Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Reveals Interior Photo Of All-New 2015 Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia have been pretty open about its all-new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton by revealing almost a
complete list of specifications on its launch site
.
This time, the company’s official Facebook page has released an interior shot of the all-new Triton. Seen here is the top-of-the-line 2015
Mitsubishi Triton
 VGT Adventure (5AT). From the image, you can see some of the variant-specific equipment fitted on the pick-up truck.
This includes leather seats, paddle-shifters, a dual-zone climate control system, a 6.1-inch touch-screen audio system with reverse camera. The centre console houses the new Easy Select 4WD select dial with shift-on-the-fly capability (available on VGT Adventure and VGT AT variants only)
Other features also found on the top-spec Triton VGT Adventure (5AT) are Xenon HID Headlamps with Daytime Running Lights along with automatic headlamps and wipers.
As a refresher, these are the coming variants of the all-new
Mitsubishi
 Triton along with their tentative prices:
2015 Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure (5AT): RM114,000
2015 Mitsubishi Triton VGT (5AT): RM103,000
2015 Mitsubishi Triton VGT (5MT): RM97,000
2015 Mitsubishi Triton (5MT): RM87,000
2015 Mitsubishi Triton Quest (5MT): RM71,000
Powering the Triton VGT Adventure (5AT) and its four other variants is the familiar 2.5-litre DI-D Hyper Common Rail DOHC Intercooled Turbocharged (VGT), with an output of 178PS and 400Nm of torque. The base Mitsubishi Triton Quest (5MT) variant utilises the same mill, but without the intercooler.


Government Says No Need To Wear Face Mask In Private Vehicles

Clarified: Private vehicle owners do not need to wear a face mask in their own cars.

Our government is still trying to find firm ground to stand on, and the latest flip flop decision made by them is about the wearing face masks in private vehicles.

It's been well publicised that the police have been giving out summons to private vehicle owners who have not been wearing face masks when out and about in their own cars. The public quite rightly caused an uproar about this as it is rather silly to have to wear a face mask in our own private vehicles.

Following this outcry, the government has decided to retract this ruling and cancel all the summonses that were issued.

 Image credit: The Rakyat Post

Senior Defence Minister, Ismail Sabri clarified this and said "Face masks are only mandatory in public transport and crowded public places, like markets, tourist spots, and cinemas.

“I am saying — public transport, it’s very clear. Private vehicles are not public transport. If you go out in a car with your family, you don’t need to wear a mask. Even if you are carpooling with office mates it is fine", said the Senior Defence Minister.

However, Sabri did encourage the public to wear a face mask "everywhere" despite the government only mandating the use of face masks in “crowded public places”.

For those of you who have been fined and have paid those summons, please contact the Ministry of Health. “I have spoken to the police and the Ministry of Health (MoH), and they have agreed to cancel the fines. Those who have had summons handed out and have paid them can claim back the payment from MoH,” said, Sabri.

Although yet again, this seems like a flip flop decision, it looks more like miscommunication. The only positive side from this that we can take away is that the Government is willing to rectify matters, instead of letting it fester.


ETCM Announces X-Trail Facelift – New Hybrid Variant Added

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has opened bookings for the Nissan X-Trail facelift range, now with a hybrid variant added to the line-up.
The new hybrid variant of the updated X-Trail features a 2.0-litre petrol engine that does 144 PS and 200 Nm, mated to an electric motor that contributes another 41 PS and 160 Nm. According to ETCM, the X-Trail Hybrid is able to return a fuel consumption of 16.1 km/l under the UNECE R101 test cycle and all variants of the updated X-Trail are EEV certified.
The regular petrol-powered variants of the X-Trail come with either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that does 144 PS and 200 Nm or a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 171 PS and 233 Nm. All engines are mated to a CVT-type automatic.
Joining the new hybrid variant are the regular petrol-powered X-Trail models with carried over powertrains:
2.0L 2WD
2.0L 2WD Mid
2.5L 4WD
Starting with the 2.0L 2WD, updates include:
New V-Motion front grille
Revised headlights with LED DRLs
Revised LED taillights
7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Flat-bottomed steering wheel
Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
4 SRS airbags
Moving up to the 2.0L 2WD Mid variant, these equipment have been added:
Lane Departure Warning
Blind Spot Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Motion-activated power tailgate
6 SRS airbags
As for the 2.5L 4WD variant, it gets these additional features:
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking
Intelligent Cruise Control
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with Auto and Lock modes
High Beam Assist
Last but certainly not the least is the X-Trail Hybrid. This variant gets all the equipment of the 2.5L 4WD, except the third-row seats, making the hybrid variant strictly a five-seater model.
In terms of pricing, the range of the new X-Trail is expected to be priced as below:
2.0L 2WD – RM 139,900
2.0L 2WD Mid – RM 149,900
2.5L 4WD – RM 159,900
2.0 Hybrid – RM 169,900
All prices are on-the-road, without insurance. The updated X-Trail range is backed by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, which includes the hybrid parts and lithium-ion battery.
In conjunction with the launch, the new Nissan X-Trail also comes with a free 2-year or 40,000 km (whichever comes first) Periodic Maintenance Service package. Additionally, the first 500 registered vehicles will also receive an exclusive gift worth RM 488.
Deliveries are scheduled to start in April 2019.


Volkswagen Group's 'Dieselgate' Scandal Now Includes 2.1 Million Audi Cars

Audi
 has admitted that some 2.1 million of its diesel cars contained the same software that is part of the Volkswagen Group’s ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, where it was revealed that 11 million cars worldwide were fitted with a software that is able to detect when the car is undergoing official emissions testing, and turns full emissions controls on only during the test.
The premium brand revealed that from the figure (not finalised), 1.42 million were cars in Western Europe, 577,000 in Germany, and almost 13,000 in the United States. The engine in question is the Volkswagen Group’s EA189 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel units that contained software engineered to rig NOx emissions.
Diesel versions of Audi vehicles which are installed with said engine include the A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, and TT. The Q3 and Q5 crossover SUVs are also recipients of the diesel powerplant. As of current, Audi are unable to provide a detailed breakdown for affected countries nor can it do so for each specific model.
The ‘Dieselgate’ scandal has already seen the
departure of Volkswagen AG Chairman and CEO
 Professor Dr. Martin Winterkorn, replaced by
Matthias Müller, previously head of Porsche AG
. The Volkswagen Group is actively seeking to rectify the situation and re-establish the trust with its customers.


Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125 Tyre Launched In Malaysia, From RM180/Piece

Hankook Tire recently launched its latest tyre, the Ventus Prime 3 (K125) in Malaysia.

The Ventus Prime 3 (K125) is an ultra high-performance tire for passenger cars which promises to offer a good balance between performance, comfort, and safety.

Featuring a new design, the Ventus Prime 3 is optimized for specific grooves by position, minimizing the trade-off between dry and wet performance. Plus, the tyre’s wide 4 channel grooves provide superior wet performance with great safety.

The optimized design technology with enhanced tread block stiffness provides superior handling and braking performance on dry surfaces as well. Moreover, the new main groove positioning technology reduces the pattern noise even after wear.

In addition, the high grip silica compound allows improved dry and wet traction as well as lower rolling resistance.

Acknowledged for its braking performance, precise steering behavior, and pleasant ride comfort, the Ventus Prime 3 bagged the first place in the 2018 summer tire test held by Auto Bild, Germany’s leading automobile consumer magazine.

It was also awarded the top overall mark “Good” from the German Automobile Club ADAC in the 2018 summer tire test. In addition, the Ventus Prime 3 was also awarded at the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2016.

Offered in sizes between 15- and 18-inches, the recommended retail price of the Hankook Ventus V3 Prime K125 tyre starts from RM180 per piece.


Tony Fernandes Jabs At ERL Price Hike, Says Its “Cheaper To Fly” - Or Drive?

It's still fairly recent news that the Express Rail Link (ERL) won’t be operating on RM35 per one-way ticket anymore. From January 1st, 2016, passengers who wish to take the direct train to KLIA or KLIA2 will have to fork out an extra RM20 (to RM55) for the convenience.
With that in view, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia Bhd, decided to put a dent of his own at the
increased fares
 through his Twitter account on Monday. It read:
 “On the ERL. It’s a great product but it’s expensive. Don’t understand. They got all of AirAsia passengers. Cheaper to fly.”
Granted, there is a tinge of self-interest embedded in those words as AirAsia prides itself as being a more affordable airline operator, but there’s also a lot of truth in that. While you can’t expect an international flight to be as inexpensive, a domestic flight through a low-cost carrier, if booked early enough under the right conditions, may well be cheaper or comparable to the RM110 return cost of taking the ERL to and from KL Sentral.
On December 1st, operators of the KLIA Express announced the fare hike, citing the rise of costs and labour as a primary reason, while also stating that the price has remained stagnant for 14 years since the service started. Public displeasure at the announcement was palpable, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was quick to temper that with the announcement that discounts of up to 50 percent will be given to certain ERL passengers such as students, senior citizens, and the disabled.
There are also travel card packages offered by ERL, aimed at frequent travellers, that can offer discounts of up to 40 percent off the usual RM55 fare, taking each journey to as low as RM33 (just shy of the current pre-hike fare).
Without factoring in the cost of long-term parking, the price of driving to KLIA from Kuala Lumpur, even with tolls and fuel consumption figured realistically, makes much more financial sense than taking the ERL. Just make sure you’ve got someone willing to drop you off.
On the erl. It's a great product but it's expensive. Don't understand. They got all of Airasia passengers. Cheaper to fly.
— Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes)
December 14, 2015


‘Hadiah’ Kepada Penyalur Maklumat di Aplikasi e-ADUAN@JPJ

Sekiranya anda salah seorang pengguna yang sering melaporkan kesalahan jalan raya melalui aplikasi
 e-ADUAN@JPJ
, anda mungkin bertuah kerana JPJ kini bercadang untuk memberi hadiah kepada penyalur maklumat.

