this range-topping ‘hot’ GT trim, the EV6 measures 4,695mm from nose to tail, boasts a generous 2,900mm wheelbase, is 1,545mm tall, but only just 1,890mm wide - making it just as broad as the
IONIQ 5
, but quite a bit larger by every other measure.

Fittingly, it sits on the
identical E-GMP platform
 as the Hyundai EV, inheriting many of its modularity and innovative features. From what we know now, each EV6 GT buyer will be presented with at least two battery sizes (58kWh or 77.4kWh) and the choice of two or four-wheel drive.

As you’d expect, extracting maximum performance requires splurging for the larger battery option as well as the dual-motor powertrain, resulting in a very impressive quoted combined output of 576hp and 740Nm.

For a little perspective, that’s more power than
the Taycan 4S,
 a true electric sports car. The Kia also happens to beat out the Porsche in a 0-100km/h sprint by half a second, reaching the three figure mark in just 3.5 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, is electronically capped at 260km/h.

Other claims from Kia include those surrounding projected range on a fully charged battery. Pairing the less accelerative single-motor EV6 with the ‘long-range’ 77.4kWh battery should yield about 510km of travel based on the WLTP testing standard.

To make such efficient use of a relatively small battery (by today’s EV standards), each EV6 employs a dedicated liquid cooling system to maintain the batteries at their most optimal conditions, but the heat pump pulls double duty to scavenge thermal energy from the electric drive systems as well as the auxiliary radiators to regenerate electrical charge, working in tandem with the energy recuperation system that collects heat from the brakes or kinetic energy from the axles.

One other advantage of the E-GMP platform is the 800-volt architecture that’s built into it, allowing the onboard systems a very large energy bandwidth to accumulate (charge) and release (discharge) electricity. The main upshot of this is its 18 minute charge time, which should take an EV6 from 10 percent all the way up to 80 percent capacity.

Speaking of capacity, at the rear, the lack of vertical intrusion means a very practical 520-litre boot, which can be expanded to 1,300-litres with the seats folded flat. Open the bonnet, and there’s also a ‘frunk’ to store smaller cargo.

The flat-floor design on offer, paired with the nearly 3 metre wheelbase, ensures the EV6 boasts a very airy cabin space - something that has hampered
the company’s past EVs
 due to their design being adapted for electric powertrains rather than specifically made for it.

There aren’t too many overly futuristic elements at play here, and you could criticise the interior of looking a lot like a normal….well…Kia. However, it’s far from feeling antiquated with a minimalist design that’s defined by a sloping dashboard and dual 12-inch screens for the infotainment and digital instrument cluster.

Though a little cliche, its seats, and trim materials utilise plenty of recycled materials in keeping with its theme of a reduced environmental impact. Still, the sporty touches are found here as well with body-hugging semi-bucket seats and a driver-focused cocoon of instruments and readouts.

Kia has also given the EV6 an augmented reality head-up display that can relay active safety alerts as well as provide real-time performance/vehicle data as well as turn-by-turn navigation.

So far, despite the image and information dump, what Kia has shared about the EV6 is almost as important as what it omitted. There is no word on the pricing of the various configurations, and Kia also conveniently left out specs for what will certainly be the more affordable models. For such an important car, there remains a fair amount of mystery.

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, we're not even entirely sure if the Kia Seltos is
fully launched
.

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

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

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

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


2015 Mazda 2 SKYACTIV Review - There is Something About Mazda

Persistence, determination, uniqueness.
Mazda
 isn’t your average car company, just as the 2 hatchback isn’t your average compact runabout. Though on paper it goes toe-to-toe with the like of the
Honda Jazz
,
Ford Fiesta
, and
Peugeot 208
,
the 2
 is the embodiment of Mazda's determination to forge its own path.

Long before Sun Tzu’s words became a trope for management gurus and corporate team building sessions, the Chinese military strategist had some pretty radical thinking in the conduct of warfare. One of which was to burn your own boats and bridges as soon as you and your army have crossed into enemy territory. The point being was to leave your own men with no means of escape from combat. It sounds utterly insane and borderline suicidal, but Sun Tzu believed that by doing so, they won’t be fighting off an enemy, but fighting for their lives.

Sun Tzu understood that there was no better motivation than the strong innate will to live, and the only way to bring it out of complacency is by putting everything at risk. Though I’m not certain if Sun Tzu’s words were at the core of Mazda’s rebirth as an independent car maker in 2008, right amidst the chaos of the financial meltdown, but their actions thereafter certainly bear a striking resemblance.

