Hyundai Ioniq 5 N debut: Up to 641 HP and simulated eight-speed gearbox

Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 5 N Storms into Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Hyundai N
has unveiled its first-ever electric vehicle, the IONIQ 5 N
, at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England.

This groundbreaking model usher in a new era of high-performance EVs, bringing together cutting-edge technology and track-ready capabilities that will ignite your passion for driving like never before.

IONIQ 5 N leads the charge in Hyundai N's electrification strategy, paving the way for future electric N models that will push the boundaries of performance and excitement. Building upon the three pillars of N performance — the mischievous Corner Rascal, the unstoppable Racetrack Capability, and the everyday Sportscar thrill — this electric powerhouse harnesses the expertise gained from years of electrified 'Rolling Lab' development and motorsport-inspired technologies.

I
ONIQ 5 N's electrifying headline features:

Corner Rascal:
 With a reinforced body and chassis, this dynamic EV boasts unrivalled rigidity and responsive steering, allowing drivers to dominate corners like a rally champion with its rally-inspired dual-motor AWD capabilities.

Racetrack Capability:
 The beast within the IONIQ 5 N roars with up to 650 PS when N Grin Boost is engaged. Its industry-leading thermal management system ensures increased endurance, while regenerative braking adds an extra adrenaline rush.

Everyday Sportscar:
 Undeniably, the best features are the N e-shift and N Active Sound + technologies which transport you into the realm of high-performance ICE cars.

N e-shift
 emulates the gearshifts of ICE N cars, creating a precise and interactive driving experience by controlling motor torque output and simulating the jolt between shifts.

N Active Sound+
 enhances the driving experience of EVs with a 10-speaker system, offering three sound themes: 'Ignition' simulates N's 2.0T engine sound, 'Evolution' provides a high-performance sound inspired by the RN22e, and 'Supersonic' takes inspiration from twin-engine fighter jets, adjusting volume during cornering. N Active Sound+ provides an acoustic reference to gauge the power being utilized.

IONIQ 5 N features N Road Sense
, which recommends activating N Mode when double-curved road signs are detected, maximizing the joy of driving (EU only).

The world premiere of IONIQ 5 N at the Goodwood Festival of Speed signifies Hyundai N's commitment to technological excellence and innovation. This groundbreaking model sets the stage for a new era of performance and elevates Hyundai's overall competitiveness.

"Our vision for Hyundai N is to lead the technological revolution in the automotive industry," says Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. "IONIQ 5 N represents the pinnacle of performance, pushing the boundaries of electric high-performance driving. We are determined to continue this momentum and deliver exceptional driving experiences across all our Hyundai models. That's the essence of N brand!"

IONIQ 5 N combines Hyundai's renowned Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N's motorsport-bred technologies, resulting in a high-performance marvel that will leave you breathless. Leveraging the expertise gained from electrified 'Rolling Labs,' such as the RM20e, RN22e, and N Vision 74, this electrifying vehicle maximizes its capabilities in line with N's three performance pillars: the untamed Corner Rascal, the unbeatable Racetrack Capability, and the thrilling Everyday Sportscar experience.

Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company, emphasizes the driving pleasure that IONIQ 5 N brings. "IONIQ 5 N was designed to push the boundaries of driving fun by utilizing the latest technologies available. We aim to deliver N's signature exhilarating experience to all drivers, whether it's petrol, electric, or hydrogen-powered vehicles. By listening to our passionate N fans, we have fine-tuned our first all-electric N to electrify the driving passion of our most demanding N-thusiasts."

On the inside, the N-branded elements adorn the steering wheel, seats, door scuff panels, and metal pedals, creating an immersive experience optimized for track driving. The N steering wheel, featuring the iconic N logo and strategically positioned N buttons, allows you to customize your driving mode with ease, while the N bucket seats keep you firmly supported during thrilling maneuvers.

IONIQ 5 N also embraces sustainability with its choice of materials, including recyclable components and eco-friendly upholstery, reinforcing Hyundai's commitment to a greener future.

Get ready to witness the electrifying power of IONIQ 5 N as Hyundai N debuts at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023.


Fuji Heavy Industries to be known as Subaru Corporation from 2017

In conjunction with the company’s 100
th
 anniversary next year, Fuji Heavy Industries has announced that it is planning to
change its name to

Subaru C
orporation in April 2017 in an effort to emphasize on the company's automotive business.
It is said that the decision was made at the company’s
85th General Meeting of Shareholders which took place yesterday.
By unifying its corporate name and brand name on the 100th anniversary of the 1917 founding of Nakajima Aircraft, the Company said that it will further accelerate its current efforts to enhance the
Subaru
 brand and achieve greater growth for Subaru as a distinctive global brand in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Taking a new step with the new corporate name, Fuji Heavy Industries added that it aims to further strengthen its efforts to seek sustainable growth by offering Subaru’s distinctive value of “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” to customers worldwide, pursuant to its management philosophy of aiming to be “a compelling company with a strong market presence built upon its customer-first principle.”
The origins of FHI date back to the foundation of the Aircraft Research Laboratory (later to become Nakajima Aircraft Co., Ltd.) in 1917. After going through a number of reorganizations, FHI was established under its current name in 1953. Since then, the Company has expanded its businesses ranging from aerospace and industrial products segments to its primary business of Subaru automobiles which began with the introduction of the Subaru 360 minicar in 1958.
Looking for a Subaru? Find one at
Carlist.my
 today.


From Track To Road - Road Tyres Rooted In Racing DNA

You might not be aware of all the technology behind the tyres on your car, but it's good to know that those lessons were forged in brutal and unforgiving fire of motorsport.

As exciting as the notion of taking the lessons of motorsport and applying that for use on the road is, you’d be surprised at how little that actually translates to in practice. The wisdom here is to take certain parts of motorsport that have inherent value in making ‘normal’ cars drive better, faster, and safer.

Not all parts of the ‘racing equation’ have any bearing on that car you have sitting on your porch (or designated parking spaces, for you condo-dwellers). In fact, very little does. However, tyres are one area where the differences could be profound. And as you may already know, those four patches of rubber are probably the most important investments you could make for your car apart from the car itself.

Balancing Act

You wouldn’t necessarily fit track tyres to your daily driver, and so it follows that the innovation which brings the right kind of benefit to the majority of driving conditions, would impact the most people. However, car enthusiasts are always hungry for that edge, explaining why aftermarket tyres are one of the first upgrades undertaken.

Again, it probably delivers the most noticeable difference and is instantly felt, but satisfying a desire for ultimate handling by opting for the most aggressive tyre package with as much contact patch as possible can mean sacrificing other important aspects of a road tyre such as ride comfort, wet performance, and tread wear.

These are at odds with what we expect from a good road tyre. For example, fewer grooves would mean more contact area with the road and would improve grip levels in ideal conditions, but would be useless in wet weather where the tread pattern and grooves are required to evacuate water and prevent aquaplaning. A stiff sidewall is great for responsive steering feedback and quick direction changes but leads to a very harsh ride and makes the tyre more susceptible to impact damage from, say, potholes.

Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres are the go-to category for enthusiasts, and here’s where this balancing act becomes really important. Ultimately, UHP tyres such as the MaxContact MC6 are designed to be capable of high top speeds, provide nimble handling, clear steering feedback as well as extract as much dry and wet grip as possible, yet do it all with minimal compromise to fuel economy, ride comfort, all while simultaneously maintaining long tread life.

It seems like we’re asking too much, but this is why these kinds of tyres are the true flagship of any brand as they’re the most capable across so many criteria. A lesser product would buck under the pressure of needing to excel in more than a few areas, but manufacturers like Continental have made an art of this, utilising cutting edge chemistry, fabrication techniques, and a combination of rubber and synthetic compounds.

Fitted To The Best

The German tyre maker is no stranger to innovation. Continental pioneered grooved tyres, belted and ribbed construction, and was one of the first to supply Formula One in the 1950s and 60s. The company was also instrumental in the development of specialised tyres for high performance cars and continue to be a leading force in the original equipment (OE) space for all kinds of cars, including the fastest and most exotic.

Continental’s advanced compound technology is so sought after that they’ve essentially conquered the high end automotive sector, with car manufacturers fitting Continental tyres from the factory on both luxury and sport models, often even tuning a car’s chassis balance to complement its planned tyre fitment, which speaks volumes about the level of trust and consistent high quality and performance of their products.

Fine Tuned

However, the devil is in the details, and the MC6’s unique tread pattern and compound makeup have been tuned to meet and exceed the needs of Malaysian drivers given our road surface conditions and climate.

This level of fine calibration means that your drive would be backed up by the confidence of having the best of Continental’s tyre technology, tested and proven to ensure that you will be able to extract the most thrills and refined driving in the safest manner possible.

Nothing To Prove

As mentioned previously, the Continental brand is one of the most established and respected tyre manufacturers in the world, if not the oldest among the premium ‘big six’. It has dabbled in motorsport and continues to prove itself again and again in real world testing, but has left the high profile promotional efforts and sponsorship deals to the others as they would only get in the way of its constant push for refinement.

They’re not interested about shouting their own praises, nor slapping their name on as many racing banners, sidewalls, or liveries as possible, but rather have chosen to remain focused on delivering the best tyres year after year. Still, like a fighter silent before a match, Continental could wallop the pretenders in a single swing anytime it wants.

As mentioned at the start, there are fewer investments more crucial to your car than a set of high quality tyres, so of course you’d want all four corners fitted with something truly outstanding, backed by the kind of performance and technology trusted by the best automakers in the world with the most demanding of standards.

Right now, Continental Tyre Malaysia are running their
Merdeka Value Treats
 campaign between 26th June to 31st August 2020, making this the perfect time to consider that crucial upgrade to your car. Up to RM 1,000,000 in e-cash vouchers are up for grabs with the purchase of new Continental tyres, just click here to
find the nearest participating Continental tyre dealer
 to you, and get rolling.

Also be sure to check out the official
Continental Tyre Malaysia
 website or their
official page on Facebook
.


