Russia’s Yandex joins self-driving car million-mile club

Getting to 1 million indicates the company is on its way to verifying its technology — showing that it’s reliable and safe. — Bloomberg
MOSCOW: Yandex NV, Russia’s largest Internet firm, said its self-driving cars have passed 1 million miles in fully autonomous driving since it started testing the technology in December 2017, joining an elite group in the emerging robotaxi industry.

The milestone matters for Yandex’s quest to compete with the likes of Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo for a share of the market, which UBS Group AG says could exceed US$2 trillion by 2030.

Getting to 1 million indicates the company is on its way to verifying its technology — showing that it’s reliable and safe. That’s key for getting regulators to accept cars in the streets with no person at the wheel.

Most of the company’s mileage was driven on public roads here, including in the snow and rain, and in Tel Aviv, known for "haphazardly parked cars in the city’s intense heat," Yandex said in a statement Thursday.

The company already runs Russia's largest ride-hailing service, Yandex.Taxi, which posted 16.4 billion rubles (US$260 million) of revenue in the first half of 2019 and turned profitable in the second quarter. The other large players in the self-driving industry include Waymo, GM Cruise, Baidu Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc.

Yandex plans to expand its self-driving fleet to 1,000 cars within two years from about 50 now, which will enable it to run 1 million miles a week, Dmitry Polishchuk, head of Yandex’s autonomous business, said in an interview.

Polishchuk, 34, moved into the division’s top job three years ago after heading Yandex’s browser division and overseeing Navigator, its geolocation app. He is a graduate of the Russian Federal Security Service’s institute of cryptography, communications and computer science.

Yandex is working with regulators to allow a pilot project in two cities — Innopolis and Skolkovo
— to test rides with no engineer on board, he said.

Now, when people there order a self-driving ride from the Yandex.Taxi app, an engineer sits in the front passenger seat with a red, emergency button.

Companies in the industry can struggle to meet their deadlines for getting their cars on the road.

Robocar software can be a greater technological challenge than many had anticipated, while developers and governments are still grappling with the human cost of development after an Uber test vehicle killed a pedestrian crossing the road in Arizona in March 2018.

The economics of a self-driving taxi fleet that operates as much as 24 hours a day may now compete with the costs of a human-operated taxi service, Arkady Volozh, chief executive and founder of Yandex, said at a conference in Yerevan, Armenia earlier this month.

The annual cost of the autonomous tech that gets added on to a vehicle has dropped from about US$50,000 in 2018 to US$30,000 in 2019 — the same as the average yearly wage bill for a team drivers operating a single taxi for about 18 hours a day. The company believes the cost of the self-driving apparatus will fall further.

Since customers are unlikely to pay significantly higher prices for self-driving cars, the most logical model for companies in the industry is to operate fleets of vehicles to carry passengers, Polishchuck said.

"Being a part of Yandex.Taxi, we can become one,'' he said.

Yandex took a further step toward commercializing its tech in March, when it signed a deal with Hyundai Motor Group to develop self-driving vehicles jointly with its engineers.

The first autonomous Hyundai Sonata was released in July and Yandex plans to move its self-driving fleet to Hyundai-Kia cars, Polishchuk said. This enables discounts for the vehicles, as well as the prospect that Hyundai rolls out the Russian tech to other markets.


California wants 5 million 'green' cars on roads by 2030

                SACRAMENTO: California Governor Jerry Brown Friday signed an executive order detailing aims to have five million electric cars on the state's roads by 2030 — by accelerating the production of such vehicles using financial incentives and rebates.

The US$2.5bil (RM9.7bil), eight-year plan also involves the installation of 250,000 electric vehicle charging stations and 200 hydrogen fuelling stations by 2025.

"To continue to meet California's climate goals and clean air standards, California must go even further to accelerate the market for zero-emission vehicles," the governor's office said in a statement.

The order aims to "dramatically reduce carbon emissions from transportation — a sector that accounts for 50 percent of the state's greenhouse gas emissions and 80 percent of smog-forming pollutants," it added.

The previous target, from 2012, aimed to get 1.5 million "green" vehicles on the roads of the most populated US state — which boasts the biggest automobile market, with around 14.5 million vehicles for 40 million people.

California, where the number of zero emissions vehicles has risen by 1,300 percent in six years according to the order, will need to maintain similarly exponential growth to meet its latest goal.

Currently, eco-friendly vehicle sales represent five percent of sales in the state.

Two years ago, California also adopted a goal of cutting CO2 emissions to 40 percent below the 1990 level by 2030.

The "Golden State," a leading force in the fight against climate change in the US, also aims to obtain half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The order also includes a US$1.25bil (RM4.8bil) investment in California's own carbon market.


Kejara system makes debut tomorrow

                PETALING JAYA: From tomorrow, motorists caught speeding or running a red light will start earning demerit points, with the rollout of the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) new Kejara system.

Offenders will be given incremental penalties for every 20 points picked up, which range from a warning to having their licences suspended under the new system.

The 14 Automated Enforcement System (AES) traffic surveillance cameras set up nationwide will record errant motorists under the new system, with JPJ to install seven more AES cameras soon. Kejara is being integrated with AES to form the Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas).

JPJ director-general Datuk Seri Nadzri Siron said his department has been testing Awas since April 1.

“In the first 12 days of April, our 14 AES cameras detected about 8,500 motorists going over the speed limit and 1,200 beating red lights.”

He said only those recorded committing the offences starting tomorrow will get Kejara demerit points. “We have chosen the two offences for the initial phase of Kejara because these are the biggest contributors to road accidents.

“I advise motorists to be aware that the new system will start soon and not to commit traffic offences,” he said.

Nadzri said for the time being, Kejara will only involve offences recorded by AES cameras.

Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Arifin Che Mat said the demerit point system had proven effective in many other countries, including Britain, Australia and Singapore. “It works to educate motorists and indirectly improve road safety,” said Arifin.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research director-general Dr Wong Shaw Voon said Kejara was a fairer way to change motorist behaviour compared to fines. He explained that a RM300 traffic fine has a big effect on a motorist earning RM1,500 a month but means little to someone who earns RM15,000 a month.

“With demerit points, motorists feel the same pinch whether they are rich or poor,” he said.

Dr Wong said fear of having their driving licences suspended was more effective in encouraging motorists to stick to the rules. “What matters is not how many summonses the authorities issue but how effective the system is in getting people to be safe on the roads,” he added.


Takata will change design for certain air bag inflators

                DETROIT: Takata Corp said on Monday that it will continue producing air bags that use ammonium nitrate propellant, but will change the design of the driver-side air bag inflators.

The Japanese supplier is at the centre of a global recall of tens of millions of cars for potentially deadly air bag inflators that could deploy with too much force and spray metal fragments inside vehicles.

In written testimony ahead of a US congressional hearing scheduled on Tuesday, Takata executive Kevin Kennedy said other companies producing replacements for potentially defective Takata inflators will not use ammonium nitrate.

Kennedy said Takata is working with automakers "to transition to newer versions of driver inflators in our replacement kits or inflators made by other suppliers that do not contain ammonium nitrate." A Takata spokesman added that replacement inflators made by Takata will continue to use ammonium nitrate, "which is safe and effective for use in air bag inflators when properly engineered and manufactured."

Lawmakers, some plaintiffs' attorneys and former Takata employees have raised questions about the volatility and safety of ammonium nitrate. Takata is the only major air bag supplier using ammonium nitrate in its inflators.

Defective inflators have been linked to six deaths and hundreds of injuries since 2003.

Takata also said it was "confident" that replacement driver-side inflators with ammonium nitrate already installed in owners' cars are safe, although it plans to replace those replacement parts with newer designs.

In documents filed in May with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Takata said propellant wafers in driver-side inflators installed on 17.6 million US vehicles "may experience an alteration over time" which could lead to "over-aggressive combustion," particularly when exposed to "high absolute humidity."

The air bags in all of the recalled vehicles use ammonium nitrate, a relatively inexpensive and cleaner-burning compound than other chemicals - but one that can be highly volatile, especially when exposed to moisture, according to industry officials and chemists.

In interviews earlier this year with Reuters, Mark Lillie, a retired chemical engineer who left Takata in 1999, said he raised concerns with the company about the safety of ammonium nitrate.

"I literally said if we go forward with this, someone will be killed," said Lillie, who also has spoken with congressional investigators.

Discovery of a root cause of Takata's air bag problems "is not imminent," according to David Kelly, head of an automakers' coalition investigating Takata air bag inflator ruptures. Kelly said last month that if a root cause cannot be found, "we may have this same discussion again" years from now.


Refreshed Nissan X-Trail opens for booking, hybrid is range-topper

                KUALA LUMPUR: The refreshed Nissan X-Trail is now open for booking and is expected to launch in April.

For 2019, the X-Trail is offered with a new hybrid and in three engine variants.

The 2.0L (MR20DD) Hybrid with Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control) engine paired with XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), produces an output of 144PS and 200Nm of torque along with the output from the electric motor of 41PS plus 160Nm of torque. Ut offers best in class fuel economy of 16.1km/L (based on ECE R101 test mode).

The other variants are 2.5L 4WD, 2.0L 2WD MID and a base 2.0L 2WD. All are certified Energy Efficient Vehicles. Prices are not confirmed yet but are estimated to range from around RM140,000 to RM170,000.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies are fitted in the top three variants; the 2.0 Hybrid, 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L 2WD MID.

The safety features include:
> Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (FCW - only for 2.5L 4WD & 2.0L Hybrid )
> Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (FEB - only for 2.5L 4WD & 2.0L Hybrid )
> Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC - only for 2.5L 4WD & 2.0L Hybrid )
> High Beam Assist (HBA - only for 2.5L 4WD & 2.0L Hybrid )
> Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
> Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
> Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Moving Object Detection (I-MOD)
> Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
> Motion Activated Power Tailgate (that operates by a simple quick kick below the tailgate to open or close).

