How to choose best home charger for electric car

                BERLIN: Pure electric cars allow emission-free driving and get their power from a mains electricity plug.

Charging at home can take a long time however and most owners will want to speed things up by investing in a charging wallbox. Here are some answers you'll likely need when looking for the right wallbox for your needs.

1. Who actually needs a wallbox?

A wallbox is a fine idea if you have somewhere off-street and private to park a pure electric or hybrid electric car. A lock-up garage or parking space with access to electricity is naturally essential.

"Using a wallbox makes owning an electric car much more pleasant" says expert Christian Foerster, a mobility expert at the TueV Nord testing agency. "It means that you set off in the morning with a fully-charged car."

2. What are the advantages?

A wallbox will replenish electric car batteries much more quickly than just plugging into the mains. For example using regular mains current regulated to 10 amperes, a 30kWh battery takes more than 10 hours to achieve a full charge. Modern wallboxes are much more powerful and sip electrons overnight when electricity is cheaper. They can also cope with more current than a standard mains plug and are safer to use.

3. Is it hazardous to recharge using a domestic plug?

The high amperage does put a strain on the domestic electricity infrastructure and it can damage the socket. "Over a long period of time power flows through electrical equipment which has not been designed for the task," said Oliver Fuchs, who owns an e-mobility installation company near Bonn. This can lead to a short-circuit or even cause a cable to overheat and catch fire.

4. How much power does a wallbox need?

Experts recommend investing in a unit which charges using alternating current (AC) at a maximum 11 kW. "This is enough to replenish most batteries overnight," said Fuchs. Beefier boxes will charge using 22 kW but the extra power tends to shorten battery life.

5. Do all cars need the same type of wallbox?

Basically yes. Some on-board chargers fitted to electric cars make use of single-phase charge and this slows things down. More modern electric cars often have a unit using two or three phases. Plug standardisation means most cars use the Type 2 plug equipped with a seven-pin connector also known as the Mennekes plug.

6. What does a wallbox cost to buy?

A standard wallbox will cost around 400 euros although high-end units sell for as much as 2,500 euros. This does not include the cost of installation which varies, depending on whether new cables are needed to hook up the box. In some countries owners will be entitled to a government subsidy if they install a wallbox.

7. What should you watch our for when buying a wallbox ?

The main criteria is how much power you need. This will depend on where the box is to be placed and what your home grid can cope with. Many wallboxes can be programmed and operated via a smartphone app. In some countries regulations will limit whether the permitted wallbox needs to be officially registered and approved.

8. What is the best location for a wallbox?

A garage or car port is the ideal place to install a wallbox. The unit should be protected from the elements and away from direct sunlight.

"The warmth from the sun can sometimes have a detrimental effect on the charging capacity," says car technician Matthias Vogt. Naturally the cable from the box must be long enough to reach the parked car and installation is best planned several months in advance.

9. Do you need permission for a wallbox ?

In most countries there are no general restrictions on wallbox installation and any private person or company may fit one. In the case of shared underground or multi-storey garages you may need the permission of other owners.


Used car market facing shortage as well

                PETALING JAYA: It is now a “double whammy” for those looking for any car.

The shortage of new cars caused by a shortage of chips and spares has now spilt over to the used car industry, with dealers also facing a shortage of stock.

This is because the extended wait for new cars, stretching for up to six months in some cases, has made people hold on to their old cars.

Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia president Datuk Tony Khor revealed that there was a “backlog” of more than 80,000 customers who have booked new vehicles for up to four months but still have not received their cars.

“So they have opted to hold onto their current vehicles. This has led to a lack of supply in the used car market.

“The demand for used cars shot up 8% in the first quarter of 2022 and the price also rose about 5% for cars less than five years of usage,” he added.

Khor said when people usually buy new cars, 60% to 67% will trade in their cars “but this is not happening”.

“The supply shortage has led to a price hike too, as demand has increased. But there is no significant price increase in the consumer market as it’s currently being absorbed by car dealers, so we are getting a lesser profit margin,” he said.

READ MORE:Car buyers willing to wait it out to get wheels of their choice

The increased demand, Khor explained, was also due to more car dealers having gotten used to promoting their products on online platforms which has bolstered customer confidence in used cars.

“Transactions are transparent, with some sellers also providing guarantees and warranties for up to a year,” he added.

Khor said the special Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal in April has also spurred the used car market, with national carmaker Perodua and Japanese models becoming hot favourites.

“As we transition back to normal, more people are in need of their own transport and because of the pandemic, people are being careful with their spending, so purchasing a used car is seen as the better bet.”

On Sunday, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong announced that the government is considering extending the sales tax exemption for the purchase of new vehicles past June 30.

Alan Cheah, country general manager of car ecommerce platform Carsome Certified Malaysia, said there was an increase in demand for used cars on their platform.

“With longer waiting periods for new cars, pre-owned cars have become an attractive option as they are more financially-viable.

“While tax exemption constitutes one of the attributed factors for customers selling their cars as they seek to buy new cars, there are a few other reasons, such as the new work-from-home routine which doesn’t require them to drive as often or own so many cars at once,” he said.

Cheah said that despite the surge in demand for used cars, Carsome did not foresee a significant increase in prices for used cars.

“A tax exemption extension will increase the supply of newer used cars in the market. This in turn, widens our already-large selection of quality-assured pre-owned cars, which allows us to continue to cater to customers’ needs.

“On the same note, if the supply of new cars continues to be delayed and customers are looking for immediate mobility solutions, they are likely to turn to the used cars to meet their needs,” he said.

According to Carsome Insights 2021, Perodua Myvi is the most preferred car model among consumers, followed by Perodua Axia and Honda City.


Locally assembled Renault Captur priced lower at RM109K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Renault Captur crossover is now cheaper at RM109,000, following its local assembly at Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) plant in Segambut here.

The previous fully-imported Captur model, which was assembled in Spain, costs RM14,000 more.

 Among those present at the launch of the Captur CKD are (from left) Lawrance Lee, Head of Plant Operations, TCMA; Cindy Lim, Head of Plant Operations, TCMA; Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng, Senior Sales & Marketing Director, Edaran Tan Chong; Datuk Rosie Tan, Group Senior Executive Vice President, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad; Datuk Tan Heng Chew, President, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad; Kim Taejoon, Vice President, Supply Chain, Renault Asia-Pacific and Kuan.

The locally assembled Captur has also been certified as an energy efficient vehicle (EEV) and comes with a new two-tone colour option, Flame red body with Diamond Black roof.

“The Captur continues to be a global success and increasingly, it has become the model through which most consumers first come to know Renault here in Malaysia.

"We are confident that this new milestone will help propel the competitiveness of this model here within its segment," said TC Euro Cars chief executive officer, Kuan Kim Luen.

There’s even more good news as the first 100 customers to place an order of the Captur will enjoy a RM11,000 rebate.

The Captur is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo engine producing 120PS and 190Nm of torque mated to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch transmission.

Some of its features include auto headlights and rain sensors, keyless entry and start, four airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control, 7-in touchscreen with Navigation and reverse camera, 17in wheels and removable seat covers.

The other two-tone colours available are Arizona Orange/Diamond Black, Pacific Blue/Ivory and Ivory/Diamond Black. The Captur comes with a five-year manufacturer's warranty with unlimited mileage.

A showcase of the locally assembled Renault Captur will be held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, LG, Oval Concourse from April 19-23, 2017. TC Euro Cars is the official distributor of Renault cars in Malaysia.


China's auto sales to grow slightly in next five years, industry body predicts

Newly manufactured cars are seen at a port in Dalian, Liaoning province in April. — Reuters
TIANJIN: China’s auto market, the world’s biggest, is expected to grow only slightly in the next five years, the country’s top auto industry body said today.

“The next five years will be the key period of industry’s transformation and upgrade,” Li Shaohua, senior executive at the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) told an industry conference hosted by China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) here.

CAAM predicts China’s auto sales will reach around 27.75 million vehicles in 2025, up from 25.77 million units in 2019, Li’s presentation showed.

Though sales have picked up in recent months, CAAM predicts they will fall around 10% for all of 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic hit the market hard early in the year.


Video of man berating Singaporean couple parked in handicap lot in Malaysia goes viral

                SINGAPORE: A video of a Malaysian man berating a couple for parking their car in a handicap lot has divided netizens from both sides of the Causeway.

Three videos of the incident, posted on Facebook group "Champion4disability" by Naren Narasiah, 44, on Monday (April 11), have since gone viral. The first video he posted has been shared more than 11,000 times.

Naren, an energy consultant for the manufacturing industry, told The Straits Times that he regularly confronts people who park in handicap lots.

"This was an incident where I went gangster on a Singaporean couple who parked on a handicapped parking lot and tried to worm their way out with dumb excuses, " he said in a Facebook post accompanying the clips.

This is how the incident, which took place at Machap rest stop in Johor on the North-South Highway, played out based on his videos, Facebook posts and what he told The Straits Times on Wednesday.

Naren said he "deliberately blocked" the couple's car, then waited for them for 45 minutes.

When the Singaporean couple returned, there were two vehicles blocking its exit: Naren's truck and a motorcycle. They asked Naren for his help to remove the two-wheeler but the latter refused.

The couple then attempted to reverse it out of the lot anyway, knocking into Naren's truck in the process.

"That kind of added fuel to my fire," he said, adding that he had finished a long day of work, and was feeling irritable.

"Very tired and extremely irritable I wanted them to feel what it was like having to wait just like how a disabled person would have felt."

In the videos, Naren is seen confronting the couple. They apologised to Naren repeatedly, and the woman said they did not see the signboard indicating that the lot they were parked in was reserved for the handicapped.

"Rubbish! So big there you cannot see the signboard ah?!" Naren exclaimed.

He also said he was "sick and tired" of "irresponsible" people like them.

