SEA's longest cross-country EV charging network is now operational

The
Shell Recharge high-performance charging (HPC) network
 for charging EVs is now complete from Singapore to Thailand.

This also marks the
 longest cross-country EV charging network
 between Malaysia and our neighbouring countries thanks to the collaboration between Shell Malaysia and Porsche Asia Pacific.

Seamless EV charging connectivity

The Shell Recharge HPC EV charging network started out at the station located in
Tangkak, Johor
 earlier this year. Just before the year ends, the network now consists of six Shell Recharge HPC sites here in Malaysia which can be found at the locations throughout the North-South Expressway (NSE) stated below:

Shell Hentian Tangkak Lay-By (South Bound)

Shell Hentian Pagoh Rest Area (North Bound)

Shell Hentian RTC Simpang Pulai (North Bound)

Shell Hentian Tapah RSA NSE (South Bound)

Shell Hentian Seremban R&R NSE (North Bound)

Shell Hentian Seremban R&R NSE (South Bound)

Located less than 200km between the stations, the network now enables EV owners to explore more without having to go through that dreaded range anxiety. Charging times are also kept low thanks to 180kW DC fast chargers equipped at the Shell Recharge HPC stations.

Reserve charging bay slots using the ParkEasy app

The HPC charging bays can also be reserved via Shell's ParkEasy app. This will allow EV owners to book the bay for charging up to 60 minutes in advance to ensure that the charging bay is ready and waiting for you once you arrive at your selected HPC charging station.

Other features include navigation as well as other necessities offered by Shell at their petrol stations. With all of these stations now operational, travelling across the country and even to Singapore or Thailand should be a more pleasant experience for EV owners.


Empty Promises: Where Are Our Racetracks?

With the talk of Open Road International Circuit (ORIC) up in Langkawi, we can't help but be a little skeptical.

It has long been said that Malaysians need another racetrack besides Sepang International Circuit. We're talking about a properly sized one - not one that's meant more for go-karts and motorbikes - and that would mean something like the long-demolished Batu Tiga circuit, or the effectively defunct Pasir Gudang circuit down in Johor.

Why do we need racetracks?

Racetracks are the safest place for car and bike enthusiasts to explore the limits of their cars and enjoy them without the risk of getting thrown in jail or killing somebody else on the road. It's that simple - the same way you would play football on a pitch or court instead of doing it out in the middle of a busy street.

Isn't Sepang good enough?

Sepang International Circuit is a fantastic circuit, but there are a few of problems with it. The most significant is that being built to FiA Grade 1 standards (to accommodate Formula 1), it is naturally an extremely expensive track to build, which also means it is an extremely expensive track to rent or use. Another major issue is that Sepang is a massive circuit and is really geared more for sports cars and supercars rather than the vast majority of track enthusiasts with lower powered vehicles.

Didn't the government promise a track in every state?

It's amazing if you can remember the government mentioning this, because many seem to have forgotten - and yes, it was Khairy Jamaluddin who said this back in 2018. He said that in the next 5 to 10 years (2023 to 2028), the government of that time would aim to build a racing circuit in every state to help develop local talents. Unfortunately when you look at the Pahang Motoring Sports Circuit in Jengka, Pahang, you can't find anything regarding its progress or completion, despite RM 40 million being thrown at it.

What about privately owned tracks?

There have been a couple of privately owned tracks here that were proposed, but never followed through on. Go as far back as 2006, and while the records are definitely hard to track down there was a company known as Motorsports Knights that was supposed to build a small circuit in the Bukit Jalil area known as the Integrated Motor Sports Centre - and unfortunately the project fell apart after the Youth and Sports Ministry, the operator of the Bukit Jalil sports complex, and Perbadanan Stadium Merdeka fell out with the company. There is still an ongoing legal case, with suing and countersuing - but either way, we don't have a track.

One other notable case is of FASTrack Iskandar down in Johor that was supposed to be a glorious international level circuit - a little smaller than Sepang, but definitely something high-enough grade to run Asia GT level races on. This was first announced back in 2012, being a four-kilometre long layout on a 100-hectare site. Expected to be completed in 2016 to the tune of RM 3 billion (courtesy of Singaporean investment), it was put on indefinite hold come 2018 citing the cancelling of the KL-Singapore High Speed Rail as a reason to shelve the project.

Why does this keep happening?

There are a couple of theories surrounding why these racetracks aren't happening, or are announced and then mysteriously shelved. The former is more a case of zoning and land acquisition, which can be especially tricky even when state governments are involved. The latter has more sinister rationales - either grabbing the land to repurpose it and resell it further on or to lure in external investment and shuttering the project.

Regardless of the reasoning, the end result is Malaysians still don't have very many racetracks to use. Spare a thought for our brothers and sisters in
East Malaysia
, who have next to nothing when it comes to motorsport venues. All of this leads back to the announcement of Open Road International Circuit up in Langkawi.

With a
supposed RM 1.3 billion
 being poured in, it is expected to boost the economy of Langkawi island being part race-circuit, part residential, part hotel, and part high-end shopping destination. That sounds like far too many things to realistically juggle, but even if the racetrack alone was to be developed it's no easy feat. Expected to be modelled after the Nurburgring in Germany, the 5.8 kilometre racetrack will be aimed more at supercar and sports car owners storing their cars on the island.

The circuit is expected to start development in this quarter and have the track ready by the third quarter of 2023. If they really manage to pull this off it would be a great addition, albeit one largely inaccessible by many Malaysians and still something not entirely suited to the vast majority of Malaysian automotive enthusiasts. That being said, it may spur the development of smaller circuits around the country as a proof of concept, and we may actually see a return to form for
Malaysian motorsports
.


