Review: Kia Picanto 1.2 EX – World-Class Car, ASEAN Price

The Kia Picanto started out as a simple compact hatchback back in the mid-2000s. It also wore the Naza Suria badge that time, before returning to its original name in the second and current generation Picanto.
The little Kia Picanto has won many fans thanks to its nimble handling and affordable pricing. Market research also revealed that many buyers fancied the Picanto due to its funky colour palette, which had bright shades of green and yellow.
Plenty has changed since then. Its closest rival, the Hyundai i10, has not been updated, while the Perodua models are receiving more and more equipment in each generation. The all-new third generation Picanto, while still occupying the same footprint, surprised us all with interior ambience and driving characteristics that have improved dramatically.
Specifications
Price: RM49,888 (OTR with SST, without Insurance)
Engine: Kappa 1.25-litre, Inline-4, CVVT
Power: 84 PS at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 122 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: Four-speed automatic, FWD
Safety: 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Reverse Camera, Rear seat belt reminder
Origin: Locally-assembled (CKD) at Naza Automotive Manufacturing, Kedah
In Malaysia, Kia is only offering the Picanto with a 1.25-litre naturally aspirated engine and paired with a 4-speed automatic. With the 1.2 EX priced at such a competitive level and ticking almost every option, we do not foresee the company offering a lower price (and poorly spec-ed) variant, as Malaysian consumers tend to value high specifications at which the higher price can be paid off over a long-term loan.
Exterior
The design for the all-new Picanto is a good example of sticking to a proven formula. With the dimensions of the previous generation and new Picanto largely unchanged, it can be tricky to determine which Picanto is the newer model, especially in a black body colour.
However, once the ignition is turned on, the signature DRLs light up and the new Picanto exudes a premium face. The turn signals under the projector head lamps are LED technology too.
We are really impressed at the level of detail and care that Kia has taken in designing the new Picanto. The foglamps are surrounded with satin finished bezel and is part of the aerodynamic ‘air curtain’ that releases built-up air pressure to the front wheel well.
The only visually unimpressive item is the single-colour silver painted 14-inch wheels. They look plain in contrast to the great looking exterior details.
Interior
The interior of the new Kia Picanto is the single biggest change to the vehicle, perhaps even to the Kia brand. Gone are the days of single-tone grey plastic with dubious quality. The chunky multi-functional steering wheel, albeit a tad large for this interior, feels like it was lifted out of a Kia Stinger.
The touch points are painted in satin silver (air conditioning controls, door levers, audio knobs) and certain sections have piano black finishing. The front occupants are certainly treated to a strong sense of high quality and attention to detail. All these add to the high level of perceived quality in the new Picanto.
The placement of the front seats has been lowered (-10 mm) and moved rearwards (5 mm) for better overall head room and leg room. A longer wheelbase (+15 mm) also contributes to better rear legroom.
The key ‘party piece’ in the new Kia Picanto is the infotainment system. The high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen features smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). The connection is a breeze, and the touchscreen responds to input instantaneously. Audio quality is on the better end of the scale too, as the sound is generated from six speakers in the little cabin.
The same screen also displays the image of the reverse camera with guiding lines. One might say it is unnecessary for such a compact car. But Kia is set to deliver the greatest value to customers, and the reverse camera integrating so well with the vehicle is much appreciated.
Being such a compact interior, occupants are protected by six airbags and a strong body shell made from high strength steel with an increased amount of structural adhesives.
Driving Experience
Kia’s ride and handling has come a long way. The compact hatchback soaks road irregularities akin to a sedan a segment larger. Only on the worst surfaces where the upper halves of our bodies sway as a result of going over the poor road conditions.
This could also be attributed to the short wheelbase of just 2,400 millimetres.
However, when it comes to cornering, the little Picanto feels like it is built for it and begs for more. The steering ratio is quick and well-tuned with the bodyroll nicely controlled. At highway speeds, the Picanto also provides a sensation of great stability and sure-footedness.
The four-cylinder engine feels smooth and vibration is kept to a minimum. Sure, it tends to sound vocal at a higher operating range, but this is a budget, entry-level vehicle after all. The four forward ratios provide sufficient accelerating sensation to the Picanto.
Another tell-tale sign on how much the Picanto has developed is the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) level. The noise from the engine is well insulated at the normal working range, and the roar from the tyres do not make themselves heard as much as other hatchbacks.
Cost of ownership
We focused our test routes around the busiest streets of Klang Valley. Over the range of 350 kilometres, we managed to record a fuel consumption of 8 litres to 100 kilometres. Taking the traffic condition into account (average speed of just 23 km/h), the said fuel consumption is not bad.
In terms of vehicle servicing and maintenance, the service interval is every 10,000 kilometres. Filling the engine with fully synthetic engine oil costs owners RM329.70 for a regular service. Transmission oil, coolant and brake fluid replacements are every 40,000 km and require an additional RM304.32.
Kia Malaysia provides a warranty coverage of 5 years with unlimited mileage.
Conclusion
The Kia Picanto proves that a manufacturer can fully equip and create a premium ambience in an entry-level, budget vehicle. Compared to the Perodua Axia (RM40,390), the Picanto feels like two segments above, in build quality and refinement. Even when compared to the larger Perodua Myvi 1.5H (RM50,290) and Proton Iriz 1.3 Executive (RM48,616), the Picanto can still stand proud as it is again a vehicle that feels more solid and of higher perceived quality.
The Kia Picanto remains a great choice for consumers who enjoy compact hatchbacks, now with the added bonus of a drive that feels a class above.


Enjoy Promotions From Accessory Brands And Daily Lucky Draws At The Carlist.my DRIVE: Auto Fair 2019

The Carlist.my DRIVE: Auto Fair 2019 is all set to rock the Setia City Convention Centre this weekend from the 16th to 18th August 2019, and to the joy of visitors, there will be not one or two, but many promotions from various participating accessory brands throughout the weekend.
For instance, car mat specialists Trapo will be giving out free car mat vouchers worth RM250 for the first 40 car loans approved during the event.
Besides that, the first 5 confirmed car booking during the event will receive RM1,000 cash vouchers from Pecca Leather.
Speaking of loans and bookings, Public Bank will also be present, offering an interest rate from as low as 2.22%* (terms and conditions apply), along with on-site confirmation.
Besides the ones above, other automotive accessory brands such as Acoustec audio car insulators, LLumar tinting, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, and also Osren Luminous Malaysia will be offering special offers, discounts, and merchandises throughout the exhibition period.
There will also be tons of activities and promotions from Maxis, Monster Energy drink, and Smart Cruiser electric scooters.
For the kids, Sony Pictures Malaysia will feature a special Angry Birds Kids Activities Zone.
An array of food trucks will be located outside the main hall, together with a JPJ booth to pay your outstanding summons.
Last but not least, Carlist.my will be conducting daily lucky draws with prizes which include electronic gadgets and holiday packages worth more than RM 50,000.
All visitors have to do to participate is register themselves to be entitled to this contest.
For more info about the exhibition and test drive booking, click
here
.


Are Pick-ups Becoming The New Family Car?

Are pick-ups slowly becoming the de facto family car in Malaysia?

With prices of family
sedans and SUVs
 now breaching the RM160k mark and moving closer to the RM200k price point, perhaps a different and more affordable type of vehicle can serve as the good ol' family chariot.

But which fabled vehicle is this, you might ask? Well, it's the pick-up truck of course, and here is why:

It all started back in 1997 when the government lifted restrictions disallowing registration of pick-up trucks by private users. Through a stroke of a pen, the policy changed and opened up a new option for consumers.

However, even with the lifting of restrictions and its relatively lower prices thanks to its classification as a commercial vehicle which exempts it from excise duties, pick up trucks still stayed in the fringes of consideration as a family car, as all pick-up trucks on the market in the nineties were still challenging to drive, slow, and mostly uncomfortable.

Despite its availability to the private buyers, they were still seen as working tools for tradespeople, as their utilitarian styling and mechanical underpinnings were just not suitable for families. They were not vehicles that you would think of driving your kids to school or making a 'balik kampung' trip in back then.

That pick-up truck perception pretty much stayed the same for many years until Mitsubishi debuted the
Triton back in 2006
. The new age Triton brought with it some unique exterior styling and special considerations, it was built to ensure that it drove as comfortably as a regular sedan.

Not only was it more comfortable than ever, but the Triton's unique rear J line cabin shape allowed the rear seatback to be angled more slightly, providing a more comfortable seating position for rear passengers. It also came with a powerful 3.2-litre turbo diesel and subsequently a VGT engine, making it popular among many first-time truck owners who realised that the Triton offered better value for money than a sedan.

Since then, pretty much all manufacturers have tried to make the pick-up truck more comfortable, driveable, and suitable for families. Chevrolet even went as far as equipping their
Colorado
 with a six-speed automatic transmission back in 2011 to help make their pick-up truck a better highway cruiser. That many gears in an automatic pick-up truck were pretty much unheard of before that. The Chevy Colorado was also the first pick-up truck in Malaysia to come with traction control as standard and clearly defined where the modern pick-up truck was headed.

While many pick-up truck's driveability, safety and comfort improved, it wasn't until the third generation
Ford Ranger
 arrived that things started to open up a bit more, as for the first time ever, consumers could buy a pick-up truck with a small 2.2-litre engine, which meant cheaper road tax. The Ranger also came with many additional active and passive safety features such as ABS and EBD, usually found on more expensive sedans.

This evolution of features of the humble pick-up truck from different manufacturers leads us to where they are now. In the current day, pick-up trucks come with comprehensive safety features, connectivity, and small yet powerful engines.