The vehicle features a new "V-Motion" front grille design, revised LED boomerang daytime running lights and headlights, smoked LED boomerang tail lamps, 7” navigation infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto ready, flat bottom steering wheel with controls, dual power leather seats, leatherette dashboard and knee pads, and 5” drive assist display.

 The hybrid is priced the highest.

Six airbags comes standard on the top three variants, while the base 2.0L 2WD make do with four.

Other safety features include Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold function, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Hill Start Assist, and Isofix points for two child seats.

The X-Trail will be available in a choice of five colours: Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver, Titanium Olive, Diamond Black and a new brown colour called Imperial Umber.

In conjunction with the pre-launch, the X-Trail also comes with a 2-year or 40,000km periodic maintenance service (whichever comes first). Additionally, the buyers of the first 500 registered vehicles will also receive a gift worth RM488. Deliveries are scheduled in April.

Members of the public are invited to join the new X-Trail Facelift Exclusive Preview at Nissan Test Drive Carnivals over 3 weekends of 9th to 10th March, 15th to 17th March, and 23rd to 24th March at selected Nissan showrooms nationwide to view and try out the new X-Trail.

Go to the local Nissan website for the details.


Hyundai lays out roadmap for 'software defined vehicles'

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced a new global strategy to transform all vehicles to what it calls "software defined vehicles" (SDVs) by 2025.

The industry-leading initiative, presented during the group’s "Unlock the Software Age" global online forum, will deliver an unprecedented era of mobility, giving customers the freedom to remotely upgrade the performance and functionality of their vehicles anywhere at any time.

The group also shared plans to transform the customer experience throughout the vehicle’s entire lifetime and deliver a new era of mobility via constantly evolving software technology.

It said it would ensure that all models, including those already purchased, remain up to date. This will enable vehicle functions, including safety, convenience, connectivity, security, and driving performance, to be upgraded via Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates.

Based on the group’s next-generation EV platform, integrated controller, and an internally developed Connected Car Operating System (ccOS), all group vehicles will be equipped to receive OTA software updates by 2025.

The group expects 20 million vehicles to be registered to its connected car service worldwide by 2025. Connected vehicles equipped with cutting-edge telecommunication features will create unprecedented value and possibilities and provide customers personalised services, such as software subscriptions.

Furthermore, connected car data will network with future group mobility solutions, including Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), robotaxis and robots.

Connecting the dots

By establishing a new data platform, innovative services will be provided through connecting and processing the various data generated throughout the car life cycle, as well as promoting the creation of an open ecosystem in partnership with diverse industries such as logistics and accommodation.

Hyundai said it would also invest heavily in software technology to integrate hardware and software technologies and enhance and internalise mobility technology capabilities.

By 2030, the group plans to invest 18 trillion won (RM59bil) in resources, including the establishment of a new Global Software Centre to bolster its software capabilities and accelerate software defined vehicle development.

“By transforming all vehicles to software defined vehicles by 2025, Hyundai Motor Group will completely redefine the concept of the automobile and take the lead in ushering in a never-before-experienced era of mobility,” said Chung Kook Park, president and head of R&D division, Hyundai Motor Group.

“Creating visionary vehicles empowered with the ability to evolve through software will enable customers to keep their vehicles up to date with the latest features and technology long after they have left the factory.”

From 2023, all newly launched vehicles of Hyundai Motor Group will be equipped to receive Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates enabling customers to keep their vehicles up to date.

This transformation will apply not just to electric models, but also internal combustion engine vehicles. All of the group’s vehicle segments sold worldwide will evolve to be software defined by 2025.

Customers will be able to remotely upgrade the performance and functionality of their vehicles anywhere at any time, without any need to take them to a service centre.

And as the vehicle can constantly be updated, its residual value will also be enhanced.

The group initially introduced this service in 2021, and from 2023 will expand it across vehicle models in global market regions able to receive Connected Car Services (CCS).

By 2025, all Hyundai Motor Group vehicles will be equipped to receive OTA software updates.

The group will also offer FoD (Feature on Demand) services next year. This will give customers the ability to select and purchase functions and features that meet their needs and tastes, and the freedom to create vehicles that best match their lifestyles.

The vast amount of data generated by the 20 million subscribed vehicles to the group’s CCS will provide the basis for the further development of personalised services.

The group plans to significantly reduce the time required for all mass-production processes, including planning, design, and manufacturing, by developing a shared hardware and software platform for vehicles.

This will enable vehicle components to be shared across different vehicle segments, leading to more efficient vehicle development and greater cost reductions. Reducing vehicle complexity will further enhance the effectiveness of SDV technology.

Constantly upgradeable vehicle software will bolster Hyundai Motor Group’s ability to secure diverse and stable revenue streams by providing fresh vehicle features and functionality and leveraging selected data to offer personalised services for each customer.

The group’s profitability will also be improved by shortening vehicle development time and reducing costs through platform standardisation.

Next-generation EV platforms

Hyundai will also introduce vehicles in 2025 based on its two new EV platforms, eM, and eS. The new EV platforms will be created under the group’s Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) system.

The eM platform is being developed specifically for EVs across all segments and will provide a 50 percent improvement in driving range on a single charge compared to current EVs.

The eM platform is also being developed to support Level 3 or higher autonomous driving technology and OTA software update features.

The group’s eS platform will be developed as an EV "skateboard" exclusively for Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs), with a fully flexible structure to meet B2B demands, and provide tailor-made solutions for companies operating in the delivery, logistics, and car-hailing sectors.

The group’s Integrated Modular Architecture will facilitate the standardisation and modularisation of key EV components.

By standardising the batteries and electric motors, for example, which currently vary across each EV model, the group will flexibly apply common components to each vehicle, thus efficiently expanding its lineup.

The group is also similarly integrating the vehicle controller. Previously, the software system needed to be upgraded separately for each controller to upgrade the functions of vehicles.

However, an integrated controller delivers a solution to make this process more systematic and efficient. Thus, the overall number of controllers can be significantly reduced by integrating the lower-level electrical components managed by top-level controllers.

The infotainment and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that the group already mass produced are both currently undergoing function advancements with the introduction of the latest integrated controller technology.

By 2025, both comfort and driving controllers will also be gradually integrated.


Police deny summonses will be issued against rear passengers for not wearing seatbelts

                KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has denied issuing a statement that went viral on WhatsApp that police would conduct checks to enforce the wearing of seatbelts for rear passengers every evening on the PLUS Highway.

The Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) also denied that a summons of RM300 would be issued to an errant rear seat passenger and RM600 to two such passengers.

Bukit Aman JSPT deputy director Datuk Mohd Nadzri Hussain said the department discovered a viral message spread via WhatsApp that summonses would be issued to rear passengers who failed to buckle up when travelling on the PLUS Highway.

He added that the department had never issued any statement on the matter.

"Road users are urged to stop spreading any fake message and to always check the veracity of any message before uploading or sharing it on social media.

"The department advises all road users to always obey the law and traffic rules to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said in the statement.


One millionth Perodua Myvi produced

                RAWANG: Perodua marked the millionth production of the Myvi today, making it the most produced model under the Perodua brand.

The millionth Myvi, a blue unit, was rolled off the production line here over the weekend,

To celebrate the occasion, Perodua had a special “line-off” ceremony at its plant here in Sungai Choh, which was opened by Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd president Masanori Takahashi and its vice president, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

The Myvi was introduced in May 2005 and was Malaysia’s number one car model until the end of 2014. The model continues to be among the top bestselling models in the country.

“The Myvi has set a new standard for us in terms of products offerings as well as customer expectations and it is our benchmark for all our future models,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

In terms of exports, the Myvi has been sold in six countries since 2006, namely Mauritius, Brunei, Singapore, Britain, Fiji and Nepal under the Perodua brand;

However, the Myvi’s biggest export market is Indonesia under the Daihatsu Sirion brand with nearly 31,000 vehicles sold since 2007. In total, Perodua has been exporting 35,400 Myvi/Sirion models since 2006.

“Based on our calculations – all our models, the Myvi, Alza, Axia and Bezza retain their spot as the most preferred vehicles in their respective segments,” said Aminar.

 Takahashi adjusting the Perodua logo on the millionth Myvi.

For the first five months of the year, Perodua sold 81,900 vehicles, an increase of 5.9% from 77,300 units sold in the same period in 2016.

“We estimate the total industry volume for the first 5 months of the year to be 233,700 units. Based on this number, our market share for the year so far is at 35%,” Aminar said.

“We are cautiously optimistic of achieving our 202,000 sales target for this year despite the continued tough and challenging market condition.”


New hybrid tech for Honda Freed 2016

                TOKYO: In a world-first, the new Honda Freed 2016 will get a hybrid system that uses hot deformed neodymium magnets without heavy rare earth elements.

This is a major breakthrough for hybrid vehicle technology as it eliminates the high material costs and supply constraints of heavy rare earth elements.

Presently, the conventional method of producing neodymium magnets with high heat resistance, used in the drive motors of electric vehicles, is to add heavy rare earth elements (dysprosium or terbium).

The new technology for hot deformed neodymium magnets in hybrid vehicles was jointly developed by Daido Steel Co Ltd and Honda Motor Co Ltd.


Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival draws two million online viewers

                SEPANG: Four wheels racing in Malaysia got off to an exhilarating restart after a year’s sabbatical due to the Covid-19 pandemic with more than two million online viewers tuning in to two days of close-racing action at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival held at the Sepang International Circuit.

Held for the very first time in the absence of on-ground fans for safety reasons, the festival’s live stream brought online fans and spectators uninterrupted action both on and off the track, with four categories of racing represented by professional racers, amateurs, young drivers and celebrities, as well extensive entertainment programming for non-race fans.

