Honda DNA and the hard work to the top

                KUALA LUMPUR: The 1 millionth sales unit is a tremendous milestone made possible only by the monumental trust placed in Honda Malaysia by the dealer owners

En route to fulfilling its 2030 vision of leading the advancement of mobility and enable people everywhere in the world to improve their daily lives, Honda Malaysia strives to ensure that all its dealerships internalise the Honda Philosophy.

The Fundamental Belief of the Three Joys is not only the foundation of all Honda Malaysia’s business activities, but also shared by all associates including its dealer partners.

Running a business is no easy task.

Add to it, managing an automotive dealership under the Japanese marque and one must truly embrace Honda's belief and have a special DNA to make a success of it.

 Billy.

Billy Wong, the owner of Ban Lee Heng Motor Sdn Bhd (Ban Lee Heng Motor) shared what it takes to run a three-generation-old dealership.

As one of the dealers that has a long history with Honda, Ban Lee Heng Motor started its business as a bicycle shop which its founder, Datuk Ng Chee Peng grew it to become the sole distributor of Honda motorcycle.

The dealership was then appointed as the sole distributor of Honda cars in 1976.

In the early 1980s, Johnnie Wong joined the dealership as a sales manager and helped to further expand the business to a four-storey shoplot with workshop operation.

He was then elevated to the role of managing director of Ban Lee Heng Motor around the 90’s.

In 2009, Billy followed in his father, Johnnie Wong’s footsteps and ventured into the business starting out as a Sales Advisor.

He was, in his words, “fed to the sharks and started the learning curve from the basics, serving customers in the showroom” before he could become the sales manager.

He received much guidance and support from countless sensei (mentors) at other dealers and Honda Malaysia throughout his journey in Ban Lee Heng Motor.

 Lee.

One of his mentors, Lee Eng Kee, managing director of Ban Chu Bee Sdn Bhd (Ban Chu Bee) in Kelantan said, “Ban Chu Bee is a second-generation business passed down by my father. Thus, I always share my experience as a dealer owner and successor with Billy by encouraging him to always learn, adapt to changes and encourage self as well as keep moving forward with his goal. Billy is a courageous and aggressive leader and I believe he will be able to achieve more accomplishments in the future.”

 Haziq Shamsul Hakim representing Shamsul.

Shamsul Hakim, director of Johor-based Yong Ming Motor Sdn Bhd (Yong Ming Motor) has been in the business since the 1970s and has grown the dealership to become one of the esteemed Honda dealers.

He is the second mentor that Billy looks up to, who has also taught him the key to excellence in customer service.

“Honesty is the best policy, especially in treating Honda customers with distinction – this is what I shared with Billy. I knew him when he was still a young student, and he has consistently demonstrated honesty. He upholds integrity in his business and interactions with everyone.

“I believe Ban Lee Heng Motor is in good hands as Billy has inherited the best of his father’s qualities. I am confident that he will continue to take the business up another notch,” he said.

Apart from them, Billy also heeded business advices from Ong Kok Hong from Peringgit Sri Auto Sdn Bhd (Peringgit Sri Auto) in Klang Valley.

The Honda dealership started its business dealing in motorcycles in the 1970s in Temerloh, Pahang, and has eventually developed into one of Honda Malaysia’s prominent dealer partners with five dealerships in Klang Valley and Pahang.

 Ong.

Ong said, “Both Billy’s and my families go way back. I learnt a lot from Billy’s father and at the same time, I have seen Billy grow up from this little boy to now being a leader of a dealership with more than 200 employees. I remember my first advice to him was ‘Customer is always right!’, and I can see that he always keeps that in mind until today. I am very proud of him and I believe that he will bring his family business to an even greater height.”

Such accolades portray the close relationship and cooperation between Honda dealers in Malaysia regardless of location.

They share a mutual goal of providing outstanding service to Honda customers. Billy’s experience made him a good mentor to two high-performing sales managers who were brought in to help manage the Honda dealerships in Seremban and Melaka in 2014, respectively.

It was at that point that he realised it was time to step up into the role of a dealer owner.

As one of the youngest dealer owners in the network, Billy shared the toughest aspect of running a dealership – the high expectations that come along with the role.

Nevertheless, it did not stop him from wanting to improve himself to become a leader that is not only responsible, but is also dedicated in helping his employees thrive in the company.

He said, “Sitting as the head of an organization, I constantly look around and see the faces of nearly 200 colleagues of mine, looking up to me for leadership and direction.

Their fate is inevitably tied to each and every of my decision making. There is the daunting reality that should I make a horrible mistake, I may sink the ship and take with me the livelihoods of my colleagues. To bear that weight on my back was something I never intended nor expected when I started my career.”

“Yet, this supposed hardship is also what drives me to continue to perform to the best of my ability. My most difficult task is also my most important motivation. Indeed, as time passes, I feel that it is more of a privilege than a burden,” Billy added.

He has had many unique experiences throughout his journey with Ban Lee Heng Motor.

One of the most impactful sales experiences was when his Challenging Spirit was called upon to close the sales of a Honda Insight to a doctor in year 2010.

He managed to turn a difficult situation around and gained one of the most loyal customers. Through this sales experience, Billy learnt that treating each customer with an earnest and humble heart enables him to gain a valued customer and at the same time, a good friend.

Perseverance is the principle that Billy holds tightly onto since the beginning.

It was inspired by Honda’s founder, Soichiro Honda, who once said, “Success is 99% failure.”

For Billy, perseverance is the key to endure many failures in his pursuit of success in running a Honda dealership.

It is even more relevant during these trying times. Drawing on this principle, Billy motivates his employees by projecting strength and confidence.

This in turn enables his employees to have a strong belief in him and in the company, that they will get through these challenging times together.

“I believe that better times are just round the corner, so I always tell my people to keep it together and persevere. Perhaps the 1 millionth sales unit milestone may turn out to be the turning point of our predicament.

“This is a tremendous milestone made possible only by the monumental trust placed in us by our customers. For that, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to them, and that I will continue to strive to serve each and every customer to the best of my ability. I hope our customers will continue to place their trust in us for years and generations to come,” Billy said.

Being born and bred into the Honda family, Billy knows that Honda, is more than just a brand that he represents.

It is an identity that runs in the family. His father was once asked about his blood type and he famously answered, “Type H”.

For Billy, he inherited the blood “Type H” and he hopes the generations that follow suit will have the same Honda DNA and blood type.

He said, “It is their freedom to decide their destiny on their own. Should they elect to take up the mantle, I shall surely groom them the way I have been – to the sharks!”


An hourglass timer for 15 minutes' parking: German town test new rule

A car in Cloppenburg fitted with the hourglass. - dpa

BREMEN: Motorists in a small German town near here are being asked to use hourglasses to show how long they've parked their car, a new method that lets drivers park free of charge for 15 minutes.

The new regulation, which went into effect in Cloppenburg in May, calls for drivers to use a special hourglass sold by the town authorities that marks the time precisely.

Authorities say they'll fine any driver who tries to cheat by turning the hourglass over again.

 The hourglass is cheap and can be bought for €3. - dpa

The measure is aimed at giving drivers enough time to drop into the post office or pick up a prescription from the pharmacy, a townhall spokesman said. It applies to all public parking places in the town of some 35,000 inhabitants located 58km south-east of here.

The hourglasses, costing €3 (RM14) each, must be affixed to the driver-side window with a suction cup. If broken, they can be replaced free of charge on handing in the old one.

Some 300 had been sold by noon on the first day of the new measure. Similar schemes are in place in other parts of Germany.


Shell to vastly expand EV charging network in Britain

                LONDON: Royal Dutch Shell announced today plans to vastly expand its network of electric vehicle charging points in Britain, aiming to install 50,000 on-street posts by 2025 as part of its global rollout.

Shell will implement the plans through ubitricity, an on-street charging point company that it acquired in February which operates around 3,600 chargers in Britain.

The expansion is part of a government-backed push to rapidly grow Britain's electric vehicle (EV) fleet in line with a target to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. Britain also plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

According to a government report published in July, between 280,000 and 480,000 charging points will be needed in Britain by 2030, compared with today's 25,000 spots.

To support its charging point expansion, Shell plans to help local authorities finance their installation. While the government has offered to meet 75% of the installation costs for the on-street chargers, Shell will help local councils to finance the remaining 25%, it said.

The chargers, usually located on lamp-posts, have a relatively low charging capacity of 5.5 kilowatt hour and are mostly intended for use overnight or during work hours.

Ubitricity's website says the chargers are compatible with standard European plugs and suitable for all new electric cars.

Shell will make money from installing and maintaining the charge points as well as by supplying their power, which will be sourced only from renewable energy, it said.

The Anglo-Dutch company did not provide financial details, but each charging point is estimated to cost between US$3,000 and US$5,000, Bernstein analysts said.

Shell aims to grow its global network of electric vehicle charging points from over 60,000 points today to 500,000 in 2025 as part of its strategy to become a net zero emissions company by mid-century.


Ford GT snap kits coming to Detroit auto show

                DETROIT: Children can get their very first Ford GT when they stop by the Ford stand at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit auto show) in January. Ford is giving away Revell-built Ford GT model snap kits and will introduce a retail line in April.

The auto show kit includes 14 pieces for easy assembly in just a few minutes, and will feature a unique auto show stamp on the bottom to signify the special edition. The retail model is more detailed; it has 28 pieces and will take 10 to 15 minutes to build. The retail kit will be available to purchase for US$14.99 (RM65).

“Our annual Revell Make ‘n Take model kit program has become a fun-filled auto show tradition,” said Mark Bentley, Ford Licensing manager. “Letting kids build their own Ford GT is a great way to introduce them to the Ford brand and create new enthusiasts.”

Ford has worked with Illinois-based Revell to build snap kits for auto shows and for retail sale since 2013. The licensing agreement started with Mustang, followed by a Raptor version.