2014 Proton Iriz Quick Review To Penang: Turning Over More Than A Few Leaves

It’s an open and mutual feeling that
Proton
 has a lot on their shoulders for this one. In what the national carmaker believes is the dawn of a new era for itself, the
2014 Proton Iriz
 is here with a heavy burden on its shoulders: to reignite the spark within the company, and in their closer sights,
claim back some of the market share Perodua’s Myvi
 holds on to so dearly. At its
official launch
, and preceding
preview event
, we were quite impressed with everything we could see and touch about the Proton Iriz. Crucially, it had a price range that directly put all of its variants
in contention with the Perodua’s Myvi line-up
, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
 Loaded with safety features
from its base up
, the Iriz seemed a fresh take on a type of car that currently outsells anything else in the country. For us, there was really only one thing left to do: drive it. We did have a
short run in the 1.3-litre Standard manual variant
 at the Alami Proton Carnival; this time around, we were in for a slightly extended drive of the car.
The Cars: 1.3-litre Executive manual, 1.6-litre Premium CVT called
 Three variants of the all-new Iriz were prepared for this media drive which would take us from KL to Ipoh to Penang and back: A manual 1.3-litre Standard (RM46k – RM49k), and a CVT automatic 1.6-litre Executive and Premium (RM53k – RM62k). In the Peninsular, Proton tells us that the 1.6-litre Premium is a current clear favourite, out-selling all other Iriz variants. East Malaysia tends to favour the 1.3-litre types, in manual. Both engines are new, developed in-house, and power the car’s entire line-up. They share the same cast-iron CamPro blocks, but a lot of the main components such as the valvetrain and cylinder heads are fresh designs entirely. It’s a different story for the transmissions, however. The manual five-speed boxes are courtesy of Getrag (Germany), while the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is from makers Punch (Belgium).
Equipment and features inside the car
 of course vary. The range-topping 1.6-litre has leather semi-bucket seats, a 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen, a multi-function steering wheel, keyless entry with a push-start button, and a full-six airbags – it is however a bit stingy with offering a central dome light. The 1.3-litre here makes do without the abovementioned accessories, has fabric seats and a 2-DIN radio head unit instead, and the grab handles are gone for everyone except the front passenger. Also, it’s not like us to normally share our personal views on a car’s exterior design (we’re firm believers of beauty being in the eye of the beholder), but we’re going out on a limb to say that this is a very good-looking car. The heads turned our direction during the trip were countless, and a legit mark of the Iriz’s attention-grabbing capacity on the road. With 15-inch alloys on the 1.6-litre and 14-inchers on the 1.3-litre, other exterior differences include fog lamps on the 1.3-litre and LED daytime running lights on the 1.6-litre, an added rear diffuser and slightly more chrome bits around.
Driving impressions:
 Having established what’s exactly on the table, let’s get on with driving the car. From the inside where you’ll spend the majority of your time with the Iriz, it’s equally impressive stuff – and no, we’re not just saying it, as you may think. Here’s an honest truth:
INTERIOR:
 The cabin itself feels slightly more snug-fit than it does in a Perodua Myvi, but the overall look and layout feels a lot more improved and contemporary. Lots of pockets and cubby holes are available where you’ll most likely appreciate them daily, and there’s a sort of feeling like the cabin’s just a very easy place to nestle yourself in to for an extended journey.
MATERIALS:
 The extensive use of hard plastics is acceptable considering the sort of price tags we’re dealing with here, but there is an upside for an equal downer. On the up, the fit and finish is fantastic, and there’s a large use of textured surfaces rather than flat, shiny panels and switches – we even like the faux stitching. On the downside, the plastics aren’t very comfortable to rest against, and are very easily scratched, leaving lasting memories of where the sharp corners of your watch or fingernails came in contact with. A dog with its paws on the dashboard is strongly advised against.
RIDE COMFORT:
 With a common suspension geometry shared between all Iriz models, we can tell you that both variants here ride with a fair amount of comfort. It’s not the most comfortable B-segmenter we’ve been in, and there is significant notice of simply driving over the littlest cracks on the road – but the trade-off is a chassis that almost sticks to the tarmac like glue.
HANDLING:
 Proton’s chief technical officer, Abdul Rashid Musa, tells us that unlike some of their previous models that featured handling tuned by Lotus, the Iriz’s focus from the beginning was far from this – when quizzed, Rashid told members of the media that Lotus’ involvement was no more than a “pinch.” Regardless, there still seems to be some decent balance between a comfort and sporty ride. Overall, where handling is concerned, there’s a certain humble charm about driving the Iriz (either variant) that’s genuinely fun – it’s a car that handles far better than its engine’s performance figures. Dare we call this the Malaysian MINI?
NOISE:
 Cabin noise insulation isn’t one of the Iriz’s best traits. Passing vehicles are audible, let alone the CVT transmission’s whine at high speeds can be irritable if you bury the throttle pedal into the carpet. The engine’s roar is at high revs is equally intrusive.
Driving the 1.6-litre Premium:
 The new normally-aspirated 1.6-litre VVT engine in the Proton Iriz has enough power to do all the highway and city tasks you may ask of it: overtaking, whizzing away from a traffic light, etc. Its only setback comes in the form of the Punch CVT unit, which we understand is a clutch-type CVT, rather than a torque-converter-type one – as in the all-new Honda Jazz/ City, for example. You can learn more
about these CVT transmissions here
. The Belgian-made CVT employed in the Iriz drives a little bit sluggishly, and doesn’t respond so well to your throttle inputs: there’s a lapse between how high the revs are and actual road speed. Being too aggressive and expecting the car to leap forwards in sync with your right foot will only ruin your fuel consumption. There’s also one way to drive it economically, and that’s with a careful ear, listening and feel for when it’s best to increase your throttle input. No complaints over its equipment and accessories, though it should be mentioned that the Android-based interface within the touch-screen display does look and function great. The designations for the icons used aren’t instantly recognisable for what they do, and the touch sensitivity of the screen itself isn’t fantastic – aim and pressure of your finger’s touch need honing, but there is an extensive list of applications within the systems to explore once you get that right.
Driving the 1.3-litre Executive:
 Just like the 1.6-litre variant we drove, both these engines were far from being run-in properly, and were inevitably ‘tight’ – the sentiment is more so realised in the 1.3-litre model, which we expected a lot more from. But again, to be fair, these cars were nearly right out of the factory, some with barely 1,000km clocked. Even still, there’s a fair amount of pulling power sent to the front wheels via the five-speed Getrag manual transmission. Physically, shifts feel good with the gear lever itself snapping into place sharply – the shift gate pattern is clearly and easily navigated at first try. Also, the gear ratios are very different now, with a much taller fifth gear that keeps the Iriz's revs in the 3,000 range even at speeds of 120 to 130km/h. Fourth gear is a lot shorter (too short, we felt). In driving within territories of 100km/h, you'll find yourself changing between fourth and fifth gears for overtaking and hill-climbing, but on flatter highways, you can reap the benefits of better fuel consumption, or appreciate higher speeds without overworking the engine. Fully depressed, the clutch pedal travel from the floor to where the clutch itself bites upon release is long and spares you from the embarrassment of easily stalling the engine. However, those more familiar with a shorter clutch pedal travel (myself included) will need some adjusting. For spec, you do lose a touchscreen display, leather seats and a few other things, but they are easily departed with. What do you get, regardless of variant, is a full set of safety features, nicely shaped fabric seats with good side cushion support, and all the trappings of space, ride comfort and fuel economy of the Iriz. Notably, Hill Hold Assist is also a standard feature throughout the Iriz range, even on its manual variants – this gives you a couple of extra seconds on a steep hill to get your foot off the brake pedal and on to the accelerator to balance lifting off the clutch. Neat!
Fuel Economy Challenge:
 With two variants of the Iriz available, Proton’s hired, experienced, event organisers let us sample the Proton Iriz’s fuel consumption by forcing us to replicate real-world situations with a test route. With the air-conditioning controls and trip controls sealed off from our fiddling and the fuel-filler taped up, we were given a 185km route (some city and mostly highway driving included) and a time limit of two hours to get from point A to B. This was to ensure that none of us would abnormally save fuel by either shutting off the air-conditioning completely, or taking too much of a ‘stroll’ en route to our destination. Sparing you from too many details, the best real-world fuel consumption figures achieved by members of the media on the 1.3-litre five-speed manual Iriz were 6.5-litres/100km, while the 1.6-litre CVT model scored a best 6.4-litres/100km. However, with there being cleverly-calculated penalties in place for late arrivals (0.3-litres/100km added for every 5 minutes late), the scores were tabulated at 7.4-litres/100km and 7.8-litres/100km respectively for the 1.3 and 1.6-litre variants.
Verdict:
 The general feeling we’re getting from Proton surrounding its all-new 2014 Iriz isn’t so much that they’ve finally got a Myvi-killer on their hands. Yes, it does give Perodua something to think about, but it appears more to be a sort of turning point for the national carmaker - hence the repeating of the Iriz being the real “Game Changer” by many within Proton. After the Iriz,
a lot more is said to come
 from the all-new platform and powertrains developed for this one car. Just what exactly those are, we’ll be revealing to you in the coming days, but some hints of that include new engines, new models and new directions. Stay tuned for that as we gather more information in the meantime. Back to the Iriz itself, and yes, there are ups and downs, but these are natural to any carmaker at the dawn of revamping its brand identity and products. The fact however remains that, for exactly the same money you’d spend on a super successful Perodua Myvi, there is an equally priced Proton Iriz which looks and is newer, offers far more crucial active and passive safety features, and a lot more kit/ features for your buck. Bear in mind, though, that this is purely a review of an all-new Proton model, and not one of the company’s aftersales services and beyond. At this stage, the Iriz looks a top product, but it’ll take some time before time itself reveals if or not any problems exist beyond this point. There is however a five-year warranty and a three-year free service package there to sweeten the deal.
*This story first appeared on
Live Life Drive


LEKAS Highway Contra Flow To Last Until Friday

A  2.5 kilometer contra flow will be in effect along the Kajang-Seremban Highway between Semenyih and Pajam for five days, starting yesterday. Motorists will be affected from KM8.8 to KM11.3.
A statement from LEKAS stated that the contra flow will be used between 10pm and 6am to avoid as much daytime congestion as possible. It is to facilitate beam installation works for the Majestic Eco interchange construction at KM10.9.
"The beam installation works will involve the lane closures for directions to Kajang and Seremban in stages,"


Review: Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe – New Suit For An Aging Champ

When the Hollywood Blockbuster Movie “Jurassic World” was about to be released in cinemas back in 2015, the level of excitement and anticipation went through the roof.
Not only was the highly successful Jurassic Park franchise making a comeback after a 14-year hiatus, but there was also going to be a new “villain” dinosaur this time– a hybrid called the Indominus Rex, which was smarter, bigger, and more brutal than the good ol' T-Rex which terrorised the previous movies.
Petrolheads on the other hand, also had a reason to look forward to Jurassic World as Mercedes-Benz, having tied up with Universal Pictures since 1997, was going to show off their latest, and arguably most “gempak”  models at that time in all their glory in the film.
They were the new Unimog, G-Class, G63 AMG 6x6, and the model we’re looking at now – the new GLE Coupe.
Specifications
Price: RM719,888 (CBU, OTR without Insurance)
Engine: 3.0-litre, V6 Bi-turbo, Petrol
Power: 390 PS at 6,100 rpm
Torque: 520 Nm from 1,800 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Safety: AEB, Cross-Traffic Detection, Blind Spot Assist, LKA, Attention Assist, 360-degree camera
Origin: Fully imported from Germany
Overview
Here to take on the BMW X6, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe was Mercedes-Benz’s first ever model in the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) segment which was created by BMW back in 2008 with the introduction of the X6.
Offered in three trim levels in Malaysia when it was launched in 2016, the GLE 43 Coupe is the range-topping model, followed by the GLE 400 Coupe and GLE 450 AMG 4Matic Coupe variants.
Currently offered on a per order basis in the Malaysian market, the GLE 43 Coupe is priced at RM718,888 OTR without insurance.
Similar to other AMG 43 models offered here like the C43 Sedan, C43 Coupe, E43 Sedan, GLC 43, GLC 43 Coupe, and the SLC 43, the GLE 43 Coupe here is powered by a 3.0 litre biturbo V6 engine offering 390 PS and 520 Nm of torque, paired with the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.
The powertrain package enables the GLE 43 Coupe to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.
Standard equipment of the AMG GLE 43 Coupe includes:
Autonomous emergency braking, cross-traffic detection
Active blind spot assist
Active lane keeping assist
Active cruise control (Distronic) with steering pilot
Drowsiness detection (Attention Assist)
360-degree camera
Airmatic air suspension
21-inch alloy wheels
LED headlamps, adaptive high beams
Electric panoramic glass sunroof
Keyless entry and start
Powered tailgate
Infotainment: Comand Online
Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound
Rear seat entertainment
Exterior
Visually, the GLE 43 Coupe is something that you either love or absolutely hate. Combining the attributes of the regular GLE SUV such as high ground clearance and all-wheel drive technology with the styling of a coupe, the GLE Coupe, although not a two-door vehicle, features a low and sloping roofline, giving it a much sportier appearance compared to its boxy counterpart.
We particularly like how it looks from the front – simple, yet sporty and massive. The side and rear profile however, took some time to get used to due to the proportions.
Whether you find it handsome or ugly, there is no denying the fact that it turns heads due to its sheer massive presence. Plus, the fact that there are way fewer GLE Coupes out there compared to the X6 makes the Merc even more unique.
Believe it or not, even a few supercar owners around Subang Jaya and Bangsar gave the nod of approval when we dropped by places like Empire Mall and the Bangsar Shopping Centre just to check out how the “Atas” people react to this model.
Measuring 4,900 mm long, 1,731 mm in height, and 2,129 mm wide with a 2,915 mm wheelbase, the GLE Coupe is 9 mm shorter in length, 66 mm narrower, and 17 mm lower in height compared to the BMW X6. The GLE Coupe’s wheelbase on the other hand, is 18 mm less than the Bimmer. So, in terms of proportions, both contenders are quite similar.
Interior
As flashy as it is on the outside, the GLE Coupe’s interior is rather simple. Since this was a model which was launched back in 2015, the dashboard design and layout are from the previous generation, before the glorious era of ambient lighting and the fully digital double 12.3-inch HD displays came into the picture.
Although the cabin looks dated, build quality and refinement is impressive. In fact, the GLE Coupe feels a tad more luxurious than the X6.
There is Artico synthetic leather upholstery, Nappa leather-clad steering wheel, a generous dose of carbon fibre trimming, Harman Kardon premium audio system, two screens and a DVD player for rear occupants, four rear air-cond vents, and a retractable panoramic sunroof.
Despite having some space compromised due to the coupe-ish styling, four lanky individuals can still sit in the GLE Coupe without feeling claustrophobic. Compared to the X6, the GLE Coupe’s rear seats are actually more generous with head space.
To store luggage, there is 400 litres of space with the rear seats up, and 1,610 litres with the seats folded flat. In case you’re wondering how much boot space the X6 has to offer, there is 580 litres with seats up and 1,525 litres with the seats folded.
The only thing we didn’t like about the GLE Coupe is that the rear visibility is limited due to the low-slung roof. If not for the surround camera and reverse sensors, manoeuvring and parking the GLE Coupe would have been an absolute nightmare.
Driving it
Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine good for 390 PS and 520 Nm of torque which is delivered to all four wheels via a new nine-speed transmission, the GLE 43 Coupe, despite its massive weight of close to 3 tons, is one quick behemoth capable of sprinting from zero to hundred in under 6 seconds.
There are five driving modes to choose from – Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual, Snow – each with their own transmission mapping, steering sensitivity, throttle response level, and suspension stiffness.
In the city and highways, Comfort mode made the most sense as things were in a civilised manner. The exhaust wasn’t growling too much, the dampers were not too stiff and tolerated uneven surfaces respectably, yet there was so much power available when we needed to accelerate or overtake.
Once we switched to Sports mode, things got more exciting as the exhaust note became louder, the steering felt heavier, and the suspensions stiffened up, making the GLE Coupe ready for some aggressive driving.
For those who like to live dangerously and want more excitement, there is the Sport Plus mode, in which the GLE 43 Coupe is in its most aggressive form. Unless you have the experience and the skills to handle so much power, our advice is to stick to Sport mode as Sport Plus can be a bit too aggressive at times.
Last but not the least, there is the Individual mode where one can set his or her own preferred combinations of steering sensitivity, suspension stiffness and Drivetrain settings.
Thanks to the vehicle’s weight, tweaked chassis, and the wide tyres, the GLE Coupe felt totally planted around corners, although it did tend to understeer when corners were approached a bit too fast.
As fun as it was around twisty bends, it didn’t feel as composed as you would feel in the BMW X6, and lacked the finesse which is offered by the Porsche Cayenne.
But in all, the GLE 43 Coupe is still a fun and powerful vehicle to drive. However, if you’re all about driving dynamics, the X6 would be the better option.
Conclusion
After many years, the BMW X6 finally has a worthy rival in the form of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe. On the bright side, the GLE Coupe is more powerful (384 hp VS 306 hp), comes with an arguably better built cabin, offers more space in the rear seats, and also a longer list of standard equipment.
However, there are a few issues with the GLE 43 Coupe. Priced at RM718,888, it costs about RM90,000 more than the X6 xDrive35i M Sport which was last sold for RM628,800, and is available only upon special request to BMW Group Malaysia at the moment (price upon application).
Besides that, the fact that the GLE Coupe is aging becomes obvious the moment you get into the car.
We are in an era where screens have replaced buttons and levers, where lights in the cabin do much more than to help us see, and even thumbdrives have become obsolete with the rise of Bluetooth and Cloud.
And after getting used to all these new gizmos, looking at the GLE Coupe which still has a DVD slot, a dashboard full of buttons, and no digital air-conditioning controls, will definitely turn many potential buyers off.
This may even be the reason why we barely see the GLE 43 Coupe on the road. So, until Mercedes-Benz updates the GLE 43 Coupe and brings it up to speed to be on the same page as its newer products, the latest models will remain as the preferred choice.