Hadiah tersebut merupakan penghargaan kepada orang awam yang menjadi ‘mata dan telinga’ dalam membantu JPJ mengesan
kesalahan lalu lintas.

*Kredit foto: Bernama

Tarik Lebih Ramai Penyalur Maklumat

Menurut kenyataan Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Pengurusan) JPJ, M Janagarajan, pemberian penghargaan ini telah dibincangkan di peringkat jabatan berkenaan bagi menggalakkan lebih ramai masyarakat tampil membantu JPJ.

JPJ juga turut mengalu-alukan kerjasama masyarakat dalam menjadi mata-mata kepada JPJ sekali gus dapat mengurangkan kadar
kemalangan jalan raya.

Sistem Aduan Yang Mudah, Cepat

Sejak e-ADUAN@JPJ ini diperkenalkan, Janagarajan berkata pihaknya telah menerima kira-kira 1,000 aduan di seluruh negara ekoran sistem aduan yang cepat dan mudah.

Melalui aplikasi itu, orang awam boleh memuat naik gambar atau video kesalahan jalan raya dan memaklumkan maklumat tambahan seperti lokasi dan waktu kesalahan bagi tujuan sisasatan lanjut.

Cara Membuat Aduan Melalui e-ADUAN@JPJ

Bagi memudahkan siasatan, pastikan aduan itu lengkap dengan:

Waktu

Lokasi

Video

Gambar

Kemukakan aduan anda berserta bukti sokongan seperti gambar atau video berserta lokasi serta waktu kejadian supaya urusan siasatan dapat dijalankan.

Aplikasi ini bukanlah aplikasi baharu namun hanyalah sebagai ciri tambahan di dalam aplikasi JPJ Info. Walau bagaimanapun, ruangan e-ADUAN@JPJ ini hanya boleh didapati di aplikasi JPJ Info untuk peranti Android sahaja buat masa ini.


Review: 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor - Handsome, Powerful, Worth It

The
2022 Ford Ranger Raptor
 that lands in Thailand now comes with a more handsome look and improved power from its
3.0-liter EcoBoost V6
 twin-turbocharged engine.

The
2022 Ford Ranger Raptor
 is another model that has created a buzz in the pickup industry in Thailand. After the first model was an unexpected success, the 2022 model looks to reinforce this success again. For the
Malaysian market
, it'll most likely arrive in the final quarter of this year, but the non-Raptor Ford Ranger models are already here for purchase.

Over 2,800 reservations were placed following its launch and despite carrying a price tag of almost 2 million baht, some people were wondering about what kind of pickup truck this is. So we at Carlist.my, looked to our sister publication in Thailand, Autospinn to bring you the lowdown on Ranger Raptor, and looking at the options given, we can tell you that it's very worthwhile.

2022 Ford Ranger Raptor price - 1,869,000 baht (RM228,584)

There are 4 body colors to choose from:

Absolute Black

Arctic White

Code Orange (add 10,000 baht)

Conquer Gray (add 10,000 baht)

And in this look, customers can choose whether to opt for the extra stickers or decals. That adds ten thousand baht to the whole price tag.

The unit reviewed was the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor in Code Orange complete with stickers. This prices it at 1,889,000 baht.

Exterior design - 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor

The exterior design has been completely changed. It's a more aggressive design, especially at the front where a large grille with black FORD lettering now sits prominently. On the edge of the grille, there is a camera with a water sprayer. The headlights are Matrix LED, there is an automatic headlight on-off system and an adjuster for the automatic high-low beam. The headlights provide a bright white light but do not blind the driver of the car in front. It looks really good with its C-shaped daytime running lights.

At the top of the windshield, there's a camera that works in tandem with the radar which is used for detecting road lane lines and objects in front.

When looking down at the underside of the car in front, you will find a steel plate that is supposedly shockproof which also helps to support any off-road driving situations.

Under the left and right side mirrors, there are cameras embedded which are paired to the ones at the front and rear. This offers a 360-degree view camera function which provides a high angle feed and further minimises any blind spots.

Aluminum side steps finished in black are also fitted to prevent slipping. 17-inch alloy wheels with All Terrain BF Goodrich K02 tires (T285/70 R17) which can be used both on-road and off-road are also present on the Thai-spec Ranger Raptor.

LED taillights with red beams as well as the Blind Spot Radar system when reversing inform the driver if there is a car passing by.

The tailgate cannot be opened if the car is not unlocked. There's also a 'relief system' for easier opening and closing which makes the tailgate very light for one-handed maneuvers. In the tailgate, there is a 12V power socket and a 3-eye socket for powering electrical devices.

Interior - 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor

The cabin has been completely redesigned with sports seats. Both the front and back cushions were inspired by the F22 fighter jet for those of you not in the know.

Detailed with "Code Orange", orange detailing can be found on the instrument panel, trimmings to key components in the cabin, and on the sports seats. Premium grade leather steering wheel, comfortable grip with steering angle indicator bar or center marking, and magnesium-coated paddle shifters are also available.

A 12.4-inch instrument panel for displaying various information as well as the car's entertainment system via voice command system includes SYNC 4A® supports wireless connection, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a set of 10 Bang & Olufsen speakers.

Other highlights include an automatic air-conditioning system with dual-zone controls, a wireless phone charger, and also a rear camera feed that automatically pops up when you put it into reverse. That feed also comes with lines that turn according to the steering wheel.

Powertrain - 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor

The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor uses a 3.0-litre gasoline V6 Ecoboost twin-turbo engine that produces a maximum power of
397hp
 at 5,650rpm and a maximum torque of
583Nm
 at 3,500rpm. All that power is transferred to its 10-speed automatic transmission with an electronic shifter.

The exhaust pipe can be adjusted on 4 levels:

Silent mode – to reduce the noise for neighbors or people in the community

Normal mode – the sound is slightly louder, for general use

Sport mode – thumping sound offers a sportier mood

Baha Mode – maximum volume, like a direct connection system designed for off-road driving

Suspension system - 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor

The suspension has been completely redesigned. The new upper and lower wishbones are made out of strong aluminum, but lightweight including an anti-vibration system with high stretch and collapse, with a rear link wattage developed for high-speed driving on rough roads.

An essential element of the car that serves to cushion the impact of jumps and potholes - is its FOX suspension system with 2.5-inch Internal Bypass valves to help reduce vibration according to the movement of the car. It is the most advanced suspension system ever used in a Ford Ranger Raptor. Additionally, Ford has opted for Teflon™-based oils that reduce friction by up to 50 percent compared to the Ranger Raptor's previous generation.

While the hardware is produced by FOX, the Ford Performance team is responsible for tuning and developing this shock absorber by combining computer-aided engineering (Computer-Aided Engineering or CAE) and testing the car in real-life situations. From adjusting the spring action to setting the height. The valve adjustment and the design of the stretch–shrink of the shock absorber can handle all road conditions, both smooth and wading roads by working with a driving mode that the driver can choose.

In addition to working with different driving modes, the system prepares the car for a variety of terrain. When the shock absorbs pressure, the bypass system works to respond and help absorb the force appropriately. pushing back when the shock has fully recovered.

On-road driving experience

City driving felt like driving a large tank, driving in the city can feel bulky, especially when parking in the mall or crowded places But don't worry because this model has an automatic parking assistance system. This is the first time that Thai pickup trucks come equipped with this system.

Intelligent Parking Assist will help drivers park in both parallel and reverse parking. From the test, it works well enough. The steering wheel will turn by itself, brake for itself, and change gears by itself. Suitable for newbies who are not proficient in parking. But we feel it takes a long time to park itself.

Driving on an open road across the province, it's an easy car to drive. The driver's field of view is high, providing clear visibility. In terms of engine power, there's nothing to worry about, the horsepower and torque are more than enough to take off without any lag. It's a fun car to drive.

And it will be more fun when in Sport mode as it adjusts the exhaust sound to the maximum. Press the accelerator and swap gears around the red line, which produces a thumping soundtrack in the car. It feels like you're driving a sports car, especially around the curves but we highly recommend not adding more accelerator when it rains.

The Ranger Raptor is quite a well-balanced pick-up but the enormous torque can cause the car to get a bit loose. Another thing to like about this car is that it can drive through rough roads comfortably. The suspension is very good, even through the many potholes.

Continuing with the test of acceleration from 0-100km/h on the real road, takes about 5-6 seconds, and the top speed of this car is approximately 187km/h. Even with full pedal to metal, the accelerator will not do more as the speed is electronically limited.

Off-road driving experience

The Ford Ranger Raptor 2022 has a variety of four-wheel drive modes covering all road conditions, which is mainly 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L, and has an electric Diff-Lock for both the front and rear.

With the road rough and full of potholes, engaging the 4H drive system allows the Raptor to navigate those paths comfortably. There are also driving modes that are suitable for each road condition to choose from, such as Normal Mode, Sport Mode, Slippery Road Mode, Mud/groove Mode, Sand Mode, Baja Mode (driving at speed in the desert), and Climb Mode for rocks (available when in 4L).

Driving in muddy road conditions. we tried the 4H, Mud/groove Mode. The car drives through the path comfortably. No signs of slipping at all. Easy to drive through like a normal road.

Then we tested the Trail Control system on a steep downhill, letting our feet off the brakes. The car automatically slows down. We then continued with the water wading test. with a depth of about 40cm, which can be easily driven through. Ford claims that the wading depth for the 2022 Ranger Raptor is 85cm.