With most top of the line pick-up trucks such as the
Nissan Navara Pro-4X, Toyota Hilux Rogue, Mitsubishi Triton Athlete, Ford Ranger Wildtrak, and Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain
 coming with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and price tags under RM150k, doesn't it make them sound more of a
value proposition
 than a sedan or SUV? We certainly think so, especially when most of them can return on average a 10 km/l fuel economy.

The only downfall (if you can even call it that) of a pick-up truck is its size, but then again, sedan and SUVs are not getting any smaller, so you're pretty much driving a big vehicle no matter what you choose, it's just that it may take you a bit more time to get used to the pick-up's size. Plus, with a 360-degree all-around view camera being equipped with trucks like the one in the Triton Athlete and Toyota Hilux Rogue these days, it's easier to be aware of your surroundings.

While the sedan and SUV will probably have better driving dynamics, the pick-ups are not that cumbersome to drive either these days. Most are easy to manoeuvre and stable at higher highway speeds. Of course, they are at their best when facing the rough and tough, but the balance between road manners and off-road capabilities is well-engineered these days, making them pleasant in either condition.

The other area where pick-ups have improved tremendously is on the inside. Gone are the days when pick-ups were only kitted out with a utilitarian interior of hard plastic. They are now lined with soft-touch leather, premium-feeling fabrics, and exquisite-looking and comfortable leather seats. You only need to be in one of the new current pick-ups to realise that there is not much difference between its interior and the ones in a sedan or SUV.

When it comes to maintenance, yes, a pick-up truck does sound like it'll need a bit more of it, but they are comparable to SUVs which probably need the same amount of care and maintenance. Plus, pick-up trucks are built tough, so they'll likely last longer.

Take a look at the table below where we compare the Hilux Rogue against the Camry.

Index

Toyota Hilux

Rogue

Toyota Camry

2.5 V

Horsepower(PS)

204

184

Torque (Nm)

500

235

Safety

7-airbags

Pre-Collision System

Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist

Dynamic Cruise Control

Blindspot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Downhill Assist Control

Active Traction Control

Vehicle Stability Control

Anti-lock Braking System

7-airbags

Pre-Collision System

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

Dynamic Cruise Control

Vehicle Stability Control

Blindspot monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Hill-start Assist Control

Anti-lock Braking System

Road Tax

RM1,320

RM880

Price

RM146,880

RM188,763

We're not saying pick-up trucks are for everyone because let's face it, they are still trucks, but when it comes to value, they are pretty hard to beat. They are now luxurious, kitted out with extensive safety gear, easy to drive and powerful, but most importantly, you get more for your money in a truck these days compared to a sedan or SUV.

What do you think? Would you or do you already have a pick-up as your family car? Is the absence of a closed boot a deal-breaker or does the bed of a pick-up make up for it?


Carlistbid.my Expands Business With Three New Inspection Hubs

Carlistbid.my, the subsidiary company of iCar Asia Limited, has opened 3 new inspection hubs in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, as well as Johor.

The new inspection hubs were launched on the 23rd, 25th, and 26th of September respectively.

The new inspection hubs (excluding Jalan Chan Sow Lin branch) have storage facilities exceeding 100 cars per time making the car selling transaction smooth and safe.

Paired with the company’s efficient car selling procedure allows a vehicle to be sold easily in a short time as per their tagline ‘sell your car quick, easy, and hassle-free’.

Through a simple 3-step process, car sellers only need to submit an online form with their vehicle details. They will then be contacted to schedule a physical vehicle inspection to determine a reserve price before the auction begins.

The bidding starts with the participation of more than 1,500 dealers from Carlist.my’s Authorized Dealer Network which typically takes less than 3 hours to be completed. A dedicated on-site Carlistbid.my staff will then handle the transfer of ownership documents within 30-minutes right after.

iCar Asia’s Chief Executive Officer, Hamish Stone commented, “As our auction business continues to grow, we extend our services further in these 3 new inspection hubs for KL-ites, Penangites, and Johoreans to enjoy. We will be expanding by opening more hubs at strategic locations across the nation and provide more value-added, efficient and hassle-free service for consumers and dealers.”

The company recently stated a gain of more than RM18 million in Growth Merchandise Value since the introduction to the market despite the competition from other car auction business.

Click
here
 for more information and location of the inspection hubs.


Mazda’s Revolutionary Approach to Clean Diesel Technology

Modern turbodiesel engines are often lauded by enthusiasts as viable alternatives to hybrids as a clean source of motive power. Indeed, there is much to like in the inherent abilities of diesel engines to deliver superior acceleration whilst consuming less fuel than a petrol equivalent.
Under its far-reaching SkyActiv Technologies umbrella, Mazda’s current family of engines consist of both petrol- and diesel-fuelled four-cylinder engines widely acclaimed to offer superior real world fuel economy in a variety of conditions.
The petrol members of the SkyActiv engine family practically cover the majority of Mazda’s passenger car line-up in our market, but the company has been a little bit more cautious about letting us have their diesel engines.
A number of demo units have been undergoing trials on our roads for a couple of years now, however, and
Mazda
 now feels sufficiently confident that its engines have the necessary robustness to operate in our market. The brand’s
diesel offensive
 starts now with new
2.2 SkyActiv-D variants of the CX-5 and Mazda6
. The
CX-3
 and
Mazda2
 are the next candidate models which we are expecting to embrace the joys of diesel power.
Globally, Mazda’s SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engines are not new, having already been enjoying eco-car tax rebates in Japan and also complying with Euro 6 emission standards without requiring costly NOx after treatment systems.
As part of its far-reaching SkyActiv umbrella, Mazda’s SkyActiv-D engines are unlike any other diesel engine in the market. In line with the SkyActiv philosophy, Mazda meticulously re-examined every detail of the engine with the intention of maximising efficiency whilst eliminating traditional problems associated with the design.
A notable detail about SkyActiv-D engine is that it shares a common 14.0 compression ratio with its petrol counterpart, something previously unheard-of in the history of powertrain engineering.
Typically, car makers favour ultra high compression ratios in diesel engines to prevent misfiring during the warm-up phase of a cold start. This approach, however, results in excessive temperatures and pressure within the combustion chamber, in turn causing incomplete combustion and the formation of nitrogen oxides and soot. This problem can be countered by delaying the ignition process, but the result is worsening of fuel economy.
Unsatisfied with the compromise, Mazda engineers tore the copybook and overcame the problem by further refining the precision in control of the injection and exhaust valve timing. Multi-hole piezo injectors are used for variable injection patterns and a variable valve lift mechanism is incorporated into the exhaust valve control. During cold starts, hot exhaust gases are immediately channelled back into the cylinders, enabling more rapid warming up of the engine.
The SkyActiv-D engine’s lower than usual compression ratio mean that Mazda can also afford to make its engine lighter than the competition due to the block having to cope with far less physical stress. The pistons alone are 25 percent lighter than it otherwise would have been, and fuel economy is said to be improved as much as 20 percent.
For the 2.2-litre engine, Mazda employs the use of twin sequential turbochargers to boost outputs. In this setup, the smaller turbo helps provide faster response at low engine speeds with the larger unit ready to kick in at higher revs to provide more intense boosting. In both the
CX-5
 and Mazda6, the engine is quoted with outputs of 175PS and 420Nm.
A ‘teaser trailer’ of an experience was granted to the media just ahead of the launch of Mazda's diesel models last week; much of which was spent jostling along on the highway - in the CX-5 and CX-3 diesel models.
At idle, there was very little reason to believe the diesel CX-5 is anything but the petrol variant people have come to know, the idle tone is mellow, subdued and there’s little in the way diesel clatter of yore.
Put one’s foot down though, and all the full extent of Mazda’s diesel innovations becomes known… quickly. The sequential turbo setup scrambles for boost as revs climb with gusto. 420Nm comes full circle at 2,000rpm, and from 3,500rpm onwards the CX-5 starts to accelerate harder, till circa 4,700rpm when the next cog is selected.
The SkyActiv-Drive six-speed torque converter auto, similar across the current Mazda range, shifts decisively and smoothly, both on up- and down shifts. As far as the much vaunted “Zoom-Zoom” ethos is concerned, the diesel engines are where it’s at now.
The CX-3 SkyActiv-D remains under pilot evaluation at the time of writing. However, after experiencing accelerative forces of the CX-5, the fuel-sipper 1.5-litre diesel unit in CX-3 can feel somewhat undernourished. It is a newer powertrain, however,
incorporating further improvements over the 2.2, namely the use of variable geometry turbocharging, stepped piston top, and high-dispersion fuel injection to minimize heat loss through the cylinder walls.
Within context though, the 1.5-litre four cylinder is an eager performer. The initial torque delivery is very linear, as is the commensurate build-up of speed. The speed limit can be reached rather easily and the CX-3 will keep accelerating nicely till circa 150kph. Once the torque curve starts to plateau at around 4000rpm though, the engine will seem strained. But we have to keep in mind that there’s only 1.5-litres of swept displacement here.
In broad terms, both the 1.5- and 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D engine perform with the same trademark smoothness and refinement that we've grown accustomed to in their petrol-fuelled counterparts. Mazda's typical attention to engineering detail and near-stubborn insistence on doing things its own way sets it aside from peers that seem to follow more traditional approaches in engineering.
Although diesel power in passenger cars have been gaining traction among Malaysians for sometime, not since the previous-generation Ford Focus TDCi was the market presented with an oil-burning option that is within realistic of middle-class buyers. The Mazda6 and CX-5 are far from cheap, admittedly, but if the CX-3 and Mazda2 diesel can eventually make it here, the masses will indeed have something to think about.
Editor's Note:
 Driving impressions provided by
Arvind
. We are arranging to perform more in-depth reviews of the Mazda6, CX-3, and CX-5 in due course, so stay tuned!