This EV Battery Can Be Fully Charged In Under 10 Minutes

The two main questions that are always surrounding
electric cars
 or EVs are 1) how far can you travel in one, and 2) how fast can you charge the battery. The answer? Further and faster as we head deeper into the future. Congrats, Sherlock Holmes. You for sure cracked the case on this one.

Anyway, a new age of lithium-ion batteries with silicon anodes is currently being tested in the world of
EVs
. According to those who are heavily invested in it, silicon-anode lithium-ion batteries can apparently be charged from 0-100% in less than 10 minutes.

*Image credit: Enovix

Silicon-anode lithium-ion batteries - fast-charging batteries?

Enovix, one of the leaders in advanced silicon-anode lithium-ion battery development and production, is currently very invested in this very tech. Their test units are said to be able to maintain 93% of their overall capacity even after exceeding 1,000 charges as well as months of testing at elevated temperatures.

Enovix's battery tech has already been implemented in products like smartwatches (but they did not specify for which brand or company). Plus, they were also able to come up with this silicon-anode lithium-ion batteries in different sizes. The possibilities are seemingly endless for this, especially in
BEVs
.

*Image credit: Tesla

What's good about silicon anode?

Compared to graphite, the usual suspect and material for anode usage, using silicon as an alternative offers bigger energy storage capacity as well as faster charging speeds. On the downside, silicon's main problems lie in its technical issues like swelling, which is the reason why graphite was chosen in the first place.

With that being said, Enovix also claims that its 'BrakeFlow' tech is able to negate that major issue which increases the overall abuse tolerance in
lithium-ion batteries
. If this is true, then EV batteries with silicon anodes are indeed destined for the future of electric mobility.

*Image credit: Enovix

Who else is working on this new EV tech?

Apart from Enovix, the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) is also invested in other companies like Amprius and Nanoramic who are working on silicon-anode battery tech for EVs.

Another company called Enevate is working on a different type of silicon anode with several EV manufacturers for some juicy 2024 models from the likes of
Renault
,
Nissan
, and
Mitsubishi
. They claim that their battery tech can travel up to 400km with only a five-minute charge (no mention of kW rate or battery capacity, unfortunately).


Upcoming world premiere: The All-New Mitsubishi Triton set to debut on July 26, 2023

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand has officially announced the highly anticipated world premiere of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton, scheduled for July 26, 2023. The global unveiling will be broadcasted from Thailand.

The announcement of the world premiere was accompanied by a series of teaser videos showcasing its new engineering and design.

Mitsubishi has confirmed that the Triton will be based on an entirely new ladder frame
and will be equipped with a cutting-edge "clean diesel turbo" engine, promising increased capabilities and likely surpassing the power of its predecessors.

The forthcoming model is expected to offer enhanced off-road performance and improved utilitarian features while maintaining excellent road manners, thanks to its newly developed platform and powertrain.

In one of the teasers, Mitsubishi shared an image of the newly designed chassis, featuring what looks like an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a leaf-sprung rear suspension. Another image revealed the new turbo-diesel engine, although specific details about its configuration and performance remain undisclosed.

Rumour has it that higher-end variants of the Triton may even feature twin-turbo power.

According to Mitsubishi, the newly developed clean diesel turbo engine focuses on improving environmental performance by reducing friction loss while achieving higher output.

In addition to the engine advancements, the all-new Triton will boast a redesigned ladder frame, double-wishbone front suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension, providing an optimal balance between driving performance and ride comfort.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the new Triton's interior is expected to draw inspiration from the recently released Mitsubishi Outlander SUV, offering a blend of comfort and advanced technology.

Stay tuned for further teasers and comprehensive details as the all-new Mitsubishi Triton makes its highly anticipated world debut in Bangkok at 1:00 pm on July 26.


2015 Mazda CX-3 Opens For Bookings: RM120k, Top-Spec Variant Only

So, here’s an ad many have long waited for, we reckon. Spotted on Carlist.my’s classified’s site is the all-new 2015
Mazda CX-3
. While the model hasn’t officially been launched yet, dealerships are clearly eager to get their all-new
Honda

HR-V
 fighter off and running.
We contacted the dealer ourselves to verify the listing, and yes, make no mistake about what you’re seeing here, this one’s for real.
*Check out
other Mazda model listings here
For now, the SA we spoke to says that only the sole, top-spec variant is being listed, presumably while Bermaz Motor sorts out if or not there will be further lower-spec variants. So far, we’ve seen the CX-3’s sibling, the
Mazda 2
, only offered as one variant, albeit for the two body styles (sedan, hatchback).
Still, going off what highlights this dealer has outlined, it looks like a very competitive kit is being offered, a list that could very well challenge the steam-rolling Honda HR-V.
Other competitors for the all-new CX-3 include the
Ford EcoSport
, and the
Peugeot 2008
: all featuring B-segment hatch platforms which underpin a compact SUV’s body.
The estimated price for the CX-3 lines up accurately to what we
reported on earlier as well
, which was a Bermaz in-house magazine (Zoom Zoom, 2015 Volume 1).
The magazine depicted similar specifications to this listing, showing a SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol engine option paired with a SkyActiv-DRIVE six-speed torque converter automatic.
Total output for the vehicle is rated at 150hp and 204Nm of torque. Although, this listing rates the output at 155hp and 200Nm of torque – let’s wait on Bermaz before finalising that point.
Other key highlights of the fully-imported (CBU Japan) top-spec CX-3 include an MZD Connect infotainment system, Head-Up Display, leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System, Hill-Launch Assist, six airbags and more.
Officially, we also hear that the 2015 Mazda CX-3 is due for a local launch come November, this year.
Check out the listing for yourselves
 to see what else is coming.


Know Your Car's Basic Safety System

Vehicle safety has come along way. There are so many technological advancements that have made the automobile safer than ever before. On top of cutting edge safety advancements, the price of basic safety systems has also come down, making it more accessible than before. This basic safety systems usually involve braking management as it is the frontline deterrent for accidents.

With that being said, most of the necessary safety systems are now available in most cars and to help make the car's pamphlet smaller; the safety description has been shortened to two or three-words, so let's look at what they are in detail. You may have heard terms such as ABS, EBD, BA and ESC, but what do they mean actually?

ABS

ABS stands for Anti-Lock Braking System. ABS prevents the wheels from fully locking up, giving you some traction during emergency braking. If the wheels lock up, the car tends to slide, and you will have no control whatsoever. This is one of the oldest safety systems for automobiles. A Frenchman named Gabriel Voisin created ABS in 1929. He was a pioneer in the aviation industry during world war one who later turned his genius to the automotive industry.

EBD

EBD is short for Electronic Brake Force Distribution. It works hand in hand with ABS as it is responsible for distributing brake power to all wheels. The EBD will automatically adjust braking on each wheel so that at least some wheels are unlocked. EBD can also increase a vehicle's traction on the road. Usually, the front end carries most of the weight, so EBD distributes less braking power to the rear so that they do not lock up and cause a skid. Some systems will apply brake pressure at the rear during initial braking.

BA

Brake Assist is a system which will swiftly apply the brakes when it senses that the driver is committing to an emergency brake. Compared to a vehicle that doesn't have a BA system, cars equipped with it most times brake faster thanks to the ECU which helps out with the braking response time. For example, when the driver stomps on the brake, the BA will kick in and add extra braking power for the driver.

