Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure Provides The Ultimate In Seating Comfort

When one spends over a million ringgit on a car, it can be taken for granted that it will be of the highest quality with the best materials. If it is a sports model, then it would be expected to deliver truly high performance. And where comfort is concerned, that’s a given – with emphasis on the rear accommodation taking precedence over the front (unless it’s a convertible which would usually be driven by the owner).

Bentley’s Azure range, introduced in May last year, goes beyond the realms of just being comfortable. With this range – available for all Bentley models – the wellbeing of the occupants is paramount and not only is there superlative comfort along the way but the occupants can also arrive at their destination in an even better shape, more relaxed than when they left home or office.

Bentley’s interior designers have studied the subject of ‘wellbeing’ thoroughly and have approached it from even the scientific angle. In fact, the Azure development team even engaged a creative neuroscientist to work with them. Considering everything from light, to the patterns we see around us, to the impact of in-car posture and the importance and thermal comfort, the neuroscientist’s research paired with Bentley’s own measurements to give science-based analysis to the relaxing experience of travelling in a Bentley, as a driver or a passenger.

The result is a Science-Informed Design approach that is used in the interior development of every Bentley Azure. This includes the Bentayga EWB (Extended Wheel Base) which is now available in Malaysia with a price starting from RM1,091,000 (without duties and insurance) and before the customer adds customization options.

The Bentayga EWB Azure is the
 second generation of the model line
 which has been part of Bentley’s range since 2015. With the wheelbase of the flagship model extended by 180 mm, the overall length is stretched to 5322 mm, much of it given to the rear occupants. Said to be the largest cabin space in the luxury class, it is thus ideal for what the Azure range can offer in terms of wellbeing.

Customers get the
Bentley Airline Seat specification
 which, as the name suggests, is akin to an airline seat (obviously in First Class and not economy class). This is the most advanced seat ever offered in a car and there are no less than 22 ways to adjust it with postural adjustment technology. Each passenger will have a personalized climate around his or her seat, the desired comfort level maintained by heating, cooling or ventilation so that the temperature is optimal.

Every 3 hours, pressure zones in six areas of the seat will make up to 177 adjustments automatically to maintain wellbeing. This dynamic support has been found to relieve strain, which can bring on mental stress and cause lack of focus. By continuously changing the shape of the seat to ease pressure points around the body, ‘dead spots’ and fatigue build-up are prevented.

Massage functions are not new and many luxury models offer them. For the Bentayga EWB Azure, there are 6 programmable settings. These settings promote the constant micro-adjustments in muscle and posture that are vital in preventing fatigue.

The Azure specification includes ‘wellness quilting’ which has fractal patterns of precisely crafted diamond quilted upholstery creating an eye-pleasing interplay of light and shade. And while Bentley customers will always have access to the full range of wood veneers, the Azure range includes 3 open pore veneers with a softer, satin, reflective quality that can bring on a calm mood.

The option of a Metal Overlay in the veneer of the fascia panel and doors gives an added layer of detail and refinement. Complementary to this are the alpha-wave generating symmetrical patterns that together contribute to making the cabin environment one for wellbeing and recovery.

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For the 2023 model, there is Bentley Diamond Illumination (where light comes through tiny perforations in the soft door trim). There are 24
billion
 trim combinations available – with the total number of possible specifications running into the
trillions
 – which means that similarities in two cars will be very coincidental.

The driver is not overlooked – after all, his wellbeing is also very important for safety and the seat provided is also of very high standards to minimize or prevent fatigue. The Touring specification provides advanced driver assistance technologies to help create awareness of the surroundings as well as autonomously act to prevent accidents.

Bentley stretches the Bentayga to create a new flagship model


Exclusive ‘Albert’ Speedtail by McLaren Special Operations pays homage to first prototype

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has built a very exclusive model in the 106-car Speedtail range which pays homage to the first Speedtail attribute testing vehicle from 2018. Known as the ‘Albert’ Speedtail, its name refers to that the 1992 McLaren F1 test mules, which were named after the Albert Drive premises in England where the F1 was designed and built.

The original ‘Albert’ prototype vehicle was developed to validate the concept of the Speedtail’s central seat driving position, testing driver ergonomics and visibility and rearview camera positions. Built with the front panels from a 720S, the ‘Albert’ prototype was the first Speedtail to be driven on public roads.

“The name ‘Albert’ has a special resonance with MSO as we are the custodians of the McLaren F1 and are based at the Albert Drive premises that McLaren Cars occupied in the 1990s. The Speedtail experience has been an exciting journey for our customers, from visualising their imaginations to realising these inspirations and sharing their delight when unveiling the finished product. ‘Albert’ brings this project to a conclusion and we are thrilled to finish on a high note,” said Ansar Ali, MD of McLaren Special Operations.

The McLaren F1

When the original ’Albert’ travelled outside McLaren’s premises in public, it was camouflaged. The exterior design ‘camouflage’ was achieved by a simple 2-metre vinyl body wrap with design lines printed to represent the optimised airflow over the car.

The ‘Albert’ Speedtail carries on this legacy, which is one of the most complex paint themes ever completed by MSO. The colours selected for the ‘Albert’ homage are Magnesium Silver – the colour used for the F1 roadcar first shown at the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix – and Ueno Grey, the colour of the F1 GTR that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. The full design treatment is closely based on the 2018 vinyl ‘camouflage’ wrap.

The new ‘Albert’ was built in the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) with a 1K gloss visual carbonfibre body. Due to the incredibly complex and detailed nature of the paintwork design, the MSO team completed test panels first to understand process feasibility and worked alongside the visualiser team to refine renders.

In total, ‘Albert’ would require a 12-week post-build modification at MSO’s facility to reach completion. This included 2 week’s masking, 6 weeks of painting and the remaining time to dry and reassemble the vehicle after spraying.

Referring to large-scale print-outs of the renders, the livery masking was completed by two specialist paint technicians. This had to be completed on the built car, with wheels fitted, to ensure accurate cross-panel alignment of the design as it flows around the vehicle. The masking of the livery required almost 2 kms of fine line-out tape to complete the initial design layout.

The 6-week painting process required the car to be disassembled to ensure complete accuracy and flawless finish. The paint blend effect was located on the door applique’s outer body panels with the front painted in Ueno Grey and rear in Magnesium Silver. After the first paint application, all body panels were treated and refitted to ensure perfect alignment and only after this the final clearcoat was applied.

Based on the form of a teardrop, the most aerodynamically efficient shape found in nature, the Speedtail is the ideal streamlined hypercar, a 3-seat hyper GT that became the third car in McLaren’s Ultimate Series line-up. With its 1,070 bhp hybrid powertrain, the Speedtail is claimed to be able to cover 112 metres each second when travelling at its top speed of 402 km/h, making it the fastest McLaren roadcar to date.

The 2021 ‘Albert’ Speedtail will be unveiled to the public this weekend in Los Angeles. ‘’As one of the very last Speedtails to be built at the McLaren Production Centre, it was very important to us at McLaren Beverly Hills that ‘Albert’ honours the brand’s rich heritage, particularly paying tribute to the icon that is the McLaren F1,” said Parris Mullins of McLaren Beverly Hills.

“We worked alongside MSO through every stage, including concept ideation, to produce a truly bespoke and beautifully detailed car that celebrates the innovation and design excellence behind the fastest McLaren roadcar to date. We are fortunate to have been able to procure ‘Albert’ for one of our top clients and are absolutely thrilled with the finished result,’’ he added.

McLaren celebrates 1995 victory at Le Mans with 5 exclusive Senna F1 GTRs

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.


Toyota GR Corolla makes global debut, 300 bhp/370 Nm with GR-Four AWD and 6-speed manual transmission

With the success story of the GR Yaris, it’s not surprising that Toyota has now followed up with another model and this time, it’s not on a limited production run. It’s the GR Corolla that has long been rumoured and it’s a full-fledged GR model developed from scratch rather than adapted from existing models. As with other GR models, which started with the Supra, the GR Corolla has been developed with a strong focus on high performance that will make it competitive for motorsport.

And with the company president, Akio Toyoda, being passionate about racing and being a racing driver himself, the engineers must have had a lot of encouragement and perhaps even given a bit of freedom in the budget. Naturally, the boss himself got involved in development and ensured that the final product would be as impressive as the GR Yaris.

GR Yaris

100 bhp per cylinder

Under the bonnet is the familiar G16E-GTS turbocharged, direct/port injected 3-cylinder engine, first seen in the GR Yaris. For GR Corolla, the output from the 1681 cc engine is boosted to 300 bhp/307 Nm, which equates to an impressive 100 bhp per cylinder. The boost in power is partly due to using a 3-piece muffler which reduces exhaust pressure (and outside noise), which are essential to backpressure performance.

As would be expected, the compact and lightweight G16E benefits has technologies from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s long and broad racing experience – and successful too. Features include multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port. Combustion is fed by Toyota’s D-4S direct and port fuel injection system, which operates at high pressure for maximum fuel dispersion and efficiency.

The 12-valve engine uses a single-scroll ball-bearing turbocharger integrated in the exhaust manifold, reducing weight, while control of wastegate bypass gases is used to improve the catalyst’s warm-up efficiency.