"Now you say you are very sorry... because I am here, big, tall, shouting at you - you scared, you don't know what to say. Because handicapped people cannot fight for their rights."

The couple offered to help Naren repair his truck, but he asked how they were going to do that, given that he is from Shah Alam in Selangor and they were from Singapore.

After some discussion, Naren told them to donate the RM1,000 which they offered as compensation to a charitable organisation for the handicapped.

The Singaporean man promised to do so, and to send the receipt for the donation to Naren.

Naren then passed the Singaporean man his namecard.

In the comments following one of the videos, Naren said that the incident happened nearly seven months ago at the Machap rest stop in Johor on the North-South Highway.

In a later comment he said: "This happened almost a year ago. I decided to post it because the guy did not keep his word to donate the money to a handicap organization."

One Facebook user commented that Naren could have brought the couple to the attention of the rest stop management centre.

Naren replied that the centre was closed so he did what he could at the time, which was to let the couple know such behaviour was not acceptable.

The majority of netizens who commented supported his actions, but some said Naren over-reacted to the situation.

Netizen Nadeera Vasu commented: "I agree! We need voices like him... It's time people realised the seriousness of this issue. It's not only accessible parking that is an issue in this country. Everything pertaining to accessibility for the physically challenged is abused by very able-bodied people ALL THE TIME!!!"

Another appreciative netizen, Ahmad Kerp Daniel, said: "Thanks bro. Being a wheelchair user it can be very very frustrating to see our rights being robbed on daily basis but these mother-parkers just couldn't bother because they don't feel our hardship. So such tough action is a real welcome."

Netizen Jing Ling, who disagreed with his actions, wrote: "He stand for right is good, but why...people already say so many times sorry, he still want to make the news big?"

A few accused him of intimidating others and being a bully.

The videos have been shared on various Malaysia and Singapore websites, including Stomp.

Stomp reader Brown Bess commented: "Agree, the Singaporean couple should not have occupied the handicap parking lot and show disrespect as a visitor to another country. Deserves an earful from the guy and the people there. But there is a limit to everything and he behaved like a bully and a show-off!"

Speaking to The Straits Times on Wednesday, Naren said, "If I said, 'don't park there lah', what would be the outcome? Just because of this one video, something has happened."

Besides, he has implicated himself as well, he said.

"I have also subjected myself to insults, harsh comments, even from my friends. But it's worth it to get the message across to many people like this."

Naren is the administrator of the Champion4 Disability Facebook page, which he created in March.

He said in another post: "This page has been created because I am sick and tired of insensitive people who do not have even the slightest sense of responsibility in protecting the disabled in Malaysia."

Many people have posted photos of other cars illegally parked in handicap lots in Malaysia on the page. Not only does it identify the cars and where they were parked, Naren also approaches the malls where the photos were taken and asks them to take action.

"I personally have a few friends who are disabled, and seen how much they suffer when these facilities are not available to them."

Earlier, when he encountered such errant drivers, he would question them and ask them to move their cars.

If the incident occurred in one of the malls near his residence, he would take a photo of the parking violation, and report them to the mall security office.

In a few instances, the mall clamped the wheels of the car, he said. But many people try to justify their actions, or simply ignored him, he said.

In one case, an elderly driver pulled up his pants and showed him a band aid, to justify parking in the handicap lot, Naren recalled.


VW and Mahindra explore partnership for EV components

                NEW DELHI: Volkswagen AG is exploring a partnership to supply electric components to Indian automaker Mahindra and Mahindra, the companies said on Thursday.

Volkswagen and Mahindra are evaluating the scope of the collaboration and expect to finalise the supply agreement by the end of 2022, they said.

Mahindra is building a ground-up electric vehicle (EV) platform called "Born Electric", in which it plans to use components such as electric motors, battery system parts and battery cells sourced from Volkswagen.

The partnership comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is offering companies billions of dollars in incentives to build EVs and their parts locally, as India looks to meet its climate change and carbon reduction goals.

"Together with Mahindra, we want to contribute significantly to the electrification of India," said Thomas Schmall, chief executive of Volkswagen Group Components.

Volkswagen has developed a modular, open vehicle platform for EVs, called MEB, which is used to build to its own cars and those of other group companies including Skoda and Audi. This also allows Volkswagen to be a supplier of electric technology and parts to other automakers.

Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director for the auto and farm sectors at Mahindra, said Volkswagen's "extensive technology, innovation, and vertical integration in supply chains" will provide a framework to develop Mahindra's EV platform which the company will reveal soon.


Ferrari’s showroom of the year award goes to English dealership

                LONDON: Meridien Modena, an official Ferrari dealer located in the South of England, has been given the ‘Showroom of the Year’ award for being the best at showcasing the Prancing Horse’s latest corporate identity.

The award was announced during Ferrari’s annual dealer conference held at the Finali Mondiali at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

In recognition for Meridien Modena’s efforts in a competition amongst all official Ferrari dealers worldwide, the dealership was presented with an engine from a 458 Italia.

The showroom was renovated in 2012 and now sports a state-of-the-art showroom with a new waiting room, dedicated handover bay and a fully-detailed “Atelier” (French for ‘Artists Workshop).

The Atelier is modelled on a facility at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, where customers can chose from a range of options to personalise their new Ferrari.

Meridien Modena also has a fully-equipped Official Ferrari Service Centre and is one of the UK’s leading outlets for Ferrari Approved, fully-inspected Ferrari cars which are provided with a two-year warranty, and can be warranted up to the car’s 12th birthday from the date of first registration.

“It is fantastic to see a dealership in the UK recognised as the best in the world, and it is a testament to the strength of the partnership between Meridien Modena and Ferrari that their investment in renovating such an iconic location has been recognised,” said Ferrari North Europe Regional Manager Francesco Balli.


Shell introduces new fully synthetic heavy duty engine oil

                KUCHING: Shell Malaysia has launched the new Shell Rimula Ultra 5W 30, the most advanced fully synthetic heavy-duty diesel engine oil yet which complies with the European ACEA E6 and ACEA E9 specifications and manufacturers’ approvals for use in ultra-modern diesel engines that meet with Euro 4 to Euro 6 emission standards.

The Rimula Ultra 5W 30 offers longer oil life and extended oil-drain intervals of up to 150,000km, better engine wear protection under all terrains and weather conditions, as well as better fuel economy.

Shell Lubricants general manager for Malaysia & Singapore Baljit Singh said the introduction of the Rimula Ultra further strengthens the Shell Rimula range of low viscosity synthetic lubricants available in Malaysia that includes the Shell Rimula R6 LM and R5 LE.

Shell said it is the largest lubricants supplier in the world for the past 12 years.

 Shell Malaysia presented prizes to the 2019 Rimula Ultimate Stopover promotion winners.

Another highlight at the 2019 Shell Rimula Night was the official announcement of the 13 winners of this year’s Ultimate Stopover promotion.

The winners will be taken on an exclusive 5-day 4-night all-expense paid trip to Barcelona in September to experience the vibrant Spanish city renowned for its arts, culture, football and cuisine.  They will also have an opportunity to gain a deep insight into the innovation-driven world of Shell Lubricants.

This year’s promotion was held from Mar 1 to Jun 30 and was open to customers who bought any Shell Rimula heavy duty and light duty diesel engine oil products.


Germany ready to back new electric car battery consortium

                BERLIN: European states are discussing the creation of a second European battery cell production consortium, the German economy ministry said on Friday, as carmakers prepare to launch a raft of new electric cars at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week.

Europe’s auto industry is promoting zero-emissions cars as a way to comply with clean air rules, a strategy shift which forces carmakers to retool their supply chains to build electric, rather than combustion-engined cars.

Germany’s economics ministry said it is making €1 billion (RM4.7bil) in subsidies available to help enhance and preserve the automotive value chain in Germany and Europe.

“Germany and Europe need to develop and build competitive, innovative and environmentally sustainable battery cells,” German economy minister Peter Altmaier said in a statement on Friday.

Germany is in talks with the European Commission and other European Union member states about finalising two “Important Projects of Common European Interest,” and German companies are set to play a leading role in both projects, the ministry said.

A spokesman declined to give names of companies potentially taking part but added that German companies play important roles in both production consortia.

Among the German companies involved are BMW, BASF, Varta and BMZ, German daily Handelsblatt reported, citing sources.

Altmaier said in June he expected there would eventually be three battery cell groups.

On Friday, Volkswagen said it would invest €900 million (RM4.2bil) in a joint venture with Sweden’s Northvolt AB to build a battery plant with an annual capacity of 16 Gigawatt hours in Salzgitter, Germany.

Volkswagen will take a 20% stake in Northvolt and the German battery plant is due to commence production in 2020. Volkswagen Group alone has a demand of more than 150 Gigawatt hours from 2025 in Europe.

VW will launch almost 70 electric models in the next 10 years and expects to build around 22 million electric cars in the next decade as part of a 30 billion euros investment push by 2023.

The market for electric vehicle battery cells is now dominated by Asian companies including Korea’s Samsung SDI LG Chem, SK Innovation, China’s CATL and Svolt, as well as Panasonic in Japan.


New Peugeot 208 shows its colours

                PARIS: Peugeot’s best selling model, the 208, returns with numerous changes inside and out and even includes two granular-to-the-touch colours, more personalisation options, new technology and improved engines.

The new Peugeot 208 intends to go on sale across Europe from June onwards with the addition of its new ‘textured paint’ finish of either Ice Grey or Ice Silver.

In addition, an optional personalisation pack of Lime Yellow or Menthol White is also offered, which can be applied to both the interior and exterior.

According to the French carmaker, the new textured colours not only emphasises the new 208’s curves, but is also easier to care for, is exceptionally resistant to micro-scratches and comes with a lifetime-of-the-car warranty.

The textured paint is applied by robots at the company’s Poissy manufacturing plant in France and has been patented by Peugeot.

