Finance Minister: PEMULIH Automatic Moratorium Is NOT Interest-Free

Is the recently announced six-month automatic loan moratorium under the
PEMULIH package, worth some RM150 Billion
, interest free?

A crucial feature of the PEMULIH package is the six-month automatic loan moratorium which is offered to all earning categories of the public (B40, M40, T20), as well as SMEs and Micro-SMEs that are hit hard by the pandemic.

Automatic six-month moratorium

The six-month loan moratorium, applicable from 7th July 2021 onwards (meaning repayments prior to that day should be made as normal) covers
hire purchase loans for car
s
, home and business loans, similar to the
moratorium that was effected between March and August 2020
. There are no pre-requisite conditions – such as loss of a job or reduced income (as previously
mandated under the PEMERKASA Plus package
) - to qualify for the loan.

According to Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) advisory, all borrowers simply have to:

Visit your bank's website to find out how to apply via web form, email, or phone call.

Provide your personal and loan/financing details and select the Repayment Assistance required.

Review and accept the terms and conditions.

Wait for confirmation.

Your bank will process your application within 5 calendar days (for individuals) or 14 calendar days (for microenterprises and SMEs).

If you face difficulties with your bank, or have not received any response from your banks within the timeframe, you may contact BNMTELELINK or fill up
bnm.my/RAsurvey
 to lodge a complaint.

Borrowers who can afford to continue their loan repayments should do so. Resuming repayments would be in their best interest as this would reduce the overall cost of borrowings.

BNM also assures that Repayment Assistance selections made in 2021 will not affect your CCRIS records.

However, interest rates during the moratorium period would still apply

According to NST, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz confirmed that the moratorium offered under the PEMULIH package will not be interest-free, however, banks would waive compound interest and penalty charges for borrowers as part of the moratorium.

This is a crucial point to note, as the simple interest accrued over the next six months can still be re-amortised to the loan payment schedule after the moratorium ends.

There’s a difference between Simple Interest and Compound Interest:

Simple Interest:
based on the principal amount of a loan or deposit.

Compound interest:
 based on the principal amount and the interest that accumulates on it in every period.

Thus, simple interest accrued during the six-month moratorium period will likely increase the amount you pay for your monthly installments after you resume payments. Moreover, this amount could be relatively small or rather substantial depending on the principal amount and remaining tenure of your loan.

There’s a difference between a loan deferment and moratorium, as defined by the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM):

Loan deferment:
When a lender is allowed to temporarily halt making payments on their principal and interest of a loan for an agreed-upon time. Initially, the loan deferment introduced by the government in April 2020 allowed lenders to make a deferment on their payments for a period of 6 months. This was a postponement of paying for your loan.

Loan Moratorium:
 Does not necessarily require interest charges to be waived, and as noted by the Finance Minister, it was “between the borrowers and the bank", though he added that the agreement between all banks was the right step forward given the current situation.

What are the banks saying?

A cursory glance on both the websites of Maybank and CIMB Bank does not confirm nor deny that interest will accrue during the moratorium period, with both websites advising that more information will be available from 7th July 2021 onwards.

This of course does not confirm that banks themselves will not waive simple interest during the moratorium period; however, it is best to assume that there is a very slim chance that this will happen.

It was the same last year

We reported in detail last year
, that despite the deferment of payments during the moratorium period, interest rates would still apply and the difference (little or big) will be adjusted after the 6-month period which would have likely increased your repayments at the end of every month, or be paid back by way of extension of the loan tenure.

Some banks offered more flexibility, which could be discussed between the borrower and the banks that best suits your financial situation. However, interest payments were still accrued.

What you should do?

Your best foot forward is to contact your bank once the current moratoriums take effect and confirm the finer details of your repayment schedule once the current moratorium ends in January 2022.

If you are able to continue servicing your loans, it is highly advised that you do so instead of dragging debt further into the future.

In addition to the moratorium, the government has also announced other features under the PEMULIH package which includes discounts on electricity bills as well as targeted tax exemptions which can also contribute to lesser expense and increased cash flow during these times. Therefore, this allows further “tightening of the belt” whilst still paying for your loans.

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The Faster, 3-Door FK8 Civic Type R That Honda Won’t Build

From the time when Honda’s red Type R badge made its debut in the Japan-only NSX Type R, officially known as NSX-R, Type R models are usually either two-door coupes or three-door hatchbacks.
Apart from the FD2 and FK2 generation Civic Type R, four- or five-door models are rarely promoted to become a core Type R model. Yes, Honda did produce a small number of four-door variants of the DC2 generation Integra Type R, and there was also the short-lived European market Accord Type R, but these models sit on the fringes of the
Type R’s hallowed history
.
Basic understanding of physics suggests that with less aperture, a three-door Civic Type R would have benefitted from improved structural rigidity, thereby requiring less chassis stiffening materials, which would also mean that it’s lighter and therefore faster.
Honda currently sells the three-door Civic Si Coupe in North America, produced exclusively in Canada. Like the Civic Type R, the Civic Si Coupe is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission. What’s more, the lesser Civic Si Coupe also shares some suspension components with the Civic Type R – rear bushings and upper control arms.
Studying both cars, one gets the impression that Honda is intentionally limiting the Civic Si Coupe’s power to just 208 PS (from a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo) and is withholding the larger 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine from it in order to create room for the five-door hatchback Civic Type R.
So when we had the chance to speak to Hideki Kakinuma, Assistant Large Project Leader for all-new Civic Type R while sitting on the sidelines of the Civic Type R’s Indonesian debut, we had to ask Kakinuma-san - why a five-door hatchback rather than a 3-door like many previous Civic Type R models?
Kakinuma-san acknowledged that yes, this subject was discussed during the FK8 Civic Type R’s development period. However he added that demand for a 3-door Civic is limited mostly to the US. As such, the Civic Si Coupe is produced in North America (Canada to be exact) and is only available in left-hand drive form.
The current Civic Type R is produced only in Europe (in Swindon, United Kingdom) and the economics just work out better with a five-door hatchback Civic Type R.
“We don’t just produce a car for the sake of producing a car, but we need to also make sure that the car can be sold (in sufficient numbers),” said Kakinuma.
In short, producing a three-door Civic Type R and exporting it out of either North America or Europe would’ve been too expensive.
But from an engineering perspective, yes a three-door Civic Type R would’ve been even faster.
“If you look at the laws of physics, definitely it (a three-door Civic Type R) would’ve been faster. It would have been lighter and faster,” said Kakinuma.
In other words, if cost control was not a concern, and if Honda were to go all out to produce the purest Civic Type R that it is capable of engineering, then a three-door version of the FK8 would’ve smashed the Nurburgring lap record (7 minutes and 43.8 seconds) for front-wheel drive cars even further.
The FK8 Civic Type R retails in Indonesia for IDR 995,000,000 (about RM320,000). Distributor Honda Prospect Motor has managed to secure just 50 units of the Civic Type R for 2017, many of it already have a ready buyer waiting.
So is it coming to Malaysia? Honda Malaysia refused to be drawn in to any discussion on the topic but considering that the model is already launched in neighbouring countries like Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia, and the fact that Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to ever sold the FD2 generation Civic Type R sedan, we are confident that the model will be making its Malaysian debut sometime next year.


Sekatan Jalan Raya Di Sempadan Negeri Dipertingkat Menjelang Ramadan - Urusan Rentas Negeri Kini Lebih Rumit

Tindakan saman akan dikenakan bagi mereka yang dikesan cuba merentas negeri untuk pulang ke kampung halaman bagi menyambut hari pertama berpuasa.

Pengarah Jabatan Pencegahan Jenayah dan Keselamatan Komuniti (JPJKK) Bukit Aman Datuk Zainal Abidin Kasim berkata, pemeriksaan lebih ketat akan dipertingkatkan di semua
Sekatan Jalan Raya
 (SJR) di sempadan negeri. Walau bagaimanapun, hanya mereka yang mempunyai dokumen kebenaran rentas negeri yang lengkap serta diluluskan akan diberikan kebenaran meneruskan perjalanan.

Beliau percaya kadar pergerakan kenderaan di lebuh raya pada hujung minggu ini akan meningkat ekoran orang ramai yang ingin pulang ke kampung halaman bagi menyambut hari pertama Ramadan bersama keluarga tercinta memandangkan tahun lepas mereka tidak dibenarkan pulang ekoran
Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP)
.

 “Sekiranya anggota atau pegawai polis mengesan individu cuba merentas negeri untuk balik ke kampung, tiada lagi nasihat akan diberikan sebaliknya tindakan akan terus dikenakan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas Majlis Pelancaran Program Satu Taman Satu Polis Dan Fokus Polis Diraja Malaysia Kontinjen Melaka 2021 di sini hari ini.

Tambah Zainal Abidin, setakat ini sebanyak 30 hingga 35 Sekatan Jalan Raya dilaksanakan di setiap pintu keluar dan masuk serta sempadan negeri di seluruh negara. Penambahan jumlah sekatan juga akan dilakukan bergantung kepada jumlah harian kes positif COVID-19 yang dilaporkan.

Penambahan Sekatan Jalan Raya akan dilakukan sekiranya bilangan kes positif COVID-19 meningkat di dalam negara. Penambahan berikut bertujuan untuk meminimunkan pergerakan individu atau kenderaan bagi mengekang penularan wabak COVID-19.

*Kredit Foto: @HermyRahim di Twitter

Kebelakangan ini, beberapa selebriti serta insta-famous yang telah menyalah guna kebenaran rentas negeri oleh PDRM dan menunjuk-nunjuk di media sosial mereka telah menimbulkan rasa tidak puas hati netizen. Oleh itu, PDRM telah mengetatkan syarat permohonan rentas negeri dimana pemohon perlu menunjukkan bukti aktiviti setiap hari dipohon bagi mengelakkan hal ini berulang.

Sekiranya anda memohon kebenaran rentas negeri selama tiga hari, anda perlu nyatakan segala aktiviti anda selama 3 hari tersebut. Permohon yang hanya hadir bersama salinan kad pengenalan semata-mata tanpa dokumen sokongan tidak akan diberikan kebenaran rentas negeri.

Kini, urusan permohonan rentas negeri di balai-balai polis seluruh negara akan menjadi lebih rumit dan terperinci. Kalau tiada urusan penting, tak usahlah curi-curi rentas negeri kerana polis kini lebih tegas di Sekatan Jalan Raya.

Terima kasihlah kepada mereka yang menjadi punca urusan rentas negeri ini diperketatkan kerana telah menyusahkan urusan orang lain.

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RM10,000 Used Cars: The Smart And The Not So Smart Options

You can buy many good cars for around RM10,000, but there are also a few rotten apples you should avoid like the plague.