ESC

Electronic Safety Control is a system which helps to restabilise a vehicle. ESC sensors which are located at the wheels detect slipping and braking. What it does after identifying this is to restabilise the car, usually by trying to regain traction and making the car flat once again.


Even McLaren can't resist the money-making SUV temptation

McLaren are apparently working on a Ferrari Purosangue and Lamborghini Urus rival.

Just as we thought that McLaren was one of the only supercar makers
not willing to cave into the SUV craze
, its top boss announced that they are actually secretly working on an SUV.

According to an interview with Car magazine, McLaren's new CEO Michael Leiters said they are working on a "family car". While he never actually uttered the word SUV, it's safe to assume that it'll be exactly that, as Leiters has a lot of experience with high-performance SUVs.

Picture credit: Autocar

Michael Leiters previously held the position of Chief Technical Officer in Ferrari and has openly admitted that he is a fan of SUVs. He has experience in developing SUVs such as the Ferrari Purosangue and the Porsche Cayenne when he was in Porsche AG.

From a financial perspective, a 'Super SUV' makes a lot of sense for McLaren as it is well known that they are looking to expand their portfolio into new areas to generate more revenue. With automakers like Lamborghini and Porsche all hitting home runs by making SUVs, it's pretty much a no-brainer and a safe bet for McLaren to make one and increase their revenue.

Apparently, the SUV will be an
all-electric
 SUV, which isn't such a far fetch idea since McLaren already has some experience in this department via its McLaren MX, which competes in the Extreme E races.


CV-1 Is An EV From The Russian AK-47 Assault Rifle Manufacturer Kalashnikov

Diversifying comes in many shapes and forms. Concern Kalashnikov JSC, the manufacturer of the AK-47 assault rifle has showcased its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) at the Army 2018 international forum.
Called the CV-1, the EV from the giant Russian firearms and weapons manufacturer, features a design that pays homage to the IZH-21252 ‘Combi’, a well-known car from the 70s. The design of the CV-1 features six LED headlights, three on each sides, breaking the rather monotonous but large front grille.
According to Kalashnikov, the CV-1 is powered by a 90 kWh battery, capable of accelerating the little EV from a dead stop to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. The company also mentioned that the range is 350 km.
Other highlights of the CV-1 include Kalashnikov’s in-house developed control system and a compact inverter.
Photo & Video credit: Kalashnikov Media


Takata Airbag Crisis: Honda Extends Operation Of Service Hubs

Honda Malaysia has announced that it will extend the operational duration of its hubs set up for the replacement of defective Takata airbag inflators.
In a written statement, the company confirmed that operations of
temporary Service Central Hubs
 will be extended until 31 December 2016. They were originally planned to be in operation only for two months from 1 August to 30 September.
To date, the three Service Central Hubs have managed to replace a combined total of 11,200 airbags – central region hub completing 4,200 units, northern region 3,200 units, and southern region 3,800 units.
Click to enlarge
According to Honda Malaysia’s records, some 23% of affected Honda vehicles in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia have yet to have their defective airbag inflators replaced, compared to just 9% and 8% in the northern and southern regions respectively.
As such, the company is urging affected Honda customers, particularly those residing in the central region, the make an appointment to replace their affected Takata driver airbag inflator as soon as possible.
In view of the high number of affected vehicles in the area, Honda Malaysia is also expanding the operation of its mobile hubs in selected shopping malls across the central region. These mobile hubs provide on-the-spot replacement at the mall itself and are operation on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
Click to enlarge
During the period between 1 August and 30 September 2016, Honda Malaysia was able to replace over 62,200 units of the defective Takata airbag inflators, with about 11,300 units changed at the temporary service hubs.
As announced in August 2016, Honda Malaysia has secured
100% stock availability of replacement airbag modules for the driver side
 of all affected vehicles. Stocks of passenger side modules are coming in slower, with stock levels expecting to reach only 55% by December 2016. Customers can check the available of stock for the passenger side inflator at either
www.honda.com.my
 or
www.productrecall.honda.com.my
.
Defective Takata airbag inflators have been responsible for no less than four fatalities on Malaysian roads, the
latest incident happening on 24 September
. This is the worst and most far-reaching recall in the history of the automotive industry, affecting multiple manufacturers on a global scale. Over 600,000 cars of various makes are reportedly affected by this recall in Malaysia alone.
Latest figures break down as follows:
Honda – 329,059 cars
Toyota – 145,685 cars
Nissan – 110,860 cars
Mitsubishi – 36,010 cars
Mazda – 1,003 cars
Subaru - N/A (small number of cars only)
Despite being the worst hit among all manufacturers, Honda has also stood out in this crisis as being the most pro-active in their management of the situation. In addition to the setting up of these temporary hubs, Honda is also notable for being the only manufacturer who have officially extended help to cover for
grey-imported models
 as well.
Read our
FAQ here
 for more info on the Takata airbag crisis.


Mazda Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Special Edition Models

In conjunction with its 100th birthday, Mazda has revealed a range of special edition models, called the 100th Anniversary Special Edition series.

Originally due to be revealed at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show last month, models that get the 100th Anniversary Special Edition treatment include the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-8, Mazda6, and the MX-5.

Each special edition model will adopt a white-and-burgundy two-tone theme both on the exterior and interior, which is inspired by Mazda’s first ever passenger car - the R360.

Launched in 1960, the R360 was Mazda’s first production car which proved to be a huge sales success. So, it is no surprise that the white body/ red roof two-tone design of high-grade versions has 60 years later, inspired the exterior-interior colour combination of Mazda’s 100th Anniversary models.

Additionally, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition models feature a host of bespoke touches to further add to their exclusivity, such as the burgundy floormats, on the key fob and embossed into the headrests. Externally, the same badge is on the wheel centres and the side of the car. On top of that, the 100th Anniversary MX-5 Convertible features a Dark Cherry fabric roof.

This special 100th Anniversary symbol also overlays the current Mazda badge atop the original round logo of the Toyo Kogyo company – the cork company which eventually transformed into the vehicle manufacturer we all know.

We've had no indication on whether any of these models will be arriving in Malaysia, but as of now they are only destined for Japan and the UK. We're a little jealous!


Review: 2017 New Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV Driven In Budapest

In a rather flamboyant press event at the Hungaroring F1 circuit in Budapest, we were recently privileged to get behind the wheel of a number Mercedes’ New Generation Compact Cars (NGCC) or as they like to call it –
The Glorious Five
.
So, as we draw closer to the launch of the facelifted 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover, let’s take a closer look at how Merc’s little SUV looks, feels and goes.
Merc’s seminal small SUV has been a hit, both home and abroad, excelling at what Mercedes call their conquest cars. Mercedes claim the NGCC cars have a conquest rate of 70 percent, meaning these buyers have been poached away from buying cars such as the
BMW X1
 or
Mini Cooper Countryman
.
For the most part, there were limited chances to drive the incoming Mercedes-Benz GLA on the road. Regardless of the large number of units Mercedes had supplied, there were simply too many journalists jostling to get 10 minutes behind the wheel of the new car.
However, to prove the GLA is more than just a Fifth Avenue Cruiser, Mercedes prepared a special off-road course, in an especially tranquil forest section of the circuit grounds, to put the newly facelifted crossover through its paces.
The GLA is the latest member of the compact car family to receive a facelift, after being first introduced in 2013. New for 2017 is a restyled front and rear bumper, and premium variants also receive full-LED headlights. Along the flanks, a new chunky 5-spoke wheel design fills the wheel arches. Canyon Beige is a new highlight colour for 2017.

For the most part – the updates are subtle, perhaps to keep to a winning formula that has charmed the world over.
In some markets, customers have a choice between three chassis variants: as standard, the GLA features a comfort-oriented suspension; lowered suspension is available in conjunction with the AMG Line and an optional off-road comfort suspension raises the ride height by 30mm higher for improved off-road capability.
Count on the facelifted GLA 45 AMG model to bring AMG's blend of style and fury to Malaysia too.
The engine variants will likely mirror that which is available now – the GLA 200, GLA 250 and the full-Monty GLA 45 AMG. However, new for 2017 is the GLA 220 4MATIC, which slots just below the GLA 250, with an 184hp / 300Nm turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, it remains to be seen if Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will opt for the GLA 220 instead of the GLA 200 as an entry point for the facelifted model.
On the inside - the 360-degree camera system is new, which can display full image depiction or in seven different split-screen views on the infotainment media display. A virtual top view of the car, is also available, stitched from four cameras views around the car.
The interior of the GLA has been refreshed with new seat covers and trim parts as well as chromed control panels. The air-conditioning vents are of a new design too. The rear boot of the GLA has been upgraded now to an automated “hands-free access” – opened and closed with a foot movement, also found on its competitor, the MINI Cooper Countryman.

From the inside, everything feels familiar, aside from the new design of the seats and the updated infotainment system. The GLA’s infotainment options have also been upgraded - now with Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Round a tight bend, we head through a patch of lush green forest, the GLA is able to make full use of its compact dimensions and all-wheel drive traction. A new feature of the facelifted model is the 'Off Road' drive mode which alters the engine map and tractions settings, softens the suspension to allow for more travel and loosens the steering rack to allow for more precise steering adjustment, in my opinion, systems works really well.
For the most part, the rutty path is made up of loose dirt and rocks – definitely not a surface one would call challenging for, let's say, a
Toyota Fortuner
, but definitely commendable for a compact crossover like the GLA. The grip levels are good and given the quick spooling turbocharged engine, pulling yourself up a hill or out of a small ditch is rather easy.
A second obstacle puts the car through a complex of “elephant tracks”, big undulations designed to throw the car off balance onto three or just two wheels contacting the ground. This put the GLA under stress to send power to the wheels with the most amount of grip – working its 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The system reacts with sublime quickness – recognising a loss of traction and almost instantly channeling power to other wheels. The system also works when only two wheels, diagonal from each other are touching the ground – where power is needed, not just front to back but from side to side on a particular axle.
Another challenge involved driving the GLA over a rather steep embankment, some 23-degrees slant, threatening to flip the car over – this, my instructor explains, tests the mechanical grip of the GLA and also the steering accuracy, allowing me to pass through with minimal fuss.
The final challenge involved scaling down a steep, tight incline, using only the Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) function which maintains vehicle speed at around 10-12 km/h. This feature now also works in reverse – assuming one would need to reverse out of an icy driveway, or vice versa.
Coming up an equally steep ascent, gives me a chance to test out the hill-hold functions and more crucially the 360-degree camera, just before reaching the top of the hill, my view out the windscreen was nothing more than blue sky, switching on the monitor, gave me a birds eye view of the surroundings, allowing me to climb through easily.
It’s easy to surmise what Mercedes-Benz was trying to do with the updates of the new GLA model. Having established the GLA within the compact crossover segment as all stylish transport for the up-and-comers of the world, the emphasis now would seem to build its potential as all-rounder SUV, and by all accounts, they have succeeded.