British car designers are being poached by Chinese automakers

                LONDON: Chinese car companies with global ambitions are hiring designers from some of the most iconic names in the British auto world.

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd., the company controlled by Volvo Car Group owner and billionaire Li Shufu, named Wayne Burgess (pic) as the head of a new design studio to be based in the UK manufacturing hub of Coventry, Geely said in a statement Friday.

Burgess was the chief designer at Jaguar Land Rover and also worked at Aston Martin Lagonda. He led the team that created the F‑PACE, XE, XF, F‑TYPE, and XJ models. He was also credited with designing the exterior of the Aston DB9.

Li isn’t the first Chinese auto titan to snap up British car design talent.

China FAW Group Corp., the carmaker that developed the Red Flag limousine for Chairman Mao Zedong six decades ago, last year hired Giles Taylor to lead its auto design team. Taylor helped create vehicles such as the Phantom VIII and the Cullinan SUV for Rolls-Royce.

Geely’s UK studio will expand to include 100 designers and support staff within the next five years and provide backup in-house design for its brands that include Proton and Lotus. Li is also the biggest shareholder of Mercedes Benz-maker, Daimler AG.


Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail concept at Geneva

                LONDON: Nissan will showcase two striking special versions of its best-selling crossovers, the Qashqai and X-Trail, at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Taking the current models as a starting point, Nissan has explored how a more premium and dynamic design interpretation could enhance and extend the appeal of its award-winning crossover range in the future.

The two cars are called the Qashqai Premium Concept and the X-Trail Premium Concept. While they are separate models, the colours, materials and themes which run through them mean they are unmistakably a pair.

The Qashqai Premium Concept has been created by Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the heart of London, while the X-Trail Premium Concept is the work of Nissan’s Global Design Centre (GDC) in Japan.

With crossovers playing such an integral part in Nissan’s continuing success across Europe, these two Premium Concepts showcase Nissan’s desire to extend the target market while acknowledging customer diversity.

Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President, Design and Chief Creative Officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. commented: “We allowed the creativity of our design teams to shine through in this two-car project. Ultimately we settled on two designs – which are contrasting but share common themes – as they reveal a new premium character in our crossovers.”

From how the Nissan design language is expressed to the advanced materials are used, both cars offer a fresh take on the widespread appeal of a premium Nissan crossover. Considering the concept of the urban explorer, each Premium Concept has a unique execution and is designed to appeal to a very different customer.

The Qashqai has been designed for the ‘Premium Urbanite’, who dreams of a weekend absorbing the cultural highlights of a European destination city such as Geneva, Paris or Rome. The X-Trail is targeted for the ‘Premium Adventurist’, who will be thinking of mountain adventures in the Alps or the Pyrenees.

Common to both cars is a simple yet vibrant colour palette; the stark appeal of black and white, contrasting with a premium golden copper which brings elegance and warmth to the crossover.

Using a contemporary matt black as its dominant colour, the Qashqai Premium Concept cleverly blends design, colour and new materials.

The interior of the Qashqai redefines premium quality in the compact crossover segment, using soft white Nappa leather upholstery, which is usually found in luxury cars, with quilting finish on the central section of seat back and base. The expression of quality is further enhanced by the use of a unique premium golden copper gold weave carbon fibre throughout the interior, with a striking black satin chrome and liquid gloss black on the steering wheel and gear shifter.

In stark contrast to its sibling, the X-Trail Premium Concept uses a matt white paint as its main colour. The bonnet and roof are crafted with deep black matt carbon fibre, giving the car a truly premium yet tough feeling, as well as a lightweight impression.

The interior upholstery is premium leather, with a natural tan and black colour scheme that reflects the car’s appeal to adventurous customers.


PSA's upscale DS brand says it has secure future within merged group

                PARIS: The 2019 sales performance of Peugot SA’s upscale DS brand shows it deserves to have a future within the merged PSA, Fiat Chrysler group, the brand’s CEO said.

PSA and Fiat Chrysler struck a US$50 billion deal in December to create the world’s No. 4 carmaker, to cope better with market turmoil and the cost of making less-polluting vehicles. The deal is expected to be finalised in early 2021.

The combined business will have 14 brands with Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Fiat among those competing in the mass market segments and notably Alfa Romeo and DS in the premium sectors.

“The future of a brand hinges on its credibility and success. If one looks at what DS did in 2019, obviously the future of DS is not an issue,” said DS CEO Beatrice Foucher, who took up the role at the start of the year.

DS focuses on SUVs and a premium sedan and aims to compete with Mercedes and BMW.

While PSA boss Carlos Tavares has said that there were no immediate plans to change anything in the large portfolio of brands within the combined group, analysts wonder if DS, which is newer than Alfa Romeo to premium, will be able to co-exist with the Italian brand.

After five consecutive years of decline, DS eked out a 0.8% gain in sales in 2018, accelerating to 17.5% growth in 2019. However, sales volumes of 62,500 last year were far below their peak in 2012.

Last year, Alfa Romeo had sales volumes of around 85,000 vehicles, according to an industry source.

With its SUV DS7 and DS3 Crossbacks produced in France and its DS9 flagship sedan made in China, DS plays the card of “French-style luxury” to compete with German models that dominate the sector. It relies on Europe for 90% of its sales and will have 450 dealerships by end-2020.


BMW says phone app may make key fob obsolete

                FRANKFURT: BMW is reviewing the necessity of car keys, Ian Robertson, says the company’s board member responsible for sales.

The fact that customers now all carry a smartphone and the availability of a BMW App which allows customers to unlock their vehicle, has made old fashioned keys less relevant.

“Honestly, how many people really need it,” Robertson said in an interview at the Frankfurt car show, explaining that customers no longer had to put the key in the ignition to make the car start.

“They never take it out of their pocket, so why do I need to carry it around?,” Robertson said, adding that the company was looking at getting rid of keys altogether.

“We are looking at whether it is feasible, and whether we can do it. Whether we do it right now or at some point in the future, remains to be seen,” Robertson said.


CES 2021: Car dashboards are getting ever smarter

                WASHINGTON: For several years now, cars have had a prominent place at the CES in Las Vegas. For this 2021 edition, which this year is entirely virtual, manufacturers are revolutionising the good old dashboard, which has been transformed into a real digital console.

Both Mercedes and BMW are making a splash in this area with their new touch-sensitive and intelligent interfaces.

It's hard to miss the MBUX Hyperscreen presented by Mercedes, which will adorn (as an option) the dashboard of its future large electric sedan EQS, to be launched this year.

Extremely impressive, this curved screen covers almost the entire dashboard and concentrates all the information necessary for driving and infotainment in one location. But it's also packed with artificial intelligence, which materialises as personalised suggestions on the screen for driving comfort and entertainment.

In fact, the most important apps will always come up intuitively and contextually, at the highest visual level. The MBUX Hyperscreen can also be adapted for the front passenger to offer them a dedicated display.

BMW is also using the event to unveil the latest generation of its iDrive system, which is smarter than ever. The BMW iX, the brand's future electric SUV, expected later this year, will inaugurate this new version and its new generation of dedicated display.

First of all, thanks to new sensors and increased digital intelligence, certain driving and parking tasks are expected to be automated.

Secondly, the system will enable greater communication with the outside world for car and driver to be informed in real time of traffic conditions or potential incidents along the route. It will also be able to receive and display hazard warnings from other BMW models equipped with iDrive.

The ultimate goal is to be able to use the full potential of a connected vehicle to make it an ever safer and more enjoyable means of transport.


Ghosn to make first public appearance in court on Tuesday

                TOKYO: Ousted Nissan Motor Co Ltd chairman Carlos Ghosn is set to appear in a Tokyo court on Tuesday after he requested an open hearing to hear the reason for his continued detention.

It would be Ghosn’s first public appearance since he was arrested on Nov 19 on allegations of financial misconduct. He has been detained since then and has also been re-arrested over further allegations.

The hearing will take place at 10:30 local time (0130 GMT) on Jan 8, the court said today.

Earlier this week, the Tokyo District Court approved an extension to Ghosn’s detention until Jan 11, after re-arrest by prosecutors who accuse him of aggravated breach of trust in transferring personal investment losses to Nissan.

The allegations center on the use of company funds to pay a Saudi businessman who is believed to have helped him out of financial difficulties, sources said last week.

Ghosn has already been charged for allegedly under-reporting his income. He has denied the allegations, local media has said. The reason behind the timing of the request for a court hearing was not clear.

Former Nissan executive Greg Kelly, who has been charged with conspiring to under-report Ghosn’s income, has been released on bail after the court ruled against extending his detention while he awaits trial.

Ghosn’s arrest has rocked the auto industry and strained Nissan’s ties with French automaking partner Renault SA, where he still remains chairman and chief executive.


Miataland: The Italian country resort hiding a Mazda roadster heaven

                ROME: Umbria, the scenic landlocked region in the heart of Italy home to Perugia, Assisi and other medieval beauties, is not an obvious destination for car aficionados.

But Miataland, a countryside resort in Collazzone, some 150km north of here, has a special attraction for petrolheads: a collection of 49 Mazda MX-5 roadsters, allegedly the world's largest.

The rear-wheel drive Japanese two-seater, first launched in 1989 and now into its fourth generation, is seen as the spiritual heir of the classic top-down British sports cars of the 1960s.

"It just take two or three hours on these cars to fall in love with them, you don't need to do anything: the car will do all the work," Miataland owner Andrea Mancini says.

The MX-5 - known as Mazda Eunos in Japan and Miata in the United States - has been Mancini's fixation since it first hit the showrooms.

But he is happy to share his passion: In what may be a unique feature, guests of his resort can not only gaze at his cars, but also drive them.

For every day of your stay, you are welcome to drive one of the roadsters for up to 60km - fuel costs excluded - and explore the surrounding Umbrian country roads.