Buying an old sub-RM10,000 used car does have its advantages as well as pitfalls. Without sugar coating and in general, used vehicles this cheap are usually old and have higher mileage. They will probably have some mechanical issues or even some rust lurking out of sight.

These issues don't usually bode well with conservative and cautious buyers, but if you are the type who is daring, knows your way around a car and always has a good mechanic by your side, there are often diamonds in the rough which will reward that boldness of yours.

Smart Buys

Mercedes-Benz W124

There's not much that hasn't been said about the
W124 E-Class
 – it's the over-engineering exercise of a generation and remains one of the most well-engineered cars of all time. More than 30 years on, it still looks the part and can hold its own in a sea of modern traffic. If you want to survive a zombie apocalypse, this is the
modern classic
 to do it in.

The M102 inline-four and M103 inline-six cylinders in the pre-93 facelift models are still highly recommended. If you don't need the silky smooth torque of the 2.6-litre 6-pot, the 2.3-litre four-cylinder is more frugal in town but don't expect small fuel bills either way.

Most importantly, look for oil in the coolant reservoir – signs of a leaking head gasket. The front crankshaft seal and belt tensioners are other weak points of the engine. Check the air-conditioning system properly, operate all modes and fan speeds and make sure all the electrics work – these are expensive fixes. The water pump, belt tensioner and radiator should be replaced after 160,000kms.

Honda CR-V
 1st-Gen

The first generation
Honda CR-V
was one of the first comfortable and affordable SUVs ever built. It quickly gained praise worldwide, which led to it being called the standard for an all-new lineup of compact crossover SUVs from many different automakers.

The original CR-V came with standard all-wheel drive and boasted a lengthy list of additional equipment. Even for its compact size, the first generation CR-V had a roomy rear seating area, front passenger storage bin, side-hinge rear entry, and a folding picnic table.

With a 2.0-litre (B20B), 126hp/180Nm engine being the only powertrain of choice, all first-gen CR-Vs in Malaysia did 0-120 km/h in about 11 seconds. CR-Vs with the 5-speed manual gearbox did it a couple of seconds faster, but most Malaysian CR-Vs came with a 4-speed slushbox.

The suspension setup was also impressive as Honda decided to give it a double-wishbone suspension on all four corners. This gave the SUV better stability because the tires touched the road more due to the vertical upper and lower control arms, which boosted the negative camber.

Being a Honda, the car is reliable if maintained well and most owners have had trouble-free motoring throughout their ownership of the vehicle. However, older AWD models tend to have driveshaft U-joint failures that had to be replaced with new driveshaft are they are non-serviceable.

Many have turned the
CR-V
 into excellent adventure vehicles as it is reliable and capable of handling some rough stuff due to its AWD drivetrain.

Perodua Kelisa

Despite Jeremy Clarkson calling the
Perodua Kelisa
 white goods, the
Perodua Kelisa
 has served many Malaysians well.

The Kelisa was sold alongside the Kancil – with it being regarded as a slightly higher-end model. The very last of the models sold even came with Bluetooth, which clearly showed Perodua's vehicle positioning.

They were available with either an 850 cc engine or a 1-litre engine – both being three cylinders, though the latter instantly made it more potent than its Kancil sibling. You could get them with either an automatic or manual transmission, even up to the highest trim levels and options, which quickly became a rare case for a car as we approached the end of the 2000s.

Despite Top Gear UK's disdain for this fantastic little car, the
Kelisa
 is not a car you should disregard so quickly. For one, it handles like an absolute dream with the right set of tyres on; after all, with such a low kerb weight of just under 810 kilograms, it can dance around pretty much any other car on the road once you put some decent rubber on it. The engine may only produce 64 PS, but quick gear ratios mean you can get up to speed swiftly and effortlessly.

The running costs for these cars are generally relatively low except for some items like engine mounts – but even then, we're talking high three-figure pieces, and you would only change them perhaps once throughout a five to seven-year cycle. You can fit up to 14-inch wheels comfortably, but going to 15-inch wheels would require a fair amount of massaging of the arches to prevent any fouling.

Resale value on the Kelisa has pretty much stabilized at the bottom end, so if you buy this car, you know you're never going to lose out in depreciation.

Perodua Myvi

In a list of cheap but good cars, it's just unavoidable to have a couple of Peroduas, and if you want a slightly bigger and more refined car than the Kelisa then the 1st generation
Myvi
 is the one you should go for.

Introduced to the market in 2005, the
Myvi
 instantly captured the hearts of many Malaysians. It practically brought affordable motoring in Malaysia to a whole different level as it was spacious, stylish, and reliable. It also gave Proton a headache as the Daihatsu Sirion based car provided more practicality than the two-door Satria.

Nothing really ever goes wrong with the car and the amount of them still on the road in good condition is a testament to its build quality. They are just starting to hit the RM10k price range, so more and more are popping up on the used car market.

Not So Smart Buys

Fiat Punto

If there was ever a ludicrous reason why anyone would look into buying a Fiat Punto, let us tell you why you should not!

Although the second generation Punto set new standards for building quality for small Fiats, it still wasn't up to VW-type standards. They are marred with loose or poorly glued together sections of trim as well as mechanical problems.

With reported problems such as power steering failures, ineffective brakes as well as exhaust fumes making their way into the car, it's probably best you stay away from the Punto. Yes, there are fixes for these issues, but you'd have to find an old-school Fiat specialist to fix it.

A relatively heavy car - the Punto doesn't drive with as much zing as its competitors - even a Hyundai Getz will probably get you more excited. With these many negatives, It's no surprise that these cars are nearly extinct in Malaysia.

Naza Ria

The Naza Ria is actually a good car. It was the first national car (if you can call it that because it's practically a rebadged Kia Carnival) to offer more than five seats, a luxurious interior and a 2.0-litre displacement (2.5 V6).

It was the brainchild of the late SM Nasimuddin and brought affordability to the MPV market. Commonly known as AG for 'Anak Gajah' (because of its 2-tonne weight), the car debuted in 2003 with a price tag of RM100k, which was around RM20k-RM50k cheaper than its competitors.

It easily fits seven adults and can reach speeds up to 160km/h without making its passengers feel like they're going to fly. It also had great air conditioning for a seven-seater which was uncommon back then.

The main problem with the Naza Ria is its engine, and once that engine goes past 100,000km, it's practically a bust. The Naza Ria engine has a common overheating problem due to a bad engine liner design. When old, it creates a small gap, thus mixing water with engine oil. When this happens, the MPV overheats which will then require it to be rebuilt or replaced.

Many Naza Ria owners plonk in a Toyota 2MZ engine when this happens. They then continue to use the car for many more years with this engine transplant method. Most Ria's sold on the used car market run the original engine or a rebuilt one. They will probably overheat in the future due to this problematic engine design.

So while RM10,000 may not sound like much to some, you still could be saddled with a lemon if you're not careful. While we applaud outright car ownership and 10k is a fair amount of money, make sure you do your research before deciding on a vehicle purchase. What's the point of having a vehicle sit in the workshop for six months of the year - unless of course, you're building a track car then it's totally fine.

Chevrolet Optra

Just like the Naza Kia, the Chevrolet Optra is actually a good car. At the time of its debut, many journalists wrote that the rebadged Daewoo Lacetti is a far more impressive effort than the Daewoo ever was.

The styling was very European and looked well proportioned. The interior was also Volkswagen-like in terms of build quality and design. The ride and handling were also highly regarded with some saying it had a good ride, comfortable and well-dampened. The engine was great too. It was refined, smooth and delivered linear power.

Sounds good right? Well, when it came to maintenance, the prices of the parts were horrendous. Now that Chevrolet is no longer in Malaysia, the sourcing and pricing of parts have just gotten worse. No wonder like the Punto, it is also nearly extinct in Malaysia.

Smart ForFour

While the Smart ForFour came out with a bang during its introduction in the early millennium, it would not be such a smart buy now or even back then. The Smart ForFour was introduced to the market under the might of its parent company Mercedes-Benz.

It didn't really sell well and was dropped by Smart just two years after its introduction. While its avant-garde styling still looks fresh up till today, its mechanical underpinnings never matched its looks. The car had a lacklustre engine and a very sluggish automatic gearbox, and the combo made the driving experience infuriating.

Parts for Smart cars are getting scarce in Malaysia, which also means that if you ever find it, prices are at an all-time high. Electrical gremlins were mainly reported as the most common problems of the Smart ForFour.

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ADAS Systems – Do they really Help or Just Interfere?

The American Automobile Association (AAA) recently reported that over the course of about 6,500 kilometres of real-world driving, vehicles equipped with active driving assistance systems experienced some type of issue every 13 km, on average.

Among the features that fall under the ADAS systems include:

Adaptive Cruise Control

Collision Avoidance System

Blind Spot Monitoring

Electric Stability Control

Driver Monitoring System

Drowsiness Detection System

Lane Keep Assist

Hill-Start Assist

Hill-Descent Control

Parking Sensors

Lane Departure Warning System

There are many other features as well, but the ones listed above are some of the ones which we are familiar with.

While these features were once available only on high-end models, they have slowly but surely made their way to
more affordable vehicles
, including the best-selling car in the country –
 the 2020 Perodua Myvi.

The new 2020 Perodua Myvi, which was just updated with Advance Safety Assist 2.0 just like the Aruz, now comes with Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Front Departure Alert, as well as Pedal Misoperation Control.

Coming back to the report by AAA - Researchers noted instances of trouble with the systems keeping the vehicles tested in their lane and coming too close to other vehicles or guardrails.

AAA also found that active driving assistance systems, those that combine vehicle acceleration with braking and steering, often disengage with little notice – almost instantly handing control back to the driver.

Now, this is a dangerous scenario if a driver has become disengaged from the driving task or has become too dependent on the system. So, do these systems actually help the driver or do they just interfere with the whole flow?

Most of the features above, which are only classified as Level 2 Active driving assistance on
a scale of six
 (0-5) created by the SAE International, which means that for a majority of drivers, their first or only interaction with vehicle automation is through these types of systems, which according to AAA, are far from 100% reliable.

Now, keep in mind that most of these features have gone through rigorous testing by manufacturers before they actually come to us. So, how is it that they are far from 100% reliable?

According to a few manufacturers we spoke to, there are many factors that affect the performance of these systems. For instance, features like the Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning rely solely on sensors which have to detect the white painted lines on the road in order to identify where the lane is. If the lines go missing for a short distance, how is the system going to work?

The moral of the story here is not that these systems don’t work or that they can’t be trusted, but the fact that they are here purely to assist, and the driver still needs to be the person in charge of the vehicle with 100% concentration and involvement at any given time.