The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63S Takes The Nurburgring SUV Record

Alright, we know that Nurburgring records are getting a little ridiculous these days with categories within categories, but this is a record that we can get behind. Sporty SUVs are fantastic machines, with the performance to scare slower supercars but the practicality and robustness to take on almost anything the road can throw at them without breaking their stride.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S is about as sporty as they come with a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo up front, and with 510 PS and 700 Nm of torque delivered to all four wheels via the 4MATIC+ system, it has managed to take the Nurburgring lap record for the fastest series production SUV in the world. A lap time of 7 minutes and 49.369 seconds is incredibly impressive, and let's consider it's just 5.5 seconds slower than the Honda Civic Type R FK8 at 7 minutes and 43.8 seconds.
What does that work out to in percentage terms? Just 1.2%, which over the course of a 22.8 kilometre lap can be attributed to differences as minute as track temperature or ambient temperature. Whatever it is, Mercedes-AMG will lay claim to this record unless Porsche or BMW decide to get in the game as well with the Cayenne Turbo S and X5M respectively. Watch AMG Development Engineer Markus Hofbauer wrestle this near-two-tonne SUV around the 'Ring in the video above.


VIDEO: Another Road Bully Caught On Camera, Whilst Abusing Emergency Lane

We’re not quite sure what preceded the events captured on camera here, but hey, it looks like another road bully has been caught on camera – in a double whammy, for abusing the emergency lane at the same time.
A rather aggressive driver is seen rolling up in the emergency lane beside a car, taunting the recorders of this footage, who respond in Bahasa Malaysia with some panic and a little bit of profanity thrown in.
We've got no clue as to what provoked the driver of the Proton Saga to turn confrontational and act out that way, but he is obviously outraged, and is one of the many emergency lane abusers captured on camera here. If or not something else happened beforehand that would put the owner of the footage at fault is another point to ponder, but regardless, there's no need for either party to act out this way.
What should you do if you were confronted by a road bully?
Stay calm, don’t retaliate. If you have a dashcam or camera-equipped mobile phone, do your best to record the proceedings either on video or photo, discreetly and safely – no need for you yourself to illegally/ dangerously handle a mobile phone while driving, nor do we recommend shoving a camera in a bully’s face, provoking them further.
Keeping calm is the key, and your priority should be to get out of the situation, and get yourself to safety. Your secondary objective should be to record the incident for the authorities to possibly take action.
Don’t be afraid to report them to the authorities at:
aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my
*Some profanity is used in this video, viewer discretion is advised

Pengalaman pengguna jalan raya berhadapan dengan pemandu yang tak bertanggungjawab dan memandu secara merbahaya. Berhati-hati ketika memandu dan jangan teragak agak untuk membuat laporan mengenai pembuli jalan raya seperti ini
Posted by
Friends of BN - Barisan Nasional
 on Monday, 20 July 2015


Porsche new vehicle deliveries in the green -  221,512 units at the end of Q3

Porsche's worldwide new vehicle deliveries are in the green with a total of
221,512 units
 successfully delivered in the first nine months of 2022.

They've successfully closed the third quarter of the year with a slight uptick in deliveries at 2% compared to the same period recorded back in 2021 (217,198 units). It's a slight but positive gain as almost all markets showed a positive difference, apart from China and North America (and those are only at a drop of 1% and 4% respectively).

11% rise in Europe

The highest gain was posted by the European market (excluding Germany) with an 11% increase at 42,204 units (38,030 units during the same period in 2021. Germany is not too far behind with a 9% increase, followed by the rest of the world at a 5% increase. Once they're all added up, the worldwide 2% gain is indeed a sign for celebrations.

As for the 4% drop in the North American market,
Porsche
 has stated that it is due to logistical challenges dating back to the first quarter of 2022. The trend will most likely balance or even surpass the positive territory by year-end.

Porsche Cayenne remains the most popular model

The SUV offerings from Porsche remain their top spots as the brand's best-selling models, particularly the
Cayenne
. With a total of 66,769 units delivered so far, the Cayenne is a few steps ahead of the
Macan
 with 59,604 deliveries so far.

The Porsche 911 series has also seen a rise in popularity with a total of 30,611 units successfully delivered around the globe. That's a 9% increase and overshadows the Panamera which sits at 25,452 units. The
all-electric Taycan
 is not too far off with 25,073 units delivered despite issues related to supply chain-related bottlenecks and declining parts availability. Last but not least, the 718 duos found 14,003 new homes in the first three quarters of the year.

“Gone Trippin’ with the Cayenne” webseries

Speaking of the mighty and popular Cayenne, Porsche Malaysia has unveiled its latest story and webseries called "Gone Trippin’ with the Cayenne" featuring Julie Woon, Megan Tan, and Zoraya Vadillo.

While most are already quite familiar with what the Porsche Cayenne has to offer in terms of styling and performance, the webseries showcases a more lifestyle point of view via road trips, day-to-day use, or just that leisurely drive on windy roads. Watch the first "Gone Trippin’ with the Cayenne" webseries, below.


All-New Toyota Corolla Sport Launched In Japan, Troubleshoots Your Warning Lights Through Telematics

Following the introduction of the all-new Toyota Corolla at the Geneva Motor Show and New York International Auto Show earlier this year, Toyota has launched the 12th generation Corolla in Japan.
Similar to the path set by the all-new Toyota Camry, there are no styling differences unique to the Japanese Corolla Sport. The model will be Toyota's sole global C-segment hatchback, going against the Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and many more.
In this new Corolla Sport, Toyota is offering a whole new level of car-to-driver connectivity. Using the onboard Data Communication Module (DCM), Toyota is able to offer their T-Connect telematics service to expand beyond the usual emergency and concierge services to their Japanese subscribers.
T-Connect can now provide troubleshooting steps to the driver should there be a fault detected in the car through the warning light activation. With data of the health of the vehicle being continuously transmitted, dealers will now know if the battery level is low, and that dealership can be notified. Prompts will then be sent to the driver to replace the weak battery at that dealership.
The T-Connect feature is also available in the
all-new Toyota Crown
, where both models were launched at the same event in Japan.
The new Corolla Sport continues to use Toyota’s new TNGA platform that is engineered to deliver better driving pleasure, refinement and passenger safety.
While all four corners are independently sprung, Toyota has offered the new Corolla Sport with an optional linear-solenoid-type adaptive variable suspension (AVS). The AVS instantly adjust the damping force to provide comfortable luxurious ride comfort as well as almost-flat cornering ability.
Yoshiki Konishi, the chief engineer in charge of development, explains: "The Corolla has changed with the times. The new Corolla Sport continues the Corolla 'fun to drive' DNA and integrates connected functions toward the future of mobility. I want people to experience both the history and the future woven by the Corolla when they drive it."
The new Corolla Sport is offered with two choices of powertrains that are also replicated in the Toyota C-HR- the 1.8-litre hybrid engine delivering 122 PS output and returns 30 km/L on WLTP test procedure and the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 116 PS output.
Toyota said customers can also opt for a 6-speed rev-matching manual transmission (iMT) paired with the turbocharged engine later in August. The standard transmission on the 1.2-turbo is a CVT-type transmission with a 10-speed sport sequential manual-select function, and this combination returns a fuel consumption of 16.4 km/L on the new WLTP procedure.
In terms of safety features, the new Corolla Sport is equipped with the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense package. This advanced driver assistance system includes all-day pedestrian and cyclist (day-only) detecting autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with full-speed range, lane keeping aid, road sign assist and automatic high beam.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system, meanwhile, has been upgraded to ‘RCT Auto Brake’ which engages emergency braking should the rear-mounted radar detect approaching vehicles when the driver is backing out the new Corolla Sport from a parking lot.
Adding to the low-speed parking lot driving assist systems is the parking support brakes, where intelligent parking sensors and the brake control system reduce the risk of collision should the driver accidentally engage Drive (or Reverse) if there is a wall or obstacle detected in its path.
Prices for the new Corolla Sport start from JPY 2,138,400 for the 1.2-turbo G-X grade, while the range-topper Hybrid G-Z grade is listed at JPY 2,689,200.
Closer to home, the Corolla Altis sedan is near the end of its model life. It is expected to be replaced in 2019 as it debuted in 2013/14. While most of the ‘hard-points’ are known, such as TNGA platform, interior design, and powertrain, it would be a big step forward if the Asean Toyota Corolla Altis sedan can be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense to gain back some lost ground.


Essential Apps For EV Charging in Malaysia - Must Installs!

Essential apps you need to have on your smartphone to live the Malaysian EV life!

Spurred on by government efforts, Malaysia is on the cusp of an
electric vehicle in
troduction
. With brands like
BMW
 and
Porsche
 already revealing prices of their EVs without duties, it can be said that EVs are about to get that bit more affordable - enticing more buyers to get themselves their very own battery electric vehicle (BEV).

With the Malaysian
EV infrastructure
 still expanding, finding a charging station is still one of the biggest challenges for EV owners in Malaysia, especially if they are new to an area or traveling further afield.

Even if
EVs are coming with better range
 these days, knowing where to charge your EV outside the comfort of your own home is probably one of the most important things to know to keep the dreaded range anxiety at bay.

With this in mind, we compiled a list of apps that can help navigate you to charging stations. It's not the most comprehensive of apps, but it will help you charge up if you are running low on juice.

chargEV

The current largest public charging station network is operated by chargEV. With over 300 spots available nationwide, it is the most common charging station you will come across in most areas.

To find where their charging stations are, all you need to do is download the chargEV app onto your smartphone and enter your current location. It will then show you the nearest charging station and even give you details such as whether the charging station is currently occupied.

If you need directions to the charging station, you can tap on the "Get Directions" icon next to the address, where it will then automatically navigate through Google Maps for you.

Other useful information such as opening hours and parking fees that may apply is also listed underneath the charging station address. Do note that chargEV stations only work if you have a chargEV charging card, which will cost you RM240 a year. Charging cables are not provided, so you would need to bring your very own compatible cable to use the charging station.

JOMCharge

Like the chargEV app, JOMCharge is an app that enables you to identify charging stations. Unlike the chargEV app, JOMCharge will help you identify all available charging stations, including ones operated by different companies.

This is good because JOMCharge only has 23 stations currently online so availability is likely limited.

To be able to use JOMCharge's very own charging station, you will need to sign up for a JOMCharge account. After signing up and entering your credit card details at the Payment Gateway,  you will need to enter the Chargepoint ID given at the charging station. Plug in your cable and Press "Start Charging" to charge, and "Stop Charging" to stop charging.

The pricing scheme is based on the charging duration and each JomCharge charger has its own respective pricing, depending on the location.

ParkEasy

As we mentioned above, you might find that sometimes all EV charging stations are fully occupied. ParkEasy is a good way of beating the crowd as it allows you to reserve a parking bay with EV charging.

It is fully automated and easy to use. All you need to do is download the app and sign up for an account. Once completed you can start looking for a parking bay with an EV charging station and proceed to book it. Head towards the booked parking bay within an hour and use the app to unlock the barrier at the parking spot. You can then start charging for as long as you want.