The experience is exhilarating for everybody, Mancini assures. "I've never seen anybody get out of the car and say, 'mmm, nice car, but..."

He says that after the test drive, he regularly spots Miataland guests flicking through their mobiles, checking out second-hand ads for MX-5s.

The 50-year-old Roman is a clear car nut. He would be happy to talk for hours about the various engine, colour, wheel and seat specifications that distinguish his 49 cherished roadsters.

"I don't like so much to go into the technical details, but rather tell the stories of how I got them. For example, the Japanese ones are shipped to England, and I then drive them here," he says.

His eyes lit up on more arcane details - such as taking years to find the door card document holder specific to the ultra-rare M2 model, which he finally bought online "at a price I'd rather not say."

Mancini says he has no favourites in his collection, but the M2 models stand out: "I have five, and they are the only five that exist in Europe," he says.

His first MX-5 was a bog-standard black 1.6-litre first generation model, bought second-hand in 1998. It was a trade-in at the Ford dealer where Mancini worked at the time.

It is the only MX-5 Mancini ever sold, something he still regrets. His collection grew gradually in the following years, initially with the help of his family.

"I made my brother buy an MX-5, paying half of it, then bought it outright when he got tired of it. Then I made my father buy one, then my father-in-law..."

Eventually, the villa outside Rome where Mancini was living filled up with cars. "It was beautiful, with a garden, but it was entirely filled with cars, we used to park outside," he recalls.

This necessitated a move to a larger place.

Miataland has been operational since 2018. It features a large wooden barn giving shelter to most of Mancini's cars, all parked so tight that he says it takes a couple of days to move all them out.

"It's not something you can do in a couple of spare hours," he quips.

Mancini works in the auto industry, but has no professional ties with Mazda: he is a sales and marketing executive with Jaguar Land Rover Italia.

He also has a wife, whom he says has learned to live with his obsession.

"She's feels a bit better about it now, because it's part of a commercial activity, somehow. Beforehand, for her, it was just a pointless fixation."


Mustang Mach-E delivered to first customers in China

                SHANGHAI: The award winning Mustang Mach-E was officially delivered to first customers in China on Dec 26.

Among the customers to receive the vehicle was ad executive and Mustang fan Jin Zhang, who will use his Mach-E as a family vehicle. He is pictured being handed the keys to his new Mach-E by Mark Kaufman, general manager, Ford China BEV Division.

The locally-produced Mach-E is being sold via Ford BEV’s growing network of direct-to-customer stores located in major Chinese metropolitan markets.

Currently, there are 25 such stores dedicated to the sale of Ford electric vehicles in China.


Sarawak to build six new hydrogen refuelling stations in the state, says Abang Johari

The hydrogen stations are being used to refuel three fuel cell electric buses that are being tested. — Image from dayakdaily
KUCHING: Sarawak plans to build six more hydrogen refuelling stations in the state in its effort to develop a "green transport" sector, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Two of the proposed stations would be located in Kuching and one each in Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

He said an integrated hydrogen production plant and refuelling station, touted to be the first in South-East Asia, was commissioned in Kuching this year by Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) as a pilot research facility.

“As part of our research on the viability of this fuel of the future, we are currently testing three hydrogen buses on the road. These buses are under the ownership and management of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, ” he said at the opening of the inaugural Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum here today.

The buses are produced by a company in China called Foshan Feichi Automobile Manufacturing Co Ltd.

Abang Johari said the outcome of the research would guide Sarawak on the application of hydrogen and fuel cells in the future.

“This research is vital towards developing a ‘hydrogen economy’ for Sarawak.

“Sarawak provides an ideal setting for enabling the hydrogen economy, given our abundant hydropower resources which enable the production of clean hydrogen from source, ” he added.

Abang Johari also said the state would continue to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and develop a modern and efficient public transport system with minimal impact on the environment.

Sarawak, he added, was looking into building smart cities with smart power grids to improve efficiency, sustainability and welfare of the people.

“All this requires energy, so it is inevitable that we achieve energy security first for this next phase of development to take shape, ” he said.

In line with this, he said Sarawak was pursuing a balanced and holistic energy development strategy to ensure energy security, sustainability and affordability.

“While we believe that environmental sustainability is crucial, energy affordability and security are key factors in how we develop our energy resources for the region and beyond.

“This means achieving a realistic balance by maintaining predominantly renewable hydropower in our generation mix with indigenous coal and gas for energy security, ” he said.


Auto industry races into metaverse at CES

                LAS VEGAS: Allowing the driver of an autonomous vehicle to watch a movie, a dealer to sell automobiles from a "virtual" car lot, or an engineer to simulate how a new part fits: the auto industry is getting a tantalizing taste of the metaverse at the huge CES technology show.

One gadget on display in Las Vegas is an in-car television system, developed by French parts maker Valeo, that needs no remote.

To change the channel, drivers or passengers wearing a headset make a simple swipe in the air with their hand, and sensors in the car detect the movement.

For users who dislike the feel of a full headset, sensors on a vehicle's exterior make it possible to integrate actual pedestrians or landscapes into virtual reality (VR) images, said Ghaya Khemiri, who leads the Valeo project.

And if sensors detect that a person is feeling stressed, the system can offer soothing images to promote relaxation.

At Valeo, "we're doing a lot of work on electric and autonomous cars, and work a lot on sensors," Khemiri said. "We had asked ourselves what we could offer (with them) for users' pleasure."

The company's system, still in prototype, would initially be meant for use by passengers, or drivers on break, such as when charging their electric vehicle.

Once vehicles become entirely autonomous, the driver could possibly use it while on the road.

Movies on the windshield

Holoride, a start-up backed by automaker Audi, is already selling a virtual reality headset intended solely for rear-seat passengers.

The system allows users to watch a movie or play a video game using a controller, and synchronizes VR content to the movements of the car to prevent nausea.

A new version introduced by Holoride at CES can work in any car.

German automaker BMW on Wednesday presented a concept car for upcoming models that combines "the real and virtual worlds."

The system showcases a potential project involving augmented reality images projected on the windshield -- such as the car's speed or direction -- and could even transform the entire windshield into a screen to watch a movie.

"Although a fully immersive, interconnected metaverse remains years away, mobility stakeholders can already capture real business value from the technologies designed to enable it," said a report from the McKinsey consulting firm, published on the eve of the CES show, which ends Sunday.

One example: Italian carmaker Fiat in December launched what it called "a metaverse store" where clients can research, configure and even purchase a vehicle with the help of an online assistant.

Remote repairs

If technologies continue to improve - notably the "haptic" devices that simulate a touching sensation - consumers could virtually "examine a highly realistic replica of a vehicle, opening its doors, feeling its seats, accelerating onto a highway — just as they would with a real car," McKinsey said.

And if a vehicle breaks down, a technician could remotely guide a user to make simple repairs.

The metaverse can play a role in designing new products or more easily testing them in differing environments.

Alexandre Corjon, the head of innovation for French parts maker Plastic Omnium, came to CES to explore ways his company could apply the new technologies.

The metaverse could, for example, make it possible to show a client how a recycled material might react in a specific form and "demonstrate to the designer the effect that would have" on the vehicle, he said. It could also show the superiority of a new product.

The group might also experiment with using the metaverse for meetings of its global management team - saving them the hassle of hitting the road in the first place.


Why are some cars just 'four-door' and others 'five-door'?

                BERLIN: You may come across the rather strange distinction between four-door and five-door cars and wondered: Do some car companies not count the boot? Or is there some hidden fifth door for passengers that you'd never noticed?

It might just seem like a bit of car trivia, but understanding the difference will actually help you pick a model suited to your needs the next time you're out car shopping.

"Four-door cars are primarily found in classic notchback saloons," says Achmed Leser from inspection agency Tuv, explaining that the subtle difference is essentially about whether or not you could get into the car through the boot.

"Here, the passenger compartment is completely separated from the boot by the rear seat," which explains why the boot on four-door cars isn't counted as a proper "door," since you can't technically get into the car that way.

In the European car market, for example, four-door notchback cars with a separate boot area are typically found on cars in the mid-range and upwards, but you'll also find this design in the compact class.

"In the 1980s, they were also found sporadically in the small car segment," says Leser.

On the other hand, five-door cars offer five different ways to enter a car - including climbing in through the boot. This variety has become increasingly popular thanks to the unstoppable SUV trend, as well as a growing number of hatchbacks.

The five-door design is primarily found in hatchback models with a sloping boot, but the term is also used for classic estates and SUVs with a boot that is practically vertical.

However, things can get a little more confusing with some other special designs. Some manufacturers, for example, offer saloons with a coupe-like roof line in upper-mid-range and luxury-class models. Here the rear window is integrated into a large boot. "You can also count these vehicles among the five-door models," says Achmed Leser.

So does it matter if you buy a four-door or five-door car in terms of usability? Yes, and many drivers would agree that five-door cars have a clear advantage as they generally mean a bigger maximum volume for carrying cargo.

In contrast to the smaller fixed size of the boot in a four-door car, the five-door counterpart allows you to open a large part of the car's rear and typically expand the volume by folding down seats.

"This makes it easier to stow bulky luggage in particular, even if there's not much volume in the boot to begin with," says the car expert.


Pagani looks like it's going to build electric hypercar

Pagani Huayra BC.
BOLOGNA: Considering the work, talent and knowhow that go into producing a new supercar, it's staggering how many small companies and startups aim to build and sell them. Of course, many fail, sometimes even before their vision comes to fruition, but Pagani isn't one of them.

It may be a very small player compared to the likes of Lamborghini and Ferrari, but next year marks Pagani's 20th anniversary. And ahead of the occasion, the company's founder Horacio Pagani has told the UK's Autocar publication that electric power could well be the future of the brand.

It can't be easy to get buyers to part with serious money for a new super car, especially for automakers that don't have the benefit of one of the great names of international motorsport behind them. But Pagani certainly managed it with its first car, the Zonda, and its second model, the Huayra, is also selling nicely at more than €2.5 million (RM11.6mil) each for the Roadster.