“On track especially, the suspense and quality of racing in the Vios Challenge has not diminished, in fact amplified even more, despite a one-year break.

"Brand affinity for Gazoo Racing has grown tremendously over three seasons of organising what is today recognised as Malaysia’s premier motor-racing series, and I would like to thank all our Gazoo Racing fans and online viewers for their continued support even in the absence of an on-ground festival.

"Looking ahead to the following rounds, we hope to bring spectators back to the festival and enhance our live broadcast reach in line with our mission to bring motorsports to the masses,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.

“One of the biggest challenges has been to organise the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival while doing our utmost best to retain the same level of energy and excitement it has been known for over the past three seasons.

"Yes, there are many limitations considering we are now in the recovery stages of a post COVID-19 pandemic era, but we are nevertheless grateful that motorsports activities can continue despite stricter standard operating procedures.”

SUPER SPORTING CLASS

The drama and outcome in the Super Sporting Class was again a repeat of race 1’s victory for Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel who ended the race weekend with a double race win.

Starting from sixth position on the grid, Tengku Djan again played a waiting game before mounting an 11th hour assault for the race win, finishing ahead of Season 2’s Super Sporting Class champion Boy Wong who returns to the podium after a long absence, and Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin who rounded up the top three positions.

The lead in the 20-lap race exchanged hands several times with Mark Darwin emerging the top contender in the opening laps of the race.

His lead of almost 3 seconds however, evaporated when the safety car came out and at the restart, faced the onslaught of challenge from Boy and M7 Japan Project Team’s Syafiq Ali.

Tengku Djan’s assault came in the 15th lap and he gradually extended his lead to 3.5 seconds by the time he took the chequered flag.

He  said every driver were quick in dry weather conditions and he to capitalised on the situation out on the track and made full use of it.

“Racing is very much weather dependent, and there are so many variables at play such as the tyres. It’s a long 20-lap race and you have to be able to manage your tyres and car, knowing when to push and when to hold back. Maybe I just managed to do a better job of this,” he said.

ROOKIE CLASS

Naquib Azlan, 20, too made it a double race win, clinching victory in race 2 ahead of Jwan Hii and Amer Harris who makes his second appearance on the podium.

The fight for the lead again exchanged hands several times into the 20-lap race with all three drivers, including Mika Hakimi in contention for victory.

Naquib said he was down to last position at one moment and had to climb his way back up with a damaged car.

"I really didn’t know what to expect. I just kept my head down, kept my cool,” he said.

Naquib said racing on the wet track was unpredictable and it boiled down to instinctive driving.

"What I never expected was the high degree of race craft demonstrated by the Super Sporting Class drivers who were very aggressive but it gave us a lot of knowledge going into further races in the season.

“Sim racing helps me prepare before coming to a race track and with experienced trainers and a data engineer helping us out in the Gazoo Racing Young Drivers Development Programme, I have learnt more about my driving…I want to learn more and proceed further,” he said.

For Jwan, race 2’s dry conditions were well-suited to his driving preference.

“I’m more comfortable in the dry,” said the 18-year-old.

“It’s been quite a journey for me coming from karts to saloon car racing. Personally I feel that the simulator sessions have had a huge impact in terms of race craft and consistency,”

SPORTING CLASS

Racing to only his second race win in the Sporting Class since joining last season was Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin who made a flawless start to lead his 20-lap race from start to finish with a comfortable 4.4 seconds ahead of Eric Yong and Adam Khalid who finished second and third respectively.

“I’m actually speechless because we struggled since the practice session on Friday to get the most ideal set-up for the car.
"And when we finally found a set-up we were comfortable with, race 1 was unfortunately run in the rain forcing me to make a strategic decision to play it safe and get the car to the finish to try for a better result for race 2 with the reverse grid format that would see starting at the front of the starting grid,” said Haji Sutan.

“My strength has always been with my start and the ability to get a strong launch as we head into the first corner. I managed to do this as planned and from then onwards it was a matter of being precise and consistent throughout the race.”

Preparing for season 4, Sutan made a conscious effort to enhance on fitness stamina and strength.

“With the movement control order (MCO), I weighed in at 80kg and that can be a big disadvantage for me especially competing in a class with a lot of younger drivers.

"I told myself I needed to do something and I began exercising and controlling my diet. I managed to reduce my weight by 15kg and that has been a huge motivational push for me,” said the 49-year-old veteran racer.

PROMOTIONAL CLASS

The battle of celebrities in the Promotional Class meanwhile, saw actor-comedian Zizan Razak becoming the unexpected hero with two race wins in two races.

“I have to thank Toyota and all my colleagues in the championship. I’ve made new friends and experienced new things, and the race weekend has been phenomenal with the chance of racing in both dry and wet conditions,” said Zizan who finished the 18-lap race with an unassailable eight second gap over second place winner singer Khai Bahar and fellow Vios Challenge newcomer TV presenter Ahirene Ahirudin.

“I expected stiff competition from the very beginning, especially from the likes of Shukri Yahaya and Nabil Ahmad. I knew they were going to be fast because they have the experience of competing in previous seasons but what I can say is my experience so far has been exciting.”

Meanwhile, commenting on his third season competing in the Vios Challenge, Nabil said his journey so far has indeed been a fulfilling one.

“I’ve learnt a lot from my very first race when I tried to beat actress Diana Danielle.

"Back then I had a hard time controlling my ego which was to not lose to a lady driver. But racing has taught me that it is not all about winning but more importantly the skill and commitment which helps you to evolve into a better racer.

"In the process, I believe we have all also learnt to become more patient drivers on the road,” said Nabil who despite leading race 2, dropped all the way back to 10th position after a racing incident involving Shukri on the very first lap.


New Hyundai Kona at New York Auto Show

                NEW YORK: Hyundai has revealed the all-new 2024 Kona Electric, Limited, and N Line models in its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show.

The 2024 all-electric Kona variant offers advanced safety, convenience, and outstanding electric range of 418km, with a 64.8kWh battery.

The Kona Electric, with the 64.8kWh battery, is estimated to recharge from 10% to 80% in 43 minutes with 400V fast-charging capability.

The standard 48.6kWh battery is estimated to provide 317km of range.

The second-generation Kona offers electric and internal combustion powertrains, including a sporty N Line version.

In an unconventional move, Hyundai developed the new Kona platform with an electrified powertrain first, in line with the company’s accelerated electrification strategy announcement that will bring 11 new Hyundai EVs to market globally by 2030.

The Kona Electric also comes with distinctive elements, including forward “frunk” storage, active grille shutters, exterior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, i-PEDAL driving mode, and Smart Regenerative System that adjusts regeneration according to real-time traffic conditions.

With a bi-directional onboard charger, the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) (vi) function can power devices or charge electrical equipment, such as electric bicycles, scooters, camping equipment, or even power necessities during a power outage.

From the front charging port, devices and appliances can be plugged in using an available V2L adapter to use battery power when the car is parked.

The new i-PEDAL enables a one-pedal driving mode that allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal when desired.

The Smart Regenerative System automatically adjusts the levels of regenerative braking based on real-time data from forward traffic flow, optimizing regenerative braking system efficiency.

The all-new Kona has bigger dimensions and interior volume compared with its predecessor.

As part of Kona’s new ergonomic layout, the shift-by-wire gear selector has been relocated from the center console to a stalk behind the steering wheel, allowing more storage in the open console area.

The layout emphasizes Kona’s larger, wider interior, providing a versatile and comfortable space for driver and passengers.

This impression is further reinforced by the relocation of driver controls around the steering wheel, allowing a multi-use center console storage area with a rotational cupholder design.

The front seats are 30% slimmer to maximize rear passenger legroom and the second row Curveless Bench Seat also enhances available space.

Even more, a two-stage latching system allows rear seat reclining.

The two petrol powertrains include a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson engine which produces 147hp at 6,200 rpm and 179Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, paired with a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) for maximum efficiency.

The Atkinson cycle design maximizes the effective cylinder expansion ratio (compression stroke vs. power stroke) for greater efficiency.

The N Line and Limited trims offer a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine generating 190hp at 6,000rpm and 264Nm of torque from 1,700-4,500 rpm for confident acceleration in city driving.

Peak torque delivery starts at only 1,700 rpm and holds through 4,500 rpm, for low-RPM responsiveness in everyday driving conditions.

The Kona 1.6L turbo engine couples to an eight-speed automatic transmission for outstanding efficiency with smooth, seamless shifting and brisk acceleration.


Thailand International Motor Expo 2017: Mitsubishi GT-PHEV

                BANGKOK: Turning heads at this year's Thailand International Motor Expo is the Mitsubishi Grand Tourer Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (GT-PHEV) concept that gets unveiled ahead of the show's official opening on Nov 30.

The GT-PHEV is the Japanese carmaker's next step in evolution for its Outlander sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a touch of up-market appeal.

Propulsion looks to come from a three-motor setup with a claimed electric range of 120km alone and a combined (electric and fuel) range of up to 1,200km for this SUV.

The carmaker also indicated that it will come with Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) - an all-wheel drive system that could have its torque distributed to the front or rear axle depending on the driving situation to provide better efficiency or dynamism.

The show opens to the public from Nov 30 to Dec 11 at Impact Arena, Muangthong Thani from 12pm to 10pm daily.


Hyundai targets faster car sales growth in India in 2015

                NEW DELHI: Hyundai's India unit expects a 13 percent increase in sales in the country in 2015, helped by strong demand for compact cars and utility vehicles, a top company official said on Tuesday.

South Korea's largest automaker is forecasting sales of 465,000 cars in India this year, while maintaining exports at about 200,000 units, said Rakesh Srivastava, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Hyundai Motor India Limited.