GALLERY: 2016 Honda Accord Sedan And Coupe Revealed In Full

The 2016
Honda
 Accord was
recently revealed in late July this year
 with a more Acura-esque styling and a host of new technologies. Now, Honda America has dropped several new photos of the new D-segment, in both sedan and coupe form, for all to have a closer look at it.
On the exterior, the
Honda Accord’s
 features a more sharply creased and intricately structured front fascia. It also sports a new front grille, LED lighting, and aluminium wheels for all models and trims. The hood is now made out of aluminium as well to save about 8kg of weight.
The cabin receives an update as well with new trim pieces ranging from wood grain, carbon weave, glossy metallic black, and glossy piano black accents, depending on variant. The main highlight is a new seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface that features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HondaLink Assist, and HD Radio.
For the bits you can’t see, the new Accord’s chassis receives an update as well, now using an aluminium and steel front subframe to reduce weight. The suspension now offers a more dynamic ride as well with new dampers which are further upgraded to Amplitude Reactive Dampers with variable suspension stroke on higher variants. Larger brakes are also offered to go along with them.


There's A Small Chance For Mahathir’s New National Car To Succeed, Here's Why

At the ongoing 24
th
 International Conference On The Future Of Asia Conference in Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad reiterated his intention to start another Proton, which has since been sold to China’s Geely during his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak’s administration.
Mahathir’s intentions, noble as they maybe, flies in the face of accepted wisdom that says the window of opportunity for governments to be directly involved in the highly competitive automotive industry is already over. Even China has removed all forms of protection to its domestic manufacturers, allowing foreign brands to take full ownership their operations in China.
It will be pointless to spend tax payers’ money to build yet another national car because the Chinese are already doing it cheaper, better, and faster. Nevermind about Chinese car companies, because even China's Internet search engine giant Baidu is already developing softwares for self-driving cars.
So then why the headline that suggests otherwise? It’s because we are now in the cusp of a once in a hundred years revolution that threatens to disrupt everything we’ve come to constitute as the car industry – from manufacturing to retail, to the concept of private car ownership, to replacing the human driver with artificial intelligence – all cornerstones of the industry are being threatened by the fast developing field of Internet connectivity, artificial intelligence and electric mobility. For a short period of time, the gap in technical abilities are being reduced. Carlist.my believes that this once in a century upheaval is also opening up a small window of opportunity for new entrants, giving Dr. Mahathir a rare second chance to fix what went wrong with Proton version 1.0.
For the first-time since Karl Benz’s Patentwagen 1886, young upstarts like Tesla or even Google's Waymo, companies with zero experience in manufacturing, are finding themselves in a position to challenge a 130 plus year old Daimler who invented the automobile because the cars of the future will be driven by electric power and artificial intelligence, areas that are unfamiliar to traditional car companies.
The future of the automobile industry is one where consumers won't need to buy a car but to only pay for it every time they use one. They will book for one with their smartphone every time they need a car.  Think of it as a driverless Grab. There's no maintenance fees, no high downpayments or bank loans, and best of all, no problems with parking. Internet companies love it but traditional car makers have to adapt. Hardware will be commoditized but software will be proprietary, which leads us to the next point.
Part of the reasons behind Proton’s failure was that our small domestic market simply cannot support a sustainable car manufacturing company. But if we are to re-define our national car as one that uses Malaysia-developed software and know-how (which our local talents at Proton have more than the general public gives them credit for), built with hardware from China, made to Malaysian requirements, we can still have a car company without being burdened with an underutilize factory, in the same way Apple doesn’t own any iPhone factory. Forget about combustion engines. It's time to relook into what Mahathir's original vision for the Multimedia Super Corridor was supposed to create.
Every manufacturer agrees that electrified vehicles – whether pure Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs or EVs) or hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCVs) – can only succeed with generous government support. In other words, this is one area where direct government involvement is actually welcomed rather than resented. Without investments by the government to build the necessary supporting infrastructures like charging stations, and tax rebates to reduce the high cost of such vehicles, the industry will be permanently stuck in a chicken-egg situation. But why stop at infrastructures if a Malaysia national car company can be directly involved in deciding what works best for Malaysia, rather than letting some Internet startup from California or Munich deciding on our behalf.
So are we suggesting that our next national car should focus on EVs? Not quite, yet. There are several problems with EVs, many of which are already becoming clear to policy makers in Europe, Japan and China.
Even the fastest Level 3 electric car chargers available today takes up to 30 minutes for a full charge. Even if we assume that the future improvements will halve that to 15 minutes, it’s still far too long. Even in Germany, the powerhouse of all things automotive, nobody has an answer to how are consumers going to charge their EVs. It is fairly common for Germans to park by the road side. A garage or a car porch is a luxury for many German city dwellers.
Urbanization is only going to become more intense and more people are going to stay in a high rise buildings. Installing a EV charger, even wireless ones, on every parking bay in every multi-storey car park is simply unrealistic.
Realizing this, the Japanese government are throwing their support behind hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles or FCVs. These are electric vehicles that generate their own electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen. The only emission from the exhaust tip is water vapour. Hydrogen can be generated from a variety of sources, even organic garbage! It's a path to an almost utopian reality.
An average FCV takes about 3 to 5 minutes to refuel, well within acceptable limits. A full tank of hydrogen gives a range of around 500 km. At present technology, that’s three times the range of an average electric vehicle like a Nissan Leaf.
The challenge for FCVs however, is that electricity is easily available but compressed hydrogen isn’t, even though the element is all around us. Building a hydrogen refueling station and resupplying it regularly is a lot more complicated than setting up chargers for EVs. However, Honda has already solved the problem with its
standalone Smart Hydrogen Station (SHS)
. It takes up no more than 2 parking lots, and can use solar energy to generate hydrogen from rain water, and can be setup in a matter of days.
Since Tun Dr. Mahathir have made a lot of overtures in aligning Malaysia with Japan, as sort of a follow-up to his earlier Look East policy, he will find a convenient supporter in the form of Toyota.
Although Toyota is currently a forerunner in FCV technology, it sees no benefit in being a leader in a market that’s too small to matter. For a limited time between now until 2020, Toyota is opening up almost all of its patents related to FCV technology, making it available for free to anyone interested. It's a once in a century offer. More importantly, Toyota’s patents related to supporting infrastructures like hydrogen stations will be remain available indefinitely for free.
Tesla also offers a portion of its patents for EVs free but reading Elon Musk's true intentions is trickier and between EVs and FCVs, the latter offers a better long-term solution.
In other words, Malaysia has a tiny window period of a few years to put its foot in on the next step in evolution of cars. We can leverage on our strong ties with Japan and Toyota's willingness to share their knowledge, and designate certain key locations in Malaysia as real-world test zones for self-driving cars.
Currently, the closest centre for the development of self-driving cars in this region is Singapore, which tech guru Chris Anderson (ex-Wired magazine) poked fun of:
Really, just look at these perfectly painted lines and black-and-white marking of all the curbs. It's like training wheels for self-driving cars
pic.twitter.com/2l2V2mNJRQ
— Chris Anderson (@chr1sa)
June 4, 2018
Following the visit by Tun Dr. Mahathir, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced that his government’s Japan Bank for International Cooperation will provide a USD 50 billion fund to boost infrastructure investment in Asia. Separately, the Managing Director of the Malaysian office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Akira Kajita have confirmed with The Edge Financial Daily that electric vehicles is one area that Japan hopes to cooperate with Malaysia in.
If Dr. Mahathir played his cards right, he might just be able to redeem his blunder with Proton. We can be South East Asia's core competency centre for self-driving FCVs, and have an opportunity to actively influence the technology path for our country's benefit. Waymo have shown us that you don't necessarily have to be burdened with factories and manufacturing to be in the car business. A technology that works in our challenging climate and chaotic urban traffic will certainly work well in many parts of the world.
As for the rakyat, if Tun can lead us to our own tax-free Malaysia-developed self-driving zero emission vehicle, why not?


How To Activate Your RFID Tag And Top Up Your RFID Account Balance

How do you activate your RFID tag and top up your RFID balance?

The announcement by the Ministry of Works on the
phasing out of Touch' n Go and SmartTAG lanes
 along the North-South Highway in favour of RFID lanes has caused motorists to scramble to get RFID tags.

But before you go out of your way to
buy RFID tags and install them
 on your car, the first thing you should do is install the Touch' n Go eWallet application, as this is where you will need to go top-up your balance for your RFID.

The Touch' n Go eWallet is an electronic wallet that holds electronic money. It is a mobile application offered by Touch' n Go.

The Touch' n Go eWallet provides services such as reloads, payments, funds transfer via your smartphone, anywhere and anytime within Malaysia.

Before activating your RFID, you must register a TnG eWallet account first, and here is how.

How to register the Touch' n Go eWallet?

1. You will first need to download the TnG eWallet app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and register your account.

2. You can only link one valid ID (Mykad/ Army/ Passport) for each TnG eWallet account, and each account is only allowed to be registered to one unique mobile number.

3. Fill in your information and details completely.

4. You will receive a verification code for verification.

5. Once registered, you can now use TNG eWallet

How to activate your RFID?

If you've installed your RFID tag at the fitment centre, then a person would have guided you on how to activate your RFID as soon as the installation process is finished.

But for those who are 'DIY-ing', here are the steps to activate your RFID.

1. After receiving and installing your RFID tag on your vehicle, all you have to do is activate it through the TnG eWallet app by clicking on the 'activate it now' button on the RFID page.

2. It will bring you to another page where you will have to fill in some personal information and some vehicle details.

3. You will then be required to enter the 24-digit tag number located on your packaging or just use your phone to scan the barcode above it.

4. It will ask you to confirm and verify, and voila, you're done, and you can start using RFID at the tolls.

How to top up your RFID balance?

1. To top up your RFID, all you need to do is tap on the 'Reload" icon at the top left of the page where you will be then redirected to another page asking how much you would like to top up.