 The Zonda 760 Oliver Evolution.

No matter how large or small the carmaker though, sitting on your laurels isn't an option. So it's no surprise considering the way the industry is going that Pagani is giving serious consideration to producing an electric hypercar sometime in the not-too-distant future.

Today, Pagani produces between 35 and 40 cars per year, but the boss sees being a small, family concern and not part of a big corporation or group as a positive advantage that allows the company to adapt quickly. Pagani told Autocar: "We are a small, family-owned group. We do not belong to a big corporation or a large automotive group where you lose your freedom. We are able to do things in a swift way."

There are no plans to ditch internal combustion engines, but work has already begun developing an EV alongside combustion engine models. But Pagani doesn't see hybrids as something suitable for the brand.

"I imagine a car that is fully electric," says Pagani. "I love the design and the style of the [Porsche] 918, but it will only allow you to drive around 25km in full-electric mode. When the battery runs out, you are still carrying the batteries around with your combustion engine. That's about 300kg of weight – useless weight."

And to continue the revolutionary flair he's become known for over the years, Pagani also confirmed he's asked his development team whether a future EV could be offered with a manual gearbox. Despite being told a manual box isn't needed on an EV, don't rule it out when the first all-electric Pagani is finally unveiled.


Proposed drink-driving amendments to Road Transport Act to be finalised by mid-June

A fatal accident caused by a suspected drunk driver in Kuantan on Sunday.— Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry will finalise the proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 on drink-driving by mid-June, says its Minister.

Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the ministry together with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will hold a briefing session on June 1 to review the proposed amendments to the Act.

"The amendments to the Act must be finalised by mid-June taking into consideration the views of the public through an ongoing research questionnaire before it is presented at a Cabinet meeting," he said.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page Tuesday, Dr Wee added that he was saddened by news of accidents throughout the month of May involving especially drunk drivers.

"I have taken the opportunity including this Hari Raya holidays and the conditional movement control order (MCO) period to be at the Transport Ministry office to review all proposed amendments on the Road Transport Act 1987, especially on drink-driving, drugs, and dangerous driving resulting in the injury or death of a road user," he said.

Dr Wee said the research questionnaire by the ministry was done through its Logistics and Transportation Division.

On May 4, Dr Wee said the government is considering mandatory jail sentences for those caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

He noted that drunk drivers in other countries faced jail time rather than the mere suspension of their driving licences.

He added that if mandatory prison time was introduced, it might give some awareness to those who choose to drive under the influence.

Dr Wee also said it was time to bring justice to the victims of drunk drivers, adding that there was no reason for anyone to drive after drinking as e-hailing services were widely available in the country.


Torsus announces its latest off-road bus, Terrastorm

                PRAGUE: Torsus, manufacturer of the world’s toughest, heavy-duty off-road buses, has announced its latest model, Terrastorm, due for release later this month.

The 4x4 Torsus Terrastorm, based on a Volkswagen Crafter 4Motion chassis, features uprated heavy-duty off-road suspension and is powered by EURO VI engines will reach places that other vehicles will not be able to get to.

Offered in a variety of configurations, it will appeal to people, businesses and organisations that need a truly dependable, rugged and incredibly capable vehicle.

It is a vehicle engineered to be ready to transport people and cargo to and from some of the toughest jobs such as mining and emergency aid wherever and whenever it is needed – no matter the location.

Vakhtang Dzhukashvili, founder and CEO of Torsus said: “At Torsus, we are breaking new ground by designing, developing and manufacturing the world’s toughest off-road buses. In the all-new Terrastorm we signal our ambition to set new standards in the heavy-duty 4x4 minibus market across some of the toughest industries known to man.”

The Torsus Terrastorm will be revealed in its entirety later this month with sales starting in Q3 2020.


Proton recalls selected Inspiras

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton is recalling earlier batches of Inspiras to check for a flaw that could cause engine overheating.

It is recalling Inspiras produced between September 2010 and May 2011.

As is typical in recalls, affected car owners need not pay for the cost of repairs and replacements, if any.

Proton said it has also posted letters to affected Inspira owners, urging them to send in their cars for a free inspection.

The national car maker said in a statement that the drive belt pulley unit may wear off prematurely after a certain mileage or driving conditions. This could cause the pulley unit to break down, leading to excessive battery drain and engine overheating.

Drivers may also find the steering wheel harder to turn as a result of power loss in the power steering system.

Proton customers are advised to call its hotline 1800 888 398 or e-mail: customercare@proton.com to set up an appointment or for any enquiries.

Proton’s announcement came in the wake of a Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recall in January on the fully imported Lancer over the same issue.

The Inspira, based on the Lancer, was launched on Nov 10, 2010. It replaced the Waja and Proton had previously said that although the Inspira looked similar to the Lancer, it is sold at a cheaper price point and had been “enhanced further by Proton in terms of its performance and ride comfort.”

The Inspira was the result of an OEM collaboration between Proton and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

Shortly after the Inspira launch, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia clarified that the Lancer lookalike was a one-off deal with Proton.

Its late CEO, Tetsuya Oda, had said that while the Inspira was modelled after the Lancer, it differed in a number of ways – with both having their own unique traits, allowing each respective car to differentiate itself in the marketplace.

According to the 2010 Year-End Zeitgeist report released by Google ,  the C-segment Inspira was the year’s most popular search over Google among Malaysians.

Read the Inspira review here.


2017 Proton Iriz Premium: Good value and a better drive

                Nearly three years after it was first launched, the Proton Iriz gets a refined powertrain for a smoother drive, and improvements for better noise insulation and lower NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

Lessons learnt from the re-calibration of the Proton Persona sedan's powertrain were applied here, resulting in the Iriz B-segment five-door hatchback providing smoother power delivery.

To recap, this refined Iriz also has a 3-point engine mount system, similar to the Proton Persona sedan, which reduces vibration transmission into the cabin, for better occupant comfort.

Proton has also packaged the Iriz well, as the car received the maximum 5-Star ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries) safety rating for all variants.

Recently, we test drove the top-range 1.6-litre Premium CVT Iriz which has a black roof for a two-tone colour exterior, and Smart Link feature for the infotainment system.

To recap, the Iriz Premium variant has a 107hp/150Nm 1.6-litre DOHC engine with VVT (variable valve timing), mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

It provided a pleasant drive, and power delivery was quite linear, with smooth and steady acceleration.

We noted that on the highway, the tachometer needle hovered around 2,100 to 2,200rpm when we drove at 80kph.

At 100kph, the tachometer needle was at 2,600 to 2,700rpm and at 110kph, we noted the needle hovered at the 3,000rpm mark.

We also found the powertrain to be a tad noisy under hard acceleration, but this did not detract much from the comfortable ride experience and enjoyable handling behaviour on winding roads.

Running on Goodyear Assurance tyres sized 185/55 R15, we found the Iriz Premium to be a smooth, pleasant drive on the highway especially at speeds below 100kph.

The electric power steering is light, and precise.

Regarding the interior, the mixed fabric/leather seats felt firm and solid, while the black plastic trim didn't look cheap.

There's no central storage box between the front seats; instead, you get the convenience of three molded recessed holes to store small items, two USB charging slots and a hand brake.

Another USB slot is found below the air conditioning switches, and the Iriz Premium has a solid infotainment system consisting of a touchscreen audio system with four speakers, Bluetooth and GPS navigation, DVD player, voice command and Smart E-Link.

Audio quality is crisp and high quality, with the audio switches on the steering wheel providing more convenience.

Press a button at the end of the right control stalk, and you get useful data like distance remaining before refuelling, time period and distance before the next scheduled service, trip meter, average speed and fuel consumption.

The reverse camera is a bonus when parking in tight spots.

There are also a engine start-stop button and keyless entry (via button on driver's door), and we must commend Proton for packing all these nice comfort features into the Iriz Premium.

Safety feature include six airbags, ABS (anti-lock brake system) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution), brake assist, ESC (electronic stability control), traction control, hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether.

It is priced at RM58,800 on-the-road, and has a 5-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

In summary, the Iriz Premium has improved driveability and represents great value for money.

Proton Iriz 1.6L (Premium)

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve, VVT (variable valve timing)
Maximum power: 107hp at 5,750rpm
Maximum torque: 150Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: CVT (continuously variable transmission).
Features: Six airbags, ABS (anti-lock brake system) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution), brake assist, ESC (electronic stability control), traction control, hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether, reverse camera, engine start-stop button and keyless entry (via button on driver's door), touchscreen audio system with 4 speakers, Bluetooth and GPS navigation, DVD player, voice command and Smart E-Link, 3 USB charging slots, audio switches on steering wheel, remote trunk release, EPS (electric power steering)
Price: RM58,800 on-the-road, and 5-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) warranty


UK firm claims its battery tech will make recharging as convenient as refuelling a petrol car

                LONDON: British battery tech company Nyobolt is planning to slash electric car charging time down to just a few minutes as it brings its patented fast-charging battery technology to the world of electric vehicles through a partnership with design and engineering business, CALLUM.

Nyobolt is set to present a complete rethink to the automotive sector with batteries no longer the limiting factor in electric car development. By unlocking the potential of battery performance, Nyobolt said it has created a technology that is manufacturable and scalable now and will make recharging as convenient as refuelling a petrol or diesel car.

To achieve this technological breakthrough, Nyobolt’s team has taken a systems-level approach in developing fast-charging, high-power battery solutions.

READ MORE: StoreDot and Vingroup in Extreme Fast Charging venture

With CALLUM’s automotive design and engineering capabilities, as well as its in-house engineering facilities in Warwickshire, the companies will collaborate on projects that incorporate this patented battery technology.

