Review: 2016 BMW 330e in Munich – Electric Driving Pleasure Is Now More Affordable

Ten years ago, petrol-electric hybrids were considered by keen drivers to be a joke. Bob Lutz, the founder of BMW Motorsports, who later went to head product development at Ford, Chrysler and GM famously said "Hybrids are an interesting curiosity and we will do some. But do they make sense at $1.50 a gallon? No, they do not," referring to the cyclical low fuel prices of that era.
The German carmakers who have long prided themselves as custodians of driving pleasure, have traditionally favoured clean diesels over hybrids.
My former colleague Daniel Wong, who has since moved to Australia, once interviewed a Toyota engineer responsible for the Prius, asking him “Why not diesel?” He simply answered – “Because NOx,” as if he has answered this silly question many times. “You will see, eventually everybody will have to go hybrids, it’s only a matter of time, as emission regulations gets tougher,” he added.
Fast forward to 2016, Toyota’s predictions came true as it is getting increasingly expensive for diesel engines to meet the next generation of EU emission regulations.
Ironically in Malaysia, it is the Europeans rather than Toyota who are actively pushing hybrid cars. Mercedes-Benz was the first to rock the boat with its S400 Hybrid and E300 BlueTec Hybrid, followed by Volvo with its even more sophisticated plug-in hybrid
XC90 T8
.
BMW responded by pricing its
X5 xDrive40e
 plug-in hybrid at a shockingly low RM388,800.
In fact, Malaysia is one of the few, if not the only country in the world where a supposedly more expensive hybrid model is priced cheaper than a regular petrol- or diesel-powered model.
Later this month, BMW Group Malaysia is expected to launch the most competitively priced premium plug-in hybrid car in the country. The forthcoming BMW 330e is expected to be priced upwards of RM240,000, slotting nicely between the RM231,800 320i Sport and RM297,800 330i M Sport.
Specifications for BMW 330e (European market model)
Engine: B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder
Motor: 88hp/250 Nm synchronous electric motor
Traction battery: 5.7 kWh (net), lithium-ion
Total system output: 252 hp, 420 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Safety: six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, ISOFIX, tyre pressure monitor, blind spot monitor, lane keeping assist
Claimed Fuel consumption: 1.9- to 2.1-litre/100 km (NEDC combined cycle)
Price: RM240,000 to RM260,000 (estimated)
What is it?
More than just a regular full-hybrid like the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, the BMW 330e is a plug-in hybrid.
For those unfamiliar with the term, plug-in hybrids (charging is optional) are a category of engines that sits midway between a regular mild-hybrid (no charging required, no electric-only drive), full-hybrid (no charging required, limited electric-only drive) and a full electric vehicle (charging required, full electric drive).
The advantage of plug-in hybrids, sometimes referred to as PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), is that it allows the vehicle to travel much further and much faster on electric power alone. In the case of the 330e, it can do about 40 km, with a top speed of 120 km/h (ideal conditions), versus 2 km-plus and about 45 km/h in a regular hybrid like a
Toyota Camry Hybrid
.
Achieving the feat will require plugging the car’s traction battery to a power socket, hence the term ‘plug-in’.
However unlike an electric vehicle (EV), plug-in hybrids don’t need any special chargers. Regular domestic power sockets will do.
A plug-in hybrid car will run just fine without charging, but you won’t be able to tap the full performance of the electric motor plus petrol engine combo. In the case of the 330e, the combination of petrol engine, energy recovered from coasting and regenerative braking can charge the traction battery only to no more than 50 percent.
Overview
The soon-to-be locally-assembled 330e builds upon the F30 generation LCI (facelift in common folk speak) model’s body.
Unlike the X5 xDrive40e which uses the previous 20i series engine – the N20 four-cylinder engine - the 330e uses the latest B48 four-cylinder that’s also fitted in the current 320i Sport LCI and 330i M Sport LCI.
In fact, the 330e’s petrol engine-only output is exactly the same as the 320i’s – 184 hp and 290 Nm.
Once the 88 hp electric motor in the ZF-supplied 8-speed automatic transmission comes into play, the total system output goes up to 252 hp and 420 Nm. The value does not equal to the sum of the petrol and electric motor’s output because the two peak at different speeds.
The numbers closely match the 330i M Sport’s 252 hp and 350 Nm, hence the 330e designation. In fact, the 330e is even more powerful than the
Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG
 that we've reviewed recently.
The refrigerant cooled 5.7 kWh (net) lithium-ion traction battery is fitted under the boot. As a result, boot space is reduced to 370-litres, 110-litres less than a regular 3 Series sedan.
It takes about 3 hours to fully charge the battery with a regular domestic power socket. Charging via a BMW i Wallbox (sold separately) shortens it to 2 hours and 12 minutes.
Apart from the eDrive badge at the C-pillar, charging flap on the front-left fender and the 330e badge on the boot lid, there are no other exterior cues to separate the 330e from a regular 330i.
Our test car comes with optional M Sport bumpers, brake callipers and steering wheel.
Inside, the only difference are additional hybrid specific displays in the instrument panel, and a eDrive button located at the base of the transmission’s lever. Pressing it toggles through the three eDrive modes – Auto eDrive, Max eDrive, Save Battery.
The default Auto eDrive, when paired to Eco Pro mode in the Driving Experience Control, delivers the best fuel economy. Top speed in electric drive is limited to 80 km/h, and the engine computer optimises the mix between petrol and electric power.
When used together with the Connected Drive’s GPS navigation system, the car even optimises the power mix based on the planned route.
Max eDrive mode drains the battery to deliver as much electric drive distance as possible, useful for polite people who don’t want to wake up their neighbours when coming back late at night. Despite the name, using Max eDrive delivers poorer fuel economy than Auto eDrive because like all hybrids/plug-in hybrids, the best fuel economy is achieved by optimally using both the petrol engine and electric motor.
Save Battery mode will run the petrol engine more to charge/maintain the traction battery’s charge level to at least 50 percent. The idea is to reserve the power for a later part of the journey – i.e. when re-entering a city or housing area.
How Does It Drive?
Together with representatives of several other publications, Carlist.my had the opportunity to share some driving time in the 330e on roads in and around Munich. The driving time allotted to each driver is limited but it is good enough to give an overall impression of what to expect when the 330e arrives in Malaysia.
When driving at low speeds in the city, the 330e is library quiet, with only a faint whine of the electric motor audible every time you accelerate. Unlike regular hybrids, the 330e can continue doing this for quite a distance.
In fact, my driving partner and I covered more than 20 km in electric drive alone, and this is without plugging the car to recharge in the night prior. The distance is enough to get me to work without using a single drop of petrol.
The air-conditioning uses an electrically-driven compressor, so no worries about the air-conditioning cutting off when the engine isn’t running.
On the move, when the engine does fire up there is faint but noticeable noise. So it’s not as smooth as a Lexus/Toyota hybrid model, but it’s none poorer than an equivalent Mercedes-Benz hybrid. Thankfully occupants won’t feel any jerk when the engine fires up, but the driver can hear the starter motor firing the engine every time you lift the throttle to coast, before accelerating again.
Out in the autobahn, the 330e drives pretty much like a regular 3 Series. Adhering to the 120 km/h speed limit, it cruised along effortlessly. Cabin noise is a tad above an equivalent C-Class and A4, but that’s typical of many BMWs, as the driver-centric brand don’t believe in isolating the driver too much from mechanical noise, which BMW considers as an integral part of the driving experience.
Once we speed past the derestriction sign, which means that speed limit has been lifted, we floored the throttle to keep up with an Audi A4 Avant TDI ahead of us, which was also accelerating at full throttle. The 330e kept pulling until 210 km/h with little effort, and could still push further but going that much faster than the surrounding traffic would not be wise, even on a derestricted autobahn.
Compared to the
330i M Sport that we’ve reviewed earlier
, the 330e actually felt more responsive. The 330i M Sport had a mildly noticeable turbo lag. It doesn’t impede your progress but is noticeable enough to make a keen driver factor the lag when overtaking. The 330e however, aided by the on-demand delivery of maximum torque thanks to the electric motor in the transmission, accelerates more progressively.
Exiting the autobahn and driving on scenic countryside roads, the 330e exhibits more or less of what you would expect from a 3 Series. It’s agile and engages the driver’s emotions, even if the steering is somewhat lacking in feedback.
We didn’t drive the Malaysian specifications 330i in the same type of challenging roads as we did in the 330e in Munich so it’s difficult to say how far off the mark the 330e is. But with the European specs 330e already weighing 1,735 kg when fitted with 16-inch tyres (our test car had 18-inch tyres), it is safe to say that the 330i M Sport, which is at least 190 kg lighter, will still hold its ground as the most dynamic car in the segment.
At the end of the journey, after swapping between two drivers, the trip computer showed an average fuel consumption of around 6-litre/100 km, rather acceptable considering the high speeds that we were doing.
How Comfortable Is It?
Driving impressions done on well-maintained German roads are usually a poor indicator of how a car will ride on poorly maintained roads in Klang Valley, but there are moments where we felt that the 330e was a bit too stiff when driving over expansion joints.
Typical for hybrids, the additional weight in the 330e’s rear necessitated a stiffer suspension to maintain balance.
Our test car was fitted with rather thin 255/40 ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres but a 205/60 R16 set is also available for the European market.
Inside, the 330e fits like a regular 3 Series, meaning that rear legroom is tight, while the front of the cabin fits snugly. The reduced boot size is still big enough to fit 3 adults’ worth of baggage – one large suitcase and two cabin size bags, but it took a bit of struggle to squeeze them in.
Conclusion
The BMW 330e is expected to be launched in Malaysia later this month. It’s an interesting proposition as it performs nearly as well as a 330i M Sport, but it’s a lot cheaper.
The only downside is the 330e's reduced boot space, and the 3 Series's typically tight interior, but if interior space is your thing, you are looking at the wrong car. Even the C-Class is not good enough in this aspect. Only the
upcoming B9 generation Audi A4
 offers better interior space, or look to the
Lexus ES
. Just don't expect any of those cars to drive and thrill you like the BMW.
A more comprehensive review on Malaysian roads will done once we get our hands on a locally registered unit from BMW Group Malaysia.
What’s left now is for BMW Group Malaysia to ensure that there are enough cars to meet the demand. As it is, the waiting period for the X5 xDrive40e has already stretched into mid-2017.
It is also worth noting that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is also expected to launch the
Mercedes-Benz C350e
 sometime between late-2016 and early-2017. Like the 330e, the C350e is also a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.