According to the company, while the initial coats of anti-corrosion, primer and colour base remain the same as for conventional metallic paint, the innovation is in the composition and application of the lacquer.

The lacquer features fine particles of silica and micro-balloons of polyamide; the former gives the paint its matt appearance, toughness and granular properties, while the latter creates its special texture.

As for the new 208, it will cost exactly the same as pearlescent paint – at just £645 (RM3,650) and its colour palette comprises of 13 shades.

While the shades include the two textured colours, there are two solid colours of Bianca White and Hurricane Grey; seven metallic colours of new Orange Power, Aluminium, Shark Grey, Nera Black, Virtual Blue, Twilight Blue, and Rioja Red.

The list continues with a pearlescent Satin White, and a distinctive ‘Coupe Franche’ design that’s of textured Matt Black or Lacquered Red and is exclusively available on the 208 ‘GTi by PEUGEOT Sport’.

The two optional personalisation packs for the 208 throws in factory-fitted items such as ‘Equalizer’ grille with 3D-effect coloured markings; gloss black grille surround, front foglamp finishers with laser-engraved coloured line, matching coloured front and rear Peugeot lettering, Nera Black door mirror shells and coloured side repeaters.

The Menthol White and Lime Yellow packs can also be specified for the cabin interior that’s independent of the exterior pack chosen and includes items such as sport seats in prestige leather effect trim and Oxford cloth.

Coloured stitching can also be specified for the armrests in the door panels, perforated full-grain leather steering wheel and gear lever gaiter.

Specified colours can be applied to the front and rear door handles, the blade below the instrument panel and dashboard moulding, while being accompanied by satin chrome air vent finishers and height adjustable passenger’s seat.

In terms of safety, the 208 receives active city brake and a rear view camera, while four new Euro-6 compliant PureTech petrol or BlueHDi diesel engines will be mated to a new quick-shifting EAT6 automatic gearbox.

Further improvements include a new soft-touch dashboard material, white back-lighting for the instrument panel and blue LED light guides for versions equipped with a panoramic roof as well as offering the new GT Line finish that's influenced by the performance-oriented 208 GTi model.


Audi chief sees 2020 sales down despite strong Q3, says trade publication

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen’s Audi unit expects lower sales in 2020 despite strong numbers in the months of July, August and September, Automobilwoche on Sunday cited the head of the division, Markus Duesmann, as saying.

“We will not be able to compensate worldwide the heavy losses of the months of April and May in the full year, despite our distributors doing a really good job,” he told the German automotive trade newspaper.

September had been the best month of the year across global operations for the premium car brand.

China was looking especially outstanding so that he believed it will end up showing a slight sales plus in 2020, said Duesmann.


CKD Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid to launch soon, price estimated at RM137,000

                PETALING JAYA: It's official. UMW Toyota Motor will be launching the locally assembled Corolla Cross Hybrid soon.

Estimated price is RM137,000, and pre-bookings are opened now.

The arrival of the CKD hybrid has long been expected and comes as no surprise.

"Assembling locally means more attractive and affordable pricing," said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.

Two other non-hybrid variants featuring a 1.8-litre engine continue to be offered.

The Corolla Cross 1.8V and Corolla Cross 1.8G were launched in March, initially as fully imported units from Toyota's plant in Thailand.

They will now be locally assembled in Bukit Raja, Selangor, and consequently come with lower price tags. The Corolla Cross 1.8V and Corolla Cross 1.8G are estimated to be priced at RM129,000 and RM123,000 respectively.

The model will be offered in a choice of colours namely Celestite Grey Metallic (exclusive to the hybrid), Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic and Silver Metallic.

Fourth-gen hybrid

The hybrid electric powertrain of the Corolla Cross Hybrid employs the fourth generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Electric System.

This consists of a 1.8-litre petrol engine which works together with an electric motor, with the computer intelligently using power from the engine and motor according to driving conditions.

For stronger acceleration, more power may be drawn from the petrol engine, while the electric motor is used more when moving off from standstill. In certain conditions, it is even possible to drive on just electric power alone, with almost noiseless movement and zero emissions.

The power output of the petrol engine is 97hp at 5,200 rpm with 142Nm of torque at 3,600rpm. The electric motor contributes 71hp and 163Nm of torque which is available from almost idling speed.

Power delivery is via an E-CVT with 4 drive modes - Sport, Eco, Normal and EV.

The driver can select any mode while on the move to suit driving preferences or to maximise fuel-saving.

ICE-ed variants

To recap on the powertrain for the Corolla Cross 1.8V and 1.8G, they are equipped with an internal combustion engine (ICE) that is the same as the one in the variants launched in March.

The 1.8-litre DOHC 16-valve petrol engine with Dual VVT-i produces 137hp at 6,400 rpm with 172Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. It is mated to a 7-speed continuously variable transmission, that also offers manual selection of gears.

Compared to the imported version, the locally assembled versions are enhanced with new features.

Like the Corolla Cross 1.8V, the 1.8G also has bi-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights that employ a light curtain design. A roof rail is now included as standard to add to the sporty and adventurous image.

For recharging portable devices, there are now two Type-C USB points at the rear and customers can also include the optional wireless charger pad.

 Toyota Safety Sense for two variants

The Corolla Cross 1.8V and 1.8 Hybrid are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 to assist the driver to avoid an accident or minimise the effects of a collision.

The safety systems in TSS 2.0 consist of a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam.

As with other Toyota passenger car models, the Corolla Cross comes with a factory warranty of 5 years, with unlimited mileage.

The hybrid battery pack has a separate warranty of 8 years, which Toyota said is superior to any other battery warranty in the market.

Unlike other brands, Toyota offers enhanced coverage which is not just for the battery pack but also for the Inverter and Power Management Control ECU. Customers also have the option of extending full coverage for a further 2 years.

Sales on the mend

In other related developments, the total number of Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in October was 8,500 units, an increase of 6% over the September sales volume. Cumulative sales up till the end of October were 54,618 units, 25% more than for the same period of 10 months in 2020.


Volkswagen CEO Müller announces group strategy

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (AG) chairman of the board of management Matthias Müller has announced five key steps to realign the Group.

“We have to look beyond the current situation and create the conditions for Volkswagen’s successful further development”, said Müller who also presented a five-point plan to help the company remain as one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers in the future.

In addition, Müller is also confident that they will emerge stronger from the current situation before announcing that the cornerstones of the Group’s Strategy 2025 will be presented next year.

The Volkswagen CEO explained that his top priority is to support the customers that have been affected by the diesel issue and is working intensively to develop effective technical solutions.

“Our customers are at the core of everything that our 600,000 employees worldwide do”, he said.

In contact with the Kraftfahrtbundesamt (KBA – German Federal Motor Transport Authority) the implementation is set to begin in January 2016.

The second priority, according to Müller, is to systematically drive forward and complete the investigation into what happened and was adamant that those responsible must face severe consequences

He also indicated the company’s resolution to be extremely thorough in its analysis to uncovering the truth and learn from it.

And for this purpose, audit firm Deloitte has been engaged in addition to the steps already announced.

The third priority is to introduce new structures in the Volkswagen Group, where management will be decentralized to a greater extent in the future with more independence for the brands and regions.

According to Müller, the Board of Management will focus on addressing cross-brand strategies, leveraging synergies and ensuring that Group resources are used effectively.

“We will review in detail our current portfolio of more than 300 models and examine the contribution that each one makes to our earnings,” he said.

As his fourth priority, Müller is driving forward a realignment of the Group’s culture and management behavior, stating that qualities such as the pursuit of perfection, the employees’ commitment and social responsibility in the Volkswagen Group must be retained.

However, he also believes that changes are necessary in how Volkswagen communicates and how it handles its mistakes by indicating a need for a culture that’s open and cooperative.

Furthermore, he called on everybody at the company to display more courage, greater creativity and a more entrepreneurial spirit in their dealings with one another.

The Volkswagen CEO announced that the fifth priority will be to transform the Group’s Strategy 2018 into a Strategy 2025.

“Many people outside of Volkswagen, but also some of us, did not understand that our Strategy 2018 is about much more than production numbers. A lot of things were subordinated to the desire to be “Faster, Higher, Larger”, especially return on sales.”

According to Müller, the point is not to sell 100,000 more or fewer vehicles than a major competitor, but address the real issue of qualitative growth.

Müller announced that the cornerstones of the Group’s Strategy 2025 will be developed over the coming months, and that it would be unveiled mid-way through next year.


Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: High comfort in fuel sipper

                Man! It’s good to be going somewhere much further than the Klang Valley for a change. That opportunity came in the form of a media drive.

Toyota was primed to start selling a hybrid and wanted the local media to get first crack at the car a few days before launch.

An overnight media drive was concocted from UMW Toyota Motor’s Shah Alam headquarters to Penang island with a lunch stop in Ipoh.

If there’s anyone who’s pumped up about hybrid technology, it’s Toyota. For months, it had been hyping it up.

It was no secret that it would be rolling out the Corolla Cross Hybrid after the initial internal combustion engine (ICE) variants were introduced last March.

Sure enough, the hybrid came and was launched last Friday. It’s also the first Toyota hybrid — based on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform — to be locally assembled, hence the attractive RM137,000 price tag.

Top of the heap

The hybrid is positioned as the top variant followed by the 1.8V and 1.8G. Initially, the 1.8G and 1.8V were sold as fully imported units from Thailand.

With the hybrid’s arrival, all three are locally assembled, and the ICE variants get a few upgrades for added value.

Standard roof rails, adaptive cruise control at all speeds (hybrid and 1.8V only), and bi-LED headlamps and taillamps for base variant are a few examples.

Save for the powertrain difference, the hybrid looks similar to the petrol variants inside and out.

A hybrid differs from a plug-in hybrid in that onboard charging happens during normal driving and braking. But the EV range is limited - in this case to just 2km, enough to start off or to find a parking spot.