Since we are still some time away from seeing Level 4 or 5 autonomous driving, looks like us humans are still in control, so please pay attention and be safe behind the wheels.


Puspakom's Mobile Van And Truck Now Operates 7 Days A Week

Puspakom's mobile inspection unit is now operating 7 days a week, Monday through Sunday.

In an attempt to help those who need their vehicles inspected so that they can be fully legal on the road before the
September 30 deadline
, Puspakom's convenient mobile inspection unit, the truck (commercial vehicles) and mobile van (private vehicles) are now operating 7 days a week.

Announced through their social media page, those interested in the mobile services can now book an appointment via the company's official website (puspakom.com.my) or by calling the numbers listed on the picture down below.

This move by Puspakom is probably a reaction to the surge of customers who need their vehicles inspected, after a lengthy shut down of the automotive industry due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The automotive industry had already faced tough times since the nationwide
movement control order
 which started in May, but the
full lockdown
 in June really did bring it to its knees.

The recent re-opening of the sector has flooded Puspakom with cars to inspect which has caused some delays and fully booked appointment slots. This 7 days a week operating time for their mobile unit should free up some appointment slots.

On a side note, those who had already received their Puspakom inspection and report in June do not need to re-inspect their vehicles once again as the validity of the reports has been given an extension till September 30. This includes private vehicle B2, B5 and commercial vehicle PG11A, PG13B reports. Usually, Puspakom reports are only valid for 60 days.

Just as a recap, The
moratorium period
 for the renewal of Competent Driving Licences (CDL), Motor Vehicle Licences (MVL or Road Tax), Goods Driving Licence (GDL) and the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license will not be extended after September 30 according to the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

JPJ said compliance monitoring and enforcement activities by the department's enforcement body and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will commence from October 1.


Singapore 2019: Lexus Launches UX, 4 Variants, From SGD 149,800

The crossover market is growing at a worryingly quick pace, and Lexus has decided to put their own dog in the fight in the form of the Lexus UX. It’s designed to fight against cars like the BMW X1, Audi Q2, and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and it has finally made its ASEAN debut at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show.
It’s being launched with two powertrains and two trim levels for a total of four possible variants. There’s the UX 200 which is powered by Lexus’ new naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which pushes 169 hp and 205 Nm of torque. We saw this particular variant
during the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show
, and it’s also the most likely powertrain for our market. Pricing for the local Lexus UX is still to be confirmed, but it will be launching this year.
There is also the UX 250h which is the more potent hybrid model that combines the naturally aspirated engine with a hybrid motor for a combined output of 176 hp. It is the higher-spec model offered over in Singapore, and apart from the hybrid powertrain, the only spec advantage it possesses is the addition of a Nano-E Minus Ion Generator (an air purifier of sorts).
Moving on to the trim levels, buyers have a choice of Executive or Luxury. Either trim option is fairly extensive with things like LED headlamps and daytime running lights being standard across the range, as well keyless entry, heads up displays, a 10.3” entertainment system with the Lexus Premium Audio 8-speaker system, and so on.
But if you do choose to spring for the more expensive trim package, you will also get:
LED Illuminated Gearknob
Electrically Adjustable Steering Wheel with Memory
Smooth Leather Seats with Memory and Ventilation
Electro Chromic Rear View Mirror
Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Monitor
Pricing for the Lexus UX starts at SGD 149,800 for the UX 200 Executive, while the UX 200 Luxury fetches SGD 160,800. There’s no word on pricing of the UX 250h yet but you can expect it to be a dear bit more as hybrid models are truly the most expensive variants in any model range – outside of Malaysia, that is.


GST savings for Honda Civic, CR-V, HR-V and City i-VTEC

In conjunction with the announcement by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia that Goods and Services Tax (GST), currently set at 6%, will be zero-rated effective 1st of June 2018, Honda Malaysia is rewarding customers who plan to purchase their vehicles before the Hari Raya celebrations.
Through the ‘GST Bonus’ campaign, customers who purchase any of the Honda Civic, CR-V, HR-V, and City i-VTEC models during the period of 18th to 31st May 2018 need not pay for the GST value, as Honda Malaysia will absorb it. Customers will also be entitled to the on-going “Welcome Ramadhan Rewards” Honda bonus.
Honda City i-VTEC GST Bonus savings from RM4,282
Honda Civic GST Bonus savings from RM6,215
Honda HR-V GST Bonus savings from RM5,515
Honda CR-V GST Bonus savings from RM8,016
Other Honda models namely Jazz, BR-V, Accord, Odyssey, Civic Type R, and Jazz/City Hybrid are not entitled to the GST Bonus but only entitled to the on-going “Welcome Ramadhan Rewards” Honda bonus.
Honda Malaysia also mentioned that the company will announce the new pricing of its vehicles soon.


Zurich Malaysia Dishes Out Some Tips For Safe Driving This Hari Raya

Zurich Malaysia wants you to remember these tips for safe driving so that you can
balik kampung
 safely this Hari Raya Aidilfitri

For the first time in a couple of years, many Malaysians are free to 'Balik Kampung this upcoming month to celebrate and spend Hari Raya Aidilfitri with loved ones.

While the thought of spending much-needed quality time with family members has got most of us excited, Zurich Malaysia wants to remind all motorists to take simple steps to protect themselves and others on the road so that the family reunion on Hari Raya day does not disappoint.

To help motorists prepare their vehicles for the journey back home, Zurich Malaysia has compiled some valuable tips to follow before and while on the road as a caring reminder this festive season.

These tips include:

Check your tyres to see whether they are in roadworthy condition

Check your brakes before heading off

Ensure that all your exterior lights are working

Obey the speed limit

Do not tailgate

Indicate when changing lanes

Make sure to stay handsfree from phones

Do not hog the emergency lane

Make sure you have car insurance

Prepare an emergency kit in your car

The reminder aims to make everyone's journey safer and more comfortable, as road safety is more than just about driving carefully and courteously. Zurich would like to remind motorists that each life on the road is precious. But, more importantly, it is about how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones as well as other road users.

Stay safe on the roads Malaysia!


SPIED: All-New Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) Spotted In Four-Car Convoy

The fifth generation
Mercedes-Benz
 E-Class (W213) is not expected to make its global debut till next year’s Detroit Auto Show but thanks to
walkART Videos
, who recorded four test mules rolling in convoy, we now have a slightly clearer look at the sedan, where previously we reported on earlier
spyshots with the vehicle sporting copious amounts of camo
.
That’s not to say that the vehicles seen in the video are bare for all to see, with two of them wearing a matte black disguise while the remaining two had on them the commonplace black and white swirly camouflage. However, we can still clearly see that the all-new E-Class adopts much of the exterior design from its siblings – the C-Class and S-Class.
At the front, we can see the
C-Class
 being a huge influence starting with the design of the LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights. Two variants – the Avantgarde and Elegance, appear to be part of the convoy as well, as illustrated by the two grille designs with the former being the two-bar grille integrated with the three-pointed star, while the latter is the three-bar grille with the a hood-mounted star instead.
Moving on to the rear, the
S-Class
 element begins to shine through, most evidently seen on the tail lights. Elsewhere, the Avantgarde variant appears to receive chromed exhaust tips on both ends of its bumper whereas the Elegance doesn’t, although this may change in the future.
Underpinning the W213
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 will be the MRA platform, also used by the C-Class, resulting in a significant weight loss compared to its predecessor (expected to be around 150kg).
Many details are still missing pertaining to the powertrain options which will be made available to the E-Class. However, do expect many other body styles to follow suit after the standard sedan model breaks cover in Detroit next year, including the wagon, coupe, and cabriolet. Lest we forget, AMG treatment is most definitely assured.


Wanita Perlu Tahu - 3 Tips Simpan Handbag Dalam Kereta

Sebagai seorang pemandu wanita, izinkan saya kongsikan 3 tips untuk wanita yang mencari tempat sesuai meletak handbag di dalam kereta.

Seiring inovasi permotoran semasa, kebanyakan kereta di pasaran kini menepati kehendak pelanggan dari segi prestasi, keselesaan dan keselamatan penumpang. Bila bercakap tentang keselesaan, keluasan ruang kabin antara aspek penting yang perlu dinilai.

Satu perkara yang kurang mendapat perhatian pembuat kereta adalah
functionality
 terutamanya buat pemandu wanita. Kita ada tempat khas untuk meletak telefon bimbit, cawan kopi atau botol susu anak, tapi tiada tempat untuk meletak tas tangan di dalam kereta sendiri. Macam mana tu?

Di sini kami kongsikan 3 tips untuk wanita yang mencari tempat sesuai meletak handbag di dalam kereta.

1. Di bawah tempat duduk penumpang atau pemandu

Dalam kebanyakan
kes ragut
 kenderaan yang melibatkan wanita, cermin kereta dipecahkan dan peragut mencapai handbag anda dalam sekelip mata sahaja. Solusi terbaik adalah dengan meletakkannya di bawah tempat duduk anda atau penumpang.

Bagi yang berpandangan
"letak di bawah nanti, kotorlah beg"
, model kereta seperti
Volvo XC40
 didatangkan khas dengan tray di bawah tempat duduk bagi tujuan penyimpanan barangan kecil seperti handbag anda.

Jika kereta anda tidak mempunyai ciri penyimpanan ini, anda boleh membeli tray serbaguna dan letakkan di bawah tempat duduk kereta. Yang penting, jangan letak beg atau barang berharga di tempat duduk penumpang!

2. Di tengah tempat duduk pemandu

Menyedari masalah yang dihadapi wanita tapi tiada penyelesaian yang praktikal, seorang usahawan wanita dari Florida, Amerika Syarikat telah mencipta Car Cache iaitu pemegang khas handbag kereta. Beg jaring kukuh mudah laras ini boleh dipasang di tengah antara tempat duduk pemandu dan penumpang, serta mempunyai poket ekstra untuk barangan kecil seperti telefon bimbit dan sebagainya.

Idea beg jaring kereta ini juga makin meluas penggunaannya kerana memudahkan pengguna (kebanyakannya pemandu wanita) yang tidak perlu risau isi dalam beg akan bersepah dalam kereta lagi.

3. Di belakang tempat duduk pemandu

Tips terakhir ini adalah saranan daripada
PDRM
 tentang kes ragut yang melibatkan wanita. Tempat paling selamat untuk meletak handbag adalah di belakang tempat duduk pemandu dan pastikan anda telah mengambil barang seperti telefon bimbit dan kunci rumah daripada dalam beg. Ini bagi mengelakkan anda mengambil masa yang lama untuk mencari barangan tersebut dan terdedah kepada bahaya di luar kereta.

Cangkuk serbaguna sebegini mudah didapati dan sekaligus dapat menjimatkan ruang penyimpanan dalam kereta.