Delighting drivers is the provision of a 6-speed manual transmission – and only a manual transmission. ‘Morizo’ (Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s racing name) probably approved and encouraged that, being a racing driver himself. It’s called an Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) though it is not explained what the ‘intelligent part is, although Toyota says the rev-matching is engineered to accommodate high torque levels.

Toyota has long experience with high-performance 4-wheel drive since its days with the Supra GT-Four and with experience gained in WRC participation, it has advanced its all-wheel drive technologies. These technologies are used in the GR Corolla’s GR-Four All-Wheel-Drive system which was originally developed for rallying. The system gives drivers a choice of 60:40, 50:50 or 30:70 power distribution to the front and rear wheels with the twist of a dial.

The GR Corolla Circuit Edition (limited production run) is also equipped with front and rear Torsen Limited-Slip Differentials, for further enhancement of cornering performance and grip. Left and right-hand drive torque distribution are more effectively controlled on the front and rear axles.

 Wide and rigid for superior dynamics

To fully use all the power (and also to be worthy of the GR badge), the GR Corolla has a specially constructed bodyshell that is highly rigid. Based off the GA-C platform with Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA), its increased rigidity comes from significantly more weld points in the frame, particularly to strengthen joints. Further gains are made through extensive use of structural adhesive, increasing the joint rigidity between component parts.

The front suspension is a straightforward MacPherson-type strut with circuit-tuned coil springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars, For the rear suspension, there is a double-wishbone type multilink system that accommodates the AWD system’s goal of maximum agility and stability.

Wide tyres are installed for maximum cornering grip and high speed stability. Standard rubber provided from the factory are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres sized 235/40R18 on 18-inch gloss-black 15-spoke cast alloy wheels.

Braking power comes from opposed, fixed-caliper disc brakes with 14 x 1.1-inch ventilated and slotted rotors clamped by 4-piston aluminium calipers. At the rear are 11.7-inch x 0.7-in. ventilated rotors with 2-piston aluminium fixed-caliper disc brakes.

Light and aerodynamic

Like the GR Yaris, there has been a focus on saving weight to maximize the performance potential, without compromising strength and safety, of course. This rigorous approach is particularly evident in the car’s construction, with extensive use of lightweight metals and materials used in key areas. Aluminium is used for the bonnet and front door panels, with light and strong high-tensile steel in critical areas to ensure the car’s structure can safely absorb and dissipate impact forces.

On the Circuit Edition, the roof is made of a forged (rather than woven) carbonfibre sheet molding compound. This lightweight, highly rigid material cuts weight and helps lower the car’s centre of gravity. The lower centre of gravity, which benefits stability and handling, is also a feature of the TNGA platform.

Aerodynamics are also vital for performance and it’s not just on the circuit but also in rallies as the speeds are also very high (not to mention literally flying through the air). From competition experience, the engineers have designed the GR Corolla with optimum aerodynamic efficiency.  As with rally cars, the shaping of the front and rear canards and lower rockers efficiently channel airflow down the sides of the car. Bonnet, fender and rear bumper ducts and a flat underfloor reduce drag, add downforce and improve stability. Wind flow is directed onto the rear spoiler to generate extra downforce.

The exterior design of the GR Corolla follows that of the GR Yaris with its wide stance and hatchback form. The Core Grade’s aluminium bonnet is matched with a colour-keyed roof and matching shark-fin antenna, while the Circuit Edition features a bonnet bulge with functional gloss-black air ducts.

At the rear, a lower bumper cover with functional air vents. The wide track and flaring of the rear wings emphasize the car’s wide and low silhouette, with a spoiler on the roof to control airflow as it departs from the roof.

Race-inspired interior

The GR Corolla’s interior is very functional, thanks to feedback from professional drivers who obviously wanted a true driver’s cockpit. Facing the driver is a GR Full TFT meter with a 12.3-inch colour Multi-Information Display that has a GR meter with 4WD mode, turbo pressure, gear position indicator and tachometer.

The shift lever has a shortened stroke for a quick throw between gears. The subject of much testing, it is positioned where the driver’s arm is naturally lowered from steering. The action is light with short shift strokes. A pull-type mechanical parking brake is still used, something which is slowly disappearing as electric parking brakes replace the simple mechanical system. Incidentally, for the Circuit Edition, the shifter knob has an exclusive ’Morizo’ signature.

The GR Factory

The GR Corolla is built at the Motomachi plant in Japan, where as the Lexus LFA and Supra A80 have been built. It has a dedicated GR production line which has also produce the GR Yaris. Instead of the traditional conveyor system, the body and assembly lines comprise several different cells connected by automatic guided vehicles  rather than the conveyors featured in conventional car plants. This fully flexible method of working, with many manual assembly techniques, enables precise body and suspension alignment, with variations in vehicle dimensions and weight kept to a minimum.

While the assembly of each GR Corolla takes longer than a conventional mass-produced car, the production line has been streamlined for performance, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has brought together highly skilled technicians from throughout the company to work on the new model. This team not only assembles the GR Corolla but also contributes to the technical skills of workers at other Toyota facilities.

The pricing has not been announced though whatever price it has, there will undoubtedly be no shortage of buyers. While the GR Yaris was a limited run, the GR Corolla will be produced in larger numbers as it will also be sold in North America (which did not get the GR Yaris).

The story behind TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and why it was created


Ferrari Challenge Race Driver Zen Low Aiming To Better His Performance In The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Asia Pacific 2018

Seasoned race car driver, Zen Low, is geared up to improve on his 2017 third-place finish for the coming
2018 Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli APAC
 season. Malaysia’s first driver to compete at the wheel of the 488 Challenge in the one-make series was re-appointed to race for team
OneApps NAZA Aylezo
 this year. Brimming with confidence, he is all set for the 2018 Series, which kicks off in Melbourne over this weekend of
March 22-25
in conjunction with the 2018 Formula 1 season opener.

Zen Low made his stellar debut last year, doing Malaysia proud with
eight podium finishes
 out of a total of 13 races. His performance earned him a total of 163 points and an impressive third place overall in the top tier Trofeo Pirelli category.

Remarking on Zen’s return in the new season,
Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, NAZA World Group Executive Chairman
, said,
 “It was such a thrill to see Zen Low do so well in his first season. With his wealth of experience and devotion to his craft, he is certainly one of Malaysia’s top drivers and we have much to look forward to as we support him in the coming season.”

“After getting a taste of the competition and gaining experience in last year’s season, I’m even more motivated this time round. Passion, strength and determination form the recipe for success and I’m ready to top that podium,”
 said Zen Low.

Zen Low is racing for the entire 2018 season and is once again competing in the Trofeo Pirelli category under the race number of
69
 and team name
OneApps NAZA Aylezo.
 Zen has an established career as one of the most passionate and successful race drivers in Asia. An adroit businessman with a keen interest and natural talent for racing, he founded Aylezo Motorsport in 2009. Over the years, Zen has participated in multiple motorsport events both locally and regionally, including competitions such as the Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race (2009 & 2010), the Gulf 12 Hours 2012, Asian Le Mans Series (2013 & 2016), Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo (2013, 2014 & 2016), GT Asia 2015, Sepang 12 Hours (2015 & 2016) and Bathurst 12 Hours 2017.

This season, the Ferrari 488 Challenge makes a glorious return to the track. As the first model in this competition to be equipped with a turbo engine, the Ferrari 488 Challenge is the most powerful car in the history of one-make series. Derived from the Ferrari 488 GTB, the V8 3.9-litre engine – winner of the International Engine of the Year Award in 2016, delivers a forceful 670hp.

Ferrari Challenge was established as a one-make series in 1993, bringing together complete track novices and drivers with prior competition experience. The series spans three regions: North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The Ferrari Challenge uses a multi-class format; drivers are grouped under Trofeo Pirelli, Coppa Shell, Coppa Shell AM, Ladies’ Cup and Gentlemen’s Cup. Events are FIA approved, ensuring an exceptionally high standard of organization and safety for all involved.

The 2018 competition will flag off in Melbourne (22-25 March) and travel on to Hampton Downs, New Zealand (12-15 April), Shanghai, China (24-27 May), Fuji, Japan (28 June-1 July) and Suzuka, Japan (23-25 August) before making its way to Singapore (14-16 September). Finally, the Ferrari Challenge will finish off in Monza (1-4 November) for the Finali Mondiali.

More exciting information about Ferrari Malaysia may be obtained at
http://www.facebook.com/ferrarimalaysia.nazaitalia
. Follow @ferrari.malaysia on Instagram for the latest updates and offerings of Ferrari and NAZA Italia.


VPCM Introduces Assurance Package for IQ.Drive Models – Extends Warranty

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) to give owners the flexibility and security they require.

VAP is applicable to all Volkswagen cars that use IQ.DRIVE, which at the moment only includes the refreshed
Arteon R-Line 4Motion
 and the new
Golf GTI
.

Owners will receive a 3 year maintenance period and an additional 3 years of extended unlimited mileage warranty from VAP. Customers can save more money over the long term using the extended warranty scheme. Depending on the model chosen, VAP costs between RM8,000 and RM10,000. Customers who choose not to purchase the assurance package will still receive a 2-year warranty with unlimited mileage and 5 years of roadside assistance.

VPCM also stated that only genuine parts are used to ensure the reliability and continued performance of the vehicle.