In its physical form, the Corolla Cross Hybrid stands out with blue accents, in the logo and headlights. Hybrid badges on the front fenders and tailgate also differentiate it from the non-hybrids.

Inside, the hybrid gets a drive mode selector (Sport/ Eco/Normal/EV), a bigger 7-inch meter cluster with hybrid-specific graphics and automatic dual-zone climate control. A 9-inch infotainment displayis standard across the range.

We would have like to see an electric parking brake in the SUV rather than the dated foot-operated parking brake offered for the Corolla Cross in this region.

As in the 1.8G that we had driven last year, we like the pug-nosed look of the SUV and the grillework lends a premium look.

It’s a good-looking vehicle generally despite the gaps in the wheel wells from using 18-inch wheels.

The interior is fairly spacious, with leather seats that are supportive enough for a long trip. We particularly like the rear seats, whose backrest can be reclined 6 degrees for better comfort. Gaps under the front seats enable feet to be shoved under for a more relaxed seating position.

It’s to Toyota’s credit that luggage space remains the same across the line-up at 440l, as the NiMH battery is stored under the rear seats rather than in the boot floor.

Access to the boot is facilitated by a hands-free tailgate opening feature. You have to kick or swipe your foot in the exhaust pipe area for the feature to work.

Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of integrated active safety systems, contributes to safety, along with seven airbags, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection.

Hybrid nature

The route comprised a mix of expressway as well as narrow roads winding through the countryside, so the SUV had plenty of latitude to show its straight-line and cornering dynamics.

As in the Prius, the SUV hybrid uses the Atkinson cycle for engine combustion, a modified version of the 4-stroke Otto cycle engine, for better fuel efficiency.

Essentially, it’s a valve timing adjustment to reduce wasted energy during the power stroke.

The result is more fuel efficiency at the expense of reduced power. That’s where the electric drive motor comes in to compensate for the power loss.

The 1.8-litre petrol powerplant produces 97hp at 5,200rpm and 142Nm of torque at 3,600rpm, while the motor dishes up 71hp and 163Nm.

Toyota says the combined output is 120hp. No combined torque was stated.

In comparison, the ICE variants’ 1.8-litre engine delivers more output albeit at higher rpm - 137hp at 6,400rpm and 172Nm at 4,000rpm.

An E-CVT tailored for hybrid use sends twist to the front wheels.

The fuel consumption is rated at 23.3km/l or 4.3l/100km. But anywhere between 5 and 6l/100km would be realistic figures to attain in actual driving conditions.

First impressions

The hybrid is designed more for better fuel economy than power, which Toyota bets will sit right with its target buyers — the career woman or married man in the 35-49 age group, looking for an SUV that is economical, with advanced specs and mature hybrid tech.

It helps that tthe battery, inverter and power management control unit are covered by an 8-year/unlimited mileage warranty. The warranty can be extended two more years for an extra fee.

If there’s enough charge in the battery, the car starts off silently in EV mode but only for a short while and at low speed.

Otherwise, the engine and motor jointly power the SUV while the battery is charged.

It’s a pleasant and quiet drive around town and throttle response is quick and progressive. Parking in tight spots is easy enough with a good turning radius of 5.2m and rear view cam to assist.

The high ground clearance helps to overcome jaggy objects on the ground and will be helpful the next time floods come around.

Despite a heavier body, the collective horses are enough to propel the hybrid along at a sprightly clip especially in Sport mode.

Engine noise gets intrusive when the hybrid is pushed hard but it settles down to lower revs once the engine is acclimatised to the set speed.

What happens during hard acceleration is that the engine and motor are working at full pelt with supplemental electrical power from the battery feeding the motor.

There’s some body roll when swerving fast into corners but it’s well managed by the suspension, which offers a comfortable ride and smooths out road ruts.

Parting words

This year is set to see electrified cars make a noticeable impact, boosted by government incentives.

UMW Toyota Motor expects its CKD hybrid to grab 40% of sales amongst the three variants.

We believe the Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers an attractive package that could make the goal achievable sooner than later.


BMW to cut staff bonuses in electric-car savings push

                FRANKFURT: BMW AG will reduce bonus payments for employees in Germany as the luxury-car maker grapples with the costly shift to electric and self-driving vehicles.

While BMW’s efforts lack the bite of drastic cutbacks outlined by rival Audi, they reflect the growing pressure facing Germany’s horsepower-focused brands to adapt to a new automotive era.

BMW and its employees agreed on a new formula to calculate bonus payments, BMW’s new chief executive officer Oliver Zipse told workers at a staff meeting in Munich on Wednesday. If applied to last year’s payouts, they would have been nearly 20% lower. The company is also introducing a pension component based on dividend payments.

"Together with the works council, we have reached a common solution” to lower personnel expenses, Zipse said, according to excerpts of his speech. "This allows us to avoid drastic measures that others are taking to reduce their costs.”

BMW’s bonus cuts and other measures are part of a broader push to save more than €12 billion (RM55bil) and free up funds for developing new technology.

BMW works council chief Manfred Schoch backed the labour accord in a statement and said bonus payments "remain attractive.” The dividend-linked pension component was "unique in the auto industry,” he said.

Stricter emissions regulations are all but impossible to meet without sizable sales of electric vehicles, which have so far met with limited interest from consumers. Trade wars and softening demand in major markets like China have made navigating the transition even more fraught.

Under Zipse, BMW’s third-quarter results showed signs of improvement. Its automotive profit margin widened to 6.6% from 4.4% a year ago — well below its target range of between 8% and 10%. Arch rival Mercedes-Benz is also struggling, forecasting a return on sales of just 4% for next year.

To shore up profits by €6 billion (RM27.6bil), Volkswagen AG’s Audi division mapped out a sweeping cost-cutting drive on Tuesday including shedding as many as 9,500 jobs in Germany and streamlining operations at its two main factories in its home country.


Tesla hikes electric car prices in US, holds line in China

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc showed signs this week of divergent strategies in the world's two biggest automotive markets, raising prices to boost profit margins in the United States while keeping prices steady in China and hoping to grow sales there.

Tesla raised prices for the most affordable versions of Model 3 and Model Y about a dozen times this year in the United States, according data tracked by Reuters.

At the same time, Tesla recently introduced an affordable Model Y version in China, where it refrained from price cuts.

Tesla posted record vehicle deliveries in the second quarter, and the price increases in North America boosted quarterly profits to a record.

But in China, the world's biggest electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla faces fierce competition from local rivals and problems that include product recalls, high-profile protests by consumers and pressure from regulators.

Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi said introduction of the lower-priced Model Y in China "may make sustained margin improvement difficult" for Tesla and raises questions about "the health of Chinese demand."

A study by Bernstein analysts found Tesla owners in China were less enthusiastic and had lower repurchase intentions than owners in the United States and Europe.

Tesla raised prices for Model Y Long Range at least six times in the United States this year, bumping by US$5,500 to US$53,990. In China, the world's most valuable carmaker raised prices of the Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan only once this year.

The Model Y version a price tag of 276,000 yuan (US$42,393.71). The company also has launched promotional campaigns in China such as loan offers.

"I think Tesla is looking to be as competitive as it can be in China. Lower prices will be a part of that aggressive market positioning," Roth Capital Partners analyst Craig Irwin said.

"There is a very large difference in battery prices in the US and China, as well as local vehicle manufacturing costs."

Tesla started production at its Shanghai factory in late 2019. It has boosted sourcing of cheaper local components, including batteries from China's CATL and LG's Chinese factory.

"It wasn't so long ago that the group was trimming prices in the U.S. to gain scale and maximize profitability, and it feels like we're now seeing that in China too," Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Nicholas Hyett said.

The low cost of producing local EVs in China would have a lasting effect for Tesla, said Gene Munster at Loup Ventures.

"Teslas are on average 3x the cost of a typical EV made in China. So they have to be priced less than the US to compete," Munster said.

"Prices of Teslas in China will be below rest of the world for the next decade."

Tesla also cut costs and boosted margins in the US market by getting rid of some parts like a radar sensor and lumbar support.

China market share slips

In China, Tesla's share slipped to 11% in the battery electric vehicle market, which excludes plug-in hybrid cars, in the second quarter from 18% a year earlier, according to GLJ research.

But data from Morgan Stanley showed Tesla still held a US battery electric market share of nearly 70% as of February, although that was down from 81% a year earlier.

China accounts for 44% of the global EV market, a much bigger share than the 17% held by the United States.

In China, Tesla faces competition from electric vehicle makers like Nio Inc and Xpeng Inc. In the United States, Tesla's brand is stronger and its main rivals are legacy automakers like Ford and General Motors, which generate only a fraction of their sales from EVs.

Global chip shortage

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reiterated that the company's mission is to make electric cars affordable, and has blamed vehicle price increases on a shortage of chips and raw materials.

Tesla is coping with the chip shortage by using alternative chips and rewriting software, Musk said.

He provided a cautious outlook for chip shortage. "It does seem like it's getting better," he said on the second-quarter earnings call, but added: "it's hard to predict."


Michelin Primacy SUV+ tyre debuts

                KUALA LUMPUR: Michelin has unveiled the Primacy SUV+, its latest SUV tyre that is said to offer improved performance and greater size coverage to better cater to consumer needs.

Michelin said the new tyre comes with a range of new and enhanced Michelin technologies, and promises long-lasting safety in wet and dry road conditions.

The company claims the tyre will remain safe to use even when it's worn out. But it's always advisable to change the set of tyres before it deteriorates to this level.

As with all new tyre launches, tyre makers will pitch their new products as having new technologies and compounds to make them superior to those of rivals.

