Shootout: Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6 battles Honda Civic 1.5 TC-P

                About three years ago, the C-segment in the motoring industry had been experiencing poor sales and lack of consumer interest as there were more attractive offers in the B- and D-segments as well as a rising demand in compact and mid-size SUVs.

It almost looked like the end of the road for the C-segment until Honda Malaysia launched the tenth generation Honda Civic with a 1.5-litre turbo engine option in 2016.

All of a sudden, the C-segment was revitalised with the Civic selling like hot cakes.

Honda Malaysia stated that the new Civic “recorded an impressive 165% increase compared to Honda Malaysia 2015 sales of the out-going model, and became the market leader in its segment with 68% market share within six months of its launch.”

With the sudden revival of the C-segment, the competition also dangled their offerings for Malaysian consumers.

CarSifu pitted the popular and award-winning top-of-the-range Civic 1.5 TC-P against the well-specced and more powerful South Korean contender, the Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6T-GDI.

And just in case you have forgotten, the Civic 1.5 TC-P clinched the “Car of the Year” title at the inaugural CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards back in 2016 and also won the Best Mid-Size Car category for its advanced styling, features, handling, ride comfort and accessible pricing.

Let’s see if the new turbo kid can snatch the belt from the reigning champ of Japan.

Honda Civic 1.5 TC-P

By now, whoever hasn’t seen the tenth generation Honda Civic on the streets obviously doesn’t get out much because it’s everywhere.

Even though the current Civic was launched in 2016, the exterior design of the car still holds up and it is one of the reasons people have gravitated towards it.

And if you think the car makes you look good and it’s the reason you want to own one, then go for it.

The top-specced Civic 1.5TC-P (turbocharged premium), priced at RM131,880 (on-the-road without insurance) has the bells and whistles compared to the other two variants on offer, which makes it an attractive package indeed.

Looks-wise, the current Civic is quite a departure from recent iterations.

The lines flow upwards from the eye-catching front fascia to the rear giving it an athletic stance and the fastback design of the C-pillar makes for a very attractive car to behold.

It’s also lower and wider than the previous generation Civic with a 20% larger bootspace at 519 litres as well as an extra 30mm to its wheelbase at 2,700mm, while being 4,630mm-long (+105mm), 1,800mm-wide (+45mm) and 1,415mm-tall (-20mm).

So that means you and your passengers have a lot of head and legroom room plus plenty of cargo space to boot (no pun intended).

The cabin is lined with leather upholstery for a plush interior and it is a comfortable space to be in as it also has rear air-cond vents to cool down passengers in the back.

Also, the Civic features the Remote Engine Start which allows the driver to start the engine up to 40m away to activate the air-conditioning and cool down the cabin before entering the vehicle.

If you are the forgetful type, this car has another useful function, the Walk Away Auto Lock which will automatically lock all doors when the driver walks away with the smart key beyond 2.5m without anyone in the car.

So you don’t have to worry about whether you have locked your car or not as it does it for you. It comes with smart entry and push start and the centre console has an enormous stowage space.

The dash is stylishly laid out without being too fussy so it makes it easy finding your way around the entertainment system - the seven-inch Advanced Display Audio system - and the touch panel dual climate control is clearly defined.

On the safety side, the Civic comes with a multi-angle reverse camera, six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability assist, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, auto brake hold, hill start assist, 4-corner reverse sensor and emergency stop signal.

For a car which was born to be driven hard for racer boys and girls, the latest Civic has definitely grown up to be more inclusive for practical reasons - yes, you even have ISOFIX anchors.

But does it make it any less exciting to drive? Not at all.

If you take it for what it is - a 1.5 VTEC turbo engine producing 173PS and 220Nm of torque mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) - without comparing it to the VTEC of yesteryear, you can have a lot of fun behind the wheel.

For one, the driver is seated low to the centre-of-gravity with a wide, clear view which is good when you are driving at speed.

It does feel and look premium in the driver’s seat as the instrument panel has a digital display which looks modern and exciting.

And having paddle shifters is always a plus.

I found the steering response to be sharp as it takes only slight turns for the car to start turning so there is not much play here.

The acceleration is also impressive as the car pulls away with such ease, confidence and grip. And the car handles corners and turns just as well.

The suspension however, is set up for everyday use and is not the most firm, so you may not want to push it too hard into the corners or through uneven surfaces.

The only complaint here is the lack of an exciting exhaust note but other than that it is a delightful car to zip around in.

Even though it does not have the Elantra Sport’s horsepower, the Civic makes up in having more refinement and is still a fun car to drive.

SPECIFICATIONS
Honda Civic 1.5 TC-PEngine: 1,498cc, four-cylinder, 16 valves, DOHC VTEC
Maximum power: 173PS at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 220Nm from 1,700rpm to 5,500rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Features: Six airbags, anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability assist, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, leather upholstery, navigation, rear air vents, eight-way powered driver’s seat, seven-inch Advanced Display Audio system, eight-speaker sound system, remote engine start, walk-away auto lock, electric parking brake and auto brake hold, dual climate control with touch panel control, auto LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED foglamp, paddle shifters, cruise control, ECON button and a multi-angle reverse camera, auto brake hold, hill start assist, 4-corner reverse sensor, emergency stop signal, USB/HDMI ports, MP3/iPod and ISOFIX anchor points

Price: RM131,880 (on-the-road without insurance)
Warranty: Five-year unlimited mileage and free labour service applicable up to five times within 100,000km or five years (terms and conditions apply)

Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6T-GDI

The Hyundai Elantra Sport, with its turbocharged Gamma 1.6T-GDi engine, is the car to helm for those who are young and young at heart and can obviously afford the RM131,488 asking price.

While rolling on 17-inch wheels with 225/45 series tyres, the Elantra Sport’s dimensions exude a touch of sportiness about it due to the more aggressive front bumper, the inclusion of a rear diffuser and a set of twin exhaust tips.

Also, it’s rear torsion-beam suspension system has been switched out for a more capable multi-link set and the brakes make use of larger 16-inch (front) and 14-inch (rear) disc brakes.

Inside, the cabin seems rather overexposed by the bright red leather upholstery, but what eggs the driver on to enter is the fact that under the hood lies a 1,591cc, 204PS/265Nm turbocharged engine that’s managed by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for some quick-shifting fun.

In short, it’s a car that’s almost certain to make owners smile.

Getting seated, a flat-bottomed steering wheel handles the greetings before the conventional dashboard, centre console and “analogue” handbrake says hello.

Engaging the push-start button conjures up the usual sound of a four-potter.

Nothing special in this department, nor upon blipping the throttle and there’s nothing sporty about its exhaust note throughout the rev-range.

The familiarisation spin in the Elantra Sport actually had us initially thinking it was not going to be much of a performer and could potentially leave us wanting.

Boy, were we wrong!

With the low-profile tyres, the suspension felt communicative, yet rather compliant over uneven surfaces and thankfully not as stiff as some had previously claimed.

The ride, however, is still a bit stiffer than the Civic’s and rewards with less body roll in fast corners.

Shifting down a few gears via the paddle-shifters in Sport mode, the engine responds quickly and the turbo’s boost helped to propel the car forward.

The response is almost immediate and coupled with a good all-round view of what’s outside, it made it all the more easier to bob and weave through sparse traffic.

Body roll remained relatively muted and drivers will feel the tyres working for them as the suspension takes care of most unsettling situations.

The larger 16-inch (front) and standard 14-inch (rear) brake discs do well to slow things down with a firm bite, resulting in a confidence-inspiring drive that can be addictive.

The gear changes are smooth and fast, and the motor-driven power steering felt more direct and responsive compared with the Civic’s.

Pushing the Elantra Sport just beyond its grip capabilities and its electronic stability programme and vehicle stability management systems will kick in with a noticeable power cut.

Switching back to Normal mode and the throttle feels dull, Eco mode only dulls it even further, while the steering feels progressively lighter.

Undoubtedly, the Elantra Sport is capable of being an aggressive drive, yet able to handle reasonably well.

Nonetheless, it is able to adapt to most road-going situations and power is delivered on demand, regardless of driving mode.

But do be wary because a heavy foot on the accelerator will mean more trips to the petrol stations.

Unfortunately, the Elantra Sport is hardly taken seriously as a contender among its other turbocharged peers within its segment just because it wears a Hyundai badge and comes from South Korea.

For what it’s worth, this turbocharged Elantra Sport is well specced with items such as a smart trunk system, cruise control, reverse camera, keyless-entry with start-stop button, 7.0-inch colour touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery and blind-spot detection to name a few.

Also standard are six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and vehicle stability management. — JAY WONG and RIZAL JOHAN

SPECIFICATIONS
Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6TEngine: Gamma 1.6 Turbo GDi
Power: 204PS at 6,000rpm
Torque: 265Nm from 1,500 to 4,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with manual mode and paddle shifters

Suspension: Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front 16-inch, rear 14-inch

Features: Six airbags, antilock braking system, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, brake assist, hill-start assist, blind-spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring system, high intensity discharge headlamps with LED daytime running lights, rear LED light cluster, keyless-entry with push-start button, cruise control, auto light control, reverse camera, automatic wipers, smart trunk, leather-wrapped flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, 8-way semi-powered driver seat, dual-zone climate controls, 7.0-inch TFT touchscreen LCD with Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, Apple Carplay, USB port, AUX jack and 17-inch wheels with 225/45 series tyres.

Price without insurance: RM131,488
Warranty: 5 years or 300,000km)

VERDICT

While the souped-up Elantra Sport is the outright powerhouse with 204PS and has a faster acceleration compared with the Civic, it’s also the smaller of the two.

The Elantra Sport’s appeal seems to be tailored to those who enjoy edgier driving thrills and sportier interior.

The Civic, on the other hand, has a more sophisticated appearance, making the Elantra Sport seem rougher around the edges and does little to suggest performance from its good looks.

Both cabins are worlds apart, with the Elantra having the more cosy environment, while the Civic has a more spacious air.

Boot space in the Elantra Sport is limited to 420 litres while the Civic has 99 litres more at 519.