Another thing that we like is that the car has a front camera as well. When the nose of the car is up, we can't see the path in front at all but that didn't prove to be a problem. We could easily see the path ahead through the camera that beams the image to the center screen.

Ford Ranger Raptor 2022 fuel consumption

The fuel consumption rated is 5 km/l. Driving long distances, across open roads, using speeds of 110-120 km/hh, the fuel consumption we clocked was 9 km/l. General driving, some slow, some fast, some traffic jams, some kick-down, the fuel consumption is about 7.2 km/l.

Overall, the new Ford Ranger Raptor 2022 is an interesting option. It comes in a distinctive design, tough, aggressive, and packed with technology. And the options that are provided are quite complete. This is the first time a pickup truck sold in Thailand offers such a well-packaged option at a price of 1,869,000 baht.

*Source:
Autospinn Thailand


Review: Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI and 2.0 R-Series CRDI – Punching Above Their Belts

It seems that all everyone can talk about these days are compact crossovers based off of small hatchback platforms. It’s difficult to fault them given that they’re the perfect fit for urban life, featuring both compact dimensions and extra practicality over the majority of passenger cars.
But there was a time when a mid-sized SUV was simply known as an SUV. It was the only option for those who wanted something a little more rugged than your average road car, but didn’t want to commit to life with a pickup truck or didn’t find an MPV as good of a fit to their needs. The Hyundai Tucson has happily sat in that class, evolving with each generation to become the product it is today.
The Tucson isn’t as popular as its contemporary rivals, but there’s no reason why this should be the case. The recent addition of the 2.0 R-Series CRDI diesel variant is highly welcome as well, offering a nice alternative to the turbocharged petrol powerplants that are becoming more and more common with new SUVs.
To showcase their Tucson range, Hyundai Malaysia took us on a trip up to Ipoh, with both the 1.6 T-GDI and 2.0 CRDI models available for testing. We got a little bit of time in both, and here’s what we found.
Specifications for 2017 Tucson 1.6 T-GDI
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged, direct injection
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch, front wheel drive
Power: 177 PS at 5,500 rpm
Torque: 265 Nm from 1,500 – 4,500 rpm
Safety: Six airbags, ABS, ESC, VSM
Price: RM 145,688 (on the road, without insurance)
Specifications for 2017 Tucson 2.0 R-Series CRDI
Engine: 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front wheel drive
Power: 178 PS at 4,000 rpm
Torque: 400 Nm from 1,750 – 2,750 rpm
Safety: Six airbags, ABS, ESC, VSM
Price: RM 155,788 (on the road, without insurance)
Overview:
The Tucson is Hyundai’s most current mid-sized SUV, and it comes highly specified. The mass market isn’t the target for Hyundai Malaysia, and you’re likely to find many premium features in the Tucson that you wouldn’t normally expect in a car of its class. Naturally you would also expect to pay a hefty price as well, but the Tucson comes in at a more reasonable price of RM 145,688 for the 1.6-litre T-GDI and RM 155,788 for the 2.0 R-Series CRDI. Both prices are on the road, without insurance.
Beyond the large difference in powertrain, the two models feature fairly similar specifications. Both the CRDI and T-GDI get LED headlamps with bending lights, auto hold functionality for the brakes, and a smart powered tailgate along with optional 19-inch rims. There’s also an optional bodykit, along with red, white, or black interior trim colours. These, plus the more complex powertrains, are more than enough justification for the premium to pay over the normal 2.0 Elegance model.
Exterior:
Hyundai’s design language has gone through numerous revisions, and you wouldn’t be at fault if you didn’t instantly recognize the Tucson as a Hyundai product apart from the badge. The car sits high up, with traditional SUV dimensions and proportions, blended with sharp angular lines from head to tail. It’s an interesting mishmash, but the end result is a handsome looking car with strong features that help it to stand out from the crowd.
Opting for the larger 19-inch wheels is a little peculiar at first, although you get used to how the wheels really fill out those wheel arches. At the end of the day you will be trading some comfort for style and marginally improved performance, so whether you opt for the wheels or not is entirely your choice.
Interior:
On the inside is where you begin to see what Hyundai has really done with the Tucson. It isn’t the overall looks or the functionality that matter the most, but rather the interior layout and the features available to occupants. The audio visual navigator, or AVN, sits front and centre- and while it can be a little clunky in operation, it doesn’t take long before you figure out how to make it do what you want it to do.
The layout has been kept clean and simple, sort of in the way a Volkswagen Touareg manages to keep it clean and simple without feeling particularly boring. Both rear legroom and trunk space are well accounted for, with the trunk swallowing up luggage for two with plenty of room to spare. Then again, would you expect any less from a modern mid-sized SUV?
Perhaps the only recommendation we can make is to be careful with your interior colour choices. Don’t opt for the red leather interior unless you’re absolutely sure you can live with the colour, because it can be extremely bright and distracting at times. But if you’re in the market for something different, then it could very well be a deciding factor between the Tucson and something more mainstream.
How does it drive?
Perhaps we are at a point in time where an SUV that handles well isn’t all too surprising anymore. The Hyundai Tucson is no different, with passenger-car like dynamics in the majority of situations you throw at it- that is, until the absolute limit. But again, nobody buys a mid-sized SUV to do battle at Sepang, so it’s not exactly a priority for Hyundai’s engineering department.
What you can expect from the Tucson is well-weighted precise steering, with body control that does a good job of hiding the high kerb weight. It reacts well to throttle and brake inputs, excelling on both highway and trunk roads. You don’t really feel the lack of all-wheel drive being a problem, although the roads were mostly dry during our excursion. On the return trip we were faced with a little bit of rain, although once again the car wasn’t particularly fussed about it.
Between the two models, however, there are some differences worth noting. While the CRDI has great specs on paper, with 1 PS more and far more torque than the T-GDI, it doesn’t quite feel as effective in the real world. Most of our driving was conducted at high speed on empty roads, where the low-end grunt of a diesel isn’t as apparent. That being said, the powerplant is smooth, coupled with a responsive 6-speed automatic gearbox.
On the other hand, the T-GDI variant seems to outperform our expectations. At higher speeds in continuously provides a wave of torque, also courtesy of that extra gear ratio in the 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It still feels slightly unnatural that such a small engine can propel a car at such high speeds for long durations, and yet it manages to make do.
How comfortable is it?
While the body control is surprisingly good, it doesn’t take away from the overall comfort of the Tucson. The car soaks up highway undulations and bumps with gusto, eating up the kilometres ahead effortlessly. It was so comfortably, in fact, that one of us managed to sneak in some sleep time on the return from Ipoh and did so comfortably. Both front and rear passengers have plenty of leg, head, and elbow room to stretch out and enjoy the ride.
How fuel efficient is it?
Over the course of our drive to Ipoh, we didn’t have as much time to test out real world efficiency- especially travelling at less than realistic speeds and with most of our journey being on the highway. That being said, we would expect the CRDI to be more efficient than the T-GDI in real world testing, given that you would use far more revs with the T-GDI to get around.
Conclusion
Hyundai has really embraced the idea of the modern SUV, neatly fulfilling the expectations of potential buyers. The Tucson is a great product that delivers on both practicality and comfort, even affording a little bit of luxury along the way. Both powertrains tested here provide adequate performance for a car of its class, but if you feel that you don’t particularly need that amount of low end torque, the 2.0 Elegance is a perfectly fine model at RM 126,188 (on the road, without insurance).
Of course you don’t get some of the goodies of the higher end models, but the base platform and comfort are definitely things that are maintained through the range. If you really feel like you could benefit from a little more luxury, then feel free to take either T-GDI or CRDI, depending on your personal preference.


Wearnes Automotive Introduces Service 2.0 Program

In an effort to further enhance customer experience and satisfaction, Wearnes Automotive recently introduced its new Service 2.0 Program, exclusive for Wearnes Volkswagen customers.
Customers can now lock down a service booking via WhatsApp, sending in their name, vehicle registration number, service type, vehicle current mileage, and the preferred appointment date. To lock down a service booking, customers need to send the earlier mentioned details to 012-9389929. A confirmation message will be sent to the customer upon confirmation of the service appointment.
Wearnes Automotive is also offering a Fast Lane Service that allows customers to collect their vehicles within a two-hour period. The company did state that the Fast Lane Service is only applicable for standard scheduled maintenance, with the condition that the service appointment was booked in advance.
Other benefits that Wearnes customers can enjoy include free breakfast, jockey service, free shuttle service, and a night drop-off service.
From December 14
th
 till 15
th
, Wearnes Automotive is organizing a ‘Wearnes Customer Appreciation Day’, whereby customers will be rewarded with an RM100 service voucher and a Volkswagen T-shirt (applicable to customers who send their Volkswagen for service and maintenance jobs on the day days). In addition to that, customers who own a Volkswagen model that is four years and older will receive a Volkswagen Care Plus card during the two-day event.
Mr Rizwan, the Deputy Dealer Principal of Wearnes Automotive said, “We see our customers as invited guests, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little better every day. This is no shortcut to give a good service. The only way to get a 5-star feedback is to offer 5-star service.”


DCT, CVT, MT, AT, AMT – What Does It Mean?

If you’re not too familiar with the mechanical workings of cars, you wouldn’t be faulted for not understanding the different kinds of acronyms that pop up whenever you look at a brochure or read an article. While this is usually a problem when it comes to the hundreds of different safety system names, we also see this with different transmission options for cars – but fret not, we’re here to help!