2. All regular methods of online payment like credit card/ debit card and FPX are accepted so you do have a few options on how you would like to complete the transaction.

3. You can also opt for auto-reload, where the eWallet app will automatically top up your account when the account balance is low. You may also choose how much auto-reload you would like so that you get the same exact reload amount each time.


MIROS And 3M Launch Regional Road Safety Award

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) together with 3M Malaysia, the global science company with a rich history of road safety innovation recently launched the ‘3M Road Safety Award for Southeast Asia’.
The award, which is open to individuals, government and non-government organisations intends to encourage and recognise road safety initiatives that are impactful, innovative, sustainable and replicable in Southeast Asia.
“We are pleased to collaborate with 3M Malaysia for a regional award that focuses on improving road safety in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Road safety is an important and
serious issue that affects each country within the region
, and we believe it is the responsibility of both the government and its citizens to help reduce accidents and fatalities on roads.
“It is our earnest hope that this award empowers a region-wide effort to improve road safety not just for us, but for future generations as well,” said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman of MIROS.
“We are honoured to be the sponsor for this award. Through our partnership with MIROS, we are excited to be able to launch the 3M Road Safety Award for Southeast Asia. As a leader in road safety innovation for over 75 years, we are constantly looking at complementary ways to make roadways safer.
“We believe that the award will not only inculcate the importance of reducing road traffic injuries and deaths within and beyond Malaysia’s borders, but also encourage innovative thinking to accelerate the pace of effective road safety measures” said Mr. Parameswaran Nair, Managing Director of 3M Malaysia.
Submission, through
http://award.miros.gov.my/v4/#
 - ends at 11:59pm on 31 July 2018. More information, including Terms & Conditions can be found the aforementioned website.
The evaluation process will entail two tiers. The first tier will involve competition between submissions within the same country.
Submissions with top scores for that country will then compete with top score submissions across other Southeast Asia countries in the second evaluation tier.
Four winners will be announced during an award ceremony on 4
th
 Dec 2018, in conjunction with the
second Conference of ASEAN Road Safety 2018 (CARS 2018)
. The grand prize is a trip to the U.S.A., that will include visit to the 3M Innovation Centre and Transportation Research Centre.
The winner will have an opportunity to witness the demonstration on some of the latest technological developments in the field of Road Safety and Connected Roads.


Paris 2016: Renault Trezor Concept Is An Outrageously Cool Electric GT

Penned by Laurens van den Acker, the same guy who gave us the Mazda Nagare Concept, the Renault Trezor Concept is an all-electric GT car built to demonstrate the learnings gained from Renault’s participation in Formula E.
Not much else is revealed about the car, apart from its 0-100 km/h time of under four seconds, and it has three driving modes - neutral, sport and autonomous.
While Renault is unlikely to produce the Trezor, it did say that the Trezor’s interior - with red as a predominant colour, French craftsmanship on wood and leather materials, personalizable touch-screen interfaces and smartphone recognition – foreshadows the sleeker interior of future Renault models.


Top Gear: Jeremy Clarkson Throws Punch At Producer, Season 22 Cancelled

So here’s a spot of bad news for auto fans: the remainder of Top Gear Season 22 has been cancelled. Why? Well, it seems as though Jeremy Clarkson, has attempted to punch one of the show’s producers and has been suspended from Top Gear. For how long? No one seems to know just yet.
It all started when the BBC released a statement that Clarkson had been suspended after a “fracas” with a BBC producer. Later, an announcement was made that the remainder of the season would not air.
The identity of the man Clarkson attempted to hit remains a mystery for now, let alone if or not he works for the Top Gear team. The incident is reported to have happened sometime last week, but it wasn’t until Monday that the BBC was notified. At the time of writing, no police involvement has been reported. Clarkson's co-presenters, Richard Hammond and James May aren't involed either.
It’s been a pretty uplifting season of Top Gear so far, with as many as 10 episodes planned – the most we’ve seen in a while, and the team producing lots of big challenges and cool trips. Unfortunately, the remaining three episodes will not be aired as planned, until further notice.
In the mean time,
here's a petition you could sign
 in an attempt to #BringBackClarkson, if you want.
Image credit: Top Gear


The 2022 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia - MotoGP Welcomes Fans Back!

The 23rd edition of Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia takes place from 21-23 October 2022 and this time fans of MotoGP will once again be welcomed back to Sepang International Circuit.

The 23rd edition also marks Petronas' debut as the title sponsor after reaching an agreement with MotoGP rights holder, Dorna Sports earlier this year.

Malaysians will be happy to know that local talent, Syarifuddin Azman (Damok), has been granted a wildcard entry in the Moto3 World Championship. Damok 21-year-old is currently ranked second in the FIM JuniorGP championship standings.

Chief Executive Officer of SIC, Azhan Shafriman Hanif said, “This year marks the first year of Petronas as the Title Sponsor for the Grand Prix. SIC is all set to #WelcomeHome all the local and international motorsports fans to Sepang after two years hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we will ensure the quality of Malaysia Grand Prix is at the highest level.”

“With no Malaysian riders competing full season in the Championship, I believe Damok will be the pull factor for Malaysians to cheer fellow Malaysian on the grid,” added Shafriman.

The MotoGP race week will kick-off on Wednesday with a Public Cooking Contest showcasing talented MotoGP riders in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The much anticipated Public Pit Lane Walk and Riders’ Autograph Session will take place on 21 October 2022 where fans can get up close and personal with their favourite riders.

For the first time ever, SIC will be presenting a new lifestyle experience - a curated festival feel that combines local food, culture, outdoor, live music, art installations, and unique activations under one roof.

There will also be a lucky draw where two winners stand a chance to win a Yamaha NVX and Y15ZR bikes with SIC limited-edition livery worth RM22,000 through the #MalaysianGP2022 Mega Lucky Draw contest.

In conjunction with Merdeka, SIC is running a special promotion starting today up to 31 August 2022 - tickets can be purchased at
www.sepangcircuit.com
.


Review: BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo 630i M Sport – An Acquired Taste

There are many things in this world which are very much an acquired taste. These are things that we do not fancy when we first experience them, but often start to like them more when we get to know them better.
These are things such as raw oysters, the Smelly Tofu, Toddy, RWB-tuned Porsches, and of course, BMW Gran Turismo (GT) models.
The first ever GT model to come from Munich was the F07 5 Series GT which was unveiled in 2009. Built on the same platform as the F01 7 Series, BMW referred to the 5 GT as the 5-door fastback version of the F10 5 Series.
Designed to hit middle ground between the sedan and wagon versions of the 5-Series, the 5 GT was well received well in markets like China and the USA, which led BMW to introduce a smaller version, the 3 GT, four years later.
As well-built, well-equipped, and practical as the GT models were, they were just downright ugly and disproportionate. Dubbed by many as the ugliest BMW models ever, even our reaction when we first set eyes on the 5GT and the 3GT was “Err, what the hell is this?”
The body of a limousine, combined with the raised coupe-like roofline, unfortunately resulted in something that looks like a shoe with wheels, which explains why the model didn’t really get accepted well by many.
However, things finally took a turn for the better when BMW revealed the 5 GT's sleeker successor in 2017, the 6 Series Gran Turismo which we’re looking at right now.
Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo, 4-cylinder, petrol
Transmission:  8-speed automatic
Max Power: 258 hp from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 400 Nm from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm
Price: RM 430,800 without insurance
Origin: Locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah
Overview
About a year after the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo made its global debut in Frankfurt, it was
launched in Malaysia
 in the sole form of the locally assembled 630i M Sport, which is priced at RM 430,800 on the road without insurance.
Codenamed G32, the 6 Series GT sits between the G30 5 Series and the G11 7 Series in BMW’s portfolio in Malaysia, going against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS class, Audi A7 Sportback, Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, and the Volvo V90.
It's powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 258 hp and 400 Nm, channeled to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The century sprint is completed in just 6.3 seconds.
Like its predecessor, the 6 Series GT comes with an extensive list of standard features which includes:
M Sport Aerodynamics Package
Panoramic Glassroof
Head-Up Display
Sensatec leather dashboard
Black Dakota leather upholstery
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
Wireless phone charging
BMW Display Key
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Change Warning
Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation
Crossing Traffic Warning
Speed Limit Info
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Exterior
Designed by Hussein Al-Attar, the man who also designed the sexy M2 Coupe, the 6 Series GT, which shares the same CLAR platform as the 7 Series, is 5,091 mm long, 1,902 mm wide and 1,538 mm in height, making it 155 mm longer, 34 mm wider, and 59 mm taller than the G30 5 Series.
Despite the enormous size, it looks much sleeker and more pleasant to the eyes compared to its predecessor thanks to the lower roofline. Plus, the M Sport kit it comes in also makes it look sporty, and a tad more athletic than the G30 5 Series sedan.
Up front, the 630i GT features a pair of adaptive LED headlights that flank the signature BMW kidney grille.
As for the sides, the trademark Hofmeister kink is found on the end of each rear window, but the key highlight is the sweeping down roofline that merges into the tail section.
The rear end also features a spoiler that automatically deploys when the vehicle reaches 110 km/h. 20-inch double spoke 648 M alloy wheels complete the exterior of the 630i GT.
That being said, the 6 Series GT actually received a lot of positive feedback from the public during our stint. For once, a BMW GT model had people going “wow”, and “interesting”, unlike the predecessor which only got people cringing.
However, if we are to put it side by side with its rivals, it is still far from being one of the better looking ones.
Interior
Inside, the 6 Series GT is essentially a combination of the 5 Series’ front half and the rear half of a 7 Series, minus the bells and whistles you get in the latter.
The seats, dashboard, steering design, centre console, and infotainment system are all identical to what you get in the G30 5 Series. Plus, the 6 GT also comes with stylish frameless doors.
Once we got into the rear, we were overwhelmed with the amount of leg space available, thanks to the fact that the 6 GT’s wheelbase length is identical to the 7. Despite having a lower roofline, there was more than enough head space.
The seats are also mounted slightly higher off the floor compared to the 5, which translated into easy ingress and egress, and a slightly more upright and comfortable seating position.
The infotainment department was taken care by the iDrive 6.0 system which comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Navigation system Professional, enhanced voice control, gesture control, and the party piece, a 600W 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.
What we love the most about the interior is how it comes to life at night. The wide central display, fully digital instrument panel, the two-part panoramic roof, and the ambient lighting just turn the cabin into an absolute feast to the eyes.
On top of all of the above, there is a huge 610-litre boot which can accommodate three large luggage or golf bags easily. But that’s not all. Once the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats go down, there is a massive 1,800-litres of luggage space at your service.
Overall, the 6 Series GT’s interior is a mighty fine place to be in. Not only is it so well built, but it also feels quite luxurious. In addition, there is also an unparalleled level of practicality and convenience.
Driving it
The 6 GT drives like how you would expect a BMW to drive. There is constant availability of power, composure, and refinement, and the steering is also weighted nicely.
Thanks to the adaptive air suspension and Dynamic Damper Control system, bumps and lumps were all absorbed impressively, translating into a super comfortable, refined, and isolated journey. Where the 6 GT really felt at home was on the open roads.
Due to its size, which is about the same as a Panamera, manoeuvring it through tight spots, parking it in shopping malls, and driving in narrow roads in housing areas can be a little tricky, but all the sensors and driver assist features are there to keep things in check.
Can it be driven ambitiously through twisty roads? Yes, but after a certain point, there is noticeable body roll, and the weight of the car becomes more apparent during braking.
So, the moral of the story is that the 6 GT, like its name suggests, is actually a Grand Tourer which makes travelling long distances an absolute pleasure. If regular canyon carving is your type of thing, please look elsewhere.
Conclusion
Like every other car out there, the BMW 6 Series GT has its pluses and minuses. On the upside, it is basically a 5 Series with the spaciousness of a 7 Series, and the practicality of an X5.
Plus, it is an excellent vehicle to be in. Not only is it nice to drive and to travel in, but there is no shortage in terms features either but why is it that we don’t see any on the road?
Well, from what we can see, there are two issues with this car. First, we have the looks of the car.
Yes, it is sleeker and better looking than the 5 Series GT which it replaces but it still takes time to get used to. When seen from certain angles, it still looks a little funny.
And then, we have the price tag of RM 430,800. If practicality is what you’re looking for, you’re better off with an X5 xDrive40e M Sport which is RM 40,000 cheaper.
If you love the mechanical capabilities and the features of the car, you have the option of going for the 5 Series which is about RM 60,000 cheaper.
So, looks like the only ones who would choose the 6 GT over everything else in the BMW portfolio in Malaysia are those who prioritise the spaciousness of the rear seats above all else.
But price and looks aside, it is a car which makes a lot of sense for those who often travel with their families or friends, and carry a lot of stuff.
In a nutshell, the 6 Series GT is like a nice family oriented man with a lot of positive characteristics, but just lacks in the looks department. You just have to take him out, spend some time with him, hear what he has to say, and it is highly likely that he will impress you once you see beyond his physical appearance.