Some may take a liking to the Elantra Sport’s red-out leather interior and that relatively aging centre console, but the Civic’s conventionally dark approach for the interior with a futuristic design seemed to have the advantage.

On the road, the Elantra Sport is the outright winner with its zippy nature, superior power, handling and fast acting dual-clutch gearbox.

On the flip side, the Civic is the more comfortable ride and isn’t as thirsty, thanks to its smooth continuously variable transmission.

And with the Civic costing RM131,880 to own, just RM392 over the Elantra Sport’s RM131,488 price tag, it becomes this comparison’s winner with better levels of economy, space and brand value.

Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6Honda Civic 1.5TC-P


China extends tax rebate for electric cars, hybrids

                BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China will extend a tax rebate on purchases of so-called new-energy vehicles (NEV) until the end of 2020, a boost for hybrid and electric car makers amid a shift by policy-makers away from the traditional internal combustion engine.

The finance ministry said in a statement on Wednesday the tax exemption, which was set to expire at the end of this year, will run from Jan. 1, 2018 until Dec. 31, 2020 for electric, plug-in petrol-electric hybrid and fuel-cell powered vehicles.

The extension comes as automakers in China brace to meet strict NEV quotas starting in 2019 that are sparking a flurry of electric car deals and new launches of electric and hybrid models.

Amid the shift, some global automakers have called on China to maintain financial support for the market, citing concerns consumer demand alone will not be sufficient to drive sales without state-backed incentive schemes to lure buyers.

The Ministry of Finance said the extension would help “increase support for innovation and development in new energy vehicles”, an area where China is hoping it can catch up - and even overtake - more established global automaker rivals.

Local firms like NEV specialist BYD Co Ltd are now jostling with global names such as Ford Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co Ltd in the race to develop successful “green” vehicles for the Chinese market.

China’s auto market, the world’s largest, has slowed sharply this year, but new-energy vehicles has been a bright spot. NEV sales in January-November jumped 51.4 percent and are on track to hit a target of 700,000 NEV sales this year.


VW stretches worldwide new vehicle and extended warranties by three months

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen is extending the warranty period for new vehicles by three months.

This applies throughout the world to all vehicles produced in Europe or for the European market with a two-year new vehicle warranty or an extended warranty that expires between March 1 and May 31.

The extension is valid for three months after the expiry of the original new vehicle or extended warranty.

“As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many of our authorised workshops throughout the world remain closed," said Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Sales, Marketing and After-Sales.

"For many of our customers, it has therefore not been possible to make claims under their warranties in good time. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers an immediate, unbureaucratic solution with this three-month warranty prolongation.”

This measure represents a voluntary, one-off concession to help customers in the exceptional situation caused by Covid-19.


Honda's new model launches, SUVs help it outsell Toyota in China

                BEIJING: Honda Motor Co is outselling its bigger, deeper-pocketed rival Toyota Motor Corp in China this year, data from the Japanese companies shows, helped by new model launches and strong sport-utility vehicle (SUV) offerings.

Honda said today it sold 113,803 vehicles in the world's biggest auto market last month, up 11.6 percent from a year earlier. Its sales volume for the first seven months of 2017 amounted to 757,970 vehicles, up 17.6 percent from the same period a year ago.

Toyota sold 732,900 vehicles in China during the first seven months of this year, up 6.2 percent from a year earlier. But that was roughly 25,000 vehicles less than Honda sold in the period. Toyota sold about 108,900 vehicles in July, up 11.4 percent from a year ago.

Since making a full market entry in China in the late 1990s, except for early years Toyota had generally outsold Honda in China every month and year until last year. Industry experts foresee the rivalry continuing even after Toyota refreshes its product lineup in a bid to boost sales.

“Honda’s product lineup is much, much fresher,” said James Chao, Asia-Pacific chief of consultancy IHS Markit Automotive. "It's still quite an achievement for Honda to outsell Toyota in the world’s biggest market."

Globally, Toyota last year sold roughly 9.88 million vehicles, compared to Honda’s global volume of 4.91 million vehicles, according to IHS.

Chinese consumers have flocked to Honda's raft of new models, including a significantly-redesigned version of the staple Civic car, as well as its SUVs. Demand for subcompact crossover SUVs is red-hot in China.

Sales of its aged products are also fairly strong thanks to what rivals and industry experts describe as big discounts and other incentives on car models such as the Accord sedan.

Toyota's China sales have not been weak, either. Experts said Toyota's comeback versus Honda will depend largely on how quickly it can refresh its product lineup.

“Once Toyota introduces new products the pendulum will shift,” IHS’s Chao said, pointing partly to Toyota’s stronger position in distribution.

The significantly redesigned Camry sedan, which hit showrooms in the United States earlier this year, is expected to go on sales in China before the end of this year. A China-version of the Toyota C-HR, a subcompact crossover SUV, is expected to be launched soon, but a Beijing-based spokesman said it was premature to say when the car might hit showrooms.

Honda recently launched the significantly redesigned Accord sedan in the United States. It was not immediately clear when Honda plans to launch that model in China.

Honda’s target for this year is to sell more than 1.3 million vehicles, compared to 1.24 million vehicles it sold last year. Toyota said it is on target to sell more than 1.21 million vehicles in China this year, compared with 1.2 million vehicles it sold in 2016.


The new BMW M5 won't leave you in a spin

                MUNICH: When the sixth generation of BMW's Ferrari-baiting super sedan officially arrives in early 2018, it will do so with four-wheel drive.

Such a revelation could be met with the same sort of horror that Porsche experienced when it told the 911 faithful it was ditching air-cooled engines for water-cooled blocks.

Every M car ever built has followed the same formula - a superb engine up front, sending 100% of its power exclusively to the rear wheels. Therefore, it's understandable that BMW is giving M5 fans plenty of advanced warning, while underlining the performance benefits the xDrive system is going to bring to the new car.

"The core component of M xDrive is a central intelligence unit with M-specific software delivering integrated control of longitudinal and lateral dynamics.

The new drivetrain technology - making its debut on the new BMW M5 - therefore combines all of the agility and precision of standard rear-wheel drive with the supreme poise and traction of the all-wheel-drive system," explains Frank van Meel, BMW M GmbH chairman.

Basically, the M5 is going to be the all-weather, all-road-surface super sedan but if drivers really feel they have to, they can set up the car so that it's in rear-wheel drive mode most of the time.

BMW won't yet be drawn on exactly how much power will be going to potentially all of the four wheels. All it will confirm is that the new block is a reimagining of the 4.4-litre V8 that graced the outgoing model, but it will be getting new turbochargers, higher injection pressure, new lubrication and cooling systems and an overhauled exhaust system.

All of these improvements will add up to a significant increase on the 560hp and 680Nm torque on the fifth-generation model while returning a fuel economy of 10.5 l/100 km on the combined cycle.

Nevertheless, fans are going to be a little bit cautious about the addition of four-wheel drive, which to some, is the equivalent of putting training wheels on a road racing bicycle. Which is probably why BMW has called upon current BMW DTM works driver, former F1 racer, and self-confessed M5 fanatic, Timo Glock to offer reassurances: "With M xDrive, not only can the new BMW M5 be steered with the usual precision and agility, it also offers me something I really appreciate, living in Switzerland: a noticeable boost to traction and controllability - even when driving in particular environmental conditions, such as wet weather and snow, and in both everyday driving situations and when pushing the car to its performance limits."


Toyota's Akio Toyoda is 2021 World Car Person of the Year

                MONTREAL: Ninety-three international journalists on the World Car Awards jury panel have voted Toyota president/CEO Akio Toyoda as the 2021 World Car Person of the Year.

Toyoda has spent years remaking his company. In 2020, Toyota remained profitable, despite Covid-19. He has maintained Toyota's pace of steady development for the Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric era, and he has kicked off the construction of Woven City, a real-life prototype city of the future. He is also active in motorsports as a driver himself.

“On behalf of all 360,000 Toyota Team members around the world, thank you for this tremendous honour," said Toyoda.

"If you don’t mind, however, I would like to change this award from car 'person' of the year, to car 'people' of the year… because it’s the collective effort of all our global employees, retailers and suppliers that has truly made Toyota what it is today. And I for one, couldn’t be a luckier… or a more grateful CEO."

There were five finalists for this award that was created in 2018 to acknowledge and celebrate an individual who has made a significant contribution to the global automotive industry during the period January 1 to December 31, 2020. That contribution could include a significant impact to their brand or company or a significant safety, engineering, design or technical advancement.

Apart from Toyoda, the finalists rest were Pratap Bose of Tata Motors; Euisun Chung and Luc Donckerwolke of Hyundai; and Tomiko Takeuchi of Mazda.

Previous World Car Person of the Year recipients were Carlos Tavares, CEO of PSA Group (2020), the late Sergio Marchionne, CEO, FCA; chairman, CNH Industrial; and chairman and CEO, Ferrari (2019) and Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO, Volvo Car Group (2018).

The World Car Person of the Year award is just one of six awards handed out annually by the World Car Awards. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognise, reward and inspire excellence, leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing automotive industry.

The Road To The 2021 World Car Awards began on Aug 26 last year and will end with the winners’ announcement on April 20 this year.


Three Volvo cars now sold at lower prices

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia has announced price cuts on selected models with Drive-E powertrain because it has been accorded Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status, which entitles it to get customised government incentives.

The models with lower prices now are XC60 T6, XC 60 T5 and V40 T5 Drive-E.

“Our award-winning Drive-E powertrains offer customers a world-class blend of outstanding power and lower fuel consumption which promises to bring efficient driving pleasure to a whole new level,” said Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Lennart Stegland.

The price reductions takes effect from today.

 The XC60.


Volkswagen Malaysia releases spooky Beetle video for Halloween

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has released a spooky 50 second video entitled The Legend of the Yellow Beetle, in conjunction with Halloween celebrations.

The video is a cheeky comic-book take on a yellow Volkswagen Beetle that prowls the Karak highway at night and is "extremely difficult" to overtake.

Enjoy the video here.


New Nissan bid to end Renault control and curb French clout, say sources

                PARIS: Nissan has set out new proposals to end parent Renault's control and block French government interference in their alliance, two sources said on Wednesday.