The first automotive concept, which demonstrates how the technology can be used in passenger vehicles, will be unveiled in June this year. It has been designed by car designer Julian Thomson – now design director at General Motors Advanced Design Europe – with the concept developed and executed by CALLUM.

“At Nyobolt we are unlocking the potential of battery technology to power innovations that cannot wait," said Nyobolt CEO Dr Sai Shivareddy.

"The fast-paced switch to battery electric vehicles across the world is a great example of an industry that needs our patented battery right now to slash charging times from hours to a few minutes."


Driving Hyundai Sonata to PD

                Making its Malaysian debut in December last year, the seventh generation Hyundai Sonata LF has been restyled to project a more elegant aura over the previous model’s aggressive looks.

We had an opportunity to test this latest incarnation in its range-topping Executive trim, costing RM158,053 (on-the-road with insurance) with a quick drive from Kuala Lumpur to a small town in Negeri Sembilan that was once known for its charcoal and tin ore.

The town was once a busy trade centre, but today it’s now known for its beaches among the locals and tourists alike – holding much nostalgia as we take in the sea breeze for the first time, or how the waves would chase us onto higher ground.

Yes, Port Dickson (PD) was to be our destination.

With the sun beaming that morning, it was perfect to make our hasty departure from The Club Saujana, before clouds moved in to “rain on our parade”.

Our route first took us past the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) via the Elite highway where we could experience the refined ride the Sonata had for us.

Cruising at 100kph, the highway drive demonstrated that the new Sonata is a silent glider thanks to the its already low 0.27 coefficient of drag (Cd) and flat undercarriage panels, though some wind noise did come off the wing mirrors as expected.

What was not expected was the level of comfort afforded by the combination of the Sonata’s chassis and suspension, especially for passengers seated at the rear.

With 51% of the body utilising high tensile steel for better rigidity, it usually translates to more vibrations from an uneven road intruding into the cabin, but here is where the suspension takes care of things with its compliance.

Traditionally, a more absorbing suspension would reduce performance in handling.

But the Sonata’s amplitude selective damper (ASD) increases stiffness when there’s more compression, thus allowing for improved handling.

We passed the SIC’s paddock entrance on our right and headed to more exciting trunk roads and it was here that its suspension began to shine even more while rolling on 18-inch wheels with 235/45 tyres from Nexen.

To be honest, we were anxious to see how the Sonata’s suspension was tuned, since it was indicated that it was tested in a variety of locations worldwide from the Mojave proving ground in California to Germany’s infamous Nurburgring.

Throwing it around the bends, the Sonata has little roll and is very much balanced in its weight distribution for a Front-engine Front wheel drive (FF) layout.

But of course when pushed too hard – understeer rears its head.

The three driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport) allowed us to select the way the Sonata behaves, with throttle response left a little dull in Eco mode and the steering overly light and boosted, but becomes progressively sharpened up to
Sport mode.

While the steering weight becomes apparent from Eco to Sport mode, throttle response was marginal.

The Nu 2.0L engine, with 152bhp at 6,200rpm and 194Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, mated to the six-speed in-house developed transmission helps the Sonata feel nimble, even though its kerb weight is somewhere in the vicinity of 1,600kg.

Push the engine to the redline, the raspy four-potter engine noise didn’t seem to intrude the cabin as much as one might have expected, but other than that, it would be nice if the paddle shifters from the previous generation were retained for a sportier experience.

On our way back from PD, we began to realise how little increments can go a long way, especially inside the cabin with greater shoulder and knee room to be experienced thanks to an increase in the car’s width and length by 30mm and 35mm, respectively.

We took a short detour to the paddock carpark area of the SIC, where we were able to push the car beyond its limits in a controlled environment.

Two areas were presented to us, one of which consisted of a slalom, U-turn and a quick lane-change before coming to a complete stop within a box (post haste).

The second area allowed us to experience the Sonata’s behaviour during a sudden change in direction.

It was there that our praises for the Sonata’s handling characteristic was further confirmed with the lack of apparent roll that leaves the driver confidence inspired…even with the electronic stability control (ESC) deactivated.

The new Sonata – with much improvement in ergonomics and handling dynamics–- the overall experience has become incredibly European… sans the premium price.


At CES, tech alliances firm up in the self-driving car wars

                LAS VEGAS: Major automakers like General Motors Co , Ford Motor Co and Volvo Cars deepened ties with key technology partners this week to gird for the fight against electric car challenger Tesla Inc and Apple Inc as it revs up to enter the market.

Three chip firms - Intel Corp's Mobileye, Qualcomm Inc and Nvidia Corp - have emerged from a raft of announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas as the leaders in locking down the brains of self-driving cars for the next decade.

The deals involve consolidating scores of older, slower chips into more powerful centralised computers. But to win them, the chip firms have had to consent to letting automakers control key parts of the technology.

Reuters has previously reported that Apple plans an electric car. Bloomberg reported last year that the iPhone maker is aiming for full self-driving capabilities as early as 2025.

For automakers facing Apple and Tesla, the stakes are high.

In addition to electrifying their models, automakers are essentially designing computers with increasing self-driving capabilities.

That means a big opportunity for automakers to make money off software and services in cars long after vehicles roll off a dealer's lot, but only if they can keep the customer relationships and data for themselves, the way that Tesla and Apple do.

Automakers "that haven't been the pioneers are finally realising they're going to be left in the dust if they don't change their approach," said Danny Shapiro, vice president, automotive for Nvidia, a maker of high-powered chips.

Nvidia this week announced deals to supply the electronic brains for future models from several Chinese electric vehicle startups, and is working with other automakers including Mercedes, Hyundai Motor Co, Volvo and Audi.

Control of technology and data are areas of tension between automakers and technology companies, Shapiro said. "Control and customization, and who owns the data?"

The answer is complex because of the staggering amount of technology required to make cars drive themselves.

These include computer vision algorithms to help cameras recognise pedestrians, sprawling high-definition maps of the world's roads, and "drive policy" software to make millisecond decisions about how the car should behave when confronted with the unexpected.

For chipmakers, this means they need to have every aspect of the technology ready, but be willing to let customers pick and choose.

Qualcomm Inc, for example, spent US$4.5 billion last year to purchase Veoneer Inc to round out all the pieces of software needed to complement its self-driving car chips.

But after winning its first major self-driving chip contract with GM this week, those software assets will not be included because GM has its own.

"Our software stack is all internally developed. So we're not taking their pieces," said Jason Ditman, chief engineer for GM's forthcoming "Ultra Cruise" hands-free driving product.

But for other carmakers, Qualcomm needs to have all the pieces of a self-driving system ready, said Nakul Duggal, senior vice president and general manager of automotive at the chip firm.

"Different automakers find themselves at different points of readiness," he said. "What is critical for the automaker is that they have to be able to build a relationship with the customer that they're trying to acquire."

A similar dynamic is at play in Mobileye's relationship with Ford, which was deepened this week.

Mobileye used to deliver its camera, chip and self-driving software as an all-in-one product. Now Mobileye will start separating out some of its system's functions and allowing Ford to build its own technology on top of them.


Refreshed Renault Megane coming

                PARIS: Still boasting the same design and dynamic lines that have made it a success, the facelifted Renault Mégane has become more elegant and sophisticated: all versions now feature new LED Pure Vision headlights, improving visibility and comfort on the road.

With five variations (hatch, estate, R.S. Line, R.S. and R.S. TROPHY) and a large choice of engines, including the new E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid, the new Mégane caters for diverse needs.

The new Mégane offers a revamped and modernised driver’s cockpit.

Featuring a new 9.3-inch screen for the multimedia system and a 10.2-inch screen, the dashboard benefits from all the features of the Renault EASY LINK multimedia system. Inspired by smartphone codes and uses, the system aims to be more ergonomic, functional and user-friendly.

The new Mégane is equipped with new driver-assistance systems for the safety and comfort of all passengers, including the Highway & Traffic Jam Companion, a Level 2 autonomous system that ensures comfort and peace of mind while driving.

The Megane has sold 7 million globally across four generations. It has even set three records on the prestigious Nurburgring.

Renault Megane technical dataRenault Mégane E-TECH Hybrid technical data


A chance to try out new Porsche Cayenne at Sepang circuit

SEPANG: Porsche continued to build up the hype on the new Cayenne by organising a regional track event at the Sepang International Circuit today.

The new Cayenne is expected to launch in Malaysia in the second half of the year. Tentative pricing for the new Cayenne and Cayenne S are RM790,000 and RM940,000 respectively. There's no confirmation yet whether Malaysia will get the flagship Cayenne Turbo.

The new Cayenne was first previewed in Kuala Lumpur in late January.

The third generation of the model combines even more of the typical Porsche performance with excellent everyday practicality. As the core components of the Cayenne are new developments, the track activities centred around five innovative features in the car that members of the media had a chance to learn about and experience.

At the event, participants were treated to the Cayenne S with 440hp and the Cayenne Turbo with
550hp. Additionally, the event provided the platform to learn through theory sessions and the chance to experience the new features, many of which are worId-firsts in the SUV segment, under the guidance of Porsche certified instructors.


Microcars are back and you only need a moped licence for them

                BERLIN: Opel's Rocks-e is a departure from the carmaker's usual passenger cars. It's a boxy, compact two-seater that is fully electric - officially classified as a light motor vehicle.

It's a particularly promising area for the carmaker as it seeks to embrace a whole new target group.

The vehicle is basically 2.41-metre cube on wheels, on sale for €7,990 (RM37,000), making it less expensive than almost all the conventional small cars out there.

That makes the Rocks-e one of the cheapest electric vehicles around, and it doesn't cost more to lease than a monthly pass for the city bus according to the marketing.

Plus, drivers are also able to get behind the wheel from age 15, and don't need a driving licence in many places, just an AM licence, the category that applies to mopeds rather than motorbikes, permitting holders to drive two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles.

Depending on the model, a moped driving licence is also sufficient.