The Arteon R-Line 4Motion currently costs RM301,012 whereas the Golf GTI currently goes for RM246,012 on the road without insurance. If you don’t want VAP, the retail price is lower because these prices are the same as before and include VAP. Prices without the VAP for the Arteon R-Line 4Motion is at around RM291,012 and the Golf GTI at around RM238,012.


Enhanced ownership experience with new Toyota Loyal-T Programme

In a lifetime, a person may own 5 or 6 cars, some more and some less. For car companies, the ideal thing is to retain that customer ‘for life’, which is why a range of products is important. There must be affordable products at the entry level so people can join the ‘family’ and then as they get older and requirements change, there are other types of models to suit their needs and budget.

This is why car companies go to great extents to care for their customers and companies like UMW Toyota Motor have had a strong and dedicated customer relationship management since 1988, the first company in Malaysia to have such a department. As a result, over time, the number of loyal Toyota customers in the country has grown and the introduction of loyalty programmes has further cemented the relationship.

Better rewards and enhanced convenience

Now, in 2021, the company is going further with the launch of its Toyota Loyal-T Programme, promising even greater value, better rewards and enhanced convenience for all Toyota owners. The new Loyal-T Programme, which replaces the previous Toyota Merit programme, offers all Toyota owners an opportunity to easily earn points from the time they purchase a new vehicle. Then they continue to collect the points when they send it for servicing at authorised service centres, purchase spare parts, or make repairs or repaint their vehicle at the Body & Paint centres.

Even when they renew their vehicle insurance at the authorised Toyota outlet, there are points to be collected. The accumulated points can then be exchanged for E-service vouchers which may redeemed for future services.

“We have a big Toyota family with many customers across the whole country, and it has always  been our endeavour to ensure that they feel appreciated. Looking back, we have implemented  numerous value-added initiatives and improved services to constantly increase customer  convenience. These efforts, and many more to come, are a means of saying ‘thank you’ to our  customers for their continued trust in the brand and support, and we would like to now  consolidate all of these efforts with the introduction of a loyalty programme to reward our customers directly,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.

Strengthening the bond with customers

“Buying a Toyota is just the beginning. Like any relationship, you will go through an introduction,  and as you come to know one another better, trust develops, and over years the relationship strengthens. People come and go, but the bond will always remain. This wholesome membership structure for the Toyota Loyal-T Programme recognizes this bond, and it is a sign of our commitment that we will always be there for our customers for generations to come,” added UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.

Mr. Takeyama said this concept of a total reward scheme and all-encompassing membership structure is one that defines a long-lasting  bond between Toyota and its customers.

Joining the new Toyota Loyal-T Programme is easy: just download the Toyota Drive mobile application available from
Google Play Store
 or
Apple App Store
. Once the mobile application is installed on a smartphone or tablet, it can immediately be used to register personal details with UMW Toyota Motor. All information is maintained and safeguarded in accordance with the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA).

Connectivity technologies make motoring safer and give more peace of mind to Toyota owners


GWM Malaysia Expands With Two New 4S Service Centres

GWM Malaysia has announced the opening of their two new 4S service centres located in Butterworth, Penang and Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Also present at the opening of the service centre in Seremban was Transport Minister, YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook. As part of the government’s commitment to a greener future, Loke recently mentioned that the
proposed tax structure
 aims to encourage people to embrace electric vehicles (EVs).

The GWM Seremban 4S centre’s emphasis on EV adoption, which responds to the rising demand for GWM electric car owners in Negeri Sembilan, is one of its main selling points. The hub will provide the most recent lineup of GWM’s alternative fuel vehicles as well as after-sales service assistance, which is in keeping with GWM’s commitment to aiding Malaysia’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality as early as 2050.

The government’s aims to promote EV adoption and the national goal of 15% of the total industry volume (TIV) for EVs and hybrids by 2030 are both supported by this effort.

Both 4S locations have spacious showrooms that can fit a variety of GWM new energy cars, enabling consumers to peruse the newest models in a welcoming setting.

The recent opening of the 4S centre in USJ, which saw enthusiastic test drives of the Haval H6 and GWM Cannon, served as a testament to GWM’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles and exceptional customer experiences.


Why The Proton X50 Still Dominates the Malaysian B-Segment￼

The Proton X50 arrived in the Malaysian market in October 2020, generating a great deal of excitement at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic had created a sense of gloom. It was an immediate hit and today, the X50 has ascended to the No.1 position, not just in the SUV B-segment but is now also the overall leader of the entire SUV segment.

Although many new rivals have entered the market since 2020, the X50 remains a very popular choice for SUV buyers, being offered at attractive price points in all four variants with comprehensive equipment packages. In fact, much of what is offered in the X50 – especially the more premium variants – would typically only be found in models costing much more. Hence, like the X70, the X50 has changed the value-for-money proposition and offers consumers a premium product without them having to pay a premium price.

Pricing ranges from RM86,300 for the X50 1.5T Standard to RM113,300 for the 1.5 TGDi Flagship, with two variants – 1.5T Executive and 1.5T Premium, in between to offer additional choices for different budgets. Generally, the equipment included are commonised for the two upper level variants and two lower level variants.

Why the X50 impresses

In many areas, Proton has provided top specs for all the variants. For example, three of the variants have leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while all variants have intelligent entry with push-button engine start and remote engine starting.

While automotive technology has been advancing at a rapid pace, the X50 remains on par with current industry technology trends which have focussed on downsized powertrains. The TGDi engine (produced locally since July 2022), for example, has a 3-cylinder design with turbocharging and direct injection (in the Flagship version) taking output as high as 177 ps and 255 Nm with a displacement of just 1.5 litres.

With the 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) and three driver-selectable drive modes, fuel consumption can be as efficient as 15.6 kms/litre which means a range of at least 700 kms with the 45-litre fuel tank.

The X50 has many intelligent technologies which make driving more enjoyable and less stressful as well as safer. Extensive connectivity, including 4G and Wifi, keep the driver informed at all times and also connects the X50 to the online world for navigation and music streaming as well as weather forecasts. The voice command system extends to operation of the windows, sunroof and air-conditioning system, allowing the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel.

X50 occupants are not only protected by the well-engineered and tough structure but also numerous passive and active safety features and systems. These include systems like ABS, traction control stability control, brake assist and hill descent control, which are standard for all variants.

The 1.5 TGDi Flagship has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which are similar to those in more expensive models. The features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning. Not many realise that with Auto Park Assist (APA), the X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship can even position itself in a parking bay without the driver needing to steer.

Why choose the X50 instead of competitor models

With the X50, Proton has a strong challenger in the B-segment of the SUV market which has seen increased competition in recent years. Immediate SUV rivals that come to mind are the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona and in recent times, the Toyota Corolla Cross and Perodua Ativa. Other than the Ativa which has a lower price range, all the other rivals start with higher price tags.

For the price-conscious, the Perodua Ativa may be the practical choice but it still has to be noted that the Perodua’s engine is significantly smaller. Both models have turbocharged engines but the X50’s 1.5-litre engine delivers 150 ps/226 Nm whereas the Ativa’s 1.0-litre engine produces 98 ps/140 Nm. The 53% greater power output of the X50 can more than handle the extra weight of the model with extra to spare for enhancing performance.

Dimensionally, the sleeker X50 has a slightly larger body than the Ativa which means better space within and that is an important requirement for most Malaysian car-buyers. The generous cabin width also adds to the sense of spaciousness in the X50.

It is against Japanese competition that the X50 proves to be a much better proposition not only with its lower price but also its comprehensive equipment level. A comparison between the X50 Flagship and the HR-V e:HEV which is the model line’s flagship will show that Proton can provide similar features for RM27,500 less.

Both SUVs have LED lights, 18-inch wheels and powered tailgates but Proton even provides a sunroof with the X50. Inside, the X50 has a larger infotainment display which runs on the 2nd generation of its GKUI system. And in these times when air quality is of great importance, Proton has installed a N95 filter in its ventilation system to remove harmful particles and purify the air in the cabin.

In the safety department, the X50 matches the HR-V with an almost identical ADAS. And while the Honda systems rely solely on a camera, the X50’s systems are fed information by a camera as well as a radar which constantly scans the environment ahead for obstacles and hazards. With the additional radar sensor, scanning is better even in conditions of poor lighting or bad weather conditions.

Right from the time it was launched, customers had to wait many months for their X50 – even during the period when lockdowns were in  force and the MCO slowed sales. Then as the market was recovering, parts shortages disrupted production and the waiting period was still long. 2023 should see more stability in production and shortening of waiting times.

Does second-hand value matter?

Used X50s have been in the market for some time now and the earliest units from 2020 are selling at a price between RM2,000 to around RM8,000 less than the price tag when they were new 3 years ago. This is a reflection of the popularity and high demand of the model which influences the value of used units. For example, a 3-year old X50 Premium which the first owner paid RM93,200 for in 2020 has an average asking price of RM91,000 in the used car market from various advertisements we saw. However, the Flagship version seems to have a marginally higher depreciation of about RM8,000 after 3 years.

There’s always the argument about whether it’s better to buy a brand new car with the peace of mind of being the first owner or a used model which may cost less. With cars being well built these days, you can generally expect a pre-owned car to be in fairly good condition unless it was poorly maintained or driven in a rough manner.