In Michelin's case, it said the Primacy SUV+ has the following features:

> Higher silica loading and new polymer that offers greatly improved wet
and dry braking performance without compromising mileage nor rolling resistance.
> MaxTouch Construction that optimises the contact patch for even wear and longer tread life.
> Full depth and high sipe density with U-shape groove design for safety even when the tyre is worn – especially on wet road conditions
> Chamfered tread block that prevents the tread block from distorting under pressure
> StabiliGrip sipe for better wet and dry braking performance, due to optimised rigidity and better water evacuation.
> "Michelin Premium Touch" sidewall design with a velvet-like micro texture that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the SUV (available from 18-inch and up)

Michelin cited third-party tests that showed the Primacy SUV+ stopped 3.3 metres shorter when new, and 4.2 metres shorter when worn during wet testing with its main rivals.

On dry roads, it stopped 2.3 metres shorter when new; no figures were given for when the tyre was worn out. Michelin also said the Primacy SUV+'s drivable mileage was 10% longer than the competitor average.

“It is estimated that, from 2021 to 2026, the SUV market in the East Asian region will continue to grow 5.9% year on year and achieve a 33% growth in 2026," said Michelin Malaysia’s managing director Oliver Biggart.

"With the launch of Michelin Primacy SUV+, we are poised to better capture the SUV market potential," he said.

The tyre offers performance, lasting safety and market-leading longevity as well as a quiet and comfortable drive – making it suited for daily commutes and long journeys, Biggart added.

The Michelin Primacy SUV+ is now available in Malaysia at all Michelin’s authorised tyre dealers in 26 sizes, including 7 new, across the 16 to 20 inch range.


How Hyundai's Hidden Lighting technology works

                FRANKFURT: Hyundai Motor has released new details about its signature Hidden Lighting technology, which recently made its debut in Europe with the launch of the all-new Tucson.

Most concept cars designed by automakers stand out due to their vivid, high-tech designs.

However, most of these models do not go on to enter mass production. The all-new Tucson, on the other hand, bears an almost identical look to Hyundai’s Vision T SUV Concept, which was unveiled at the 2019 LA Auto Show.

Vision T gained public attention at the time for conveying Hyundai’s new “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity and a bold radiator grille featuring futuristic Parametric Hidden Lights.

This design innovation incorporates state-of-the-art lighting technology into the Tucson’s parametric jewel pattern grille, which forms the car’s striking light architecture.

These Parametric Hidden Lights are a complete version of Hyundai’s “Hidden Lighting” technology, first applied to some of the company’s non-European models.

In 2019, Palisade, Hyundai’s flagship SUV globally, became the first vehicle to be equipped with the company’s Hidden Lighting technology.

Its long, vertically stretched tail lamp is connected to a matte chrome garnish. Usually, the garnish is just one of many design elements that adds a three-dimensional effect; but when turned on, it gives off subtle rays of LED lighting and glows softly.

These early Hidden Lights were introduced primarily for aesthetic reasons, adding beauty to Palisade’s tail lamps.

Later that year, another model, the eighth-generation Sonata, became the first Hyundai model to feature Hidden Lighting technology in the headlamps.

Sonata’s designers, also guided by the “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, found a novel way to hide LED lamps in chrome garnish. They achieved this by applying chrome surfaces inside Sonata’s Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), which appear like a regular chrome garnish when the lights are off.

This was accomplished through a “laser-etching” process, which etched the chrome over the LED at different intensity and intervals. Sonata’s DRLs provide increased visibility due to the wider area of light emitted by the application of Hidden Lighting technology.

Since then, Hyundai has expanded its application of Hidden Lighting technology through the new Grandeur, another model available outside of Europe. This became the first Hyundai vehicle to incorporate Hidden Lighting technology into its radiator grille.

However, unlike Sonata, the Grandeur’s Hidden Lights had to meet certain safety requirements. Although Sonata’s Hidden Lighting serves a strong design purpose, the Grandeur’s Hidden Lights also serve as a DRLs as well as indicator lights, where visibility is paramount.

Now comes the Tucson's turn. When its lights are switched off, the front of the vehicle appears covered in dark, geometric patterns, with no distinction between the grille and the seamlessly integrated signature LED DRLs.

The Tucson’s DRLs are about five times larger than those of the Grandeur. Therefore, if the laser-etching technique were to be applied to drill fine holes for effective light penetration, it would look different than the radiator grille when switching off, and the manufacturing time would be too long.

To produce the Tucson’s large lamps, Hyundai used half-mirror lighting technology. This process involved applying a thin layer of specialised metal surface coating on the inner part of the outer lens. When the DRLs are switched on, the dark chrome grille appears to transform into jewel-like shapes, bringing an eye-catching element to an otherwise sleek appearance.

Hyundai said the Tucson’s Hidden Lights have been tested to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

To reinforce the brightness of the lights in order to adhere to safety standards, Hyundai increased the power and number of LED units in order to increase the brightness so that it exceeded the required level, even after applying a nickel-chrome coating.

Thanks to the increased performance of LED modules, it was possible to ensure the power and visibility of the LEDs. This allowed Hyundai’s designers to integrate jewel-like lamps by applying half-mirror-type lights.

In addition, the outer lenses were coated with nickel-chrome on the inside. This means they look exactly like the radiator grille when switched off, and also serve as the DRLs and direction indicator lights while switched on.

However, the increased amount of electricity also means an increased temperature inside the lamps. In response to this, Hyundai introduced Over-Heat Protection (OHP) technology. This system uses a temperature sensor to prevent damage. If the sensor detects excessive heat, it immediately reduces the amount of power in order to regulate the lamp module’s temperature, providing a safety net that meet the design, function, and durability of the lamp, without affecting brightness.

Hidden Lighting is also applied to the Tucson’s tail lamps

These appear as triangular parts arranged on either side of the tail lights and stretch horizontally.

The grey translucent lenses partially block out light from the outside when the lights are switched off. When the LED lights are switched on, the light curtain lens spreads the light widely and evenly, completing the intense look that appears as if the triangles spread their “wings” together.

Hyundai said Hidden Lighting and half-mirror LED technology would cascade to more models in the future.


Crowds swamp last day of 2017 CarSifu Auto Show

                KUALA LUMPUR: Today marks the last day of the 2017 CarSifu Auto Show and there's simply no shortage of visitors trying to get a glimpse of the vehicles on exhibit before the weekend comes to a close.

With many coming to the overwhelmingly successful show to compare their ride, deduce their likings or even decide on the possibilities of making a purchase, some have arrived to simply enjoy the variety of vehicles the show has to offer.

This was the case for 10 year-old Neeraj Nadhav who made his first stop with his parents, Roshan Gunalan and Poorani Ananda Krishnan, to take a look at the latest Mazda3 with G-Vectoring Control.

“Actually my favourite car is a Ferrari!” quipped Neeraaj Madhav, who subsequently got even more excited after he was told that there were more cars up ahead.

“My son is really into cars, so since the show’s here, I thought we should let him have a look around,” said the boy’s father.

Attending the show, Jane Chong, 34, a finance supervisor along with her husband, Ng , it was all about seeking out possible upgrades.

“I’ve been driving a KIA Forte 1.6 for about five years now and I think it’s about time for a change,” as she inspected the Mazda3’s look and feel.

But for New Yoong Chee who’s been driving around in his 15 year-old Honda CR-V, it's not about what he wants.

“My parents are old now and I’d really like to get them something new to use first, before upgrading my car,” said the 41-year-old company director who was seen looking at the new Peugeot Traveller multipurpose vehicle.

As for Ng Kok Fai, 31, and wife Kor Li Peng, 33, who are currently expecting their first child, the trip to show was to take a look at the diesel-powered KIA Grand Carnival.

“I’ve heard quite a few good things about the Carnival from a friend who bought one recently. It’s not only powerful, but also feature packed,” said the digital marketeer.

“So today I’ve brought my wife along to take a look and so far it seems that she likes it,” said the digital marketeer.

The auto show was held at Mid Valley Megamall and was open to the public from 10am to 10pm daily from Oct 25 to 29.

Free GSC Shake Shake popcorn was given out to the first 200 daily visitors from Oct 27 to 29.

Those who booked a car at the show will stand a chance to win Sharp TV sets and ionisers.

Thirteen brands were featured at the show namely Peugeot, Mazda, Toyota, Isuzu, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Infiniti, Kia, Renault, Citroen and Proton.

Some of the cars on display were winners at the Oct 5 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards.

The five-day car show extravaganza was organised by Star Media Group and carsifu.my.

Boustead Petroleum Marketing and Silverstone Marketing are the Star Media Group partners in the awards and the auto show.


New Ford KA+ unveiled for European market

                COLOGNE: Ford has revealed the all-new KA+ five-door hatchback in Europe, which promises outstanding interior space, fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive dynamics at an affordable price

Joining Ford’s small-car line-up alongside the Fiesta, the KA+ provides an attractive new alternative for buyers who want a stylish, well-equipped and high-quality small car at a price point starting at 11,500 euros.

The KA+ is based on Ford’s global small-car platform, and offers generous space for five people at an overall length of less than four metres. The KA+ is slightly shorter than the Fiesta, but 29mm taller, with an optimised package that provides class-leading front headroom and best-in-class legroom for rear passengers.

The KA+ provides outstanding every-day practicality with 270 litres of luggage space – enough to accommodate two large suitcases – plus 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and 21 stowage locations throughout the cabin for small items.

Stowage areas include MyFord Dock in the centre of the instrument panel that enables occupants to store, mount and charge mobile devices such as phones and navigation systems, and front door bins that can each hold a 1.0-litre bottle, a 0.6-litre bottle and a small umbrella. A hidden stowage bin within the end of the instrument panel is only accessible when the driver’s door is open, allowing valuables to be hidden out of sight.

Taking inspiration from Ford’s latest design language, the well-proportioned exterior features the distinctive high-mounted trapezoidal grille with large, swept-back headlamps. All KA+ models offer a smart, integrated finish with chrome detailing for the front grille, together with body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors.