You pay a flat rate for the insurance in some places and it doesn't cost much, according to Thomas Schuster, a German test engineer. Plus, depending on where you are, you won't have to pay vehicle tax either.

Laws in many European countries define these kind of vehicles as having four wheels, one or two seats, with 4kW of power, weighing no more than 425kg and designed for a maximum speed of 45kph.

Fewer crash tests are required, and there are no legal stipulations on standard safety equipment, compared to passenger cars which are required to have airbags, ABS and ESP these days. These vehicles also aren't required to undergo regular main inspections.

However, seat belts and a driver's airbag are required.

These are not a brand new class of cars, and the BMW Isetta and Messerschmitt cab scooters were both popular back in the 1950s.

The Class S driving licence came in in 2004 for these kinds of vehicles in 2004, allowing teens as young as 15 in some countries to switch to four wheels at an early age for the first time.

But now these vehicles are back in the spotlight, with a wide range of brands particularly from Italy to France, where they are far more common.

Vehicle manufacturers such as Ligier, Aixam, Casalini and Piaggio offer a wide range of models for between €10,000 and €20,000, with the spectrum reaching from cool convertibles to handy small trucks.

There is also variety when it comes to the drive system, and buyers are able to pick from classic internal combustion engines, hybrids and pure electric vehicles.

Electrification in particular is likely to give this class a boost, says Schuster, with an eye on the Rocks-e. "You don't need big, expensive batteries and nobody expects huge ranges," he says.

Unsurprisingly, given Renault released the Twizy for this vehicle category, the Rocks-e was actually developed as a Citroën Ami. You can find hundreds of them at charging stations in France.

You'll also spot others like Microlino with the electric Isetta or ACM with the City One as similar side entrants to this niche.

In the course of their development, some have become bigger, stronger and faster, and like the Microlino with airbags and a top speed of 90 km/h, are coming to resemble "real" cars more closely.

But people might want a smaller vehicle, especially in the city. "Regardless of whether it has an electric motor or a combustion engine, it's crazy how much mass and surface area we use just to get one person from A to B," says Microlino boss Wim Ouboter, fighting the good fight for light vehicles.

Meanwhile Opel spokesperson Harald Hamprecht says parents can relax a good deal more if their youngsters head home from a nightclub in a vehicle like this, rather than a moped or late night bus.

These little vehicles might solve a bunch of problems, but of course there are some new ones, too, if you ask experts at the German automobile club. They are not fans of this type of vehicle, saying without official crash regulations, tests about impact protection have delivered very sobering results.

When it comes to driving, many of these models are not particularly stable and younger drivers typically lack experience, also as they often get their driving licence on two wheels then switch to four.

The problem, however, is not just the technology and the driver's potential lack of practice, says Schuster. Other road users also have to adapt the way they see these vehicles. "Unlike a moped, you can easily mistake a light vehicle for a conventional small car, and misjudge the speed or acceleration and possibly cause a dangerous accident," he says.

So if you are thinking of buying one of these vehicles, be clear in your mind about how you might drive it before you buy one, is the advice from the experts.

"It makes sense to limit this to the city. Longer cross-country journeys in light vehicles are a no-go and night journeys and trips outside built-up areas are not recommended," says the German group, whose experts find little more positive to say about this class of vehicle other than that you have a roof over your head.

Furthermore, market observers say these smaller cars have an acceptance problem after the initial wave of enthusiasm.

"Who would pay four- or even five-figure sums for a vehicle that becomes completely uninteresting by the time the driver reaches their 18th birthday at the latest and can then get a 'real' car without a speed limit," one dealer says.

Opel, at least, has considered this factor and offers the Rocks-e primarily as a leasing model.


Suzuki Motor says demand strong despite economic concerns

                TOKYO: Suzuki Motor said today it did not see demand for vehicles slowing at home or in its key market of India amid growing concerns about a global economic downturn.

The view from Masahiko Nagao, Suzuki's senior managing executive officer, echoes the bullish outlook of other Japanese automakers, even though inflation and higher interest rates are fuelling uncertainty about the world economy.

Suzuki had an order backlog of about 200,000 vehicles in Japan as of the end of June, Nagao said, adding a more up-to-date backlog figure for India, where the company has the largest share of the four-wheel market, was about 350,000.

"Although we are concerned about global economic trends, orders are coming in very smoothly and demand is not declining at this point," he said on an earnings call, adding the company would see an operating profit as long as it could keep producing the accumulated orders.

For the April-June quarter, Suzuki's sales in India rose 27.9% year-on-year to 380,000 vehicles, after retailers curbed operations due to Covid-19 restrictions the year earlier.

However, vehicle sales in Japan fell 6.4% as a chips shortage hampered production.

Suzuki kept its operating profit forecast of 195 billion yen (RM6.5bil) for the year to March 31, saying it was premature to change it at this point.

A surge in global commodity prices, amid supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and the Ukraine war, has challenged businesses and policymakers worldwide, with central banks rushing to tighten monetary policy and firms cutting costs.

Although the semiconductor shortage is gradually improving, Suzuki cannot predict when it will be resolved, Nagao said.

To lessen the impact, the firm has switched to producing cars that don't need so many chips in India and selling them to African as well as Central and South American markets, he said.

Earlier this week, rival Subaru Corp said it expected strong demand from U.S. car buyers to continue, while Toyota Motor Corp stuck to its 9.7 million full-year global production target.


Silverstone racetrack now has three pop-up solar car parks for EV charging

                LONDON: British designer, installer, funder and operator of Solar Car Parks (SCPs) 3ti has completed the installation of three pop-up solar car parks with integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging at the iconic Silverstone racetrack.

The Papilio3 charging hubs have been custom branded specifically for Silverstone and are in position ahead of one of the biggest weekends in British motorsport to provide sustainable EV charging for visitors and staff as part of its "Shift to Zero" strategy.

Papilio3 combines local mains power with solar panels, a battery and EV charge points, allowing businesses to deploy 12 charge points in one go.

Combining the three technologies, alongside 3ti’s smart charging and intelligent electrical load management system, offers a range of benefits, including optimising the speed and carbon intensity of EV charging and providing grid balancing.

Made using recycled shipping containers, Papilio3 is installed with just under 20kWp of solar capacity and can charge 12 EVs at 7, 11 or 22kW.

One of the three units at Silverstone will be enhanced by 1MW of energy supplied from an existing solar array on the roof of its exhibition centre.

Papilio3 was launched in May 2022 to boost the rollout of Britain’s EV charging infrastructure and help decarbonise the transport sector.

3ti said Papilio3 can be installed in less than 24 hours, requiring minimal groundwork and no new grid connection, making it ideal for workplace and destination charging.


Triumph Malaysia unveils 10 new bikes

                KUALA LUMPUR: Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has introduced a new line-up that includes the Tiger Sport 660, Tiger 1200, Speed Triple RR and seven Limited Gold Line Edition.

The all-new Tiger Sport 660, Tiger 1200 adventure tourer, the Speed Triple RR performance roadster and the seven limited Gold Line Edition featuring hand-painted modern classics based on Bonneville and Scrambler variants are available now in Malaysia.

 Tiger Sport 660.

“We are anticipating that it will become an exciting year ahead not only for the brand but all motorcycle enthusiasts with this new line-up of models which offers the best proposition in terms of performance, the level of equipment and value,” said Fast Bikes chief executive officer Datuk Razak Al Malique Hussain.

 Tiger 1200.

Razak Al Malique said Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia had also enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2021 despite a challenging period due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 Speed Triple RR.

To commemorate Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s 10th anniversary, buyers of the all-new Tiger Sport 660, Tiger 1200 and Speed Triple RR are being offered an early bird package allowing them to ride away with selected optional accessories.

 Speedmaster Gold Line Special Edition.

The Tiger Sport 660 is priced from RM49,900 and the Speed Triple RR priced at RM119,000.

Meanwhile, the Tiger 1200 GT Pro adventure-tourer is priced at RM115,900 and the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer price starts from RM130,900.

 Bonneville T100 Gold Line Special Edition.

All prices exclude registration, road tax and insurance.

Motoradic Sdn Bhd is the exclusive official importer of Triumph Motorcycles in Malaysia, and its subsidiary Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd began in 2010 as the exclusive official distributor of Triumph Motorcycles.

 Street Scrambler Gold Line Special Edition.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia is supported by five flagship stores and after-sales service centres in Petaling Jaya, Penang island, Bukit Mertajam, Johor Bharu and Kota Kinabalu.

For details, call Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia at tel: 03-7960 9007, visit www.triumphmotorcycles.my or whatsapp at tel: 011-2300 2007.


Aston Martin eyeing US for crossover SUV production, says report

                DETROIT: Aston Martin will decide whether to add production at another plant by the end of the year and it would likely be in the United States, the British luxury sports car maker's chief executive told Automotive News.

CEO Andy Palmer told the industry publication on Tuesday that the US state of Alabama is the "obvious choice" for a new plant to build the upcoming DBX crossover SUV, but a decision has not been made. The SUV is expected by 2019.

Aston Martin is 5 percent owned by German automaker Daimler AG (DAIGn.DE), whose Mercedes brand assembles SUVs at a plant in Alabama. Aston Martin's main shareholders are private-equity groups, Investment Dar of Kuwait and Italy's Investindustrial.

In March, Aston Martin announced plans for the DBX SUV that could draw heavily on its partnership with Daimler, whose CEO previously indicated a readiness to share SUV architecture with Aston.

An Aston Martin spokesman could not immediately be reached to comment.

Palmer said Aston Martin has narrowed potential production locations to regions where it sells the most DBX models, including the US and Chinese markets, according to Automotive News. He said any US production site would likely build the DBX from kits using parts made at the company's factory in Gaydon, England, the publication said.

Held back by aging models and weak investment, Aston has missed out on a global luxury car boom. Last year it delivered 4,000 cars, far short of its 7,300 record in 2007.