The good thing about used X50s at this time is that the model is relatively new and even the oldest ones are just 3 years old. This means that they would have been to Proton’s service centres periodically, ensuring proper maintenance was carried out. And with the standard warranty being 5 years, every X50 today is still covered as there is no limit on mileage.

In the short term, used X50s are likely to be in short supply as many owners have an enjoyable ownership experience and keep it longer. The number of units in operation are also only slowly growing due to the shortage of new vehicles in the past two years, so it will be a few more years before more enter the used car market.


Limited edition of Porsche 911 Turbo S and Embraer Executive Jet (w/VIDEO)

Porsche has collaborated with Embraer, the company well known for its executive jets, to create ‘Duet’, ten units of limited editions of the two sportiest and most successful products from each of their respective segments.

The objective of the collaboration is to offer customers exclusive products that can be personalised and enhanced in almost infinite ways. “As part of our cooperation, we are using the know-how of both brands to jointly develop a one-of-a-kind duo of a sportscar and jet that appeals to both customer groups,” explained Alexander Fabig, Head of Personalisation and Classic at Porsche.

The project team comprised members of Embraer’s executive jet design and marketing departments in Melbourne/Florida, the Porsche design department ‘Style Porsche’ and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Germany, and Studio F.A. Porsche in Austria.

A Duet logo was specially designed for the cooperative project. It takes its cue from aerodynamics and is made up of a stylised aeroplane wing from the Phenom 300E and the rear wing of the flagship 911 with the Sport Design package. The logo is used on the exterior and in the interior of both products.

Latest 911 Turbo S

The latest generation of the 911 Turbo S that is powered by a 3.745-litre boxer engine with 650 ps output. The limited edition coupe has a combined gloss and satin-gloss paintwork for the first time. The upper part is finished in Platinum Silver Metallic, while the bottom part is in Jet Grey Metallic. A trim strip with lines in Brilliant Chrome and Speed Blue runs over the sides and doors. All the paintwork is completed by hand, like the painting process for the jet.

The alloy wheels in Exclusive design are painted in Platinum Silver Metallic and feature lines in Speed Blue on the rim flange. These are produced using laser technology. The side air intakes and side window trims are painted in Brilliant Chrome and therefore pick up a design feature of the jet’s engines.

The LED door projectors cast the Duet logo onto the ground. There is also a special emblem on the B-pillar. In addition to the Duet logo, it includes 10 small rectangular fields corresponding to the limited number of units. One of these fields is blue. Every customer can select where this field is placed, representing that the car is one of only ten. This emblem is repeated on the outside of the jet.

Features from the jet cockpit

The entire car interior is hand-crafted, installed by the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, and is not available in this form for regular production range. Exclusivity is also the motto in the interior of the 911 Turbo S. Here, the designers have come up with a special colour scheme and combined black and chalk-coloured leather. The black leather surfaces are decorated with stitching in Speed Blue.

The steering wheel also features the two-tone leather combination, matching the jet’s yoke. The 12 o’clock marking is in Speed Blue; the Carbonfibre interior package is as standard and comes with a high-gloss finish. The roofliner is covered with chalk-coloured Alcantara, while the front seats have decorative elements made of high-gloss carbonfibre. The leather loop for folding the front seat backrests is red, matching the loops of the jet’s seats.

The door sill trims feature ‘NO STEP’ lettering illuminated in red – a reference to the corresponding signs on aircraft wings. The stopwatch of the Sport Chrono package also borrows from aviation. In addition to the logo, the dial also has a printed-on artificial horizon, the indicator which tells the pilot of the attitude of the aircraft.

Like many exclusive limited edition cars, the dash panel trim features a ‘One of 10’ logo. The front luggage compartment is hand-finished in black leather, with contrast stitching in Speed Blue. The sides of the car key are painted in Speed Blue and are marked with the jet registration. The logo is embossed in the leather of the key pouch and an indoor car cover with ‘REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT’ tags is also included – again a reference to aircraft.

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All-electric Porsche Taycan debuts in Malaysia with pricetag starting from RM725,000


A new Perodua Axia in East Africa costs RM71,500!

The Perodua name has finally landed in Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa where it was officially launched by SF Hybrid Motors Pty Ltd yesterday at the Eden Bleu Hotel. Seychelles is a popular tourist destination where four different variants of the Axia can be purchased.

Powered by the 1.0 litre 1KR-VE engine with intelligent variable valve timing, the models on offer are:

E MT – 235,000 SCR (RM71,500)

G AT – 265,000 SCR (RM80,600)

SE – 275,000 SCR (RM83,700)

AV – 290,000 SCR (RM88,300)

The E MT model comes with a five-speed manual transmission while the rest of the line-up are offered with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

According to Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin, “We are excited about exporting our first batch of cars to the Seychelles as it signifies a new beginning for us. The Seychelles offers a good opportunity for us to expose our brand to people of various nationalities who travel to the island nation for their holidays. We believe that this will give us greater prospects for future markets.”

Perodua has appointed SF Hybrid Motors Pty Ltd as the official Perodua distributor for the Seychelles, handling sales as well as after-sales. So far, the brand is only available in Mauritius in tha that region where they’ve sold over 3,000 vehicles since 1996.

“While we acknowledge that our export performance is still not significant at the moment, we are seriously looking to expand. We are working with our partner Daihatsu by leveraging on their experience and extensive network to map a sustainable and profitable export plan,” added Dato’ Dr Zahari.

As for SF Hybrid Motors Director Mr Christophe Larue, he said “We are honoured to bring Perodua to the Seychelles. We believe in Perodua and are even backing it up with a three-year warranty up to 100,000 km. The Perodua Axia is the perfect fit for the Seychelles market. It delivers in all aspects – style, safety, security, ingenuity, low running costs as well as affordable spare parts and servicing.”

110 units of Perodua Aruz delivered daily to meet demands


Subaru to stop production of EJ20 engine at the end of 2020

Subaru will end production of the EJ20 horizontally-opposed engine which has been one of its main powerplants since 1989. At this time, the company has designated the end of March 2020 to stop production but it will stop taking orders for the current WRX STI model equipped with the engine and sold only in Japan by the end of calendar year 2019.

The EJ20, which replaced the EA engine, started off in the first generation of the Legacy in 1989. Over time, it was offered with other Subaru models and also powered racing cars competing in events like the World Rally Championship and Nurburgring 24 Hours.

Subaru Legacy was the first model to use the EJ20 when it was introduced in 1989.

One of the
10 Best Engines of the Year

The long-stroke engine started off with a SOHC head and an output of 113 ps. Over time, the engine went from 2 litres to 2.5 litres with turbocharging added, taking outputs as high as 324 ps and over 400 Nm of torque. It was the first Subaru engine to be picked (in 2004) as one of the
10 Best Engines of the Year
 by Wards Auto, an authoritative industry publication in America.

Subaru WRX STI EJ20 Final Edition

The carmaker will mark the end of the EJ20 era with a special edition of the WRX STI that will be displayed at the coming 2019 Tokyo Motorshow. The ‘EJ20 Final Edition’ will feature special items such as a balanced engine and gold-painted BBS 19-inch alloy wheels to commemorate the last model that uses the engine.

Click here for other news and articles about Subaru in PISTON.MY


NOVITEC’s SPOFEC unit refines and enhances performance of Rolls-Royce Ghost

To own a Rolls-Royce would be a dream for most people but for those who can make their dreams come true, personalisation of the car is now a very common thing. Rolls-Royce says that virtually every car they have sold in recent years has had some degree of personalisation provided by their Bespoke division.

Some owners may prefer to have the services of other companies and for this, they can contact SPOFEC, a unit in the NOVITEC Group which can refine the cars further. They can now offer their services for the latest Ghost, the sportiest interpretation of a Rolls-Royce sedan ever. In fact, SPOFEC works only on Rolls-Royce cars, which is how its name came about (
SP
irit
OF EC
stasy).

The company has developed a customization range for the car which gives the Ghost even greater driving dynamics and an even more extravagant appearance. For example, SPOFEC engine tuning raises the output of the twin-turbo 12-cylinder engine to 685 bhp (114 bhp more) and also bumps peak torque to 958 Nm. This cuts the sprint time from 0 – 100 km/h to 4.5 seconds although the top speed remains limited to 250 km/h.

To match the improved driving dynamics, SPOFEC gives the new Ghost an even more athletic design with carbonfibre bodywork components that feature sporty and elegant styling. SPOFEC forged wheels with a diameter of 22 inches developed in cooperation with US rim manufacturer Vossen fill out the wheel wells perfectly. With the SPOFEC suspension module, the ride height is lowered by about 40 mm.

A standard peak output of 571 bhp/850 Nm mean that there are quite a few reserves in the 6.75-litre engine of the Ghost. SPOFEC engine specialists have programme the plug-and-play N-TRONIC module for the electronic engine control unit which introduces new mapping for injection and ignition.  There is also a moderate increase in the boost pressure.

SPOFEC optionally underscores these significantly improved dynamics with a more thrilling sound as well. To this end, the company developed a stainless sport exhaust with actively controlled exhaust flaps. It enables the driver to select either a decidedly discreet or a very powerful exhaust note from inside the cockpit by remote control.