Their charges vary according to the site. You can see the fees for each location by selecting the location and then the zone. The pricing table will be available immediately above the 'confirm reservation' button.

You can try ParkEasy for Free when you sign up for a new account. You will receive four free credits (or five credits if you were referred).

Park Easy is mainly located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, so it's mostly useful for city visitors and dwellers.

A Better Route Planner (ABRP)

For those EV owners who are feeling adventurous and would like to take their electric vehicles beyond the city walls, the ABRP app is a must as it can help plan your route and even calculate how much battery you will have once you arrive at your destination.

The app is even clever enough to conjure up a full trip plan for you, including charge stops and trip duration.

One of the weaknesses of ABRP is that it can't tell you what the charging station rates are, nor can it help you pay for it. It can however tell you the number of lots available and what types of charging capacity they are.

PlugShare

Just like Waze, PlugShare is a community-based app that guides users to public charging locations throughout Malaysia. Available for iOS, Apple Watch, Android, and on the web, PlugShare is fueled by social participation.

Not only is it useful for finding charging stations, but it can also lead you to three-pin wall sockets cause you never know when you might need to charge/ top-up your EV the old school way.

There are more apps available out there for sure, but these are a few that can be considered to be essential apps for those who plan to begin their EV journey. Do you use any or all of these apps? Are there are any more you would recommend? Let us know in the comments.


Tempahan Perodua Alza 2022 Dibuka – 3 Varian, Harga Anggaran RM69,000

Berdasarkan desas-desus yang berlegar di media sosial buat masa ini,
Perodua Alza 2022
 kini dikatakan sudah boleh ditempah pada anggaran harga RM69,000!

Menurut hantaran yang dibuat oleh Ong Wanqiu di laman Facebook
Perodua Alza
第二代
2022
（中文版
讨论区
, Perodua Alza 2022 itu kini boleh ditempah dengan yuran tempahan sebanyak RM100 (boleh dikembalikan) dan pelancarannya dijangka pada bulan Jun tahun ini.

3 Varian Ditawarkan, Pelancaran Pada Jun

Sementara itu, Keith Lau turut berkongsi tiga spesifikasi yang mungkin bakal diperkenalkan oleh Perodua pada model ini seperti X, H dan AV. Tambahnya, beliau mendengar ura-ura bahawa Alza bakal dilancarkan pada 26 Jun nanti.

Khabar angin tersebut masuk akal juga memandangkan Perodua telah memaklumkan bahawa pengeluaran Alza terkini telah
dianjakkan sehingga April 2022
 dan bakal disusuli dengan model Alza baharu selepas itu.

Spesifikasi Mengikut Varian (Tidak Rasmi)

1.5L X CVT

Perodua Smart Drive Assist (beberapa ciri terpilih sahaja)

Advanced Safety Assist 3.0

1.5L 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i DOCH

D-CVT dengan ratio 7 kelajuan virtual

Tempat duduk fabrik

Meter dengan paparan LCD

Rim aloi 15 inci

Enjin Stop/Start automatik

Lampu hadapan LED dengan fungsi lampu tinggi automatik

Kawalan penyaman udara digital

Radio, Bluetooth dan 4 pembesar suara

4 beg udara kecemasan

Kawalan kestabilan

Brek Kecemasan Autonomi (AEB)

1.5L H CVT (Penambahan dari varian X)

Perodua Smart Drive Assist (beberapa ciri terpilih sahaja)

Lampu utama LED dengan signal versi
sequential
, lampu membelok dan Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB)

Cermin sisi auto lipat

6 beg udara kecemasan

Apple Carplay dan Android Auto

Sensor parkir hadapan

Kamera undur

1.5L AV CVT (Penambahan dari varian H)

Perodua Smart Drive Assist
 (ciri penuh)

Tempat duduk balutan kulit

Rim aloi 16 inci

6 pembesar suara

Brek parkir elektrik dengan fungsi auto-hold

Perakam video pemanduan

Filem tingkap Solar dan Sekuriti

Adaptive Cruise Control

Lane Centering Assist

Blind Spot Monitoring

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Warna Yang Ditawarkan

Ivory White (solid)

Glittering Silver (metallic)

Garnet Red (metallic) – Varian X terkecuali

Vintage Brown (metallic) – Varian X terkecuali

Elegant Black (metallic)

Sejauh Mana Kebenaran Ini?

Untuk memastikan status kebenaran khabar angin ini, Carlist.my telah menghubungi beberapa penasihat jualan Perodua di Lembah Klang dan jawapan yang kami terima rata-rata mengatakan bahawa tempahan masih belum dibuka dan mereka masih menunggu tarikh untuk mengambil tempahan dari HQ.

Walau bagaimanapun, rata-rata daripada mereka mengatakan respon yang diberikan terhadap Alza 2022 ini amat luar biasa. Ini membuatkan segelintir bilik pameran yang sudah mula mengambil tempahan keatas model ini.

Perodua Gurun di Facebook juga berkata Alza baharu kemungkinan akan keluar pada bulan hadapan dan jika pembeli berminat untuk mengemukakan pinjaman boleh memohon amaun pinjaman seperti
Perodua Aruz
 kerana harganya lebih kurang dengan Alza baharu nanti.

Menurut Perodua Gurun, amaun itu boleh ditukar semula dengan amaun harga Alza 2022 bila harganya sudah dikeluarkan nanti. Ada beberapa pelanggan yang sudah membuat pinjaman tersebut kerana sudah tidak sabar nak menempah Alza baharu ini.

Jika benar harga RM69,000 itu merupakan harga untuk Alza baharu ini, ia lebih mahal daripada Alza sedia ada yang dijual dari harga RM49,944 dan RM60,525 ketika ini setelah diberikan pengecualian SST. Namun dengan segala penambahan terutamanya dari segi keselamatan, harga tersebut masuk akal juga.

Walaupun harganya mungkin hampir sama dengan Aruz, namun kedua-dua kereta ini berbeza kerana Aruz menggunakan kerangka
ladder frame
 dan pacuan roda belakang manakala Alza pula menggunakan kerangka
unibody
 dan pacuan roda hadapan.

Sama seperti
Perodua Ativa
 serta
Daihatsu Xenia
, Alza ini dijangka akan dihasilkan menggunakan platform
Daihatsu New Global Architecture
 (DNGA) yang membuatkan Alza ini lebih besar berbanding model lamanya meskipun jarak antara rodanya kekal sama.

Khabar angin ini mungkin betul, mungkin tidak memandangkan ia datang dari sumber yang tidak rasmi. Kalau betul lancar bulan depan, nantikan sahaja pengumuman rasmi dari Perodua berkenaan model Alza 2022 ini tidak lama lagi.


Toyota And Subaru Alliance Will Continue - New 86/BRZ Confirmed

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Subaru Corporation (Subaru) announced that both companies have agreed on a new business and capital alliance, aiming to further develop and strengthen their long-term partnership.

The main highlight of the new alliance is that the joint development of the next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ has been confirmed.

Besides the 86 and BRZ, both companies will also co-develop all-wheel drive models, as well as a platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and a BEV model, both of which will employ Subaru's AWD technologies and Toyota's vehicle electrification technologies.

Speaking of electrification, the usage of Toyota’s Hybrid System in Subaru models such as the Crosstek Hybrid, will be further expanded in the future.

By further strengthening their bonds and aligning their capabilities, Toyota and Subaru said that they aim to make ever-better cars beyond what either company has been able to achieve thus far.

Furthermore, to deepen their relationship and to strengthen their ties toward advancing to the next stage while respecting the identity of each other's brand, the two companies have agreed that Toyota will increase its equity stake in Subaru and that Subaru will acquire shares in Toyota.


Go Sideways With Drift Factory At The Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2019

Fans of drifting are in for a treat as the sideways
sifus
 of Drift Factory will be making noise and burning rubber in their highly modified drift machines at the ongoing Carlist.my Drive: Auto Fair 2019.
Three highly trained professional drifters including Carlist.my’s ambassador Zen Low, will be performing highly choreographed drift performances all throughout the event schedule.
For those who want to get even closer, taxi rides will be given out to selected guests during the event schedule, look out for instructions on how to enter the competition and win the ride of a lifetime.
Besides the high-octane drift performances, the Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2019 offers exclusive deals and promotions from over 30 car brands including Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda, Toyota, BMW, MINI, Proton, and Perodua. For those looking to upgrade or purchase a new car, on-site loan application and approvals are available with Public Bank offering interest rates as low as 2.22%.
The Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair 2019 takes place from 16th - 18th August at Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam, Selangor. For more info about the exhibition and test drive booking, click
here
.


All-new Kia Sorento now open for booking

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of KIA vehicles in Malaysia announced today that the all-new Kia Sorento is officially open for booking ahead of its official launch later this month.
According to Naza Kia, the 7-seater SUV will come with diesel or petrol engine options, 19-inch chrome rims, smart power tailgate, smart parking system, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and rear sunshine blind.
In terms of safety, the SUV will come with 6 airbags, vehicle stability management (VSM), electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) and hill-start assist control (HAC) among others.
Offered with five-years warranty with unlimited mileage, the all-new Sorento is expected to be priced from an estimated RM158,000 (on-the-road).
More details of the new Sorento will be disclosed later this month after its official launch.
Looking for a Kia? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Isuzu D-Max Stealth Edition Launched – Limited to 180 Units, RM125,799

In conjunction with the D-Max’s 15th anniversary in Malaysia, Isuzu Malaysia has launched a special limited edition variant of the pickup truck – the D-Max Stealth Edition.

Based on the D-Max 1.9-litre 4x4 Premium Automatic which was launched last year, the D-Max Stealth Edition’ comes with a generous dose of blacked out components on the exterior, such as the front grille, headlamp, fog lamp and bumper garnish, roof rails, as well as the rear bumpers.

The grille also features a fine silver accent line that flows across the whole front, which is complemented by a matching line that runs across the front spoiler.

Further complementing the sporty exterior are the special 18-inch wheels that are unique to the D-Max Stealth Edition, the embossed “Stealth” emblem and decals, and a tailgate that comes with the feather-touch assist feature.

The coolest feature on the D-Max Stealth Edition however are the retractable side steps which are offered as standard on a pickup truck for the first time in Malaysia. While the steps deploy when a door is opened, they also tuck away neatly when the doors are closed. There are lights on them too.