2017 Hyundai Tucson T-GDI Teased Ahead Of Official Launch

Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors will be launching a new variant of the Hyundai Tucson real soon, as they have previewed the turbocharged version at Mid Valley ahead of its official debut.
Yes, make no mistake. HSDM will be launching a forced-induced variant of the Tucson, powered by the company's 1.6-litre turbocharged T-GDI petrol engine that does 177 PS and 265 Nm. In comparison, the
Tuscon 2.0
 manages 155 PS and 192 Nm from its larger but non-turbocharged engine. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic instead of the Tuscon 2.0's regular six-speed torque converter auto.
Visually, the changes are rather subtle. Sharp eyed readers would have noticed that the Tucson T-GDI receives a pair of projector LED headlights, replacing the lesser model's halogen projector units. A front camera can be seen peeking just above the front number plate. The display car here wears the optional 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, though 17-inch units are standard fitment. Opting for the larger wheels sees the inclusion of 245/45R19 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 rubbers. Towards the rear end, the sole identifier is the small Turbo emblem.
Interior kit remains largely similar to the Tucson 2.0 Executive, with the inclusion of electric parking brake with Auto Hold, drive mode selection, parking sensor toggle and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Controls on the driver's side see some changes. The Smart Tailgate System button is new. The ESC off button is also present, though the T-GDI variant sees the inclusion of a new Front Camera button. Black leather comes as standard, but like the Tucson 2.0, owners can also opt for the snazzier Red or White Nappa leather upholstery.

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The Hyundai Tucson T-GDI is likely going to be HSDM's flaghsip Tucson model, so safety equipment is equally top notch. Six airbags, ABS, ESC and VSM is also present. Hill start assist, downhill brake control, brake assist is also present, on top of the ISOFIX child seat anchor points at the rear.
HSDM did not say how much will the 2017 Hyundai Tucson T-GDI retail for, but we are certain that the new model will carry a price increase over the 2.0 Executive's RM146,888.


Perodua Bezza Officially Launched – 1.0L and 1.3L from RM37k onwards

We’ve seen bits of it,
we’ve driven it
, and we’ve written much of what’s there to be written about it. The all-new
Perodua Bezza
 has officially broken cover and is now available for viewing in what will likely be very crowded Perodua showrooms across the country.
Built on an expanded version of the Axia’s platform, the Bezza is positioned as an A-segment entry level sedan similar in size to the
Proton Saga
 and
Mitsubishi Attrage
.
Whilst leveraging on the vast parts bins of
Daihatsu
 and
Toyota
, Perodua insists the Bezza is very much a homegrown effort with up to 95% local content. So, even though some individual components are based on Daihatsu designs, the integration of these parts into one working package is a fully localised effort developed at a total cost of RM 300 million. Unlike the
Myvi
, there is no equivalent of the Bezza sold elsewhere in the world by Daihatsu or Toyota.
A pair of new aluminium-built engines power the Bezza, namely the 1.0-litre three-cylinder KR-VE and the 1.3-litre four-cylinder 1NR-VE. The 1.0-litre powerplant is based on the same unit used in the Axia, but enhanced with intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i) on the inlet side. Outputs of this engine are rated at 68PS and 91Nm.
The 1.3-litre engine, meanwhile, hails from Toyota’s latest generation of engines, belonging to the NR family that already powers the
Avanza
 and will soon make its way into the
Vios
, albeit in 1.5-litre displacement. In the Bezza, the 1.3-litre 1NR engine boasts Dual VVT-i, enabling it to push out 91PS and 121Nm.

Like the
Axia
, the Bezza is also claimed to be an energy efficient vehicle (EEV), with all variants claiming fuel consumption values below 5.0 litres/100km. The 1.3-litre engine comes fitted with auto start/stop when specified with the range-topping Advance trim.
Both engines are available with a choice between 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions. A praiseworthy detail is that despite being expected to account for only 5% of total sales, the Bezza’s manual transmission is enhanced with double synchromeshes for all ratios. It is a measure that addresses a long-held criticism against Perodua vehicles that their manual transmissions feel too rubbery in their gear change.
The Bezza’s engines and transmissions are all manufactured locally. The Bezza itself is being manufactured at the new RM790 million Perodua Global Manufacturing plant which also makes the Axia.
Safety is also given a significant boost; all variants get dual airbags, ABS, and EBD as standard. Electronic stability control is available too, for the first time in a Perodua, but it is for now exclusive only to the most expensive variant.
Evaluation by ASEAN NCAP has yielded highly commendable scores of 15.38 over 16.00 for adult occupant protection and 85% for child occupant protection. This translates to a rating of four stars in both adult and child occupant protection for the Bezza; the variant with ESC gets a fifth star for adult protection.
The Bezza’s price and production positioning pits it directly against both the Proton Saga and Proton Persona. Here’s how the five variants of the Bezza line up against both the Saga and Persona:
Equipment levels of the three trim levels of the Bezza are as follows:
1.0 Standard G – M/T & A/T
14-inch alloy rims
60:40 folding rear seats
Reverse sensors
All-round power windows
Dual airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX
1.3 Premium X – M/T & A/T
Front fog lamps
Front parking sensors
Audio: USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Rear USB port
Smart keyless entry.
1.3 Advance – A/T only
Side skirting
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio switches
Semi-bucket leather seats
Multimedia unit with smartphone mirror link
Reverse camera
Auto start/stop
Electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold assist, brake assist.
Order taking for the Bezza
 opened on Saturday and as of noon today, Perodua has collected 4,028 bookings. The company targets to sell an average of 7,600 units monthly, but expects sales in the first three months to go as high as 10,000 units per month.
For preliminary driving impressions of the Bezza on Perodua's test track,
click here
.


Mysterious Mid-Engined Honda Sports Car Patent Images Revealed

Make no mistake,
Honda
 is jumping back into the realm of high performance cars. In this year alone, they have unveiled three very exciting cars beginning with the much awaited
next-generation NSX
. This was swiftly followed by the
turbocharged kei roadster S660
 and most recently, an all-new
Civic Type R
.
It appears there just might be another performance model to join the ranks if these patent images are of any indication. Revealed by Dutch website,
De Telegraaf Autovisie
 which reported that the patent was registered on 27 May 2015 and were recently released by the US Patent Office.
These patent drawings done by Honda’s American studio appear to be a mid-engined Honda which is smaller than the all-new NSX but combines design cues from said hybrid supercar and the S660 with a few elements from the Honda FCEV Concept as well.
Between the NSX and S660, there is certainly room for a model sized as such to slot in. Where the NSX is the heavyweight to take on cars like the
Porsche

911
 and
Audi

R8
, a model below it could certainly compete against the
Porsche Cayman
 and
Audi TT
. Where the NSX’s powertrain is comprised of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors, this curious yet unknown model might adopt the
Civic
 Type R’s 310PS, 2.0-litre turbo VTEC engine.
Rumours are also circulating that this might be the spiritual successor to Honda’s other, larger roadster, the S2000 which has a different layout (front engine, rear-wheel drive) to what this patent divulges. In any case, should
Honda
 proceed on the design, it will appear as a concept long before any plans for production are put into place.
What this mysterious Honda might be, if it looks like that, we say, bring it on!


Naza Announces Price Update For Peugeot, Kia and Citroen Models For 2015

In conjunction with the recently-announced increase in Motor Tariff Premium, the Naza Group of Companies, whose subsidiaries Naza Kia Malaysia, Nasim Sdn Bhd, and Naza Euro Motors (amongst others) have announced an updated price list of their officially distributed vehicles,
Kia
,
Peugeot
 and
Citroen
, respectively.

The new prices for all Kia vehicles are:
Kia Picanto 1.2 MT: RM54,888
Kia Picanto 1.2 AT: RM59,888
Kia Rio 1.4 EX: RM73,888
Kia Rio 1.4 SX: RM79,888
Kia Cerato 1.6 KX: RM89,888
Kia Cerato 1.6 AT: RM99,888
Kia Cerato 2.0 AT: RM118,888
Kia Optima 2.0 AT: RM149,888
Kia Sportage 2.0 AT: RM138,888
Kia Sorento 2.4 AT: RM158,888
Kia Pregio 2.7 MT: RM74,888
The new prices for all Peugeot vehicles are:
Peugeot 208 3-door: RM 95,901.50
Peugeot 208 5-door: RM 85,901.50
Peugeot 208 S: RM 86,901.50
Peugeot 208 GTI: RM 139,901.50
Peugeot 408 2.0: RM 109,903.30
Peugeot 408 Turbo: RM 128,901.50
Peugeot 408 Turbo L: RM 120,305.50
Peugeot 408 Turbo S: RM 118,253.50
Peugeot 2008: RM 119,901.50
Peugeot 3008: RM 153,901.50
Peugeot 5008: RM 159,901.50
Peugeot 508 Premium: RM 169,901.50
Peugeot 508 SW: RM 179,901.50
Peugeot 508 GT: RM 199,903.30
Peugeot 508 SW GT: RM 209,903.30
Peugeot RCZ (AT): RM 271,901.50
Peugeot RCZ (MT): RM 248,901.50
The new prices for all Citroen vehicles are:
Citroen DS3: RM117,901
Citroen DS4: RM149,901
Citroen DS5: RM188,901
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso (diesel): RM189,903


BMW Concept 8 Series Arrives In ASEAN

For the duration of the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, BMW Malaysia is displaying the BMW Concept 8 Series, the vehicle’s first visit to ASEAN region.
The Concept 8 Series, first displayed at last year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event, serves as taster to the upcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe which is slated for launch this year as part of the biggest model offensive in BMW’s history.
The BMW Concept 8 Series showcases a new approach to the use of forms, reflected prominently in the car’s surfacing. A handful of crisp lines mark out clear surfaces, and the car’s volumes are powerfully sculpted. Together, these elements equate to an outstanding model overflowing with charm.
Instantly recognizable as a BMW through the large grilles that extend downwards, together with the super-slim laser headlights, the front of the BMW Concept 8 Series forms a striking, sporty front-end graphic.
Meanwhile, the rear is defined by the chemistry between volumes and lines, which extend around from the edges and shape the rear section of the car. The powerful wheel arches hint at the car’s dynamic talents and announce its rear-wheel drive layout.
Inside, the BMW Concept 8 Series biggest technical highlight is the full digital information display. The steering wheel also sports red-anodised shift paddles and plenty of red stitching around the interior. All four occupants also get sport seats covered in fine leather and special pattern motif.
The shift lever and iDrive controller are made from Swarovski glass with a smoky quartz look treat the interior to some modern and classy finishing touches.
Once launched, expect to see the 4.4-litre V8 provide power for the 850i and even the M8. A smaller 3.0-litre 840i might even join the line-up. Competitors of the new 8 series Coupe include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, Lexus LC 500 and Maserati Gran Turismo.
The display of the BMW Concept 8 Series is part of BMW’s focus on luxury and brand presence. The BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion showcases the BMW brand’s extensive expertise in contemporary luxury, high-quality design and fine craftsmanship in a unique setting that brings customers on a journey of exclusivity and sophistication.
The BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion is also presented by partners Dior, Hugo Boss, Moet Hennessy Diageo, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Wei-Ling Gallery, Leica, illy Coffee, and SPACE.
Mr. Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “It is an absolute pleasure for us to be able to share our new brand presence and expression for our luxury cars here at the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion. From Toronto, Canada to Malaysia, we hope to share our vision of the luxurious appeal of our brand through this one of a kind experiential programme, further demonstrating how we have redefined the idea of modern luxury in the auto industry.”
BMW’s new expression and brand presence can be experienced exclusively at the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion from Friday, 23
rd
 February 2018 to Wednesday, 7th March 2018.