Selaras dengan peredaran masa, akan tiba masanya apabila pengeluar kereta dunia akan menambah baik ciri-ciri keselamatan di dalam kereta mengikut keselesaan wanita. Buat masa ini, anda boleh praktikkan tips yang diberikan untuk keselamatan anda dan kereta pun tak bersepah lagi kan?

Selamat mencuba!


Comebacks and Close Competition: Toyota Vios Challenge Season 3 Kicks Off In Terengganu

When the Toyota Vios Challenge first started out a little over two years ago, nobody really knew what to make of it. At its core it was a one-make race, held on purpose-built street circuits that no driver had a particular advantage with. The fact that both A-listers in the Malaysian motorsports scene and celebrities alike were participating was an important endorsement, and the fact that many have retained their entries for a third season goes to show their commitment to the event.
But that doesn’t mean that it was without its teething problems. Street circuits are a particularly nasty environment for racing as there is little to no runoff, coupled with imperfect surfaces and debris. Poor line of sight and tight corners also make it challenging to commit, unlike a wide and open racetrack. The result was a number of on track incidents – some purely accidental and some without-a-doubt intentional – that threatened the integrity and image of the race series.
And yet the drivers persevered. New faces entered the series at the beginning of the second season, eager to prove themselves in Malaysia’s only true one-make race, where success would be attributed to driver ability rather than having a particularly advantageous car. Coming to the last quarter of 2019, season three of the Toyota Vios Challenge has kicked off in Terengganu, as part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, and with all racers transitioning to the new Vios model.
Freddie Ang in particular was a surprising entry last year given his racing background, and despite suffering numerous setbacks throughout season two, he has returned for the new season, once again with Telagamas Toyota. This opening round saw him redeeming himself in the Super Sporting Class, not only due to his experience with the car but with a better equipped team and crew. A good fifth place finish in race one put him in second place for the reverse grid start in race two, and he managed to hold this position to the chequered flag.
Fan favourite Tengku Djan has returned with 23 Motors following a hiatus in season two. The professional drifter has taken to the new Vios like a duck to water, giving Mark Darwin a good fight through race one that culminated in a second place finish, and driving a little more conservatively in race two with a focus on points.
Kenneth Koh, a name associated with rally – even climbing to international fame – has renewed his seat with Panglima City Racing Team for a third year. Being relatively cautious in his first year of racing in the Sporting Class, he went full swing the following season and came off being a little too aggressive. Last weekend’s races seem to be a bit of a Goldilocks moment for Kenneth as he took home a decisive victory in race one, and fought to an impressive third place finish for race two after the reverse grid order saw him starting in sixth.
The youngest racer in the field at just 15 years of age, Hayden Haikal also put on an incredible performance in the Sporting Class, flying the S&D Motorsports flag, and showed his rivals that he hasn’t spent his time slacking. Last year he joined the Vios Challenge with hardly any experience in saloon car racing, and Terengganu saw him placing a solid fourth in race one, and taking the win for race two despite starting in third.
In the promotional class, Shukri Yahaya and Shawn Lee have returned, and unsurprisingly dominated given last year’s stint in the Sporting Class. The two drivers fought tooth and nail, finishing second and first respectively for race one. With race two being half distance following a heavy dose of rain, the two drivers climbed two positions each on the reverse grid start, finishing third and fourth respectively.
Granted, the season has just begun – but the results have really set the tone for the races to come. Those new to the series will be scrambling to learn the ins and outs of the Vios as quickly as they can in order to set it up for each circuit. There’s even the possibility Toyota may introduce an all-new circuit for this season, which would really level the playing field between the old hands and the newcomers.
What was most striking was the lack of incidents with this round. Perhaps it’s an indication that the drivers have matured and adapted to the environment, learning where they can squeeze their opponents and how hard they can push before a minor tap becomes a race-stopping incident. The Toyota Vios Challenge will be following the Toyota Gazoo Racing festival around Peninsular Malaysia in the coming months, and we can’t wait to see how the season plays out.


SPYSHOTS: All-New Alfa Romeo Giulia Leaked Ahead Of Global Reveal

Way ahead of its official reveal
, the
Alfa Romeo
 Giulia (yes, that’s its real name) has been leaked in these spyshots courtesy of a
Carscoops
 reader.
The Italian rival to established German rivals like the
BMW 3 Series
,
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
, and
Audi A4
 is seen here in a supposed performance edition with add-ons including a boot spoiler, black wheels in Alfa’s iconic design, a rear diffuser with the bumper playing host to a set of twin exhaust pipes, possibly on each side.
Unfortunately, there aren't any images of the car's front, which if the rear is anything to go by, could be quite the looker as well.
The Carscoops reader revealed to the site that this is the Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) sports model which could mean that this is the top-of-the-line variant powered by a Ferrari-derived V6 engine although a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged powerplant is said to be offered as well.
More details will be released once the new Alfa Romeo is revealed in full now that these spyshots have confirmed one actuality, its name.


Parenthood & Motoring – Keeping The Kids Safe In Your Car

Parenthood changes your life and priorities completely. That’s the common wisdom, and it is one I can testify from personal experience having welcomed my first newborn into the family just a couple of months ago.

More than just being a bundle of joy, a child is also a bundle of responsibility – a life whose wellbeing is entrusted upon you and your partner. Your choices in life are no longer dictated by your own needs and wants, but that of your baby as well.

This inevitably impacts our choices and decisions regarding our cars, and coming from someone making a living as a motoring journalist, that’s a big thing – because, where performance and handling used to matter most, safety of the baby on the move now assumes greater priority.

The journey has just only begun where this writer is concerned, but these are some early tips that I’ve picked up along the way.

Child Seat
– If there is one thing you should splurge on your baby more than any fancy toy, this is it. Get the best child seat that you can afford, but be heartened a good child seat costs less than an average mobile phone these days. ISOFIX child seats offer a fool-proof yet secure method of installation, go for one of those if your car has ISOFIX mounts. If you can’t afford an ISOFIX seat or if your car does not have ISOFIX mounts, a non-ISOFIX seat is just as secure, but requires substantially greater effort at installation. Either way, remember that a properly fastened child is far more likely to emerge unscathed from an accident.

Safety Features
 – Shopping for a new car to welcome your baby? Put safety features at the top of your checklist. Best if your car has ABS, EBD, and electronic stability control to maximise your chances of keeping it out of accidents. Read up on crash test reports of the cars that you plan to buy. NCAP ratings are good guide lines on how well a car would hold up in the event of a crash.

Car Maintenance
 – Ensure your car is regularly serviced, particularly with regards to safety and mechanical components. Replace critical wear-and-tear parts such as brake pads and brake discs pro-actively. You do not want to be stranded by a breakdown or, worse, face catastrophic brake failure in an emergency. Lastly, if your car is involved in the ongoing Takata airbag recall, be sure to have the defective airbag module replaced.

Tyres
 – Tyres are your car’s only contact with the road. On a surface area no larger than the palm of your hand is where it all happens – braking, traction, handling, steering, and comfort. Keeping Malaysia’s tropical climate in mind, choose tyres that are able to perform well through the worst weather.

Michelin tyres, in particular, are noted for their excellent wet weather performance, stopping up to 6 metres shorter than a competitor brand on the same car.

Lastly, after choosing a good set of tyres, keep them well inflated and have them regularly aligned and balanced to maintain optimum performance. Check also that the tyres have adequate tread depth to disperse water on a rainy day. If you’re changing just two tyres, put the new ones at the back to avoid unexpected oversteer in the wet.

Michelin is currently running
Michelin
Cares campaign and is holding a Facebook Live Talk Show to educate on child car seat and tyre safety on 25th October, 12.30pm.


Malaysian Economy on Track for Solid Growth in 2022 - Potentially Higher Car Sales?

On Nov 14th, Bank Negara announced Malaysia's growth domestic product expanded to 14.2 per cent in the quarter that ended September 2022.

This impressive growth surpassed other Southeast Asian countries for the same period, including Vietnam, which performed at 13.7 per cent.

The Malaysian Finance Ministry said the country's GDP was on track to surpass pre-pandemic growth in 2022.

But how can this relate to car sales? Can we assume that a good economy will generally mean more car sales?

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association, the YTD Sales volume for October 2022 was 50% higher than a similar period of the past year.

The outlook for vehicle sales in Nov 2022 & beyond is expected to maintain steadily despite the disruptions of the chip supply chain that may affect some car makers more than others.


Settle Your Summonses Or Face Arrest, Ops Warta Kicks Off This Week

For individuals who have yet to settle their summonses or arrest warrants, you’d better hurry up and do so because
Ops Warta
 has officially begun this week.
After the initial two-week grace period which saw just 33,473 summonses with warrants of arrest status settled, a mere two percent of the 1.59 million arrest warrants issued. Bukit Aman Traffic Chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said, “This is rather disappointing as we have given them more than two weeks to settle the arrest warrants.”
Police personnel would now begin actively tracing and detaining traffic offenders with warrants of arrest beginning this week.
“I have instructed all traffic summons counters to be opened this weekend to accommodate a surge to pay up summonses,” Mohd Fuad said, advising those who had yet to settle their outstanding warrants to do so quickly.
"If you are stopped at a roadblock and we find out that you have an outstanding warrant, we will take action. Don’t be surprised if you are stopped at a roadblock and are placed under arrest,” he said.
For those want to check on their summonses, you can do so through various methods including online checks at
www.myeg.com.my
 and
www.rilek.com.my.
 Additionally, motorists are able to perform checks at any traffic police counter, post office, Maybank ATMs, Road Transport Department branches, and at selected shopping malls.


Geely Drops New Boyue Pro Teasers – Updated Interior And Exterior

Geely has just dropped several teaser photos of its upcoming Boyue Pro, a souped-up variant of the regular Boyue, limited only to the China market.
Under the hood of the new Boyue Pro are a choice of two turbocharged engines. The first is a revised 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that does 181 hp and 300 Nm, 15 Nm more than the regular Boyue. The second engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that does 174 hp and 255 Nm.
As for transmission choices, the 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the smaller 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is paired to a six-speed torque converter automatic.
Visually, the new Boyue Pro gets a mildly redesigned exterior, with a more prominent front grille flanked by a pair of LED headlights. Right smack in the centre of the grille is Geely’s black emblem, reserved specially for their range of sportier models. The front bumper is also new, now more angular than before.
Moving towards the rear end, the Boyue Pro gets new LED tail lights and an updated rear bumper. The spoiler and 19-inch wheels have also been updated, giving the Boyue Pro a fresh new look.
Geely has also improved the interior of the Boyue Pro. As shown from these photos, the Boyue Pro gets a completely redesigned dashboard with a larger touchscreen head unit with a new rotary dial controller, new air-conditioning controls, revised steering wheel, and a new gear shifter. The design of the front air vents are also new. In addition to all of those, the new Boyue Pro also appears to get ambient lighting.
According to Chinese media outlets, Geely is expected to introduce the new Boyue Pro soon, with sales expected to start later this year.