40 Years of Honda Accord – How Ford and Lotus Inspired The First Accord

Forty years ago, on this month of May, the first Honda Accord was launched in Japan.
The year was 1974. The Civic had just been launched two years earlier, and it was a big hit. The company is now charting its next step.
Up until then, Honda had only made small cars. The first was the S360 – a tiny 360cc roadster built in 1962 that never went into production but paved the way for the larger S500 and the T360, a mini-truck that became Honda’s first production car. This was followed by the N360, Life and subsequently the Civic (below). None had engines larger than 1,200 cc.
Talks about producing a larger, more luxurious model are being discussed informally among sales associates at Honda Motor, but within Honda R&D, which operates semi-independently from Honda Motor Co. – a unique arrangement that’s mirrored only by the BMW Group’s BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH – engineers are running thin on resources.
Masaaki Sato’s book ‘The Honda Myth’ recalls the following conversation:
“Do you think you can make a slightly larger version of the Civic in a short period of time?,” said Masami Suzuki, executive director of Honda’s domestic sales operations, to one Nobuhiko Kawamoto, head of engine development at Honda R&D.
“That’s impossible, Suzuki-san, we don’t even have an engine for it yet,” said Kawamoto.
Not ready back down yet, Suzuki-san prodded Kawamoto once more, “I know I am not an engineer, but would it be possible to scale up the engine used in the Civic?”
Being an engineer, Kawamoto would have preferred building a new engine but he couldn’t ignore the practical aspects of Suzuki’s suggestion, and he knows that Suzuki’s suggestion was a collective request from Honda Motor so he can’t simply brushed it aside.
Project 671
Although the so-called ‘Above Civic’ project had yet to begin officially, the R&D team had already begun gathering data on consumer requirements, especially among American customers.
Several months later, chief engineer Hiroshi Kizawa, who was ‘father’ for the first Civic, had just returned from USA, where he was stationed at Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan to transfer Honda’s eco-friendly CVCC technology onto Ford’s larger capacity engines.
Like many car makers, Ford was unable to clear the newly legislated Clean Air Act in the US. At that time catalytic converter technology were not yet reliable enough to be used in motor vehicles.
Only Honda’s CVCC technology was able to clear both Japan’s Air Pollution Control Act and USA’s Clean Air Act without relying on then-fragile catalytic converters. As a short-term measure, Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, and Isuzu decided to license Honda’s CVCC while they fine-tune their catalytic converters. The licensing deals – a testament of Honda’s engineering prowess - were a major milestone in Honda, Japan’s youngest and smallest car company, in becoming a respectable car brand.
Ford The Teacher
As CVCC was only applied on Honda’s small capacity engines, the deal with Ford required Honda to station a group of engineers in Detroit to apply their CVCC know-how into larger capacity Ford V8 engines. There, the Honda team were for the first time, exposed to the inner workings of a giant like Ford. It was a humbling experience when they realised just how far behind Honda was compared to Ford.
They quickly learned that their little victory with the CVCC, in the grand scheme of things, don’t really mean that much.
They realised how amateurish Honda’s own approach was compared to Ford, which had finely detailed manuals detailing how each step of product development needs to be done.
Honda’s engineers requested permission from Ford to be given copies of their manuals. Ford at that time didn’t see Honda as a threat, but only a motorcycle company that makes good small cars, and saw no concerns sharing their manuals with Honda.
Upon completing his assignment with Ford, Kizawa was requested by Honda R&D’s board of directors to head Project 671, to develop a product that would later be known as the Accord.
Armed with learnings gained from analysing Ford’s manuals, Kizawa implemented a more rigorous development process for Project 671. While the Civic was already tested and verified to work in a wide variety of operating conditions, the Accord was Honda’s first product to benefit from a full-scale testing over an extended period of time – from freezing Alaska to scorching Death Valley.
Kizawa outlined two key targets for his team.
The first was to maintain a maximum cabin noise level of 70 dB at 130 km/h – crucial to ensure that the car exceeds the expectation of American and European drivers.
The second criteria was to minimise development cost by sharing parts with the Civic. A fraction the size of Toyota or Nissan, Honda was not in a position to make another investment so soon after launching the CVCC engine and the Civic.
One odd decision made by Kizawa’s team was to introduce the Accord first as a two door hatchback. It was an unusual decision as all key models in that segment - Toyota Corona (the Camry didn’t exist yet), Nissan Bluebird and Mazda Capella - were all sedans.
When Honda introduced the Civic, it side-stepped the competition by introducing it first as a hatchback before launching the sedan. It achieved considerable success in Japan and USA. Kizawa saw little reason to not adopt the same strategy for the Accord.
A Lotus As An Inspiration
A little known fact was that the first generation Accord hatchback was actually inspired by a four-seater Lotus Elite.
Honda’s own archive explained that the first Accord’s design team was split into two competing teams. The winning team’s design was influenced by a Lotus Elite, with the low slung British sports car’s lines adapted to the Accord’s more family friendly requirements.
The other design submitted had a more conventional two-door coupe styling.
In Harmony And Agreement
When it was time to launch the Project 671 in 1976, Honda decided to name the product ‘Accord.’ The people behind Project 671 liked its meaning - in harmony and agreement, which they felt fully represented the ideals of Project 671.
The first two door Accord hatchback went on sale in Japan in May 1976. The sales target was 4,000 units per month but Honda dealers were swamped with over 9,000 orders in the first month alone, swelling to 10,000 orders by June.
A sedan variant was added variant in October 1977, boosting Accord’s exports to USA from 18,643 units in 1976 to 75,995 units by the end of 1977.
Class Leading Innovations

The Accord was one of the earliest models in its class to adopt a five-speed manual transmission. Older readers will certainly recall the ‘5-Speed’ badge at the rear of the first generation Accord.
It was also the first to come with a dashboard-integrated air-conditioning system. In the ‘70s, air-conditioning was considered as an optional item, and was often installed aftermarket as an accessory item, suspended below the dashboard.
In those days, most non-luxury cars didn’t have a boot release latch inside the car. To open the boot, one had to get out of the car and open the boot with a key. The Accord was one of the earliest models in its class to have a cable operated boot release latch next to the driver’s seat.
Higher range variants were also fitted with power steering.
The Student Has Become The Teacher
While the Civic had established Honda’s reputation in export markets, it was the Accord that signalled the coming of age of Honda as a maker of high quality, world-class vehicles.
Kawamoto recalled that in one of visits to Ford R&D facility where he was once stationed, he spotted a new Accord in the parking lot and overheard a Ford staff saying “The new Honda car is really amazing.” This was shortly after the launch of the second generation Accord in the US, the first Japanese car to be made in USA.
Honda has finally come full circle. Like many pioneers of Japan’s automotive industry. Ford was an inspiration to Honda’s founder Soichiro Honda.
Soichiro was a huge fan of Henry Ford. He thought himself automotive mechanics by repairing Ford Model Ts in his Art Shokai workshop in Hamamartsu. He adapted Henry Ford’s moving production line to produce his Super Cub. Sochiro's first race car was the ‘Hamamatsu’, which he built using a four cylinder Ford engine and chassis.
For Ford, the decision to adopt Honda’s CVCC technology was a logical business decision, but for Honda, it was an honour to be recognised by Ford, a company that Soichiro idolized. The recognition by Ford was a major boost to Honda's reputation. Honda felt that Ford’s gesture had to be repaid in kind.
As a way of thanking Ford, Honda reorganised Honda Chuhan, its used car division into Honda International Sales Company to sell the Ford Mustang. Ford’s President Lee Iacocca however was less sentimental. He was seeking a controlling right to a Japanese company to strengthen Ford’s position in Asia. For the fiercely independent Honda, this was non-negotiable. In the end, Iacocca found a willing partner in the then ailing Mazda.
The Accord Today
Since 1976, nine generations of Accords have served families around the world.
The current model stays true to the original Accord’s ideals of ‘roominess, stylish design, and excellent running performance.’
It still has the most spacious interior in its class, and in terms of style, it’s the better corporate looking business sedan.
Sure it can’t match the Mazda 6’s youthful appeal, but the Accord has to carry itself in a more corporate-friendly manner. Its interior is still the best in the segment.
It’s also the easiest to live with every day. Every time I jump back into the driver’s seat of an Accord, I am reminded just how much more pleasant the Accord is to live with every day. The LaneWatch feature was particularly appreciated during heavy downpours. It’s so good that I manually left it active most of the time (by default it only activates when the left turn signal is activated). It works in a very unobtrusive manner, with no annoying chimes commonly associated with over-sensitive blind spot warning systems detecting vehicles two lanes away.
At our last
nine-car D-segment shootout
, the Honda Accord is still the one we want to drive home after we are done hooning around with the Ford Mondeo and the Mazda 6. Judged as an overall package, it’s hard to counter the Accord’s finely honed formula. It’s a perfect fuss free D-segment sedan for the masses.
Here’s a gallery of celebrating the Accord’s 40-year heritage. The images below are mostly Japanese market models, so interior and exterior trims and variant names might differ from what was sold here. There were also a period of time when the Accord’s lineage was split into two – the European market Accord and Asian/American market Accord. Both models are sold in Japan via different dealer networks, with the Asian/American Accord being sold under the Inspire nameplate. This practise has since been discontinued.
Find your
Honda Accord at Carlist.my
.
Read also: T
he Honda Type-R Family – Its Origins And A Peek Into The Future Of Honda's Performance Cars