Inside, the D-Max Stealth gets striking red and black leather and fabric combination seats, with contrasting stitching along with stitched Stealth logos. Besides the seats, the headlining is now dark grey, while the trim garnish are now finished in piano black.

The Isuzu D-Max Stealth also gets front and rear HD digital video recorders (DVR) which come with 32GB SD card, motion detectors, and mobile phone connectivity (IROAD app) through Wi-Fi. There is also an Around View Monitor with 3D Image Guide that uses 4 cameras around the vehicle, offering ease of manoeuvrability to drivers.

Coupled to this is the additional front parking sensor that allows for easier positioning of the vehicle in tight spots. The sensors will automatically activate when the vehicle begins to move and cuts off above speeds of 25/kmh. It will then reactivate when the vehicle slows to 20km/h. Drivers can also opt to shut the system off manually in situations such as during off-roading.

Priced at RM125,799.20 on the road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia, the Isuzu D-Max Stealth is offered with a 7-year unlimited mileage warranty.


166 Kematian Dicatatkan Sepanjang Op Selamat 18

Sebanyak 150 kemalangan maut membabitkan 166 kematian direkodkan di seluruh negara sepanjang tempoh 10 hari Op Selamat 18 dilancarkan.

Op Selamat 18 telah mula beroperasi pada 29 April lalu hingga 8 Mei 2022 lalu bersempena dengan sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2022.

*Kredit foto: Malaysia Gazette

Statistik Kemalangan

Op Selamat 18 mencatatkan peningkatan seramai enam orang berbanding Op Selamat 15 yang dilaksanakan semasa Aidilfitri pada 2019 sebelum pandemik COVID-19 melanda.

Menurut Timbalan Ketua Polis Negara, Datuk Razarudin Husain, sebanyak 15,947 kemalangan dilaporkan di seluruh negara bagi tempoh yang sama menyaksikan jumlah kemalangan ini meningkat sebanyak satu peratus atau 111 kes berbanding 15,836 yang direkodkan dalam Op Selamat 15.

*Kredit foto: Berita Harian

“Selepas dua tahun rakyat tidak dapat pulang ke kampung disebabkan COVID-19, tahun ini orang ramai ambil kesempatan merayakan Aidilfitri dengan jumlah kenderaan dianggarkan lebih lima juta. Saya melihat statistik Jabatan Siasatan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) ini adalah terkawal," katanya.

Tambah Razarudin, meskipun menghadapi peningkatan drastik jumlah kenderaan sepanjang Op Selamat 18, PDRM terutamanya JSPT dengan bantuan agensi lain berjaya mengawal situasi di jalan raya.

PDRM juga telah mengambil tindakan segera terhadap mereka yang dikesan melakukan kesalahan melalui penguatkuasaan dan langkah ini berjaya mencegah sesuatu yang lebih buruk dalam Op Selamat 18.

338,296 Saman Dikeluarkan

Sebanyak
338,296
 saman dikeluarkan Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) kepada pengguna jalan raya sepanjang 10 hari Op Selamat 18 berlangsung.

Jumlah saman telah meningkat sebanyak 114,847 saman berbanding 223,449 pada Op Selamat 15 yang lalu.

Sebanyak 252,375 kes kesalahan lalu lintas utama telah dikesan dilakukan oleh pengguna jalan raya yang merangkumi:

Memandu melebihi had laju: 240,421 kes

Memandu di lorong kecemasan: 804 kes

Memotong di garisan berkembar: 1,202 kes

Memotong barisan: 3,582 kes

Melanggar lampu isyarat 4,375 kes

Menggunakan alat telekomunikasi ketika memandu: 1,991 kes


Strong Mitsubishi Sales Help Alliance To The Top Spot

The automotive alliance of Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have accumulated a record sales of 5,538,530 vehicles in the first six months to June 30, making them the world’s largest at this halfway point into 2018.
The sales of over 5.5 million units also represent a growth of 5.1 per cent versus the same period last year, bettering total sales of global giants Toyota group and Volkswagen group.
Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (RNM) said, “Our member companies continue to lift unit sales in multiple markets, reflecting our brands’ competitive and attractive offerings. This strong sales performance in the first half of 2018 shows we are on track with the forecast we set in our Alliance 2022 mid-term plan,”
Under the six-year mid-term plan, RNM is forecasting combined sales of more than 14 million units annually by the end of 2022, up more than 30 per cent from the 10.6 million units sold in 2017.
RNM narrowly beat Volkswagen Group (that includes Audi, Porsche, Seat, Skoda, MAN, and Scania) that achieved 5.519 million units of sales. The growth that Volkswagen Group experience is, however, higher, at 7.1 per cent versus last year.
Toyota Group that consists of Toyota, Daihatsu and Hino meanwhile raked in 5.209 million units, a surprising growth of 1.6 per cent, given the company has briefly mentioned that they are expecting a reduction in sales volume and revenue in 2019.
Of the core brands, Renault reported increased sales of the Clio, Captur and Scenic; Dacia posted half-year sales record; Nissan saw higher demand for models including the Note, Serena, X-Trail and Qashqai; and Mitsubishi Motors’ volumes were enhanced by sales of the new Eclipse Cross and Xpander.
Both Renault and Nissan reported strong demand in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. Renault secured 21.9 per cent of the European EV market share with ZOE and Kangoo Z.E., which also holds 38 percent of the electric LCV market share.
Mitsubishi Motors remained the market leader in the PHEV SUV segment with continued orders for its hybrid-electric Outlander. Indonesia is also the strongest market for the brand, thanks to the newly-launched Xpander MPV. Globally, the new Eclipse Cross has also helped the company perform better than expected.
At Nissan, demand for the new LEAF contributed to EV sales of over 47,000 in the first half and became the best-selling electric vehicle in Europe for the first half of this year with more than 18,000 registrations.


Shanghai 2019: Geely To Debut Full EV Concept Sedan

During our recent trip to Geely’s headquarters in Hangzhou, Vice President of Public Relations of Geely Group, Victor Young revealed that the company will be unveiling a pure EV concept sedan at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show.
This came after questions about the sustainability of sedans, as most global markets have seen a decline in sales for sedans while the demand for SUVs continue to climb.
According to Young, over the past five or six years, car buyers in China have been buying a lot of SUVs, increasing the market share for SUVs from roughly 30% to about 60%. However, the market has experienced a change in 2018, as the sedan segment has started to pick up again, while demand for SUVs have slowed down a bit.
He added that this was likely due to the introduction of tax-incentivised hybrid and full electric vehicles, as majority of electrified vehicles in China are sedans.
Young went on and explained that in order to remain relevant with the market, traditional sedans will eventually evolve into crossover-style, sporty sedans. For reference, Geely's subsidiary Volvo recently introduced the Polestar 2, a full-electric crossover-esque sedan.
The new pure EV concept sedan, according to Young, will feature Geely’s latest design language, in addition to new autonomous and connectivity technologies.
Underpinning the new concept is the tried-and-tested Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform. The CMA platform already underpins several Geely, Lynk&Co, and Volvo models.
Geely GE11 pictured
The upcoming pure EV concept sedan should not be confused with the soon-to-be introduced GE11, itself set to be introduced soon. The GE11 will be launched in Singapore next week, most likely as part of a fleet purchase by a ride-hailing company.


Happy 35th Birthday, Honda CR-X

In early 1980, young Takanobu Ito was tasked with developing a sportier version of the Civic. Back then, the Civic’s popularity was already cemented thanks to excellent fuel economy and fun-to-drive nature.
But the Civic was did not portray a sporty image and young Ito-san’s responsibility was the chassis development of a new project called “Civic Renaissance-Experimental”. Unbeknown to most, Honda's 'Man Maximum, Mecha Minimum' concept was applied to the new CR-X, allowing the 3,675 mm long CR-X to seat four with relative ease. The 'Man Maximum, Mecha Minimum' concept was later renamed to 'Man Maximum, Machine Minimum'.
The new model was later known as the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X, though the name was soon dropped in favour of a much shorter one – CR-X.
Honda’s first generation CR-X was launched in July 1983 in Japan, where the new model was available with two different petrol engines – a 1.3-litre and a 1.5-litre. A 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic could be had with the regular CR-X models.
Honda introduced the CR-X Si a year later, powered by a 1.6-litre ZC-series petrol engine. With 135 PS on tap mated to a 5-speed manual, the CR-X Si set the precedence for future Honda hot hatch models.
Thanks to a paltry kerb weight of below 900 kg and eager-revving ZC powertrain, the first generation Honda CR-X Si proved that driving a slow car fast can be fun.
The CR-X Si was further differentiated from its plebian siblings by its bespoke interior and exterior. The sportier Si had standard alloy wheels, though the audio system was an optional extra. Thankfully power steering and air-conditioning came as standard fitment.
Famed Honda tuner Mugen also released a version of the CR-X called the Mugen CR-X Pro, which debuted at the Suzuka Circuit as a pace car.
Seeing that the first-generation Honda CR-X is now 35 years old, it is now eligible to be imported into Malaysia under the revised Classic Car AP, which was raised from 25 years to 35 years last week. However, finding a mint condition CR-X would be a challenge considering its age. Expect to pay more than JPY 1,300,000 (~RM48,000 excluding shipping fees and taxes) for a decent condition first generation CR-X. For a list of vehicles that meet the 35-year ruling, check out this excellent piece by our friends at
BehindTheWheel
.
The second generation Honda CR-X was introduced in September 1987, with a redesigned suspension set up. Out goes the first generation's beam axle and training arm suspension set up, the new generation CR-X received a more sophisticated all-round independent suspension set up.
Apart from the regular 1.5-litre model, Honda also introduced the hotter SiR in September 1989, powered by the venerable 1.6-litre B16A that screamed to an 8,000 rpm redline.
The second generation Honda CR-X SiR won't be eligible to be imported here until 2025.


Tokyo 2019: Toyota To Unveil GR Supra Super GT Concept

Since 2011, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon, showcasing various concept and future models at the motor show.
As part of its
From Past to Future
 theme, Toyota Gazoo Racing will display the GR Supra Super GT Concept, quite possibly a preview of a version that is set to compete in the Super GT race series.
That Supra concept model will be accompanied by a historic racing Supra, as well as the current Yaris WRC and TS050 Hybrid. In addition to that, visitors of the show will also be able to check out the TGR-prepped 2019 Lexus LC, which will be competing in next year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race.
Set to happen from 11
th
 to 13
th
 January 2019, the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon will be held at the Makuhari Messi exhibition centre in Chiba, Japan.