Wanita Perlu Tahu - Apa Itu POWER?

Sebelum memandu, wanita disarankan untuk memeriksa POWER kereta anda. Apa itu POWER?

Kebanyakan wanita (termasuk penulis) kurang pengetahuan tentang
penjagaan kereta
, yang penting boleh hidupkan enjin dan pandu. Jadi kami senaraikan 5 langkah asas untuk wanita lakukan sebelum memulakan pemanduan dan memastikan kereta anda berada dalam kondisi yang terbaik.

1.

Petrol (Bahan api)

Adakah kereta anda mempunyai
petrol
 yang cukup dan jika tidak di mana anda merancang untuk mengisi minyak? Wanita juga dinasihatkan untuk tidak mengisi petrol pada waktu malam dan di tempat yang sunyi untuk mengelakkan berlaku jenayah yang tidak diingini.

2. Oil (Minyak enjin)

Periksa minyak enjin kereta anda untuk memastikan ia berada dalam keadaan secukupnya, jika kurang maknanya ada kebocoran dan perlu diperbaiki terlebih dahulu.

Bagaimana mahu memeriksa paras minyak enjin?

Buka pengukur celup

Tarik pengukur celup dan lihat takat minyak.

Terdapat dua sukatan yang menunjukkan aras. Lubang kecil yang pertama menunjukkan aras minimum dan lubang kedua menunjukkan aras maksimum yang dicadangkan oleh pengeluar kereta. Dan juga bahagian hujung yang berpilin (twist) adalah normal.

Perhatikan takat minimum dan maksimum, jika paras minyak enjin berada di bawah takat minimum, tambah minyak hitam.

Manakala jika minyak kelihatan agak hitam dan pekat, sila tukar minyak hitam anda. Calitkan pengukur celup dengan tisu atau kain putih untuk melihat kepekatan minyak enjin.

Bagi penjagaan enjin yang optimum, kebiasaannya minyak enjin perlu ditukar mengikut saranan pengeluar iaitu pada setiap 5,000 hingga 10,000km atau setiap 6 bulan, yang mana datang dahulu. Untuk lebih kepastian sila rujuk buku panduan kenderaan anda.

3. Water (Air)

Periksa dan tambah air (jika perlu) dalam
radiator
 dan tangki pengelap cermin.

Setiap kereta disarankan menggunakan campuran coolant dalam radiator. Jika tidak mahu radiator dan air dalam sistem penyejukan menjadi karat, anda harus menggunakan coolant. Kegagalan utk membuat servis radiator dan menggantikan coolant pada masanya akan menyebabkan masalah lain pada enjin seperti
overheat
, bocor pada hos, radiator tersumbat akibat pengumpulan karat dan macam-macam lagi.

Air dalam tangki pengelap cermin (wiper) digunakan untuk membasahkan cermin hadapan apabila terdapat habuk dan kotoran. Apabila digunakan pada permukaan cermin yang kering, wiper akan haus lebih cepat. Untuk
prestasi wiper
 yang lebih baik, anda perlu mengisi air yang dicampurkan dengan sedikit cecair pencuci wiper pada tangki pencuci cermin kereta anda.

4. Electric (Sistem elektrik)

Periksa semua lampu termasuk lampu hadapan, lampu brek dan isyarat membelok bagi memastikan ia menyala dan berfungsi dengan baik. Perhatikan juga lampu yang menyala di odometer kereta dan ambil tindakan segera sebelum mula memandu.

5. Rubber (Tayar)

Pastikan keempat-empat
tayar
 dan corak bunga pada tayar masih dalam keadaan baik dan mempunyai tekanan udara yang betul. Selain itu, getah wiper, jika sudah terlalu keras sebaiknya tukar yang baharu. Ia sangat penting terutamanya ketika musim hujan.

Penjagaan pra pemanduan mungkin kelihatan rumit tetapi kesemua langkah di atas sebenarnya tidak memakan masa yang lama. Ini bagi memastikan kereta berada pada tahap optimum untuk pemanduan seharian anda. Yang penting, lakukan servis kereta secara berkala dan sentiasa peka dengan keadaan kereta anda.

Ingat POWER, ingat jaga kereta. Selamat mencuba!


Honda May Have a Baby-NSX In The Works

Good news for Honda fans- there may be a baby NSX on the way, if these trademarks filed by Honda are anything to go by. Courtesy of
GoAuto
, we see that Honda has submitted Intellectual Property trademarks for the name ZSX- a name that has had trademark in the US up until 2012, but has become free for ownership. An unnamed Honda engineer told French publication Automoto that Honda is slated to debut this ZSX in 2017 at the North American International Auto Show.
Information is scarce, but there is heavy speculation that the car will be hybrid in the same vein as the NSX, with either a 2.0-litre turbo VTEC motor at its heart, or the 1.5-litre turbo VTEC motor instead- with twin electric motors in tandem. Trademark filing in Australia for the ZSX name reflects this move, as well as reports that the spiritual successor to the S2000 will be something in the sub-NSX class.


Mana Lebih Jimat - Kos Penyelenggaraan EV Atau Enjin Konvensional?

Benarkah kos penyelenggaraan kenderaan elektrik (
EV
) lebih murah jika dibandingkan dengan kenderaan enjin konvensional seperti petrol dan diesel?

Pembentangan Bajet 2022
 yang lalu tentang pengecualian penuh duti import, duti eksais dan cukai jualan bagi EV dilihat sebagai satu langkah progresif ke arah negara neutral karbon menjelang 2050, sekaligus dapat melonjakkan potensi kenderaan elektrik (EV) di Malaysia.

Persoalannya, adakah rakyat Malaysia sudah bersedia untuk memiliki kereta elektrik dan jika ya, mana lebih jimat – EV atau enjin konvensional?

Kebanyakan pemilik kereta sudah biasa dengan rutin pemeriksaan dan penyelenggaraan berkala, sama ada setiap 5,000km atau 10,000km. Setiap kali
servis kereta
, ada beberapa komponen wajib ditukar seperti
minyak enjin
, pemeriksaan sistem bahan api dan juga sistem transmisi.

Penyelenggaraan kenderaan EV pula nampak lebih mudah dan bersifat ‘mesra poket’ disebabkan hanya beberapa komponen mekanikal perlu dijaga berbanding kenderaan enjin konvensional.

Laporan daripada penganalisis
Consumer Reports
, Chris Harto mendapati pemilik EV di Amerika Syarikat mampu jimat 50 peratus kos baik pulih dan penyelenggaraan berbanding pemilik kenderaan pembakaran dalaman atau
internal combustion engine
 (
ICE
).

Kajian itu dibuat dengan pengumpulan data pada 2019 dan 2020 membabitkan beribu unit kenderaan yang digunakan sehingga jarak 200,000 batu atau 321,000km.

Statistik Consumer Reports mendapati kos purata penyelenggaraan dan baik pulih EV dan kenderaan ICE untuk jarak setiap batu atau 1.6km adalah seperti berikut:

EV: 0.03 USD (RM0.12)

ICE: 0.06 USD (RM0.25)

Kajian tersebut mendapati unit trenkuasa yang lebih ringkas dan faktor tidak perlu tukar
minyak enjin
 secara berkala adalah penyebab utama kos penyelenggaraan EV lebih rendah berbanding enjin diesel atau petrol.

Dalam sesebuah EV, motor elektrik digunakan mengandungi dua bahagian utama iaitu komponen bergerak (rotor) dan komponen jana kuasa statik (stator).

Kedua-dua komponen itu mempunyai jangka hayat lebih baik dan aspek penjagaan cuma membabitkan kerja-kerja pembersihan, pemeriksaan, tambahan bahan pelincir pada bebola besi (bearing) selain pemeriksaan wayar elektrik.

Selain unit motor, ada dua lagi komponen penting pada EV iaitu sistem kotak gear dan pek
bateri
 yang tidak memerlukan kerja-kerja penyelenggaraan rumit. Mungkin sekadar penukaran minyak kotak gear atau cecair penyejuk untuk sistem penyejukan bateri.

Sebagai tambahan, kebanyakan pengeluar EV menawarkan polisi waranti antara 8 hingga 10 tahun atau sejauh 160,000km untuk bateri. Ini mengurangkan rasa bimbang pemilik mengenai daya tahan bateri semasa menggunakan kenderaan EV.

Setiap bulan, pemilik EV hanya perlu memeriksa kadar
kehausan tayar
 dan tekanan angin dalam tayar untuk memastikan kereta mereka berada dalam tahap operasi terbaik dan ini juga patut dilakukan untuk kenderaan enjin konvensional.

Selain kos penyelenggaraan, adakah kos penggunaan kereta EV lebih jimat berbanding kereta petrol?

Andaikan perbandingan antara kereta EV yang menggunakan bateri berkapasiti 62 kW dengan jarak gerak 400km dengan sekali cas penuh, dengan kereta tempatan yang menggunakan petrol.

Mengambil kira tarif maksimum TNB 57.10 sen bagi setiap kW (bila anda mengecas EV di rumah, ia pastinya mencecah tarif paling tinggi), ini menjadikan kos untuk mengecas bateri 62 kW dari kosong sehingga penuh adalah RM35.40 dan boleh digunakan untuk 400 km. Hasilnya, 8.9 sen bagi setiap kilometer.

Manakala kereta petrol dengan anggaran penggunaan bahan api 15 km/l memerlukan kos 13.9 sen bagi setiap kilometer jika menggunakan minyak RON 95 pada harga RM2.05 seliter.

Jadi, dengan perbandingan 8.9 sen bagi EV dan 13.9 sen bagi petrol, ini bermakna kereta EV adalah lebih jimat sebanyak 36 peratus.

Namun, ini hanyalah anggaran kasar sahaja kerana kos penggunaan kenderaan adalah berbeza mengikut model dan pelbagai faktor lain.

Tepuk dada tanya selera kerana pilihan bergantung pada diri masing-masing. Yang penting, lakukan kajian dan tentukan sendiri kereta mana lebih jimat untuk kegunaan anda.


Gran Turismo 7 Is Gorgeous, But You Will Need A PS5 To Play It

The latest instalment in the Gran Turismo racing franchise has finally been unveiled, but Sony is adamant that it will be a PS5-exclusive game.