ROAD CLOSURES: NPE Higway To Be Affected On Feb 1st, 2015

Citizens of the Klang Valley! Do take note that there will be a road closure of a section of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) along KM2.7 on the 1
st
 of February (this Sunday) between 12am (midnight) to 8am.
The road closures will affect both directions of the NPE highway near Sunway Pyramid, between that, and the Pantai Dalam toll plaza after the tunnel (if you were en route to Kuala Lumpur).
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad’s (Prasarana) latest news release states that the roadworks are due to the launching of the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – Sunway Line Project.
Prasarana has also provided several alternative routes for those with plans to travel in the wee hours of that Sunday morning, be it to and from Shah Alam/ Subang Jaya and Kuala Lumpur/ Petaling Jaya areas, and will be diverting traffic as such.
On top of the expected barriers to divert traffic, flagmen and early warning signs will be displayed for all to take note of.
So, do take note if you’re planning any travelling this weekend, early Sunday morning.


Frankfurt 2015: Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder Is Open Top Excitement

Lamborghini
 took the veils of its latest supercar at Frankfurt Motor Show with the debut of the Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder.
Based on the standard hardtop
Lamborghini Huracan
, the Spyder adopts the same 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine providing 610hp, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission mated to it, sending power to all four wheels. 0-100 km/h is settled in just 3.4 seconds, two tenths slower than the fixed-roof model, while the top speed just 1.6 km/h “slower” at 324 km/h.
Its predecessor, the
Gallardo
 Spyder, adopted a folding soft top and the trend continues with the new model. Here, the electrohydraulic setup sees the roof open and close in just 17 seconds, with it capable of doing so whilst on the move up to 50 km/h. A rear window that can be opened and closed regardless of roof positions is also available (we suggest keeping it open always), similar to that seen on the
Aventador Roadster
.
With the roof down, you’ll spot two movable fins that rise that start on the back of the seats and continue along the roofline, with integrated ducts to match.
A downside to the folding soft top is the weight gained on the Spyder – 122kg more compared to its hardtop counterpart. However, the almost indistinguishable performance figures is a testament to the impressive performance of the convertible. Finally, the new aluminium and carbon fibre chassis is 40% stiffer than that of the Gallardo Spyder.
With its sights set firmly on the new
Ferrari 488 Spider
 and
McLaren
 650S Spider, the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder certainly has some tough competition to entertain.


Proton Records Highest Sales Figures in Eight Years

Malaysian car sales continued to rebound in July as a combination of tax free incentives and consumer demand pushed Total Industry Volume (TIV) to a 13 month high.

As anticipated, Proton has been a beneficiary of the increase in sales as Malaysian automotive brands once again dominated the market to account for an estimated 63.2% of sales this month.

With 13,216 units sold, July was not only Proton’s best sales month in 2020 so far, but also since June 2012. Overall sales also grew by 37.3% (13,216 vs 9,623) over June 2020, and by 45.7% (13,216 vs 9,072) over the same month in 2019.

Proton’s Year-To-Date (YTD) market share figure as of July 2020 currently stands at a forecast 21.8%, a growth of 6.7% over the same time period last year. With this growth in sales, the volume gap compared to 2019 for Proton has shrunk to just 4.2% (50,294 vs 52,499), which is significantly less than the forecasted gap for TIV at 33% (230,929 vs 347,177).

Four models achieved sales leadership in their respective classes with the Proton Saga once again posting the highest sales numbers and leading the A-segment sedan market.

5,421 units were sold in July, a figure that was helped by all 1,100 units of the Saga Anniversary Edition being booked within five days of launch on 9 July. It was also the highest number achieved by the model since April 2014.

The company’s other segment leader, the Proton X70, performed even better. With 3,087 units sold, Proton’s C-segment SUV not only had its best ever sales month, it continued to be the best-selling SUV in Malaysia, increasing market share to 25.6%, 4.3% higher than 2019.

The other two Proton segment leaders were the Persona and Exora. The company sold 3,043 units of the Persona in July, as the model cemented its position at the top of the B-segment sedan sales table.

The Exora meanwhile saw sales of 792 units, its best sales month since August 2016, which ensures its reign atop the C-segment MPV market remains unchallenged.

“Proton’s performance in July 2020 was our best in over eight years. We are especially happy with how our models are faring within their segments. We also note that there has been a positive effect on other areas of the business as a result of the encouraging sales. For instance Proton Commerce, our in-house vehicle financing provider, saw an increase of 100% in the number of loans it disbursed compared to the previous month. Therefore, we are thankful for the support shown by all Malaysians and as for now, we remain cautiously optimistic for 2020”, said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.

“For August, Proton will look to continue to excite the market and stimulate sales in preparation for more model introductions later in the year. Our production, quality, sales and aftersales divisions are all working hard to ensure we are able to meet consumer demand as well as deliver a level of customer service befitting the brand promise that we have set out,” he added.


Saya anak Malaysia: Meet the Hiperon Fosslin, a Malaysian EV SUV with electric and hydrogen options

Apparently, there's a U.S based Malaysian company called Hiperon which will unveil its production-ready EV SUV this year.

It's quite rare for carscoops.com to pick up news about a Malaysian automotive company, so when they do, it must mean it's highly newsworthy.

Carscoop, one of the most reputable car portals, recently published some news about Hiperon Motors, a Malaysian automotive startup company making an electric/hydrogen-powered luxury four-door crossover called Fosslin.

The company, which unveiled a fully electric van in 2021, called Hiperon Carrier, has shifted its attention to the Fosslin, which will apparently be delivered in the third quarter of this year.

Just like how some auto manufacturers contract out the car's design to design companies specialised in car styling, Hiperon Motors also did the same, relying on One One Lab studio, which came up with the design concept.

Although it's a Malaysian company, all of the engineering work has taken place in the United States, and whether a physical concept vehicle has been produced is unknown.

If they have, that's just simply sublime, as the rendering of the Fosslin looks excellent, something maybe we're more accustomed to from big automotive manufacturers. We also can't help but notice that the silhouette does look like one of BMW's coupe-shaped SUVs.

According to Carsccop, the model will measure 4,880 mm long, 1,990 mm wide, and 1,689 mm tall, roughly making it the size of the Tesla Model Y.

Although we can't seem to find any pictures of the complete interior, Carscoop reckons that the cabin will have four individual seats, just like the BMW X6. Judging by the pictures of the dash, there's a yoke-style steering wheel, a slim centre console with an infotainment system that looks like it's under a single cover.

The company said it should come with a 17-inch OLED screen, but there are no renderings.

Hiperon has released some technical details of the EV SUV, but only for the electric version specifications. The SUV will apparently come with a 95 kWh battery pack,  450km of driving range, 480 hp and 670 Nm torque, and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5 seconds. According to the company, it will also have a top speed of 260 km/h.

The scheduled delivery date is in the third quarter of this year, but that's probably for the North American market. However, Hiperon said the vehicle would be made available in Asia and Europe later.


600PS Taycan GTS Join SDAP’s Range Of Porsche EV Sports Cars

Bolstering the already strong range of Porsche Taycans in Malaysia is the newest EV variant to come out of Zuffenhausen: the GTS. Described as the “sporty sweet spot” of the bunch, it slots in between the 4S and below the ballistic Turbo.

Alongside a sweeping price revision
 that sees the EV shedding as much as RM200,000 off its asking price, the
Taycan GTS
 enters the market with a starting price of RM708,000 and is expected to be available to buyers in Q2 of this year.

CEO of Porsche’s local distributors Sime Darby Auto Performance, Christopher Hunter, said:
“The new Taycan GTS perfectly complements Porsche’s first cross-border high-performance charging network in partnership with Shell. This new sporty grand tourer will make cross-country, and even cross-border road trips both seamless and absolutely sublime.”

The GTS can be distinguished by its exterior, which has the Sport Design Package applied, giving it a more aggressive look defined by its dark accents and matching 20-inch Aero Design wheels in matte black.

Inside, it’s even more noticeable with most of the cabin surfaces decked out in Race-Tex, a velvety  microsuede-like upholstery material (just don’t call it Alcantara) with highlights in brushed aluminium. As standard for all 2022 Taycans in Malaysia, the GTS also gains quad-zone climate control, a passenger-side touchscreen, and a 360-degree camera system.

One of the more noteworthy optional extras on any Taycan is the electrochromatic roof, which makes its debut in the GTS. The glass roof can be easily switched between clear to opaque or anywhere in between.

Since Porsche isn’t offering
the Sport Turismo versions
 of the Taycan in Malaysia yet, only the GTS in four-door saloon guise will be making its way here…at least at first. Each will be powered by a dual-motor electric powertrain that delivers a system total output of 517PS under normal driving conditions.

However, during brief periods an ‘overboost’ function can be activated that allows access to the car’s full capability, such as when using launch control. When enabled, the GTS’ motors deliver a thumping 598PS and 850Nm, allowing it to shoot to 100km/h from a standstill in 3.7 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, is capped at 250km/h.

Even better news is that this power does come alongside pretty good range thanks to the standard fitment of the larger 93.4kWh battery that’s available in the Taycan range, called Performance Battery Plus.

Porsche claims that the GTS is capable of travelling upwards of 500km (504km, to be exact) on a single charge, rated under WTLP ‘real world’ conditions. For a little reference, the car should be able to manage a typical day’s worth of road-tripping between Kuala Lumpur and up to the border town of Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah with some charge to spare. Just….good luck
finding a spot to charge up there
.

Speaking of plugging in, the Taycan supports DC fast charging of up to 270kW, which in theory should mean an 80% charge in just over 22 minutes. Using a much more common 11kW AC wallbox, however, you’re looking at 9 hours to reach a full battery.