For the first time since Ford acquired a controlling stake in the company in 1996, Mazda had to stand on their own two feet and on shaky ground no less. In a period rife with uncertainty, where many companies were battering down the hatches, cancelling ambitious projects, and fortifying their bases to stay put, waiting for the winds of turmoil to blow over. Instead of playing it safe, Mazda went on the offensive. Within a few short years Mazda went from a company that enjoyed the security and stability brought about through Ford’s huge pool of resources and economies of scale, to developing their own engines, a whole new umbrella of fuel efficient technologies known as SKYACTIV, and drew up a sensual new design language to boot.

Since then, Mazda’s reinvention wasn’t carried out in a constant and even manner.  Instead the company is improving and evolving their designs and technologies as they go along. Charting their progress was more like observing rings on a tree stump, with sudden strides made in its design and features in every successive model from
the 3
, and right up to
the up and coming CX-3
. Marked improvements that can be seen on their new RM84,800 2 hatchback, is the latest iteration of the company’s new era to arrive on our shores.

Even though models we get here are denied the intense segmented LED headlights that you see on models destined for other markets, the 2 looks utterly captivating. Apparently those LED headlights option that is only available for Japanese and European market models. But no matter, the rest of its sculptured shape is carried over, largely unspoilt from the Hazumi concept car. Where previous iterations of the 2 hatchback’s looks can be described as being inoffensive and gender-neutral, this new one bleeds masculinity. Its curves and lines convey an aggressive and muscular appearance that is the hallmark of Mazda’s distinctive Kodo design language. Opinions on the matter will be polarising, but from Mazda’s design-led product strategy, that may have been the intent.

I am however, not open to any debate that the 2’s interior is anything less than a masterpiece in design. Bereft of buttons, the dashboard’s asymmetrical design is to my mind a logical progression of moving from button-strewn dashboards that is cantered towards the driver, to one that is centred on the driver. Everything that the driver needs to know is laid out in front of them through a minimalistic instrument cluster, whereas access to the multimedia and navigation features is facilitated with a dial-operated MZD connect system, similar to the systems found on
Audis
,
BMWs
, and
Mercedes-Benz
. As an additional driver’s aid, the 2 also comes with a simple heads-up display unit, which is only capable of displaying its current speed, but a welcomed surprise for a sub-RM100,000 hatchback nevertheless. Mazda could have left the rest of the featureless dashboard hidden beneath a plastic panel, but chose to wrap it instead in a neat soft touch material, and run a length of stitching along it. Put together, the clean dashboard layout, accentuated by gorgeous metal highlights and contrasting stitching, lends the cabin an ambience that was once the reserve of premium names.

Setting aside appearances, the reason most of us still hold Mazda dearly is for their propensity at making cars that tug at the heartstrings of drivers. You only need to look so far as their “Zoom-Zoom” tagline, to be reminded that Mazda is still very much in the business of making cars with an emotional quality, and the 2 promises to deliver just that. At its launch Mazda, rather ambitiously declared the 2 as the ultimate incarnation of their “Jinba-Ittai” (horse and rider as one) philosophy, in their new four-door model line-up. With the likes of the CX-5, 6, and 3, the 2 is the smallest tyke amongst hallowed company, and out on the road, it certainly lives up to those claims.

Tipping the scales at 1056kg the 2 is a timely reminder that you don’t need big power figures to have a bit of fun. Its modest 1.5-litre 4-cylinder SKYACTIV-G direct-injection engine puts out 116PS at 6,000rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, but it feels ample enough thanks to the generous amounts of low-end torque from the direct-injection system and a smooth progression of power right up the rev range. Complementing the engine’s eagerness is a six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic, which to my opinion at least, is the best torque-converter transmission around for its responsive nature and decisive shifts.

Chuck it through a corner and the 2 clings on to the line confidently with its 185-width tyres surprisingly well. The firm suspension keeps body roll at bay, whereas the electric steering offers a very precise and linear response. If it has to be asked, as a hatchback for carrying the groceries, the 2 is admittedly short-handed with its smaller interior dimensions. But as a daily driver, it is an absolute delight. There aren’t many cars in its field that can match its delightful handling characteristics coupled to a buzzy yet fuel efficient engine. “Jinba-Ittai” personified for the first time in a hatchback.