Mercedes-Benz Introduces The GLE Coupé OrangeArt Edition

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new customisation line for its premium coupe-crossover, the GLE Coupe, dubbed the OrangeArt edition. OrangeArt edition GLEs integrate subtle orange highlights in conjunction with selected features such as AMG Line exterior, Night Package and interior upholstery packages.
Customers have a choice of black, polar white, obsidian black, iridium silver, selenite grey or 'Designo' diamond white colours.
Visually, the OrangeArt GLEs will also feature 21-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in a high-gloss black painted finish with orange rim flange, complementing the orange highlights on the front apron. The headlamps of the Intelligent Light System feature a black LED ring.
Inside, the interior highlights include sports seats upholstered in black Nappa leather and Dinamica Microfibre with orange piping and grey topstitching. Floor mats with AMG lettering also feature orange piping while the door panes also carry the same grey topstitching as the seats. The OrangeArt edition also features a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel finished in Nappa leather.
The OrangeArt edition is made available on the GLE 350d (4Matic), 400 (4Matic), 500 (4Matic) variants and AMG GLE 43 (4Matic). Order books for the European markets are now open with the earliest vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms at the end of August.
There is currently no confirmation of the OrangeArt edition GLE being made available locally.


The Iconic W114/ W115 Mercedes-Benz Should Return As A Retro-Inspired EV

If you needed any more proof that retro-inspired restomods will be a thing of the future, then the iconic Mercedes-Benz W114/W115 is proof that it should return as a modern EV.

In the late 1960s all the way through the mid-1970s, Mercedes-Benz was fielding a car that would prove to be one of its most recognisable - indeed a template for their next 50 years of saloon cars, evolving into the
modern luxury saloons
 the brand is known for.

Now that the company has announced an ambitious plan to
reinvent themselves as an EV-focused automaker
, perhaps it's time to revisit some of those older, iconic designs. Of course, the W114/W115 would make an ideal candidate for this retro-inspired experiment.

Apart from its other selling points, buyers tend to need to be visually incited into action with electrification, hence the wide selection of EVs sporting designs that go out of their way to look futuristic, even exotic.

That trend, however, is quickly reaching its saturation point. Every electric vehicle seems to want to be a fluidly sculpted piece of featureless metal to the point that they all just seem to blend in with each other. So why not go the opposite direction, as explored by Instagram user
lars_o_saeltzer
of Larson Design, who posted a render of this bold alternative take on the
Mercedes-Benz EQS
.

It’s based on the W114/W115 (or ‘stroke eight’ nickname to denote their 1968 launch year), in case you hadn’t noticed, and in our opinion is a direction that could certainly win more fans over to the EV camp compared to the car designs we have now.

That said, the boxier shape of older cars doesn’t exactly translate well from a practical standpoint, being aerodynamically inefficient and underutilising the front and rear portions of the vehicle, which would previously house an engine, transmission, driveline, and boot.

During an 8-year production run, a staggering 2 million examples of the W114/W115 were produced, making it one of their most popular models at the time while also guaranteeing the car’s widespread global reach. Given the now-legendary reliability of Mercedes-Benz vehicles of that era, it wouldn’t be too surprising to find a decent chunk of those is still operational to this day.

Apart from leading the pack insofar as large luxury saloons were concerned in the 60s and 70s despite being positioned just below the first-generation W116 S-Class, the W114/W115 featured many design cues brought over from the ultra-luxurious and technologically advanced Mercedes-Benz 600 flagship series, including the legendary Pullman limousine, itself a forerunner to the
Maybach sub-brand
.

This was due to both vehicles being designed by Paul Bracq, who was chief designer at the time and left his post at Daimler-Benz only after penning the W114 coupe and W115 saloon.

So what do you think? In its quest towards electrification should Mercedes-Benz go all space-age or look towards the past to bring them into the future?

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
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Honda Malaysia Launches Biggest 3S Centre in Terengganu

In an effort to provide better services to its customers in the East Coast, Honda Malaysia officially opened its biggest 3S centre in Terengganu yesterday.
Owned and operated by Syarikat Tan Eng Ann Sdn. Bhd. (Syarikat Tan Eng Ann), the new Honda 3S Centre has 18 service bays that can easily accommodate up to 80 vehicles per day.
Facilities provided include a customer lounge, an executive lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi services, road tax renewal and insurance coverage, kids’ corner and also a surau.
Stretching across 2.5 acres of land with a total build-up area of 30,572 square feet, the facility, which is actually a relocated and upgraded outlet of Syarikat Tan Eng Ann, was developed at a cost of RM18 million.
“Over the past five years, our sales in East Coast have grown from 180 units for the period of January to August 2011 to more than 4,500 units for the same period this year. In addition, the service intake for the East Coast region is close to 50,800 units, an increase of about 13% as of year to date compared to last year. In order to meet the needs of the increasing customers, it is crucial for dealers like Syarikat Tan Eng Ann to expand to a bigger facility,” said Honda Malaysia’s managing director and CEO Katsuto Hayashi.
He also added that Syarikat Tan Eng Ann is already planning its next expansion phase to become a Honda 4S Centre, by making available Body and Paint Centre in two years’ time.
The East Coast region accounted for 8 percent of Honda Malaysia’s total sales of 55,764 units from January to August 2016. This result maintained its No.1 position in the Non-National segment and No.2 position in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) up to August 2016.
With the launch of this outlet, Honda Malaysia currently has 88 dealerships nationwide and is present in every state.
Looking for a Honda? Find one now at
Carlist.my


GIIAS 2015: Open Top Toyota Yaris Legian Concept, Less Roof More Fun

At the Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show,
Toyota
 has brought some new cars for us to look at. And one that really catches the eye is this home-grown hero, the
Yaris
 Legian.
As you’ll notice, it’s missing its roof, which is an unusual feature to go along with a Toyota, especially these days. It’s also got just two doors and is painted in this bright orange colour. Perhaps being ostentatious is something viewed upon positively here.
Besides the obvious, the Yaris Legian has various TRD bits strewn around its exterior as well as distinctive triple-flare headlamps with LED daytime running lights built into them. The rear lights of the XP150 Yaris, however, seem to have made the roofless transition completely intact.
There’s also some larger alloys too and toward the rear you’ll see a very prominent ‘TAM’ badging, which stands for ‘Toyota Astra Motor’. That’s the Indonesian branch of the very large Toyota Motor Corporation. This Yaris Legian was their brainchild.
Legian, if our memory serves, is the name of a beachfront area in the vacation paradise of Bali. Supposedly, Toyota thought this car, with its fun-loving persona and open top, would be perfect for cruising along some picturesque coastal roads.
Not sure on what’s under the bonnet but we presume it’s the same 1.3-litre 6NR-FE or 1.5-litre 7NR-FE engine offered in the base car.


Video: Mazda CX-5 Diesel – Why It Won ASEAN COTY 2016

One of the biggest surprises from last year’s
2016 ASEAN Car of the Year Awards
 was the crowning of the Mazda CX-5 as the overall winner. How did an aging model, one nearing its end of life cycle at that, be collectively crowned as the best vehicle in three markets?
An
all-new CX-5
 debuted globally in November 2016, but just four months earlier in July, Mazda ushered in a new diesel variant of the existing model into Malaysia. Commendable indeed for Mazda to offer a new powertrain option this late into CX-5’s model cycle.
In a petrol-dominated segment, the CX-5 Diesel offers a previously unheard of combination of performance and real world fuel economy – 175PS and 420Nm at your disposal with the fuel efficiency to rival a hybrid engine.
The smooth and refined diesel engine complements an already stylish and competitive package that offers plenty of class-leading features such as adaptive LED headlamps, MZD connect infotainment, blind spot warning, and autonomous emergency braking (SCBS).
The following short video gives a walkthrough on the Mazda CX-5 Diesel covering a brief explanation of its engine technology as well as its generous range of advanced equipment, making it one of the best value SUVs within its price range.
In Malaysia, the Mazda CX-5 2.2 Diesel is available in front-wheel drive configuration only, and is priced at RM166,335.71 on-the-road with insurance.
Petrol-powered variants of the CX-5 continued to be offered, and they are priced as follows:
2.0 GL 2WD – RM132,272.63
2.0 GLS 2WD – RM146,458.47
2.5 GLS 2WD – RM159,415.90
2.5 GLS 4WD – RM171,219.05
Check out this video too, a
collaborative effort between
Carlist.my
 and
Roda Pusing
, in which we pit the
CX-5 Diesel against the Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi
.


All-New Suzuki Jimny Confirmed For Thailand

Shortly after the all-new Suzuki Jimny was introduced in Japan, the company has confirmed that its boxy, utilitarian compact SUV will be heading to Thailand.
As confirmed by
Headlightmag
, Suzuki Motor Thailand is set to introduce the new Jimny there, though it remains to be seen where the company will source the Jimny from, either from Japan or Indonesia. It is also possible for Suzuki to assemble the Jimny in Thailand, as the company owns a production facility in Rayong.
To recap, the all-new Suzuki Jimny in available in two body styles, a regular Jimny and Jimny Sierra with a wider body. The former’s dimensions are kept within the Japanese kei car regulations, so the regular Jimny is 5 mm lower, 170 mm narrower, and 155 shorter than the Jimny Sierra. Despite that, both share an identical 2,250 mm wheelbase.
The regular Jimny is powered by a 0.6-litre turbocharged inline-3 petrol engine that does 64 PS and 96 Nm, mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, while the Jimny Sierra is motivated by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that outputs 102 PS and 130 Nm. Like the Jimny, the Jimny Sierra can be had with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro part-time four-wheel drive system is found here, where drivers can switch to 4H (with a high gear) or 4L (with a low gear), with the latter allowing for better traction on rough terrains.