Types Of Filters In Your Car, Their Purpose And Why You Need To Change Them?

Filters play an important role in the maintenance of your vehicle, hence it is important to know the types of filters in a car and why you need to change them?

Just like us humans, a car needs uncontaminated air and liquids to operate correctly. The engine is kept clean and in good working condition by filters that help keep out contaminants while letting clean air and liquids pass through some of its essential components.

When one of these filters gets overly dirty or clogged, it can cause problems and affect performance. Although they are one of the cheapest parts of a car, they play such a significant role in keeping them going, so it is vital to keep on top of them.

There are five primary filters in every car. They are;

Oil filter

Air filter

Cabin filter

Fuel filter

Transmission filter

Knowing what these filters are and what they do will help you make sure they are in good working order, so let's dig in because we all want to have an efficient running car.

1. Oil Filter

The oil filter helps maintain continuous engine oil flow while removing dirt, oxidized oil and metallic particles that may appear in engine oil due to engine wear. It basically purifies the engine oil so that it can lubricate the engine parts efficiently.

An oil filter is not a lifetime item and only has enough filtration power until the following oil change. An old oil filter will most likely be clogged and will allow impurities to pass through it. This will damage the engine as it cannot filter out harmful particles and metal shavings. A clogged filter will also slow down the flow of oil, leading to premature engine wear, poor performance, or even engine failure.

2. Air Filter

An
air filter
 is an essential component in the air intake that helps to keep the air going into the engine clean of contaminants. The filter keeps road grime, dirt, bugs and everything else that blows into your vehicle's grill from entering the engine. The air filter is one of the most accessible filters to change in a car and should be changed every couple of years. If you live and drive in dusty areas, it's best to change them yearly.

A clean air filter lets clean air into the engine and gives the car good performance. Unfortunately, many car owners forget about the air filter, so if you've bought a used car, it's best to check this part as it tells you a lot about the car's previous owner and how well the vehicle has been taken care of. A good indication of a bad air filter is higher than regular fuel consumption and black smoke from the exhaust as the fuel combustion is incomplete and leads to dirty exhaust smoke.

3. Fuel Filter

A fuel filter removes impurities like dust, rust and grit contained in the fuel. They usually pick these impurities as they transfer from the refinery to the transporter and the petrol station. By filtering out these contaminants, the fuel filter protects your fuel injectors and pumps from being clogged and plays a crucial role in maintaining the performance and longevity of your car's engine.

If your fuel filter is clogged, it can reduce fuel flow and cause the engine to stall as it has difficulties drawing fuel. Also, with a clogged filter, the fuel pump works much harder, and you may have problems starting the car or notice poor acceleration.

4. Cabin Filter

The
cabin air filter
 keeps the air clean in your cabin. It filters out dust and other air pollutants out of the air so you can breathe clean air while driving. While this doesn't affect the car, it will affect the driver and is a crucial part of the cabin ventilation system.

Also, having a clean cabin filter will maximize airflow, which can help your air conditioning system blow colder air. The cabin air filter will also help filter exhaust fumes that are hazardous to your health. The cabin air filter is relatively easy to replace and you can probably do it yourself.

5. Automatic Transmission Oil Filter

Like an engine oil filter, the automatic transmission oil filter removes dirt, oxidized oil and metallic particles that may appear in the transmission due to transmission wear. While some consider this a non-essential replacement, automatic transmissions rely heavily on hydraulics, which is basically pressurising fluid and using it to move things, so wouldn't you want the liquid to be clean?

The transmission filter is usually located at the transmission itself, so it is a bit more costly to replace. If you ever feel like your transmission is not shifting crisply or just seems to hold on to gears for a long time, then perhaps a transmission service of oil and filter is needed.

As you can read above, filters play an important role in a car, so next time you're due for a service get your mechanic to check and replace them, especially if you have never done it before.


Toyota Corolla Sales Surpasses 50 Million Units Globally, But It Represents More Than Just A Car

The Toyota Corolla has reached 50 million unit sales worldwide, but it stands for more than just a Toyota sedan.

Ever since its introduction in 1966, Toyota expected the Corolla to be a global model. So not only was it exported from Japan, but it was also built in many countries, including developing ones such as Malaysia.

Today, Toyota celebrates 50 million Corolla sales worldwide, and we're pretty sure it has helped many industrial sectors along the way, including ours.

The Local assembly of Corollas is done from CKD packs, where valuable skill and technology has been transferred to the authorised assemblers, helping to boost industrial growth in the countries involved.

When the Malaysian government invited vehicle manufacturers to assemble their products in Malaysia in 1965, Toyota was among the first to respond to the call. Since the Corolla was set out to be a global model, the company proposed that it be built in Malaysia.

For the local assembly, Toyota had talks with
Champion Motors
, which had just built an assembly plant in Shah Alam, Selangor, back then. Owned by Inchcape Group at the time, the Champion Motor plant - which later changed its name to Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB) - took the Corolla assembly in its stride despite knowing that they had no prior experience in doing so.

Despite that, in its early years, ASSB had the highest production rate in the country, and with the positive response to the Corolla when it was introduced in Malaysia in 1968, the model began to become the flagship model produced by the ASSB.

Other Toyota models were added from year to year, increasing Toyota's popularity among Malaysians and successfully positioning itself as the No. 1 vehicle brand in Malaysia. By the 1970s, the Corolla became the best-selling car in the country. To date, about 300,000 units of the
Corolla have been sold
 in the Malaysian market, forming part of the 50 million units that have been sold worldwide.

Almost all generations of the Corolla had been assembled in Malaysia. However, the model is no longer assembled in Malaysia post-2008 as it has been imported as a CBU from Thailand.

Despite that, the Corolla still managed to gain a broad audience as it was sold at a relatively affordable price. It has also proven to be
durable
, reliable, and economical - which has helped cement Toyota as a household name in Malaysia today.

Between 2010 and 2020, the Corolla accounted for 6% of Toyota sales in the country, with the 10th generation model sold between 2006 and 2013-being the best-selling generation in Malaysia to date. About 40,000 units of that generation model were sold.

According to UMW Toyota President, Ravindran K. the success of that model set a new standard for its class, as it offered motorists a dynamic and advanced sedan with luxurious styling. It also came with a higher level of safety and was environmentally friendly," said Ravindran.

"Each generation, right from the very first, has been a contributor in the brand transformation. From the first generation, which began the motorisation for the masses, to the latest generation, which was the basis of the transformation, the Corolla has always been in sync with the changes in society and the economy of Malaysia," he added.