The interior features an attractive grained finish on the instrument panel and hard-wearing, contemporary trim materials in a stylish dark charcoal colour scheme. Distinctive chrome accents are applied in tactile and highly visible areas such as the door release handles, centre console control knobs and air vents.

The KA+ features a simplified powertrain line-up based on a new 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine. Available with a choice of 70PS and 85PS power outputs, the 1.2-litre engine is derived from the same family as the 1.25-litre engine in the Fiesta, and features twin-independent variable camshaft timing technology to enhance performance and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Combined with a standard five-speed manual transmission, the 1.2-litre engine has been tuned to deliver smooth and responsive performance, with a broad spread of torque that makes the car easy and fun to drive in both city motoring and on longer journeys.

Fuel efficiency has been enhanced using optimised calibration, low-friction engine oil and regenerative charging, which saves fuel by maintaining efficient charge levels in the vehicle battery by capturing ‘free’ electrical energy when drivers coast or brake.

Low rolling resistance tyres and enhanced aerodynamic details, such as an optimised front lower spoiler lip and grille openings, also contribute to improved efficiency. Both engine options achieve CO2 emissions of 114g/km, with combined fuel consumption of 5l/100km.

The KA+ features a unique chassis specification with specially developed features including the steering system, springs and dampers, front anti-roll bar, rear torsion beam axle and tyres, along with re-engineered front sub-frame and engine mounts.

The vehicle also has undergone an intensive development program to ensure improved comfort and refinement in typical European driving conditions, with a range of measures to minimise wind noise, road noise and powertrain noise levels.

The car underwent final tuning and development at Ford’s European proving ground in Lommel, Belgium, and during extensive test drives on European roads.

All KA+ models deliver a comprehensive standard specification including power front windows and door mirrors, front fog lamps, AM/FM radio with Bluetooth connectivity, remote central double locking with perimeter alarm, safety system with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist, Deflation Detection System, Speed Limiter, and Ford Easy Fuel.

The car is available to order from this month with first deliveries across Europe later this year.


UM bars outsiders, no more through-road

                KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya (UM) says it will be restricting access to all its entrances and exits to only staff and students as well as employees of Universiti Malaya Medcial Centre and Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre until further notice.

In a statement on Sunday, the university's management said the move was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its campus community in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

"The campus will not be accessible to the public as a through-road. Visitors entering for official matters, e-hailing and food delivery services are required to register with security officers at the campus entrance," the statement read.


Volkswagen updates EA211 engine

                DETROIT: Volkswagen of America has announced its plans to provide a new turbocharged 1.4-litre TSI (EA211) engine for the Jetta, thereby replacing its current turbocharged 1.8-litre and a naturally aspirated (NA) 2.0-litre engine.

The new turbocharged 1.4-litre is derived from the existing EA211 engine, which features an aluminium construction along with direct injection to produce 150hp at 5,000rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1,400rpm.

The German carmaker said it should provide 7-13% better fuel over its turbocharged 1.8-litre and naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engines.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine features a lightweight aluminium construction, an integrated (into the head) exhaust manifold, and a toothed-belt drive for its double overhead camshaft valvetrain that incorporates variable intake and exhaust timing.

The only aspect to be carried over from the preceding EA111 engine is the 82mm cylinder spacing, while the cylinder bore has been decreased by 2mm (to 74.5mm) and the stroke increased to 80mm.

This helps make the engine more compact yet helps increase torque levels while maintaining a compression ratio of 10.0:1 and direct fuel injection.

This engine’s turbocharging system offers better boost response thanks to its intake manifold, which enables the use of a surprisingly small, single-scroll compressor, while the intercooler has been integrated directly into the injection-moulded induction pipe to help generate its 250Nm of torque.


BYD to build Vietnam component plant, say sources

                HANOI: Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD Auto Co plans to build a plant in Vietnam to produce car parts, three people with knowledge of the plan told Reuters, in a move that would reduce the company's reliance on China and deepen its supply chain in South-East Asia as part of a global expansion.

The investment in northern Vietnam would exceed US$250 million, one of the people said, expanding parent BYD Co's presence in Vietnam, where its electronic unit produces solar panels.

The move underscores a wider trend by manufacturers to reduce their exposure to China amid trade tensions with the United States and production disruptions caused by Beijing's previous Covid-19 lockdowns.

BYD declined to comment.

The Xian-based carmaker, which outsold rival Tesla Inc in EVs by more than two to one in China last year, has been expanding elsewhere in Asia, including Singapore and Japan, and Europe.

Backed by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, BYD makes both plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles. Like Tesla, BYD controls much of its supply chain, including battery production, a strategy that sets it apart from established automakers.

The company announced in September it would build an EV assembly plant in Thailand with annual capacity of 150,000 cars from 2024.

By investing in Vietnam, BYD is looking to add capacity, control costs and diversify production from its operations in China, where demand has been strong.

Talks are under way to select a site for the Vietnam plant, said the sources, who declined to be named because the discussions are confidential. One said construction was planned to start by mid-year.

Doubling footprint

It was not immediately clear what components BYD would build in Vietnam and whether it would include batteries or battery packs.

BYD's planned investment and a US$400 million project by digital display maker BOE reported by Reuters this week would equal more than a quarter of the US$2.5 billion Chinese companies invested in Vietnam all of last year.

US companies such as Apple Inc and their suppliers, such as Taiwan's Foxconn and China's Luxshare, have also been seeking alternative production hubs, with neighbouring Vietnam one of the main options.

BYD is looking to lease 80 hectares of industrial land, more than doubling its footprint in Vietnam, where its electronic unit rents 60 hectares, a second source said.

The Vietnam plant will export components to the assembly plant to be built in Thailand, one source said.

The operation in Vietnam could also serve the local market, mostly through maintenance services and spare parts for BYD vehicles imported from China, one source said.

That would pose a direct challenge to VinFast, a Vietnamese EV maker that began selling cars in 2019 and plans to expand in the United States and Europe.

In December the US Commerce Department found that units of BYD and other Chinese companies were circumventing decade-old US tariffs on Chinese solar cells and panels.

If finalised in May, that finding would mean those companies would be subject to duties on products made in Vietnam and some other South-East Asian countries.


2023 Subaru Forester unveiled from RM173,500

                PETALING JAYA: TC Subaru has updated the 2023 Subaru Forester sports utility vehicle, now available in four variants with the latest EyeSight 4.0 advanced driving assist system.

Prices start from RM173,500 for the 2.0 i-L EyeSight, 2.0 i-L EyeSight GT Lite (RM179,500), 2.0 i-S EyeSight (RM183,500) and 2.0 i-S EyeSight GT Edition (RM195,500).

 Tan (right) with Tyen at the event.

The new model also comes with new front design featuring restyled grille, LED headlights and bumper.

While both the GT Edition and GT Lite are equipped with new body kits, the GT Edition gets a new set of bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

Three new colours of Cascade Green Silica, Magnetite Gray Metallic and Brilliant Bronze Metallic have been added to complement the perennial favourite colours of Crystal White, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica and Horizon Blue Pearl.

Powering the line-up is the proven 2.0-litre Boxer engine with 156PS and 196Nm of torque mated to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission with seven-speed manual mode and paddle shifters.

Also retained are the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the Subaru Global Platform that provides a rigid body for straight-line stability, and reduced noise and vibration for improved comfort.

The suspension has also been re-tuned for a smoother ride and better handling.

Inside, the i-S EyeSight with GT accessories kit features two-tone diamond quilted leather seats inspired by European grand tourers.

Other improvements include front seats embossed with GT logos, new LED main cabin light, rear upper cargo hooks and rear seats with flat cargo floor folding feature.

Aside from having over 100 safety features, the EyeSight 4.0 now comes with nine functions of which three are new.

They are the Autonomous Emergency Steering, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and Lane Departure that includes Lane Departure Prevention.

The Autonomous Emergency Steering, which is standard in i-S and GT Edition variants, will steer the Forester to avoid hitting a vehicle in front at speed up to 80kph.

The X-Mode has also been made more responsive for better driving control over difficult terrain.

In addition, the i-S and GT Edition also come with the Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection and High Beam Assist.

The Forester's Pre-Collision Braking has also been improved to cover a wider field and detect more objects and pedestrians crossing the vehicle's path at junctions.

At the launch, Tan Chong International Ltd deputy chairman and managing director Glenn Tan said Subaru's Advanced Driver Assist System EyeSight 4.0 has enabled the new line-up to offer the best and safest driving experience to customers.

He said the system allowed level 2 semi-autonomous capability that added another layer of protection as well as enhanced driver assistance not commonly found in locally-assembled vehicles.

"We are confident that these new Forester models will meet the needs of consumers in Malaysia who are looking for an unparalleled driving experience," he said.

Also present at the launch in Sunway Pyramid's LG2 Orange Concourse was Subaru brand ambassador Tyen Rasif.

The new Forester line-up, along with the new WRX Wagon, BRZ and XV will be available for public viewing at the launch venue from May 3 to 7.

Meanwhile, world-renowned precision driver Russ Swift will perform his signature stunt driving such as the Swift Parking, J-turns, Donut Spins and Dance Routine among others at the Car Park B, Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam from May 6 to 7.

Three shows have been planned daily at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.

Visitors to the event will also be able to experience first-hand Subaru Advanced Technology Drive (SATD) at specially designed courses at the car park.

For details on the new Forester, visit Subaru Asia MY.


Not happy? Facial recognition tech used to monitor driver enjoyment

                LONDON: A wide grin on a driver's face may seem proof enough someone is happy at the wheel, but it is not enough for one performance carmaker now using a suite of sensors to measure the experience.

Abarth is the tuning division of Italian manufacturer Fiat and it has turned to facial recognition technology to quantify the emotions felt by people when driving and being a passenger.

It's a novel use of a technology usually deployed to enhance car security. Carmakers Hyundai and Genenis have been using facial recognition to do away with keys. Like a smartphone, the car responds to faces registered with the biometric data in its computer.