On top of that, Mazda is one of the few companies who get things right for drivers. For instance, the manual override shifter on the automatic has the “push-to-go-down” and “pull-to-go-up” arrangement, as it should be. The i-STOP automated start/stop system is only activated by the amount of brake pressure you apply to the brake pedal. You also won’t find secondary settings for the throttle or steering, as Mazda just left one setting for it, which is sharp and responsive. Its implied simplicity and focus is a breath of fresh air in a world of growing unnecessary complexity.  Unfortunately I wanted to put the six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic in the same breath, but Mazda, in their continuous strive to improve their catalogue of features, have introduced a “Sport” button in the 2. Flick the small toggle at the base of the gear shifter and the transmission will hold the gears for longer under acceleration and deliver quick downshifts under braking. Considering that the “Sport” setting does alter the shift points by a significant degree, allow you to swing the needle right up to the red line, I will let that one slide.

Seeing how far the 2 has progressed from
the CX-5
, or indeed the Ford-era cars, it is hard to believe that Mazda once stood on the brink of oblivion. After all the logical thing to do for a relatively small car maker such as Mazda to do is to keep their heads down, play safe, and follow the pack leaders. Don’t take unnecessary and costly steps, such as making a small hatchback that is fun to drive and actually feels nicer than its price tag would suggest, as demonstrated with the 2.

But then again, that has always been the story of Mazda. A company headquartered in Hiroshima, the same city that saw the destructive power of nuclear energy and yet rose from its ashes. Its own story is reflective of that reality. Mazda has had their fair share of crises in the past, but each time, emerging stronger than before. Ironically, Mazda are at their strongest when they dared to take bold and risky steps that flew in the face of convention.

The 1960s saw Mazda adopt rotary engines on a wide scale, which helped establish their identity, and in 1991 their persistence with the technology ultimately paid off, with their name being cemented in motorsports history as the only Japanese manufacturer ever to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The creation of the iconic MX-5 in 1989 not only broke through the European roadster hegemony, but revitalised it, and to this day it continues to be the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history.

In more recent times, that same audacity to defy convention has shown itself with the conception of the SKYACTIV fuel efficient technologies. Where manufacturers were busying themselves with heavy turbocharged engines, SKYACTIV favoured lightweight naturally-aspirated engines, and super-capacitor energy storage devices instead of conventional batteries.  In Mazda’s world view, power and weight corrupts, with lightweight and simplicity being their ethos.

This persistence to forge their own way, whilst upholding those emotional bonds and child-like captivation that sits in the heart of every driver, is a trait made rare in the pursuit of mainstream appeal. Through their dogged-determination, even at times with their backs against the wall, Mazda has given the world some truly wonderful automotive creations. They say it is the spirit of the people of Hiroshima that drives Mazda to do what they do, the modern personification of those ageless words from a sage long ago.


Lexus UX With Its Gorgeous Taillights Teased - Price from RM243,888

A fan of Lexus? Have you watched the teaser for the much anticipated Lexus UX?

18 seconds of video, cinematically highlighting the unique taillights of the SUV - which by the way is one of the coolest taillight designs we've seen in a car,  Lexus Malaysia simply wants to convey that with this car, "something exciting is coming your way" and that it is "boldly refined".

The UX is Lexus' smallest SUV. It will go up against the likes of BMW's X1, Audi's Q3 and Mercedes' GLA. Globally it can be had in six different variants, and all of them will be mated to a CVT transmission. They will all be powered by a 2.0-litre engine with the lowest option (UX 200 FWD) pushing out 169 hp and the range-topping variant with a hybrid system ( UX 250h Luxury AWD) kicking out  181hp.

Unfortunately, Malaysia will only be getting three different variants of the UX200 spec which include the Urban, Luxury and F Sport

The UX is Lexus' attempt to entice younger buyers to Lexus and through its great looking design and solid build quality it just might be able to do that.

Some of the other highlights of the car are its fantastic turning circle, fuel efficiency and highlighted extra noise insulation which promises to keep things extra quiet, even when it is pouring down outside.

It is currently open for booking and if you order it now you will get the SUV by May.

We'll be sure to bring you updates as it comes!