Review: Proton Exora 1.6L CVT Premium – Up In Value But Down In Prices

The Exora is the longest serving member of Proton’s current range, having been introduced in 2009. This 2019 minor revision is the third of its kind, after the first update in 2011 when the model received its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, and the second, mostly aesthetic, was launched in 2017.
While you might be wondering why Proton has chosen to soldier one with its slab-sided seven-seater given that it has been around for roughly a decade, there are two good reasons for this.
Firstly, the Exora, especially now, is extremely well priced, so it still makes perfect sense to let it fill the gap currently monopolised by the Perodua Alza, catering to young growing families who want maximum space for not much money. Priced as it is, the Exora also undercuts the Perodua Aruz, which starts off at RM73k, so as you might surmise, the Exora is exactly where Proton needs it to be.
And secondly, the rumoured
Geely Jiaji
 MPV (if it makes it here) is positioned closer to premium MPV offerings such as the
Nissan Serena
, so it's not a direct replacement.
Here’s are some facts and figures on how all three cars measure up:
For its 2019 update, nothing much has changed on the outside from the 2017 model, save the addition of the sharkfin antenna and black-top roof colour.
Most of the changes are on the inside, where we find the 7-inch (GKUI) touchscreen infotainment unit with the “Hi Proton” voice command system. Like the
Persona
 and
Iriz
, it too receives the weather forecast and navigation functions, and Bluetooth and MirrorLink connectivity.
Elsewhere there’s a new meter cluster design, additional USB ports, new seats, and door trim upholstery, and a clear plastic bezel rearview mirror. Note, however, that most of these features are only available on the Premium variant.
It’s also important to note that both variants now only offer a maximum of two airbags: the 2015 Premium and Super Premium variants (on sale from 2015 to 2017) offered side airbags so this can be seen as a step backward, even at odds with Proton’s current strategy, which - in the cases of the X70, Iriz, and Persona - has been to offer generous safety features across the model range. Also, the Executive variant doesn’t include stability control or a rearview camera.
Specifications for the 2019 Proton Exora 1.6L Premium CVT
Price: RM 66,800 (Premium) - OTR without insurance
Engine: 1.6-litre, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder, VVT
Power: 140 PS @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 205 Nm @ 2,000 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission: CVT-type automatic, front-wheel drive
Safety: Two airbags, ABS with EBD, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Origin: Manufactured in Shah Alam, Selangor
Comfort and Convenience
The inside of the Proton Exora is a pleasant place to be in – the newly added interior seating and upholstery is a welcomed addition and for the money, looks quite stylish and plush. As is the softly padded steering wheel. More than once while not driving, I find myself dozing off given the relative comfort of the seats, which are good both at the front and the rear two rows.
The infotainment system, like in the Iriz and Persona, is intrinsically powerful and competent, but besides offering Bluetooth and Mirrorlink, requires a little more work before it’s perfected for Malaysian users. The pre-loaded streaming service isn’t as comprehensive as apps like Spotify, audio files are too huge hence the 1GB (monthly) data package just isn’t going to cut it if used extensively. That being said, the weather forecast function and rearview camera in the Premium variant end things on a positive note.
The plastics around the dashboard and door panels do look dated but overall fit and finish are good. The same can't be said about the toggles for the wipers and lights, which would have been considered decent just a few years back. Now, however, seem a tad notchy and noisy once you have been spoiled by newer, more refined items such as those found in the Iriz, but hey, it’s no deal breaker.
Driving Experience
It’s pretty surprising, given the age of the Exora’s platform and powertrain, that it remains a charming performer on the roads. Our short drive route gave us the chance to drive the new car on crowded city roads, the twisty highways of Karak, and the backroads of Bukit Tinggi – so for what it is, the Exora offers very composed handling and impressive comfort levels.
The good structural rigidity of the body ensures that there are reduced levels of body roll and better tracking at high speeds. While it’s no hot hatch, it’s pretty easy to point the Exora down a chosen line and it will track with confidence. The suspension setup is very capable, to say the least, making the Exora a very comfortable place to be in for long drives - more so than the Alza and even the newer Aruz in my opinion.
The Aruz, while brilliantly specified, tracks poorly at highway speeds given the car's tall ‘flubbery’ tyres and vague steering; this makes driving above 100 km/h slightly unnerving because it tends to wander all over the road. The Alza is definitely more surefooted than the Aruz, but is still no match for the Exora’s ride and handling prowess. The brakes on the Exora are still slightly vague during initial pedal movement, but I have no grouses with the overall braking performance.
The engine, while dated and a touch thirsty by current standards, is still a robust unit – torque down low (205 Nm from 2,000 rpm) is sufficient to get the Exora up to the highway speed limit and that generous spread of torque ensures that progress is swift. Power is sufficient for overtaking and it will get up to 140 km/h with relative ease if you push down on the throttle.
During our drive, we managed a best of around 9.4 litres/100km when cruising on the highway, with that figure rising to around 12.4 litres/100km if you have to navigate through traffic.
Proton has optimised the software of the CVT-type automatic transmission, such as on the Iriz and Persona, but the transmission in the Exora, as we learned, is an older generation unit hence it isn’t as direct or responsive as the unit found on the former two cars. That said, the revised system is a tad more intuitive when trying to accelerate and less jolty when trying to slow down. There’s also noticeably less whine when you’re just cruising around.
Conclusion
A major consideration - in fact, the only consideration - with regards to buying an Exora is simple: where else can I find this much space, safety, and practicality for under RM70k?
The answer is nowhere else.
I do attach a disclaimer that the sub-RM 60k Executive variant doesn’t have ESC and that’s a bit of red flag for a family MPV with 140 PS of power and a pretty decent turn of speed. The counter-argument would be that its closest rival, the Perodua Alza, doesn’t have ESC either, but considering the RM41k Proton Saga (1.3L Premium) variant does, it puts the Exora in a bit of a pickle, especially in this day and age where safety has become trademark USP for Proton.
The Perodua Alza is an immensely talented MPV in terms of practicality and packaging; delivers a decent driving experience, and will undoubtedly return better fuel consumption given its frugal engine, simple but well-geared transmission, and much lighter kerb weight. A quick search on Carlist.my will also reveal that Alzas have steadier residual values, when compared to the Exora, so this is a crucial point to consider especially when the family gets bigger and a trade up for a larger vehicle is needed.
However, I could contest that the Exora is big enough, and one might never need to trade up.
We must not discount too that the Exora has a reputation for steadfast reliability, and for what it is, drives solidly enough to feel like a tall sedan, inspiring a sense of confidence when driving, especially important when you have your family in tow. The equipment updates have done just about enough to keep the Exora relevant in the eyes of budget-conscious consumers, and comfort and refinement levels are comparable to cars costing substantially more.
So while it may not be perfect, the Exora is damn near one of the best buys of 2019, and despite some shortcomings, remains a well-packaged product after all these years.
For the latest deals on Proton vehicles, click
here
.


Reviving A Forty-Year Old Toyota Celica TA40 Touring Car

Sometimes the classic car bug can bite hard. For Mark Bevington, who spent 15 years working for a corporate hospitality service at Goodwood, he was closer than most people, to the classic car fanfare surrounding the Goodwood Revival Festival. After all these years, he wanted in; more specifically, he hoped to gain entry into the exclusive Goodwood Members’ Meeting – a two-day event inspired by the BARC (British Automobile Racing Club ) meetings that were held at Goodwood in the ‘50s and ‘60s; featuring races and demonstrations from cars, both historic and modern.

To gain entry, Mark needed a car with historic significance, which turned up one fine day when a friend called about a classic British Saloon Car Championship (BSCC) Toyota Celica for sale in Belfast, Ireland.

And incredibly, despite being more than four decades old, this second-generation 1978 model was still wearing some of the original, hand-painted sponsorship liveries that it ran in the 1979 and 1980 seasons.

Apparently, this Toyota was one of two TA40 Celica XT models, commissioned by Toyota dealer “Hughes of Beaconsfield” and racecar specialist Arden Engineering to compete in the ‘Group 1.5’ specification in order to compete in the BSCC, predecessor of today’s British Touring Car Championship.

More researched showed, the Celica started its racing career as understudy to the identical TA40 legends Win Percy and Chris Hodgetts campaigned in 1979 and 1980 respectively. Even more remarkable, on two outings of the 1979-80 seasons respectively, the Celica would be piloted a young Martin Brundle, who would go on to be a successful Formula 1 driver in the mid-80s.

After it’s BSCC stints, it was sold to a female rally driver, Sandy Lawson who later sold it to a Toyota collector in 1988 where it sat for the better part of 30 years.

With so much history hidden within its paint – Mark pulled the trigger and went about a comprehensive restoration to bring back this forgotten beast, in hopes of it tearing down the Goodwood track once again. Work, therefore, began in earnest to recommission the Celica with a rebuild of the 2T-G engine and a complete re-think of the suspension and final drive ratio.

Impressively, the ultra-light magnesium alloy wheels – fitted all those years ago – were still on the car and still perfectly true.

But that was only half the challenge – due to some discrepancies between the BSCC’s “Group 1.5” and FIA regulations of the day the Celica still could not be granted its Historic Technical Passport (HTP) needed for the car to take part in a Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

This started a laborious process of sieving through the car’s well-documented history, which fortuitously turned up the original test and race data sheets of the Celica, along with a small 40-year-old sales invoice from Hughes to Sandy Lawson, which included the Celica’s unique Vehicle Identification Number – the final piece of the puzzle Mark needed to secure its HTP.

But, alas, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Goodwood Member’s Meeting has been postponed so we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see this Celica roar amongst its contemporaries after 40-years!