The revised demands aim to defuse a governance row that erupted in April when French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron raised the government's stake in Renault to 19.7 percent from 15 percent to secure double voting rights.

In a document outlining its position, Nissan is seeking limits to state voting rights in Renault as well as written guarantees against intervention in its operations by the French carmaker, which owns 43.4 percent of Nissan, the sources familiar with the matter said, confirming a report in Le Figaro.

Under the new proposals, any breach of the undertakings would free Nissan to buy shares in Renault and cancel their alliance agreement.

The Renault-Nissan alliance and the French government declined to comment.

The standoff between Macron and Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of both carmakers, is set to come to a head on Dec 11 when Renault's board is due to decide on a response to the French government power grab.

Nissan and French officials have been negotiating for two months to resolve the dispute.

In confidential proposals revealed by Reuters, Nissan had threatened steps to end Renault control by raising its own stake in the French carmaker to at least 25 percent and activating voting rights. Nissan currently owns a non-voting 15 percent stake in Renault.

France offered last month to limit the exercise of its voting rights in Renault, sources told Reuters. Under a new French law, the state's voting power is set to rise to 28 percent from 18 percent - an effective blocking minority - even after its equity stake is cut back to 15 percent.

Both sides are "working on a compromise", a source close to the negotiations said on Wednesday, adding that Nissan's demands "seem to move closer to what the government had proposed".

The conflict reflects the gap between Renault-Nissan's formal structure - in which Renault enjoys complete control - and the reality of alliance operations and management. Since its 1999 rescue by Renault, Nissan has far outgrown its French parent and leads the way in engineering and other areas.

Nissan's proposal, drawn up at a board meeting on Monday, softens earlier demands for voting rights in Renault and changes to the cross shareholdings, the sources said.

Instead, Nissan is seeking to neutralize Renault's control of the Japanese carmaker through written undertakings. Their 2002 alliance agreement grants Renault the right to name Nissan's top three executives, among other prerogatives.

Nissan wants signed commitments that Renault will not intervene in its governance or operations, according to Le Figaro - curtailing the French company's influence.


Vehicles parked illegally around Mont Kiara towed away during DBKL enforcement action

                PETALING JAYA: Owners of illegally parked vehicles in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, were taken aback when their cars were towed away by the authorities.

Since June 1, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has carried out a series of enforcement in the busy commercial and residential areas following complaints.

This includes Jalan Kiara 1, where residents from several condominiums have been questioning the delay in enforcement action after repeated complaints on vehicles occupying the roadside.

Several DBKL trucks were seen making rounds at the commercial area such as Solaris Mont Kiara, as well as neighbourhood roads like Jalan Mont Kiara 1 and Jalan Mont Kiara 4, towing away illegally parked vehicles there.

Officers were also present at these sites to issue summons to errant motorists.

On May 20, StarMetro reported that DBKL enforcement director Osman Ismail said operations to tow away the vehicles would start in June after a two-week grace period, as it is still Hari Raya.

"Since the start of the operations, we have towed away 12 vehicles for obstructing traffic.

"This is an ongoing operation and I urge motorists to park at designated parking lots," he said when contacted.


Honda to supply engines to Aston Martin in F1 from 2026

                HONG KONG/TOKYO: Honda Motor Co. signed an agreement with Aston Martin Racing Ltd. to supply the UK-based Formula 1 team with engines from 2026, returning to the world championship and competing as Aston Martin Aramco Honda.

The start of the partnership will coincide with new F1 rules that require engines to be up to 50% electric and for cars to use fully-sustainable ethanol as fuel.

Chief executive officer Toshihiro Mibe said the power-unit supplier deal will facilitate the development of Honda’s electrification technologies.

“Technologies and know-how gained from this new challenge can potentially be applied directly to our future mass production electric vehicles, such as an electric flagship sports model, and electrification technologies in various areas, including eVTOL,” he said in a statement, referring to electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

Honda’s association with F1 stretches almost 60 years, from engine supplier to fully-fledged team.

In 2021, Max Verstappen won the Drivers’ Championship for Red Bull Racing Honda. Prior to that success, Honda had a short-lived partnership with McLaren from 2015 to 2017. It exited F1 after Verstappen’s triumph, though continued to provide technical support to Red Bull.

“The partnership with Honda is the final piece in the jigsaw to establish Aston Martin Formula 1 as a top team capable of winning world titles,” Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll said at a briefing at Honda’s Tokyo headquarters Wednesday.

“We need to exploit every single area of our technical package and now a bespoke PU (power unit) is the important last step in that journey.”

Stroll led a consortium to buy the Force India team in 2018, renaming it Racing Point before taking on the Aston Martin name.

The team has emerged as a growing force, with Mercedes-Benz AG as engine supplier. Its lead drivers are double world champion Fernando Alonso and Stroll’s son Lance.

Billionaire John Malone’s Liberty Media acquired F1 in a US$4.4 billion deal in 2017 and has sought to cultivate a new generation of fans by extending the sport’s reach in Asia, the US and the Middle East, and launching a direct-to-consumer streaming service and the popular Netflix series “Drive to Survive.”

Honda has said it plans to spend 5 trillion yen (RM165bil) on its push into electric vehicles over this decade, launching as many as 30 models by 2030.

“We view motorsports as a laboratory on wheels where we try to improve our cutting-edge technologies,” Mibe said at the briefing.

“Technologies refined through racing have been fed back to our production vehicles and put into practical use.”


Woven Capital backs US robotics company in first investment

                TOKYO: Toyota's Woven Capital venture fund has put money down on its first investment.

The US$800 million global investment fund that supports growth-stage is making an equity investment in Nuro Inc, a California-based robotics company providing autonomous delivery.

The investment is part of Nuro's Series C round of funding, advancing its work in designing and engineering self-driving road vehicles to transform local commerce through autonomous delivery.

The fund was established in January 2021 as the investment arm of Woven Planet Group, Toyota subsidiaries which started the business recently, dedicated to building the safest mobility in the world.

"Nuro has proven itself to be a true leader in autonomous vehicles for local goods delivery. Between their state-of-the-art technology and powerful partnerships with leading US brands, they are revolutionising everyday commerce, making it safer and more efficient. The company is primed for success in a post-Covid world, where secure, user-friendly delivery is prized by consumers," said Woven Capital managing director George Kellerman.


Perodua dealers appeal to Govt on sales tax

                SHAH ALAM: The Perodua Dealer Association has urged the Government to allow its members to reclaim the 10% sales tax on invoices issued prior to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on April 1.

In a statement, Perodua Dealer Association president Wan Kamal Wan Ismail explained that after April 1, the 10% sales tax will be replaced with a 6% GST.

"This means unsold stocks, which 10% sales tax already paid, will be hit by an additional 6% GST after April 1. Each independent dealer will stand to lose an average of RM230,000 on double taxation after April 1," said Wan Kamal.

"Perodua dealers consist mainly of medium-size companies. Losses on this scale will have a huge impact on our business, especially on our cash flow and profitability," added Wan Kamal.


Honda CB650F and CBR650F sizzle with new colours

                PETALING JAYA: The Honda CB650F and CBR650F are now looking top-notch following the introduction of a few special colours by Boon Siew Honda.

The new colours can now be had in a combination of Matte Black with Red chassis or Matte Black with White chassis.

Both 649cc bikes will be available at Honda Impian Shops from Jan 23 onwards and will be priced from RM44,730.94 (CB650F) and RM46,850.94 (CBR650F) inclusive of GST and a two-year or 20,000km manufacturer's warranty (whichever comes first).

The new colour combo looks to attract those who like larger bikes and are looking to upgrade or perhaps would like to get a more affordable bike with a four-cylinder engine.

Both models are equipped with a digital speedometer, digital bar graph technology, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, digital clock, HISS security system and LED tail-light cluster.

A 17.3-litre fuel-tank, the motor provides 83hp at 9,500rpm and 63Nm of torque at 8,000rpm for the 206kg CB650F that's 3kg lighter than the CBR650F at 209kg.

Both have a saddle height of 810mm and a wheelbase of 1,450mm while standing 2,110mm-long, 775mm-wide and 1,120mm-tall - only the CBR650F adds 25mm more at 1,145mm, but clears the ground at 130mm versus the CB650F at 150mm

The bikes roll on 17-inch wheels with 120/70 (front) and 180/55 (rear) motorcycle tyres and come equipped with a 101mm trailing arm, front telescopic and rear pro-link suspension setup as well as double front and single rear disc brakes.
HONDA CB650FHONDA CBR650F


2023 Aprilia SR GT 200 now with three times free service

                KUALA LUMPUR: Didi Group, which distributes the Aprilia motorcycle brand in Malaysia, has introduced three times free service for the 2023 Aprilia SR GT 200 scooter.

The scooter was first introduced last year and more than 500 units have been delivered to customers.

The new 2023 additional free service will be offered to the Aprilia 660cc and 1,100cc models which the latter has two years manufacturer warranty with unlimited mileage.

 Aprilia Racing Team riders (from left) Aleix Espagaro, Lorenzo Savadori and Maverick Vinales signing autographs at a meet and greet session in Kuala Lumpur.

Didi Group executive director Juan Chow Wee said the company is the first motorcycle brand to offer such free service on top of the three years manufacturer warranty for the scooter segment while maintaining the price of the SR GT 200 at RM19,900.

“We understand everything is going up. However, we have always believed in delivering more value to our customers.

“Plans are underway also to develop a dedicated community for the SR GT that will foster the passion and commitment by our owners nationwide,” said Juan at a meet and greet session for Aprilia Racing Team riders here.

 Espagaro (left) and Vinales putting their signatures on the SR GT 200 scooter.

Aprilia Club members had the opportunity to meet riders Aleix Espagaro, Maverick Vinales and Lorenzo Savadori who were in town in conjunction with the MotoGP Malaysian Winter Test held at Sepang International Circuit.


Tesla launches subscription service for advanced driver assistance software

                BERKELEY: Tesla Inc said on Saturday it has introduced an option for some customers to subscribe to its advanced driver assistance software, dubbed "Full Self-Driving capability", for US$199 (RM838) per month, instead of paying US$10,000 (RM42,093) upfront.