BMW and MINI vehicle price update in 2023 - more costly, but comes with more standard features

BMW Group Malaysia, comprised of BMW and MINI, is ushering in the new year with a price increase for most of its vehicles. It's not all bad news, as a few useful features have now become standard on all BMW vehicles in 2023.

BWM Group stated that the price increase is due to "current challenges with regards to global inflation and rising manufacturing costs". This has altered the prices of their cars, where BMW claims that their vehicles now carry a volume-weighted average price update of approximately 4.7% and 2.6%, which will come into effect for all BMW and MINI models on January 1, 2023.

Before we get into the new standard features on BMW cars for the year 2023, let's take a look at the price increases of MINIs and BMWs compared to 2022 models.

2022 vs 2023 MINI prices

Model

2022

2023

Price increase

3-Door Cooper SE

 RM191,164

 RM199,164

RM8,000

3-Door Cooper S

RM272,988

RM273,888

RM900

3-Door JCW

RM324,988

RM325,888

RM900

Convertible Cooper S

RM298,988

RM299,888

RM900

5-Door Cooper S

RM279,988

RM280,888

RM900

Clubman Cooper S

RM311,988

RM312,888

RM900

Clubman JCW

RM359,988

RM360,888

RM900

Countryman Cooper S

RM254,988

RM259,888

RM4,900

Countryman JCW

RM398,988

RM399,888

RM900

2022 vs 2023 BMW prices

Model

2022

2023

Price difference

M135i

RM375,800

RM379,800

RM4,000

218 Gran Coupe M Sport

RM228,800

RM235,800

RM7,000

430i Coupe M Sport

RM427,800

RM437,800

RM10,000

530e M Sport

RM358,217

RM360,800

RM2,583

530i M Sport

RM402,800

RM410,800

RM8,000

M5

RM998,800

RM1,005,800

RM7,000

M5 Competition

RM1,188,800

RM1,195,800

RM7,000

630i Gran Turismo M Sport

RM430,800

RM442,800

RM12,000

740Le xDrive M Sport

RM633,800

RM642,800

RM9,000

X3 sDrive20i M Sport

RM315,800

RM329,800

RM14,000

X3 sDrive30i M Sport

RM358,800

RM371,800

RM13,000

X3 sDrive30e M Sport

RM356,800

RM376,800

RM11,000

X4 xDrive30i M Sport

RM398,800

RM417,800

RM19,000

X5 xDrive45e M Sport

RM480,900

RM491,800

RM10,900

X6 xDrive40i M Sport

RM736,800

RM748,800

RM12,000

X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence

RM708,800

RM724,800

RM16,000

X7 xDrive40i M Sport

RM728,800

RM744,800

RM16,000

Z4 sDrive30i M Sport

RM492,800

RM508,800

RM16,000

i4 eDrive40 M Sport

RM389,800

RM399,800

RM10,000

i4 M50

RM430,800

RM445,800

RM15,000

iX xDrive40

RM379,800

RM403,800

RM24,000

iX xDrive40 Sport

RM425,800

RM447,800

RM22,000

As we mentioned before, it's not all bad news as BMW have given their cars some very useful standard features. Where previously, you would have to pay extra for these features, the 2023 BMWs now come with Smartphone Integration featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the Connected Package Professional.

The climate menu will also remain accessible to users without having to leave the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto screen. Exclusive to models with BMW iDrive 8, Apple Maps will be adapted into the Instrument Cluster and Head-Up Display.

The Remote Services will also enable owners to remotely control the car by locking their doors, activating the headlight flash or horn and starting the ventilation system using the My BMW App. Owners will also enjoy a Last State Call (LSC) which provides relevant information about the status of the car, such as the fuel level, mileage, status of doors and windows, Check Control Messages, pending services and more.

For BMW electric vehicles, owners will also enjoy three years of runtime of BMW Maps Connected Charging and Connected Navigation
.
In addition to providing information to owners via the My BMW App, the Charging Management feature also showcases past and ongoing charging sessions which enable owners to remotely control and check ongoing or upcoming charging sessions. The app will also notify users should there be any specific charging events.


Five used sedans for less than RM80,000

Looking for a used sedan that won't hurt the wallet but still has plenty to offer?

The Malaysian automotive market has a wide variety of sedans from virtually all automakers and manufacturers, but a used model should be highly considered for those who want to keep a closer eye on their monthly budget.

Perhaps another reason why you might want to get a sedan is practicality that trumps a hatchback and overall affordability when compared to an SUV. A sedan would make a good all-rounder that offers the same number of seating capacity but with a bigger boot space and of course, a more affordable annual road tax budget.

Here's a list of
five used but still very sensible sedans priced under RM80,000
 that you can find on the Carlist.my used car listings. There are a lot of fine examples, but we'll just kick things off with the first five. Let's begin!

1) 2021 Honda City 1.5L E - RM79,400

This fine example of the 2021
Honda City
 1.5L E is decently priced with very low mileage of just over 20,000km. Priced at RM85,600 brand new, an RM6,000 discount for a very popular sedan that has only gone through the first three service intervals is certainly a tempting offer.

Decently equipped with a bunch of usable extras compared to the base City S variant, this Honda City 1.5L E comes with a remote engine start with smart entry, paddle shifters, cruise control, eight-inch display audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a multi-angle reverse camera to name a few.

What we like

What we don't like

Decent performance (121hp & 145Nm)

No automatic LED headlamps (compared to V-spec)

Good boot space (519L)

Smaller 15-inch alloy wheels (compared to 16-inches on the V-spec)

2) 2020 Toyota Vios 1.5 G - RM79,400

Another 'bulletproof' sedan that can definitely stand the test of time is the
Toyota Vios
. This 2020 model is the range-topping G variant and comes with a fairly low mileage of just over 40,000km. The asking price for this beauty is RM79,400 - an RM10,000 reduction compared to when it was new a couple of years back.

As the range-topping model in 2020, this Toyota Vios comes with LED headlights and DRLs, an Optitron meter panel with colour multi-info display, seven-inch centre touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electrochromic rearview mirror, 506 litres of boot space, and more. A solid choice for a brand that's known for its reliability.

What we like

What we don't like

Slightly sportier-looking exterior

CVT is a bit sluggish off the line

Fully-kitted as the highest-spec variant

Slightly bland interior

3) 2021 Nissan Almera 1.0 VL - RM78,500

Another Japanese makes the list thanks to this 2021
Nissan Almera
 1.0 VL. This base Almera variant is still covered under the manufacturer's warranty until 2024 and has a mileage of just over 30,000km. Asking price? RM78,500.

Its 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 100PS and 152Nm of torque, the Nissan Almera sends all the power down to the front wheels via an Xtronic CVT with D-Step Logic and Sport Mode. Standard equipment includes LED DRLs and rear combination lamps, Zero Gravity-inspired seats, 482 litres of boot space, and a host of safety features to boot.

What we like

What we don't like

Clean exterior design

Smaller fuel tank capacity (35L)

Good fuel consumption (5.4L/100km)

Used price very close to new

4) 2017 Volkswagen Passat B8 - RM75,800

For this particular
Volkswagen Passat
, it might be a bit old coming from 2017 but there's no denying the fact that its 1.8-litre TSI engine is quite exhilarating with 180PS and 250Nm of play paired to a seven-speed DSG dry twin-clutch automatic gearbox (this has been enhanced in terms of reliability compared to the Passat B7).

It's a mini 'sleeper' encased in what most folks nowadays call an 'uncle's car' but it does come with all the creature comforts that you would expect from the folks over at Volkswagen. The mileage might be on the high side, so do expect to fork out some cash for aftersales services (is the Mechatronic issue still a thing?).

What we like

What we don't like

Very decent performance for daily use

Exterior design is slightly outdated (even for an uncle's car)

Nicely-kitted interior features

Higher budget for aftersales services

5) 2016 Mazda 6 2.0 - RM79,800

Last but not least, we have the
Mazda 6
. From what we can see, a budget of RM80,000 can get you this Mazda 6 - a sedan that looks great and can withstand the tests of time design-wise, has decent performance, and good levels of comfort.

It's a bit more premium than the other models you'll find in this list, but it certainly looks like it won't be out of place even right now in 2022. The Mazda 6 from 2016 might not be as kitted as the Passat, but when travelling long distances with the family, you'll most likely hear little to no complaints.

What we like

What we don't like

Good exterior design (even from 2016)

Interior is a bit plasticky

Dynamic all-rounder for daily drives

Those rims? Sooo last summer...

Conclusion - any interested parties?

There are a lot more sedans worthy of mention in this list. The more you explore the Carlist used car listings, the more you'll find good prospects like the Toyota Corolla Altis, Peugeot 508, Honda Civic, and more. But these five? The first three are regarded by many as ultra-reliable with little to no hassles in terms of ownership (and they're still very new), and the other two are just a bit of a fun curveball.

At the end of the day, it falls down to what you want according to the budget you have. Now, you have a bit more info to steep on before taking that next step - going ahead with the purchase.

Sedan Model

Price Reduction Since New (±)

Boot Space (litres)

Worth a Mention

2021 Honda City

RM6,000

519

Good aftersales support

2020 Toyota Vios

RM10,000

506

Practically bulletproof

2021 Nissan Almera

RM4,000

486

Slightly more spacious interior

2017 Volkswagen Passat

RM84,000

586

Known issues with the dry twin-clutch

2016 Mazda 6

RM80,000

489

Slightly lacking in interior equipment

Used Car Warranty with Warranty Smart

If there's ever a fear when it comes to buying a used car without any manufacturer's warranty, a program like Warranty Smart should be highly considered.

Offering optional protection and coverage for used cars no older than 10 years, Warranty Smart's extended warranty program starts at a very reasonable RM848 per annum. To know more about Warranty Smart,
CLICK HERE
.

How to use the Carlist.my to Find Your Perfect Car

While the list for today only covers five out of the many, many used sedans available on Carlist.my, you may explore other available options using the Carlist.my's advanced search feature to find your perfect used car.

Step 1 - Go to Carlist.my, hover over the Buy drop-down menu & click on 'Used Cars'

Step 2 - Select your preferred filters (Body Type 'Sedan', price range, etc.)

Step 3 - Happy hunting!


3,725 Unit Chevrolet, SAAB di Malaysia Dipanggil Semula – Ganti Inflator Beg Udara Pemandu

Chevrolet
telah mengumumkan pelancaran kempen memanggil balik (recall) yang melibatkan 3,725 unit kenderaan Chevrolet dan SAAB di Malaysia bagi menggantikan
inflator
 beg udara
Takata
di bahagian pemandu.