For those who felt like Gran Turismo Sport was an incomplete game (to be fair, it has been updated vastly over the years), your prayers have finally been answered. Polyphony dropped a bomb of a trailer for the announcement of Gran Turismo 7 (GT7) during the live global launch of the Sony PlayStation 5.

If you aren’t a big fan of the Gran Turismo series, here’s why this latest game is important. The introduction of Gran Turismo Sport saw a larger focus on online play and competition, and while there was a reasonable selection of cars it was nowhere near the level found in previous games. GT7 sees a return to the roots of the game with an apparent re-introduction of single-player races, challenges like Driving Tests, and collecting cars – essentially a campaign mode of sorts.

Naturally, the graphics have also improved vastly over its predecessor, which already had pretty impeccable graphics to begin with. The trailer is fairly brief with the actual gameplay details, but it should definitely shape up too be a very interesting racing game and a huge step forward as the culture surrounding GT has become way more diverse with the large focus on esports in previous years.

What’s a little painful is that GT7 is among the titles launched that will be PlayStation 5 exclusive – meaning no joy for those hoping to get a version ported for the PlayStation 4. This is in contrast to other game developers and brands that have a little more leeway in that regard, offering a slightly less pretty version of a game for those playing on older consoles.

That being said, in order for a game like GT7 to look as pretty and operate as fluidly as it does, it is more likely than not that it needs the more advanced hardware found with the PlayStation 5. Virtual Reality systems should also be able to operate in higher resolution with better immersion – and more details will come in the next few months.


2023 Honda City Facelift: A closer look at the refreshed sedan's key updates and new features

The facelifted 2023 Honda City sedan is set to arrive soon, and it comes with several key updates in addition to its visual changes.

Bookings are now open, and the car is no longer a secret
, giving us a glimpse of what's to come. Let's take a closer look at some of the updates for the model. For reference, we have utilised pictures of the Thai spec car as they would be the same for our market.

Exterior Changes

The new 2023 Honda City flaunts a refreshed exterior design, moving away from the angular lines of the pre-facelift version and adopting a sleeker appearance closer to the Civic.

The front bumper is slightly elongated, featuring a sharper lip, and the foglamp covers are smaller, giving it a cleaner look. The updated City also boasts new dual-tone wheels, though some might find the previous ones sportier.

At the rear, a new bumper with an aggressive diffuser has been added, enhancing the car's overall appearance.

Regarding colour options, the current range is expected to remain, including Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl. There's a possibility that the new WR-V's Stellar Diamond Pearl might be introduced later.

Interior Improvements

While details about the Malaysian-spec interior are yet to be revealed, it is expected to be similar to the Thailand model in terms of aesthetics and features.

Potential updates include new red detailing around the dash and two additional USB-C ports at the back. The infotainment system in 'normal' variants now comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a change from the previous wired connection. Additionally, the RS models now feature combination leather plus synthetic leather upholstery.

Honda Sensing Update

One of the notable upgrades is the safety department. The Thai-market version receives Low-Speed Follow (LSF) for its adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, along with Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). Other advanced driver-assistance features like Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), and Auto High Beam (AHB) are also available.

The good news is that Honda Sensing will now be standard across all variants of the City sedan in Malaysia.

Powertrain Options

In terms of powertrain options, the new 2023 Honda City is expected to retain the same choices as the previous version:

1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine with 121 PS/145 Nm, mated to a dual-motor hybrid powerplant with a combined output of 253 Nm, paired with an e-CVT

In conclusion, the 2023 Honda City facelift brings meaningful updates to freshen up the model in a competitive segment. The enhanced ADAS system is a significant improvement, and although a price increase is likely due to these updates, the official figures will be revealed during the launch. Currently, the City sedan is priced as follows:

Honda City 1.5L S – RM 77,600

Honda City 1.5L E – RM 85,600

Honda City 1.5L V – RM 90,600

Honda City 1.5L V Sensing – RM 94,600

Honda City 1.5L RS – RM 108,800

The updated City will undoubtedly be a worthy contender against its rivals, such as the all-new 2023 Toyota Vios.


Borneo Safari 2017: A Test Of Isuzu Metal and Mettle

I always try to resist this temptation – to be overly philosophical or emotional when trying to surmise my thoughts or to tell my story, this one in particular.
And, I tell this story for the third time. And no two years have ever been the same.
What started out as a gathering of a small bunch of intrepid off-road enthusiasts in 1990, as a way to break away from the tedium of daily life with family and friends, the event has grown and evolved over the last 27 years, drawing in over 900 participants and more than 300 off-road machines, some even from beyond our own borders.
In the early days, small advertisements were taken out in local dailies in the hopes of attracting likeminded off-roading enthusiasts. Now though, I'm part of a full-fledged media entourage made up of both international and local press, photographers, and video crews - telling this story to a worldwide audience
The jungle calls; this is the 27th installment of Borneo Safari (BS).
Isuzu returns as the Diamond Sponsor for the 11th year running, with one single overarching message: that their vehicles are built to be reliable and tough.
And, Instead of spending their marketing dollars on fancy advertisements and campaigns, they’d rather slap on some bolt-on off-road components and let the trucks and SUVs do the talking.
Much like the old adage “race on Sunday and sell on Monday” – their efforts at the BS mirror that of sports car manufacturers like Porsche and Ferrari who prove their worth on racetracks around the world and then carry that DNA into their road-going vehicles. The only difference here is the Isuzu team will track through the jungle for eight days straight.
Naturally, for a company that dates as far back as 1916, with its roots in shipbuilding and heavy engineering; they pride themselves on providing customers with solutions that work.
The Borneo Safari has also had a massive effect of the brand’s acceptance in East Malaysia because as much East Malaysians love trucks, customers over there will not buy one unless it’s extremely reliable, easy to maintain and capable when the going gets tough. It’s little surprise then, why there’s a large number of older Land Rover Defenders, Toyota Hilux, and Isuzu Troopers still on active duty.
The route in 2017 starts the convoy off from the flag-off point at the Sabah Tourism Board building in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the heads west through Putatan, Kinarut, and then onto Papar. Our first campsite is at Kampung Mikik in Papar.
The stage is set to be a monumental uphill climb from the start of the Hardcore Section, just off Kampung Mikik, for the better part of four days, before the entire convoy makes its way through the hills of Kaiduan and re-enters Kota Kinabalu.
The four Isuzu media vehicles include three D-Max pick-up trucks, and the latest addition, the MU-X SUV which completed its maiden expedition in 2016. The three D-Maxs, nicknamed the Black, Red and White Monsters have been in service since 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Think about that for a second, the Black Monster (a 2.5-litre manual variant) has successfully completed five consecutive Borneo Safari expeditions (including 2017) and save wear-and-tear components that have been replaced along the way, is unchanged from the way it left the showroom floor.
In terms of modifications, the MU-X and D-Max, all the Isuzu Monsters run a chassis lift-kit for greater ground clearance and to enable the fitment of 36-inch extreme terrain tyres. The aftermarket suspension system likewise is suited for off-road duty. Other pre-requisites are solid steel front bumpers, front underbody skid plate, and a steel rear bumper, mostly to protect the car’s vital components.
Other improvements are limited to the fitment of a powerful winch system, snorkel breather and long-range radio system, and a high-discharge battery to support the winch.
As for the drivetrain - there are no modifications to the engine, ECU system, gearbox, AWD system, steering components, cooling system, and differentials. Heck, even the radio and air-conditioning still work like normal.
The most powerful machine of the lot is the White Monster, a 3.0-litre D-Max V-Cross manual variant, which is given the paramount role of carting the convoy’s water and camping beds, weighing in at roughly 2-tonnes fully laden.
The Isuzu convoy alone consists of some 20 vehicles; while the Isuzu Monsters are perfectly capable of handling their own in the jungle, support cars are still needed to carry food, camping items, the medic team, parts, tools and crew members.
As dawn broke on Day 4, the wait to enter the Harcore section was finally over, the MU-X SUV led the charge into the Hardcore Section, a circa 4km route that ascends through the hills of Papar. Ahead, a maze of uphill sections, punctuated by V-Gullys that put immense strain on the chassis, AWD system and engine cooling system.
In other places, slippery and arduous hill climbs await to push the gearbox and engine and, differentials to their very limit.
Due to a driver error (plunging into a deep rut at high speed) shortly after the convoy enters the Hardcore Section – the Red Monster suffers a broken front drive shaft. What ensues is a quick recovery effort to get the car on level ground, while the rest of the team break out the spanners and perform a well-orchestrated repair operation. Within 45 mins the Red Monster is back in action.
The car soldiers on for another three long days before the front differential gives way, upon further inspection, the team finds that the earlier driveshaft breakage had also damaged the front differential's main bearings and gears.
But this pales in comparison to an assortment of breakdowns that befall a number of cars just ahead of the Isuzu convoy, not spared from their fair share of differential failures and engine breakdowns.
With a little help, the Red Monster made a triumphant finish, regardless of being driven by its two rear wheels, passing a 60-foot deep V-Gully at the very end, along with the MU-X SUV and two other D-Max Monsters.
The icing on the cake would have to be the MU-X completing the challenge for the second time, an otherwise stylish and well-equipped SUV for the family, in the jungles of Borneo, it proves its duality as a formidable off-road machine, in line with its tough and rugged DNA.
The Borneo Safari in 2017 has once again served as the ultimate test of man and machine. And as always, the experience leaves the jungle with footprints and the explorer with memories that can last a lifetime.
There is little wonder why the Borneo Safari leaves a lasting impression on everyone, it seems to touch everyone in different ways.
Perhaps for the competitors, in their heavily modified machines ahead of our convoy, it was a huge obstacle they powered through or being the fastest team for a Prologue Stage, for others, the jungle offers peace and relaxation, away from the routine of emails and meetings.
For enthusiasts drivers, such as those in the Tag On groups, perhaps it’s knowing the vehicle they have been building and tuning all year survived the challenge and lived to tell the story.
It also fills one with great respect for the staggering beauty of our great rainforests. For me, it’s the people – because everyone is a vital cog in a system that builds this great event. That’s good a reason as any to be philosophical.
Perhaps for Isuzu, they’re already planning the challenge for next year, and because fancy brochures only tell half the story, Isuzu vehicles prove their mettle when tyres meet dirt and mud.


MITOS: Automatik Salah Jika Kemalangan Dengan Ambulans

Sekiranya anda terlibat dalam
kemalangan
 melibatkan ambulans di Malaysia, adakah anda dikira
salah secara automatik
?

Baru-baru ini, telah tular di media sosial tentang isu kemalangan dengan ambulans apabila kereta yang dipandu oleh seorang pelajar perempuan telah dilanggar dari belakang oleh sebuah ambulans. Ambulans tersebut kemudiannya terus bergerak meninggalkan situasi kemalangan setelah melanggar kereta wanita terbabit.