Tesla has previously said its subscription service would generate recurring revenue and expand the customer base for pricy features including lane changing on highways and parking assistance.

But the US electric carmaker reiterated on Saturday that the current features "do not make the vehicle autonomous," adding they "require a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel."

"FSD capability subscriptions are currently available to eligible vehicles in the United States. Check your Tesla app for updates on availability in other regions," Tesla said on its website.

Tesla's CFO Zachary Kirkhorn said in April that its planned subscription service would generate recurring revenue for the company, although "there could be a period of time in which cash reduces in the near term."

"If ... you look at the number of customers who did not purchase FSD upfront or on a lease and maybe want to experiment with FSD, this is a great option for them," he said during an earnings call in April.

Tesla said the subscription service is available in vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving computer 3.0 or above. It told customers that upgrading to the new hardware will cost US$1,500.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk forecast in 2019 that robotaxis with no human drivers would be available in some US markets in 2020. In March, Tesla told a California regulator that it may not achieve full self-driving technology by the end of this year.

Tesla has been testing its new semi-autonomous driving software for city streets and last week released "FSD Beta v9" to a limited number of customers.


World's rich floor it in post-pandemic luxury car rush

                LONDON: The global rebound from the coronavirus pandemic is revving luxury carmakers' sales to never-before-seen heights, as order books at the likes of Lamborghini, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce burst with demand from the world's wealthy.

Just like regular earners around the world, the richest cut back on consumption during 2020, with "double-digit" falls in sales for makers of the most coveted cars, says Felipe Munoz of market research firm Jato Dynamics.

But "customers for these cars were not as exposed as others" to the crisis' financial fallout, he adds.

For the wealthy, "most of the problem was that they couldn't get out of their houses," Munoz says. "They postponed their purchases."

The rebound for exclusive cars was already under way in the final quarter of 2020 as they reached for their platinum credit cards again, cushioning the pandemic blow by comparison to mass-market manufacturers.

Annual sales last year at Volkswagen-owned Lamborghini sped past their 2019 record to 7,430 vehicles, driven by the Italian manufacturer's hefty Urus SUV clocking in at around 200,000 euros ($220,000 in the US).

Closed factories meant sales at Ferrari tumbled 10 percent last year, to 9,119.

But bosses say the black-horse brand now has an "order book at record levels", powered by the 450,000-euro SF90 Stradale - the carmaker's first plug-in hybrid - as well as the windscreen-free two-seater Monza, believed to cost around 1.7 million euros.

Ferrari hopes to top the 10,000-unit mark next year, when it becomes the final luxury producer to offer an SUV with the Purosangue.'Time to enjoy life'

"The luxury market still has very specific rules and customers," Deloitte car industry analyst Guillaume Crunelle says.

"Behaviour is much more linked to personal situations, how their wealth is developing, rather than market trends."

After a year with less consumption, "there is quite some money around to be spent," Rolls-Royce chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos tells AFP.

Nevertheless, the BMW subsidiary's boss also sees the aftereffects of the pandemic in people's buying patterns.

"Quite a lot of our clients said that Covid taught them that life can end easily tomorrow and now is time to enjoy your life."

This week the historic British brand launched a yacht-inspired model, the "Boat Tail", of which it has so far built just three units - and won't reveal the price.

Muller-Otvos says that the new car is "much more refined" than its last custom build, the Sweptail, which cost in the region of US$13 million.

Going to China

Rolls-Royce's one-offs notwithstanding, most even among the priciest manufacturers swept along in trends like the unstoppable march of the SUV - and an environment-conscious turn to electrification, Deloitte's Crunelle points out.

Jato Dynamics' analysis showed that sports cars made up just five percent of luxury sales last year, while SUVs' market share outpaced coupes for the first time.

In Britain, Bentley and McLaren laid off thousands of workers as the virus outbreak began - only for Bentley to book record sales of 11,000 units driven by the 200,000-euro Bentayga SUV.

Rolls-Royce saw its best-ever quarter in early 2021, powered by its new Ghost coupe and 2.6-tonne, 350,000-euro Cullinan SUV - the most expensive on the market.

And James Bond favourite Aston Martin has returned from the brink of bankruptcy with its almost equally chunky DBX.

Looking ahead, "production for this year is fully booked," Rolls-Royce's Muller-Otvos says.

Europe and North American remain solid markets for luxury brands, but China is where most of the growth can be found.

"It's the world's top region for wealth building, and cars are still a very potent mark of status," Crunelle says.

Munoz predicts that "with more and more millionaires and billionaires (in China) each year, the trend is likely to continue".


Chip shortage to last until 2024, says Volkswagen CFO

                BERLIN: Semiconductor chip supply is unlikely to be enough to completely satisfy demand again until 2024, Volkswagen chief financial officer (CFO) Arno Antlitz said in an interview with German daily Boersen-Zeitung on Saturday.

He said that although bottlenecks would likely begin to ease towards the end of this year, with production returning to 2019 levels next year, this would not be enough to meet heightened demand for the chips.

"The structural undersupply will likely only resolve itself in 2024," Antlitz said.

A lack of wire harnesses from Ukraine was also still causing some shifts to be cancelled, Antlitz said, even as the company was establishing new supplier relationships to source the component from other countries.

Asked about how funds from a possible IPO of Porsche AG, planned for the end of the year, could be used to bolster Volkswagen's finances, Antlitz said the money could help fund the carmaker's software unit and its battery production plans.
"Only those who can map out their battery supply chain have the advantage at scaling in electromobility. Securing the supply chain comes with that. A Porsche IPO could give us a lot more flexibility in financing this," Antlitz said.

 Antlitz.


My Auto Fest promises the best car deals

                SERI KEMBANGAN: Car buyers looking for discounts and attractive offers can check out the the inaugural My Auto Fest 2016.

Organised by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the event will be held at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre on May 20 till 22.

“Many car companies recently announced car price increases due to the depreciation of the ringgit,” said MAA  president Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

“Book your car at the show for the best deal in town and get your car in time for the Hari Raya festive season in July."

Aishah said offers at the fest can be in the form of direct discounts, a subsidy for interest on car loans or even waivers for downpayment.

"These deals will be exclusively available only at My Auto Fest. You won't get them outside the show,” she said.

The three-day fest is expected to have 20 car brands with over 100 car models.

Activities will include test drives, lucky draws, lifestyle booths, food trucks and kiosks, and children’s games and activities.

Entrance to the Auto Fest is free.


Renault 5 get a new lease of life as an electric super-mini

                PARIS: Renault has unveiled a new electric version of the classic 5 hatchback as the French company transforms its business model to focus on electrification.

Renault said the shape of the groovy new runabout was inspired by the original car “and draws inspiration to find the spirit of those glorious times without merely replicating it.”

Full technical details are sketchy but visually the electric R is close to the last, sportier versions of the R5 which was built as a petrol-engined runabout from 1972 to 1996. R5 production topped 5.5 million over a 14-year period, making it France's most popular car.

"The design of the Renault 5 Prototype is based on the R5, a cult model of our heritage. This prototype simply embodies modernity, a vehicle relevant to its time: urban, electric, attractive," Renault Design director Gilles Vidal said.

Renault did not say when the production version of the Concept 5 will go on sale. The prototype features wider rear wheel arches and a red stripe livery that nods to the R5 Turbo hot hatch. This hints at a future high-performance version of the new model.

The French firm has pledged to launch seven new EVs worldwide by 2025. Industry observers noted that when the electric R arrives, it could replace the highly successful Zoe EV as Renault's main compact electric hatch.


CarSifu Auto Show 2022: Nissan

                IF you are looking for a spacious family multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with high levels of safety and fuel economy, the latest facelifted Nissan Serena S-HYBRID should be on your shopping list.

Distributed by Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the Serena is available in two variants of Highway Star and Premium Highway Star, priced from RM149,888 and RM162,888 respectively.

The Serena will be making an appearance at the 2022 CarSifu Auto Show at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur from Oct 5-9.

The long-time popular MPV retains its elegant presence and gets cosmetic changes which embodies confidence and enhance the upmarket aura.

These include Redesigned Dual Projector LED Headlamps, and a new V-motion Front Grille with a majestic and sophisticated chrome pattern.

Also included are a Redesigned LED tail lights, Redesigned Front Bumper with integrated Fog Lamps and Daytime Running Lights with Gloss Black Finishing.

Soundproofing liners have been added to the rear wheel housing to suppress NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) levels to deliver a quieter, more serene experience for all passengers.

As safety has been an important factor in Nissan vehicles, the automaker has developed a range of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies that can help make motoring safer by assisting the driver.

These technologies make up the 360° Safety Shield to give complete all-round protection.

The new Serena’s 360° Safety Shield has enhanced Active Safety with an extensive range of systems that improve the driver’s awareness of the surroundings as well as take action to prevent a collision.

The five new systems added are Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning & Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning & Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking systems has a radar unit in the front of the MPV to measure the distances of vehicles ahead.

If a collision is imminent and the driver does not respond correctly by braking or slowing down when alerted, the system will automatically apply Automatic Emergency Braking.

Also helping the driver’s awareness of the surroundings is the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection that shows a simulated image of an overhead view of the vehicle, allowing the driver to see what is on all sides.

The sensors can also detect moving objects and will alert the driver to exercise caution.

The Lane Departure Warning system will alert the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane dangerously while the Intelligent Driver Alertness system monitors the driver for drowsiness or fatigue and suggests a short break from driving.

Aside from front and side airbags, the Serena also features full-length curtain airbags along the sides for added rear passenger protection.

Meanwhile, the Nissan S-HYBRID tech continues to power the Serena’s drivetrain and incorporates an Energy Control (ECO) electric motor which controls the idle-stop system.

It also provides torque assistance on moving off as well as reducing fuel consumption, enabling Serena owners to receive some of the benefits of a hybrid powertrain without the associated high costs.

The hybrid drivetrain is paired with the Nissan XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control to coordinate control between 2.0-litre CVTC (Continuously-variable Valve Timing Control) 4-cylinder engine to deliver optimised fuel savings.

Classified as an Energy Efficient Vehicle with a fuel consumption of 14.2km per litre, the Serena promises a driving distance of up to 852km on full tank of fuel.