Proton SUV Made A Brief Appearance At Dealerships

Proton dealer Rahman Brothers Motor in Shah Alam had a very short preview of the upcoming Proton SUV yesterday.
From now until its impending launch, Proton seems to be bringing these development vehicles to selected dealers nationwide. This is the second time the Proton SUV has been previewed to be public,
after the first event up north
 early last month.
The Proton SUV that was displayed during this preview is actually still a
Geely Boyue
, as the steering position is left hand drive position (Chinese market and CCC markings, China's equivalent to our Malaysian Standards (MS)). The vehicle was heavily taped up with camouflage; at the front, the sides and quite heavily at the back,
similar to the ones found in last week's spyshots
.
The doors to the vehicle were locked thus no photos of the interior was taken. Based on observation, the Geely Boyue / Proton SUV looks a tad smaller than the popular Japanese SUVs and quite well proportioned.
It was also announced to public that the preview vehicle is not a true representation of the actual Proton SUV. The dealership also mentioned of deliveries in Q4 this year, and no mention of price. There is no official schedule of this public preview, and we were told Rahman Brothers Motor used social media to attract prospects to its showroom for this preview.
Photo source:  A reader's Facebook posting


Jakarta 2018: Nissan Brings Terra To Indonesian Market

For those who are unfamiliar with the Terra nameplate, it's essentially Nissan's ladder-frame based SUV designed to compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu MU-X, and so on and so forth. Sharing a platform with the Nissan Navara NP300, the Terra is in Nissan's eyes more of a Light Commercial Vehicle than a passenger car, but nonetheless it should fit in an urban environment without too much hassle.
Following on from the global launch in China earlier this year and subsequent expansion to other markets, Nissan saw it fit to bring the Terra to the people of Indonesia during their international auto show last week. The last Nissan SUV of this size and design available to Indonesians was the Terrano, available between 1993 and 2006. This Terra is based more on the Patrol, an SUV found more commonly in other parts of the world.
In Indonesia, the Terra is being introduced with 4 model variants: 2.5 (4x4) VL AT, 2.5 (4x2) VL AT, 2.5 (4x2) E AT, and 2.5 (4x2) MT. Prices range from IDR 460 million to 680 million.
Let's run down the list of features on reverse order. The lowest grade Terra still gets 6 airbags, in addition to Hill Start Assist, ABS, EBD, BA, Vehicle Dynamic Control, second row seat tumbling by driver operated button, and second and third row AC vents. That's an impressive amount of equipment for this entry level model, so let's see what else the model gets as we go up the range.
One step up in the form of the 2.5 (4X2) E AT gets Daytime Running Lights, Electric Folding Mirrors, and steering-wheel audio controls for phone usage.
One step further with the 2.5 (4X2) VL AT adds a huge list of features, as below:
Intelligent Rear View Mirror
Intelligent Around View Monitor
Moving Object Detection
Lane Departure Warning
Blind Spot Warning
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Off-Road Monitor
Leather Seats
Dual Zone Auto AC
Roof Monitor
And finally, there's the top of the line model, the 2.5 (4X4) VL AT. This gets everything mentioned above, and:
Hill Descent Control
Rear Differential Lock
4WD Mode Switch
All variants are powered by the same 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which produces 190 PS at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm from 2,000 rpm. The front suspension design is a double wishbone with a stabilizer, while the rear is a 5-link multi-link live axle with a stabilizer as well. There's no word on when or if we'll be getting this model locally, although the ASEAN introduction is definitely a good sign.


Toyota May Assemble Prius In Brazil

Brazil may soon become the fourth country in the world to assemble the Prius, if speculation by Japan's Nikkei Asian Review turns out to be correct.
According to sources contacted by the Japanese business weekly, Toyota is currently negotiating a deal with the Brazilian federal government and the Sao Paulo state government on preferential benefits for a locally assembled Prius.
The plan is to have local production to begin in 2018, meaning that this is likely to be the next generation Prius.
The report also adds that Toyota intends to assemble around 1,500 units of Prius models per year at its Sao Bernardo do Campo plant near Sao Paulo. The plan also involves moving production of Hilux parts out to Argentina, to make way for the new project.
Local assembly will allow Toyota to lower the selling price of the Prius in Brazil, which is currently slapped with a 35 percent import duty.
Japan remains the primary source for the Prius, but the model is also assembled in Thailand and China.


2017 Thai Motor Expo Returns, 30 Nov - 11 Dec

The 34
th
 Thailand International Motor Expo 2017 will be happening from 30 November till 11 December 2017. Held under the theme concept of “New Age Vehicles, A Distant Dream Come True”, the 2017 Thai Motor Expo will feature exhibitors from 35 makers from 9 countries plus 20 motorcycle brands from 8 countries.
Apart from the display of concept vehicles, visitors of the Thai Motor Expo can also expect to witness the launch of several new car models as well, including the all-new Lexus LS, Toyota C-HR, Mitsubishi Triton Athlete and Toyota Hilux facelift.
For the young ones, there will be a “Skill Driving Experience Junior” activity, aimed to instill road safety awareness. For the 4x4 enthusiasts, there is the 'Spirit Of The 4x4 Driving School', while the Motor Expo Motoring Club showcases cars and big bikes for fans to check out.
A brand new Kia Grand Carnival awaits a lucky visitor who booked a new car at the motor show. Additionally, for the bikers, those who placed a booking for a big bike at the Thai Motor Expo will stand a chance to win a KTM 690 DUKE R. Each entry ticket entitles a visitor a chance to win a MG3 Hatchback.
Kwanchai Paphatphong, the organizing chairman of the Thai Motor Expo expects 40,000 bookings to be placed for cars and another 7,000 bookings for big bikes. The 2017 Thai Motor Expo is expected to welcome 1.5 million visitors which will generate over 50,000 million Baht of commercial transaction.
For more information, please visit -
www.motorexpo.co.th
.


Kia And K-Pop Sensation Blackpink All Set To Rock KL This Month

K-Pop fans in Malaysia have a reason to rejoice as Korean super girl group Blackpink will be performing in Kuala Lumpur later this month.
Presented by Kia Motors, the ‘In Your Area’ concert, which is part of Blackpink’s 2019 World Tour, will take place on the 23rd and 24th of February at the Malawati Indoor Stadium, Shah Alam.
In conjunction with the concert, Kia Malaysia is also organizing a Valentine’s Day Contest where two lucky winners will win a pair of Red Zone concert tickets, and exclusive Sound Check and Send-Off passes to meet and greet Blackpink members Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa.
To participate, just test drive any Kia car at KIA showrooms, snap a photo and upload it on either Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #KiaMalaysiaBLACKPINK to be in the running. The contest, which is open to all Malaysians is valid from 1st to 17th February 2019.
Kia Malaysia will also be showcasing a booth at the concert grounds where fans and visitors can stand a chance to win exclusive Blackpink autographed CDs.
All one needs to do is show off their best Blackpink-inspired dance choreography or carpool karaoke skills to Blackpink songs, and post a video or photo of it on Facebook or Instagram with the official hashtag #MovewithKiaMalaysia.
Last but not the least, Malaysian singer Alvin Chong is also set to make an appearance at the Kia booth on Sunday, 24th February 2019 from 3 pm onwards before Blackpink’s performance starts.
The partnership between Kia and Blackpink marks the first of many K-pop collaborations to be announced in 2019 by the Korean automotive manufacturer, aimed at establishing a closer connection to the younger generation through a new K-Pop-inspired outreach campaign.


Another One – Perodua Myvi Driving Against Traffic

It seems that driving against traffic is trending in Malaysia. Earlier last month, a BMW was driving against traffic in Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur crashed into a Perodua Myvi, killing its driver. Last week, a Nissan Sentra drove against traffic along PLUS shortly before the south bound Taiping exit. Earlier this week, a Proton Gen.2 driving against traffic in Penang crashed into a Perodua Kelisa, also killing its driver.
Today, China Press Daily uploaded another video taken in Skudai, Johor, showing a Perodua Myvi driving on against traffic. The two-part video showed a black Myvi driving against traffic, and made no attempt to rejoin the right side of traffic. At one point, the Myvi stopped a traffic light, albeit on the wrong side. Despite having ample time to rejoin on the correct side of the road, the Myvi insisted on turning right, forcing its way into the wrong side of the road.


Air France Uses a Porsche Cayenne to Tow an Airbus A380

Guinness World Records are always fun- especially if they involve cars. Any feats from the world's fastest drift to parking in the world's tightest spot- but rarely do we see feats of sheer, brutal strenght. Porsche and Air France have done just that, using a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S to pull a full-fat Airbus A380 over a distance of 42 metres- as per the Guinness record requirements.
The first attempt was done with a Porsche Cayenne Diesel S- which would have made more sense given its insane low end pull (850 Nm of torque on tap)- but the test was repeated with a Turbo S. The cars were not specially prepped and identical to production models, having been driven all the way to Charles De Gaulle airport from London, and the engineers who attempted the record will be driving the cars back as they are. Impressive engineering indeed.


2018 Honda Civic Type R Makes ASEAN Debut At Manila

During the 2017 Bangkok International Motor Show, Honda Thailand showcased a number of new models, including the all-new
2017 Honda CR-V
 and the equally new
2017 Honda Civic Hatchback
.
There was no mention of the
2018 Honda Civic Type R
 at all. However, that is no longer the case as Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has showcased the 2017 Honda Civic Type R at the ongoing 2017 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
This marks the first time that the 2017 Honda Civic Type R is shown in the ASEAN region. The hot hatch from Honda was first shown to the world at the
2017 Geneva Motor Show
 earlier in March.
To recap, the 2018 Honda Civic Type R is now based on the tenth-generation Civic platform, allowing the new Type R to boast a more rigid body without a weight penalty. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine that delivers 306hp and 400Nm. Buyers can only choose a six-speed manual for the front-wheel drive CIvic Type R.
Apart from the 2018 Honda Civic Type R, Honda Cars Philippines Inc has also brought out accessorized variants of the Honda HR-V, Honda Civic and
Honda BR-V
. MIAS also witnessed the debut of the Honda City MIAS Edition, limited to just 8 units.


Euro NCAP, ANCAP, ASEAN NCAP – What’s The Difference?

Just in case you are wondering why the Mazda CX-3 has two different crash safety ratings –
four stars from Euro NCAP
 and
five stars from ANCAP
, here are the reasons why.

While there is a general guideline for all Global NCAP-affiliated organisations around the world - which includes ASEAN NCAP, Latin NCAP, ANCAP, Euro NCAP, JNCAP, C-NCAP and IIHS – each NCAP organisation has the liberty to introduce additional requirements which best reflects the requirements of consumers from its region.

The Euro NCAP for example, is located in a relatively wealthier part of the world. As such, it needs to introduce stricter requirements to keep the bar for a five-star rating sufficiently high.

Conversely, it is unrealistic to expect ASEAN NCAP or Latin NCAP, which are from developing markets, or even small markets like Australia and New Zealand (ANCAP) to adopt a similarly tough stance as Euro NCAP as doing so will only result in prohibitively expensive cars, which defeats Global NCAP’s purpose of making safer cars accessible to all.

Starting 2015, the requirements for a Euro NCAP five star rating have been made stricter with the introduction of a 50 km/h full width frontal collision test with a rigid barrier, using two smaller dummies representing smaller frame female occupants, seated front and behind.