Toyota Setia Alam Invites You To Join Their Vios Cup Festivities This Saturday July-29

With only a few weeks remaining, the hype revolving around the upcoming inaugural Toyota Vios Challenge in Penang is without a doubt, on high gear.
The race, which has already gained positive feedback from renowned local racers like Tengku Djan Ley, Boy Wong, and James Veerapan, will headline the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Racing Festival which will take place from 12 to 13 August at the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang.
A total of 40 cars will be battling it out in the series, including cars driven by celebrities, professional racers, as well as those fielded by authorised Toyota dealers. One such dealer is Fokus Tetap (Toyota Setia Alam), which will be launching their team on 29 July.
The whereabouts of Toyota Setia Alam’s team launch is as follows:
Date: 29 July
Time: 10am - 5pm
Venue: Fokus Tetap Sdn Bhd (Toyota Setia Alam) No 2A, Jalan Setia Murni AH U13/AH, Seksyen U13, Shah Alam 40170 Selangor
Gracing the event will be beautiful local personalities and celebrity racers Diana Danielle as well as Janna Nick who will be providing taxi rides for visitors in the Vios Cup cars. However, they will only be there from 11:30am to 12:30pm. So, those who wish to meet the artists and experience the cars better be early.
In addition to the above, Toyota Setia Alam will also be having numerous promotions for customers who book a car on 29 July, such as:
Promotions
RM500 service voucher (selected models)
Free headlamp protective film worth RM480 for first 5 customers
Free headlamp, side mirror, door handle protective film worth RM780 for the first booking
10% discount for 3-years protection programme (upon booking)
Special discount on racing accessories available on the day
Gifts
Limited Fokus Tetap merchandises
Hourly lucky draw prizes by Milux
Free car wash for all Toyota owners
RM100 discount on selected detailing service for all visitors
RM500 Beauty Vouchers (while stocks last)
In addition to the above, every visitor will also be given a door gift upon arrival.
Having said that, if you are one of those who have been thinking of purchasing a Toyota, someone who is looking forward to the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, or even a fan of motorsports, Toyota Setia Alam’s event is not to be missed.


Mitsubishi XPander Teased Again In Upskirt Preview – CKD Assembly In Pahang

Previews and more
previews
 seem to be all the rage with car manufacturers these days. The latest of which is the Mistubishi XPander which has been teased yet again in Mid Valley, this time though in the flesh, and in full production guise.

The Mitsubishi XPander will be on display at Mid Valley Megamall until this Sunday (13th September 2020).

Besides the upskirt tease, Mitsubishi has confirmed that the model will be a locally-assembled (CKD) model and will be the first Mitsubishi model to be built at the company’s new production facility in Pekan, Pahang.

The plant in Pekan comes with an all-new body welding workshop including new welding equipment. The plant will also come with an advanced painting technology including a 360 degree ‘ED-coating’ and robotic spray system, to ensure full coverage of corrosive prevention coating and consistent paint finishing on the XPander’s body. The XPander will also go through an all-new tester line to check for all safety functions including Active Stability Control (ASC) system before its final assembly line and sign-off.

Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi added, “The XPander is localized to meet the demands of Malaysian customers. It will be priced competitively to cater to families and adventure-seekers who are looking for a more comfortable and practical seven-seater to make their journeys a more pleasant one. Malaysians can expect to place their bookings soon.”

There is no indication of pricing as of now but full-fledged CKD assembly should signal a competitive price tag, close to that of its biggest competitors – the
Honda BR-V
,
Toyota Avanza
, and
Perodua Aruz
 – which all reside within then RM72-RM90k bracket.

The XPander is produced in Indonesia at Mitsubishi Motors new plant in Bekasi Prefecture, West Java, and is supplied to other markets such as Thailand since 2018. The XPander has proven to be a successful model for Mitsubishi, selling some 256,000 units across Indonesia, Philippines, Thai and Vietnamese markets since its introduction.

Powering the new XPander is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque, paired to a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

Other highlight features of the XPander include Crystal LED position lamps, LED tube taillights and Rear air-cond vents.

The more premium GLS Limited variant in Thailand also comes with leather seats, 4.2-inch TFT display with 3D Animation, and certain Voice command infotainment functions.

Both the fog lamps and LED position lamps are seen on the local unit. The preview unit is also visibly fitted with a reverse camera (just to the side of the bootlid handle), and what resembles a front camera on the lower regions of the bumper.


Perodua Yakin Penuhi 200,000 Tempahan Kereta Menjelang 31 Mac 2023

Walaupun telah menerima lebih 200,000 unit tempahan kereta buat masa ini, namun
Perodua
 kekal optimis untuk memenuhi permintaan tersebut sebelum 31 Mac 2023 bagi membolehkan pelanggannya menikmati pengecualian cukai jualan dan perkhidmatan (SST).

Permintaan terhadap kereta keluaran Perodua meningkat secara mendadak setelah Menteri Kewangan mengumumkan bahawa
pengecualian SST
 bakal tamat pada 30 Jun lalu.

Pada hari terakhir sebelum tamatnya pengecualian SST, Perodua mencatatkan jumlah tempahan kereta tertinggi dalam satu hari iaitu sebanyak 25,100 unit.

Tempah Sebelum 30 Jun 2022, Terima Sebelum 31 Mac 2023

Sekiranya pelanggan menempah kereta sebelum atau pada 30 jun 2022, Zainal berkata mereka bakal menerima kereta sebelum 31 Mac 2023 bagi membolehkan mereka terkecuali daripada dikenakan cukai SST.

Menurut Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perodua, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, syarikat itu kini mampu menghasilkan kira-kira 28,000 unit sebulan bagi memenuhi tempahan itu menjelang suku pertama tahun hadapan.

Ketika ditanya sama ada pelanggan ada membuat pembatalan tempahan setelah mendengar jumlah tempahan tertunggaknya, Zainal berkata jumlah pembatalan tempahan amat kecil.

Tiada Kenaikan Harga Kereta

Walaupun kos bahan mentah meningkat berikutan kejatuhan ringgit, Zainal berkata Perodua akan cuba menyerap kos tambahan dengan mengekalkan
harga keretanya.

“Terdapat banyak faktor yang perlu dipertimbangkan, daripada harga bahan mentah, keadaan ekonomi Malaysia, kepada kuasa beli pelanggan,” jelasnya.

Menurut Zainal, harga mereka masih dikekalkan namun beliau berharap bahawa mereka mampu mengekalkan harga tersebut sehingga hujung tahun ini.

Masalah Kekurangan Alat Ganti

Zainal berkata isu seperti tenaga kerja mahir dan kekurangan alat ganti masih wujud dan berharap pelanggan dapat memahami keadaan ini.

"Kami ingin memohon maaf kerana pelanggan terpaksa menunggu lama untuk menerima kenderaan mereka dan kami sedang melakukan sebaiknya untuk meningkatkan lagi pengeluaran," katanya.

Mengenai kekurangan alat ganti, katanya, perbincangan dengan pembekal dan rakan kongsi masih lagi berterusan untuk mencari komponen alternatif.

Meskipun berdepan pelbagai isu, pengeluar kereta nasional itu masih mengekalkan sasaran jualan keseluruhan tahun ini sebanyak 247,800 unit.


Takata Airbag Crisis: Nissan Expands Recall – More Models Affected

Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia, local assembler and distributor of Nissan vehicles has announced further recalls of its models, affected by the Takata Airbag Inflator. This recall also includes remedial actions for defective ‘back-door stay’ on selected models.
Previous recalls for Nissan vehicles were limited to just
three models
. Approximately 110,945 units of Nissan vehicles are now reported to be affected by Takata Airbag Inflators including all previous Takata recalls.
Takata SDI Driver Front Airbags Inflator:
MODEL
YEAR MANUFACTURED
AFFECTED UNITS
Navara D40 (CBU & CKD)
2007 – 2014
 12,634
Latio C11 (CKD)
June 2007 –  October 2014
10,763
Grand Livina L10 (CKD)
July 2007 – October 2013
69,965
X-Gear L10 (CKD)
November 2010 – October 2013
4,874
Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator:
MODEL
YEAR MANUFACTURED
AFFECTED UNITS
X-Trail T30 (CKD)
May 2002 – March 2007
10,589
April 2007 – December 2008
2,101
Teana J31 (CBU)
August 2004 – September 2004
2
Liberty M12 (CBU)
2003
17

This Takata recall exercise does not affect the Teana (L33), X-Trail (T32) and NP300 Navara which were launched in June 2014, January 2015 and November 2015 respectively, as well as all other current selling Nissan models.
For more information on the Takata airbag recall, read our FAQ page:
Takata Airbag Crisis: Frequently Asked Questions, What Should You Do?
Approximately 22,173 units of Nissan vehicles, meanwhile, are affected in Malaysia by defective back-door stays. The paint coating applied to the back door stay does not comply with design requirements for anti-rust treatment. As a result, the cylinder tube of the door stay may gradually corrode causing the gas in the cylinder to leak out. Over an extended period of time, the back door stay may weaken thus disabling the hold-up function of the back door.
Back Door Stay
MODEL
YEAR MANUFACTURED
AFFECTED UNITS
Serena S-Hybrid C26 (CBU)
September 2012 – November 2013
4,001
Serena S-HybridC26 (CKD)
February 2014 – March 2016
3,715
X-Trail T32
August 2014 – December 2015
8,756
NV200 M20
September 2011 – February 2016
5,701

Replacement of defective back door stays will be conducted once updated parts are available in September 2016.


Hankook – 74 Years Of Excellence

Established in 1941, Hankook Tire is one of the Top 5 companies in the mass production of tires. Hankook Tire is dedicated to lead the industry in innovation with its proven technological excellence.
Today, all three of Germany’s leading luxury brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz use Hankook run-flat tyres in many of their models, including the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In addition to that, the Porsche Macan also now comes fitted with Hankook Ventus S1.
Over in the US, the Hankook Ventus S1 noble
2
 is now fitted in all base level Ford Mustang V6 and EcoBoost models.
From high-performance Hankook Ventus S1 evo
2
tyres for the Porsche Macan to Hankook H308 Kinergy EX for Perodua’s budget hatchbacks, Hankook is now an OE supplier for nearly the full spectrum of passenger cars around the world.
Hankook is now the fifth largest tyre manufacturer in the world, producing tyres for passenger cars, SUVs, commercial trucks and buses, as well as motorsports competition tyres for endurance racing, World Rally Championship, German Touring Car Championship (DTM), Formula Drift and Formula 3 racing cars.
In terms of sales revenue, Hankook now ranks seventh in the world, raking in KRW 6.68 Trillion in the last financial year.
To ensure that Hankook continues to stay ahead of the competition, the company places very high emphasis on research and development.
Hankook’s first R&D centre in Daejeon, built in 1982, will soon be expanded to include a state-of-the-art Hankook Technodome. Set to be completed in 2016, the Hankook Technodome will house 90 separate laboratories.
Currently, Hankook’s over 1,000 staff strong research outfits around the world have already produced over 2,000 patents.
Meanwhile, Hankook’s G’Trac proving ground in Korea is Korea’s most advanced testing facility. The facility is able to replicate many different types of driving conditions – wet and dry conditions, 29 different road surfaces.
The G’Trac proving ground is located next to Hankook’s Geumsan plant, and is located only 50 km away from the Daejeon R&D Centre.
In Malaysia, Hankook’s tyre range covers the full spectrum of passenger car sizes.
The Ventus series is aimed at mid- to large-size cars, while the Kinergy series is aimed at small- to mid-sized cars.
For more information about Hankook tyres, visit
www.hankooktire.com/global/tires-services.html
 or follow them at their official Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/hankooktiremalaysiasdnbhd
.