In addition to the Dual Back Door concept unique to the Serena that provides convenient and faster access to the ample cargo area at tight rear space opening, the MPV also gets the Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors that can be opened automatically by a foot placed under the side of the vehicle.

The Serena also comes with seven USB ports as well as 13 versatile seat configurations for up to seven persons on board.

Comfortable Captain Seats are installed in the second row and these come with individual armrests and extra-long slide adjustment.

Those at the front and second rows also enjoy superior comfort in the Zero Gravity Seats that are proven to reduce fatigue due to their neutral posture position inspired by NASA studies.

Quality materials are used in the Serena with the Premium Highway Star variant receiving combination Nappa leather that is quilted for the premium look and feel.

Entertainment comes from a six-speaker infotainment system managed from a new advanced 9-inch full-colour touchscreen that also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Premium Highway Star variant gets an 11.6-inch LCD panel that folds down from the ceiling.

Tan Chong Motor Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ho said the Serena S-HYBRID was among the first hybrid models to be assembled in Malaysia and it is still the only locally-assembled hybrid MPV.

“This new generation of Serena has a very extensive list of features that give it a premium image – without the premium price. Now, to make it even better value for money, it comes with added safety features and fresh styling in line with the latest Nissan design language,” Ho said.

“More than 45,000 units have been sold nationwide to date, and in 2021, it was the best-selling Non-National Mid-size MPV in the country,” said Ho.


Ferrari V8 engine wins prestigious Engine award again

                STUTTGART: The Ferrari 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 which equips the 488 GTB and Spider, has won the International Engine of the Year for the second year running.

The winners of the 19th International Engine of the Year Awards were announced at a ceremony at Engine Expo 2017 in Stuttgart, Germany.

And it was the Ferrari V8, code-named F154CB, that triumphed once again, joining an exclusive list of just four other engines in the awards’ history to scoop the title for two consecutive years.

The explosive power of 670ps delivered at 8,000rpm and 760Nm torque at 3,000rpm in seventh gear, along with a razor-sharp throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds at 2,000rpm in third gear, wowed the panel of 58 international judges from 31 countries, once again.

Dean Slavnich, co-chairman, International Engine of the Year Awards said, “It is fitting that probably the best turbocharged engine ever developed has secured back-to-back outright International Engine of the Year Award titles. It’s blend of heart-thumping performance on both road and track, with a glorious V8 Maranello rumble and an ultra-sophisticated design that’s loaded with advanced technologies, makes the Ferrari V8 unbeatable for another year.”


Nissan Navara line-up refreshed from RM91,900

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has unveiled the upgraded Nissan Navara 4X4 pick-up truck line-up sold in six variants with prices ranging from RM91,900 to RM142,200.

The range is available in single or double cab bodystyles, six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, and mid-output or high-output 2.5-litre turbodiesel engines.

The high-output engine which delivers 190PS and 450Nm of torque is equipped in automatic variants while the mid-output engine with 163PS and 403Nm of torque is used in the manual line-up.

On-the-road without insurance prices for Peninsular Malaysia are Pro-4X double cab automatic (RM142,200), VL double cab automatic (RM137,900), V double cab automatic (RM125,500), SE double cab automatic (RM116,900), SE double cab manual (RM110,900) and Single Cab manual (RM91,900).

For Sabah and Sarawak, prices are RM2,000 higher per variant. Buyers in Sarawak also need to pay RM50 tyre sales tax.

Warranty is 5-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first).

Except for the Navara Single Cab which uses rear leaf springs, all other variants come standard with new rear multi-link suspension with dual-rate coil springs that reduces body toss motion.

The new Electronic Locking Rear Differential system allows the left and right wheels to rotate as a unit, enabling the vehicle to free itself when stuck in sand, mud and other terrain.

The new Tailgate Assist that helps to lighten the opening and closing of the tailgate, new Integrated Rear Bumper Step that makes bed access easier.

Also included are noise isolation acoustic laminated glass for the front windscreen and front windows for improved quietness, and safety features which include Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Active Brake Limited Slip Differential, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist.

The Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced driver assistance features are available on Pro-4X, VL and V variants.

ETCM is also offering a special hire purchase Flexi Financing Promotion for the Navara in Peninsular Malaysia based on a 90% loan and nine years loan tenure.

● Pro-4X auto: from RM1,200 monthly,
● VL auto: from RM1,160 monthly,
● V auto: from RM1,040 monthly,
● SE auto: from RM950 monthly,
● SE manual: from RM900 monthly,
● Single Cab manual: from RM670 monthly.

In addition, the Navara can also be fitted with optional packages.

Protection package for Pro-4X and VL (RM10,950)
● Black Sport Bar (PRO-4X) or Chrome Sport Bar (VL)
● Oil Sump Guard
● Fuel Tank Guard
● Stainless Steel Kick Plate
● Door Visors
● Driving Video Recorder (DVR)
● V-Kool Security Tinting Film

Premium package for V (RM10,150)
● Chrome Sport Bar
● Leather Combination Seats
● V-Kool Security Tinting Film

Premium package for SE auto and manual (RM10,150)
● Chrome Sport Bar
● 9-inch Display Audio with Infotainment & Reverse Camera
● V-Kool Security Tinting Film

Under Protector package for Single Cab
● Oil Sump Guard
● Fuel Tank Guard
● Side Steps

Navara Single Cab manual - workhorse variant

Exterior
● New Large Unpainted Front ‘Interlock’ Grille
● Halogen Headlamps (with Auto On/Off) and Tail Lamps
● Body Coloured Front Bumper
● Unpainted Rear Bumper and Door Handles
● New Rear Bumper with Integrated Step
● Easy Bed Step at both left and right of the Bed
● Power Adjustable and Manual Foldable Unpainted Door Mirrors
● Rear Leaf Springs
● 16-inch Steel Wheels with Tyres (205R16C)
● Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 5,335 x 1,790 x 1,775
● Rear Bed Length x Width x Height (mm): 2,311 x 1,560 x 472
● Payload Capacity: 1.1 tonne
● Available Colour: Solid White
Interior
● Remote Keyless Entry with Jack Knife Key and Key Cylinder Ignition
● Standard Monochrome Display Meter
● New Sporty Steering Wheel with Audio and Bluetooth Hands-Free control switches
● Wide 2-Din Audio system with Bluetooth, 2 speakers, 1x 12V Power Outlet and 1x USB-Powered Port
● Vinyl Seats
● Manual Air-conditioning System
● Speed Sensing Wiper System
● Speed Sensing Door Lock System
Safety
● Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist
● 2 SRS Airbags
● Reverse Sensor (x2) and Immobilizer

Navara SE auto and manual - entry variants

Exterior
● New Large Chrome Front ‘Interlock’ Grille with ‘NAVARA’ stamped on top
● Halogen Headlamps (with Auto On/Off) and Tail Lamps
● Black and Silver-accented Front Bumper
● Power Adjustable and Power Foldable Body Coloured Door Mirrors with LED Turn Signal
● Chrome Door Handles
● 17-inch Alloy Wheels with Tyres (255/65R17)
● Black Painted Side Step
● Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 5,260 x 1,850 x 1,825
● Rear Bed Length x Width x Height (mm): 1,469 x 1,560 x 519
● Payload Capacity: 1.1 tonne
● Available Colours: Black Star, Brilliant Silver, Solid White
Interior
● Remote Keyless Entry with Jack Knife Key and Key Cylinder Ignition
● New Sporty Steering Wheel with Audio and Bluetooth Hands-Free control switches
● Standard Monochrome Display Meter
● Wide 2-DIN Audio system with Bluetooth, 4 speakers, 2x 12V Power Outlet and 4x USB-Powered Ports
● Manual Air-Conditioning with Rear Vents
● Zero-Gravity Inspired Semi Bucket Black Fabric Front Seats with 6-way Manual Adjustable
● New Rear Black Fabric Seat with Thigh Support and Curved Backrest
● New Rear Armrest with built-in Cup Holders and 3x Headrest
● Speed Sensing Wiper System
● Speed Sensing Door Lock System
Safety
● Reverse Sensor (x2) and Immobilizer
● 2 SRS Airbags
● ISOFIX with Top Tether (x2)

Navara V auto - best value-for-money variant (add on)

Exterior
● New Quad LED Projector Headlamps with Iconic C-shaped LED Signature Daytime Running Light
● New LED Tail Lamps with Iconic C-shaped LED Signature
● LED Fog Lamps
● Available Colours: Burning Red, Black Star, Brilliant Silver, Solid White
Interior
● Intelligent Key and Push start Ignition
● New Sporty Steering Wheel with Audio, Bluetooth Hands-Free, Digital Display and Cruise Control switches
● Cruise Control System
● New Full Colour 7-inch High Resolution Advanced Drive-Assist Digital (ADAD) Display Meter
● 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto ready system, Rear View Camera, 6 speakers, 2x 12V Power Outlets and 4x USB-Powered Ports
● Dual Zone Automatic Air-Conditioning with Rear Vents
Safety
● Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning
● Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking
● Intelligent Driver Alertness
● 6 SRS Airbags

Navara VL auto - premium variant
Exterior
● Silver Painted Roof Rails
● Power Adjustable and Auto Folding Body Coloured Door Mirrors with LED Turn Signal
● 18-inch 2-tone Machined Alloy Wheels with Tyres (255/60R18)
● Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 5,260 x 1,850 x 1,860
Interior
● Zero-Gravity Inspired Semi Bucket Black Leather Front Seats with 8-way
Driver and 2-way Lumbar Support Power Adjustable
● Leather Seats with Hexagonal Pattern and Silver Stitching
● Rain Sensing Wiper System
Safety
● Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Off-Road
Mode
● Lane Departure Warning
● Blind Spot Warning
● Rear Cross Traffic Alert
● High Beam Assist
● Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
● Reverse Sensor (x4) and Immobilizer

Navara Pro-4X auto - flagship off-road variant (add on)
Exterior
● New Large Black Front ‘Interlock’ Grille with ‘NAVARA’ stamped on top
● Black Front and Rear Nissan Emblem
● Black and Orange Accented Front Bumper
● Black Fender Flares with Orange Accents
● Black Painted Roof Rails, Door Mirrors, Door Handles and Side Steps
● 17-inch Black Painted Pro-4X Alloy Wheels with All-Terrain Tyres (255/65R17)
● New Utili-Track Channel system with 2 channels and 4 heavy-duty forged aluminium cleats
● Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 5,260 x 1,875 x 1,855
● Available Colours: Stealth Grey, Burning Red, Black Star, and Pearl White (with surcharge RM1,300)
Interior
● Exclusive Zero-Gravity Inspired Semi Bucket Leather Front Seats with Pro-4X Logo and Orange-accent Stitching; 6-way Manual Adjustable


Vandal's car-scratching spree comes to an end as cops nab him

                KOTA KINABALU: Over the past week, social media here has been abuzz with photos and complaints from car owners showing their vehicles that had been scratched and vandalised.