Kempen panggil balik ini dilaksanakan dengan kelulusan dan kerjasama oleh
Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ).

Model Yang Terlibat

Chevrolet Cruze: model tahun 2010–2015

Chevrolet Orlando: model tahun 2013–2015

Chevrolet Sonic: model tahun 2013–2014

Chevrolet TRAX model tahun 2017

SAAB 9-3: model tahun 2007

Kenapa Perlu Tukar?

Inflator
beg udara pemandu ini mengandungi tablet pendorong (
propellent
) Ammonium Nitrat Stabil Berfasa (
Phased Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate
 atau PSAN) yang tidak kering, yang mungkin mengalami perubahan selepas terdedah kepada suhu tinggi dan kitaran suhu siang dalam persekitaran kelembapan tinggi.

Inflator
mungkin pecah jika penjanaan gas melebihi keupayaan inflator untuk mengeluarkan gas tersebut.

Bagaimana Nak Tukar?

Memandangkan Chevrolet tidak berpengkalan di Malaysia, syarikat itu menjalinkan kerjasama dengan dua syarikat tempatan untuk melaksanakan kempen panggilan balik ini.

Bagi urusan komunikasi, Saphan9 Engagement, firma perundingan komunikasi dan kandungan telah dilantik untuk mengendalikan hal-hal berkaitan yang mencakupi pengumuman rasmi, khidmat pelanggan, pengurusan aset digital, maklumat dan data pelanggan.

Manakala urusan kerja-kerja penggantian beg udara baharu pula akan dikendalikan oleh pengedar sah
Honda Malaysia
 terpilih. Penggantian ini adalah
percuma
dan akan bermula pada
01 Jun 2022
.

Tempah Slot Penggantian

Pemilik kenderaan yang terlibat boleh melayari laman sesawang program memanggil balik Chevrolet ini di
www.chevrolettakatarecallmy.com
 di mana mereka akan dibimbing bagaimana untuk membuat tempahan slot penggantian, melalui tiga langkah mudah:

Cari nombor VIN: Panduan untuk mengenalpasti nombor VIN kenderaan sudah tersedia dalam laman sesawang tersebut. Nombor VIN adalah penting untuk mengesahkan status kenderaan yang terlibat.

Panggilan temujanji: Senarai pengedar sah Honda yang terpilih akan turut dipaparkan. Pemilik boleh hubungi mana-mana pengedar sah Honda yang berdekatan dan nyatakan nombor VIN kenderaan untuk diperiksa status kenderaan dan menempah slot penggantian jika terlibat.

Pemilik kenderaan akan diminta untuk berkongsi butiran mereka bagi membolehkan Chevrolet membuat pemakluman dan kemaskini yang penting berkenaan dengan kempen panggilan semula ini.

Selain itu, Chevrolet juga akan melakukan beberapa inisiatif untuk menghubungi pemilik kenderaan yang terlibat seramai mungkin melalui media sosial, SMS, e-mel dan pasukan panggilan untuk menghubungi pemilik kenderaan yang menghadapi kesukaran sambungan internet.

Untuk pertanyaan lanjut, pemilik kenderaan boleh menghubungi +6011 3129 9963 atau +6011 3129 9965 atau layari
www.chevrolettakatarecallmy.com
.


The Lesen Terbang Scam Is Openly Being Advertised On Social Media

'Lesen terbang' openly being sold on social media is another scam to be aware of!

Syndicates that offer 'lesen terbang' are nothing new, but syndicates that openly advertise the availability of 'lesen terbang' on social media are.

This new age tactic has caught the attention of Bukit Aman, having received numerous complaints about the scam.

According to Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Deputy Director Datuk Mohd Kamarudin Md Din, his team has received nine complaints regarding the scam.

"Seven reports were received in Penang and two cases in Kelantan involving a total loss of RM17,080," said Md Din.

The syndicates offer driving licenses with prices ranging from RM580 to RM5,000, according to the CCID. Their investigation has also led to the insight that the syndicate offers driving licenses without the individual having to attend any tests.

The CCID Deputy Director reminded the public to always be vigilant when doing business through the internet or social media sites by checking bank account numbers and telephone numbers at semakmule.rmp.gov.my.

Md Din also urged Malaysians to get their driving licenses through
proper channels
 and not use shortcuts as people's lives are at stake.

As part of our invetigation, we tried to contact one of these 'lesen terbang' scams to see what their modus operandi is like.

It is easily searchable on social media, so we gave it a shot!

Once you have found it, they will lead you to a phone number where they will then Whatsapp you some details.

According to the pre-scripted message they sent us, you will not have to attend any driving tests, and the license is completely 100% passable if you ever face enforcement agencies - for example, at
roadblocks or if you get pulled over
.

The information given also mentioned that JPJ officers sign off the licenses, and you will get them posted to your designated address once you pay in full. It even says that the license can be
renewed at JPJ branches and post offices.

While the offering might be tempting, the biggest problem with this scam is that you will never really receive anything once you pay in full. Don't be fooled that you will actually get some sort of physical license, as most syndicates just take your money and disappear.

Just like what Md Din said, we urge the public to get their license through the proper channels, as the training provided by academies can be the difference between life and death or knowing how to react in an emergency.


Four Vehicles Seized, 12 Summonses Given In First Two Days Of 'Ops Samseng Jalan Raya'

An operation carried out by Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), dubbed ‘Ops Samseng Jalan Raya’ has resulted in 12 summonses issued in its first two days.
According to The Sun Daily, the operation itself was executed along the Grand Saga Highway on Saturday the 20th, and Sunday the 21st of June and involved 47 traffic police personnel from Kajang, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur
ASP Azmi Wahid, KL Traffic Special Enforcement Unit chief told the daily the violations that warranted the summonses given included not having driving licenses, road tax, as well as vehicle registration numbers that did not matching legal specifications.
The operation also focused on apprehending errant motorcyclists. By the end, four vehicles were seized over the first two days of the operation.


ETCM Nissan CNY Campaign - RM129k worth of electrical appliances to be won

In conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities ushering in the new Lunar Year of the Fire Monkey, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has activated a ‘Drive to Prosperity’ campaign giving away some RM128,888 worth of Sharp home and electrical appliances.
Participation in this campaign is open to customers who buy and register a brand new Nissan vehicle purchased from ETCM or its authorized dealers throughout the month of January.
Grand prize winner of the campaign takes back RM13,888 worth of Sharp appliances, with second and third prize winners taking home RM10,888 and RM8,888 worth of Sharp stuff. In addition, 10 consolation prize winners will receive RM3,888 worth of appliances each.
Customers who book a Nissan during the campaign duration will each receive a RM200 voucher that can be used to purchase of a Sharp Cloud SmartHome System.
ETCM will also kick off its Nissan Test Drive Carnival at key ETCM branches across the nation. A line-up of Nissan models are available for test drive at the carnival, together with promotional deals offering rebates, high trade-in offers, innovative financing packages, and other special gifts.
Dates and venues for ETCM Test Drive Carnivals and Roadshows are as follows:


MBPJ To Utilise Modern Transport Software To Chart Public Transport For The Future

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will be looking to use world renowned transport software to chart Petaling Jaya’s public transport for the next decade, with an August start date,
theSun
 reports.
Both pieces of software – Visum and Vissim, are being used to develop a model which simulates future traffic conditions and incident management system, and a traffic impact study. Petaling Jaya mayor Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain said the council’s planning department have been developing a model using these software since April.
This advancement is a in line with MBPJ’s Master Transportation Masterplan to achieve a 40% public transport ridership by the year 2030.
“The future planning of PJ would work on this. For example, any future development will go through this master software for traffic impact study or traffic condition and can help us chart our public transport plan for a particular area,” said the council’s Master Traffic and Urban Transportation Plan committee chairman Lee Suet Sen.
Not only that, the software can also assist the council the usage of land use. “The software will help us to decide whether we should have a transportation hub or pedestrian oriented development with the MRT or LRT,” he added.


Fire Incident At Honda Supplier Warehouse In Malacca

Honda
 Malaysia has released an official statement regarding the fire incident that struck one of it’s supplier warehouses in Malacca, an incident that some of you may already be aware of.
It occurred at supplier, Nistrans Malaysia, which provides logistics and warehouse management services to Honda Malaysia, on 3
rd
 August 2015. This warehouse stores all of Honda’s CKD parts here.
The aftermath of the fire revealed that 90% of the 130,000 square foot warehouse had taken damage and an estimated 2,500 Honda CKD parts were indeed affected by the fire. No casualties or injuries were reported, although investigations into the cause of it are still being carried out. It took 5 hours to fully extinguish the flames.
The incident has affected Honda’s production tempo, with their No. 1 Line halting production for four days while the No. 2 Line was affected for 6 days. As of right now, the production ramps for both lines have resumed and are back to capacity. Honda Malaysia will be monitoring the parts supply situation closely, analysing its impact on production schedules.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia Mr. Yoichiro Ueno said, “We are very sorry to hear about the fire and the loss experienced by our supplier. We are currently working closely with Nistrans to assist in any way possible. Rest assured that we at Honda are working hard and doing all that we can to minimise the impact of this unforeseen circumstance towards our customers.” Honda Malaysia will continue its effort in confirming the overall impact of the fire incident on its production and carefully examine the situation.


Not To Be Undone By Selangor - Kuala Lumpur Also Goes Into MCO 3.0 Beginning 7 May 2021

In yet another round of musical chairs, or MCO or not - Kuala Lumpur will join the
six districts
 of Selangor in a Movement Control Order beginning from May 7 until May 20, 2021.

In what must be considered a meme by now, this question posed by Hannah Yeoh on Twitter has apparently caused the relevant parties to take stock of the current MCO 3.0 strategy.

Credit: Twitter

Hence why Kuala Lumpur will now join the six districts of Selangor with an MCO of its own.

Graphic credit: Facebook KPM

The MCO in Kuala Lumpur will be in effect from tomorrow, May 7 until May 20.

What can and cannot be done in all the areas affected by the MCO 3.0 remain largely the same as MCO 2.0 but just to recap:

All economic sectors allowed to operate subject to SOPs.

No dine-ins allowed in MCO 3.0 areas, only takeaway or delivery

Only individuals categorised as 'Low Risk' through the MySejahtera app can enter shopping, health or judicial premises.

Nurseries (the human kind) are allowed to operate (with permission from the government) and parents are allowed to send/ pick up your children from them.

The above also applies to old folks' homes or special needs institutions.

NO government or private, weddings, engagements, birthdays, reunions, retreats, gatherings are allowed.