It's no surprise then that with each generation introduced, many new customers join the Toyota family. According to Toyota, many are not only loyal to Toyota but specifically loyal to the Corolla. 63% of Corolla customers swap their old model to a new generation model as soon as it launches. This is because they are confident that the Corolla is the best value for money, has good durability, reliability and good resale value.

Apparently, nearly a third of Corolla customers also buy
another Corolla
 as an additional car for the household. Toyota also states that If they don't resell it, the vehicle will remain in the family for a long time, passed down to children who will inherit a car that can be expected to be used in the long run.

We're pretty sure this phenomenon not only happens in Malaysia but all of the countries it is produced in as well as sold. After all, if you mention Corolla anywhere in the world it is instantly recognised, how many other models can lay claim to such popularity?

Do you have any stories about a Corolla? Let us know in the comments.


Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid - E-Jolt Is Better Than Coffee

Earlier this year, Porsche introduced the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, based on the company’s second generation sports sedan.
Powering the new hybrid is a 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired to an electric motor, good for a combined output of 671 bhp and 850 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds.
For the purpose of this commercial, Porsche teamed up with a coffee stall offering a new coffee blend called E-Jolt, supposedly one of the world’s powerful cups of coffee. So powerful that they had to sign a waiver.
After signing the waiver, the barista informed them that the E-Jolt had to be sampled outside. Little do they know, E-Jolt actually refers to the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.
Needless to say, the ride in the Panamera was certainly far more potent than any cup of coffee for these customers.


SDAC-Ford Ushers in the Year of the Rat with Attractive Chinese New Year Promotions for the KING

With the Chinese New Year fast approaching, Ford is feeling festive and today announced that they would be having a promotion for their Ranger WildTrak and Ranger Raptor.

With two-years free maintenance and an Ang Pao worth RM2,000, the WildTrak and Raptor are now more affordable than ever. As they are feeling extra joyous, they have also thrown in an RM3000 rebate for the WildTrak making it a great buy. A Ford Performance Golf Umbrella will also be thrown in, as long as you take advantage of this promotion which is valid till the end of 31 January 2020.

The Ranger WildTrak comes packed with many class-leading smart safety technologies that offer ‘Built Ford Tough’ capabilities with the comfort and versatility of a passenger vehicle.

The Ranger Raptor – Malaysia’s first and only performance pickup – infuses Ford’s Performance DNA and exceeds expectations with features like the cutting-edge Terrain Management System, a huge Bash Plate for withstanding high impacts from harsh terrains and FOX Racing Shox dampers.

Both variants, as with the rest of the Ranger line-up, come with a full manufacturer’s warranty of three years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first.


VIDEO: Angrier Version Of Mercedes-AMG GT Seen At The Nurburgring - Black Series?

A more hardcore version of the Mercedes-AMG GT has been seen blasting around the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany, disguised in the appropriate camouflage to keep prying eyes from being entirely sure about what it is.
This version has little indications that give away this
Mercedes
's more high performance nature: fixed rear wing, more pronounced wheel arches, side panel-mounted winglets, and larger wheels to accommodate larger brake discs, among others.
All this
, as far as educated guesses go,
 points to a model that would sit above the 503hp GT S, and if history is any guide, what we could be seeing here is the Black Series edition – a moniker given to harder, lighter, more powerful versions of Mercedes’ cars.
Perhaps some bits from the
AMG GT3
 racer will find its way into this Black Series edition, although it most likely will retain the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 - predictably in more powerful tune, of course. From the sound of it, the
GT3's sonorous
 M159 6.2-litre V8 hasn’t made a surprise return. Not that we’re complaining, the AMG GT’s engine is a masterpiece.
Video by WorldCarFans


New York 2017: Electric and Plug-in Versions of Honda Clarity to Make Global Debut

Honda today announced that the all-new Clarity Plug-in Hybrid and Honda Clarity Electric will make their worldwide debut at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.
Complementing the announcement is the release of the official teaser sketch of the never-before-seen Clarity Plug-in Hybrid and Clarity Electric which are flanking the currently available
Clarity Fuel Cell
.
The two all-new, electrified Honda vehicles will make Clarity the first vehicle series by the company to offer customers an expanded array of electrified vehicle choices with fuel cell, battery electric and also plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Wrapped in a rather sporty and spacious midsize sedan, the Clarity series is at the vanguard of Honda’s mission to grow in sales of electrified vehicles. In fact, the Japanese carmaker has announced its intention to make two-thirds of its global auto sales from electrified vehicles by 2030.
On the exterior, the new Clarity variants have a low, wide aerodynamic body with unique design elements.
Inside, the Clarity series boasts spacious interiors outfitted with premium, environmentally-responsible materials. The Clarity series also features Display Audio with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as the standard Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies.
Accoding to Honda, the Clarity Electric will be the first affordable, midsize, five-passenger battery electric vehicle (BEV).
The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid on the other hand, which combines an all-electric driving range rating in excess of 64 km with a hyper-efficient extended range mode, is projected to be a volume leader in the series in market like the US.


Toyota Camry Is Now RM7k More Expensive, Priced From RM196.9k

Effective today, the selling price for the all-new Toyota Camry has been raised by RM6,988, bringing the new price to RM196,888 (excluding insurance).
There are no changes to the specifications but from little that we can gather, Toyota is barely making money on the Thailand-assembled Camry. The general public might find this hard to believe but recall in
our review of the all-new Camry
, the D-segment sedan is an extremely difficult spot to be in right now. Volumes are at an all-time low – which raises the cost for each car - as consumers shift towards SUVs. Compounding the problem further is our weak RM.
Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor has
given up on the Teana
 to focus on the X-Trail. The
all-new Honda Accord
 has been launched in Thailand with an equivalent price of RM196,000 so it’s understandable that Honda Malaysia is in no hurry to introduce the model here, which from what we can gather, will be launched in Malaysia in early-2020, price hike included.
Back to the all-new Camry. This all-new model is a substantially more sophisticated product aimed to tempt shoppers of premium sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, especially those who can’t quite accept the downgrade in interior space as they move up the sedan hierarchy.
The Camry also benefits from Toyota’s latest TNGA platform, which allows it to handle better and yet ride more comfortably than any of its in-class rivals. Such a product cannot be cheap.
Read our review of the all-new Toyota Camry
here
.
Find the best deals for new Toyota vehicles
here
.


Jokowi is confident that Tesla will Invest In Indonesia

There's been a lot of rumours that Tesla Inc
is about to set up shop in Malaysia
, but if we were to listen to what is being offered to Tesla from our neighbouring country, Indonesia, it'd be more likely that they will have Tesla, before we do.

According to a recent report from Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Indonesian president Joko Widodo is confident Tesla will
finalise a deal
 to invest in a production facility in his country, having offered the US car maker incentives ranging from tax breaks to a concession to mine nickel.

"I told him(Elon Musk) that if you invest in Indonesia, I will give you a nickel concession," said Jokowi.

This is probably one of the best reasons to have a manufacturing hub in Indoenesia, as they have rich reserves of nickel ore, which can be processed for use in EV batteries.

Jokowi added that he is "convinced" that Indonesia has an advantage over other countries because it has the largest nickel reserves, large domestic market and is Southeast Asia's largest economy.

Jokowi said it was up to Tesla to accept or not regarding the nickel mining offer, while explaining that Indonesia is open to investment in the battery supply chain and electric cars.

The president, has held talks with Tesla chief executive Elon Musk twice, meeting him in person at his SpaceX facility in Texas last year and a telephone call, to try to secure a deal.

Tesla is looking for additional manufacturing hubs to add on to their current crop of factories, namely Fremont, California, Shanghai, Austin, Texas and Berlin.

In addition to Indonesia, South Korea, Canada and Mexico are also competing to ensure Tesla invests in manufacturing in the country.

Analysts estimate that Tesla needs to build seven or eight more "Gigafactories" to meet Elon Musk's target of selling 20 million electric vehicles by 2030.


Honda Malaysia Sold 109,511 Vehicles In 2017 – Highest Ever In Company History

Honda Malaysia today announced that it has recorded total sales of 109,511 units in 2017, making it the highest in the history of the company since it was established in 2003.
This is the first time Honda Malaysia has sold more than 100,000 units, making it highest sales figure that a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia.
Out of the total which saw an increase of 19% compared to the 91,830 units sold in 2016, the central region contributed the highest percentage of sales at 47%, followed by Southern region and Northern region.
Commenting on the achievement, Honda Malaysia’s managing director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama said, “At the beginning of 2017, we challenged ourselves with a sales target of 100,000 units and in March 2017, we achieved a historical milestone with the 600,000th unit (CKD) production within the span of 14 years since Honda Malaysia started in 2003.”
“At the end of 2017, based on internal data our market share was at 19%, an increase of 3.2 points from 2016. For the first time ever, we surpassed the 100,000 units sales achievement within a calendar year. We continue to maintain our No. 1 position for Non-National segment and No. 2 position in overall TIV of the automotive industry.”
That being said, the company added that it is all geared up to make 2018 another successful year with many exciting products launches the pipeline.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Confident Of Securing Extensions For NAP Incentives

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is likely to continue selling its locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid and S400L Hybrid at their current tax-exempted prices of RM348,888 and RM587,888 respectively beyond 2015, said Mr. Mark Raine, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Both the locally-assembled (at the DRB-Hicom plant in Pekan, Pahang) diesel-electric E300 BlueTec Hybrid and the petrol-electric S400L Hybrid are exempted from excise duties and import duties (for imported components) under the National Automotive Policy 2014.
Raine was speaking at the company's Q3 2015 business review earlier today, where the company announced a new range of
lower-priced C-Class models
, thanks to incentives provided by NAP 2014.
The incentives for locally-assembled hybrids are supposed to expire by 31-December 2015 but Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is confident that both its hybrid models will continue to be made available to customers at the same prices in 2016.
"For our hybrids in our model range, we have also applied for an extension, and we are just in the process. We are optimistic that we can continue with our prices as they are now," said Mark Raine, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing.
Rather than calling it an extension, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia explains the company had made a new, separate application to enjoy the same incentives beyond 2015.
Currently, the only other tax-exempted (proper) hybrid vehicle is the Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid. However, we understand that the situation with the Camry Hybrid is still unclear, as UMW Toyota has yet to obtain a firm answer from the government.
The Camry 2.5 Hybrid, assembled in Shah Alam, is currently sold at RM174,900 excluding insurance.
There's also the locally-assembled Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, but that's a pseudo hybrid and it doesn't have any high cost hybrid components inside. Prices are unlikely to go any lower, with or without incentives.