Rata-rata netizen telah menyalahkan wanita terbabit kerana tidak memberikan laluan kepada ambulans tersebut. Tetapi, bagaimana nak tahu siapa yang salah? Berikut merupakan antara persoalan yang timbul sekiranya kemalangan melibatkan ambulans dan orang awam ini berlaku:

Automatik salah ke jika kemalangan dengan ambulans?

Boleh saman ambulans tak jika alami kecederaan akibat kemalangan?

Bagaimana cara untuk tuntut ganti rugi?

Ambulans ini diklasifikasikan sebagai kenderaan kecemasan yang turut merupakan kenderaan kerajaan. Ia sama seperti
kenderaan menteri
, kenderaan kementerian,
kenderaan polis
 dan bomba. Tetapi, tak semua ambulans merupakan hak milik kerajaan, ada juga ambulans swasta.

Sebagai pemandu yang prihatin, anda perlulah sentiasa memberikan laluan kepada ambulans. Namun kemalangan itu bukanlah sesuatu yang boleh dijangka kerana banyak faktor yang mempengaruhi sesuatu kemalangan. Tetapi, sekiranya anda dilanggar ambulans kerana bukan atas kesalahan anda, adakah anda tetap dikira salah?

Jawapannya, kesalahan tidak akan jatuh kepada anda secara automatik jika terlibat dalam kemalangan bersama ambulans. Bukan itu sahaja, anda juga boleh menuntut
kos ganti rugi
 untuk membaiki segala kerosakan pada kereta anda hasil daripada pelanggaran tersebut.

Cara Tuntut Ganti Rugi

Sama seperti kemalangan melibatkan pemilik kereta persendirian, anda dikehendaki untuk membuat laporan polis dalam tempoh 24 jam sekiranya dilanggar oleh ambulans. Pihak polis akan memanggil kedua-dua pemandu untuk disoal siasat. Keadaan akan menjadi lebih mudah jika anda memiliki bahan bukti seperti gambar situasi kemalangan atau rakaman video
dashcam
.

Jika siasatan polis mendapati anda bersalah, anda perlu membayar saman sebanyak RM300 kerana menyebabkan kemalangan dan segala tuntutan lain akan diajukan pada
insurans
 milik anda. Tetapi, sekiranya polis mendapati ambulans yang bersalah, anda boleh menuntut ganti rugi daripada mereka, tidak kira sama ada ambulans kerajaan atau ambulans swasta. Berikut merupakan antara contoh ambulans yang ada di Malaysia:

Hospital Kerajaan

Hospital Negeri

Hospital Swasta

Servis Ambulans Swasta

Oleh itu, tuntutan anda boleh dibuat kepada kerajaan, kerajaan negeri atau insurans swasta bergantung kepada jenis ambulans tersebut. Kebanyakan syarikat swasta telah melindungi ambulans mereka dengan insurans.

Tetapi bagaimana pula jika anda terlibat dalam kemalangan yang teruk sehingga cedera parah? Bolehkah anda
saman
 ambulans tersebut?

*Gambar hiasan

Cara Untuk Saman

Sebenarnya, selain daripada menuntut ganti rugi, anda juga boleh memfailkan tuntuan sivil kepada ambulans yang melanggar anda sekiranya ambulans tersebut didapati bersalah. Dalam
undang-undang
, terma
vicarious liability
 bermaksud majikan bertanggungjawab atas segala kelakuan pekerjanya. Ini bermakna tindakan saman anda akan ditujukan kepada majikan mereka, bukanlah pemandu ambulans tersebut.

Hospital Kerajaan (saman kerajaan)

Hospital Negeri (saman kerajaan negeri)

Hospital Swasta (saman syarikat)

Servis Ambulans Swasta (saman pemilik atau syarikat)

Sebagai contoh, sekiranya anda dilanggar oleh ambulans milik hospital kerajaan, saman anda akan ditujukan terus kepada kerajaan Malaysia. Perkara ini telah disebutkan dalam Seksyen 5 Akta Prosiding Kerajaan 1956 yang menyatakan;

"Kerajaan akan bertanggung jawab atas perbuatan salah atau pengabaian atau keingkaran yang dilakukan oleh mana-mana pegawai awam ketika bertugas kerana pegawai tersebut (pemandu ambulans) sedang menjalankan tugas yang diarahkan oleh kerajaan."

Maksudnya, sekiranya anda
dilanggar
 oleh ambulans ketika ambulans sedang bertugas, tuntutan anda akan dibuat kepada majikan pemandu tersebut, iaitu kerajaan Malaysia. Jika anda dilanggar ambulans diluar waktu bertugasnya, tuntutan akan dibuat ke atas pemandu ambulans tersebut secara individu.

Namun ada had atau tempoh masa juga sekiranya anda ingin menyaman sesuatu pihak. Kebiasaannya, anda hanya boleh membuat
tuntutan saman
 ke atas sesuatu kemalangan yang berlaku dalam tempoh 6 tahun sahaja. Anda tidak dibenarkan untuk saman ketika masuk tahun ke-7 selepas kemalangan tersebut berlaku.

Walau bagaimanapun, jika anda kemalangan dengan ambulans kerajaan, anda cuma diberi tempoh 3 tahun untuk membawa hal ini ke mahkamah untuk sebarang tuntutan. Tetapi, kerajaan masih mempunyai tempoh 6 tahun untuk mengheret anda ke mahkamah sekiranya anda berada di pihak yang salah.

Seksyen 2 (a) Akta Perlindungan Pihak Berkuasa Awam 1948 ada menyebut:

“Guaman, tindakan, pendakwaan atau prosiding itu tidak boleh diteruskan jika ia dimulakan selepas tempoh 36 bulan selepas kemalangan berlaku.”

Namun ini hanya terpakai untuk ambulans kerajaan sahaja. Jika anda terlibat dalam kemalangan dengan ambulans swasta, tempoh masa diberikan untuk sebarang tuntutan mahkamah masih kekal 6 tahun seperti biasa.

Untuk pengetahuan anda, jika anda sengaja menghalang laluan
ambulans
 yang sedang bertugas (siren dan lampu dihidupkan), anda boleh dikenakan penjara tidak lebih 6 bulan dan/atau denda tidak melebihi RM2,000 di bawah Seksyen 53, Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987.

Kesimpulannya, anda tetap masih boleh menuntut ganti rugi sekiranya terlibat dalam kemalangan dengan ambulans. Walau bagaimanapun, sebagai pemandu yang prihatin, anda seharusnya sentiasa memberi laluan kepada ambulans kerana anda bakal berdepan tindakan sekiranya menghalang laluan ambulans yang bertugas.

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MOSTI Lancar NAVi - Inisiatif Kenderaan Tanpa Pemandu Dengan NAVi-D

Pelancaran Inisiatif Kenderaan Autonomi NanoMalaysia (NAVi), kenderaan tanpa pemandu adalah persediaan negara ke arah Revolusi Perindustrian Keempat (IR 4.0).

Malaysia adalah peneraju pengadaptasian IR 4.0 dalam sektor perniagaan termasuk perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di ASEAN, lapor Berita Harian.

Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI) melancarkan inisiatif ini bersama demonstrasi Robot Penghantaran Berautonomi NanoMalaysia atau NAVi Delivery (NAVi-D).

NAVi-D adalah evolusi daripada NAVi yang memberi tumpuan kepada perkhidmatan penghantaran bungkusan dan produk makanan, yang direka khusus untuk sektor penghantaran jarak akhir atau
last mile delivery
.

Menterinya, Datuk Seri Dr. Adham Baba berkata, NAVi-D adalah salah satu pendekatan norma baharu, di mana MOSTI berusaha menggunakan teknologi bagi
mengurangkan interaksi fizikal sesama manusia
.

Melalui agensi NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB) di bawah MOSTI, inisiatif pembangunan kenderaan autonomi tahap 4 juga bakal dilaksanakan.

Selain menyokong inovasi IR 4.0, ia juga untuk menangani kadar dan punca
kemalangan jalan raya di negara ini yang semakin meningkat
, seperti laporan Institut Penyelidikan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Malaysia (MIROS).

"Kenderaan yang mencapai autonomi tahap 4 mampu untuk bertindak balas dengan cekap dalam menangani gangguan tumpuan dan tindak balas pemandu yang terhad. Dengan kelebihan itu, insiden yang tidak diingini boleh dielakkan," kata MOSTI.

NAVi kini sedang menjalani fasa ujian di Taman Teknologi Malaysia (TPM) di Bukit Jalil dengan laluan sepanjang 12 kilometer dalam Fasa 1 hingga 3, yang akan menjadi laluan yang diluluskan untuk
kenderaan autonomi (AV)
 di bawah rangka kerja makmal amali Hab Inovasi Antarabangsa TPM.

Bagi menyokong pembangunan AV pada masa akan datang, infrastruktur seperti tanda jalan, papan tanda, pusat arahan pusat dan sambungan 5G juga sedang dibina. TPM akan menjadi tapak utama kemudahan ujian untuk teknologi AV di Malaysia.

*Kredit semua foto: Mosti Malaysia


Is Tesla Autpilot, Full Self-Driving False Advertising? California Says Yes

EV maker Tesla has found themselves in a bit of hot water again
as their Autopilot
 and FSD (Full Self Driving) were deemed false advertising by the California state Department of Motor Vehicles (sort of like our JPJ), not that it was clean of controversy before.

We generally don’t give two hoots about what goes on in California when it comes to driving, but the issue here could be emblematic of other automakers as they promote, advertise and/or make claims about their cars’ autonomous (
or semi-autonomous
) driving capabilities.

Tesla Autopilot/ FSD not safe?

The company’s Autopilot suite has seen its fair share of detractors and criticisms that it may give some drivers an exaggerated sense of security when operating the vehicle, and we’ve seen many instances of Tesla drivers flat-out letting the car ‘drive itself’ as they nap or are inattentive in the front seat or, worse, in the back seat.

We’ve also seen more than a few cases of Teslas careening off roads, making erratic manoeuvres, and generally crashing. Dangerous, to say the least, when compounded with a driver literally asleep at the wheel.

Videos shared online show its cars being involved in near head-on collisions with trucks or trains that required immediate and sudden driver intervention to avoid and another with the sensor system mistaking the moon for a traffic light stuck on yellow.

For the most part, FSD - which purports to automatically pilot the car on highways and city streets as well as find a parking space independent of a driver - is a more advanced collection of technologies that build upon Autopilot, as its name suggests, and this has prompted the California DMV to issue a pair of complaints with the state Office of Administrative Hearings in late July 2022.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Tesla “made or disseminated statements that are untrue or misleading, and not based on facts,” while pointing to the actual names of these technology features as they are marketed to customers.