Above: Full width frontal collision test with a rigid barrier

Above: 40 percent frontal offset test with an aluminium honeycomb deformable barrier.

In addition to that, the side barrier test now uses a larger, heavier impactor and the side pole test is made tougher by altering the angle of impact (from 90 degrees perpendicular to 15 degrees off perpendicular).

This is on top of the requirements introduced in 2014 that demands for advanced driver’s assistance features – autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning - to be fitted in at least 50 percent of the cars sold.

Generally, one should avoid comparing test results that are more than two years old, as the requirements are likely to have changed, and also to avoid comparing results from different NCAP organisations as the tests conducted are different.

So just because Proton Preve scored a five stars in ANCAP in 2013, it doesn’t mean that it is better than the Mazda CX-3’s four stars rating from Euro NCAP in 2015.

We should also point out that NCAP is a consumer rights organisation. NCAP bodies does not enforce any laws and the tests are voluntary. Manufacturers can either sponsor a car for testing (vehicle to be chosen at random by staffs from the test lab) or wait for an NCAP body to purchase a vehicle for testing. NCAP tests are not compulsory.

Overview of the tests

As you can see from the table below, different countries have different areas of emphasis.

The United States’s IIHS for example, places very high importance on passive safety, which is rather odd, but that’s how it is over in the US.

The particularly demanding small overlap front collision (25 percent frontal offset) test, done with a rigid barrier, is only conducted in the US. Even the side barrier impact test conducted by the IIHS is particularly severe, done with a mobile barrier that is 200 kg heavier than those used by Euro NCAP, 550 kg heavier than ANCAP.

Above: IIHS's moderate overlap front test (50 percent offset) on the left and small overlap front test (25 percent overlap) on the right.

Across the Atlantic, European safety experts place less emphasis on passive safety, but more on pedestrian safety and active safety.

In between the two are ASEAN NCAP and ANCAP, which tries to strike a balance between promoting better safety for all while maintaining a realistic standard that will not force car makers to fit too many expensive safety features.

Car Maker’s Own Internal Standards

At the same time, you have some car companies who go beyond what is required by government regulations or NCAP standards. If you had noticed from the table above, all NCAP tests involves only a single vehicle. Obviously this is not reflective how a lot of car crashes happen in the world.

The real world safety performance of the car can be very different if it is subjected to a collision against another vehicle of a different size and ride height, at a different angle.

In 2001, Honda setup the world’s first indoor omni-directional crash test safety facility in Tochigi, Japan as part of its efforts to improve the real-world safety performance of its cars.

Honda’s proprietary G-CON technology and ACE body structure for example, ensures that a small Honda Jazz will still fare relatively well in an accident with a much larger CR-V.

All Honda cars are designed to cope with a moving 50 km/h deformable barrier hitting the rear of the car, a test which is not done by any NCAP organisation.

Euro NCAP only introduced the 50 km/h full width frontal collision test in 2015, but Honda has been doing it for the past 10 years already, at a higher 55 km/h speed too. It’s the same with Honda’s side impact tests, which are also done at 55 km/h, 5 km/h higher than NCAP requirements.

Another company that goes beyond NCAP ratings is Volvo. The
all-new XC90
 for example, has its seat frames specially engineered to absorb the impact resulting from a run-off road crash to minimise spinal injuries.

Run-off road crashes are very complex situations in which occupants often move in random directions – which puts high demands on the seatbelts, airbags, and seats.

There are not yet any regulatory or rating tests to examine a car’s ability to handle run-off road crashes.

Prof. Lotta Jakobsson, Senior Technical Specialist Safety at Volvo Cars Safety Centre said, “Committing to safety is not about passing a test or getting a ranking. It is about finding out how and why crashes and injuries occur and then developing the technology to prevent them. To reach our Vision 2020, we have to cover all accident types that occur in real-life traffic.”

Volvo has also been designing its cars to cope with a 25 percent offset frontal collision since 1992, twenty years it was required by IIHS. Internally, Volvo calls it SPOC (severe partial overlap collision) protection structure, which was first introduced in 1992 in the Volvo 850.

Thus, it is no surprise that when the IIHS introduced its small overlap front test in 2013, the Volvo XC90, a model that had already been in the US since 2003, aced it with the maximum Top Safety Pick+ award while many other newer, more expensive models performed poorly.

Even IIHS themselves were impressed, saying “While many vehicles have had to undergo significant structural changes to earn good ratings in the small overlap front collision, the XC90 has had the same basic platform since 2003.”

It was the same with the S80, whose basic design of its body structure had not changed since 2007 but won the Top Safety Pick+ award anyway.

Honda also had the most models winning the Top Safety Pick+ in the first year IIHS introduced the small overlap front collision test.

In comparison, Toyota, BMW, and Volkswagen had to redesign some of their newer models to meet the new requirements.

In summary, NCAP ratings should only be used as a guide, and should not be compared directly against test results from different years or different NCAP organisations. When all else are equal, some cars, like Volvo and Honda models, feature better occupant protection designs that may not be immediately apparent in lab tests conducted by NCAP organisations.


Tun Dr. Mahathir Resigns From Proton

Tun Dr. Mahathir, who brainchilded Malaysia’s national car project in the early ‘80s, has stepped down from his position as Chairman of Proton Holdings Berhad effective immediately.
A statement released by Proton said: “We respect his wish to step down; we would like to register our utmost appreciation for his valuable contribution, commitment and dedication for his role as Chairman since 2014 as well as an Advisor since 2003. We would like to express our gratitude and recognise Tun Dr. Mahathir’s role as the creator of the national car company.”
Tun Dr. Mahathir has also relinquished his position as Chairman of Group Lotus plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Proton.
The company did not name any successor for the positions held by Tun Dr. Mahathir.
The announcement comes less than a week after the appointment of Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Mohd Kenali as CEO of Proton, effective 1 April. Datuk Ahmad Fuaad will take over from Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, who will be returning to Proton’s parent company DRB-Hicom as COO of the group in the areas of automotive distribution and defence effective 1-April.
A separate press release by the Office of Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad in Putrajaya also stated that the former premier has relinquished his position as Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Petronas, as well as advisors to the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and the Tioman Island Development Authority (TIDA).


First Full-Service BMW Electric Car Dealership Opens In California

A Santa Clara, California-based BMW dealer (Stevens Creek BMW) has recently opened the first full-service standalone BMW i facility to cater to the fast growing adoption of EVs and Hybrids by Silicon Valley residents.
According to
Green Car Reports
, the new showroom will cater to the exclusive sale of BMW’s range of fully electric or hybrid vehicles: the
i3
 and the
i8
.
While credit goes to Crevier BMW, another BMW dealership in Santa Ana, California, who were the first to open a BMW i showroom in the state, the Santa Clara enterprise has an in-house service facility and a dedicated staff to sell electric vehicles, making them the first to offer a full service centre.
Tiffany Wyatt, BMW i sales manager told Green Car Reports, "Our BMW i facility caters to only the new BMW i3 and the growing electric-car lifestyle in the Bay Area,"
"We have three Level 2 charging stations that are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are free to use."
"And we have a staff of four BMW i Geniuses who are here to educate and provide extensive product knowledge on what BMW is trying to accomplish with the i3."
Images courtesy of Green Car Report


The New Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 Isn’t as Crazy as the 45, but it’s Still Pretty Quick

The range of compact 35-series entry-level models in the Mercedes-AMG portfolio is now complete with the introduction of the new GLA 35 4MATIC, but how different is it from the other GLA versions?

The technical basis is already well-proven 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine which delivers 306 hp and 400 Nm, which is variably distributed to all four wheels via the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Thanks to the powertrain, the GLA 35 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds,

Unlike the GLA 45, the GLA 35 actually looks slightly less sporty, with features like  the AMG-specific radiator grille,  silver chrome front splitter, 19-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in tantalum grey, silver chrome door panels,  AMG spoiler lip on the roof spoiler, and the two round tailpipes on the left and right.

In the vehicle interior, the high-tech ambience is complemented by the fully-digital displays. Characteristic touches include the seat upholstery in Artico man-made leather/Dinamica microfibre in black with contrasting topstitching in red and red seat belts.

The interior trim with a carbon-fibre structure and the air vents with a red ring provide further highlights. An interior in black/neva white Artico man-made leather is also available as standard. There are also four optional leather upholsteries.

The combination of sporty design and sophisticated details is also featured in the MBUX infotainment system with its innovative operating and display concept.

Emotively appealing presentations underline the clear control structure and feature brilliant maximum-resolution 3D graphics. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit and as a central element consequently emphasise the horizontal orientation of the interior design.

Similar to the GLA 45, the GLA 35’s chassis has also been strengthened to be more rigid than the outgoing GLA range.

Also standard is the Race-Start function which allows maximum acceleration from stationary and is a highly emotively appealing experience. The functions of the AMG Speedshift DCT 8G transmission are rounded off with a temporary M mode activated by operating the steering wheel paddle shifters in any drive mode, and with the manual transmission mode "M" for manual gearshifts with the paddle shifters.

Last but not least, we have five AMG Dynamic Select drive programs - "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport +" and "Individual"  which enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic. They change relevant parameters, such as the response of the engine and transmission.


Geely Debuts The Preface - Are People Still Interested In D-Segment Cars?

Geely Debuts' the Geely Preface, but is there still a market for D-Segment cars in Malaysia?

Now that Malaysians are all in love with Geely, as a journalist, it's hard to ignore their activities. Anything Geely seems to attract interest down here in Malaysia and the sole reason for that is simply because they are doing an excellent job at
reviving
 our much beloved national car, Proton.

The latest to come out of Hangzhou, China (Geely's headquarters) is a new D-Segment Sedan called the Geely Preface. The
Preface concept car
 has actually been around since last year, but this latest news about the Preface is all about showing the production version of the car which will make its debut in Q4 of this year.

Rarely do we see production cars looking exactly like the concept vehicle, but in the case of the Preface, the production car looks very similar to the vision car. We dare to say it looks better.

The design language that Geely was going for when designing the Preface is high-end and sporty, and we think they have hit the nail in the coffin with that mission. It's got a mean grille (Cosmos Grille) at the front flanked by some sleek squinting looking headlights, the trademark Geely bulging fenders are there too, but it's at the rear where we think it is the prettiest - very current and on-trend.