Volvo Joins Forces With Uber To Develop Self-Driving Cars

Volvo Cars have entered an agreement to sell as many as 24,000 autonomous driving compatible units of the XC90 to ride-sharing company Uber in the United States between 2019 and 2021.
The non-exclusive agreement enhances the strategic partnership between Volvo Cars and Uber which was first announced in August 2016.
Engineers from Volvo cars and Uber have been working closely to develop the XC90 'base vehicles' that will be supplied to Uber. Volvo will supply the said cars with all necessary safety, redundancy, and core autonomous driving technologies for Uber to add its own self-driving systems.
According to a report on
Forbes
, the XC90 T8s will roll out from Volvo's factory with additional sensors and radar systems designed according to Uber's specifications. Upon receiving the cars, Uber will add its own hardware and software, including the roof box containing LiDAR sensors and the necessary computing system installed in the vehicle's rear cargo area.
The Forbes report further highlights the significance of this deal in both its scope and timing. No other company has anywhere near the volume of autonomous vehicles on the road and available for public use. The stated 2019 launch date also means that the technology is currently in an advanced state of readiness.
The size of the deal also means that Volvo gets to almost double its sales volume of the XC90 in the United States. To date, the company has sold more than 32,500 units of its flagship SUV in the US.
In the case of Uber, while the huge development costs and capital outlay required to acquire, maintain and deploy such a huge fleet of vehicles might seem contrary to the traditional strategy of the company, it enables the company "to control its destiny" more effectively according to Jeff Miller, Uber’s Head of Auto Alliances.
This is achieved by reducing the company's overall dependency on privately owned and operated vehicles a reduce fares which studies have shown, still costs more 'per-mile' than private ownership. However, the short terms benefits seem to be in favour Volvo more than Uber at this point.
The contract, estimated to be worth USD2.0 billion "is intentionally flexible, so it can adjust the number of vehicles purchased, depending on consumer demand and the regulatory environment”, over the three year period, according to Miller.
In a separate but related development, Volvo had also announced a collaboration with automotive safety company Autoliv and computer graphics company NVidia to develop advanced systems and software for self-driving cars.
Earlier, Volvo and Autoliv had already set up a joint venture, called Zenuity, to develop next-generation self-driving car technologies. The newly-announced collaboration, meanwhile, will see NVidia bringing its AI car computing platform to form the software development basis of these technologies. Volvo Cars are committed to having (SAE) Level 4 autonomous cars for sale by 2021.


3 Hot Picks For A New Year, New Ride This Chinese New Year

Making that hometown journey would be so sweet if you pulled up in a shiny new car to call your own. We’ve all had that feeling or at least the desire to impress our friends and families during the festive season.

From now until 28th February 2023, CARSOME is offering prospective car owners to get behind the wheel of the car of their dreams with low interest rates as low as 1.88% for the first 8 months and discounts of up to RM8,000
on selected CARSOME Certified cars
.

Whether for first time owners or those looking for an awesome deal on your next car, the choices at CARSOME are plentiful and often pretty tempting. And because they are Certified under CARSOME comprehensive inspection and refurbishment process, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a pre-owned car that’s definitely a cut above the rest.

Here are some cars that would make the perfect companion for your hometown journey and beyond:

1.
Perodua Myvi

Malaysia’s ubiquitous hatchback is dubbed the King for good reason. So many of us regard this car in high esteem due to its unbeatable versatility and value. Over the years, it has been modernised and refined into a truly formidable force in the B-segment hatchback market, utterly dominating the competition.

With a big boot, spacious cabin, a solid reliability track record and a stable of frugal engines ranging from 1.3-litres to 1.5-litre four-cylinders, the Myvi is the consummate 5-door hatchback. It remains a local favourite, and now a quality example can be yours and an even more attractive price point.

2.
Nissan Almera

The Nissan Almera might not be as popular as the Honda City or Toyota Vios in the very competitive B-segment sedan market, especially as these 3 cars are manufactured by Japanese automakers, but that only serves to increase the Nissan’s appeal as a rarer sight on the road.

Despite any misconceptions, the Almera is a shockingly impressive car for the price. In its first-generation guise, the boot is enormous (great for family trips), the cabin comfortable, and the ride rather refined.

Like the other cars in this segment, a 1.5-litre normally aspirated 4-cylinder sits under its bonnet, one that is equally famed for being a problem-free workhorse rather than for its athletic performance. For that, you might want to set your sights a little higher to its second-generation successor.

Armed with a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, the newest Almera has a sportier edge to match its bolder styling and upmarket interior. It’s a stand out car, for sure, and a bit of an unexpected left-field hidden gem.

3.
Honda City

The Honda City needs no introduction. Many regard it as the consummate four-door sedan that can handle anything and last (almost) forever. There’s an unbelievable amount of space inside with rear legroom, rivalling cars several segments larger, and this is bolstered by class-leading boot space.

There’s also that ‘Honda’ badge-factor, and even that i-VTEC designation that might hold some thread of significance to the screaming motors made famous by the brand.

Quality and materials are also great as Honda has been consistently improving the perception of their vehicles throughout the years. These days, they’re no longer only seen as a mass market contender. Perhaps the best part of choosing a City is how you can hardly go wrong. The basic formula has been retained for almost 3 model generations. Honda knows when not to mess with a good thing.

___________

Again, with interest rates as low as 1.88% and discounts up to RM8,000 for selected CARSOME Certified cars, there’s more reason than ever to indulge in your dream car to kick start your new year!

But you’d better act quick as CARSOME is offering these low interest rates as little as 1.88% for the first 8 months and discounts of up to RM8,000
on selected CARSOME Certified car
s only until 28th February.
Terms and conditions apply
.


Of Course We Want A Huge 400HP Hyundai Palisade N….Right?

As much as the thought makes me cringe in disgust, automakers seem to be feeding the into the tasteless desires of a buyer population that lusts after a hulking SUV that’s perpetrating as fast and sporty.

Hyundai had previously teased a hotted-up N version of
their Palisade
 (an 8-seater SUV) as part of an April Fool’s joke in 2020, but now following the model’s introduction to the big-car-loving Land Down Under, there seems to be growing hints that such an abomination (good or bad) might actually be in the works.

The Palisade, for those a little unfamiliar, is Hyundai’s largest globally sold SUV and sister car to the
Kia Telluride
, sitting above
the Santa Fe
. Notice also that both of those names are derived from locations in Colorado, hence their popularity in the North American market.

Back to Australia, where the SUV and muscle car scenes have overlapped with the Americans, and it becomes a little clearer why US-focused vehicles such as the Palisade make their way there before long.

According to
CarAdvice
, a prior discussion with Albert Biermann, the South Korean automaker’s President of Research & Development, clearly teased that Hyundai was indeed looking into growing their portfolio of high performance models under the N banner “across all model lines, including SUVs”, which began
with the i30N
 and Veloster N.

Following that, the company’s moves to verbally suggest an N version of the recently unveiled Tucson further cement the implication that their range of SUVs and crossovers are not going to be spared, unsurprising given Mr. Biermann’s close personal involvement with the first BMW X5 M (E70) before departing the Munich outfit to join Hyundai.

Elsewhere in the range, we already know that
the Kona
,
Elantra
, and
Sonata
 are already available with a rather aggressive looking N-Line package, which usually means that a full-blown N version isn't far off, replete with a powerful turbocharged engine and heavily revised performance suspension.

After all, Hyundai already has a lot of the main ingredients in place if you factor in the resources from their Genesis luxury division. For example, their new GV80 and
GV70
 features a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 that generates a 375hp with the potential for more grunt to be unlocked - 400hp will be a minimum, probably.

Looks like Hyundai surely isn’t shy about what can or can’t be molested by their still-new performance division, which makes us wonder how soon we’ll reach a point of N fatigue. Should the Palisade N become real, is that the peak of Korean automotive cringe?


Toyota Supra To Race In NASCAR Next Year

After many years of entering the default family sedan/airport rental/company pool-car that is the Toyota Camry, Toyota USA is preparing to enter the American motor racing series, NASCAR, with the upcoming all-new Toyota Supra.
Slated to make its racing debut in the “minor-league” NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) at Daytona in February 2019, the Supra will compete with performance-coupe comrades in Chevrolet’s Camaro and Ford’s Mustang.
“When you talk Toyota and cool cars, Supra is the first thing that comes to mind for many auto enthusiasts,” said Ed Laukes, group vice president of Toyota Division Marketing. “Supra’s return in production form is huge news, but now we’re also going to see this iconic sports car return to American motorsport,”
“From a marketing perspective, it’s important to have a race car that evokes the dynamism and character of its showroom counterpart. We’re confident we’ve accomplished that with Supra, and we hope racing fans the world over will proudly cheer its success on the track.” Laukes added.
As per current NXS regulations, vehicles are essentially the same, utilizing the regulated steel tube chassis that features a 5.8-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, 4-speed manual transmission and the rigid-axle on a simple trailing-arm rear suspension.
Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet all painstakingly recreate the outer shell to mimic their production models as close as possible to give relevance to all.
Earlier in March this year, Toyota Gazoo Racing
unveiled the GR Supra Racing Concept
 and this racing car is the proper conversion of a road-to-racing machine, as global GT racing series requires the racing machine to be heavily based on the road-going production model.