The destructive doodling came to an end after policemen nabbed a suspect on Monday (Aug 5).

Kota Kinabalu police chief Asst Comm Habibi Majinji said the jobless suspect was nabbed at about 10.30pm from a house in Kg Sri Pandan, Putatan near here.

“The man was arrested following a police report lodged by a victim on Sunday (Aug 4), ” he said.

He said the victim had found his car with multiple deep scratch marks at about 12.10am on Sunday.

“The losses were estimated to be at RM2, 000, ” ACP Habibi said on Thursday (Aug 8).

Initial investigations found that the suspect normally targets darker vehicles parked at the KKIA area, and uses a pair of scissors to scratch the vehicles.

“The suspect also told police he had done the same to several other vehicles in the area, ” ACP Habibi said.

The man tested negative for drugs.

“We are not sure why he does this. The motive is still under investigation, ” said ACP Habibi.

The suspect can be fined or jailed between one and five years, or both upon conviction.


Lotus gets in on NFTs

                LONDON: Lotus wants a piece of the non-fungible tokens (NFTs) market.

It plans to work on its first NFT Collection with industry expert NFT PRO, and with Ripple as the blockchain partner providing technical support on the ultra-fast, low-cost and carbon-neutral XRP Ledger (XRPL) blockchain.

NFTs are assets which exist only in the digital world, are bought and sold online, and frequently with cryptocurrency because they are coded with the same software – the so-called "blockchain".

The partnership between Lotus and NFT PRO marks the car brand’s debut in the Web3 space by creating a community of Lotus customers, NFT collectors and crypto-fans. Web3 is the name given to the next-generation online environment incorporating concepts such as cryptocurrency.

NFTs are the next innovative project from Lotus Advanced Performance, the division of the business launched earlier this year. It is dedicated to delivering exciting bespoke vehicles and world-class customer experiences. Created in-house by Lotus Design, each new NFT will pay tribute to the pioneering spirit of the iconic performance car brand.

NFT PRO has been chosen by Lotus to help it make a seamless entry into the world of Web3.

The forthcoming launch of the Lotus NFTs on the XRPL allows creators and collectors to come together and experience Lotus Cars in a new and exciting environment, including unique perks exclusive to holders of the Lotus NFTs. More news on this topic will be announced later this month.


Mercedes-Benz to access Tesla Superchargers in N. America from 2024

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz said today its drivers will get access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers in North America from 2024.

The company will integrate the North American Charging Standard to its electric vehicles from 2025.

It also plans to simultaneously expand its charging network with more than 2,500 high-power chargers in North America. The first such chargers will be opened by the end of 2023 and will be equipped with both CCS1 and NACS plugs.

Globally, Mercedes-Benz plans to establish more than 2,000 fast chargers in North America, Europe, China and other core markets by the end of the decade.

In total, these will comprised more than 10,000 charging points, which can further be expanded depending on market needs.

Mercedes-Benz own chargers would be open to electric vehicles from all brands, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of EV owners.


Volvo 3S dealership opens in Melaka

                MELAKA: The latest Volvo dealership has sprung up in Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, Melaka.

The 3S dealership (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) features a six-bay service area that can handle conventional and plug-in hybrids such as the XC90, XC60, and S90 T8 Twin Engine.

The centre is operated by Seong Hoe Motors Sdn Bhd, an auto dealer with almost 50 years of experience with several continental car brands. Volvo Melaka is led by Seong Hoe Motors CEO Chua Beng Poh.

Volvo Car Malaysia said it has experienced rapid expansion in its dealership network since the start of its overhaul, spearheaded by its managing director, Lennart Stegland, more than two years ago.

The transformation plan saw new dealer standards such as the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE), being implemented in Volvo dealerships across the country. VRE is a comprehensive standard that covers critical aspects of a dealership: from the look and feel of the showroom to the quality of service rendered to customers.

“We are focusing on creating a consistent consumer experience that reflects our core values. It is important that we maintain the Scandinavian-inspired appeal of our cars in our showrooms and the service centres as well,” said Stegland.

The Volvo showroom in Melaka opens from 9am to 6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays.


CarPlay finally welcomes navigation apps Waze and Google Maps

                SAN FRANCISCO: Come fall, Apple CarPlay will finally welcome third party navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps.

At Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event on Monday, the company announced features and apps that will roll out this fall with iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS updates. But that's not all, CarPlay did get a mention, much to everyone's delight.

CarPlay and Android Auto are becoming a standard in all the latest cars, allowing users to turn the car dashboard into a familiar interface with preferred apps.

Apple, however, wasn't feeling quite as open when it released CarPlay back in 2014, offering users navigation only with Apple Maps. Although Apple Maps is well regarded in the area, there are many drivers who have grown fond of other options, such as Waze or Google Maps.

Waze is especially popular as a community-based navigation app as it allows drivers the ability to communicate any issues they encounter, such as traffic (whether mild or heavy) as well as construction or accidents.

The news that Apple is now supporting third-party apps is being welcomed by many and even though the Cupertino-based firm didn't say much about it, the giant screen at the WWDC presentation did reveal a dashboard with the Waze and Google Maps icon.

This feature is said to roll out with iOS 12 in the fall, given that the third party apps build their mapping software for the latest Apple update.


Petron Malaysia and Türkiye Tourism Board kicks off Jom Jalan-Jalan Türkiye

                KUALA LUMPUR – Petron Malaysia, in collaboration with the Türkiye Tourism Board has launched the ‘Jom Jalan-Jalan Türkiye’ nationwide promotional campaign, running from Dec 15 to March 15, 2023.

The campaign will reward Petron Miles (P-Miles) customers by giving them the chance to have their dream holiday through Petron’s collaboration with Türkiye Tourism Board and its global “Go Türkiye” campaign.

For Petron, this campaign is a continuation of its “Jom Jalan-Jalan”, which was initiated in October last year, right after cross states travelling was allowed.

 Chen.

The campaign was launched by Turkiye ambassador to Malaysia, Emir Salim Yüksel and attended by Petron Malaysia marketing manager Danny Chen and other VIPs.

The three-month integrated campaign includes on-ground and online activation.

The campaign kicked off with the “Turkish Grand Bazaar” at the Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya from Dec 15– 18 and followed by nationwide roadshows with exciting games at selected Petron service stations as well as a social media contest.

There will also be exclusive Petron “Jom Jalan-Jalan Türkiye” merchandise up for grabs.

The contest is open to all P-Miles cardholders.

Customers will need to download and register on the P-Miles mobile app when making petrol purchases to participate.

 Emir Salim.

They will earn an automatic entry with a minimum RM50 petrol purchase at any Petron service stations and qualify for final lucky draw.

The campaign aims to reward 336 lucky winners with more than RM300,000 worth of prizes throughout the three-month campaign period.

The Grand Prize is a spectacular 8-day and 7-night travel package worth more than RM50,000 together with his/her chosen companion.

Together, they will experience the comfort of travelling in Turkish Airlines business class.

Aside from the Grand Prize, there will be an additional five first prize winners where winners get an 8-day and 7-night travel package for two persons with return economy class air tickets and access to Plaza Premium lounge.

Winners of this package will have a unique experience exploring ancient cities in Türkiye, sampling local delicacies, and participating in the diverse culture of the country.

Among others, the travel package consists of a breathtaking hot air balloon ride soaring through the skies of Cappadocia.

A total of 330 Consolation Prize winners will be selected where 30 winners will receive RM800 worth of American Tourister luggage, and another 300 winners will enjoy RM500 worth of P-Miles points.

Winners of each prize category will be announced after the three-month campaign ends.

 (From left) Emir Salim, Chen and Petron Malaysia corporate affairs manager Wan Adibah Azian Mahmood making a stop at an Istanbul Ice Cream booth.

Chen said Petron Malaysia was thrilled to collaborate with Türkiye Tourism Board, tourism partners and local sponsors to reward our loyal Petron customers with amazing prizes.

“This comes in timely as Petron also celebrates its 10th anniversary. This campaign is our way of saying thank you to our customers who have been with us throughout the journey,” he said.

Emir Salim said International flights have recorded an increase after the reopening of international borders.

“In support of the tourism recovery efforts and Türkiye tourism global campaign, this collaboration comes at an opportune time as Türkiye sees an uptick in travel and I look forward taking the next step to develop and promote Türkiye to Malaysians,” he said.

Aside from the collaboration with Türkiye Tourism, Petron also worked with other partners such as Türkiye Embassy, Turkish Airlines, Plaza Premium Group and American Tourister to promote international inbound, outbound travel and offer customers the chance to win exciting vacation packages.


Amazon hits road with first of 100,000 Rivian electric delivery vans

                CHICAGO: Amazon is ready to hit the road across the US with the first of its custom-made Rivian electric delivery vans, and a lot may be riding on it for both companies.

Rivian CEO and founder R.J. Scaringe and top Amazon executives were on hand to unveil the electric vans at an Amazon delivery station in the Pullman neighbourhood on Chicago’s South Side in July, where packages will be loaded for delivery to doorsteps.

“We’re going to be putting a lot more of these on the road,” said Scaringe, perched in the driver’s seat of a road-ready EDV 700 electric van. “And we’re going to start seeing, hopefully in every neighbourhood in every city in the US, these deliver your packages.”