But enough about the Preface because I'm sure everyone would like to know whether this will morph into a Proton anytime soon? Chances are it's likely to become the new Perdana in the near future, but the question is 'Do we need a Malaysian D-Segment car?'

The current Proton Perdana is four years old now so a new Proton Perdana should be in development if they wish to bring it out in a couple of years. If we look at Proton's launch timeline schedule, this is consistent with its direction currently, but whether it will be launched next year or the year after remains to be seen. The launch of the Preface in Q4 only logically means that it will most likely be in 2022, which gives Proton a year's room of development to morph the Preface into a Perdana. Should Proton do it, however? My answer is no, I'd rather Proton focus their energies on a replacement for the
Iriz
 and not the Perdana. We don't need a D-segment car.

Pic Credit: The Star

Maybe, just maybe I can make an argument for a D-segment Malaysia sedan from the standpoint of official civil servant vehicles, I believe that government officers should be using national cars instead of foreign ones, just like back in the old days. We can make an example out of Great Britain. Although the Brits do not own any of their national cars, the British Prime Minister still uses a Jaguar which is by genesis an English car maker. By using a national car it just sends the right message - we are proud of what we have created. But my argument starts and ends there. I really can't make a case for it anywhere else sadly.

From the standpoint of the average Joe, the answer is perhaps no because the main audience for D-segment cars are switching over to SUVs. It's well known that SUVs have become the "it" car for the typical D-segment buyer. They prefer the big feeling and commanding driving position of an SUV. The younger generation on the other hand, prefer hatchbacks or coupes. Many we've spoken to consider the
Audi A3
 sedan,
Honda Civic
,
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
 sedan more than adequate size wise.

It's becoming harder by the day to make an argument for D-segment sedans, SUV's can and do for the most part play the part and then some of a D-segment sedan. It also has the added practicality of space and configuration that can fit those with active lifestyles. It's almost the perfect weekday and weekend car.

The question remains, What can a D-segment car offer over these new breeds of SUVs? Better handling? Sportier ride? Better looks? More Space?

Most of the points above are arguable. Although some D-Segment cars are better at these things, more and more SUVs drive and handle like cars with the added ride height. Plus you can also be driven in an SUV, don't need a D-segment sedan, do you?


6x Mesra Points, The Highest Point To Be Had From Now Till 12Jan

Following the success of “The Only Game Where Everybody Wins” promotion campaign which garnered overwhelming support and participation, PETRONAS has announced its intentions to further reward its customers.
The aforementioned campaign saw all vouchers being taken up in record time including 300 who took home cash, smartphones, as well as a one-year supply of Zalora shoes. And now that the contest has been concluded, a new campaign is in town.
From now until 12 January 2018, the company will be offering 6x Mesra points for purchases made at over 1,000 PETRONAS stations and 750 ‘Kedai Mesra’ outlets nationwide, making it the highest number of points ever offered.
According to PETRONAS, the new campaign is organized in an effort to thank their customers who have been supporting them all along, and also to ensure that they have a more delightful experience with PETRONAS in the future.
All customers have to do is swipe their Mesra card after every purchase at PETRONAS stations or Kedai Mesra and receive 6x Mesra points they would usually get.
Every single product at PETRONAS stations and Kedai Mesra, including PETRONAS Primax and PETRONAS diesel are also included in the offer. Another good news for customers is that no minimum purchase is required.
Don't have a Mesra Card yet? Get yours for free at any PETRONAS station nationwide! You can even swipe it immediately to collect points straightaway.
However, do remember to register your Mesra Card via SMS with the following message: KADMESRA (space) 17-digit PETRONAS Mesra card number (space) IC number (space) Name and send it to 36732, or through online application via the
PETRONAS website
.


Go Auto Penetrates Batam

Go Auto, the sole distributor for Haval vehicles in Malaysia has recently expanded its business into Batam, Indonesia.
Batam is the latest market in the ASEAN region to be penetrated by Go Auto after Cambodia and Brunei.
The expansion is in line with Go Auto's plan to turn Malaysia into the regional assembly hub for the Haval SUV.
Three models – H1, H2 and the H8 were introduced in Batam last week, and it is said that a total of almost 100 bookings were already received from the newly penetrated market by Go Auto, which aims to sell 400 units this year.
"Other than Cambodia, Brunei and Batam, Go Auto is also planning to enter several other ASEAN countries including Vietnam, Philippines and Myanmar between this year and next year,” said the company’s CEO, Ahmad Azam Sulaiman.
“We also have demand coming in from Singapore which we think is fascinating. It’s not due to market value but more on the brand itself. Haval's arrival in Singapore will be a benchmark for the brand in ASEAN," he added.
Established in 2014, Go Auto was appointed by the Great Wall Motor (GWM) as the manufacturer and only legal distributor for Haval SUV and GWM in Malaysia and the ASEAN market.
The company also made history in the local automotive sector by being the first company awarded with car manufacturing license for energy efficient vehicles (EEVs) by the International Trade and Insustry Ministry (MITI) under the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2014.
Go Auto has since tapped into Cambodia, Thailand as well as Brunei markets through the Haval M4 and H2 models.


Mazda BT-50 To Soldier On Until 2020?

Earlier, we reported the joint announcement by
Mazda
 and
Isuzu
 that the two companies have agreed to work together to develop their
next-generation pick-up trucks
 to succeed the current
BT-50
 and
D-Max
 respectively.

Based on the timing of the announcement, as well as the respective age of the current-generation model of both vehicles, it is reasonable to speculate that the next-generation BT-50 will not be ready for launch until at least 2020.

The possible date was postulated by Mazda Australia’s marketing director Alastair Doak speaking in an interview with Australian website
GoAuto.com.au
 at Brisbane during the Australian market launch of the new Mazda 3 facelift.

Doak spoke in entirely speculative terms, however, stating that development has probably yet to even start. He said that a 2020 potential launch date for the next BT-50 to be a ‘fair guess’.

“We are all publicly-listed companies and when you are signing a big agreement with another manufacturer or something of that nature, you have to announce it to the stock exchange. That’s why we came out and Isuzu came out and said it. Basically we won’t be saying anything else. That’s it. We will go away and get on with our knitting and at some point you will see a new truck from both of us,” he elaborated.

Presently, the current-generation
Ford
 co-developed BT-50 has been in the market since 2011, whilst the D-Max is a year newer. Mazda’s decision to partner Isuzu puts an end to its decades-long tie-up with Ford that has spawned numerous jointly-developed models. Isuzu, for its part, also sees its similarly lengthy collaboration with
General Motors
 come to an end.

As the bulk of Mazda’s development resources are likely to continue being focused on its core passenger cars, engineering of the new pick-up will in all likelihood be spearheaded by Isuzu.

Mazda is also unlikely to spin-off an SUV derivative of the next-generation BT-50 to compete against the likes of the
Toyota Fortuner
 and
Ford Everest
.

“It’s not a market segment we are interested in,” Doak states.

Read the original article at
GoAuto.com.au
.


Toyota Hilux Updated With Two New Variants

UMW Toyota Motor has introduced two new variants of the Hilux, dubbed the L-Edition, with the L referring to Luxury.
The two new L-Edition can be had with the 2.4-litre or the 2.8-litre 4x4 Hilux variants, with prices starting from RM119,300 for the 2.4-litre model and RM133,900 for the 2.8-litre model.
Visually, the L-Edition can be differentiated by its front fascia, which is identical to the recently-updated Thai model Hilux, featuring a prominent hexagonal front grille flanked by a pair of LED headlights. Towards the sides, the L-Edition Hilux models get a different body stripe design, plus new 18-inch alloy wheel design. The rear end of the L-Edition Hilux features a slightly revised rear step ornament with silver trim in addition to the L-Edition emblem.
Moving inside, the L-Edition Hilux models get a new combination leather seat material with perforation. The roof headlining is now all black, while the map light console is dark grey in colour.
Additionally, the dashboard, door trim, and rear aircond vent now receives a new piano black trim. Also new is the Optitron meter cluster, revised with a white background, replacing the blue background on the non-L-Edition models.
Other L-Edition-only enhancements include the unique key fob and carpet mats. Last but not least, the L-Edition Hilux models can be had with a new Phantom Brown body colour, bringing the total number of body colours to 7.
Safety wise, the L-Edition features 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Active Traction Control (A-TRC), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). The 2.8-litre model further adds Downhill Assist Control (DAC).
Mechanically, both L-Edition Hilux models soldier on with the same 2.4- and 2.8-litre engines mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
UMW Toyota Motor is backing the Hilux with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty, transferrable to the next owner.


Volkswagen Elevates Ownership Experience with New App

In an effort to enable its customers to manage all of their mobility and infotainment services on a single digital platform,
Volkswagen
 has introduced a mobile app called the Volkswagen Ecosystem at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Available for download in the App Store (iOS) and at Google Play (Android), those who visit the CES show can use the show app at the Volkswagen booth to see how the user, the car and the environment can be interconnected in the app through the Volkswagen User-ID.

According to VW, regardless of which Volkswagen model a user steps into (personal or rental car), he or she can prepare their favourite music, configure the display screen, select a favourite ambient light setting, and even make the right seat adjustments, taking user experience to a different level.

All one has to do is install the app and configure their preferred settings for their personal ID, and enjoy the many different functions available. The best part of it all is that the settings can be stored online.

Along with individual connectivity, Volkswagen is also offering a look at future intuitive controls that go beyond touch and gesture control. The manufacturer is also presenting its visionary I.D. concept car to the American public for the first time.


2015 Volkswagen Beetle Club Edition Previewed At Pavilion KL, Limited To 50 Units

In conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week,
Volkswagen
 Malaysia has previewed its new limited edition 2015
Volkswagen Beetle
 Club Edition at the entrance of Pavilion KL.
Although no prices have been announced yet, we do know that only 50 units of the Club Edition will be made available, making this a truly exclusive Beetle indeed.
Finished in a ‘Habanero Orange’ metallic body paint exclusive for the Club Edition, the Beetle also receives other additional exterior changes to distinguish it from a regular one. This includes the 17-inch “Ravenna” alloy wheels finished in sterling silver, and wing mirrors finished in black as well.
Inside, ‘Calypso Orange’ is featured on various pieces of interior trim and also on the seat upholstery as well. The dashboard and centre console gets a ‘Twist Wave Dark’ cubic film laid on top of it while the driver’s multifunction steering wheel gets ‘CLUB’ lettering at the bottom. Infotainment is handled by a touchscreen Composition Media unit.
Under the hood is the familiar 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine which develops 105 PS and 175 Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.