In this piece we’ll break down the various common transmission types you’re going to see in everything from a mass market commuter car to a high end luxury hypercar – barring a few very niche types, of course. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

Manual Transmissions (MT)

Arguably the oldest and most common transmission for the first few decades of automobile technology, a manual transmission is probably the simplest as well. The transmission has a range of physical gears inside that change the ratio of input speed from the engine to output speed at the wheels – like a multiplier of sorts. This means that the engine doesn’t have to struggle when you want to start off from a dead stop, but also doesn’t have to scream along at high rpm when you’re travelling at speed. A clutch functions as the link between the transmission and the engine, and this clutch needs to be disengaged (separated) by the driver manually when they want to change gears.

Automatic Transmissions (AT)

In a previous article we talked about how best to
drive
 an automatic transmission, but we’ve realized that some still don’t really understand how an automatic transmission works. In principle it is similar to a manual transmission, but instead of a clutch there is something known as a torque converter that allows the automatic transmission to slip so that the engine doesn’t stall when you come to a stop. Think of this torque converter as a rubber band that attaches to the front of a heavy toy car: when you pull the rubber band ahead of the car, it has to stretch and become tense first before the car starts to move. Eventually, car manufacturers added an additional physical lock-up clutch that introduced a physical connection between the transmission and engine so that there would be less of a delay when you press the accelerator once you’re on the move.

Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT)

This is a transmission that saw popularity on and off over the last two decades but has eventually become quite a staple – especially among Japanese cars. While there are various ways of engineering a CVT, the most common method is two variable sized pulleys. One pulley takes an input from the engine, while the other pulley delivers an output to the wheels. Connecting the two pulleys is a belt, or chain. What’s unique about the CVT is that the size of these pulleys can change in minute steps, which in turn allows the transmission to vary the ratio of input speed to output speed continuously – hence the name Continuously Variable Transmission.

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

Of the various developments in transmission technology, DCT has been the source of both the biggest hits and biggest misses that consumers have ever seen. The technology in principle allows for incredibly fast shift times in addition to being completely computer controlled. As the name suggests, a DCT has two clutches compared to a typical manual transmission. How it works is that alternate gears are split on two different input shafts from the engine – meaning to say a 7-speed DCT will have gears 1, 3, 5, and 7 on one shaft, and 2, 4, 6 on another. While the actual functionality of it is tricky to understand, the main advantage of a DCT is that it can prime the next gear before you need to use it, allowing the transmission to shift quickly and seamlessly if programmed and designed right.

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

A little bit of a rare one that has come and gone, the AMT is essentially a manual transmission with a computer controlled clutch and gear selection. You could imagine it as having a manual transmission that’s being shifted by a robot, because mechanically it is identical save for various solenoids and mechatronic units. The AMT has appeared in everything from the Proton Savvy, to various Alfa Romeos, the BMW E46 M3 and E60 M5, as well as the Ferrari 360. In every appearance it has been awful and clunky, and we are glad to have bid farewell to it.


Lucky Ford Customer Buys A Ranger, Wins A Fiesta

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia concluded its 10
th
 Anniversary Extravaganza last week with a lucky customer driving away a brand new Ford Fiesta 1.5L Sport.
The SDAC 10
th
 Anniversary Extravaganza which ran from 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2018 offered many exciting deals on selected Ford models.
During the campaign, customers who purchased any Ford Ranger model stood a chance to walk away with a Fiesta as the grand prize.
Logeshwaran A/L Balasubramaniam from Pahang who won the Ford Fiesta said, “I’d like to thank Sime Darby Auto Connexion and Ford for this reward. My family and I never expected to win a prize, let alone a brand new Ford Fiesta 1.5L Sport. This has truly made our year extra special,”
“We are delighted to celebrate a decade of continued success. Our momentum would not have been possible without the support from our customers. Campaigns like the 10
th
 Anniversary Extravaganza is one of the many ways we show our appreciation towards their on-going trust and loyalty,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.
He continued by saying, “Our customers are our best brand ambassadors. We believe in making our customers’ experience more enjoyable, be it in the form of products, services, promotions and ensuring that every visit to our showroom is a delightful one.”


Porsche 911 Carrera T Unveiled – Rear LSD, Manual 7-Speed

The ‘T’ stands for Touring, and this one is for the purists – Porsche’s retrospective 911 Carrera T aims to relive the old-world charm of the 911 T from 1968, while cranking-up the driving pleasure, courtesy of reduced weight, shorter transmission ratios for the manual gearbox and mechanical differential lock on the rear axle.
The latest model is based on the 911 Carrera which is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six which delivers 370 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm between 1,750 rpm and 5,000 rpm.
Thanks to a shorter rear axle ratio and mechanical differential lock, the 911 Carrera T sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds – 0.1 seconds faster than the 911 Carrera Coupé. The model reaches 200 km/h in just 15.1 seconds.
The Porsche PDK auto is also available as an option on the Carrera T, enabling the vehicle to reach 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and 200 km/h in 14.5 seconds. Both transmission variants enable a top speed of over 290 km/h.
Power is unchanged from the Carrera model, however, the power-to-weight ratio is improved thanks to some weight reduction measures, such as lightweight glass for the rear and rear-side windows, door straps in place of handles and less sound absorption materials.
The Carrera T also features a sports exhaust system as standard, with centrally positioned tailpipes.
The Carrera T also boasts several other equipment features that are not available for the 911 Carrera, including the PASM sports chassis as standard, lowered by 20 mm and the weight-optimised 'Sport Chrono' package. The rear-axle steering, which is also fitted on the 911 GT3, is available as an option for the 911 Carrera T.
The rear seats have been omitted along with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), though both are still available on request at no additional cost. The Carrera T weighs in at an unladen weight of 1,425 kg, some 20 kgs lighter than an equivalent Carrera model.
The Carrera T’s exterior is highlighted by a functional front spoiler lip and exterior mirrors are painted in Agate Grey Metallic. The car also wears 20-inch Carrera S wheels in Titan Grey. Agate Grey also features on the model badging on the flanks and rear boot lid of the Carrera T. Round the back, the sports tailpipes have been finished in black.
On the inside – the Carrera T’s retrospective treatment continues with the ‘Sport-Tex’ fabric on the seat centers. Likewise, the headrests feature a “911” logo stitched in black. Full bucket seats are also optionally offered for the first time. The Carrera T is finished off with the GT sports steering wheel in leather and a shortened shift lever with red shift pattern graphics.
The 911 Carrera T will be available from Europe January 2018 onwards, priced at EUR 107,553 inclusive taxes and the standard features package.


2016 Proton Persona Teased Again Ahead Of Launch

With less than 24 hours remaining before the
2016 Persona
 makes its official debut, Proton has released another promo video showcasing the car’s passive safety features.
The video, which is the second one to be released as a part of Proton’s ‘Safety 360’ series, shows how strong the Persona’s structure is, thanks to the usage of hot press formed (HPF) steel.
Besides that, the promo video also shows the new Persona going through a full frontal crash test and how it withstands the impact, and many small details involved in the process of building the car as rigid and as safe as possible.
That said, below is the video showing Proton’s efforts in making the Persona a light, yet decently strong car:
With that, watch this space for more details on the Persona as we will be bringing you the launch report in just a few hours more.
Looking for a Proton? Find one now at
Carlist.my


2021 New Peugeot 3008 And 5008 Launched In Malaysia - From 161k

The 2021 Peugeot 3008 and 5008 have officially been launched by Bermaz Auto Alliance, coming in at RM161,616.66 for the 3008 1.6L Allure and RM177,311.90 for the 5008 1.6L Allure.

Variants:

Only one variant will be on offer for both models, that is the Allure.

Exterior:

The 2021
Peugeot
 3008 and 5008 come with a redesigned front fascia comprising a new frameless grille with gloss black side scoops. A painted treadplate is also integrated into the newly designed front bumper. With this current generation of Peugeots, the model monogram takes pride of place on the bonnet of the car, unlike the previous generation that had the brand on it instead.

That unmistakable front LED headlights take centre stage across that striking face and feature cornering lamps that provides for improved visibility when cornering.

At the rear, the signature LED 3D-effect claw signature rear lights will definitely cause drivers behind you to stop if for nothing else just to stare. Scrolling indicator lights also come as standard.

The 2021 Peugeot 3008 will come with 18" Los Angeles alloy wheels whereas the 5008 will come with 18" Detroit alloy wheels.

Interior:

Similar to the previous 3008 and 5008, the interior of the new 5008 is classy in black but this time around there is a grey soft fabric on the dashboard and door trims to add that extra layer of distinction.

Both the 3008 and 5008 come with leather seats with 6-way power adjustment, with 4-way lumbar adjustment for the driver and 6-way power adjustment for the front passenger. The rear seats on the 3008 allow for a 60:40 split fold whereas in the 5008 the second row of seats is configurable in a 40:20:40 split fold with 60:40 sliding. The third row seats on the 3008 are 50:50 split fold.

Both the 2021 Peugeot 3008 and 5008 will come with Peugeot's i-Cockpit technology equipped with:

12.3-inch digital head-up cluster display

10-inch HD capacitive touchscreen colour display

The interior is further enhanced with seven piano-style toggle switches that allow to you access the audio, dual-zone climate control, navigation with voice command, telephone functions among others. In a time of touchscreens and haptic feedback, it is quite refreshing to have physical switches to press on.

The compact steering wheel is another highlight, moulding to your hand well, even in the tight corners.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come as standard.

New in both the 2021 Peugeot 3008 and 5008 is a qi-enabled wireless smartphone charging located in the centre console.

Engine:

Both the 2021 Peugeot 3008 and 5008 will be equipped with a 1.6L Twin Scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) engine, which outputs 165 HP and 240 Nm of torque. The turbocharged engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission from Aisin with power being sent to the two front wheels. It is the same engine as the previous 3008 and 5008.