LRT operator explains why the need for seven days' downtime

                KUALA LUMPUR: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd will find an immediate solution to problems related to the Automatic Train Control (ATC) system on the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line that has caused service disruptions.

Prasarana Group chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said they have yet to determine the root cause of the ATC problem and hoped that the expected arrival of the team from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Thales Group from Toronto, Canada, and Dubai tomorrow would help them resolve the issue.

Mohd Azharuddin, in apologising to all parties, especially the commuters for the inconvenience caused, said they are doing everything possible to solve the problem.

"Why (stop the services for) seven days? We are trying to find a solution but we cannot determine the root cause and are awaiting the experts from Canada… we need more time to assess what is the problem, find the root cause and test our trains in a sustainable manner.

"They will help us find a solution regarding the signal and communication between the trains and the vehicle control centre. This is an important matter so that we know the train’s location for the safety of the commuters… (it) is our most important priority,” he told a media conference here today.

The LRT service between the Kelana Jaya and Ampang Park stations has been suspended for seven days since 6 am today for passenger safety reasons and the time needed to identify the cause of the service disruption.

Mohd Azharuddin said that before the service resumes on Nov 16, "we want to make sure we are able to run the trains safely and permanently”.

"We don’t want to start operating in the morning and then stop in the evening,” he said.

Asked about the long-term solutions to the problem, he said Prasarana would change the ATC system now that it has received the approval from its board of directors to upgrade it.

"The problem this time is the system and software. The problem we faced with the train (previously) involved brake clippers but that is another issue. The Kelana Jaya line has been operating for nearly 25 years… the parts need to be replaced. It’s about time…,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd (Rapid Rail) will provide up to 85 buses on five routes as an alternative bus service due to LRT service disruptions, with an expected frequency of around 15 to 20 minutes per bus.


Behold the 740hp ABT RS6-R muscle wagon

                MUNICH: German tuner ABT is at it again with the Audi RS6 Avant after having wowed us with the 700hp RS6 Avant Performance Nogaro Edition and the superlative 1,018-hp RS6-E hybrid.

This time, it is showcasing the special limited edition ABT RS6-R. Only 125 units of this marvel will ever be made.

Each new RS generation is accompanied by new developments. The latest edition is the first to feature optional all-wheel steering. This reduces the turning circle and at speeds above 100kph, the rear wheels steer to aid stability.

The core of the ABT RS6-R package is the ABT Power R performance upgrade, which unleashes an extremely sporty 740hp and 920Nm in the 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine. This means an increase of 140hp and 120Nm over the standard model.

With the enhanced performance, the sports wagon is able to go from 0-100kph in 3.2s, shaving off 0.4s off the standard version.

(video in German)

ABT engineers have developed high-quality ABT Aerodynamics carbon body components, which give the RS6-R’s front in particular a much more aggressive and striking appearance.

The package includes among other things, an ABT frontlip and front grille frame add-on, rear skirt add-on, side skirt attachments and fender inserts. It has made 10 interior components available.

As such, the ABTleather and carbon finish for the steering wheel is both sporty and luxurious.

The limited quantity of the RS6-R is immortalised in the ABT door sills (1 of 125) in the door frame.

At the rear, the stainless steel ABT exhaust system with 4 carbon endpipes emphasises the sporty character of the vehicle. This is further underlined by the weight-optimised 22-inch ABT High Performance HR.

These wheels are made via a flow-forming process and come into their own in combination with the ABT suspension programme. The RS 6 has been praised by the automotive press for its superb handling characteristics. ABT coilover suspension springs and sports anti-roll bars add the finishing touches.

The  standard RS6 Avant in Germany starts at €117,500 (RM555,140). Tag on €69,900 (RM330,740) for the ABT suite of enhancements.


India's Tata Motors targets younger drivers with new Bolt model

 The Tata Bolt.

NEW DELHI: Tata Motors Ltd, India's top automaker by revenue, is looking to shake off its image as a taxi supplier by targeting younger customers with its new Bolt hatchback model.

Tata, whose cars are mainly bought by fleet taxi operators, has recruited more than 1,200 people in the last couple of months at its Indian dealerships to push sales of the new car to a different audience.

"For a long time Tata Motors has been selling to fleet customers, and selling to them is very different from selling to individuals and families," said Mayank Pareek, president of Tata Motors' passenger vehicles business.

 Pareek

Pareek was hired from Maruti Suzuki Ltd., India's top-selling car maker by volume, in September.

He will be expected to help the company regain market share after its sales dropped 37 percent to 33,157 units in the June 2014 quarter from a year earlier.

Faced with slowing sales in its domestic business, Tata Motors has been reliant on sales by luxury British carmaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which it bought in 2008, to prop up profits for the past few years.

In August, Tata launched its first car in four years, a compact sedan called Zest, and plans to introduce two brand new cars in India each year until 2020. It has sold 15,000 Zest cars, more than half of which were sold to buyers aged under 35.

"This profile of customers made us redefine how we should sell to these people," Pareek told Reuters, adding that 60 percent of the demand was for petrol cars.

The factory gate price for the Bolt's base level petrol variant in New Delhi is 444,993 rupees (US$7,225) and the car would compete with Maruti's Ritz and Honda Motor's Brio at that price point.

"There has been a correction and new ideas have been implemented," said Puneet Gupta, associate director at consultant IHS automotive, adding that Pareek is using strategies that helped Maruti push its sales.

He said that the move will augur well for the sales but will take a while before the company is able to change its image.


Hyundai to test autonomous driving with fuel-cell vehicle NEXO

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co. said it will start testing a fuel-cell powered sport utility vehicle for autonomous driving as the South Korean automaker speeds up development of self-driving cars with a goal to bring a model to the market by 2021.

Unveiling the fuel-cell SUV named “NEXO” Monday at the CES in Las Vegas, Hyundai said the vehicle will be used to try out the driverless technology it is developing with Aurora, a startup formed by former executives from Google, Tesla Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. The NEXO has a maximum driving range of 595km, about 40 percent more than the fuel-cell Tucson, the automaker said in a statement.

Late to the game, Hyundai is doubling down on efforts to catch up with leaders such as General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG and hired an executive from Samsung Electronics Co. last year to lead the charge. The Seoul-based automaker plans to have more partnerships with technology companies to fulfill its ambitions of selling its autonomous models to fleet operators, mobility services and smart city projects.

“This vehicle is very important,” Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in an interview after the press conference. “Toyota is working very hard on this and BMW and Volkswagen are working very hard. We have to compete. We have a long way to go.”

Automakers and technology companies are tying up to stay ahead in the race for autonomous know-how. On Sunday, Nvidia Corp. announced an alliance with Uber, the largest ride-hailing company, and Volkswagen to provide its artificial intelligence expertise to help bring self-driving cars to the roads. Uber’s rival Lyft Inc. has partnered with self-driving software company Aptiv Plc on driverless ride-hailing service.

Hyundai is also betting on its new fuel-cell car, which will be sold in some markets this year, to help commercialise its autonomous driving technology. The carmaker wants to expand the lineup of its fuel-cell vehicles to sedans, trucks and buses, Senior Vice President Lee Ki-sang said in a speech at the event in Las Vegas.

Vice Chairman Chung said Hyundai is using a fuel-cell vehicle for its self-driving technology because the car processes so much data, which requires a lot of electric power. Fuel cells can generate more power than electric cars can carry in their batteries, he said.


McLaren P1 LM smashes Nürburgring lap record

                LONDON: Back in March, when the Lamborghini Huracan Performante set a stunning Nürburgring lap record for a production road car of 6-52-01, the Italian supercar manufacturer might have expected it to stand for a while.

After all, it deposed the mighty Porsche 918 Spyder, which is rightly regarded as a true automotive performance legend.

But now there's a new champion in the shape of the McLaren P1 LM, which set a 'Ring lap record of 6-45-09, on May 27, although the rules around being road-legal were probably stretched to the absolute limit to achieve this.

The car used was actually the McLaren P1 LM, originally a track-only supercar before being made road-legal by aftermarket firm Lanzante Motorsport. McLaren never officially timed the original P1 GTR track car at the 'Ring, but Lanzante decided to build just five road-legal examples of the P1 LM for customers in the UK, US, Japan and the UAE, and then time the prototype around the legendary German track.

Lanzante has been globally associated with the McLaren name since 1995. This isn't the first notable record for the Lanzante P1 LM either -- eleven months ago it became the fastest street-legal car to climb the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The car was driven by Kenny Bräck, who was the 1999 Indianapolis 500 winner, 1998 Indy racing winner, and a gold medalist at the 2009 X Games rally event.

And to prove the street-legality of the car, the prototype that set the record was driven all the way back home to the UK afterwards.

The P1 LM's numbers associated are quite staggering, so its new record is no surprise.

The 3,994 cc engine and hybrid system produces a mind-blowing 1000bhp and 1050Nm of torque, with 800bhp coming from the engine and the other 200bhp from the electric motor. The top speed is "limited" to 345kph.

The center-locking wheels and tires are unique to the P1 LM, and the car is also 60 kg lighter than the McLaren P1 GTR thanks to getting rid of several race parts such as the air-jack system.

The P1 LM road car is designed to be the fastest, rarest, and last of the P1 variants. Only five are being built, and all five have already been sold.


Majority of motorists still want to retain right to drive, say UK studies

                LONDON: A British study showing people still want control over their cars echoes what many motorists in the world are probably thinking.

According to two new pieces of research released last Thursday, over 65% of motorists want to retain the right to drive even though driverless cars are coming.

IAM RoadSmart – formerly the Institute of Advanced Motorists – conducted an independent survey of 1,000 British motorists and a separate poll among its 92,000 members.

Those 65% of motorists believe that a human being should always be in control of the vehicle with 53% saying that the focus should be on making drivers safer – not just cars.