Perodua Tweckbot Mobile Inspection Deployed For Road Safety Awareness During Holiday Period

Perodua’s Tweckbot mobile-inspection service is continuing its road safety activities during the Aidil Adha and Merdeka celebration periods, spreading awareness and offering complimentary mobile vehicle inspection service to ensure its customer’s cars are good working order before their long ‘
balik kampung’
journeys.
Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad adds, “The 50-point Tweckbot inspection includes checks to the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension and electrics, and will give our customers total peace of mind for the long journeys ahead.”
In conjunction with the recent Hulu Selangor District Council’s ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang’ Programme at Kuala Kubu Bharu Mini Stadium, the Tweckbot inspected a total of 60 customer vehicles throughout the day.
Tweckbot will be deployed next at the Northbound Rawang rest area on the PLUS Highway, on the 24th and 25th August, from 10 am to 5 pm. Customers who inspect their vehicle with Tweckbot will get a voucher that can be used to redeem a 20% discount on parts and accessories at any authorised Perodua service centre.
Tweckbot has inspected over 8,000 vehicles since its inception in 2011.


Malaysia needs to address EV issues - Wee Ka Siong

Malaysia's Minister of Transport,
Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong
, expressed his thoughts on how to further improve the
electric vehicle (EV)
 sector in the country.

His ministry has been quite busy over the past few days with visits from relevant parties in the
EV industry
, including Alpha Ess Co Ltd, one of the world's leading companies in energy storage solutions.

*Image credit: Wee Ka Siong Facebook Page

EV development in Malaysia?

In a
Facebook
 post, Dr. Wee explained that he had received a courtesy call from the company's CEO and co-founder, Alfred Wang. Wang's visit to his office was accompanied by Alpha Ess' VP and co-founder, Zoe Zhang, plus its General Manager for Malaysia, Arthur Liu.

The discussions were of course related to the
EV development
 here in Malaysia as Dr. Wee stated that new policies are needed in order to address certain issues revolving around the whole EV ecosystem in the country. With more initiatives being implemented, it's only a matter of time before EV falls into the mainstream category.

*Image credit: Wee Ka Siong Facebook Page

According to Dr. Wee, "We are currently in need of an ecosystem that will support the use of EV as the speed of building such infrastructure is slow. With the emphasis for various transportation sectors to go green, it is time for us to conduct in-depth studies on the implementation plans of introducing more
charging stations
 in public places, including shopping malls and highways, and on the disposal of old batteries."

Apart from Alpha Ess, Dr. Wee also had other courtesy calls from the association of importers and operators of
micromobility vehicles
 as well as Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia to further understand the nature of green transportation and the overall EV scene here in the country. Busy, busy.


Apple Watch And Android Wear Support Added To Volvo’s On Call App

A new update to the Volvo On Call app will bring even more functionality to service that includes all the safety and convenience tweaks you’d expect out of smartwatch control.
Volvo
 owners that have the On Call system built into their vehicles will now be able to adjust in-car settings, lock/unlock their vehicle, fuel level indication, and receive location information in addition to the safety and emergency response service that the system is known for since its launch in 2001, all from their wrist.
“Volvo On Call is an app that allows you to literally take control over everyday elements in your Volvo. You can set heater timings for those cold and frosty mornings or cool down your car in hot weather, check your fuel level and mileage, or time to next service. It even helps you to locate your car in a crowded parking garage,” explains David Holecek, Director Connected Products and Services at Volvo Cars.
The foray into wearable technology signals a forward thinking approach to bringing vehicles closer to their owners. Volvo will also offer a full iPad experience for those who need a more expansive interface, Android and iPhone support, as well as a Windows Phone app that supports voice control through Microsoft’s virtual assistant Cortana. Additionally, Volvo’s enhanced ‘send-to-car’ navigation function is also included in the update and due to go live by the end of June.
The new features will go hand-in-hand with a brand new design based on the Sensus interface seen in the new
XC90
.
The newest version of the in-car system’s autonomous linking will operate through an in-built SIM card. This will use the cellular network to communicate between the smartwatch or mobile device, which, along with the features mentioned above, will continue to offer safety features such as putting drivers in contact with a Volvo On Call operator that can then direct emergency services to the stricken vehicle such as when the airbags are deployed.
“In only a few years we have moved from a safety and security related in-car feature to a solution that allows the driver to stay connected with their car and provides many new benefits to support their everyday requirements,” concluded Sofia Wessman, Manager Volvo On Call at Volvo Cars.


Review: 2020 BMW M340i - If The Devil Was A Car...

Having had the priviledge of driving a fair number of cars for 'work', it's always a little bit of a surprise when a car throws a curveball at you - a reckoning you did not expect and that is exactly what the
M340i
 did to me. It left me giggling, excited but not in a good way, it brought out the hooligan in me, and for that one reason I was glad to return it when the time came.