This would mean Hyundai using about 95 percent of its production capability of 700,000 units a year in India. The company says it is yet to decide on any expansion, even as capacity constraints in other parts of the world are expected to limit global sales growth.

 The i20 Active interior.

Hyundai India's sales grew 8 percent in 2014 making up about 5 percent of the automakers global sales. The higher growth in 2015 is likely to take India's contribution to about 6 percent.

Hyundai is India's second largest carmaker behind market leader Maruti Suzuki.

Hyundai and affiliate Kia Motors Corp have forecast global sales to grow by 2.5 percent this year to 8.2 million vehicles - the smallest rise since 2003, hampered mainly by capacity constraints.

"Currently, our focus is to increase our selling capacity so that whenever we bring in additional manufacturing we are able to continuously grow and have maximum utilisation," said Srivastava.

"Profitability comes in when you maximise your capacity utilisation and that is exactly what our endeavour would be."

The company's focus will be on launching new products, growing the number of dealerships and entering new markets like rural areas or the taxi segment, said Srivastava, speaking at the launch of Hyundai's passenger car, i20 Active.

The i20 Active, a sportier version of its top-selling premium hatchback, Elite i20, is targeted at younger drivers and will compete with similar vehicles from rivals Toyota Motor Corp , Volkswagen AG and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.


The new vintage: Car models becoming classics in 2019

                BERLIN: While 30th birthdays for most of us can be just another date in the calendar, for cars, it is a much more notable occasion.

It marks the point when they can officially be registered as "vintage" which, beyond the status boost being the driver of a vintage car might bring, it can also mean lower car tax — depending on local legislation.

Here are a selection of some models making the leap from being old, to vintage in 2019.

BMW 850i : When the long two-door coupe came on the market in 1989, its futuristic design took the market by storm. The five-litre, 12-cylinder engine under its distinctive long hood generated 300 hp and could accelerating from 0-100kph in 6.0 seconds with a top speed of 250kph. Today's market price: US$39,000.

Citroen XM : In 1989 the French brand also introduced a new luxury model. The five-door sedan scored points technically with its special spring technology — called Hydractiv — which reduced unwanted roll and tilt movements while driving. Price today: US$37,000 for a two-litre model producing 89kW/121kW.

Opel Lotus Omega: Thanks to a cooperation with Lotus, a 377hp version of the Omega is available, producing acceleration of 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 283kph. Price today: US$48,500.

VW Passat G60 Synchro : Mixing the all-wheel drive of the G60 with the verve of the Corrado Sports coupe made this the most elaborate Passat of its time. In its prime, it produced 160hp and a top speed of 210kph (0 to 100kph in 9.8 seconds). Price today: US$8,000.

Mazda MX-5 : Not only a classic today, but also the pioneer of a new wave of roadsters when it was released, the MX-5 brought two-seater convertibles back into fashion. Featuring rear-wheel drive and a front mid-engine as well as pop up headlights, it was an affordable but classy option for many. Price today: US$7,900 for a model with 115hp.

Mercedes 300 SL-24 : The luxury roadster was launched with V6 and V8 models and twelve-cylinder engines with up to 525hp. Also notable was the roll bar for added safety in collisions or accidents. Price today with 231hp: US$20,700.

Lexus LS 400: Leather seats, electronically controlled automatic gears, power steering and plenty of ride comfort, the LS 400 was a luxurious four-seat sedan. With 250kph top speed coming from its 245hp V8 engine, it certainly packed a punch too. Price today: US$9,000 euros.

Audi 200 Quattro 20V : With a 2.2-litre five-cylinder turbo and 220hp, the Quattro was — like the Lotus Omega — one of the fastest sedans of the era. Price today: US$32,000.

Porsche 911 Carrera 2: Technically a derivative of the Carrera 4, with rear-wheel drive, this 911, and its 3.6-litre boxer engine, came with a top speed of 260kph (250 hp and acceleration of 5.7 seconds). The model was available as both a convertible and a coupe. Today's price: US$66,200.

Ferrari 348 TB: The wedge-shaped 348 was one of the first new developments after the death of company founder Enzo Ferrari the previous year. The Italian sports car manufacturer offered the car at first with a 3.4-litre V8, which produced 311hp and a top speed of 275kph (5.6 seconds acceleration). Price today: US$64,000.


Porsche 99X Electric carries on racing in Miniatur Wunderland

                HAMBURG: Hamburg’s historical Speicherstadt district is a World Heritage Site and home to Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model building universe and a tiny world of wonder for young and old.

Especially when a mini Porsche 99X Electric speeds by on the Monaco racing circuit.

“This is where the Porsche 99X Electric reaches its top speed,” says Gerrit Braun. He stretches his arm out over Monaco harbour and points to the long straight line bordered by high-rises, with spectators crowded on their balconies.

“It’s important to brake into the left-hand curve towards the casino.”

The ideal place to pass, especially because visitors have the perfect view of all the racing action.

Braun and his Miniatur Wunderland team in Hamburg first had to shrink Monaco. Like everything else here, the principality on the French Riviera was reproduced at a scale of 1:87.

And even the racing cars are just 6cm long. Their top speed of 85cm per second would translate to nearly 270kph in the real world. This is as realistic as it gets – but that’s also what makes the whole undertaking so difficult.

“We’ve been working on the motorsport project since 2015. It’s our biggest challenge to date,” says Braun. The 53-year-old and his twin brother Frederik founded Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt district 20 years ago.

The entire exhibition space measures more than 10,000 square metres in size and, with around 1.4 million visitors a year, is one of the most popular attractions in Germany.

There are 9,250 cars, 269,000 figures, 15,715 metres of track, 1,040 trains with more than 10,000 carriages, 4,340 buildings and 130,000 trees.

You’ll find cities, villages, mountain panoramas, an airport, artificial northern lights, and a fair. More than 300 employees have spent around one million hours creating an accessible microcosm of trains, ships, and airplanes in constant motion.

At a scale of 1:87, many of the models are Porsche sports cars, including most recently the Porsche 99X Electric. Porsche Motorsport supplied the CAD data for the Formula E racer from Weissach.

The redesigned south of France, which will officially open in the first half of 2022, also features the legendary Monaco Grand Prix course. “We’ll alternate between Formula One and Formula E races,” says Braun. “Everything true to the original, with parade lap, safety car, starting grid – and then action!”

It is worth taking a look at the many parking spaces to discover historic vehicles. The G-Series Porsche 911 Targa is also a special feature in Miniatur Wunderland.

Almost 9,000 miniature visitors cavort at the Wunderland funfair. When night falls on the fairground, around 100,000 LEDs provide a colourful sea of lights. Nowhere else is the density of small lights in Miniatur Wunderland greater.

While the race simulations are already running in the computer, Braun still has to teach the cars to accelerate at just the right moment.

The small electric cars are powered by magnetic fields. The 21-metre course through miniature Monaco is made up of 24 special circuit boards with a total of 1,400 magnetic field sectors, each of which is controlled separately and generates its own magnetic field.

A small-scale scenario this realistic has never been built before. Everything had to be created from scratch. The software responsible for controlling 20 racing cars was developed on Braun’s computer.

The system responds to the driving manoeuvres of the other racers within 50 milliseconds, so each race is different.

With real battles for position, passing manoeuvres, and occasionally even a crash.

“Of course, we want to avoid that if at all possible because then the safety car has to come out and a couple of people are kept busy for some time,” says Braun.

While the software still needs some work, the racing cars are already raring to go. They were created using the model building experts’ 3D printer and sheets of plastic just 0.03mm thick.

The chassis are painted over multiple times and faithfully reproduced down to the smallest sponsor stickers to reflect their full-size counterparts. The underbody conceals a Halbach array, a diamond-shaped panel that serves as the counterpart to the magnetic fields along the course.

If everything goes according to plan, the miniature car races will be the Hamburg team’s next global milestone in the field of model building.

“The crowning achievement of all our efforts,” says Braun. “Even more complex than the airport with its airplanes taking off and landing, which was commissioned in 2011.”

According to Braun, the unsolvable problem with miniaturisation is this: “We may be able to shrink down objects, but we can’t shrink down time.”


Don't waste your time going to JPJ from Dec 23-27

                PETALING: All Road Transport Department (JPJ) services will be turned off over a five-day period from Dec 23-27.

In a message on its website, the JPJ said it was upgrading its systems from Dec 23, 10pm to Dec 27, 7am.

"All JPJ activities whether at JPJ counters, POS (Malaysia) counters, JPJ kiosks, MyEG kiosks, UTC (Urban Transformation Centre) as well as phone transactions by the public, companies or JPJ business partners will be closed," it read.

The JPJ apologised for any inconvenience caused.


Sime Darby Auto Selection gets Bosch support

                PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto Selection (SDAS), Malaysia’s fastest-growing multi-brand used car dealer under Sime Darby Motors, has partnered with Bosch to provide unrivalled expert advice, repair, and maintenance services to customers, by unifying a professional aftersales team with world class workshop facilities.

The Bosch-powered service centre will cater to the ever growing aftermarket demands in Malaysia, particularly customers who are looking for premium auto care service.

Sime Darby Auto Selection managing director Vi Thim Juan said the partnership with Bosch would ensure that SDAS is future-ready by offering a comprehensive range of world-class professional diagnostic and repair solutions as well as superior auto parts and accessories that are suitable for the multi-brand car models and brands that it services.

Vi said that even with the incorporation of Bosch’s systems and components, repairs and services will still be priced competitively so customers could expect superior quality products and services that are still affordable.

SDAS’ service centre complements existing aftersales service of all car brands.

Owners with vehicles past their warranty period will be able to enjoy the same quality of service provided by brand-specific authorised service centres. (From left) Goh, Vi, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia managing director of retail & distribution Jeffrey Gan Chiew Boon, Sime Darby retail & distribution head of aftersales Alan Scott Gascoyne, Sime Darby Auto Selection general manager Eric Moo Jin Yew and Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia channel marketing manager Reuben Chew Jiet Han at the SDAS centre.