For a sporty-elegant touch, the designers at SPOFEC developed tastefully styled and aerodynamically efficient bodywork components for both wheelbase variants of the Ghost. The components are produced from lightweight yet high-strength carbonfibre.

The SPOFEC-designed front fascia gives a fresh face with large air intakes making for a visually striking appearance. The front end also generates less front-axle lift at high speeds and thus further optimizes the directional stability. The new aerodynamic-enhancement component optionally also comes with LED position markers and perfectly transitions to the likewise new SPOFEC front fenders. These fenders feature a distinctive air outlet behind the wheel arch on either side.

The wheels have 9 pairs of twin-spokes extending all the way to the outer flange, characterizing the SPOFEC SP2 design. In sizes 9.5Jx22 at the front and 10.5Jx22 on the rear axle, they are fitted with tyres of sizes 265/35 ZR 22 and 295/30 ZR 22 and optimally fill out the available space under the wheel arches.

The SPOFEC CAN-Tronic suspension module is specifically calibrated to work with the 22-inch tyres. At speeds up to 140 km/h, the new programming of the Ghost’s air suspension lowers the vehicle by about 40 mm compared to the production car. At higher speeds, the vehicle body automatically reverts to the standard level.

All-new Rolls-Royce Ghost & Ghost Extended now available in Malaysia


Lotus Evija production to start soon as new factory is completed

The new manufacturing facility where Lotus will build its
Evija all-electric hypercar
 is being readied for final prototype production. Shortly after production commences in mid-2020, the first of 130 customers can expect deliveries of their cars. The first year’s production allocation is already designated to customers around the world.

The hall is situated trackside next to Lotus’ 3.5-km circuit which has hosted testing and shake-down sessions with many Formula 1 legends such as Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jim Clark and others. The result is a versatile and inspiring workspace that will see Lotus hand-build up to 130 examples of the Evija.

“This is now the newest car production facility in the world, and to witness it move from the drawing board to reality has been deeply satisfying. It’s testament to the commitment of all involved, and is the perfect sleek and high-tech production home for the Evija at our iconic Hethel headquarters,” said Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars.

“With our new factory ready, we are ahead of the pack in the emerging EV hypercar segment and 100% ready for some healthy competition,” he added.

Read:
Lotus Evija Revealed! Facts & Figures of the world’s most powerful series production road car

Work on the new Evija factory began in mid-2019. Highly collaborative in nature, the project has involved the co-ordination of 20 specialist contractors with more than 50 experts on site over the last 6 months.

The interior has been fitted on three sides with gantries which frame the build stations. These have been designed and engineered to be sleek and unobtrusive, though robust enough to carry the necessary power, data and compressed air systems required to assemble the Evija.

An overhead gantry crane, multiple vehicle lifts and a wheel alignment ramp have also been installed. The interior is illuminated by more than 30,000 of the latest high-density, low-energy LEDs. A state-of-the-art light tunnel will house the rigorous final inspection, before each Evija is driven out directly onto the test track for dynamic validation.

The Evija is the first all-electric British hypercar and has a target power output of 2,000 ps, which makes it the world’s most powerful series production road car. Its ultra-lightweight carbonfibre monocoque also makes it the world’s lightest production EV hypercar, at 1,680 kgs.The engineers expect the 0 to 100 km/h time to be under 3 seconds with a top speed over 320 km/h. Running on just electrical energy with no emissions, the Evija is expected to be able to go up to 400 kms.

Lotus Evija prototypes complete high-speed testing as electric hypercar debuts in China (w/VIDEO)


Scania Malaysia Strengthens Its Support For Port Klang Customers With Upgraded Branch

Scania (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd
. has officially launched its upgraded Port Klang branch that will serve to strengthen sales and services for its customers within the region. Strategically located near North Port, the branch is easily accessible for customers to send their Scania vehicles for scheduled maintenance and also repairs if needed.

Officiated by the Malaysian Minister of Transport Yang Berhormat Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Scania Malaysia Port Klang covers an area of 1,343 square metres and features 10 new work bays, a washing bay and an overhead crane to cater to the growing customer requirements. The RM3.8 million upgrade also includes a customer reception area, cafeteria, driver room, as well as amenities such as showers, changing rooms and a prayer room to better serve customers, drivers and employees.

“It is important that Scania has a strategic presence in Port Klang where there is a lot of activity in the haulage business. The opening of the newly upgraded Scania Malaysia Port Klang demonstrates our continuous improvement in providing the best services for all our customers for their profitability in this region and of course, across the country,”
 said
Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström
(above)

“For customers to get the most out of their fleet, it is vital that Scania can support them with the right solutions, so convenient access to workshops and genuine parts is crucial for our customers anywhere. Our parts add value to their business because they are engineered for ultimate performance, endurance, fuel economy and safety, as well as lower environmental impact such as reduced carbon emissions”
 added Marie.

Because maximum uptime is important for truck operators, Scania has added on more working bays – bringing it to a total of 22 work bays – to ensure that customers within the region get the highest quality advice, maintenance and parts whenever needed to help their business.

Service at Scania Port Klang is carried out by 22 skilled technicians, who can now work on up to 30 vehicles per day with the facility upgrades. Like all Scania employees, these technicians continuously receive formal training and undergo on the job learning to enhance their skills, knowledge, professionalism and teamwork to ensure that they deliver a more effective service to their customers.

With the belief that sustainable transport is all about moving people and goods while contributing to economic and social development without jeopardising human health and safety or endangering the environment, the Scania Port Klang team will strive to provide its customers with tailored solutions that promise to bring about efficiencies within the customers’ entire transport flow.


2022 Lexus RZ 450e will lead brand’s BEV offensive

At the recent press conference where Toyota’s President, Akio Toyoda, gave a broad overview of the company’s electrification strategies during this decade, 16 fully electric – also known as BEVs or battery electric vehicles – were shown on stage. Most are probably just 3-dimensional models of future products but they certainly attracted a lot of speculation and attention, especially the electric Hilux and a SUV that has styling reminiscent of the FJ Cruiser.

To date, Toyota has launched one BEV model which will go on sale in 2022. This is the bZ4X, which is said to have been developed with involvement of Subaru, which will sell a similar model it calls the Solterra. Mr. Toyoda also showed a video of himself and Koji Sato, President & Chief Branding Officer of Lexus International, testing a Lexus BEV prototype around a test course. It’s typical of the Toyota President who, being a racing driver himself, also gets involved in product development.

An uncamouflaged model of that BEV appeared to be in the group of Lexus prototypes also displayed. The BEV will go into production in 2022 and while details have not been released, Lexus has shown more uncamouflaged pictures of the car. The BEV prototype will be the new RZ, a SUV crossover that will be the first of range of Lexus vehicles that have been designed from the start to be BEVs. Apart from having sold hybrids for many years, this will not be the first fully-electric Lexus model as the all-electric UX 300e has been available for about 2 years now. However, that model was not developed only as a BEV.

UX 300e is the fully electric version of the UX compact crossover.

e-TNGA

With the RZ, which will start with a 450e variant, the vehicle is built on a completely new dedicated platform called e-TNGA, a version of the TNGA (Toyota New Generation Architecture) that has been used for all recent new models. While the bz4X is RAV4-sized, the RZ 450e looks like a RX-sized model with similar styling themes but a closed front end typical of EVs.

All-wheel drive with  DIRECT4

Not many details are available at this time though it can be expected that the powertrain will be something similar to what is in the bZ4X, with higher output and a bigger battery pack. The all-wheel drive system will be an exclusive control system called DIRECT4 which dynamically controls the drive force to the wheels constantly optimizing the power delivery. It can be fully front wheel drive or rear wheel drive or varying combinations of front and rear drive as conditions require.

The new RZ will also be available with a steer-by-wire system. This is said to eliminate the traditional hand-over-hand action for lower speed driving or parking. It would be possible to do a full U-turn with a simple rotation of the steering wheel.

Steering wheel in the Toyota bZ4X which will initially be offered in SUVs for the China market.

Lexus says there will be a ‘comfortable and unique shape’ which provides a clear view to all relevant information from the instrument panel to the heads-up windshield display. This suggests that the RZ may also have that steering column with a wing-shape. In the bz4X, it will initially be offered in China and then progressively appear in other markets.

Battery warranty up to 10 years

As a measure of the brand’s confidence in its BEV technology, Lexus is offering (in some markets) a 10-year (or up to 1,000,000 kms) extended care on all functional defects of the vehicle’s main battery pack and capacity degradation below 70%, provided that the regular health checks foreseen in the maintenance program are followed. This is a separate warranty from the vehicle warranty which covers the powertrain.

The new RZ range will begin the Lexus offensive to have BEVs in every segment, and account for 100% of the brand’s total sales in Europe, North America, and China by 2030.

LF-Z Electrified concept shows design direction for future BEVs from the brand.

External designers create Virtual Interiors for Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept


Proton R3 wins Sepang 1000km again – that’s 3 years in a row!

Team Proton R3 (R3) capped a successful 2019 season yesterday by winning the Sepang 1000km (S1K) race for a third consecutive time. The impressive achievement was led by Mitchell Cheah and Fariqe Hairuman in the latest Proton Iriz which dominated the proceedings in a tough 9-hour race. There was double joy for the team as the 2019 Proton Saga driven by Syafiq Ali and Admi Shahrul crossed the finish line in second place.