Experts meanwhile say facial recognition could in future ease access management for vehicle fleets or be used to confirm the identity of the recipient of a delivery made by an autonomous vehicle.

The latest use of facial recognition in cars comprised of a series of driving challenges at Britain's Mallory Park racetrack and were conducted by scientist Dale Esliger from Loughborough University in Britain.

"Research within this remit is limited, however, I suspect it will be an area within the automotive industry that will continue to be explored, as manufacturers strive to improve the driving experiences of their cars," Esliger said.

Abarth said the prominent feeling of those on board the Abarth was happiness when both behind the wheel (31.8%) and as a passenger (35.4%), but noted that there were bursts of fear and shock (11.9%) when a professional racetrack driver was at the wheel.

Drivers were given Abarth F595, 595 Esseesse and 595 Competizione cars to handle challenges such as hot laps, precision driving tasks, and chase scenarios at the circuit.

The facial recognition technology was used alongside heart rate sensors - electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmography (PPG) — allowing Abarth to detect an array of emotions among individuals.


E-hailing laws to be ready early next year

                PETALING JAYA: The amendments to the relevant laws regulating e-hailing services are expected to be concluded by the first quarter of next year.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) said it was already in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Transport Ministry to get the laws amended.

“Upon finalisation, the proposed amendments will be presented to the Cabinet prior to the Bill being tabled in Parliament for approval.

“We have been advised that this is expected to be concluded by the first quarter of 2017,” said SPAD in a statement yesterday.

It added that once amendments to the laws were passed by Parliament, SPAD would implement and regulate the e-hailing system.

On Monday, it was reported that Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had urged SPAD to expedite the amendment laws to regulate GrabCar and Uber in an effort to provide an equal platform between the new ride-sharing services and local taxis.

Liow reportedly said he was aware of complaints from taxi drivers who were unhappy with the emergence of ride-sharing services.

In an immediate comment, Grab Malaysia country head Jaygan Fu said it welcomed the move by SPAD to expedite the regulations of ride-hailing services.

“We are always in support of the Government for being forward thinking to embrace technology and acknowledging the role ride-hailing services such as Grab play to positively impact the lives of the rakyat, especially drivers.

“This move to expedite the regulations will benefit and motivate taxi drivers and those in the B40 segment to consider Grab as a viable and legitimate source of income.

“In a nutshell, we are ever committed to work alongside the authorities to understand the policies and review our operations to best accommodate, with minimal impact to both our drivers and passengers,” said Fu.

A spokesperson for Uber said it welcomes the Government’s recognition that ride-sharing was a positive contributor to riders, drivers and cities.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government on these important pro-innovation reforms.”

Meanwhile, SPAD said it has implemented several measures which do not require amendments to the law by Parliament in executing the Taxi Industry Transformation Programme. It said that these measures were the liberalisation of taxi permits to individual drivers under the taxi rental system.

“With 1,600 applications to date since Sept 1, this initiative continues to be well received by taxi drivers as it provides successful applicants the liberty to decide on the business model that best suits them for better control of their economic destinies,” said SPAD.

In August, SPAD said taxi drivers who felt oppressed by the current rental system will be given a way out.

They could apply for individual taxi licences and some may even be given RM5,000 as seed money to buy their own taxis.


BMW X5 drive in Atlanta: Time to level up

                Lo and behold, the all-new BMW X5 is coming to Malaysia in August. And it so happened we had driven it last year.

We got acquainted with the fourth-generation SUV in Atlanta last September, and it subsequently had its global debut two months later. It is available from launch with a choice of a V8 and three six-cylinder in-line engines that include oil burners.

Incidentally, the first-gen E53 X5 made its world debut in Atlanta.

It was only 20 years ago that BMW started making the X5 — its first SUV or SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) as it likes to call it. Time flies, and now the latest G05 X5 will make its official debut on local shores in less than three months.

Atlanta, home to Coca Cola and Delta Air Lines, is a little under 3 hours’ drive from Spartanburg, South Carolina, the global hub for the production of the X-Series vehicles. The Spartanburg plant happens to be BMW's biggest facility in its global manufacturing network, and from where 70% of production vehicles are exported.

As the outgoing X5 is still a pretty nice rig, what has the new one got to offer?

In its latest form, the X5 has more of what matters. It has racked up more luxury, more tech, more safety on top of improved offroad capabilities. That last bit is especially noteworthy. Since its inception in 1999, the X5 has been more of a luxury road runner than off-road warrior.

But 2018 changed perception. It picked up new offroad skills, resulting in “a more balanced package”.

Because few X5 owners (we can’t think of any) would actually subject it to such brutal punishment as the Rainforest Challenge, the Offroad package is optional. But the fact it’s available - for the first time in any X model in fact - says the X5 can handle some serious offroading when push comes to shove.

To show how the X5 has changed over the years, BMW also presented the first three-generation X5s – the E53, E70 and F15 – on the side lines. Also on static display was a prototype G05 plug-in hybrid - the xDrive45e iPerformance - whose Li-ion battery has been upgraded for increased electric range. It also gets more cylinder count than the previous xDrive40e, switching from a 4-potter to an inline six for more power and performance. The production hybrid will be ready in the coming weeks.

Start outside

As is typical of SUV evolution, the X5 has grown bigger with each generation. In the latest round, it's also all the better to fit two more passengers in third row as an option to make this a 7-seater.

The new X5 shares the modular BMW Cluster Architecture or CLAR with many current models; count X3, X4, X7, 5 Series, 7 Series and 8 Series in.

On the styling front, the new X5 exterior looks more mature and better sorted out. Clean surfacing and precise lines highlight its modernity and robustness. Bonnet creases make the vehicle appear more muscular.

You will know this is the latest X5 simply because it has the biggest BMW kidney grille in an X5 to date. It's a one-piece surround unlike before. BMW has already made it a point to make the grilles of some of its biggest models as outsized as possible, starting with the X Series and the 7 Series. So whether you like it or not, it's here to stay.

LED headlights are standard but BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights can be specified as an option to optimise the high beam function.

Enhancing the look is a character line on the flanks that rises up at the rear door and feeds into the rear LED lights that adopt a sleek 3D-look.

The sportiest X5 will be able to run on up to 22-inch wheels, making it the first BMW model to do so.

Jump in

BMW whipped up more changes inside.

With a 42mm longer wheelbase now, the cabin (now 2,975mm) is bigger and a much nicer place for driver and passengers with poshness level up substantially and features that are in-trend with what BMW has to offer across its product line-up.

Adopting the “less is more” principle, BMW has revised the dashboard with a clear, layered approach for a cleaner look. It now seems like there are fewer buttons to fiddle with.

The 12.3-inch centre display with crisp graphics is also placed closer to the same-sized instrumentation cluster that is now the all-digital Live Cockpit Professional, designed to adapt better to individual driver needs. BMW offers a multitude of ways for the driver to interact with the infotainment system such as via the steering wheel buttons, iDrive Controller, the touchscreen display, voice control or gesture control.

On the fun side, the standard “Hey BMW” voice control can be personalised to, for example, “Hey Kereta” if you are so inclined.

The head-up display unit has also been upgraded, offering a larger projection area on top of new display content and optimised graphics.

Sweeping horizontal lines and electroplated trim elements emphasise the girth and elegance of the cabin. And with its large trim finisher and surrounds likewise made up of electroplated elements, the centre console – rising up to the instrument panel – also contributes to the handsome overall impression.

A new Vernasca variant forms part of the standard leather upholstery. Other new features designed to maximise well-being on board include multifunction seats, cooled/heated cupholders, the panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, Dynamic Interior Light, and glass applications for selected controls. In addition, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and Rear-seat entertainment Professional system with 10.2-inch touchscreen display can also be ordered to jazz up the cabin further.

Folding down the 40 : 20 : 40 split rear seat backrest increases boot capacity from 650 litres to a maximum 1,860 litres.

A third row of seats for two more passengers can be specified, an option available since the second-gen X5. As in third-row seats in many other vehicles, these are essentially for small children as they are not comfortable for average-sized adults on long trips. However, getting into third row is a little easier now with electrically operated second row seats.

The new X5 also has a two-section tailgate for ease of loading. If the optional Comfort Access is installed, both sections can be opened and closed automatically and hands-free. The optional two-axle air suspension allows the loading sill to be lowered. Adding to the luxury amenity is a boot cover that can be lowered electrically into the load compartment floor.

Aids everywhere

The whole point of generational changes is to improve the breed and stay in the game. The latest X5 does that.

It's the first X model to get a host of chassis system upgrades such as two-axle air suspension, Integral Active Steering and an Off-Road package to enhance the car’s versatility, dynamic ability and comfort levels.

Driver assistance systems have been expanded to include Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assistant.

The latest BMW Operating System 7.0 is aboard, and works closely with the all-digital display to optimise attention control. The systems software, which makes its debut in the new X5, is characterised by a clear presentation and structuring, plus customisable and personalised displays, to provide drivers with the right information at the right time.

The SUV comes standard with Dynamic Damper Control, while Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering - making its debut in an X model - allows for more agile and sportier driving.

The two-axle air suspension caters to those seeking greater ride comfort and also allows the vehicle height to be adjusted by up to 80mm at the touch of a button or using the included BMW Display Key.

If the Off-Road package is installed, a separate button gives drivers the choice of four driving modes, allowing them to activate the ideal settings for the vehicle's ride height, the xDrive system, the car's accelerator response and transmission control, and the DSC system's corrective inputs in preparation for driving on different types of terrain.

The G05 X5 moves the model closer to automated driving with an increased spread of driver assistance systems available. Among them are Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection and evasion aid, Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning. The Parking Assistant now takes over acceleration and braking duties as well as steering.