SDAS’ technicians are highly trained and skilled to provide consistent and superior standards of service for all car models, including hybrid and electric vehicles, assuring quality workmanship.

Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia country manager Dillion Goh said the partnership with SDAS is an excellent means for Bosch to showcase its products and services that are innovative, sustainable, safe, exciting and which fulfils all our customers’ requirements.

“Through the collaboration, embracing the new norm will be a breeze as the designated SDAS service centre will feature all of Bosch AA’s consumer automotive needs under one roof,” he said.

Apart from car maintenance, the Bosch-powered SDAS Service Centre also provides repair, cleaning and vehicle inspection services.

Located at Lot 33, Temasya Industrial Park, Glenmarie, Shah Alam, the SDAS Service Centre operates from 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays. The centre is closed on Sundays.

To book a service, all customers need to do is to fill up their details at www.simedarbyautoselection.com.my and a service adviser will be in touch with them.

For more information on the new service centre or to book a service, customers can also call 03-4065 2502.


Nicki Minaj and the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class ad campaign

STUTTGART: Marking the launch of the new A-class and continuing the partnership with TIDAL, Mercedes-Benz is excited to launch the new ad campaign featuring TIDAL artist-owner and global superstar Nicki Minaj.

The international campaign which is created around around the claim "The new A-Class. Just like you." features a 360-degree content campaign at www.mercedes-benz.com/a-class as the central hub.

This is where interested parties can find out why the A-Class is the ideal vehicle for the lifestyle of urban, digital savvy and connected people.

The campaign message is: the new A-Class understands your personal peculiarities, preferences and needs- what makes you individual and unique. It is the first car that adapts itself to you – and not vice versa. Quite simply, it is just like you.

“The A-Class is the most successful model in our compact car generation with more than three million units delivered since its market launch in 2012, it has significantly contributed to a more youthful and modern Mercedes-Benz brand image.

"The average age of customers in Germany has fallen by ten years, and in China around one third of all buyers are below 30 years of age. We want to build on this success with the fourth generation of the A-Class, which intelligently unites and redefines lifestyle and digitalization says Dr Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"With our campaign we stage the vehicle in a progressive and eventful way and highlight the digital product highlights such as real-time parking or the high customizability of the vehicle interior. The campaign thus reflects our philosophy of 'human centered innovation'.”


Touch ‘n Go RFID tag can now be terminated online

                PETALING JAYA: Touch ‘n Go Malaysia has announced that users can now terminate their RFID tag via its dedicated portal.

In an announcement on Facebook, the company said users only need to terminate their RFID tag if their vehicle has been stolen, or sold to another owner.

As the RFID tag is not transferable and is unique to each registered customer and vehicle, TNG advised users in an FAQ to terminate the RFID tag in the event of theft or sale of their vehicle as toll fares may be deducted from their TNG ewallet even though the vehicle is being used by a new owner.

It added that customers will not be compensated for the fare if they fail to terminate their RFID tag.

On the portal, users can click on My Vehicle(s) on the dashboard to view their RFID tag details. They can then submit a request to terminate the tag, request a replacement tag or activate a tag.

Customers can also view details such as transaction history through the portal and perform other actions such as submitting refund requests.

READ MORE: More RFID lanes coming to PLUS toll plazas

The company stated that each RFID tag purchase includes one free replacement. However the free replacement will be voided should customers choose to terminate their tag. Customers using tags from the RFID pilot programme are also not eligible for the free replacement.

Previously, the company said that users had to email or contact a customer service hotline to terminate their RFID tags. Back in 2019, the company asked RFID tag pilot testers to submit their termination requests through Google Forms where details such as IC numbers, car plate numbers and current Touch ‘n Go eWallet app balances were required.

The Touch ‘n Go eWallet currently does not offer users the option to terminate the RFID tag though the app.

The TNG RFID tags are priced at RM35 each. Customers can get RM8 cashback when they purchase the tag through the TNG eWallet. The offer is valid until June 30.

Last month, Touch ‘n Go announced that an enhanced TNG card with NFC is available to purchase for RM10 each. The card is now sold out and the company has responded to users on Facebook that the next batch of cards is expected to be released in June.


Mitsubishi Motors opens new showroom in Bintulu

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, together with authorized dealer Auto Pacifica Sdn Bhd celebrated the opening of a new Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare parts) in Bintulu, Sarawak recently.

Auto Pacifica is the first showroom in Sarawak with Mitsubishi Motors’ new corporate brand; represented by its global tagline ‘Drive Your Ambition’ and the second Mitsubishi Motors 3S showroom in Bintulu, Sarawak.

The 3S Centre is located at Lot No. 31 & 32, Bintulu City Mall Commercial Centre, Jalan Johari Sunam, Bintulu with an investment of half a million ringgit.

 (From left) CEO of MMM, Shinnishi and Director of Auto Pacifica (AP), Yaw exchanging gifts during the launch.

With a built up area of 3,000 square feet, the new 3S Centre houses a customer lounge, and a fully-equipped workshop capable of servicing up to three Mitsubishi cars with parts storage area. The 3S centre comes with fully equipped advance diagnostic tools and Special Set Tools (SST) to serve every Mitsubishi vehicle.

“Mitsubishi Motors was established in January 2005 in Malaysia. Auto Pacifica joined the Mitsubishi Motors family four years later in 2009, so this marks our tenth year as business partners! I would like to thank Auto Pacifica, a member of Samling Strategic Corporation Sdn Bhd, for its continuous support, making Triton the top two pick-up in Sarawak with 20.9% market share,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

With the opening of Auto Pacifica, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is now represented by 54 showrooms (out of which 48 are 3S Centres) and 55 service outlets throughout Malaysia.


China's car buyers seek more room, comfort; boost for MPVs

                BEIJING: Even as Chinese car buyers feed a boom in crossovers and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), automakers are looking ahead to the likely “next big thing” and reckon affordable people-carriers, or multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), could be it.

Shifts towards electric cars in many cities, potential breakthroughs in autonomous, self-driving technology and lifestyle changes with the relaxation of China's one-child policy pose challenges for product planners in the world's largest autos market.

In the near-term, some predict car buyers will want roomier, more comfortable interior space. Further ahead, others see self-driving cars and electric propulsion leading to radically new body styles with even more space and comfort in cars.

Chinese tend to live near their parents, and the changes to the one-child policy are expected to make family units larger, Hiroji Onishi, head of Toyota Motor's China operations, said on the sidelines of the Beijing auto show, which ended on Wednesday.

"We think MPVs have good prospects in China. Given those changing life-stage needs, we think what's going to be popular are smaller, more affordable MPVs (or minivans) like the (Toyota) Noah Voxy, a compact minivan which we market in Japan," he said.

Developers at the Japanese automaker say sales of the Alphard, a boxy, but premium-level, minivan brimming with gadgets and business-class-like airline seats, suggest an emerging appetite for a spacious, upscale people-mover. Imported from Japan, the model starts at around 759,000 yuan (RM469,000).

Toyota officials and dealers say the van's interior comfort offers a more subtle way for China's rich to signal their wealth in a climate where overt excess is frowned upon. And in China, trends that catch on at the premium end traditionally spread quickly through the rest of the market.

Rising demand for MPVs contributed to an 8.8 percent increase in overall vehicle sales in March, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

MPVs account for about 5.5 percent of China's passenger vehicle market, with sales of 1.08 million vehicles last year, says consultancy IHS Automotive.

At the more affordable end of the market are the Wuling Hongguan microvan and the Baojun 730, a minivan from SAIC-GM-Wuling, a no-frills joint venture of General Motors, SAIC Motor Corp and Guangxi Automobile. Among global automakers' offerings are the Buick GL8 and Honda Motor Co's Odyssey.

The MPV segment has also expanded into a lucrative niche for spacious, luxury people-movers such as the Mercedes-Benz Viano and the Alphard.

James Chao, Asia-Pacific managing director at IHS, believes other global automakers will mimic GM's strategy of emphasizing a market for affordable, family-oriented minivans.

Chao, meanwhile, sees China's SUV boom making up as much as 45 percent of the total market in around a decade - in line with industry trends in the United States - up from around 35 percent today and just 10 percent five years ago.

The boom has been driven by China's well-off thirty somethings who want sleek looks and a roomy interior. Auto executives and industry experts predict SUV sales will continue to grow strongly for several years, even as the market becomes more crowded and profitability dips.

MPVs aren't likely to hit those heights, but demand is expected to grow at 5-6 percent a year, Shanghai-based Chao said. "We expect the popularity of MPVs will spread more and more to family purchases," he said.

The minivan is a popular format across emerging markets, and smaller, cheaper MPVs sell well in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. In the United States, MPV sales are likely to go in the opposite direction, IHS says, slipping to around 500,000 vehicles by 2020, or 3.5 percent of the total, from 4.5 percent last year.

Product planners at Audi see autonomous driving and electric cars as potentially revolutionising car design, as new technologies allow for more space and comfort.

"Autonomous driving gives the car interior a totally different meaning," Joachim Wedler, head of Audi's China operations, told reporters at the firm's Beijing tech centre ahead of the auto show.

"Fun and relaxation are the new targets for those cars, while (electrification) offers us different vehicle packaging opportunities as there's no (bulky) engine or transmission. Batteries more or less lie flat on the floor. We have totally different opportunities for roominess and ergonomics."

"These will lead us to a new concept for the car," he said.


Volvo XC60: Power and poise priced at RM299K to RM344K

                VOLVO’S second-generation XC60 mid-size luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) has managed to earn its place within its segment since it made its local debut at the start of 2018 in three guises for choice.