Delivery of the electric vans, however, is running behind schedule.

An early investor in Rivian, Amazon ordered 100,000 electric delivery vans from the startup EV truck manufacturer, which has struggled with a slower than expected ramp-up since launching production in September from a converted Mitsubishi plant in downstate Normal, Illinois.

In addition to the commercial vans, Rivian has more than 90,000 consumer orders for its R1T pickup and R1S SUV.

When the Amazon deal was announced in 2019, the online retail giant expected to have its first Rivian electric delivery vans on the road by 2021, and 10,000 delivering packages by the end of this year. Amazon still plans to have all 100,000 EDVs in service by 2030.

The electric delivery vans will launch in more than a dozen cities including Chicago, Baltimore, Dallas, Kansas City, Nashville, Phoenix and St. Louis, with “thousands” of the vehicles rolling out to more than 100 cities by the end of the year, Amazon said in July.

The vans come in two models, the EDV 700 and the smaller EDV 500, and are an integral part of Amazon’s climate pledge to reach net-zero carbon by 2040.

Amazon is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 4 million metric tons per year by 2030, when the full 100,000 electric delivery van fleet is on the road.

Udit Madan, vice president of Last Mile Delivery for Amazon, said the company is happy with the progress of the ambitious electric van rollout.

“When we started out in 2019, we started out with a sketch,” Madan said Thursday.

“We didn’t know there was going to be a pandemic, we didn’t have supply chain issues. And so considering all of that, I think this has been a remarkable job to make progress at this speed, and at speeds that typically are unheard of in the automotive industry.”

Features include a large windshield, exterior cameras offering a 360-degree view, hands-free navigation guidance and an automatic bulkhead door that opens and closes the cargo area when the driver stops and starts the van. Amazon has been testing deliveries with pre-production vehicles since last year, delivering over 430,000 packages and logging over 144,840km, the company said.

While Madan touted the arrival of the first electric delivery vans as a “really big milestone,” the company has a lot more at stake in Rivian’s success than getting its 100,000-vehicle order filled. The online retail giant owns more than 162 million shares of Rivian, or 18% of the company, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Rivian, which expects to build 25,000 commercial and consumer EVs this year, still has a long way to go to get the Amazon order filled.

The Normal plant has an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, and was projected to build 50,000 in 2022, before global supply chain issues, including the ongoing semiconductor shortage, cut the first-year target in half. Earlier this month, Rivian announced it had produced 4,401 vehicles during the second quarter, up from 2,553 built in the first quarter.

Amazon electric delivery vans accounted for about a third of the nearly 8,000 EVs produced through the second quarter, the company said.

When Rivian went public in November, investors were betting the EV startup would become the Tesla of trucks, pushing its valuation north of US$100 billion. But the stock, which hit a high of US$179.47 in mid-November, has fallen sharply this year amid the slow ramp-up, closing at US$34.13 per share Thursday and cutting Rivian’s market cap to about US$30 billion.

California-based Rivian, which has about 6,000 employees at its Normal plant and 14,000 overall, is “halting certain non-manufacturing hiring” and reducing expenses as it realigns the organisation to support “sustainable growth,” Scaringe told employees in an all-staff memo sent earlier this month.

“The hardest part of this process has been working through our organisation to assess the size and structure of our teams and how well this aligns with our strategic plan,” Scaringe said in the memo. “Our team is the core of Rivian and we are working to be as thoughtful as possible as we consider any reductions.”

There are no plans to downsize the manufacturing workforce in Normal, according to the Scaringe memo, and ramping up the R1 and Amazon EDV was listed as job one for the company.

Delivery stations are the last-mile stop in the Amazon shipping process, where packages from the fulfillment centers are sorted and loaded into vans for delivery to customers. Amazon has 20 fulfillment centers and 20 delivery stations in Illinois. Charging stations are being installed to support the rollout of the electric delivery vans, the company said.

In December, dozens of employees at two Chicago-area Amazon delivery stations staged a walkout to demand higher pay and better working conditions, disrupting operations just days before Christmas.

At least one Amazon driver seemed enthused by the new electric delivery vans, dozens of which were hooked up to charging stations in the parking lot, baking in the sun as temperatures reached the high 90s by early afternoon.

In addition to features such as high-tech video display screens that include pre-programmed route maps and delivery itineraries, Darin Watkins, who works out of the South Woodlawn Avenue delivery station, was grateful for robust air conditioning and a temperature-controlled driver’s seat, which are standard in the new EDV.

“I love driving these vans,” said Watkins, 29, of Chicago. “The seats are so comfortable. And on top of that, they give us heated and air conditioned seats. You can’t beat it.” — tca/dpa


2015 Tokyo Motor Show: Lexus bringing in progressive luxury

                TOKYO: Toyota's luxury marque is teasing a new concept car for this year's event that could well be on a par with the best that Mercedes, Audi and BMW have to offer.

The 2015 Tokyo motor show coincides with Lexus's 25th anniversary and so something special, and crucially, in line with the brand's origins, is expected, albeit in concept form, when the show gets on the road on October 30.

All Lexus will say officially is that the concept car will be "daring" and that it will express its "future vision of progressive luxury," all of which suggests the car in question is going to be a new LS luxury sedan that will re-cement the company in the same segment as the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series.

Earlier this month, Lexus gave the first public demonstration of its autonomous car technology. Called Highway Teammate, it can maintain lane discipline and a safe distance on a multi-carriageway road and can negotiate overtaking and exiting maneuvers. The LS concept is expected to offer a glimpse of how a publicly available version of that technology would be presented and executed.

Toyota has always been at the head of the curve in terms of technology but with Lexus it wanted to build a car that could compete on every other level with a Mercedes S-Class.

A quarter of a century later, Lexus is an automotive fixture in the higher echelons of the US as well as China however, it's the company's crossovers rather than sedans that are getting all of the attention and attracting sales.

The new concept is an attempt not to redress the balance, but to remind the premium car-buying public of what Lexus stands for and to show that it can design cars that have an emotional as well as ergonomic appeal. Japanese car companies are often criticized for vehicles that are overflowing with features but low on character, and Toyota, Lexus's parent, is busy examining the relationships and bonds that people form with their cars and will be presenting its findings on its own stand at this year's Tokyo show.

As for Lexus, alongside the new concept it will be showing 10 other vehicles, including the new GS F sports sedan and RX crossover which, although already revealed at earlier events in the 2015 automotive calendar, will both be making their Japanese debut at the Tokyo motor show, which this year runs until Nov 8.

 RX 450h.


BMW 530e Sport introduced in Malaysia at RM344K

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia welcomes the fifth member to join its iPerformance (plug-in hybrid) model range in Malaysia with the introduction of the BMW 530e Sport (G30).

The latest 530e Sport is currently priced at RM343,800 including GST without insurance and is covered by a five-year warranty with free scheduled service.

It arrives with four colour options of Bluestone Metallic, Mediterranean Blue, Alpine White, and Black Sapphire, while the cabin gets two choices of either Leather Dakota Black or Leather Dakota Cognac.

At roughly 1,700kg (kerb), the plugin hybrid version of the G30 has a wheelbase of 2,947mm and measures 4,943mm-long, 1,867mm-wide and 1,478mm-tall - its new coefficient of drag is now 0.22Cd.

Under the hood lies the 2.0-litre (1,998cc) turbocharged B48B20 four-cylinder petrol engine producing 184hp from 5,000 to 6,500rpm and 290Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,250rpm.

The engine is further supplemented by a 9.5kWh (33 MJ) lithium-ion battery pack, located under the rear bench (reducing the standard boot size by 120 litres to 420 litres), powering an electric motor that produces 111hp and 250Nm from 0 to 3,170rpm.

Combining the efforts of both engine and electric motor, its system output now stands at 250hp and 420Nm of torque - allowing the car to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 235kph.

This allows the car to sip 2.0 litres of petrol for every 100km and emit just 46g of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

On a full charge and in pure electric mode, the car has a range of up to 48km and can reach up to a top speed of 140kph – the best in its segment.

There are three driving modes of Auto eDrive (combines power of both engine and electric motor - maximum allowed speed of 80kph), Max eDrive (electric power only - maximum allowed speed of 140km/h), and Battery Control (allows driver to manually engage the use of the battery by setting the charge value to be available for pure-electric driving later in the journey).

The 530e Sport gets three charging options of a domestic socket outlet, a BMW iWallbox (reduces charging times to about three hours) and an iWallbox Plus (allows the owner to control the level of charge via a smartphone app and can also provide a record of the charge history).

Alternatively, a BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable (comes with the registration of the ChargeNow Card online) that's compatible for public charging and is capable of achieving up to three times the charging speed compared to the standard charging cable, ensures that owners can connect the car to any public charging station.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic manages power delivery to the rear while the car rolls on 19-inch V-spoke style 635 wheels that wear 245/40 (front) and 275/35 (rear) run flat tyres with Flat Tyre indicator.

The aluminium suspension uses a a double track control arm axle with a separate lower track arm level while the rear uses a five-link axle.

The suspension is influenced by the inclusion of Dynamic Damper Control and Driving Experience Control with Adaptive Mode.

READ MORE:
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Dynamic Damper with Adaptive Mode is the fourth of the Driving Experience Control system which includes Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro.

The Adaptive Mode works alongside the Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) and Navigation System Professional wherein the steering, DDC and Steptronic systems automatically adapt to the current driving style and route ahead.

Externally, the hybridised G30 gets slapped with satinated aluminium accents, black chrome for the dual exhaust tips, high-gloss black accents for the front and rear bumpers, Active Air Stream to improve aerodynamics during high speed cruising and LEDs for the automatic headlights, side lights, front fogs and daytime running lights.

Inside, the Dakota leather-upholstered cabin gets fitted with illuminated 'eDrive' door sills, combination of high-gloss black and Pearl Chrome accents, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with paddle-shifters, powered sports seats with memory for the front passenger and driver as well as a 12.3-inch high-resolution multifunction colour instrument display with black-panel technology.

The cabin also has 11 pre-defined lighting designs that's available in six different colours, both interior and exterior (with fold-in function) mirrors have automatic anti-dazzle function.