Lexus LM350 Open For Booking - Ultimate Luxury Four Seater?

It's safe to say that this is pretty much the only car in its class - but for an eyewatering price.

When you think of luxury vehicles, you imagine a long sedan with plenty of legroom and features, paired with incredible insulation from harshness and a supple ride. But what if we told you that there was another way - and that comes in the form of the Lexus LM350, essentially the Lexus version of a
certain boxy MPV
.

But this is
not an MPV
 - at least, not one that seats six or seven. No, the LM350 will house just four occupants and a partition that separates the first and second rows. Yes, the second row is comprised of two VIP seats that can be reclined into flatbeds, a-la-business class flight seating. No matter what kind of luxury sedan you buy, you just can't get this level of comfort. They even have massage functions and air-cooling, in tandem with AdaptiPedic low-density urethane foam for a gentle full-body hug.

As the name suggests, the LM350 gets a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine making 296 hp and 361 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission sending all that power to the front wheels. That's a hefty amount of grunt, pretty much
Honda Civic Type R
 levels - though the vehicle weighs just over 2100 kilograms depending on the options selected.

What matters more are the accoutrements - namely a 12.3-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for front occupants, only to be dwarfed by a whopping 26-inch LCD display screen and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system for the rear occupants. There's an onboard refrigerator and storage space, as well as a massive double moon roof to keep the cabin feeling light and airy. All functions for climate and seating can be controlled via a touch panel sitting between the two rear seats.

The price for all this is a not insignificant RM 1,148,000 - though you also get the usual suite of Lexus Safety System+ items like pre-collision systems, lane tracing assist, lane change assist with a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, dynamic radar cruise control, and the adaptive high-beam systems. Seven airbags sit around the cabin to keep you safe in the event of an impact too.

You can have your LM350 in either black or pearl white crystal, but whichever you chose you can be sure that you'll be travelling in comfort. Yes, you may raise a few eyebrows stepping out of one of these, but in the way that business class flight tickets are absurdly expensive, you also come out more refreshed and ready to go than being crammed in cattle class.


Nissan GT-R50 Production Confirmed, Priced From Under A Million Euros

Thanks to the enthusiastic response from across the globe, Nissan and Italdesign have decided to put the GT-R50 concept that was unveiled in July into production.
Both companies are planning to release a limited build of just 50 units, with the prices starting from EUR 990,000 (RM 4.7 million) excluding tailored options and taxes. That figure is ten times more than the regular 570 PS GT-R in Europe.
While the exterior is virtually unchanged, apart from the side mirrors, the interior is not going on the same path.
The concept car’s dashboard that featured bespoke air vents and a more driver-focused instrument panel does not look like it is making its way into the production vehicle.
Based on the Nissan GT-R Nismo, the
GT-R50 commemorates the 50th anniversaries
 of both the GT-R in 2019 and Italdesign, in 2018. Nissan started the concept vehicle’s global tour at
the Goodwood Festival of Speed
, on to Belgium, the USA, and finally at Nissan’s boutique and design display showroom in Ginza, Japan as part of the celebration for both companies.
The signature 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the concept GT-R50 delivered blistering outputs of 720 PS and 780 Nm of torque, significantly more than the donor GT-R Nismo that has outputs of ‘just’ 600 PS and 652 Nm of torque. The additional 120 PS increase is thanks to a series of uprated internal components together with the necessary software tuning.
Customers who wish to own a GT-R50 may start by visiting
www.GT-R50.nissan
 and contacting Italdesign to create their own bespoke collector’s item. Deliveries will begin in 2019 and will continue through 2020.
"At Italdesign, we have a long history of making our customers' dreams come true. By joining forces now with our partners at Nissan, we brought a true GT-R fantasy to life," said Joerg Astalosch, CEO of Italdesign-Giugiaro S.p.A. "Together, we have the target that soon this ‘monster' of a vehicle will change the lives of 50 very select enthusiasts. Their wait will soon be over."


Sabah Is Getting An RM 132 Million Race Track

If you've been paying attention to the motorsports scene in East Malaysia, you'll know that there aren't very many tracks - and the ones that do exist aren't exactly geared for full-sized cars. There's the odd drag strip and the monthly autocross or gymkhana or drifting event, but nothing even on the level of the long-gone Batu Tiga. Hopefully all of this will change, as the government has announced that construction will begin on an RM 132 million race track in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).

This announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, during the last KKIP Sabah Drag Battle over the weekend as reported by Bernama. As with any race track, in addition to catering to local interests and talent development, the other benefits are an increase in tourism as well as opportunities for local businesses.

While this may seem like a huge amount of money, that's the cost of investment in a proper race track - and the reason why we haven't seen very many new racetracks in the last few decades. The ones that do exist on the peninsular usually have long periods of time before renovations, which can lead to them falling into disrepair - along with the fact that they aren't exactly geared for larger vehicles either. Let's hope that this can change in the coming years, and motorsports becomes more accessible for all.


Price Points: Our Favourite SUVs

We are now at a point in time when SUVs are becoming more popular than D-segment cars. Deny it all you want, but there is a reason that many mass-market manufacturers are phasing out their D-segment offerings in many markets in favour of crossovers and SUVs – they simply sell better. Luxury brands aren’t quite thinning out their line-up yet, but for quite nearly every sedan or hatchback model, there is an SUV or crossover variant.

So let’s work our way through a list of SUVs that your money can get you - from the under RM 100,000 bracket, all the way up to just shy of RM 500,000. We’re going to look at both new and used offerings to give you a good spread of options.

Under RM 100,000

There aren’t many options you can find new for under RM 100,000, so we’d immediately go for the Perodua Aruz – from RM 72,900. The sister car to the Toyota Rush, the Aruz is an SUV that can also seat up to 7 occupants. It has a ladder-frame construction – which is more true to traditional SUVs than what we get today – and is rear-wheel driven, powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes 101 hp and 133 Nm of torque. Opt for the highest spec AV model and you’ll even get pre-collision warnings and pre-collision braking at speeds of up to 100 km/h and 50 km/h respectively.

Delving into used car options is where we see things open up vastly – and one model immediately catches our attention. It’s a
2014 BMW X1 sDrive20i
, which was a bold step for BMW as it was their first crossover model in a way. It’s a facelift model, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine pushing around 184 hp and 270 Nm of torque, and much like the Aruz it only sends power to the rear wheels. The space inside is adequate for a budding family with a decently sized boot, but it is the driving dynamics and the comfort that will impress the most.

Under RM 200,000

We’re stepping up into higher end SUVs here, and we may as well go a little left-field with the Toyota C-HR. This is a crossover that prides itself on being a lifestyle-oriented model – it isn’t the largest or the most powerful in its class, but it does have show-stopping looks and that glorious TNGA platform which provides superb driving dynamics. The powertrain is a more pedestrian 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with a CVT-type automatic transmission, but it comes loaded with character that’s more difficult to explain. The sole variant will set you back by RM 150,000 – squarely in the middle of this bracket.

In the used car corner, we managed to find a gem that sneaked in just under the RM 200,000 mark. It’s a
2014 Land Rover Discovery 4
, packing a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel powertrain. It comes from a brand that’s synonymous with heading off the beaten path, so you can be sure that you’re purchasing something a little more robust than your average SUV. It’s a great all-rounder that hails from a time when Land Rover decided to rapidly update and improve their model line-up.

Under RM 300,000

At this point, almost all your options are from luxury brands. If you’re aiming for luxury, really one of the best representations of that is Lexus – and their entry-level offering comes in the form of the UX200. It may be a little compact, but the appeal is in the design and the build quality that Lexus has come to be known for. You can pick up one of these from RM 243,888, with the F SPORT variant coming in just shy of RM 300,000.

But if you want to be able to say you own a Porsche, then perhaps the Macan is going to be an entry point for you. A
2015 Porsche Macan
 with the base-model turbocharged 2.0-litre engine will set you back around RM 288,800 according to this listing on our website. It’s the model that helped to provide Porsche with the funding to continue developing their sports cars and supercars, and for that we are grateful.

Under RM 400,000

This is perhaps one of the tougher brackets because you can choose between a smaller full-spec luxury SUV, or a larger base-spec luxury SUV. Even more interesting is the pair of cars we’ve selected for this price bracket – in the new car corner we have the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, which is perhaps one of our favourite offerings in its class as it combines the modern functionality of a Mercedes-Benz with the staunchy SUV nature of the GLC.

But in the used car corner, we have the
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43
 – which is one of our all-time favourite AMG models. It is essentially the same car as the GLC 300 but with a far more powerful engine and better tuned dynamics. If you’re the kind of person who needs a one-car-suits-all, the GLC 43 will feed your need for speed while hauling your kids to school or football practice.

Under RM 500,000

At just shy of half a million ringgit, whatever you pick better be the cream of the crop. We once again turn to Lexus for that as they neatly slot the RX 300 F SPORT in this price bracket – all other models on offer are simply more expensive. Again, Lexus provides what is arguably the best in the business when it comes to refinement and craftsmanship, in a package that has evolved with each generation to go from being a reliable luxury SUV, to being THE reliable luxury SUV.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is our used-car pick – a
2015 Range Rover Sport 5.0 SVR
. For the uninformed, this is the fastest Range Rover of its time, packing a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine that churns out 550 hp and 680 Nm of torque. In this bright shade of blue, subdued is probably the last word you would use to describe this beast. Is it a little overkill for an SUV? Absolutely, but it’s in experiencing excess that we find appreciation for the simpler things in life.

And there you have it. These are just some of our picks and we’d love to hear what you guys would prefer instead. There are no wrong answers here!