The range starts with the XC60 T5 Momentum, priced at RM298,888 without insurance and is followed by the mid-range T8 Twin Engine Inscription plug-in hybrid at RM333,888 before ending with the range-topping T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus plug-in hybrid at RM343,888.

Buyers get a choice of five colours that include Ice White, Bright Silver, Osmium Grey, Onyx Black and Maple Brown as well as two colours of Maroon Brown and Charcoal for the leather upholstery.

Even before the locally-assembled Swedish SUV won the coveted “Car of the Year” title as well as “Best Midsize Luxury SUV/Crossover” and the “Best Hybrid Vehicle” titles during the 2018 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards, it was already swaying buyers from other luxury makes.

Externally, the XC60 has a clean and attractive Scandinavian styling that’s been thoughtfully designed and the same can be said for the cabin that features high-end materials for the roomy interior.

Power comes from a perky, smooth and efficient 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 254hp and 350Nm of torque for the T5 Momentum and is mated to an eight-speed automatic Geartronic transmission for the standard all-wheel-drive system.

Both the T8 Twin Engine Inscription and T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus plug-in hybrid variants use a 2.0-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine producing 320hp and 420Nm.

The engine is further supplemented by an 87hp/240Nm electric motor that independently drives the rear axle.

The motor receives power from a 10.4kWh lithium-ion hybrid battery, centrally located in the floor tunnel of the car, and can be fully charged in under three hours via a household socket.

The motor helps to up-rate the performance figures to a total system output of 407hp and 640Nm while having the ability to travel up to 45km in pure electric mode.

This drops fuel consumption down to 2.1 litres per 100km and yet, still have the ability to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 5.3 seconds.

To conserve more fuel, the Eco mode’s coast function will disconnect the engine from the transmission when the driver lifts his foot off the accelerator pedal at speeds above 65kph.

As standard, the XC60 comes with Volvo’s IntelliSafe suite of safety technologies that includes driver support, active, preventive and protective safety systems.

These include City Safety such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) as well as Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation to name a few.

Both City Safety and BLIS now feature Steer Assist, which is a system that provides automatic steering assistance and helps (when required) to avoid potential collisions.

City Safety detects and helps avoid collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

Oncoming Lane Mitigation is a new system included in the new XC60, which helps drivers avoid collisions with vehicles in an oncoming lane.

The system will alert and if necessary, provide automatic steering assistance, to guide the car out of the path of the oncoming vehicle.

Also available is Volvo’s Pilot Assist – an advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance system which takes care of steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 130kph.


First drive of second-gen Toyota Mirai FCEV

                BURI RAM (Thailand): The media had a brief test drive of the all-electric Toyota Mirai, which is a fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) at this weekend's (Dec 16 to 18) Idemitsu 1500 Super Endurance race at the Chang International Circuit.

Acceleration is effortless, and the Mirai delivered sharp, responsive handling during a quick slalom course.

Two second-generation Mirai cars will undergo two-year tests in Pattaya and Rayong, to showcase Toyota's clean mobility solutions.

The second-generation Mirai has a third hydrogen fuel tank added, contributing to a 30% increase in the car’s driving range to 650km (compared with its predecessor).

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Mitsubishi Motors says ex-chairman Masuko dead at 71

Masuko became Mitsubishi Motors’ president in 2005, and oversaw the creation of a partnership with Nissan. — Reuters
TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors Corp’s former chairman Osamu Masuko has died from heart failure, the Japanese automaker said in a statement on Monday. He was 71.

Masuko, a veteran of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, had just weeks ago resigned as chairman citing health reasons. He became the automaker’s president in 2005, and oversaw the creation of the partnership between Mitsubishi and Nissan Motor Co.

Mitsubishi Motors said he died on Aug 27.

“(H)e built solid relationships with the management of partners, the Alliance companies and the Mitsubishi Group through good communications by leveraging his personality and extensive connections,” the company said.

The former chairman’s death comes as the alliance between Mitsubishi, Nissan and French automaker Renault SA struggles to regain profitability in the aftermath of the ouster of former alliance chairman Carlos Ghosn.

Masuko was at the helm of Mitsubishi during a 2016 scandal in which the automaker was found to have overstated the mileage on its vehicles.

An investigation uncovered slack governance and pressure on resource-starved engineers as chronic issues at the company.

The scandal - Mitsubishi’s third in two decades - pummelled profits and further tarnished the automaker’ s brand. At the height of the furore, Nissan lent its smaller rival a lifeline, offering it US$2.2 billion for a 34% controlling stake.

The deal was agreed between Masuko and then Nissan CEO Ghosn, and brought Mitsubishi in as a junior partner in the Nissan-Renault automotive alliance.

Masuko later denounced his ties with Ghosn following the latter’s 2018 arrest in Japan over suspected financial misconduct.

All three members of the alliance are currently mired in financial problems, after years of aggressive expansion policies under Ghosn’s leadership resulted in falling vehicle sales.

A further drop in global car demand due to the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated these problems, and Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault are each bracing for steep annual operating losses this year.


Refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLA arrives, price starts from RM240K

                KUALA LUMPUR:  Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduced the updated GLA.

Now moving into in its mid-life cycle, the facelifted GLA is available in three variants and is priced from RM239,888.

The latest iteration starts with the GLA 200 (RM239,888, on-the-road with GST, without insurance), followed by the GLA 250 4MATIC (RM269,888) and the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC (RM408,888).

The entry-level front-wheel driven GLA 200 is powered by a 1.6-litre (1,595cc) turbocharged engine, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), producing 156hp at 5.300rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1,250 to 4,000rpm.

While rolling on 19-inch five-spoke light weight wheels in matt-black and a high-sheen finish, the GLA 200 will sprint from 0-100kph in 8.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 215kph.

The exterior is fitted with the Urban Line, Night Package, aluminium roof rails in high-gloss black, LED headlights, adaptive highbeam assist and powered folding external mirrors.

Standard equipment includes off-road comfort suspension, Dynamic Select, Eco-Start-Stop function, Pre-safe System, Active Brake Assist, Adaptive brake lights, tyre-pressure monitoring system, run flat tyres and five airbags.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in Artico man-made leather and black Maringa fabric, while the rood liner is in black.

There are light aluminium trim with longitudinal grain and a multi-function three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Convenience features include keyless-entry, hands-free tail-gate operation, automatic climate controls, cruise control, attention assist, reverse camera, active parking assist, automatic dimming interior and exterior mirrors and powered front seats with four-way lumbar support and memory.

For entertainment, there's an Audio 20 CD with Garmin MPA PILOT pre-installed, 8.0-inch media display screen, Apply CarPlay and Android Auto.

As for the GLA 250 4MATIC, it now uses a 2.0-litre (1,991cc) turbocharged engine with the same seven-speed DCT, only the engine now provides 211hp at 5,500rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,200 to 4,000rpm for the all-wheel drive system.

This means its 0-100kph time is cut to 6.6 seconds (-1.5 seconds) and top speed increases to 230kph (+15kph).

Externally, it loses the Urban Line for the more sportier AMG Line, while rolling on 19-inch five-spoke lightweight wheels instead.

Inside, it also gets the AMG Line of fittings with the seats are now in Artico man-made leather and black Dinamica microfibre, illuminated AMG door-sill panels, AMG floor mats and an off-road media display for the Audio 20 CD entertainment unit.

The most powerful of the lot, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC, tunes up the GLA 250's engine to produce 381hp at 6,000rpm and 475Nm of torque from 2,250 to 5,000rpm.

While fitted with larger 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, the GLA 45 is able to shaves the 0-100kph sprint time down to 4.4 seconds and its top speed now jumps to an electronically-limited 250kph.

It also gets an uprated AGM speedshift seven-speed DCT, AMG Ride Control sports suspension, AMG Dynamic Select and an AMG performance exhaust system.

Externally, it is fitted with the AMG Night Package and AMG aerodynamics package.

The inside gets an AMG exclusive interior package, AMG leather performance sports seats with black and red contrasting stitches, upper-dashboard in Artico man-made leather, Panoramic sliding sunroof, red seat belts, carbin fibre inserts and an AMG performance steering wheel wrapped with Nappa leather.

Added convenience now includes the addition of COMAND Online, a DVD-changer and a Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system.

"The new GLA is ... suited for an active lifestyle," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president of sales & marketing (Passenger Cars) Mark Raine.

The GLA is still in its first generation while the second generation is currently undergoing testing and is scheduled to be released in 2019.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 200

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC


BHPetrol reward 35 patrons with prizes

                PETALING JAYA: The third instalment of the Orangemania BHPetrol presented 35 lucky winners from around the Klang Valley with prizes from ranging from petrol vouchers to gadgets.

The event was held at The Royal Bintang Hotel in Mutiara Damansara and the presenting the winners with their prizes was BHPetrol senior marketing manager Baba Tan.

The winners received prizes such as RM5 petrol e-vouchers, Wonda coffee vouchers, Line stickers, an Iphone 6, Ipad Mini3 and LINE Dolls.

 (L-R) One of the main prize winner of an Ipad Mini3 with BHPetrol senior marketing manager Baba Tan

In addition, the winners were also treated to another opportunity to win more prizes, which included petrol vouchers, via a quiz conducted by Tan.

Until June 30, customers who purchase a minimum of RM20 of petrol from participating BHPetrol stations are entitled to a potential winning contest card.

According to Tan, the campaign has managed to attract many new customers to BHPetrol stations as well as its BHPetromart.

“This is a great opportunity to us as well as the campaign partners in boosting the sales of our products in BHPetrol.”

For more information, log on to www.bhpetrol.com.my.


Honda SENSING 360 envelopes car in safety bubble

                TOKYO: Honda today unveiled the new Honda SENSING 360 omnidirectional safety and driver-assistive system which removes blind spots around the vehicle and contributes to collision avoidance and the reduction of driver burden while driving.