Most successful manufacturer in S1K

With a third consecutive and fifth overall S1K victory, Proton has stretched its lead as the most successful manufacturer in the history of the event. It not only reflects on the capabilities of the cars but also the skill, professionalism and teamwork of R3, arguably the leading racing team in Malaysia.

“Being successful in motor racing requires a combination of factors. A manufacturer, for instance, would firstly need the correct models in its range that would be suitable for the job. Even if a suitable model is available, it is difficult to achieve success as the car needs to be developed while the skills of the racing team, from the technicians to the drivers, needs to be finely honed. This requires an investment in time and money and Proton’s success in motorsports is proof our investment in R3, our in-house racing division, is a wise one,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

Lady drivers impress too

There were three Team Proton R3 entrants for the S1K this year with the third car crewed by an all-female driving team. Nurul Husna and Faye Kusairi were selected from the MSF-R3 Lady Drivers Search that gave aspiring female racers a chance to compete in the S1K race. The lead driver for the team was Leona Chin, Malaysia’s fastest female racer.

A technical issue during qualifying meant the team’s 2019 Proton Saga started the race from 26th on the grid. Despite the early setback, the ladies showed amazing skill and fighting spirit as they carved their way up to seventh overall and first among all lady drivers by the end of the race.

“Our lady drivers performed very well and we are proud of their achievement. By finishing seventh, they have proven their capability to compete in the male dominated arena of motorsports and Proton are proud to have given Malaysian women an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Dr. Li.

“Win on Sunday, sell on Monday”

The marketing phrase refers to an age-old ethos for car manufacturers who compete in motorsports. By being successful on the track, their products gain an image boost thus helping to improve their performance in the showroom. Additionally, owners also get to feel a sense of pride to be driving a car from the winning brand – especially if it is the same model.

“By winning the S1K for the fifth time in 11 editions, Proton has proven its mastery of the event. A 1,000-km race requires speed as well as reliability and our models have both. What we learn in the heat of competition we then engineer into our products to create better cars. The success of both the 2019 Iriz and 2019 Saga in motorsports helped boost the image of each model and as a result, Iriz sales have increased three-fold while the Saga has achieved over 35,000 bookings since its launch,” Dr. Li revealed.

Want to experience the performance of the latest Proton Iriz and Saga? Visit
www.proton.com
 to locate a showroom near your for a test-drive.

Team Proton R3 takes Malaysian Championship Series title


All-New Land Rover Discovery Debuts In Malaysia [+Video]

Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) has just rolled-out the new Discovery to the Malaysian market. The fifth-generation model benefits from Land Rover’s strong, safe and light full-size SUV architecture, delivering comfort and adaptability like no other.

The new Discovery redefines the large SUV, which has been revolutionised to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely capable premium SUV. It also embodies Land Rover’s drive to go Above and Beyond, combining British desirability with an unstoppable spirit of adventure.

This three-row, seven-seat SUV that measures 4,970mm long, 2,220mm wide (mirrors out) and 1,846mm tall, is the ultimate family and active lifestyle companion. The Discovery’s trademark stadium seating is accommodated by its distinctive stepped roof that ensures all passengers enjoy excellent forward visibility and unrivalled long-haul comfort.

The new Discovery also offers the driver, driving confidence due to the raised Command Driving Position, simple controls and enhanced chassis technology. Apart from that, it is also equipped with InControl Touch Pro, which provides greater connectivity than ever before including access to a range of apps, satellite navigation as well as vehicle controls through the updated 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen display.

The Powered Inner Tailgate is another great innovation that is offered with the new Discovery. This neat innovation incorporates an additional fold-down section that deploys when the tailgate is opened. A button inside the load area can then be used to lower the Powered Inner Tailgate section. The deployed 285mm long tailgate serves as impromptu event seating and is able to support a maximum load of 300kg, making it the perfect place to enjoy a tailgate picnic or to change out of muddy boots – all under the shelter of the tailgate.

Powered by a
258PS 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine
, badged Td6, the single-turbo engine features low-pressure exhaust recirculation, a two-stage oil pump and revised fuel-injector nozzle for improved responses, refinement and efficiency. The
258PS
 engine delivers stronger performance than before and the benchmark
0-100km/h
 sprint takes only
8.1 seconds
 – a reduction of 1.3 seconds. With a significant
600Nm
 of torque on offer, the new Td6 diesel delivers relaxed cruising refinement and towering all-terrain capability. Speaking of terrain, check out this short video of the Disco in action:

More on the new Land Rover Discovery…

Coupled with the Td6 diesel engine is the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, which has been engineered by the powertrain experts at Land Rover to combine smooth shifts with sharp responses and optimized fuel efficiency. The gearbox is controlled using the rotary gearshift controller that rises from the center console, while manual changes can be prompted with the use of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for dynamic driving and precise control when completing off-road maneuvers.

For the ultimate all-terrain capability, the new Discovery is offered a two-speed transfer box, providing selectable high and low range gears for optimum on-road and off-road performance. The intelligent system provides a standard 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels, while the two-speed fully synchronised ‘shift on the move’ system allows the driver to swap between high and low ratios without having to stop the vehicle, at speeds of up to 60km/h.

In addition, an available four-corner air suspension system in the new Discovery that improves ride quality when driving on-road also provides greater capability when off-roading.

In terms of design, the new design of the Discovery features optimised proportions, combined with beautiful detailing as well as enhanced precision to create a highly capable and versatile SUV with a more dynamic design than before. At the front, the new Discovery’s sculpted surfaces, jewel-like headlamps and a faster windscreen angle break the Discovery tradition and the state-of-the-art daytime running lamps deliver a modern appearance with a distinctive new light signature. At the back, the LED rear lamps have a horizontal emphasis, giving New Discovery a more sporty appearance, while the new one-piece tailgate delivers a more dynamic rear design.

“The new Discovery builds upon the practicality and versatility of its predecessor, offering the same supreme breadth of capability that only a Land Rover can. Pioneering technologies, lightweight aluminium architectures and advanced powertrains ensure that the new Discovery appeals to consumers of multiple levels,”
 said
Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia Sdn Bhd Managing Director Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

Land Rover’s innovative aluminium full-sized SUV platform provides the perfect basis for the new Discovery, delivering a lightweight but durable architecture that contributes to lower CO
2
 emissions and improved fuel economy, as well as enhancing its dynamic abilities. This lightweight monocoque body construction is made up of 85% aluminium – 43% recycled – and is a significant 480kg lighter than before.

The Activity Key, which is offered as an optional accessory is another ‘first’ in the large SUV segment that allows owners to lock and unlock the vehicle without the need to carry a conventional key fob. It is designed as a durable wristband to be worn during outdoor activities.

Priced at
RM729,800
* the new Discovery comes with 5 years warranty and free service as well as 3 years of complimentary roadside assist. The first 5 customers to purchase the new Discovery will be given a RM5,000 accessory voucher. Genuine Land Rover accessories are also covered by a 12-month warranty. Accessories fitted within one month or 1,600km (whichever comes first) of the handover of the new Discovery will be covered by the vehicle warranty.

In conjunction with the official launch of the new Discovery, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia will be organizing a ‘Discovery Day’ on January 13 and 14, 2018 at Sime Darby Auto Connexion Petaling Jaya and SISMA Auto Glenmarie and also at SISMA Auto Penang on January 20 and 21, 2018. This exclusive event is by invitation only. Interested customers can call the respective showrooms to register their interest.

For more information on the newly launched Discovery, kindly visit
www.landrover.com.my
 or Land Rover Showrooms – Sime Darby Auto Connexion Petaling Jaya (03-7946 3800), SISMA Auto Glenmarie (03-5569 3311) and SISMA Auto Penang (04-226 2279).

*Price is inclusive of 6% GST, excludes road tax, registration and insurance.


SEAT to use CUPRA high-performance brand for first electric car

SEAT, like other carmakers (especially in Europe), is steadily making the transition towards electrification, an important move to meet increasingly tough legislative requirements in the years to come. The emission levels are so low that it is necessary to use hybrid powertrains if not all-electric ones to meet them.

Interestingly, however, the Spanish carmaker will launch its first all-electric model next year using its high-performance CUPRA brand rather than the SEAT brand. The reason for this is said ‘to be to change the dynamic perception of electrically-powered vehicles’.

The new electric model will be based on the el-Born Concept which was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019. Since then, the design team and the SEAT Technical Centre have been working on the production model, continuing to evolve the vehicle. Some of the changes they have made have given it a sportier character and an even more impressive visual appeal.

“CUPRA el-Born displays all the genes of the CUPRA brand and we have taken the original concept to the next level creating a new sporty and dynamic design and reengineering the technological content. CUPRA el-Born is the living proof that performance and electrification are a great match,” said CUPRA CEO Wayne Griffiths.

The SEAT el-BORN concept which was displayed in Geneva last year.

The performance and dynamics of the CUPRA el-Born have been a clear focus during the development of the car, and acceleration from 0 – 50 km/h will be within 2.9 seconds. The Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (DCC Sport), which has been exclusively developed within the VW Group MEB platform for the CUPRA el-Born, combines the low driving height of the car with a system that is adapting automatically to any conditions, offering a superior level of driving dynamics.