The above also applies to seminars, workshops, courses, training sessions, lectures, conferences, exhibitions and activities related to Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions.

NO nightclub or pub activities.

NO indoor playgrounds, cinemas, sports or physical activities that involve physical contact.

NO tourism activities.

YES to Ramadan bazaar, food stalls, food trucks, food courts, grocery shops, pharmacies, petrol stations and markets.

YES to childcare centres, kindergartens, taska and tabika (with permission from the related ministries).

What about movement?

Interstate and interdistrict travel is not allowed but travel for work is allowed subject to a letter from your employer.

No limitation to the number of people per vehicle but subject to the vehicle's seating capacity.

The above is by no means an exhaustive list of what is allowed or not allowed in this MCO 3.0 but instead, we've tried to sift through the more common concerns of the public. For a more comprehensive list, please refer
here
.

Also, just before you get in your car and drive off anywhere within your district, please follow this 5 Point Inspection
here
 first. Jangan pulak raya kena tunggu tow truck plak.

*Cover image credit to an online genius


SPRINT Ups Jln 16/11 Traffic Light Greens To 100 Seconds – Curing The Symptom Or Cause?

A couple of days ago, we were musing on how the toll hikes (and the behavior they result in) are
counterproductive to the very purpose of highways
 (to disperse traffic and ensure fast travel times) because more and more motorists wished to divert to smaller roads to not incur the now-high highway tax.

The catalyst that got us thinking about that topic was the dire traffic conditions experienced along Jalan 16/11 that runs parallel to the SPRINT highway, where the toll rates have now doubled since last Thursday. This influx of drivers who are turned away from taking the highway was amplified by the brief duration of the traffic lights along that road causing unacceptably long tailbacks.

The Star wrote a piece about the traffic lights, which are operated and maintained by SPRINT. The newspaper is particularly affected due to their offices being smack-bang in Phileo Damansara – the business centre that has only Jalan 16/11 for entering and exiting. The report focused on the green light duration, and how making them stay lit for longer would go a long way in easing congestion there.

And it appears they have gotten exactly what they wanted. SPRINT has extended the green light duration from 80 seconds to 100 seconds and will monitor how the change affects the daily traffic situation.

Francisco Anthony Doss, SPRINT’s engineering department head and assistant general manager, said that the traffic lights there used the Vehicle Actuated System that adjusts the timing based on vehicle movement. Should traffic come to a standstill when the light is still green, the system would switch it to red to allow other directions to flow.

“This is why the green light time changes fast and varies each time,” he said.

Mr. Doss, however, believes that the primary cause of the congestion might not be the traffic light timing but rather the bottleneck from the NKVE toll plaza.

Alright. Here is where our opinion differs. While we agree it is indeed a bottleneck, the timing and severity of this issue’s escalation cannot be ignored – they match perfectly with the
recent toll hike
.

We humbly submit that perhaps due to more cars not willing to pay the increased toll rates, they are causing lesser roads to swell up with cars, thereby leading us to scenarios like those found outside Phileo Damansara. It is arguable that the situation there was given the spotlight because it was at the front of a major national newspaper’s offices. It could be occuring many places elsewhere.


Shanghai 2017: Honda Unveils CR-V Hybrid

We've already gotten a good glimpse of the all-new Honda CR-V, what with its launches around the world and especially
up north in Thailand
. But the latest, and perhaps most interesting variant of the CR-V has just been launched at Auto Shanghai 2017- and it just so happens to be a hybrid. Unlike the IMA (integrated motor assist) hybrids that we're used to seeing, the CR-V gets a dual-motor system in the form of the Honda Sport Hybrid i-MMD (intelligent multi-mode drive).

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The new hybrid model will go on sale in China during the second half of this year, to be manufactured and sold by Dongfeng Honda. It will join a 1.5-litre turbocharged variant of the CR-V as well, which shows the real breadth of the CR-V lineup in the Chinese market. For now details on the models are scarce and we're not likely to see it come here, given how our incentive schemes are no longer as favourable to imported hybrids, but with cars like the
Hyundai Ioniq
 making it big we may eventually see Honda bring their hybrids back.


Naza Kia Launches New Enhanced Optima EX, RM 139,888

While not being the biggest launch this week, Korean car fans can be happy that Naza Kia has just announced their new enhanced Optima EX, which goes on sale for RM 139,888, on-the-road, without insurance. It's an improvement on an existing variant in the Optima range, complementing the existing Optima GT.
What does your money get you? In a nutshell, the Optima EX gets a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox. Where the "new" part comes in is with the upgraded features, most specifically the Around View Monitor system that provides a birds-eye view of the car.
17-inch wheels also come as standard, as do LED headlamps, fog lamps, and rear combination lamps. The overall look has been tweaked for a little more masculinity in place of elegance, while the inside sees power memory electric seats for the driver, an electric parking brake, a large 7.0-inch colour screen display, as well as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Colours available for the Optima EX include, but are not limited to, Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, and Platinum Graphite. The interior is largely black, with black fabric for the seats to boot. While it may not be the luxurious variant, the Optima EX presents a great value-for-money proposition.


New York 2018: All-New Nissan Altima To Make Global Debut Next Month

Nissan has released a teaser video to announce that the next-generation Altima, which could be the replacement for our Teana here in Malaysia, will be making its global debut next month at the 2018 New York International Motor Show.
No details or images have been revealed yet, but we are expecting the car to come with Nissan’s current design language inside and out, with features like the V-Motion grille, a floating roof, updated engine lineup, as well as the latest driver assistance technology.
According to Nissan, New Yorkers have always loved the Altima, making the Northeast American region the most popular market for Nissan's best-selling sedan and that is what makes NYIAS the ideal place to reveal the next generation.
The Altima, which will be entering its sixth generation once it's revealed next month, has been part of the Nissan portfolio since 1992.
That being said, watch this space for more details about the car next month.


Production Spec 2017 Mitsubishi XM Caught On Camera In Indonesia

Production version of the Mitsubishi XM, which was previewed as the XM Concept at the 2016 Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show, has been caught testing in Indonesia.

Expected to carry the
Mitsubishi XM
 nameplate, a heavily camouflaged protoype was spotted undergoing road testing in Bandung, Indonesia, wearing what appears to be a production-ready body. The new model is developed primarily for the ASEAN region.

Mitsubishi earlier stated that the production Mitsubishi XM will carry over 80% of the styling cues of the concept car.

The spied Mitsubishi XM is still covered in camouflage, though we can see that some design elements from the XM Concept managed to find its way to the production model. For example, the character line that flows along the doors appear to have been carried over to the production version. The rear end is still heavily masked, though we believe that the actual Mitsubishi XM will retain the concept's stylish D-pillar.

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Similar to its rivals, power is expected to come from a 1.5-litre petrol engine that sends drive to the front wheels. A diesel variant could be on the cards as Suzuki Indonesia recently introduced a diesel-powered variant of the Ertiga. Mitsubishi recently opened a
new production plant
 in Indonesia to gear up for the new MPV's assembly.

The upcoming Mitsubishi XM is set to rival the Honda BR-V, Toyota Avanza and Suzuki Ertiga when it goes official later this year. Elsewhere, the Mitsubishi XM could underpin the next-generation Nissan Grand Livina, as Nissan holds a
34% stake
 in Mitsubishi.


Carlist.my Returns To Setia City Convention Centre For Drive: Auto Fair 2018

Following on from the huge success of last year, Carlist.my is returning to Setia City Convention Centre for Drive: Auto Fair 2018. Last year saw a whopping 20,000 visitors, and this year features a brand new theme as the fair runs from the 27th to the 29th of July. Brands this year will include BMW, Mazda, Isuzu, Subaru, Perodua, Nissan, Honda, and Maxus - all putting their best foot forward with their latest models and great exclusive deals and promotions to be had.
But perhaps the biggest advantage of the event is the ability to test drive the lion's share of models on display, as immediately as one would wish. This will happen just outside the halls at a prepared track area, giving customers a full experience before they decide whether they want to purchase a particular model. Also returning this year is Subaru's All-Wheel Drive Challenge, which showcases the versatility of their vehicles when heading off the beaten path.
To speed up the buying process during the exhibition, Hong Leong Bank will also be present to help customers facilitate payments towards their new vehicles. It's a real one-stop solution: you could come in to check out a car, and go home with a booking placed for a brand new one. For those with Honda vehicles, Honda will also be offering the Takata free airbag replacement program for affected models.
Now, if you're looking at a new car for the family, chances are you'll be bringing your family with you. Fret not, for there's something for everyone: indoor screenings of iflix's popular programs, an immersive Simworx racing simulator, hot air balloon rides, go-kart racing, and inflatables for kids will all be present for those who aren't browsing. Other participating brands include Maxis,  SOCAR, Ambipur, Ottoman, Trapo, Ninebot, Happy Fresh and Regal Valet will be offering their products and services with exclusive deals and discounts during the exhibition.
At the same time, Carlist.my will be giving away a brand new Nissan X-Trail Aero Edition worth RM150,000 together with other cool prizes to lucky winners who register, perform test drives or place a car purchase booking during the exhibition. In conjunction with Carlist.my’s #SafeDriving initiative, Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) together with Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) will be conducting road safety talks, workshops and simulation program for the visitors.
Public admission to the exhibition is free of charge. For more information about the exhibition and test drive booking, please visit
https://www.carlist.my/drive/shahalam/2018
.


Proton Offering Deals And Discounts Of Up To 70% On Parts  At The Alami Proton Carnival

Proton
 will be offering huge discounts on Proton Genuine Parts at their at their two-day
Alami Proton Carnival 2015
 which will be held from the 3
rd
 to 4
th
 of October.
The Carnival will be held at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam on the stated days from 10am to 7am, itself is organized in conjunction with Proton’s 30
th
 Anniversary.
Parts for selected Proton models such as the
Waja
,
Persona
,
Wira
, and
Saga
 would be slashed up to 70 percent off their original price with some purchasable for as low as RM1.00.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on these high quality but bargain-priced parts, Proton advises visitors and customers to come early as sales are based on a “first come, first served” basis.
Apart from the great deals and attractive ownership packages, visitors to the Alami Proton Carnival can have an up-close look at cars from a number of prominent Proton official car clubs.
Goers to the Carnival will be able to attend a first hand briefing on Proton’s safety technology, conducted by in-house experts. Additionally, there will be a plant tour which includes access to the Research and Development (R&D) building that houses concept vehicles and other technologies usually unseen by the public.
Visitors will get to experience the process of how a car is made, from ideation to clay modeling, as well witness some of Proton’s manufacturing processes.
Test drives, lucky draws, deals on new Proton cars, and other fun activities will also be on offer.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy Proton's 30th Anniversary promotions, where customers can opt for the 1.99% interest rate per annum on the
Iriz
, 100% financing scheme for government staff, incredible deals for students, low interest rates for other Proton cars and many more. All new owners of Proton will be covered under the 7 years extended warranty promotion.