There are some cars when you drive you're perfectly happy to amble in, like for example the
Proton Saga 35th Anniversary Edition
. I was happily content to let the car take its time, to get up to cruising speed and coast. No rush, no dramas. On the flip side of that, you have a car like the
Jaguar XE P300 R-Dynamic
 that I managed to slide at a traffic light (not intentionally of course) but then you correct it and zoom, you're off into the distance. You're then obviously looking to do more of that - see how you're becoming a little bit of a hooligan here.

On the extreme side of that argument resides the
BMW M340i
 - Munich's addition to an already very capable set of cars from the 3-series range. In Malaysia, you have the option of the 7th-generation G20
320i
,
330i M Sport
, 330e M Sport,
330Li M Sport
, the M340i, or the top dog, the
M3
 Competition Sedan. Prices start from RM239k all the way to RM691k.

So hypothetically if you had an RM400k budget, are looking for a spirited drive, had to be a sedan because SUV's really?!, and of course most important of all it had to be a BMW - what are your options?

You don't have any options - you have a decision to make, to M340i or not?

And if you're unlike me, the BMW M340i xDrive is that one car you'd buy today and enjoy for the next 10 years - I know so because I still get oodles of fun from my E30 and E36 and occasionally my Dad's
E39
. It is also a dying breed and maybe the last of its generation to carry that bespoke 6-cylinder powerplant that has become the hallmark of Bayerische Motoren Werke but first let's get into the specifications.

Specifications:

Engine: 3.0 litre twin-scroll turbocharged B58

Horsepower: 382 hp at 5,800 to 6,500 rpm

Torque: 500 Nm from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm

Tranmission: Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission

Drive: All-wheel drive but rear-wheel biased (xDrive)

0-100: 4.4 seconds

Top speed: 250 km/h

Safety: Cruise Control with Braking Function, Parking Assistant, Rear View Camera. Driving Assistant package, that comes with Front Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Prevention

Price: RM402,354 (including SST, excluding road tax and insurance)

When in a BMW, it's really all about the drive...

The G20 BMW M340i xDrive comes with five drive modes - Adaptive, ECO Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus - I drove in Sport or Sport Plus for 90 percent of the time I had the car.

Why?

Because of the guttural growl emanating from the trapezoidal valve-controlled M Sport exhaust system in the M340i. It is addictive, it is glorious and it is why the M340i is the devil in the form of a sedan. My fingers whether consciously or otherwise, always found their way to activate Sport mode or better still Sport Plus, even for a 200 metre jaunt to the shops - which I would normally walk to on any given day but with the M340i I wanted to drive it everywhere, nevermind I would spend 20 minutes circling trying to find a parking spot in my neighbourhood of TTDI.

Once you get sucked into the aural pleasures of the M340i then I'm afraid you're doomed for the foreseeable future. It's like Hotel California - you can check out but you can never leave. I kept looking for a reason to drive her, chasing my next high like a crack addict.

And it's not just how the devil sounds either, it's also how she drives. She's more than happy to amble along in the ECO Pro and Comfort modes. This is where the electronically-controlled Adaptive M suspension shines and soaks up the imperfections of the highways as you coast along in typical BMW opulence, gripped tight in its sports seats with Vernasca leather upholstery. Pick the Cognac for the interior and thank me later but, but I digress, you're not going to be driving this devil in the former two modes - if you're anything like me, you're wondering how she handles in Sport or Sport Plus, correct?

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the M340i belongs to the Ultimate Driving Machine generation of BMWs, and boy oh boy does she track well! Put her into Sports or Sports Plus and the suspension stiffens up, the steering gets heavier, the revs start going up, the transmission is ready - and you're looking for that clear piece of blacktop to launch her! Now bear in mind, that this B58 six-cylinder pot is running twin-scroll turbochargers and it is an engineering marvel how BMW has managed to keep the turbo lag to a bare minimum - for the everyday driver, I dare say you will not feel nor notice it, I didn't.

Point her, grip the M steering wheel and hit the accelerator - that instant burst of torque will propel you forward to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds. The exhaust note opens up and now the party's truly started! I took her on a gymkhana course, took her on the B-roads up to Ulu Yam and that kid in a candy store grin hardly ever left my face. For a driver with my limited skill sets the BMW M340i xDrive dishes out the power in a linear fashion to use according to how much you dare push the envelope of your skills. It's a car that gives more as you become a better driver. It rewards patience. It's planted on the straights but it is on the winding B-roads that she truly is quite exceptional. Crest the corner, pick and hold your line, feed the accelerator gradually, pass the apex of the corner, give her more power and savor it as she slingshots out ready for more...