For now, the company will reveal that the el-Born will have features such as Head-up Display with Augmented Reality and a range of up to 500 kms on a fully charged battery pack. The 77 kWh battery pack can be fast-charged within 30 minutes which will provide at least 260 kms of range, it is claimed.

The interior is designed to encapsulate the CUPRA philosophy of quality and performance mixed with sophistication. This is highlighted in the sports bucket seats, the steering wheel with Drive Profile Selection and CUPRA mode buttons, and high-quality material choices. CUPRA puts a particular focus on the sustainability of the el-Born using recycled materials in the interior of the car.

The Volkswagen Group factory in Zwickau, Germany, will produce electric vehicles for the various brands, including SEAT and CUPRA.

The model will be manufactured at the Volkswagen Group factory (SEAT is part of the Group) in Zwickau, Germany. This factory has been renovated and configured to produce electric vehicles for the Group’s different brands from 2021. It will have a production capacity of up to 330,000 electric vehicles a year.

All-new SEAT Leon designed to continue as Spain’s bestselling car


Nissan X-Trail Hybrid recalled for Hybrid Power Line enhancement

The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid, which has been on sale for some years now, is being recalled by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM) to enhance its Engine Bay Harness – Hybrid Power Line. It is understood that the Hybrid Power Line could be damaged due to interference with the edge of engine or  transmission control module bracket.

The affected units of the model, coded ‘T32’, were manufactured
between June 2018 and May 2021
. Units produced from June 2021 onwards have already had the fix, so they are not affected by this recall.

X-Trail Hybrids manufactured from June 2021 are not affected by the recall.

If you are not original owner

ETCM will contact owners of the affected SUVs based on contact details registered with them. The notification requesting them to bring their vehicles in will come from Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn. Bhd. (TCEAS) in the form of a letter or by SMS/Whatsapp. It is possible that vehicle ownership may have changed over the years and the current owner may not receive such a notification. In this case, contact a TCEAS outlet for assistance and to make an appointment as well.

As always with such recalls, all labour and enhancement parts for this campaign will be at no cost to owners.

Certain TCEAS outlets have extended operation hours and are open 365 days a  year. This will make it easier for vehicle owners to service their vehicles on weekends and public  holidays.

To locate a TCEAS outlet, call the Nissan Customer Care Centre Hotline at
1800-88- 3838
. Or visit
www.tceas.com/servicecentre
.

Nissan recognises top performance of aftersales services by Tan Chong in Malaysia


ORA Good Cat EV Officially Launched in Malaysia, Priced From RM139,800

With the previous government having allowed full tax exemption on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for a few years, many companies have been quickly introducing new BEV models in the market this year. A number of them are from China, which has the largest EV market in the world, so we are seeing many new brands and models which have unusual names as well.

ORA is one of those new brands and though the brand is new, the brand owner is not. It is a BEV-dedicated brand of Great Wall Motors (GWM), the leading truck and SUV manufacturer in China. GWM is not new to Malaysia as their Haval models have been on sale over the past 10 years, marketed by a local company. In order to more effectively invest and manage their business here, they have established a subsidiary company which will handle distribution and marketing.

ORA has been in the Chinese market since May 2018 and while the brand’s launch did generate news, the brand got a further boost in publicity last year when it displayed the Punk Cat concept at Auto Shanghai. A preview of a production model, its appearance immediately brought to mind the classic Volkswagen Beetle which was almost certainly the inspiration for ORA’s designers.

Even though it had the Beetle’s styling cues – like the bug-eyed front – the
Punk Cat
 could not be said to be a clone. For one thing, it has four doors – which the Beetle never had. In any case, Volkswagen did not take any action and the model has found a niche among those who like its retro styling.

We don’t get the Punk Cat but we get the Good Cat as the first ORA model in Malaysia. It seems to be the model that the company is using to enter many markets, especially in Europe (it is called the Funky Cat there) where it has drawn much attention. It’s actually been on sale in China since the end of 2020 and has progressively been introduced in overseas markets, having made its debut in Thailand as well.

The car’s name will draw chuckles and is in fact a direct translation from its Chinese name of ‘Haomao’. It is one of a number of models in ORA’s Cat range and certainly, there’s nothing wrong with using animals for car names (many manufacturers, including Perodua, have been doing that). However, ORA also explains that ‘cat’ was chosen because former Chinese Deng Xiaoping once said: “Black cat or white cat, if it can catch mice, it’s a good cat.”. Basically, that line, which referred to the economy, suggested that if it works, then it must be good.

Two versions of the Good Cat are available – the 400 PRO and 500 ULTRA, with the technical difference being mainly the size of the battery packs. With tax-exemption, the 400 PRO is priced from RM139,800 while the 500 ULTRA is priced from RM169,800. Customers will get a complimentary portable and home
charger, 5-year/150,000 kms warranty, 8-year/180,000 kms battery warranty, and free service labour maintenance for the first 5 times.

Original design – with a bit of Porsche
The hatchback design of the Good Cat is quite original (‘retro-futurism’, ORA calls it) and could be mistaken for a European product. Porsche fans will notice that the front end seems similar to what is on the German sportscars and that has been attributed to the fact that the car’s designer, Emanuel Derta, worked in Porsche before! During his 5 years there, he must have become so familiar with the Porsche face that when he designed the Good Cat, he couldn’t help but adapt the same elements.

The overall size of the Good Cat, with a length of 4235 mm and width of 1825 mm on a wheelbase of 2650 mm, is slightly larger than a Perodua Myvi and almost similar to the latest Volkswagen Golf 8. For a change, we don’t have another crossover SUV with extra ground clearance and the underside is 145 mm off the road.

The Good Cat sits on GWM’s L.E.M.O.N. platform which has been developed for different types of powertrains, including fuel-cell electric vehicles.

And talking of ‘black cats and white cats’, customers will be able to get the Good Cat in colours other than black and white. Depending on the version, there are also green, beige, blue and red body colours, with the option of white or black roofs as well.

Two battery pack capacities
The Good Cat comes with two battery pack capacities – 47.788 kWh for the 400 PRO version and a more powerful 63.139 kWh for the 500 ULTRA version. Both have liquid cooling to keep them in optimum operating condition but they are slightly different in terms of chemistry. The smaller battery pack uses lithium iron phosphate while the bigger one is a ternary lithium type. There are pros and cons for each type: the lithium iron phosphate type has a longer service life but the ternary lithium type has higher energy density and is better at coping with high voltages.

The capacity, of course determines the maximum range possible for the EV, and the smaller battery pack is claimed to be good for 400 kms with the larger one enabling 100 kms more. Like combustion engines, the actual range would depend on driving conditions and style and, over time, the condition of the battery pack itself.

Charging the EV at high speed is possible if a DC fast charging station is available and a fully emptied battery pack in the 400 Pro would require 46 minutes to be charged up to 80 %, with the 500 Pro requiring 60 minutes. In real-world usage, owners are unlikely to wait till the battery pack is completely empty, just as you don’t deliberately let you mobilephone battery run out totally.

It is likely that people will adopt the habit of recharging their EV when they can to top-up the battery pack and keep as much electricity in it as possible. In such a scenario, Ora claims that it will take 32 minutes (using fast charging) for the battery pack in the 400 Pro to be filled up from 30% to 80%, and 8 minutes longer for the 500 Pro. Going by the claimed maximum ranges, that would mean that you can get around 350 kms of range which is a comfortable number for an EV. Charging from normal AC power outlets at home would take 8 hours to 10 hours, so that would likely be an overnight exercise.

The powertrain is up front in the ‘engine bay’ and has one electric motor that can generate up to 105 kW/143 ps and 210 Nm. The full amount of torque is available almost from standstill and the Good Cat is claimed to be able to reach 50 km/h in under 4 seconds, and 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds. Pushed to the limit, it can reach a top speed of 152 km/h.

Packaging efficiency within
The interior shows how cars that are originally developed as EVs can be packaged more efficiently as many of the traditional structures are no longer present. This allows more space for seating and the cabin of the Good Cat is pretty wide with a lot of elbow room. The dashboard is also very clean and simple, with the infotainment display (usually in the middle) and the instrument panel combined as one 17.25-inch wide panel set in a slot. The infotainment side has a 10.25-inch display with large tiles that are easy to use, and it has Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Between the front seats, there’s no traditional shifter and instead, a rotary knob is provided to select the various drive modes. It’s space-saving and most people should get used to it within a short while. In time, moving a lever-type shifter may even become an inconvenience!

The standard equipment and features are mostly similar for the two versions, with synthetic leather upholstery for the seats, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, suede leather on the dashboard, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charger and the air-conditioning system has a PM2.5 filter. The driver in the 500 ULTRA also gets a massage function on his seat to reduce fatigue on long journeys.

The wide cabin makes for comfortable accommodation behind and further back, there’s a somewhat limited volume of 228 litres for cargo in the boot – enough for supermarket groceries. But if you need more, you can fold the rear backrests down and it can be expanded to 858 litres, accessible through the large opening with a top-hinged door.