Safety:

On the safety front, the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 will come with:

Visiopark 1 - a 180° rearview camera

Active Lane Keeping Assist

Driver Attention Warning

Speed Limit recognition

Blind Spot Monitoring

Advanced Grip Control with 5 grip modes (Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand, and ESP off)

Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC) - that allows you to safely and perfectly control your vehicle and its trajectory on steep slopes.

Other safety features include 6 SRS Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR), & Hill Start Assist.

Colours:

The 2021 Peugeot 3008 will be available in:

Amazonite Grey

Pearl White

Nera Black

Cuprite Brown

The 2021 Peugeot 5008 will be available in:

Amazonite Grey

Pearl White

Nera Black

Emerald Crystal

Warranty:

Both SUVs will come with 3-years free service maintenance with a mileage limit of 60,000km, whichever comes first as well as a standard 5-years manufacturer warranty and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.

Price:

Peugeot 3008 1.6L Allure: RM 161,616.66

Peugeot 5008 1.6L Allure: RM 177,311.90

Prices above are with SST exemption, OTR without insurance.

Key Differences Between the 3008 and 5008:

The Peugeot 3008 is a 5-seater while the Peugeot 5008 is a 7-seater

The exterior of the 5008's rear body shape, rear doors and window and rear hatch differ from the 3008 due to a longer wheelbase on the 5008.

On the interior, the 5008 has a third row of seats that can be folded down and removed. On the second row of the 5008, there is an air-con vent blower control switch and lastly, the centre console of the 5008 has more storage volume.

The new Peugeot 3008 and 5008 are assembled at the
Stellantis
 plant in Gurun, Kedah. In order to make sure that both SUVs are suited for local conditions, 300,000 kilometres of testing was undertaken under Malaysia's harsh climate and environmental conditions.

With the launch of the 2021 3008 and 5008 the
renaissance of Peugeot
 in Malaysia under Bermaz Auto Alliance begins, where it goes from here only time will tell.


Buy A Volkswagen Beetle On Lazada From The 12th to 14th Of December

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) in collaboration with Lazada Malaysia will be selling 12 limited edition Beetles in conjunction with Lazada’s Online Revolution Campaign, which kicks off from 12 to 14 December. This is the first time a car manufacturer and an e-commerce company is teaming up to sell cars online.
These limited edition Beetles will be sold at RM112,112 which is 18% off the recommended retail price. This offer is only valid in Peninsular Malaysia. This 12.12 limited edition Beetle comes in two designs – the “Herbie 53” in Pure White and White Silver and the “Hot Bug” in Tornado Red.
The limited edition Beetle comes with leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a 5.8" Touchscreen 'Composition Colour' with USB, Bluetooth and 8 Speakers; and seat trim covers in ‘Pepita’ fabric. Under its hood is a 1.2l turbocharged TSI engine with an output of 105PS - and together with a 7-speed automatic transmission DSG owners are ensured a fun run indeed.
You can check out the links to the offer on Lazada right
here
, and maybe you'll be one of the lucky 12 owners.


SPYSHOTS: Mazda Koeru Concept Spotted In Production Guise, Future CX-4 Or CX-7?

At the recent Frankfurt Motor Show,
Mazda
 rolled out a
new crossover concept known as the Koeru
. The Japanese carmaker has a track record of converting most of their concept cars into a production ones, and with these spyshots of a heavily camouflaged Koeru undergoing testing in China (with thanks to
Auto Sina
), this may be our first look at a new
CX-4 model or a revival of the CX-7 nameplate
.
Suffice to say, the test mule you see here doesn’t really stray far from the concept which debuted. The coupe-like profile is still very much a standout as you can see here although the exact dimensions may not follow that of the concept. The Koeru concept measured 4,600mm in length and 1,900mm in width, 45mm longer and 60mm wider than the CX-5, but is a whole 170mm lower than the
CX-5
 at 1,500mm. Wheelbase remains the same at 2,700mm.
As expected, Mazda’s Kodo design language is clearly visible here with the prominent front fascia with a four-bar grille and the signature headlights. Along the sides, a more conventional set five twin-spoke alloy wheels replaces the ones found on the concept.
At the back, the high-mounted large exhaust tips of the concept also make way for standard ones, each mounted at the bottom corners of the crossover’s rear. Elsewhere, the rear reflector also gain a bit of girth, taking up a larger space.
The interior also differs from that of the concept although the changes aren’t that dramatic. The funky trapezoidal-shaped multimedia unit (definitely a MZD Connect system) is now morphed back into a more familiar rectangular-shaped screen though it appears larger than those found on current Mazda models which adopt them.
The deep steering wheel is also replaced to a standard one, along with the gear lever as well. You’ll spot the air-conditioning vents and climate control system appear unchanged from the concept. The centre console which housed a reimagining of the Commander Control dial and electronic parking brake on the concept is now redone to be more in line with that of the current model range as well.
Of course, the design seen on the Koeru test mule may change as the car edges towards its global debut. Like we’ve mentioned, it is yet unclear whether this new model will adopt the ‘CX-4’ or ‘
CX-7
’ nameplate, although in view of its proportions, the latter seems like a stronger possibility.


The Evolution Of Head Units And Navigation In Cars

In just two decades, we've gone from route books/ maps to smartphone connectivity.

We're living in a time when it's almost expected that a car on sale - at least in its highest trim level - will come with something like Apple Car Play, Android Auto, or Mirror Link.
Smartphone connectivity
 has become such an important function in cars, especially as it's practically necessary to carry one with you in this day and age - and some cars even go so far as to offer integrated internet connectivity for their onboard systems.

For many, it's the convenience of having the interface of their
smartphone
 on the head unit of their car. It's the fact that they no longer have to pair their phones or manually run streaming services on their devices for in-car music playback. One of the strongest points is also the fact that you get high-quality GPS navigation with your application of choice from your smartphone.

But it wasn't always like this, as you would expect. Even up until the 1970s, having a simple radio in your car was seen as a luxury. Cassette players were also an option you would tick if you wanted to enjoy some tunes on your drive around town. And if you needed to get somewhere you weren't familiar with? You'd whip out a road map, or a route book, and figure out how to get there manually.

It's obviously a lost art in this day and age, but being able to plot your route and follow it on your travels was an important skill to have as a motorist if you wanted to venture beyond the boundaries of your neighbourhood or city. It was also the reason why motorists spent more time at highway rest stops (or rest houses, if you can remember them), to help get their bearings and plot their routes.

Head units in cars
 remained fairly stagnant - a radio reciever and a cassette player - through to the 1980s - but the 1980s saw the emergence of incredibly primitive navigation systems in Japanese cars from Toyota, Nissan, and Honda. This is before the era of global positioning satellites (GPS) navigation, so in order to show where you were you would quite literally need a set of scrolling map pages and what's known as dead reckoning technology - where the computer figures out where you are based on your steering and speed inputs.

Coming into the 1990s, we saw head units start to evolve as they took on different mediums - specifically CDs. It was pretty normal for a car to have a CD player, and higher end cars to have a deck of CDs you could manually load so you wouldn't have to swap them out if you wanted to listen to another album. We also saw the beginnings of GPS navigation, though most of the time you would have to use a standalone unit like something from GARMIN.

In fact, most of the time it was going to be a GARMIN unit until cheaper alternatives came to market. GARMIN systems went from being simple location tracking to having actual road maps and route guidance, though you would have to manually load in maps and update them if anything changed in the real world. Eventually, manufacturers caught up and had GPS navigation included as part of a car's standard features, though updating maps periodically was still necessary.

In the blink of an eye - from the late 2000s - we soon completely abandoned in-car navigation and GARMIN based units in favour of smartphone navigation. Smartphone apps such as Google Maps and Waze were always up to date, and more importantly they had traffic information polled from the movement of other users. This meant that not only could you plot a route between two points, you could find the most efficient in terms of time and offer you a variety of alternative routes.

Knowing that they would be beat on this front, manufacturers then chose to integrate their head units with smartphones rather than trying to increase standalone functionality. Car owners were already used to connecting via Bluetooth for audio and hands-free purposes, so this was the next natural step in its evolution - and the point that we're at today.


Mazda MX-5 RF Enters Production. First Batch Bound for Europe and U.S

Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it has started production of the Mazda MX-5 RF retractable hardtop (known as Roadster RF in Japan) yesterday at its plant in Hiroshima.
It is said that the first batch of the MX-5 RF produced are bound for North American and European markets where sales launches are expected to begin early 2017. In Japan however, the car will go on sale later this year.
As we mentioned before, the MX-5 RF’s retractable hard top, unlike
the regular MX-5
’s manually operated soft top, is powered; opening and closing at the flip of a switch, and operable at speeds up to 10km/h.
Mechanically, the MX-5 RF is mostly identical to the regular model, but featuring steering and suspension tweaks that Mazda claims to improve the vehicle’s refinement.
Powertrain options remain unchanged, where globally, the MX-5 RF will be available with a choice of either a 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G or a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine, paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda claims that the RF, which is short for Retractable Fastback, ‘handles every bit as well as’ the regular model which most of us are highly enthused about.
The MX-5 RF will debut wearing Mazda’s latest signature colour – Machine Grey, the same colour painted on the all-new CX-9.
Like Mazda’s Soul Red signature colour, Machine Grey is used to intensify the contrast between light and shadow with a sleek, high-density finish, it gives the impression that the vehicle’s body was sculpted from a solid block of steel.
Meanwhile, there has not been any announcement on whether it will be headed to our shores yet.
Looking for a Mazda? Find one at
Carlist.my