Another aspect of automated driving is the Reversing Assistant. This system takes over steering to manoeuvre the vehicle along a path recently negotiated forward. This system makes reversing for a distance of up to 50 metres much easier such as when backing up to a parking spot.

The new X5 does its part in a medical crisis with an Emergency Stop Assistant, which brings the car safely to a standstill if the driver gets into a situation like a heart attack. It can even call for help if the built-in SIM card is used.

Providing connectivity between the car and digital devices is a cloud-based BMW Connected personal mobility assistant.

A BMW Connected app makes it possible to lock/unlock the car with a smartphone ala digital key, making the new X5 the first BMW model to do so. It only works with selected smartphones for now.

Choice made

We chose the BMW X5 xDrive40i as our ride as this is the version that’s coming to Malaysia as previewed locally in M Sport gear last month at an estimated price of RM640,000. It will pave the way for the plug-in hybrid to be introduced in 2020. The 40i is expected to be the volume seller in other markets as well.

For the more ambitious who demand the sportiest, BMW offers the V8-based M50d and its upcoming petrol counterpart that should appease before the X5 M shows up.

The 40i test unit came in xLine trim and was dirt-ready with the optional Offroad package, that adds air suspension, automatic locking-rear differential, underbody shielding, and four offroad modes to tackle sand, snow, gravel and rocks.

The 40i's 3.0-litre turbocharged straight 6 makes 340hp and 450Nm of torque, available from a lowly 1,500rpm.

Power is relayed to the wheels with the latest ZF 8-speeder that boasts new control electronics and wider ratio spread.

Offroad

Ground clearance is an important consideration in offroading. The Offroad package can automatically adjust it; it can also be manually set via a button in the centre console. The ride height can be increased in two stages up to 40mm above the standard setting.

The package ties in with the hill descent control system and the exterior cameras that lets driver see all-around to avoid obstacles when the X5 is navigating up or down steep slopes.

The offroad course at Painted Rock Farm outside Atlanta was suitable challenge for the likes of Land Rovers, with its varied terrain that snaked through the Chattahoochee National Forest.

There were 45-degree descents, streams to cross and slippery, rutted trails and uneven surfaces to roll over. Squeezing between obstacles while scaling rocky terrain was part of the deal.

BMW was eager to show how offroad-capable the X5 was. With DSC off, transmission in M2, Rock mode on and suspension raised, off we went into the muck.

It was more like crawling in a convoy with the instructor in the lead car barking orders through the walkie-talkie. The higher ground clearance helped the X5 surmount uneven terrain peppered with jagged rocks that could easily tear at the car's underbody.

There were moments when the wheels were caught in muddy ruts but the X5 managed to wiggle its way out with controlled throttle input and the all-wheel drive with rear differential lock that shunted optimal power between the rear wheels.

At one corner, we had to wriggle through a gap between two trees but we pulled through without denting the X5 body, assisted by the Integral Active Steering that worked the rear wheels to reduce the turning radius.

The hill descent control did a reassuring job moving the X5 down a steep slope while driver provided steering input. Going up a slippery slope? No problem. Step on the gas and up you go with the torquey engine and all-wheel drive maximising grip.

Crossing shallow streams or creeks was uneventful; we were half-hoping for deeper waterways with fast-flowing current, as that was supposed to automatically make the X5 close the grille shutters as it forges across to protect the engine from being swamped. No such fun in our case.

Harrowing moments there were, but the X5 tackled the course confidently.

As effective as the Offroad package is for rugged pursuits, we believe there will be few takers for it. Most X5 owners will be content to drive without the extra-cost option simply because they are not interested in offroading in such an expensive SUV.

The demo is at best an indication of the X5's improved offroad capability rather than a challenge to the still-superior skills of the Land Rover clan in the wild.

Onroad

On paved roads in and out of Atlanta, the 2.1-tonne X5 is a picture of composure as it fires on all cylinders.

With bigger space and more refined interior appointments than the F15, the new X5 is a lovely spot to sit in for a few good hours, made more delightful by a hushed cabin on account of the acoustic-glass windscreen.

While the air suspension has its place in offroad escapades, it makes for a plush ride on asphalt in Comfort setting, isolating potholes and other uneven surfaces well - even on 21-inch mixed run-flat tyres!

The 340hp/450Nm six-cylinder mill is ultra smooth, supported by a highly competent, quick-shifting gearbox.

There's ample power to play with. Plus, the low and mid-range torque is linear and impressive.

Work the X5 harder and the engine noise seeps into the cabin but in a good way, as there's a sweet resonance to it.

Steering is well-weighted but light by default. Switch to Sport mode on small and winding roads and the suspension stiffens up along with a sharpened steering and reduced body roll.

The rear-wheel steering in low-speed turns makes the big X5 more agile than it looks, though at times it felt skittish.

On-road, the electronically-controlled rear differential lock aids to a sporty drive, apportioning power dynamically between the rear wheels when the rubbers are running on surfaces offering differing levels of grip.

If manually choosing the drive modes is too much of a bother, turn on Adaptive mode and the X5 will do it on the fly. It works the dampers, the steering and transmission and continually adapts the settings to suit the current driving situation independent of what mode you had initially set.

Braking performance is worth a mention. The M Sport brakes are effective stoppers, feeling natural and progressive with none of the grabby sensation felt in some cars.

On the way back to Atlanta for the vehicle drop-off, we ran into a navigational glitch. At one point in the city, the pre-set navigation kept making us go round in a loop at a stretch of the highway. Retracing our route before the glitch happened seemed to clear up the system fog, and it was able to finally lead us to our intended destination.

Oh well, nothing's perfect. BMW will make running adjustments as and when issues arised.

Wrapping up

Over 2.2 million units of the X5 have been sold since 1999. It is a testament of its allure.

The newest X5 out of Spartanburg is a much more advanced and sophisticated animal, which endows it with new levels of comfort, luxury and refinements. The keener offroad capability helps but we don't expect Malaysian buyers to see that as the trigger to handing over hard cash.

It's all the other stuff that matter more ultimately.
SPECIFICATIONSBMW X5 xDrive40iEngine: 2,998cc, inline 6 cylinder, TwinPower Turbo
Maximum power: 340hp at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 450Nm from 1,500rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic
Offroad: Approach/departure angle (degree): 25.2 / 22.3; breakover angle (20.2); unladen ground clearance (214mm); fording depth at 7kph (500mm)
Features (as tested): Adaptive 2-axle air suspension, Remote Engine Start, Sport leather steering wheel, M Sport Brakes, M sport differential, Integral Active Steering, Comfort access, Rear view camera, xOffroad package, Panorama glass roof, Roller sunblind, rear side windows, Luggage-compartment package, Active Cruise Control, Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, cross traffic alert, Parking Assistant, Reversing Assistant, 21-inch light alloy wheels with mixed runflat tyres
Acceleration (0-100kph): 5.5s
Top speed: 243kph
Fuel consumption (combined): 8.8l/100km
Price (estimated OTR without insurance): RM640,000* (equipment list varies from test unit)
Available: August 2019


2016 Chevrolet Spark to debut

                DETROIT: The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Spark will debut on April 2 at the Seoul and New York auto shows.

A sleeker, more aerodynamic profile and a progressive take on Chevrolet’s signature design cues will give the redesigned Spark a more sophisticated aesthetic that reflects the changing tastes of the global minicar market.

“The new Spark’s design has evolved and grown up with the segment,” said Michael Simcoe, General Motors International vice president of Design.

“The youthful whimsy of the original Spark is still in its genes, but it is conveyed in more traditional proportions that reinforce the customer’s refined expectations.”

Chevrolet has sold more than 1.1 million Sparks around the world since it went on sale as the Beat in India in late 2009.

Today, the Spark is available in 71 markets worldwide, selling the most in South Korea, followed by the United States and Mexico.

Spark is attracting younger and first-time car buyers to Chevrolet with 26% being under the age of 35.


All-new Honda HR-V open for pre-launch order taking

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has started order taking for the highly anticipated all-new HR-V compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) at all its dealerships.

The new model was developed with the grand concept of 'AMP UP YOUR LIFE’, offering customers exceptional styling and premium feel yet maintaining the practicality approach of HR-V as an everyday companion.

The HR-V is slated for launch in the third quarter of the year and offered in hybrid and petrol variants.

The new HR-V RS variant measures 4,385mm in length, 1,790mm in width and 1,590mm in height, making it 39mm longer and 15mm lower compared with its RS predecessor.

The front gets a dominant New Front Grille Design while the rear showcases a fastback styling with a sleek design and aerodynamic performance.

New RS exterior features include – the Front LED Sequential Turn Signals and LED Taillight Strip which is one of the most prominent design elements, amplifying the premium and sporty vibes of its exterior.

Other key stylish exterior features include the new LED Headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL), front LED Fog Lights and the 18-inch alloy wheels which further complement the overall exterior package.

For the first time, the HR-V RS variant will be equipped with e:HEV technology, powered by the intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system that delivers a powerful performance.

The e:HEV technology features Honda’s unique hybrid system that function seamlessly, combining the benefits of petrol and electric power to provide maximum power and fuel efficiency.

The electric powertrain delivers 131PS and 253Nm of torque for a thrilling driving experience in addition to three drive modes of ECON, Normal and Sport.

Other advanced features include Honda LaneWatch which is a camera-based advanced safety technology that reduces rear leftside blindspot by providing real-time visual, Hands-Free Power Tailgate with Walk Away Close function, Remote Engine Start and Walk Away Auto Lock.

Also available in the RS variant is the next generation Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance safety system that comes with:

> Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
> Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
> Low Speed Follow (LSF)
> Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
> Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
> Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
> Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
> Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
> Auto High Beam (AHB)

To pre-book, customers can log on to prebook.honda.com.my or download the HondaTouch application on their smartphones.

For more information, customers can visit any Honda authorised dealerships nationwide or call Honda’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my.

Read: HR-V RS e:HEV teaser drive in Thailand