For convenience and comfort, the 530e comes with electromechanical parking brake with automatic hold function, automatic wipers, manual (rear side windows) and powered (rear window) sunblinds, keyless-entry with push-start button, quad-zone climate controls, rear air conditioning vents, hands-free boot operation (opening and closing) and Parking Assistant for parallel and perpendicular parking spots.

A 12-speaker HiFi sound system with a wide 10.25-inch colour touchscreen takes care of infotainment options with a 20GB hard drive, on-board computer with Check Control, navigation, 205-watt digital amplifier, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, Extended Smartphone Connectivity and BMW ConnectedDrive services that includes Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Concierge Services and eDrive Services.

For safety, there's six airbags, antilock braking system with brake assist, dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, cornering brake control, dynamic braking lights with flashing function, crash sensor with closing of the windows, glass roof and folding of the exterior mirrors, seat-occupancy detection and a reverse camera.

This is further bolstered by the inclusion of adaptive cruise control, driving assistant with lane departure warning, lane change warning, approach control warning with person warning and rear cross traffic warning with rear collision prevention.

“The All-New BMW 5 Series now offers eDrive Technology, an innovation taken from the Mobility of the Future - BMW i. More than this, however, is the fact that the All-New BMW 530e Sport also increases our portfolio of premium Plug-In Hybrid vehicles here, enabling us to offer the largest portfolio offering by any automaker in the country and to further demonstrate our commitment to Visionary Mobility in Malaysia,” said BMW Malaysia head of sales Raymond Tan.

New owners of the 530e Sport (including other BMW iPerformance models – 330e M Sport, X5 xDrive 40E and 740Le) will have unlimited, complimentary BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable and one-year access to the ChargeNow mobility services via GreenTech Malaysia's ChargEV platform.

From now to Mar 31 and specially for new owners of the X5 xDrive40e and 740Le xDrive, the new programme by BMW Malaysia offers a complimentary BMW iWallbox Plus, with RFID detection and can be managed and controlled remotely using the BMW smartphone app.


China’s Techrules unveils production design of Ren RS hybrid supercar

                GENEVA: Techrules is unveiling the final production design of its Ren RS hybrid supercar at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

The single-seat race car is a lightweight, high-performance track variant of the Techrules Ren supercar that was first previewed at last year’s Geneva show.

The Ren RS features the China-based company’s ground-breaking Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) system. The series hybrid powertrain delivers unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance, using advanced micro-turbine technology to deliver an ultra-low environmental impact.

The final production design of the aerospace-inspired Ren RS now comes with a single cockpit layout and design modifications to improve aerodynamic and cooling efficiency.

The lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque chassis has been strengthened and configured for single-occupant track use by revered motorsport specialist, L.M. Gianetti of Turin, who also developed the new design elements following extensive aerodynamic analysis.

The modular chassis design permits a variety of powertrain configurations, to provide the range and performance capabilities required by the customer.

The flagship version – with a high-power 28.4 kWh Lithium-ion Polymer battery and with two motors at the front and four at the rear – delivers maximum power of 1,287hp with a range of 1,170km from 80 litres of diesel fuel (NEDC).

As a result, the most powerful Ren RS will rocket from 0-100 kph in just 3 seconds, onto a top speed of 330kph, delivering a unique blend of ultimate performance, brutal power and unparalleled efficiency.

The supercar will be available for track use only and delivered to an exclusive band of customers within two years.

Techrules is in discussion with potential international automotive partners to form strategic alliances to assist with the production and launch of vehicles for markets around the world.

“The unique modular design of the Ren chassis and powertrain has enabled us to create a perfectly engineered high-performance track car and demonstrate our TREV technology in the most efficient way," said Techrules founder/CEO William Jin.

"We are working hard to grow our global capabilities in engineering and manufacturing and will soon reveal major joint ventures that will enable us to further develop our innovative technology for a wide range of commercial mobility and industrial applications.”


Kit Loong Tayaria now selling GT Radial passenger car tyres

                PETALING JAYA: If you are looking for GT Radial tyres, Kit Loong Tayaria Sdn Bhd is now stocking up on them.

The tyre service company had recently become the sole distributor in the peninsula for the Indonesian-made passenger car tyres. The agreement covers sales to all of Kit Loong Tayaria's retail network in Peninsular Malaysia including its own Tayaria retail chain.

GT Radial country manager Matthew Wai said GT Radial was the largest integrated tyre maker in South-East Asia.

“The partnership between GT Radial and Kit Loong Tayaria offers both companies a huge opportunity to further strengthen their brand presence in the Malaysian market.”


April 8-14: RON97 petrol up 2 sen, rest unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: The price of RON97 petrol will increase by two sen from April 8 to April 14, says the Finance Ministry.

It said that the retail price for RON97 petrol will increase from RM2.52 to RM2.54 per litre.

The price of RON95 petrol and diesel will remain unchanged at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre, respectively.

The ministry also said that to protect consumers from global oil price increases, the government would maintain its ceiling price of RON95 petrol at RM2.05 per litre and diesel at RM2.15 per litre, despite increases in market prices.


Abarth announces limited edition 695 biposto Record

                TURIN: A new, limited edition version of Abarth’s 695 biposto, the Record, has just gone on sale.

Just 133 examples of the striking 695 biposto Record will be built for worldwide distribution. An exclusive 'Modena Yellow' finish embellished with 'Tar Cold Grey' trims, enamelled '695 Record' badge on the side and aluminium bonnet are all standard features.

This small run of cars – 133 is the number of records held by the Scorpion brand – also feature 18-inch OZ alloy wheels, large Brembo brakes and a throaty Akrapovic exhaust. Inside, there is special instrument panel animation, Sabelt carbon shell seats, four point seatbelts, a cargo net and a unique numbered plate.

Based on the sporting, two-seat Abarth 695 biposto, the Record version is powered by the same 190hp 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16-valve engine. Weighing in at only 997kg, the car has the best weight-to-power ratio (5.2 kg/hp) and the best acceleration (from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds) in its category. Top speed is 230kph.

Peak power is delivered at 5,500 rpm and top torque is 250Nm at 3,000 rpm.

The 139hp/litre specific power is remarkable and sets a new record in its class. Performance is secured by a mechanical self-locking differential combined with a manual synchromesh gearbox.


Cars are safer today, thanks to Mercedes-Benz's infamous elk test

An A-Class undergoing a performance test at a Daimler facility in Germany. — dpa
STUTTGART: Thanks to the infamous failure of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class 20 years ago during the elk test, cars are safer today. But at the time, it was a marketing disaster for German parent company Daimler.

The common safety test wanted to see what would happen when the "Baby Benz" needed to swerve to dodge an elk - or what North Americans call a moose - that suddenly appears in the road.

On Oct 21, 1997, a crew from the Swedish magazine "Teknikens Vaerld" (World of Technology) carried out the test as part of the contest for European Car of the Year.

The driver wrenched at the wheel to take avoiding action - and the compact car tipped over: The A-Class threw its wheels at the sky and ended up on its roof at the side of the test track.

It was a shock for the driver, and even more so for the three-pointed-star, whose reputation was suddenly on the line.

Gone were the high hopes Daimler had nurtured for the five-door compact, the first genuinely small Mercedes-Benz which it hoped would boost overall sales. Before the test, customers had already taken delivery of the first examples.

While the A-Class obviously did not win car of the year, and the elk test was soon infamous throughout Europe, the car did eventually go on to become a success, ushering in safety features now taken for granted.

"It was a complete disaster for Daimler," recalls industry expert Stefan Bratzel. Mercedes-Benz was a byword for top quality and engineering soundness, and nothing like this had happened before.

The problem was partly caused by the car's high centre of gravity owing to the engine being under the seats. But instead of being lauded for its innovation, the car was at the centre of a media outrage and the butt of jokes worldwide. Daimler halted deliveries while the dust settled.

The Stuttgart company went on the defensive at first, claiming the test was extreme and unrealistic, before moving into damage-control mode while engineers struggled to solve the problem.

The result was an electronic anti-skid system which intervenes when sensors detect that the car is moving off course.

Known as ESP, or electronic stability control, it was fitted right away to the A-Class and countless other cars.

Since 2011, ESP has been mandatory within the European Union for all newly registered cars.

Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche was marketing chief at the time, and he approved the modification which cost the company 100 million German marks a year (around 601 million dollars in today's money).

"The elk test was a catalyst for more active safety measures and now has a firm place in the testing programme," says a Daimler spokesman.

German carmakers were quick to exploit the system as a sales plus before it became a legal requirement for new models and other manufacturers followed suit.

Looking back, Daimler's response to the crisis was successful, says Willi Diez, who heads Germany's Institute for the Automotive Industry.

"The company was able to repair the damage to its image by admitting that it had a problem with the A-Class and by launching a self-deprecating advertising campaign," says the expert.

Mercedes-Benz customers received a soft toy elk as a gift, and tennis star Boris Becker was featured with the slogan: "You are strong when you make no mistakes, but stronger when you learn from the ones you have made."


Metal thieves in US swiping tailpipes create 1,000% spike in claims

A Los Angeles deputy sheriff gets under a vehicle to engrave the catalytic converter with a traceable number. — AFP

SAN FRANCISCO: US insurer State Farm said metal thieves in search of platinum, rhodium and palladium are stealing catalytic converters in ever-greater numbers, sending auto-insurance claims soaring across the United States.

Last year, State Farm paid US$62.6 million for 32,265 catalytic converter theft claims nationally — a 1,173% increase from 2019.

“It’s the metals in general that are valuable,” said Amy Harris, a State Farm spokesman, in a phone interview.

“The owner comes out to their car, the car won’t start, and they eventually figure out that the catalytic converter has been removed.”

A catalytic converter is an emissions-control device that’s in the exhaust system under many petrol-powered vehicles.

State Farm doesn’t track which models are targeted most often, but thieves tend to hit smaller, lighter cars that are left unattended in parking lots. California, the nation’s largest auto market, accounted for more than a quarter of catalytic converter claims in 2021.

The problem may get worse as the war in Ukraine has sparked a surge in commodities prices. Russia produces almost 40% of mined palladium in the world, second behind South Africa, according to the US Geological Survey.