Suzuki Ciaz Launched In Thailand

After its regional debut at the Bangkok motor show earlier in March, the Suzuki Ciaz has finally gone on sale in Thailand, competing against the Nissan Almera and Mitsubishi Attrage.
Seen here are images courtesy of our sister-publication
AutoSpinn.com
The Ciaz measures 4,490 mm long, 1,730 mm wide and 1,475 mm high, making it the biggest model in its class. It is both longer and wider than the City, Vios, Almera and Attrage.
To comply with Thailand’s eco-car regulations (which offers a lower excise duty rate – 17 percent versus 30 percent for a regular car below 2,000cc), the Ciaz is powered by a tiny 1.25-litre petrol engine, paired to either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic.
Prices range from THB 484,000 to THB 625,000.
In comparison the Nissan Almera – which has a different, smaller 1.2-litre engine from our 1.5-litre Malaysian-market Almeras – costs between THB 437,000 to THB 612,000. The slightly smaller body size 1.2-litre Mitsubishi Attrage sells for between THB 449,000 to THB 589,000.
The highest specifications Ciaz GLX CVT comes equipped with keyless entry with engine push-start button, 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth handsfree steering wheel-mounted control buttons, ABS with EBD, and dual front airbags.
Will This Be The Next Proton Saga?
Maybe, but it is going to be a challenge convincing Malaysians that the Suzuki’s tiny 91 hp, 118 Nm, 1.25-litre engine is better than the current Proton Saga’s 1.3-litre, 94 hp and 120 Nm CamPro engine.
Despite the general downsizing trend worldwide, Malaysians still choose their cars based on engine capacity and the minimum size expected for a vehicle in this class is 1.3-litre.
Our long network of highways also meant that Malaysian drivers place greater emphasis on performance than their Thai counterparts.
There's also a 1.6-litre petrol engine option but at the moment, this specifications is only available for the China market Ciaz.
In any case, Proton and Suzuki has confirmed that the first result of their collaboration will be a compact model, due August 2016 with Proton implying that the model is aimed at Perodua’s range of hatchbacks, making the Suzuki Celerio the most likely candidate.
Beyond that, nothing has been confirmed. Any further model collaboration between Proton and Suzuki is still subject to evaluation by their respective boards.
The Proton Saga (BLM) was launched in January 2008, and was facelifted in 2010 (Saga FL) and 2011 (Saga FLX). This is the Saga’s seventh year on the market and replacement model is long overdue.
As part of the requirements to qualify for Thailand's Eco-Car Phase incentive, Suzuki is obligated to manufacture 100,000 units of the Ciaz by its fourth year of production. That's quite a tall order and exports to other markets is definitely required. Globally, there is a very small market for Vios/City class B-segment sedans like the Ciaz. Such cars are mostly sold in developing Asia - India, China and ASEAN, while a small number is sold to car rental agencies in Eastern Europe and Australia.
Exports to India and China are ruled out as both countries are already producing the Ciaz for their respective domestic markets. Within ASEAN's Big 3 (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia), Malaysia is the largest market outside of Thailand for such cars as Indonesia is dominated by MPVs.
One way or another, the Ciaz needs Malaysia to meet its production targets. The question is whether will it be exported to here as a CBU like the Mitsubishi Attrage or assembled under license by Proton.
Read also:

Proton-Suzuki Deal: A Quick Look At The Potential Models Coming Our Way


AutoFest KL 2016 – Over 250 Luxury Cars and Motorcycles On Sale

If you are in the market for new or reconditioned luxury cars, the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur is a good place to visit this weekend.
Over 250 reconditioned luxury cars and motorcycles, classic cars, as well as new cars are being offered with attractive deals at the first ever
AutoFest Kuala Lumpur 2016
 happening from Friday, 13 to Sunday, 15 May 2016.
The three-day event is organized by Red Jacket Events Sdn Bhd and is sponsored by the Association of Malay Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles (PEKEMA). At least 40 PEKEMA members are present with cars to sell, although non-member dealers have been invited to participate as well.
New car buyers are also being catered for, with new car dealers being housed in a dedicated section within the exhibition grounds.
Buyers seeking financing options will have representatives of Hong Leong Islamic Bank to turn to with pre-approved loan packages ready to be disbursed to qualified individuals who purchase a vehicle at the event.
Besides browsing cars for sale, visitors to AutoFest KL 2016 will also get to see an exhibition of modded cars, meet personalities such as Fairuz Fauzy, Tengku Djan, and cast of
Bikers Kental 2
, namely Awie, Afdlin Shauki, Zizan, and Bront Palarae.
JPJ and PDRM will be setting up counters for summons payment and there will also be a
Lotus
-only gymkhana event, and a special edition ‘Patriot’ number plate is up for grabs via a social media contest with the hashtag #MyDreamPlateAutoFestKL
Admission is free for AutoFest Kuala Lumpur 2016. For more information, visit
www.autofest.com.my
.
While you're there, drop by the Carlist.my booth for free goodies like a heavy duty torch light and many more.


Perodua Myvi 2022 Facelift Dilancarkan Secara Live 18 November Ini!

Perodua Myvi 2022
 akan dilancarkan secara maya pada 18 November, jam 9 malam di semua laman sosial Perodua!

Tempahan untuk ‘King’ baharu ini telah dibuka dan menawarkan
dua pilihan enjin iaitu 1.5L dan 1.3L
. Varian tertinggi Myvi 2022 menggunakan enjin yang sama seperti model sebelumnya - 1.5L 2NR-VE (103 PS dan 137 Nm) dan enjin 1.3L 1NR-VE (95 PS dan 121 Nm). Pilihan transmisi manual 5 kelajuan pula telah digugurkan untuk model kali ini.

Menurut Perodua, Myvi 2022 ini juga memberi lebih penjimatan minyak berbanding model sebelumnya, dengan 22.2km/liter berbanding 21.1km/liter untuk enjin 1.3L.

Lebih menarik, Myvi
facelift
 ini dilengkapi
Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA)
 seperti yang terdapat pada Perodua Ativa. PSDA memberikan bantuan pemanduan seperti Advance Safety Assist (ASA), amaran pelanggaran, kawalan pelayaran adaptif, bantuan parkir dan headlamp assist.

Secara keseluruhan, harga
Myvi 2022
 menyaksikan sedikit peningkatan, dimana ia ditawarkan bermula RM 45,700 hingga RM 58,800 dengan pilihan warna terbaharu, Cranberry Red khas untuk varian 1.5L AV.

Warna yang lain masih kekal seperti model sebelumnya seperti Electric Blue, Granite Grey, Lava Red, Glittering Silver dan Ivory Red dan tertakluk kepada varian pilihan anda.

Bagaimana dengan rupa bentuk baharu King Myvi ini?

Perodua telah berkongsi beberapa paparan video terbaharu berdurasi 11 saat yang menunjukkan bahagian depan dan bampar belakang, selain bahagian dalaman dengan kemasan dua tona warna. Cantik lah!

Persoalannya, adakah khabar angin bahawa Myvi 2022 bakal menjadi Myvi pertama menggunakan
transmisi D-CVT
 akan menjadi kenyataan? Sama-sama kita nantikan 18 November nanti!


Global NCAP Wants Brazil To Make ESC A Compulsory Feature

Global NCAP is lobbying for the Brazilian government to make ESC a compulsory for all new cars. This follows after a recent move by the Brazilian government in 2014 that made ABS a compulsory feature for all new cars.
ESC, or electronic stability control, is now a compulsory feature in the US, Australia, Canada, European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, Turkey and will soon also be in Argentina.
ESC is widely considered to be the most important car safety development since the seat belt.
In their recent Global Status Report on Road Safety the World Health Organisation (WHO) expressed their concern that global car manufacturers who are required to fit ESC in high-income countries “can sell the same model to markets without this life saving technology if the country does not apply the ESC regulation”.
To avoid de-specification of safety technologies the WHO says ESC “should be mandatory in all vehicles”. Noting that the system is also effective in commercial vehicles (such as trucks, coaches and mini-buses) the WHO comments that “there is enormous life-saving potential for this technology across the world’s entire vehicle fleet that has yet to be tapped globally.”
Speaking at the launch of the Stop the Crash Partnership in Brasilia, David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP and Chairman of the Stop the Crash Partnership, said:
“ESC is a vital life saving technology which can prevent crashes altogether rather than just protecting people when one occurs.
“Our latest research shows that hundreds of thousands of deaths and serious injuries could be prevented in Brazil if ESC and a package of other UN regulations were introduced. This is why Global NCAP recommends that the Brazilian government build on their 2014 decision to mandate ABS and do the same now for ESC.”
ESC is generic term. Different manufactures have different names for the same feature. Among the examples are VSA (Honda), VSC (Toyota), ASC (Mitsubishi), ESP (Volkswagen and Audi), DSC (BMW).


Free Public Transport? More Than Just An Idea In Luxembourg

For many congested cities around the world, it makes a lot of sense to take public transport instead of driving a personal car. The convenience, as well as not having to find a space to park a car at all times of day, makes it a lot easier to get around - and of course, there is the much welcome benefit of reducing congestion on the whole by taking cars off of the road.
But the one element that people fail to consider when trying to apply such a system here is that the infrastructure itself becomes a highly costly investment - and that investment has to be passed on to the men and women who take public transport every day. To maintain a truly world-class system that you may find in Japan or the UK, you have to charge passengers incredible amounts of money.
And yet, Luxembourg thinks they have managed to solve this issue - and they intend on making public transport free during the summer of 2019. Xavier Bettel, prime minister of this small country, made the announcement after being sworn in for a second term according to reports by
The Guardian
. Bear in mind that the population of Luxembourg is just over a tenth of the island-state of Singapore.
But despite the low population numbers, quite nearly everybody in Luxembourg drives - the highest car to person ratio in the whole of Europe. This problem is further compounded when free travel between European nations allows around 200,000 extra people into the country every day for work, which worsens the congestion by over 30% based on the initial population numbers. By making public transport free, Bettel hopes people will be encouraged to use the public transport services more often and reduce the number of cars on the road.
This news on Luxembourg was originally posted
here
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www.sea.mashable.com
 for trending news like this and the latest in tech, culture, and entertainment. Follow them on the official
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Hyundai’s Next Tucson Is Nearly Here. How Is That Not A Concept Car?