“Technological advances that make driving and riding safer for all road users have to be embraced whole-heartedly – but British motorists and our members, do want the right to drive,” said IAM RoadSmart CEO Sarah Sillars.

“Intelligent cars will deliver a step change in road safety by targeting the human errors we make from time-to-time. IAM RoadSmart believes a well-trained driver and an ever-vigilant car is a win-win scenario for the future.”


Peugeot Sport Engineered is new electrified performance division

                PARIS: A new Peugeot Sport Engineered division has been created to focus efforts on the performance of electrified vehicles.

In conjunction with the launch of the new performance division for electrified vehicles, the French carmaker also announced their return to the Le Mans World Endurance Championship and will take part in the Hypercar category.

To show off the new division's capabilities, the brand's flagship 508 model was used - in particular the Fastback and SW (Station Wagon) variants - both equipped with a four-wheel-drive system and plugin hybrid electric technology.

There are three colour options that include Selenium Grey, Nera Black and Pearl White.

Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the 508 comes fitted with a bolder grille, front bumper air intakes in Kryptonite and black 508 badging with the Kryptonite three claws.

The three claws can be seen on the rear quarter panel (sedan) and on the front wing (SW) including black exhaust outlets and gloss black central rear diffuser.

The system output for the 508 resides at 360hp and 520Nm of torque and allows it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 5.2 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

The 508 has an all-electric range of 42km and its battery can be recharged via a standard wall plug-in around seven-hours or less than two hours using a 7kW wall box charger.

Accompanying the performance is an optimised variable shock absorber with three modes of Comfort, Hybrid and Sport.

Ride height has been lowered compared to the standard 508, along with widened front and rear track widths and an optimised steering system for greater dynamism.

With added power comes the added bite from a larger braking system at the front with a pair of 380mm ventilated discs that get abused by four-piston callipers which gets partially obscured by the 20-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

The new 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered has the same interior and boot volumes (above the floor) as the internal combustion versions thanks to the smart layout of the electric motors and battery.

For safety, it comes standard with Night Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning System and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Also included are a compact steering wheel with three Kryptonite claws, elements from Peugeot Sport engineered division, and a 100% digital heads-up display, i-Cockpit graphic animations and a 10-inch central high definition capacitive touchscreen.

The cabin has been fitted with "wrap-around" seats with a mix of Mistral Nappa Leather and Alcantara, while the passenger compartment is decorated with double Tramontane Grey and Kryptonite stitching.

A Focal Hi-Fi audio system provides audio clarity and the front seats with its heated and driver-side massage function.


2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8TSI Comfortline PLUS: Refined and powerful

                This is the mid-grade variant of the latest Volkswagen Passat premium D-segment executive sedan, which was launched in Malaysia in November 2016 in three trim lines - Trendline (RM160,937); Comfortline (RM180,937) and Highline (RM200,030).

The Passat Trendline and Comfortline has a 1.8L TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with an improved 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG).

The Highline comes with 2.0L TSI turbocharged engine and a 6-speed DSG.

Our review unit, the Passat Comfortline PLUS (priced higher at RM185,927) has upsized 18-inch Monterey alloy wheels and window tint, valued at RM12,000.

Exterior

The Volkswagen Passat has dynamic proportions, and stands out on the road especially with its chrome grille that extends to the LED headlamps.

There is a minimalist yet elegant look to the exterior design, which emphasises a low body, long wheelbase and sporty, large 18-inch wheels.

The rear end gets LED tail lights, and even LED rear license plate lights, as well as twin exhaust tailpipes.

Other exterior kit include wing mirrors with integrated turn signals, automatic headlights and wipers, and heat insulated windshield, side and rear windows.

One feature we found to be very convenient is the keyless entry/lock function on every door, where you can open or lock any door by pressing the small locking buttons on the door handles (with the key fob on you).

Alsol, the wing mirrors fold in when you lock the car.

Performance

The 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol, direct injected turbocharged engine mated to a 7-speed silky-smooth shifting DSG, produces 180ps at 5,100rpm to 6,200rpm and 250Nm at 1,250rpm to 5,000rpm.

So, with so much torque from as low as 1,250rpm, you get a very dynamic and punchy drive.

Combined with the lightning quick gearshifts from the DSG, the Passat is quite a spirited machine that can be driven with gusto if one is in a hurry.

We noted that the tachometer needle hovered around 1,600rpm when we drove at 80kph.

At 90kph and 100kph, the tachometer needle was at 1,800rpm and 2,000rpm respectively.

At 110kph, we noted the needle hovered at the 2,200rpm mark.

Fuel Consumption

The 1.8-litre turbocharged DSG-equipped Passat is rated with a fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

It also has a fuel-saving auto engine start/stop function, which automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a standstill at traffic lights or in heavy traffic.

We drove the car which has a 66-litre fuel tank, for a week.

At the end of the week, we had driven 729km, with a remaining travel range of 120km.

Based on the digital trip meter, our average fuel consumption was 8.0 litres per 100km which we thought was quite impressive, considering how heavy-footed we usually are.

Interior

There is a lot of nice kit here, including the black leather upholstery, powered seats with 12-way adjustment with powered lumbar support and driver side memory with massage function, automatic air-conditioning, rear air-conditioning vents with temperature control buttons for rear occupants, one touch powered up/down function for all windows, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display radio with USB, and one SD-card slot.

The eight-speaker audio system produces top-quality sound, and there are rear reading lights for rear occupants, and a space-saving electronic parking brake (with auto hold function).

An analogue clock, located between the central air-conditioning vents in the middle of the dashboard, imparts a dash of old-school charm to a dark themed interior.

The interior of the Passat Comfortline PLUS is a really comfortable place to be in, and befits its premium car status and high price tag.

Practicality

The Passat has a huge 586-litre boot, which has a powered lid (just push a button for the lid to automatically shut).

For more storage room, there is a load-through design for the split-folding rear seats.

For small items, there are two cup holders in the centre console, front seat-back pockets and bins on each door - useful to keep water bottles.

A USB port is located in the centre storage box.

The Park Assist feature allows semi-automatic parking for parallel or perpendicular parking bays.

In terms of practicality and storage spaces, the Passat is quite well-designed.

Ride and Handling

Shod with Continental ContiMaxContact MC5 235/45 R18 tyres, the Passat handles well on twisty roads, and drives like a well-tuned sports sedan.

Step hard on the accelerator pedal, and power delivery is quick and linear.

The previous-generation Passat has a marvellous "steer, point and shoot" quality and it's no different with this one.

There is very little noise intrusion in the cabin, and the drive quality is smooth, refined and quiet.

On rough and poorly maintained roads, the Passat provides ample cushioning from road shocks, despite its sporty ride quality.

It has a well-sorted suspension that allows for a good balance between ride comfort and sporty driving.

Safety

- 6 airbags
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill-hold control
- Anti-skid Regulator (ASR)
- Driver Alert System (Rest Assist)
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Brake pad wear indicator
- Engine Drag Torque Control (EDTC)
- Rear View Camera
- Park Assist
- Park Distance Control (Front & Rear)

Equipment

- Engine Stop/Start system with regenerative braking
- KESSY Keyless locking and starting system
- Vienna combination leather seat upholstery
- Cruise control
- 6.5-inch touchscreen display
- USB, one SD-card slot, AUX-IN, Bluetooth
- 8 speakers
- Front seat with electric 12-way adjustment with powered lumbar support
and driver side memory with massage function
- Headlight washer system
- Adaptive LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
- Paddle shifters
- Automatic headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ function
- Automatic wipers
- LED tail lights
- 235/45 R18 tyres
- Full size alloy spare wheel
- Electric parking brake with auto hold function
- 3-zone climatronic air conditioning
- 586-litre boot
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- LED interior reading lights (Front & Rear)
- Push start button
- Rear air condition vents
- Split-folding rear backrest with load-through provision
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

Reliability

- 5-year manufacturer's warranty
- 5-year free maintenance (offer valid for new buyers until 31st December 2017)
- 5-year Roadside Assist

Price (OTR Price without insurance)

RM185,927

Summary

It has lots of premium features, ample storage space, a roomy cabin, sporty drive character, a smooth and refined ride quality, fuel economical yet powerful drivetrain, and ample passenger comfort.

Here, you get all the comforts, power and sophisticated engineering of a large-sized premium German car, but without having to pay the price that luxury brands charge for wheels of the same sort.

Of course, it's not perfect.
We wish it has more USB slots, especially in an age where almost everyone carries a smart mobile device.

A surround view camera would be nice too, but perhaps the next facelift or upgraded model will include one.

In summary, the Passat 1.8TSI Comfortline PLUS has nearly everything you want in a D-segment executive car.

Photo gallery: 2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8TSI Comfortline PLUS


British agency and M'sian govt seek to train more EEV technicians

                KUALA LUMPUR: The British-based Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) will continue to collaborate with Malaysia to address the automotive skills gap, especially in the energy efficient vehicles market (EEV).

IMI noted that the automotive industry is demanding that technicians and service personnel acquire new skills and knowledge in line with global standards and the requirements of the emerging technologies, particularly hybrid, EEV and driver-less cars trends.

Head of business development Steve Scofield said IMI would continue to invest in the Malaysian automotive sector.

This, he added, would be by promoting professional skills and development of the population in both technical and non-technical disciplines, to produce an empowered workforce that is internationally recognised.

"With Malaysia's rapid economic development, we see a strong potential for growth for the automotive sector here, especially in the after-sales segment as purchasers need to ensure their cars are well maintained," he said in a statement.

Scofield was in Kuala Lumpur recently to meet with education ministry officials and key automotive organisations, to discuss how vocational training and accreditation can boost Malaysia's automotive industry.

IMI had signed a Memorandum of Understanding last year with the ministry to provide  training support to enhance the skills of 1,000 automotive training candidates by end-2014, particularly focusing on electric and hybrid vehicles.