Mercedes-Benz Releases Official Sketch Of Upcoming Concept GLC Coupé

Mercedes-Benz
 has released this official sketch of the upcoming GLC Coupé, scheduled to be unveiled in concept form at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show later this month. The brand say that the Concept GLC Coupé when revealed, is a near-production standard design study.
What you’re looking at here is a four-door crossover SUV with coupe-like lines that will go up against the
BMW
 X4 that has already been launched earlier. The GLC Coupé would be the second bodystyle for the GLK replacement, following Mercedes-Benz’s new naming nomenclature.
Take note that unlike its predecessor, the GLC Coupé will be produced in right-hand drive which could see the vehicle make its way here in the future once it makes its way to production.
With the recent introduction of the GLE-Class, GLE-Class Coupé and GLA-Class, the GLC Coupé will slot in between that gap in the brand’s portfolio of vehicles.


We Want Tesla In Malaysia, But We Definitely Don’t Need Them

Tesla has come a very long way from offering a somewhat obscure Lotus-based Roadster as their debutant vehicle, to now being the most high profile EV company in the world with big luxury saloons to
outlandishly angular pick-ups
.

Its fame and the movement it has helped cultivate has sprung up new markets and communities that religiously follow the ebb and flow of even the tiniest Tesla-induced ripple, something that has had a cascading effect on the demand of their cars abroad.

In Malaysia, their cars can be seen silently cruising our streets, a result of grey market importers capitalising on that trickle-down demand, acting as both early foreign ambassadors for the brand and as the inevitable status symbol for the fanciful forward-thinking eco-warrior to wear on their sleeve.

Naturally, the California-based company and their intrepid CEO have kept things close to the chest in their first few years but have relatively recently begun a more public worldwide push. China, which represents the world’s
fastest-growing market for electric vehicles
, has been on Tesla’s radar from the start and remains a key point of conquest despite the emergence of so many local competitors.

It seems like every Chinese enterprise with any capital whatsoever are interested in trying their luck in the EV space, so much so that keeping up with the catalogue of various brands and models and variants - and teasers and prototypes - quickly becomes a confusing affair.

Outside of China, many - if not all - legacy automakers have reoriented their vehicle R&D roadmaps to transition to electric vehicles. And that was years ago, so these half-decade long projects have already
started to bear fruit
. In 2021, Tesla is flanked by more direct competitors than most people know what to do with, so why do we even need them here in Malaysia?

Hypebeast

Well, for one thing, they’ve
entered the Singapore market
. At this point, their official presence in the island nation is all but confirmed with deliveries slated to begin as early as August, depending on how quickly the current global semiconductor shortage is resolved.

As previously mentioned, Tesla is pretty adept at positioning themselves on hype alone, so there will always be a contingent of prospective buyers whose choice was a foregone conclusion based on how much the car might impress those around him (or her). Only upon spending time with it, and assuming the experience is a positive one, will the new owner come to appreciate its less skin-deep attributes.

Across The Causeway

‘The grass is always greener on the other side’
, or so the saying goes. Fans of Tesla could be a little flustered that the brand they so covet are setting up shop just across the water from Johor Bahru. Even to a casual car enthusiast, that might seem tantalisingly close, so much so that it could be thought of as the final stepping stone into Malaysia.

Don’t hold your breath.

Singapore, among all the other markets Tesla could have entered, seems abnormally ideal: plenty of potential buyers with deep pockets (even with the bonkers levels of taxation involved), and a road network that’s
very geographically limited
.

Down there, you’re
never not in the city
, and therefore will never find yourself stranded with a fully
depleted battery
. There, range anxiety isn’t really a thing anymore, which will surely remove a huge red flag from any informed buyer’s list of pitfalls.

It’s a very different story in Malaysia. Our roads are much less organised, are often winding, and can stretch between states (because we have them). Despite
being homebound
 due to the pandemic, the sheer size and route potential of our road network is luxury we tend to overlook, but neither do they play well with an EV.

An EV's usable range is something that, while improving, can vary quite dramatically between what was advertised on the car. Fast chargers exist, of course, but in too few numbers and are too sparsely distributed.

Barring a
revolutionary step forward in battery technology
, EVs will always be limited by the size and capacity of their batteries, forcing us to seriously consider our routes and destination while simultaneously robbing us of that freedom of exploration we take for granted.

Plenty Of Alternatives, None Affordable (Yet)

For a lot of EV drivers, many of these concessions are entirely worthwhile, but for most Malaysians they represent a hurdle that’s difficult to overcome. However, before they can even consider the adaptations needed to live with an EV, many are turned away by the steep upfront cost.

Teslas aren’t cheap, neither are its rivals, and this is perhaps the biggest reason why we probably aren’t too inconvenienced by the brand’s continued absence here. It’s also the biggest reason why it’s worth waiting for the competition to creep in.

We can all probably agree that Malaysia isn’t quite ready for mass EV adoption and probably won't be for a fair few years. The same could also be said for the majority of the world, in fact. Blame the government and their
convoluted policies
 around EV introduction and their supposed incentivisation, or the lack of vehicle options that result from that, or our citizens too set in their ways and happy to enjoy subsidised low cost fuel. In the end, there just isn’t much momentum.

Unless it hurts our wallets, we won’t care. But the good news is, the influx of more mass market EVs could start to get us excited without pinching our purses. In time, likely due to Proton’s ties with Geely, the first wave of ‘mesra rakyat’ EVs will inevitably start to populate local showrooms, preceded by the usual hybrids and PHEV options to gradually warm up the masses to the joys of zero emissions motoring, even if only partly.

As demand naturally rises, even more automakers will want to enter the fray to meet it. Expect the majority of these to be Chinese-owned, too, in case that wasn’t already obvious, as the same successful tactics and strategies used to sway the middle class in China over to the EV fold will also be applied here given the many social and economic parallels.

Premium marques, such as those we’re familiar with from Europe and Japan, will start to replace their combustion-powered luxury cars across that same duration, and here is where Tesla might be able to step into the brawl.

We’ll Be Just Fine

There’s no need to artificially accelerate the rate of EV adoption on a local level. Time, as it always has, will democratise the high cost of electric vehicle ownership as the technology advances, leading us to gradually abandon fossil fuels as the need arises.

As a business, it is in Tesla’s best interest to inject a sense of artificial urgency, and their renewed presence in Singapore is just the start of a larger plan of attack to seize a beachhead on the burgeoning South East Asian automotive space. Fittingly, it’s in the one country where EV ownership is most likely to flourish.

It’s only a matter of time before more EV companies start to pounce on the latent potential in markets across this region, including Malaysia, and are able to leverage their own technologies, and manufacturing scale to bring about real change. It’ll be an offer we can’t refuse, but worth waiting for.

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.


MINI Malaysia Launches 2021 JCW 3 Door and 2021 Countryman JCW

MINI Malaysia has introduced the 2021 MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, coming in at RM303k and RM375k respectively.

No updated MINI lineup is complete until the John Cooper Works (JCW) crew joins them, which is why MINI Malaysia has decided to follow up the
F56 facelift pack
 with their sportier and more aggressive brothers, the 2021 JCW 3 Door and 2021 JCW
Countryman
.

2021 MINI John Cooper Works 3 door (RM303k)

Like the facelifted F56s, the 2021 MINI JCW 3 Door now comes with fresh design accents. A reduced surface design at the front gives way to a brand-new radiator grille-forming a single unbroken hexagon shape that extends all the way down to the bottom part of the front.

Within the hexagon grille, the safety bar assimilates seamlessly with the body colour, bringing attention to the red crossbar that runs across the front. Further elevating the look are the Adaptive LED headlights that are now enclosed in a new black inner housing – a design that is seen also in the taillights.

Befitting its motorsport identity, the New 2021 MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door also features enlarged and aggressive looking cooling air openings to ensure optimum temperature control of the drive and brake systems in sporty driving conditions. Model-specific side scuttles now decorate the front side panels and the rear apron – the latter which also features a distinctive diffuser to optimise airflow in the rear area of the underbody. A redesign at the rear also allows the two tailpipes of the sports exhaust system to be framed perfectly.

Piano Black exterior trims dress up the new MINI JCW 3 Door, with door handles, the MINI logo, and model badges receiving a high-gloss black treatment. The new Adaptive LED headlamps with variable light distribution and matrix function for the high beam lights also come as standard.

Powering the 2021 MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door is the venerable 2.0-litre 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine, developed with the racing expertise of John Cooper Works. It is paired to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, and the combo delivers up to 231 hp and 320 Nm of torque, capable of bringing it from 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. The new model has a top speed of 246 km/h. Fuel consumption is measured at 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

Helping with the stopping of the car are some Brembo sports brake systems consisting of four-piston calliper brakes with internally ventilated discs and red brake callipers bearing the JCW logos all around.

A new improved Adaptive Suspension set up with frequency selective dampening technology ensures an optimised balance between sportiness and ride comfort.

On the inside, the 2021 JCW 3 Door features a new steering wheel with horizontal spokes and a new design, with buttons integrated on an even surface with Piano Black finish, along with the John Cooper Works logo on the lower spoke. Lined with the new MINI Yours Aluminium Interior Surface, the cockpit presents a horizontal appearance stretched through enlarged décor parts. Finishing touches to the overall interior look include the introduction of new décor designs and air vents, making for a more modern ambience.

Additionally, the new MINI JCW 3 Door has also been outfitted with a redesigned centre instrument with an 8.8-inch touch display in black panel design, which houses a new operating system with a modernised graphic display. As a result, the selection and control of vehicle functions, audio programmes, navigation, communication and apps are now more intuitive according to MINI. For the first time, the Live Widget feature is also available via swiping motion on the touch display. Also utilising black panel technology is the new 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster display that shows relevant driving information.

Another welcome addition is the different interior Colour Worlds –"Lounge" and "Sports" –a feature tied to the display surfaces to set the mood of the drive. In "Lounge" mode, the display surfaces appear in relaxing shades of blue and turquoise, whereas switching to "Sports" mode causes the screen backgrounds to glow in red and anthracite.

On request, the Colour Worlds of the displays can be synchronised with the MINI Driving Modes that come standard in the MINI John Cooper Works 3 door. This allows for colour changes to occur in tandem with the accelerator pedal, steering characteristics and, optionally, the damper and gearshift characteristics. The result of this is an overall driving experience that is heightened by vivid visual sensations according to MINI.