Hyundai has an all-new Tucson waiting in the wings, almost ready for its glitzy prime time debut. We’ve known that for a decent while already, but now the South Korean automaker is kicking the pre-launch hype train into a higher gear with some rather detailed shots of the SUV.

We’re a little unsure of what to make of what we’re seeing here as the Tucson looks positively futuristic in these shots - those front LED illumination array and fang-like rear lights look incredible, and incredibly expensive. It does indeed resemble the fascia found on the
7th-generation Hyundai Elantra
, only much nicer to look at.

To be honest, it looks like a concept vehicle, and this is the ‘teaser’ to ramp up the Hyundai booth at some big motor show. But no, apparently this is actually the next-generation Tucson. Even as a teaser this seems generous as there’s so little of the exterior left to the imagination, and Hyundai has yet to clarify is if what we’re being shown here is or not fully representative of the final version headed to showrooms.

To find that out, we suppose that waiting for the official reveal on September 15 is our only option. Most of all, though, Hyundai should definitely retain the mixture of angularity and subtle contours spied on this all-new Tucson as it looks much less awkward than their first attempt at the ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design blueprint.

Or am I mistaking that for the company’s other design philosophy, which I believe they call ‘Sensuous Sportiness’? It’s all a little muddled at this point, but the bottom line is that the incoming 4th-generation Hyundai Tucson is shaping up - quite literally - to be quite the stunner. The company has also managed to inject some extra sexiness into their
recently face-lifted Kona
, so this should be a perfect bigger brother to that.

Hyundai has also only released a computer-aided sketch of what the new interior will look like, which is centred around a large floating infotainment screen. The rest of it seems quite minimal, even missing a traditional gear selector in favour of button operation.

Elsewhere, a wraparound dashboard houses hidden air conditioning vents, a digital instrument cluster, and a steering wheel design lifted straight out of an Elantra.

What sets this incoming Tucson apart from previous generations is that Hyundai is planning on offering it in two different wheelbase lengths to accommodate the preferences of customers in different regions. In terms of powertrains, however, don’t expect anything too drastic.  We’re likely to see a range of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines shared with other Hyundai and Kia models presently available.


Review: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta - No Longer Playing Catch Up

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia launched the Jetta earlier this week, and this was swiftly followed by the opportunity to hustle it down to Melaka and back to experience the differences between this model and the
one it replaced.
 The changes may not be particularly obvious to people who have never paid attention to the Jetta before, but we’ll walk you through them to get you up to speed.
Specifications
Engine: 1.4-litre turbocharged transverse four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC
Power: 150 PS @ 5,000 - 6,000 rpm
Torque: 250 Nm @ 1,500 - 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dry-type dual clutch DSG with paddle shifters, front-wheel drive
Safety: 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, ABS, Intelligent Crash Response System, Hill Hold Assist
Price: RM128,900 without insurance
What's New?
The sole model for this drive was the Jetta Highline, meaning that we got to see the largest number of changes over the old model as it comes with the most amount of kit. This means that in addition to the front and rear bumpers being completely redesigned, both the Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights were also more up to spec- and it almost makes the Jetta look like a slightly more aggressive, slightly shrunk down version of the
Passat
. That’s a pretty good thing, considering the Passat’s
replacement
 will be here in a matter of months- and the Jetta will carry this styling on for a few more years.
In terms of performance, the 1.4 TSI models have never disappointed. The new Jetta is powered by the same 1.4-litre TSI that came with the Mk7 Golf TSI, meaning it drops the supercharger and has 10 less PS, but gains 10 more Nm through the initial torque band. Just like the
Golf TSI
, the Jetta accelerates rapidly through its closely spaced low gears, and cruises efficiently when you leave it in 7
th
 gear. It is just as responsive as before, although like before it requires a bit of effort to maintain higher cruising speeds. Suffice to say, in the majority of situations you can rely on the powertrain to deliver large amounts of torque in little time.
The coasting function is also something that has been integrated with the updated Jetta, although we’ve seen this before in other Volkswagen products like the Tiguan. It’s an invaluable feature when it comes to saving fuel as it de-couples the clutches and allows the car to freewheel along without losing much momentum. This, along with automatic start-stop and regenerative braking are what helps the Jetta to achieve its quoted 5.0 litres/100 kilometres consumption and Energy Efficient Vehicle status, which explains the new model's lower price.
Perhaps some of the most invaluable functions are the keyless entry and start systems, which makes the Jetta far more convenient than the previous model. But it is through the keyless start system that you understand how difficult it is to retrofit many of these components to the older Jetta platform- the Start-Stop button has been shrunk to the size of a coin and placed in one of the blank button spots that may have been occupied by a fog light switch or the like. It's a solid effort on the part of Volkswagen, but this may be the most they can manage.
Interior
On the inside, the changes are more obvious. When the Jetta first came to our market, it was a pricey model and it came barely equipped with anything. The material quality felt cheap and the overall look so meagre that you had to really want German engineering and dynamics if you were to seriously consider the Jetta. With this update, there’s a proper touch screen (albeit a little small, still no reverse camera) housed in the centre console, and the use of gloss black and faux wood trim helps to break up the sea of rubberized plastic panels. It’s not the last word in luxury, but it’s a far sight better- and it feels almost Passat-ish were it not for the lack of brushed aluminium.
When you consider the added features and functionality, many of them are things that you won’t notice or appreciate until they’re taken away. An electric drivers’ seat offers you effortless seating, the keyless entry and start are invaluable when your hands are full with groceries or luggage, the paddle shifters make spirited driving that little bit more engaging, and the cruise control is perfect for the long haul. These are not features that you consider needing until you spend time with them, and then have to make do without.
Another strong point for the Jetta is that it's closer in terms of spec to the Golf TSI, while providing the benefit of better practicality on the whole. There's ample legroom for rear passengers and a big boot to spare- and if need be, the seats can be 60:40 split folded to accomodate larger items. The top spec Highline has a pleasant leather interior that feels far more premium than the price point, but you could probably make do with the fabric seats if that's more your speed. It's a combination of factors that makes this an excellent product for both a driver and their family, blending the two worlds with little compromise. Perhaps the only gripe is we could not get the Mirror Link system to work, but beyond this the entertainment system is perfectly in line with expectations.
How does it drive?
So how does this all translate to a real life, holistic driving experience? On the highway the performance was adequate enough to make quick bursts past slower moving traffic and hold a pretty quick cruising speed- but for some odd reason, the Jetta felt as if it wanted to wander at much higher speeds, which some suspect is due to the new front bumper design, which has altered the aerodynamics attributes of the car slightly. Switching over to trunk roads, the larger 17-inch wheels and tyres offered more grip and predictability in handling, which was a little better than the wallowy composure of the previous model. The advantage of most of these German cars like the Jetta is being able to execute long haul journeys without feeling worn and exhausted on the other end, and the Jetta lives up to this expectation.
Comfort
When you look at the entry level market segments, overall comfort is less of a concern than outright value for money, Going into this segment, a car needs to offer appreciable comfort in order to be considered for purchase, because a lot of owners may be using this to ferry their friends or families on long distance trips. The pre-facelift Jetta had no issue in the comfort department, and neither does this new Jetta- despite running on slightly larger rims. Our trip to Melaka and back was without protest from the suspension, although the aforementioned high-speed vagueness may be initially unsettling to some. Both the front and rear seat occupants will not have an issue with spending extended periods of time in the Jetta.
Conclusion
On the whole, the changes and updates brought to the Jetta have really given it a new lease on life- even though we’d be lying if we said we’re not excited for the next generation MQB-based Jetta if and when it comes, but we digress. The new Jetta is specified such that you no longer have to ignore any shortcomings in equipment or looks, because it is now competitive in its segment- even with products like the
Honda Civic
 to go against. Naturally it’s best to opt for the top-spec Highline variant to enjoy the full breadth of changes, but you could make do with the Comfortline model if you’re willing to forgo some of the top spec features (view the spec differences in our launch article
here
).