Further evolved from the previous system, Honda SENSING 360 features an expanded sensing range not only in the front and rear, but omnidirectionally around the vehicle.

Application of Honda SENSING 360 will begin in 2022 with vehicles introduced in the Chinese market. Honda will strive to expand the application to all models to go on sale in all major markets by 2030.

Since its introduction in 2014, the Honda SENSING advanced safety and driver-assistive system has been refined further, expanding its application to mass-production models globally and supporting Honda customers in a variety of driving situations.

Honda SENSING 360 achieved its 360-degree sensing by adding five units of millimetre-wave radar in front and at each corner of the vehicle, in addition to the monocular camera, which is used by the current Honda SENSING.

This expanded sensing range covers blind spots around the vehicle which are difficult for the driver to visually check and contributes to the avoidance of collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians as well as a reduction of the driver burden related to driving.

For the development of Honda SENSING 360, Honda leveraged its knowledge and know-how amassed through the research and development of Level 3 automated driving technologies.

Honda is striving for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050.


BMW i8 roadster arrives at RM1.5 million

                KUALA LUMPUR: The first-ever BMW i8 roadster has arrived in Malaysia, and is priced at around RM1.5 million without insurance.

Yeo Bee Yin, who is Minister of Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment, officiated the launch of the plug-in hybrid sports car at the Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) 2018 held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

“BMW Group Malaysia sees itself as a key industry player capable of driving and shaping the national dialogue on the mobility of the future. Our leadership in electro mobility is amply reflected in our innovative range of electrified vehicles,” said Harald Hoelzl, managing director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia.

The open-top two-seater's soft-top roof retracts fully into the rear end and its all-electric roof opens and closes quietly in 15 seconds, a process which can be initiated while travelling at up to 50kph.

Its aluminium chassis and carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) passenger cell, as well as frameless gullwing doors made from CFRP with an aluminium outer shell, and a CFRP windscreen frame ensure a noticeable weight advantage.

Also, the standard 20-inch light-alloy wheels each weigh around a kilogram less than the lightest wheels previously offered for the BMW i8.

The unladen weight of the i8 roadster stands at 1,595kg - a remarkably low figure for an open-top car.

As for the cockpit, it has a BMW head-up display that changes to a sports display that includes revs, gears and shift lights when performing manual gear changes in Sport mode.

Other features include shift paddles, electrically adjustable seats, and a Driving Assistant with Surround View, and a navigation system.

Meanwhile, the electric motor’s power is transmitted to the front wheels and the engine’s drive to the rear wheels, resulting in a hybrid-specific all-wheel-drive system.

Its 1.5-litre petrol-powered three-cylinder engine produces 231hp, along with a peak torque of 320Nm.

The system output produced by the electric motor and engine acting in unison is now 374hp, enabling an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

The 0 to 100kph sprint is done in 4.6 seconds while its combined fuel consumption stands at 2.0 litres per 100km.

The all-electric range of the i8 roadster can reach 53km.

It comes in an exterior E-Copper finish with Accaro interior design.

The retail price (on the road, without insurance) for the i8 Roadster starts from RM1,508,800.

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the i8 roadster can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 17,268.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

The complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience includes:

- BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program.
- BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.
- BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
- The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW White Card.
- BMW Service Online.


DRB-Hicom plays down talk of Proton management change

Ahmad Fuaad remains Proton CEO until further notice.
PETALING JAYA: DRB-Hicom Bhd has played down talk of an impending change in management at Proton Holdings Bhd, saying that the company and its Chinese partner are focused on formulating a “solid business plan” for the national carmaker.

“We refer to the various news reports on changes of key personnel at Proton.

“We wish to clarify that DRB-Hicom and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd are still finalising details of the transaction,” it said in a statement yesterday.

DRB-Hicom had on June 23 agreed to sell a 49.9% stake in Proton to Geely.

“The first priority for both parties at this time, as part of the agreed items of the Definitive Agreement signed on June 23, is to formulate a solid business plan that can ensure Proton will be on a solid footing as it embarks on its new journey,” it said.

“Any material announcement in this regard, if any, will be made in due course.”

The statement came amid speculations that Proton would get a chief executive officer (CEO) from China.

A report from the China-based car news portal Automotive Review had suggested that former Dongfeng Honda Engine Co Ltd deputy general manager Li Chunrong, who has officially joined the senior management of Geely, is slated to oversee Proton’s operations.

A report in China Press quoting the Xinhua state news agency said that Li had left Dongfeng Honda and joined Geely on Aug 22.

If the speculation holds true, then Li could become the first foreign CEO to lead Proton. The current CEO of Proton is Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, who was appointed in March 2016.

Ahmad Fuaad was previously DRB-Hicom’s chief operating officer (finance and corporate).

Reports earlier quoted International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed as saying that the government had no issue if a foreigner was eventually appointed as chairman of Proton at the international level.

He was also reported as saying that Proton should be progressive when it came to this matter and must pick talent irrespective of the person’s nationality.

“If we are too confined to whether they are foreigners or not, we will not be progressing,” he had said then.


LeEco-backed Faraday Future moves SUV production as work halts on Las Vegas plant

The FF 91 electric car. — Reuters
LOS ANGELES: Startup Faraday Future said it would move production of its luxury electric SUV to a new location, from a planned US$1 billion Las Vegas factory where construction has ground to a halt amid financial woes of key investor Chinese entrepreneur Jia Yueting.

Faraday is part of a network of young electric vehicle (EV) firms in China and the United States backed by Jia, who has said his company LeEco - that grew from a Netflix-like video website to a business empire spanning consumer electronics to cars within 13 years - is facing a severe shortage of cash after expanding too fast and in too many directions.

Struggling to support goals that included beating Elon Musk's Tesla Motors in premium EV making, Jia is now trying to ride out the cash crunch by taking measures such as halting work on the Las Vegas factory and selling a Silicon Valley property less than a year after buying it from Yahoo Inc.

On the decision to shift the production site of Faraday's luxury electric SUV FF 91 to a new site, the startup said: "This will allow product production to be realised faster, as well as allow our future strategy to be implemented more effectively."

Jia, who posted this Faraday statement on his social media account, did not name the location of the new FF 91 factory.

The FF 91 has been described by its designer as "weird-pretty" and Faraday executives say it will be the most technologically advanced vehicle of its kind on the market when it goes into production in early 2018. But cash shortages have raised questions about the company's prospects.

According to estimates from mutual fund investors, LeEco could see the market value of its listed unit, Leshi Internet Information & Technology Corp Beijing, fall around US$2.5 billion should its shares resume trading.


The usual supercar suspects on parade in Geneva

                GENEVA: Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche will all be looking to out-dazzle each other at this year's biggest automotive display for supercar-makers but they'll have to unveil something truly amazing if they're going to top the new Bugatti Chiron.

The March 3-13 Geneva Motor Show is called the car show for the one percent with good reason. It's where premium marques come to mark their territory and where the most potent cars money can buy make their global debut.

 The Ferrari GTC4Lusso replaces the FF.

Ferrari will be out in force with two new models. The first, the California T Handling Speciale, is a more lively, driver-focused version of its existing convertible GT, aimed at clients that want a boulevard cruiser that's as much fun in the bends as it is in a straight line.

The second is the GTC4Lusso. A four-wheel-drive, four seater with four-wheel steering and a 680bhp V12 engine. This new family Ferrari is aimed squarely at a younger demographic that wants a supercar that doubles as a daily driver capable of hitting 100km/h from standstill in 3.4 seconds.

Porsche has already taken the wraps off its 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S and their new four-cylinder turbo engines. However, it won't be showing off the 911 GT3, the most serious, no-nonsense version of the iconic 911 until March 1.

Only 40 people know for sure what Lamborghini will be unveiling to mark the 100th birthday of its founder Ferruccio Lamborghini. And that's because they've already bought it, despite its multi-million dollar price tag. Expected to be called the Centenario, the company promises that it will be a V12-powered car in its own right, rather than an amalgam of existing models.

British brands will also be busy. McLaren is bringing the 570S Spider, the drop-top version of its everyday, almost practical 204mph (328kph) road rocket. Jaguar will be promoting the F-Type SVR, its first 321kph production car; and Aston Martin will be taking the wraps off the DB11, the replacement for the DB9.

Boasting sharper, more angular styling and a new turbocharged V12 engine, the car will be the first Aston built on a new platform that will pave the way for a host of other new models before decade's end.

However, the biggest single supercar reveal of all will be the Bugatti Chiron - the car that has to replace the Veyron in terms of desirability and performance. So expect a hybrid powertrain and a 0-100kph of under 2.7 seconds and a top speed in excess of 424kph because Bugatti has promised that the new car will pick up where the old one left off as the fastest in the world.


Lamborghini Museum re-opens its doors

                BOLOGNA: Following its closure due to the Covid-19 emergency, the Lamborghini Museum of Technologies – MUDETEC – has re-opened on July 10.

The main attraction coinciding with the museum’s opening is the display of the new Sián Roadster.

The open-top, hybrid super sports car can be seen exclusively inside the museum, until July 12.

The Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese – renamed MUDETEC last April – has long been a pilgrimage site for Lamborghini enthusiasts and fans.

Inside the museum, visitors are taken on a journey through the history of the Lamborghini world from its beginnings to the present day, illustrated by a series of innovations and examples of excellence that have revolutionized not only Lamborghini but the entire automotive panorama, creating new concepts and laying foundations for future technologies.

From the most iconic historic vehicles such as the 350 GT, the Miura, the Countach and the LM002, to the more recent and exclusive Asterion (hybrid concept car), the Centenario, and the Aventador SVJ, the vehicles on display tell the story of Automobili Lamborghini, marked by passion, engineering, design and leadership in the application of carbon fiber and Forged Composites.