New 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Spied Almost Undisguised

A fleet of covered
W213 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Classes
 can be seen in this footage, while some are barely disguised (intentional?).
What we can see here, is that it's almost indiscernible from the current C-Class. Even the side profile looks very similar.
For those who can't wait, perhaps you can already pop into Mercedes-Benz showroom to ask if you can drop your booking.
As for those who're looking for a comfortable, luxurious German premium sedan that's well known for being extremely reliable, it's good to know that the current E-Class used car prices for a
2010 model has dropped to the regions of only RM150,000
.


Enter the Toyota Corolla Cross, Another Hotly Anticipated SUV Like The X50 and D55L

Toyota Corolla Cross enters as the third contestant for most hotly anticipated SUV launch

The two most anticipated SUV launches for the Malaysian market has got to be the Proton X50 and Perodua D55L. After last week's global launch of Toyota's new Corolla Cross, we believe that the list of anticipated launches has just grown into a trio, but the question is, will they be fighting for the same slice of the pie, or will all three vehicles be in different segments attracting different types of buyers?

With a growing list of SUV sizes and body shapes that overlap each other, it's pretty hard to figure out which SUVs belong to which segment and attract what type of potential buyers. So sometimes it's settled by price.

Apart from its traditional B-segment size, the predicted price of the Proton X50 makes it a clear B-Segment vehicle - so no arguments there. It will go up against clear B-segment SUVs like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Renault Captur, Toyota C-HR and cars alike.

While there are some grey areas about the segmentation of the Perodua D55L, its size should also put it into the same segment. Although they are in the same category, the buyers will be completely different for the Perodua because the D55L will likely be priced lower than the rest of the B-segmenters and will be better suited as an entry-level urban SUV. The only competitor it really has is the Haval H1, but can you really call that competition, can you? It's like an armed samurai fighting a bare-fisted martial artist, surely the guy with the super-sharp weapon will win.

The Toyota Corolla Cross on the hand is an entirely different ball game, because although Toyota calls it a C-SUV (C-segment SUV) it's pretty hard to ignore that its dimensions point it towards the direction of a B-segment SUV. It gets even trickier when you consider that Toyota already has one C-SUV in the form of the Toyota RAV4 and B-SUV in the form of the C-HR- so what is this Corolla Cross?

As we mentioned before, Toyota calls the Cross a C-SUV, so let's not argue with that. If we look at it from a traditional sense, your brain would surely break a fuse - because it's not as big as the RAV4 and not as small as the C-HR. We have to ignore these facts because the Corolla Cross is a unique vehicle, in a way a vehicle built by South East Asians.

To plug in the SEA market hole that has been created by the fully imported high priced RAV4, Toyota had to create something similarly sized to the RAV4 but have a friendlier price. Their solution to this is the Toyota Corolla Cross, a vehicle According to Michinobutsukata, Toyota's CEO and president of Toyota Motor Thailand Co, that can be considered as a vehicle that is entirely created by the Thais.

"The Corolla Cross will be exported from the Toyota Gateway assembly plant, which is a passenger car manufacturing plant of Toyota located in Chachoengsao Province from 13 July. This is considered a model created by Thai people and will be exported to other markets around the world under the production skills of Thai people." said the Japanese CEO.

The RAV4 was highly taxed due to its CBU (fully-imported) classification, not to mention it offers more premium features and equipment. This is where the Corolla Cross comes in as it is a vehicle that is "Built by Thais". By doing this, we can assume it can be exported as a Thai product which helps lower the overall cost of the SUV to ASEAN markets. In a way, this SUV is a Toyota C-SUV for us, by us ASEAN's and although the sizing is not traditional when it comes to segmentation, the price should be.

This is probably Toyota's way of filling the gap. Right now and due to its starting price of nearly RM200k it's hard to put RAV4 up against its typical competitors like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, KIA Sportage who all have a starting price around RM150k. By creating a vehicle that takes advantage of the ASEAN free trade agreement as well as the Corolla nameplate perhaps finally they have a C-segment SUV which can really go toe to toe with the rest.


Safety Should Be A Major Concern Even When You’re Selling Your Car

Recently, a member of the
Carlist
 family met with an unfortunate incident. While out on a test drive with a potential buyer of his car, the ‘buyer’ whipped out a machete from his bag and robbed the seller of his car, leaving him stranded on the highway as he drove off.
Fortunately, our colleague was not harmed during the ordeal but his plight serves as a sad and painful reminder that we should always be careful, especially when dealing with individuals you’ve just met hoping to buy your car.
Which is why we have prepared a list of precautions that you should take when meeting any potential buyers of your vehicle for a better selling experience:
Gather information and keep your relatives informed
Before meeting the buyer, inform your relatives about the location of your meetup. If at all possible, snap a photo of the buyer (by asking permission) and forward it to your friends or family. Also, trade identification details and check if it matches that of the person you have just met. If they are carrying a bag, ask for a quick glance if possible to ensure there are no weapons in it.
It is understandable that this might make your buyer feel a little uncomfortable but explain to them that it is in the interest of safety for both parties and it’s nothing personal.
This is helpful because in the event you are robbed, there is a high possibility your phone might be taken along with your other belongings and with photographic evidence, it could assist in investigations.
Never go alone
Consider asking someone to follow you along on your test drive as having someone along can provide a better sense of safety. A lone person serves to be an easier target compared to two people together.
Plan your test drive route
When choosing a location to meet up for the test drive, choose locations where you can be seen and heard if necessary. Crowded locations such as the entrance of a mall would certainly be safer than at a highway rest stop.
While on the test drive, take roads that have CCTV coverage like PLUS highways for example. In that way, if the worse occurs, the police can look up the CCTV footage to track down the criminal.
Ask plenty of questions
While on your test drive, talk to the buyer and get to know them a little better. Find out how they are planning to pay for the car. If the response sounds too good to be true and comes off as being too quick (aka jumping the gun to answer “no problem”), be cautious.
Normal buyers would apply for a loan first and such actions take time to finalise and if your buyer seems a little too eager to guarantee whatever you are looking for in the deal, chances are something is up.
Based on our comments from car dealers in the country, cash buyers are generally quite rare here as well.
GPS tracking
Cars today can be retrofitted with a GPS vehicle tracking device. This allows for real-time tracking of the vehicle and some even have features that disable the vehicle or sounds the alarm. Of course, this option is available if it fits into your budget.

We hope with this tips, your experience of selling your car will be a safe, smooth sailing one.


502 Bad Gateway


Proton And MAI Collaborate To Improve Supplier Competence To Global Standards

Proton and its network of suppliers will be joining forces with the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) to further improve all aspects of the components and parts supplier with the ultimate aim of having a supply chain that meets global standards.
Both parties today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will pool resources between each other to maximise the utilisation of existing automotive development infrastructures- particularly in the areas of advanced design applications, digital process simulation, and improved validation technology.
“Upstream automotive activities- the design thinking, engineering applications, and validation technology are key towards any meaningful participation within the automotive industry, especially as we are moving fast towards the fourth industrial revolution”, said CEO of MAI, Dato’ Madani Sahari.
“The MoU today has a significance beyond capacity building, it is the new way forward towards a change of culture and mind-set for the entire automotive value chain. Businesses must re-invent strategies to keep themselves competitive and relevant”, Dato’ Madani added.
The government has also provided a grant of RM4 million to support the collaboration.
Proton’s top 30 suppliers also signed a performance pledge to commit themselves to deliver products with quality and right costing as well as participate in programs and training courses that heighten their capabilities and capacities.
Being a two-way cooperation, Proton also pledged to extend comprehensive support to its suppliers and overall support the Malaysian automotive industry by strengthening the supply chain stability through the upgrading of the suppliers engineering, technology, and quality capabilities.


Will The Reintroduction of GST Lower Car Prices?

Now that the
Sales and Services Tax (SST)
 holiday is about to be over (assuming that there are no more extensions), talks about the reintroduction of the
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
 are hotter than ever as our beloved prime minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, is deliberating that very move for our country.

A statement by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has stated that they've received close to 500 responses from businesses that seem to support the notion of bringing back the GST in replacement of the current SST. Back in April 2015, the 6% GST came into effect to replace the previous 10% SST.
SST 2.0
 was then reverted back in September 2018 when Pakatan Harapan came into power. Quite a commotion on both occasions, if you can remember.

SST or GST - Who wins?

According to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, this move led to a whopping RM20 billion in annual revenue losses, which is why the Malaysian government right now is seriously considering moving back to GST. If this is the case, then it might be good news not just for Malaysia as a whole, but also for the automotive industry as well.

In theory,
car prices may drop anywhere between 1-6%
 if the Malaysian government decides to replace the current 10% SST with the previous GST rated at 6%. Dato Seri Ismail also stated that they're aiming for a 'reasonable' GST tax rate percentage that will benefit both the people and businesses alike, so things are still a bit uncertain at this moment in time.

In other words, the possibility of this new GST tax rate can be lower or higher than 6%, but it won't likely reach the 10% mark like the current SST. But, this is all just theory for now. Things are much more complicated than it seems on paper, as proven back in 2015 when the 6% GST was introduced. Some prices went up during that time, and some prices actually dropped when the 10% SST came into play in 2018.

GST = More expensive cars?

If we use 2015 as a benchmark when GST was introduced at 6%, a
majority of cars saw a decrease in price
 pretty much across the board for all brands. There are, however, a few exceptions where a number of particular models went up, but not by much.

Using Proton as an example, all of their models saw a drop in prices of up to 3.25% or RM1,475 (Iriz 1.3 CVT Standard). Another example from Honda Malaysia also saw a drop in prices by up to 2.38%, except for the Odyssey CBU model, which went up 0.44% or RM1,008.

To put it simply, if we use 2015 as a benchmark, the reintroduction of GST will most likely cause a slight increase in car prices when compared to where the prices are at right now (which are being showcased with the SST tax exemption), but they shouldn't be figuratively higher once the SST tax break ends. Despite all of these, there's still a chance that this
tax break might be extended
 once again, perhaps until the end of the year?

Stay tuned for more details.