Buyer’s Guide: Mazda CX-5 - A Winning Formula

We had our doubts when Mazda announced that the first model that would spearhead their new epoch of SKYACTIV technologies would be an SUV. Mazda, the brand that gave us the world’s best-selling roadster, the only car company to history win Le Mans with a rotary-powered car, and had a recent string of exciting concept cars in store, would lead their new age of post-Ford ownership as an independent carmaker with an all-new SUV, the CX-5.
But how wrong we were, as of April last year Mazda rolled out their millionth CX-5, less than three and a half years after its world debut in late 2011. By comparison, it took Volkswagen a decade to
hit the million-mark
 for their Beetle. Whereas Toyota’s millionth Corolla materialised after 17 years of production of the Corolla name. And the CX-5 managed to achieve this figure within a single generation.
Then again, we can’t compare the scenario of post-war austerity, alongside the globalised prosperity of the world we live in today. Even so the CX-5’s success is quite unprecedented, but just how good is the CX-5? Or is it all hype?
Mazda CX-5 2.0L 2WD/4WD Specifications
Price: From RM129,552 (2WD GL) to RM154,614 (4WD High Spec) OTR with Insurance
Engine: 1,997cc 4-cylinder SKYACTIV-G
Power: 155hp @ 6,000rpm (2WD)/154hp @ 6,000rpm (4WD)
Torque: 200Nm @ 4,000rpm (2WD)/198Nm @ 4,000rpm (4WD)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive (2WD)/all-wheel drive (4WD)
Safety: 6 airbags, Traction Control, Stability Control, ABS with EBD and BA, tyre pressure monitor, reverse camera
Origin: Locally-Assembled from Kulim, Kedah
Mazda CX-5 2.5L 2WD/4WD Specifications
Price: From RM172,562 (2WD) to RM183,090 (4WD) OTR with Insurance
Engine: 2,488cc 4-cylinder SKYACTIV-G
Power: 185hp @ 5,700rpm (2WD/4WD)
Torque: 250Nm @ 3,250rpm (2WD)/250Nm @ 4,000rpm (4WD)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive (2WD)/all-wheel drive (4WD)
Safety: 6 airbags, Traction Control, Stability Control, ABS with EBD and BA, tyre pressure monitor, reverse camera
Origin: Fully-Imported from Hiroshima, Japan
Exterior – The First of KODO
When Mazda first announced that they would be applying their new KODO design language on an SUV, I had my fair share of scepticism. Oversized with less than ideal proportions for designers to work their magic on, SUVs generally aren’t catwalk material. And it is far from the sort of shape you want to introduce a new look to the world with.
But carry Mazda’s new clothes off the CX-5 did, and even though KODO first appeared on a sleek coupé, its sharp definitive curves and pronounced haunches did transpire over to the CX-5 and lent it a rather attractive shape. Though many other car makers have tried to beautify the SUV genre, Mazda has done a commendable job with the CX-5 styling, as it manages to blend aggression, elegance, and presence expertly together.
In the middle of last year, Bermaz Motor quietly slipped in
the CX-5 facelift
, which is only available as the fully-imported 2.5L variants. The facelift sees the addition of new bi-Xenon headlights that come fitted with Mazda’s new segmented LED daytime running light fixtures, a shapely taillight design, and a bold new grille that gives it more presence.  The CX-5 facelift certainly looks a lot more sophisticated and bolder in its appearance, but this being the fully-imported model, its looks does come at a premium over the pre-facelift locally-assembled 2L variants.
Interior – Straightforward and Intuitive
On the inside there isn’t much flair and penchant for outright style as seen with its exterior styling. In here there is an impression that Mazda’s designers had stuck to a safe layout, with no fancy instrument cowls or protruding centre consoles to be found here. Instead there is a flat centre console where all the controls are where you expect them to be. It might not be stylish or beautiful, but it is intuitive to use, and feels well put together with a generous helping of soft touch materials around.
When it comes to practicality though, there are just enough storage bins holed out around the centre console to keep your essentials, keys, wallet, and SmartTAG devices. The door panels too are moulded with some space for small bottles, so you won’t be too far out of reach from a drink on the go.
That being said, on the facelift CX-5 2.5L variants, half of the centre console’s storage bins were sacrificed for the sake of fitting in the control knob panel for its new MZD Connect infotainment system. But on the flip-side, the fitment of the MZD Connect’s control knob means that the mechanical parking brake has been replaced with a smaller and more convenient electric switch. For audiophiles, the MZD Connect’s 9-speaker Bose sound system (2L variants come with a 6-speaker OEM sound system) would certainly be music to your ears.
Though the pre-facelift CX-5 doesn’t receive Mazda’s intuitive new MZD Connect infotainment system, the older infotainment system is already pretty good, with its TomTom supplied navigation system, Bluetooth Connectivity, and hooked up to a reverse camera, you wouldn’t be left in need of anything more.
How Does it Drive?
One of the chief tenants of the SKYACTIV suite of fuel-efficient technologies was the adoption of lightweight construction, as well as the preservation of driving pleasure. True to their word the CX-5 does feel good to drive on the road, better than its other Japanese peers in fact. Despite its size, the CX-5’s tackles corners with a car-like poise and little body roll. The car tracks beautifully according to your steering inputs and the chassis keeps the SUV planted to the road.
Its electric power steering system on the other hand is precise and its weighting strikes a perfect balance to be easy to operate at low, traffic crawling speeds, while having just the right amount of weight to make you feel in control and connected on any given road.
Don’t let the fuel-efficient speak give you the impression that the CX-5 is some boring soft roader that trades fun for fuel-saving. Be it in 2.0L or 2.5L guise, the 4-cylinder direct-injection SKYACTIV engine is responsive, with a throttle that has no slack, and takes up immediately after every flex in your foot.
In its base 2.0L form, the engine is eager to rev and adequate power reserve to propel it along. The 2.5-litre powerplant in the meantime has plenty of torque to cruise effortlessly, though doesn’t feel as eager as its lesser brethren.
Either engine option will come paired with Mazda’s SKYACTIV six-speed transmission, which Mazda says it had been designed to give the best of all worlds. True enough, its immediacy feels close to that of a dual-clutch, while its smoothness at lower engine speeds lends it the refinement that is close to that of a CVT without its dreaded performance-sapping “rubber band effect”.
Where the 2L engine feels the more energetic and rev-happy of the two engines, the bigger 2.5L engine has a more generous torque curve, and we felt that it generally lazier nature is more suited for an SUV.
To be 2WD or 4WD?
There is no shortage of choices when it comes to the CX-5’s drivetrain though. The CX-5 is the only SUV in the market where you can have it with a 2WD or 4WD for both its drivetrain options. Though the 4WD would give you better road holding on especially wet days, we felt that the 2WD, with its standard fitment of stability and traction control systems is sufficient for the job of keeping you and your occupants safe through rain or shine.
As though to dissuade you from picking the more fuel consumption heavy 4WD variant, the engine in the 2.0L 4WD makes 1hp and 2Nm less than the 2.0L 2WD variant, whereas the engine in the 2.5L 4WD achieves its peak torque 750rpm later (at 4,000rpm), than its similarly powered 2.5L 2WD counterpart.
Unfortunately this handicap in power and power delivery of the 4WD variants are further aggravated by the inclusion of all-wheel drive components, which add weight and dampens the engine’s power delivery. So unless you really do believe in the merits of a 4WD, even on an urban-crawling soft-roader whose wheels will usually touch no muck and mud, the 2WD will still stand as our pick with either engine choices.
How Comfortable Is It?
While the CX-5’s handling is praiseworthy, the same can’t really be said about its ride quality. With a firm suspension made to supress body roll, the resulting ride is rather stiff, as it prefers to hug the road rather than float over it. That being said, we didn’t find the ride to be tiresome even on long journeys, as the dampers kept the ride steady and planted, without being harsh over rough sections of road. When it comes to NVH levels, with the exception of some audible levels of road roar, external noise is pretty well suppressed inside.
Around the back, we found legroom to be adequate for tall individuals, while headroom is good enough for an SUV of its size. When it comes to driver luxuries however, all CX-5 variants, except for the entry-level 2.0L GL, come equipped with leather seats, electric driver’s seat, satellite navigation, and keyless entry.
When it comes to practicality, the CX-5 doesn’t quite boast the cavernous space of the CR-V, but it isn’t stingy on luggage space either. Discounting Honda’s entry, for an SUV of its size, the CX-5 is one of the most spacious in terms of cargo room. It is also easy to fold down the rear seats thanks to the two release levers located on the sides of the luggage compartment that tumbles down both back rests.
How Economical Is It?
As responsive and energetic as the SKYACTIV powertrain turns out to be, and despite its big upright SUV shape, the CX-5 does live up to its fuel-efficient billing. On the 2.5L 2WD variant we managed to clock in 9.5L/100km on the odometer in mixed driving conditions, which is pretty admirable for an SUV of its engine size. That being said, its appetite for fuel is managed with the addition of the i-Stop idling auto start/stop function on the 2.5L variants.
The 2L variants on the other hand could clock in real-world fuel consumption figures of between 8 and 9L/100km on the average run around the city with highway driving added to the mix. Still, figures that could easily match a family sedan, dipping below the average fuel consumption figures that could be achieved by an SUV of its size.
Though Bermaz Motor has politely decline to release the costing of the CX-5’s maintenance over a 5-Years/100,000km period, based on feedback from Mazda customers, the CX-5’s maintenance costs doesn’t fall too far from the expected maintenance cost of a Japanese make of its class.
For those looking to buy the CX-5 new, good news as both variants of the CX-5 comes covered by Bermaz Motor’s 3-Years/60,000km free maintenance and warranty package, which covers standard routine maintenance costs except for wear and tear parts such as tyres, brakes, and wipers.
Safety Features
All variants of the CX-5, be it 2L or 2.5L, GL or High Spec, comes fully equipped with the whole ensemble of safety features such as six airbags, traction control and dynamic stability control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, and reverse cameras.
Conclusion
It is easy to see how the CX-5 has managed to achieve its impressive million figure in such a short time. It isn’t just the increasing popularity of SUVs around the world, or its timely use of SKYACTIV fuel efficient technologies at a time when fuel prices were still standing high in the market. The CX-5 hits all the right spots, good looks, excellent handling, well-equipped, frugal in fuel, great interior build quality, and practical enough for most needs.
Though it might not be the cheapest option in the market, the CX-5 has everything that you would need, short of a low-range gearbox and real off-road climbing mechanicals, in an SUV. And if you still prefer to enjoy a car-like driving experience with the elevated ride height and space of an SUV, you can’t do better than the CX-5.
If you see yourself using the CX-5 to pick-up family members or plenty of cargo on a regular basis, the torquier 2.5-litre option is definitely the pick of the group. Though it is now only available as the fully-imported facelift spec, it might prove to be a bit of a stretch on one’s budgeting. Otherwise if you are only going to use it for your personal daily drive around town, the 2-litre is good enough for all your needs.