The museum also delves into the world of aerodynamics and electronics, showcasing the recent cutting-edge technologies applied to the Huracán and Aventador, such as the ALA active aerodynamics system, the predictive logic of the LDVI system, and the innovative HMI user interface.

The reopening of MUDETEC also coincides with new and exciting collaborations.

The first involves the Architecture for Exhibition project, developed by Automobili Lamborghini in partnership with Young Architects Competitions (YAC), a Bologna-based architecture academy that promotes international architectural design competitions and training programs for young architects.

The young trainees will have the unique chance to work on the 2021 design of MUDETEC, under the supervision of Giuseppe Zampieri, founder of the David Chipperfield Architects branch in Milan, and with the support of some leading international architects.

In another collaborative project, some of the pieces from the MUDETEC collection will be featured at the Cité de l’Automobile, the world's largest automobile museum, located in France, in Mulhouse, Alsace.

The exhibition, running from July 9, 2020 to January 10, 2021, will have a special focus on Automobili Lamborghini for the first time in its history.

It will tell visitors about the brand’s history highlighting the uniqueness of Lamborghini cars and the dreams that have inspired the brand and its enthusiasts over the years.

READ MORE:819hp Lamborghini Sián Roadster struts out


New MINI Clubman arrives, priced from RM204K

 Look, six doors. The only MINI with that many.

SUBANG JAYA: MINI has unveiled it's latest six-door Clubman in two variants with prices starting from RM203,888 (OTR with GST) that's said to promise a unique combination of driving fun, premium charisma, functionality as well as MINI style individuality.

Included in the price is MINI's four-year unlimited mileage warranty, which comes with free scheduled service as well and is in accordance with the condition based service system.

Out of the box, the Clubman gets a 2,670mm wheelbase and comes in measuring 4,253mm-long, 1,800mm-wide and 1,441mm-tall, while front and rear track differ marginally at 1,564mm and 1,565mm respectively.

As standard, the Clubman gets a equipped with LED headlights and fog lamps, newly-designed rear light cluster, 20-second driver-side MINI logo projection wing mirror, air curtains and signature split rear doors.

READ MORE:
MINI Clubman driven in Stockholm
Five takeaways from MINI Clubman drive in SwedenMINI Clubman to form core of 5 'superheroes'

The list continues with electric parking brake, dual-zone automatic climate controls, speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering system, run flat tyres and a 360-litre boot (expandable to 1,250 litres).

Under the hood, there's two turbo-charged engine options on the menu and each comes with three driving modes of Green, Mid and Sport.

The engine line-up starts with the entry-level 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine in the Cooper Clubman providing 136hp and 220Nm to the front wheels.

This means it gets from 0-100kph in 9.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 205kph and reportedly has an average fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km, while rolling on 17-inch Net Spoke Silver wheels.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in Cloth Firework Carbon Black with Hazy Grey interior surfacing and a Chrome Line interior as well as a sports leather steering wheel.

As for the Cooper S Clubman (RM253,888), it gets a familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed steptronic transmission with paddle-shifters and comes with coasting mode.

Engine output has been rated at 192hp and 280Nm of torque, which translates to a 0-100kph sprint time of 7.1 seconds; a top speed of 228kph and an average fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km, while on 18-inch Star Spoke Black wheels.

The interior gets Piano Black accents instead with the seats upholstered in Pure Burgundy leather with Cross Punch effect, while adding power-adjustability with lumbar support to the front seats and memory function for the driver.

Other conveniences include comfort access (sensor to open split-rear doors with a wiggle of the foot) with optional extras such as Piano Black interior surfacing with Leather Cross Punch in Pure Burgundy upholstery and John Cooper Works leather steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Entertainment comes from the MINI Connected infotainment unit allowing for an extensive integration of smartphones in the car that includes Spotify or GoPro for instance.

For safety, there's anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control, brake assistant, dynamic stability control (DSC), brake dry function, fading brake support and dynamic traction control.

However, with DSC deactivated, an electronic differential lock control takes over, which applies some braking force to the spinning drive wheel on tight corners to help redirect the drive torque to the opposite wheel.

The new MINI Clubman comes in eight colour options such as Melting Silver (new), Pure Burgundy (new), Pepper White, Midnight Black, Moonwalk Grey, Deep Blue, British Racing Green, and just for the Cooper S Clubman is Thunder Grey.

“The New MINI Clubman creates a new chapter in the story of MINI. The new car revolutionises the brand, taking the MINI appeal a notch higher with current trendsetters and drives the creative class social segment,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Han Sang Yun.

MINI Cooper Clubman
MINI Cooper S Clubman


Ducati Scrambler Urban Enduro: Blast from the past

                MANY are not aware that in the early 1970s’, Ducati was already building the 450cc Scramblers.

The Italian bike make produced a lot of them for the American market which had high demand for these robust machines.

The recent fad of retro-designed bikes offered Ducati an opportunity to revive the scrambler styling.

At present ,the Scramblers are the best-selling Ducati models.

There are seven variants under the Ducati Scrambler family - Full Throttle, Desert Sled, Café Racer, Sixty2, Icon, Classic and Urban Enduro.

The Scrambler, which I am reviewing is the Urban Enduro.

The Urban Enduro is powered by the popular Monster 800 air-cooled Desmodromic engine but gets new cam timing which offers a good mid-range performance with steady power flow till the red line.

The new cam timing also ensures a smoother ride compared with the Monster’s.

One glance at the bike and you may not realise it is a Ducati make.

Unlike the other Ducati bikes which have the familiar Ducati red colour, the front styling and how the Ducati logo is placed on the tank.

This is done deliberately simply because the Scrambler is a brand extension and also as a differentiator from the rest of the Ducati models.

The minute I came close to the Enduro, what caught my attention was the size and the design of the bike.

The size is small and that gave me the assurance that the bike is easy to handle and the no frills design was a right fit for the retro look.

The big round LED light further enhanced the retro look.

As I sat on the bike, it is very obvious that Ducati designers had intended for the Scrambler to be simple and functional.

They really meant it. Every single part on this bike was not hidden, it was out in the open. A dream bike for any mechanics.

Having said that, all the parts are carefully placed in a tidy and neat manner.

The Urban Enduro is fitted with a single digital instrument pod that offers variety of useful information like a digital speedo, odometer, two trip meters, a clock, ambient temperature display but no fuel gauge.

Yes, you read it right, no fuel gauge but it has a warning light that is bright enough for me not to miss.

The sitting position of this bike is upright and easy for the feet to reach the ground.

Meanwhile the handle bars are designed like the classic scrambler style - high and wide which is very apt for off-road riding.

The bike exudes tonnes of macho-ness partly because of the rugged colour, olive green and also few of the extras fitted to the bike like the headlight grille, wire spoke wheels, the retro-designed saddle which is comfy and spacious enough for the rider and the pillion rider.

Riding this bike in the traffic laden roads of Kuala Lumpur seems to be very easy.

The engine has a lot of torque to take me from one traffic light to another.

When I was caught in a massive traffic jam, I was able to stand up while slowly manoeuvring the Urban Enduro in between the cars; to see what was the cause of the traffic stand still.

The reach to the handle while I was standing up was very comfortable, I did not have to bend my arms too much.

Weaving in and out of traffic with the Enduro is an easy task.

The Urban Enduro still has an abundance of power at low speeds.

On few occasions, I decided to make a dash before the traffic lights turned red.

To my surprise, the engine’s torque delivery was simply wicked, allowing me to blast through quickly.

Believe it or not, there was hardly any hesitation. The folks at Ducati definitely has taken the time to build this masterpiece.

I had the opportunity to take the bike to Cameron Highlands and also trunk roads of Kuala Selangor.

I must confess that this bike definitely has all the right ingredients that made me very happy.

Throttle response was great, it was engaging with no lag. The bike gets all fired up from the second gear shift onwards with the front wheel ready to lift off.

On the highway, the power delivery on this bike can be bit aggressive when I decided to twist the throttle hard.

The abundance of power on this bike for a novice could be a challenge at least for the first 500km, it is definitely fun.

The macho scrambler has the distinct Desmodromic sound once the engine hit 4,000rpm. Every time I twist for juice, I get all the power and more.

I was able to push the bike hard on the corners without putting myself in danger. This is partly due to the sturdy chassis and the reliable front and rear Kayaba suspension giving me 150mm of travel.

I was entering and exiting corners at second and third gear at about 100kph without any second thoughts.

My personal opinion is the suspension definitely needs to be changed for the more demanding off-roads which are littered with sand and gravel.

On the same note, knobby tyres are definitely a must for a better ride on these type of terrain.

On few occasions, I skidded due to the tyres but it was all good. While I was tackling few sharp and wide corners while riding up to Genting Highlands, I was able to keep my line straight even though which is usually not easy with high handle bars.

Ground clearance on this bike is perfect. The Urban Enduro, priced at RM64,765 (without road tax and insurance), has a myriad of use depending on the occasion, be it daily commute, off-road riding, interstate adventures or even as a ‘trophy’ bike; all depending on the mood of the owner.

Ducati Scrambler Urban Enduro

Engine: 803cc Desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, air-cooled L-Twin
Maximum power: 75hp at 8,250rpm
Maximum torque: 68Nm at 5,750rpm
Transmission: 6 -speed
Front suspension: USD Kayaba 41mm fork, 150mm travel
Rear suspension: Kayaba rear shock, pre-load adjustable, 150mm travel
Front braking system: 330mm front disc, radial 4-piston calliper
Rear braking system: 245mm rear disc, 1-piston floating calliper, ABS.
Fuel capacity: 13.5 litres
Wet weight: 186kg
Price: RM64,765.06 (without road tax and insurance)