Other equipments available include Dinamica Leather John Cooper Works Sport Seats, head-up display, Comfort Access system, MINI Driving Modes, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and Panoramic Sunroof.

The New 2021 MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door also comes with a host of driving assists as standard, consisting of the digital high-beam assistant, speed limit information, person warning with light city braking function and approach control warning with light city braking function. Both models also arrive with the Parking Assistant – a first for the MINI Cooper Works 3 Door – coupled with the Lane Departure Warning.

The operating system of the new MINI is now more polished, thanks to an updated graphics display and new connectivity features. The screen display has been given a new modern look, while options for selecting and controlling vehicle functions, the audio system, hands-free telephone system, navigation, and applications have also been expanded.

Advanced connectivity features, audio and navigation features are also now available as standard on the new models. These include the Digital Instrument Cluster, Teleservices, MINI Online, Intelligent Emergency Call, Remote Services, telephony with wireless charging, Concierge Services, MINI Navigation, and Apple CarPlay preparation.

For greater connectivity, the New MINI App can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The application is designed to offer an advanced user experience that is completely oriented towards a digital lifestyle, serving as a universal interface between any personal device and the MINI vehicle.

2021 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman (RM375k)

The facelift 2021 JCW Countryman has also received exterior and modern design accents, including a new radiator grille design. In addition, the lighting technology is now even more recognisable from the front, especially when it is emphasised with MINI's signature Union Jack light design.

Just like the 3-door, the JCW Countryman gets the Piano Black Exterior treatment.

On paper, the 2021 JCW Countryman is more powerful than its 3 Door sibling, equipped with the most powerful engine ever used in a MINI, a 2.0-litre 4-Cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine, along with an independent cooling system. This combination allows an impressive output of 306 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Paired with the intelligently controlled ALL4 all-wheel drive and 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the New 2021 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman goes from 0-100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds. This new model has a top speed of 250 km/h and has a fuel consumption figure of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

Giving the JCW Countryman its agility is a high-rigidity chassis, suspension and damping feature, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and electromechanical steering. Adaptive suspension and sports brake system consisting of four-piston fixed calliper disc brakes on the front wheels and a single-piston floating-calliper disc brakes on the rear wheels are also fitted on the 2021 JCW Countryman.

The interior has also been given a facelift, combining the sports car flair of the New 2021 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman with a contemporary, premium ambience. The 5.0-inch Digital Instrument Cluster display behind the steering wheel is now standard. Furthermore, the 8.8-inch colour display with touchscreen function is located on the characteristic central instrument panel with a bezel and touch-sensitive control panels in high-gloss Piano Black. Lastly, the 2021 JCW Countryman also receives a new steering wheel design which further refreshes its look. Exclusively for the new JCW Countryman is the MINI Yours Illuminated Interior Surface in Piano Black.

The JCW Countryman also gets the same sound system package, Dinamica Leather seats and panoramic roof as the 3 door. Driving assistants and connectivity features are also similar to its sibling.

The New 2021 MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door and the New 2021 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman come in exterior colour offerings in the exclusive Rebel Green, Midnight Black and White Silver. All colour offerings are accompanied by the roof colour in a striking Red.

Following the latest Movement Control Order, dealerships will be closed for physical viewing. Customers are encouraged to view and book online at the
MINI Online
 Shop platform, www.mini.my/minionlineshop


Frankfurt 2015: Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe Revealed In The Metal

Reporting to you live from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, here is the all-new
Mercedes
-AMG C 63 Coupe! It’s been
teased several times over
,
revealed in its full form with a monstrous 700Nm
 of torque variant, and we’ve even shown you the
limited Edition 1 version
. Now, live from Frankfurt, here is the all-new AMG C 63 Coupe in the metal.
As with the
C-Class Coupe that’s also making its motor show debut
, the two-door C-Class features a new look, highly reminiscent of the flagship S-Class Coupe. The big difference is of course the 4.0-litre biturbo (M 178) engine and AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT-7 transmission, which together, develops up to 510hp and 700Nm of torque.
Apart from what the eyes can see (exterior aerodynamic package), there is so much more to the AMG C 63 than the regular C-Class, such as reduced weight, improved rigidity, a model-specific rear axle carrier, electronic differentials (just for the S variant) and more.
Just like the AMG E 63 and AMG GT before this, the AMG C 63 comes in two variants, each packing the same powertrains, but tuned to deliver different outputs.
The regular C 63 has a power output of 476hp @ 5,500 to 6,250rpm, with 650Nm of torque made between 1,750 to 4,500rpm. That’s enough to launch the car from 0-100km/ in 4.0 seconds, with top speeds limited to 250km/h.
Then you have the even madder C 63 S, which on top of introducing a track-minded electronic differential to the rear axle, increases its total power and torque outputs to 510hp @ 5,500 to 6,250rpm and a staggering 700Nm of torque between 1,750 to 4,500rpm. As a result, 0-100km/h in sorted in 3.9 seconds, and is marginally heavier by 15kg than the non-S version, for a total of 1,725kg.
Coming to Malaysia?
You bet. The only question is when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia decide to bring this BMW M4-fighter over. We know the four-door BMW M3-fighting
AMG C 63 will come to us before the end of 2015
, and we’ve already seen
an Edition 1 C 63 roaming the streets of KL
.
Again, like the
C-Class Coupe’s arrival to our local shores
, we’re predicting either a Q1 or Q2 2016 arrival. And again, for cars like these, you best be on your ways to placing your bookings with your authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership right now.
READ ALSO: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Revealed @ Frankfurt Motor Show


GE15: Barisan Nasional promises to make EVs more affordable if they win the election

BN is trying to get EV lovers to vote for them by making EVs more affordable.

With just a little more than a week to go, the general election circus is fully underway, and many parties are starting to release their manifestos and promises ahead of the 15th General Election.

While some promises like public holidays and toll abolishment are somewhat uninspiring, one of the promises made by a particular party has managed to catch the attention of electric vehicle fans.

According to Barisan Nasional(BN) Chairman Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, If BN wins the election, one of the things that they will do to make sure electric vehicles (EV) are more accessible to Malaysians is to abolish AP (Approved Permits) fees for EV importers.

Suppose BN do actually win the election and deliver this particular promise, in that case, this waiver of EV AP fees could potentially lower the prices of EVs in Malaysia, making them more affordable to the masses.

Not only will the removal of the AP result in more affordable EVs, but it could also result in a
wider variety of EVs entering the market
, especially those cheaper ones from China and Korea.

The Ora R1 which has 300km of range is priced between RM37,894 – RM 49,300 in China

An AP is an import and export licence issued by

the Ministry of International Trade and Industry to import vehicles into Malaysia.

Although this promise does sound interesting, there's no timeline mentioned for the abolishment of these EV AP fees, which does let the mind wonder whether it is an empty promise or just another gimmick to get people to vote for them.

Currently, the government is already giving exemption of AP fees for EV importers until 31st December 2023. During the tabling of Budget 2023, the government
aims to extend the exemption of import tax and excise duties
 for EVs until 31st December 2024.


Paris 2018: Mazda Rotary Engine Set To Return As EV Range-Extender

Mazda’s iconic rotary engine is set to return in the near future, not to drive the wheels directly but as a compact, lightweight on-board back-up generator to charge an electric-powered Mazda, otherwise known as a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV).
At the ongoing 2018 Paris Motor Show, Mazda has confirmed that they will introduce two new battery electric vehicles (BEVs), one powered solely by battery, while the other has a range-extender engine for those unplanned longer distance drives.
The range-extender engine will not use pistons like a regular engine, but Mazda’s signature compact and lightweight rotary engine. Mazda says that the rotary engine’s compact size and high power output makes it ideal to used as a range-extender.
Mazda did not reveal more details, nor showcase a prototype with a current generation Mazda model but in the past, the company have presented a working concept of the same idea, using a previous generation Mazda 2 (Demio).
Photo credit:
car.watch.impress


2015 McLaren-Honda F1 Racer Unveiled: The Return Of A Legend

Call it the MP4-30. Call it the 2015 McLaren-Honda F1 car. Call it what you want. Whatever you call it, rest-assured that this is the stuff of legend. 23 years ago, a partnership lived: one that many would call the most fearsome pairing in all of the sport’s history. 1988 to 1991. Four world constructors’ championships. Four drivers’ championships. Ayrton Senna. Day-glow orange. Tobacco advertising. Goosebumps yet?
It’s obvious that we at Carlist.my doesn’t always report on the happenings of Formula 1, but given the sport’s recent downturn for charm, we can’t help but get a little bit more excited than we should when something this big rolls out of the pit-box.
And so we have what we have here today (catch the movie reference, anyone?), the return of the McLaren-Honda era, in the form of the unveiling of its 2015 racer. Gorgeous, isn’t it? The chrome-based livery is McLaren-esque through and through, and the car itself looks properly good – unlike the recent obscenity with phallic objects we’ve come to see in recent years.
But more excitingly, if you look down the nose of the car, you find that iconic and oh so familiar ‘H’ logo rather than the previous three-pointed star. The engine cover is adorned with the same, this time in full. Honda is back.
While this may not be the full form of the car, its liveries are what you can expect to see throughout the season. We expect to see a more complete version of the racer at the coming first test session of the year in Jerez, Spain, where Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button will have some pretty massive shoes to fill in an attempt to maintain all the hype.
Honda aren’t messing around either. Back after a six-year absence from the sport, Honda’s engineers have been hard at work to do nothing short of successful return to F1.
A “no-compromise” approach, as Honda’s motorsports chief Yasuhira Arai says. “As you can see with the new MP4-30, we’ve dedicated ourselves as one team with McLaren to create a new car that compromises on nothing. Either power or aerodynamics,” said Arai.


Jalan Johar Will Be Fully Closed From June 23 To August 1, 2015

MMC-Gamuda KVMRT (PDP) Sdn Bhd has issued in a statement that a full closure will be implemented at the slip road to Jalan Johar from the SPRINT Highway (KL-bound) near Pusat Bandar Damansara from June 23 to August 1, 2015.
This is to facilitate construction works for the Pusat Bandar Damansara MRT station where bore piling for Entrance B and roff truss installation will take place.
During the closure, motorists from Kuala Lumpur heading towards Jalan Johar would be diverted to go straight along the SPRINT Highway before taking the exit to Intan/Mon’t Kiara and keep left on the left most lane to make a U-turn at the traffic light to head back to SPRINT Highway and continue to Jalan Johar.
Motorists from Kuala Lumpur heading to Petaling Jaya would not be affected with the road closure.