California DMW lodges complaint against Tesla Autopilot

The complaints also pointed to the language used on Tesla’s website pertaining to the Autopilot suite that reads: “All you will need to do is get in and tell your car where to go. If you don’t say anything, your car will look at your calendar and take you there as the assumed destination. Your Tesla will figure out the optimal route, navigating urban streets, complex intersections, and freeways.”

However, Tesla’s website also states that “the currently enabled features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous,” though the complaint counters that it “contradicts the original untrue or misleading labels and claims, which is misleading, and does not cure the violation.”

The DMV asserts that Tesla cars never could, “and cannot now, operate as autonomous vehicles.”

Worryingly, should their complaints be pursued to their fullest, it could lead to the revocation of the automaker’s license to sell or produce cars in California, a spokesperson told the newspaper:

“The DMV will ask that Tesla will be required to advertise to consumers and better educate Tesla drivers about the capabilities of its ‘Autopilot’ and ‘
Full Self-Driving
’ features, including cautionary warnings regarding the limitations of the features, and for other actions as appropriate given the violations.”

It is unknown if FSD, now a whopping US$12,000 optional extra, will be eventually merged with Autopilot and offered as standard on every or most new Tesla models.
CEO Elon Musk claimed
 that FSD had not been a factor in any crashes involving the company’s cars, though at least 8 crash reports submitted by owners to federal safety regulators suggest otherwise.


2015 Infiniti QX70S Launched In Malaysia: From RM470k

The
Infiniti
 QX70S has been launched in Malaysia with a price tag of RM470,000 (OTR with GST but without insurance). Based on the standard
Infiniti QX70
 3.7 GT Premium, the crossover gains visual enhancements which are found on both the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

Dark chrome serves as the main highlight of the exterior changes with the finish found on the front grille, fog light surrounds, side air vents, lower side sills, and tailgate garnish. These heightens the car’s already present design features – including its long-bonnet and powerful stance.

That’s not all because the new 21-inch six-spoke alloy wheels fitted are finished in black, as are the roof rails and side mirrors. Even the headlights get a smoked finish to complement the “dark side” character which the car projects.

The interior mirrors the exterior as well with a black lacquer finish on the centre console. A touch of colour comes in the form of purple stitching found on the seats, steering wheel, armrest and door trims.

It’s status quo beneath the hood with the familiar 3.7-litre V6 engine providing 320hp at 7,000 rpm and 360Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm, sent through a seven-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

The comprehensive safety package found on the QX70S includes six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).


No fines for cars that don't display road tax - PDRM

A viral post of a man getting fined for not displaying his car's
road tax physical sticker
 has been clarified by the police.

While the viral post has been deleted, a man who was driving his client's car was flagged at a police roadblock near the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang for not displaying the car's road tax sticker on the window.

Despite politely arguing with the police officer, the summons was still written up for the driver despite not having access to his client's MyJPJ app. As most of you may know, this goes against what Anthony Loke announced back in January 2023.

The Ministry of Transport announced that the physical road tax sticker is no longer required to be displayed on the car's windscreen for some vehicle categories. Downloading the MyJPJ app is highly recommended but in the case of this particular man who's not driving his own personal vehicle (and doesn't have access to the car's road tax in the MyJPJ app) the authorities should be able to gain access without having to issue any summons to the man.

Following the viral post, the Petaling Jaya District Police Headquarters has issued its own statement and clarified that the summons has been cancelled followed by a formal instruction to all officers involved to not issue any summons in accordance with the Ministry of Transport's announcement.

An internal investigation of the officer who issued the summons will also be conducted as well. In other words, the authorities can't issue a summons for your private vehicle if the physical road tax sticker is not displayed on the windscreen.


Subaru Rex 2023 diperkenal di Jepun – Kembar Perodua Ativa, tapi tiada turbo

Setelah sekian lama nama Subaru Rex hilang dari pasaran, kini nama tersebut kembali digunakan oleh
Subaru
setelah memperkenalkan sebuah model
rebadge
 daripada Daihatsu Rocky, Toyota Raize dan Perodua Ativa yang diberi nama Subaru Rex untuk pasaran Jepun

Subaru Rex ialah kereta kelas kei yang dihasilkan dari 1972 hingga 1992 terutamanya untuk dijual di Jepun oleh Subaru, walaupun ia juga dijual di Eropah, Amerika Selatan serta Australia.

Exterior Subaru Rex 2023

Jika dibandingkan antara keempat-empat model kembar ini, Subaru Rex kelihatan lebih menyerupai Daihatsu Rocky, cuma ia hadir dengan beberapa perbezaan kecil seperti logo dan kemasan gril yang sedikit berbeza.

Di pasaran Jepun, Rex ini ditawarkan dalam dua pilihan varian, di mana varian asas G menerima rim aloi 16 inci manakala varian tertinggi, Z menerima rim aloi 17 inci.

Prestasi Subaru Rex 2023

Berbeza dengan
Perodua Ativa
 di Malaysia, Subaru Rex di Jepun tidak dibekalkan dengan enjin 1.0L turbo yang menghasikan 98 PS dan 140 Nm, sebaliknya ia hanya dilengkapi enjin 1.2L NA yang menghasilkan 87 PS dan 113 Nm yang dipadankan dengan transmisi CVT automatik untuk dipacukan ke roda hadapan (FWD).

Interior Subaru Rex 2023

Bahagian dalamannya juga tidak jauh beza dengan kembarnya di mana ia hadir dengan brek parkir automatik atau manual, paparan skrin sentuh infotainment bersaiz sembilan inci dengan sambungan Apple CarPlay dan Android Auto serta kemasan kecil pada tempat duduk bergantung pada varian.

Sistem Keselamatan Subaru Rex 2023

Subaru Rex tidak didatangkan dengan Subaru EyeSight, namun ia hadir dengan sistem keselamatan yang diberi nama Smart Assist seperti Perodua Smart Drive Assist yang dibekalkan pada Perodua Ativa. Sistem tersebut memberikan fungsi sama seperti kembar-kembarnya yang lain seperti:

Pemantau titik buta

Brek kecemasan automatik

Pengenal papan tanda trafik

Bantuan lampu tinggi

Cruise control adaptif

Bantuan kekal lorong

Amaran keluar jalan

Amaran lintasan trafik belakang

Pemantau pandangan panaromik.

Sistem bantuan parkir (boleh ditambah)

Harga

Kembar paling muda untuk model Perodua Ativa/Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize ini dijual pada harga:

Subaru Rex varian G (Asas): 1,820,000 yen (RM60k)

Subaru Rex varian Z: 2,171,100 yen (RM71k)

Untuk perbandingan, Perodua Ativa dijual pada harga RM62,500 hingga RM73,400 di pasaran negara ini.


2021 Toyota Fortuner Launched - From RM172,244

UMW Toyota is picking up from where they left off in 2020 with the launch of the 2021 Toyota Fortuner.

Variants and Price

Two new variants are available:

2.8 VRZ with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, 4x4 – from
RM203,183

2.7 SRZ with a 2.7-litre petrol engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, 4x4 – from
RM172,244

Exterior

The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ is the new flagship variant on offer replacing the previous Fortuner 2.4 VRZ. A new color in the Bronze Mica Metallic - with a Black Roof (terikut X50 Flagship ke ni?) is available exclusively for this new variant. The Black Roof will also be available with the Super White II color option.

Quad-LED headlamps, flanking a mesh-type front grille will also adorn the face of the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ. Restyled lighting clusters together with new front and rear bumpers give this good looking SUV further presence on the road. For that added dose of rugged or adventure lifestyle, the 2021 Toyota Fortuner also comes with a new Skid Plate.

The roof, A-pillars, wing mirrors, and roof-mounted rear spoiler are finished in black. Additionally, the corner mouldings are specially shaped for aerodynamic benefits. If you don’t know or haven’t read how aerodynamics factor into a car’s efficiency, please educate yourself
here
.

Rounding out the exterior are new 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

The interior trim of the 2.8 VRZ comes in a new color and design, not forgetting the new design on the seat upholstery too,  further complementing its premium look and feel.

Both the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ are fitted with LED Interior Lamps, Electrochromic Rearview Mirror (to eliminate dazzle) with 8-way powered controls adjustable seats for the driver and passenger. USB charging ports are also available for powering or recharging your electronic devices.

Flexible seating arrangements and the ability to accommodate seven adults (needs to be tested this claim) make the 2021 Fortuner a very adaptable people-mover. Let’s not forget the ability to fold down the second and third row of seats to provide a longer floor length and more cargo volume will come in handy during those IKEA trips.

For some added sophistication, ambient illumination is also now available on the 2021 Toyota Fortuner. It also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

Powertrain

New 1GD-FTV 4-cylinder common-rail diesel engine (2.8 VRZ)

204 PS at 3,000-3,400 rpm

500 Nm of torque from 1,600 rpm to 2,800 rpm.

Heavy-duty variable nozzle turbocharger and Intercooler

A balance shaft has been incorporated to reduce vibrations and lower noise levels while high efficiency is achieved with the electronically-controlled common rail injection system that can deliver fuel at a maximum pressure of up to 250 MPa.

Variable Flow Control (VFC) Power Steering, which helps to improve fuel economy by reducing the power steering pump consumption torque has also been added to the 2021 Fortuner.

The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ, also comes equipped with SPORT mode which enhances the power steering for responsiveness.

The part-time 4x4 drivetrain provides for maximum capability on all surfaces, from smooth highways to muddy jungle tracks - that’s if you urban warriors ever wander off the concrete. With the shift on-the-fly capability, you won’t have to stop to engage the 4x4, instead simply turn the rotary knob at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Safety

Active Traction Control (A-TRC) - for stability enhancement

Auto Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD) - uses the traction control system to control braking when one of the rear wheels starts to spin. Power is then directed to the wheel with better traction.

The 2.8 VRZ also comes with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of safety features such as:

Pre-collision System (PCS)

Lane Departure Alert (LDA)

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

Yaw Assist Function - activates when lane departure is detected, and additional braking force applied to the inner wheels to direct the vehicle back into the proper lane position.

Warranty

5year/unlimited mileage warranty as per the conditions stated in the Owner’s Handbook.

The 2021 Toyota Fortuner also comes with longer oil change intervals for the turbodiesel engine with a Revised Service Package. The interval is extended to 10,000 kms or 6 months (whichever comes first), from the previous requirement of 5,000 kms/3 months.

Customers can also opt for options such as Wireless Charger (new), Kick Sensor Powered Rear Door (new), Roof-mounted Monitor and Rear Digital Video Recorder at the time of purchase.

Will the 2021 Toyota Fortuner bring fortune to Toyota?

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