But therein also lies my dilemma and where the devil in me wants to be a nuisance on public roads. I wanted to drive the M340i hard and drive it hard all the time. It was paddle to the metal 100 percent of the time. It was Highway to Hell on loop. I was constantly chasing it, chasing that apex, chasing that aural experience and that is why I was happy to return the M340i when my time was up.

Unlike so many, it felt like I had gotten a bite of the forbidden fruit, I had been gifted this priviledge but it was now time to go back to being the person I liked once again. It was back to being that conscientious thoughtful driver I was, it was time to put the hooligan back in the closet.

I've said this before and I'll say it again, some cars stay with you for a long time. They leave an indelible mark on your being. The M340i as I write this has definitely left an impression, one which I will look back on with fondness.

Thank you BMW!


Cycle & Carriage Launches First Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile

If you can't come to us, we'll come to you. That's the idea behind mobile service outfits, and the newest such example is Cycle & Carriage with the launch of their Star Mobile program. The service comes right to your doorstep, or wherever you choose to meet them, for the ultimate ownership experience.
The vehicle that houses the Star Mobile program is a Mercedes-Benz Vito, rather fittingly, thanks to its large storage area for tools and cargo. For now there's only one unit and it caters to the Klang Valley, but as a pilot the success of this program will determine whether it rolls out to other regions in the country. In celebration of the launch of this program, Cycle & Carriage is waiving the service fee for the first three months.
In order to use this service, Mercedes-Benz owners need only book by calling their respective Cycle & Carriage service centres, or call the Star Mobile hotline directly at +603-6192 9200. From there, an appointment can be made from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, or 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Services include scheduled maintenance service, wiper blade replacements, key battery or infrared replacements, and battery replacements all on site.
The added advantage of this service is total transparency with costs estimates as they will be provided ahead of the appointment - including itemized costs for parts and labour costs. This will allow customers to make more informed decisions on the service of their vehicles.
This is definitely a big step forward for the ownership experience as it helps a great deal with saving time on the part of the owner. Service centres have become a far sight more comfortable to spend time in these days, but being able to avoid the journey entirely and scheduling a service on-site can mean not having to take a half or full day off work just to get your car serviced.


Staying Safe in the Haze and Rain - By Alex Yoong

The haze has been getting me down lately. As a Malaysian, I’ve had to grudgingly get used to it, but this year has been especially bad. It’s so depressing to get out on the highway and see just a veil of white smoke.
In light of the current haze seasons, Carlist.my has
provided several tips
 on driving in hazy conditions.
Things like keeping your lights on even in the day and to slow your speed according to how much visibility is available. These are all common sense things to do for obvious reasons.
In my experience it’s also good to not be in the slow lane when visibility is very bad. I’ve seen many multi car pile-ups over the years and the deaths that do occur tend to be the owners of small cars that were in the slow lane.
It makes sense to be extra careful and slow down, however if there is a pile up, the big trucks are just not able to stop in time and a small car will always lose out to one of the behemoths. So always try and be hyper aware of what’s in front of you and really consider where you want to be if there are heavy goods vehicles around you.
I was in Thailand a couple of weeks ago to help with coaching of a team and its driver. It was interesting to note quite a few pile-ups on the high way there too. No more or less than we get in KL to be honest, although that’s my own personal opinion and not backed up by any stats.
One thing I did notice that was different was on the last day when it was raining. People in Thailand do not seem to slow down as much as we seem to do here in KL when it starts raining.
I was talking to the team about it and apparently there is a good habit of buying new tyres over there while in Malaysia, people tend to wear their tyres until they are bald or go for the re thread option. I myself have been guilty of this on occasion.
That suddenly made so much sense to me. How many times have we seen accidents happen in the wet in KL due to having bald tyres on the car? Bald tyres can actually feel perfectly fine in the dry, which can lead to over confidence that is quickly exposed once the rain catches you out.
Then there is the flip side of that, which is once you have been caught out, it’s easy to lose all confidence and then be like an old granny whenever it rains, even when you have new tyres. The memory of being caught out forever leaving you excessively cautious.
My theory is that there are a large population of drivers in Malaysia that drive so excessively slow when It rains because they don’t have confidence in themselves when all you really need to do is make sure you have tyres on your vehicle which has a lot of thread on it to disperse the water and make it safe for you and your passengers.
If this sounds familiar to you or have just had an unexplainable scare in wet conditions, please have a look at your tyres. And if they look a bit worn, change them. Your car will feel completely different when it next rains.