The Qualcomm controversy
After its launch in China, the Good Cat got some unwanted publicity when the first owners discovered that the microprocessor for the infotainment system was not the high-performance one from Qualcomm but an older, less capable one from Intel. It’s unusual that a manufacturer would advertise such a technical detail but GWM may have thought it to be a selling point – except that it did not actually install the Qualcomm chip.

Unfortunately, it was not a matter of recalling and replacing the processors (which is not possible) and with some features advertised not being available, owners got very angry and wanted to take legal action against the carmaker. Eventually admitting it was an ‘error’ and that it had actually planned to offer Qualcomm chips ‘in future’, GWM offered various forms of compensation to owners and quickly revised its advertising statements.

World-class safety
20 years ago, Chinese cars didn’t have a good reputation for safety but today, with China having its own stringent automotive safety standards, they are as good as the models of other carmakers. Recent Euro NCAP tests have shown that they can also achieve high scores, with the Good Cat EV scoring the maximum of 5 stars.

Like most new cars, the Good Cat EV comes with a host of active safety systems that help the driver avoid an accident or reduce the damage. Besides autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control, it has the Wisdom Dodge system which detects and avoids approaching large vehicles such as trucks, keeping a distance while approaching, and automatically return to the original lane when driving through for overtaking large vehicles safer.

Euro NCAP has tested the Good Cat EV (also known as Funky Cat in Europe) and given it the full 5-star rating.

There are also systems to help the driver in various types of parking situations. These use 4 cameras around car to have 360° coverage to detect objects and hazards. And should a crash be unavoidable, up to 6 airbags will deploy at the front and sides of the cabin to provide protection and reduce injuries.

The Good Cat joins the slowly increasingly number of choices of EVs for Malaysians and it remains to be seen whether it will be a ‘good cat’. With GWM coming in to directly manage the business here (instead of having a local distributor), customers should be assured of better attention and aftersales support. After all, it will want to build up the brand image if it is to succeed and apart from reliability and durability, aftersales is a crucial element – and GWM Malaysia is aware of that.

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


2020 Hyundai IONIQ gets better electric performance

When Hyundai Motor was developing its IONIQ model, it took a ‘safe’ approach by engineering the car to have multiple powertrain choices. At launch in 2016, it was available with either a hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or pure electric powertrain. The move would allow the IONIQ to be sold in more different markets depending on the recharging infrastructure available.

It’s now been three years that the IONIQ has been in global markets and an updated version has been released. Apart from the usual cosmetic changes and feature enhancements, the significant change is in the all-electric powertrain’s performance.

Better electric performance

The battery pack now has 36% more energy capacity which enables the car to travel up to 273 kms before it runs out of volts. There’s a standard 7.2-kW on-board charger for Type 2 AC charging; using a 100-kW fast-charging station, the battery can reach 80% charge within 54 minutes. The IONIQ Electric’s e-motor generates 134 ps/295Nm.

The 2020 IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ PHEV continue to use a 1.6-litre GDI 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 104 ps/148 Nm. The IONIQ Hybrid’s permanent magnet electric motor can generated 32 kW/169 Nm, powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.56 kWh of capacity positioned under the rear seats.

The PHEV’s electric motor generates 45 kW/169 Nm, powered by an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery. Total system output for the IONIQ Hybrid can be up to 139 ps with a maximum of 264 Nm of torque. The IONIQ PHEV offers a higher total system output of 156 ps and 264 Nm of torque. Drivers using the IONIQ PHEV can expect to travel at least 47 kms on just electric power alone with the fully-charged 8.9 kWh battery pack.

A Predictive Energy Management system, which manages charging and discharging of the battery in uphill and downhill situations to maximize battery usage. When a lack of battery state-of-charge is predicted driving uphill, the IONIQ PHEV and Hybrid increase internal-combustion engine operation to charge the battery. When a sufficient battery state-of-charge is reached during downhill driving, e-motor intervention increases to minimize fuel consumption and further energy is simultaneously recovered through regenerative braking.

Taking a cue from its similarly innovative Kona Electric, the latest IONIQ Electric adopts 1-pedal driving capability, allowing the driver to stop the car by simply holding onto the left paddle shift lever with often no need to engage the braking pedal. This maximizes the use of regenerative braking technology. Using Smart Regenerative Braking, the level of energy recuperation is automatically adjusted depending on the road incline and traffic situation in front when coasting.

SmartSense safety

All 2020 IONIQ models sold in North America will be equipped with a comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense technology package. This driver assistance system constantly monitors the environment around the car alerting drivers to potential hazards while on the road. This system includes standard Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist and a Drivers Attention Warning. There are also new segment first features like Highway Driving Assist and Lane Following Assist to make long trips less stressful and more comfortable.

Eco-conscious materials

A key characteristic of the IONIQ line is its innovative use of recycled or ecologically-sensitive materials. The interior door covers are made of plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone while providing the same quality appearance of typical materials but reducing weight by 20%. The softer, more natural feel is achieved along with less reliance on oil-based products.

Raw materials extracted from sugar cane are partly applied on the headliner and cargo area. In fact, sugar cane accounts for 25% of the raw materials used. Paint with renewable ingredients extracted from soybean oil is used to achieve lustrous metallic colours on key components.

Currently, only the IONIQ Hybrid is sold in Malaysia and local assembly at the Inokom plant in Kedah keeps its price down. Presumably, the updated version will be available next year as the model sells reasonably well with a price just under RM100,000.

Hyundai Ioniq Receives Full 5-Star Asean NCAP Safety Rating


Brabham Automotive Teases Upcoming BT62! [+Videos]

Mere weeks ahead of its official debut, Brabham Automotive has released headline figures and a teaser image for the much-anticipated
Brabham

BT62
!

The teaser image shows the rear of a low-slung, race-inspired car. The BT62’s thin LED accent tail lights are reflected in its extreme carbon fibre rear wing, which points to the car’s performance potential. Have a look, with more tech details in this video:

With performance characteristics that point to the potency of the car, the new Brabham is pure-bred for the track and capable of setting blistering lap times, designed and engineered to demand more from the driver and reward the limited few who will rise to its challenge. The BT62 boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 730ps per tonne, a dry weight of just 972kg and is powered by a Brabham naturally-aspirated 5.4 litre capacity V8 engine. Have a listen!

With its performance-optimised body and aggressive aerodynamic package, the Brabham BT62 delivers over 1200kg of downforce. Saving additional weight and with additive performance, the BT62’s brakes are carbon/carbon – a current Formula 1 technology that was first introduced to the sport by Brabham in 1976 – featuring six pistons front and rear. Here’s more…

Celebrating seventy years since Sir Jack Brabham launched his racing career in Australia in 1948, production of the Brabham BT62 will be limited to just seventy cars. With a price of £1m plus local taxes, and before options, orders are being taken now, and first deliveries are expected later this year. Owners of the BT62 will join a Brabham driver development programme which will enable them to fully exploit the performance of the vehicle on the track.

For more news from Brabham and the BT62, log on to:

brabhamautomotive.com

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/brabhamaut
o

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/brab
hamauto


April 2017 proves to be a great month for Subaru

According to Subaru America’s latest sales figures, April has proven to be a great month for the Japanese automaker. It sold 52,368 vehicles which is a 4% increase compared to the same month last year. Since January to April of this year, 196,618 vehicles have been sold which is a 7.6% increase compared to the same period in 2016.

The company also claims that April is the 38th consecutive month where it saw sales figures hover above the 40,000 mark. It’s a commendable achievement that can be attributed to the strong demand for the Outback, Forester and Impreza respectively. Demand for the Impreza rose 66.2% in April 2017 compared to the same period last year and is the second month that total sales reached 8,000 vehicles in a month.

“With positive press reaction to the all-new Impreza and upcoming Crosstrek models, we expect even stronger demand as we enter the summer months,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “2017 looks set to be our tenth year of consecutive sales growth, with more new product to come.”

Besides record sales, April has been good to Subaru in other ways too. The company won in three major categories of the Kelley Blue Book 2017 Brand Image Awards including Best Overall Brand, Most Trusted Brand and Best Performance Brand. This is the second consecutive year that the automaker has received these awards, which reflect on how well regarded the Subaru brand is in the American market.


Quick and easy way to renew roadtax and insurance for your vehicle

During the Movement Control Period (MCO), virtually all business activities were suspended in Malaysia and for motorists, things like roadtax renewal or transfers of vehicle ownership could not be done as the JPJ (Road Transport Department) was closed.

However, for vehicles that had expired roadtax during the MCP period, the government said that there will be no penalty and the owner could continue using the vehicles on public roads (the same applied to expired driving licences). But insurance coverage is needed at all times.

With the Recovery MCO implemented, the Transport Ministry is telling motorists that they need to renew their expired driving licences, roadtax and insurance as quickly as possible. JPJ records show that over 2 million vehicles registered in Malaysian have expired roadtaxes so there is going to be ‘congestion’ as owners apply for renewals.

To help address this as well as an alarming number of uninsured vehicles on the road, Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Berhad  is collaborating with Finology Sdn Bhd and their affiliate partner PayLink Global (M) Sdn Bhd (Payquik) to provide roadtax renewal services and motor insurance purchase via Payquik’s network of kiosks which are the first of its kind in Malaysia.

Through this strategic collaboration, motorists will be able to review their roadtax or purchase motor insurance coverage easily for cars and motorcycles. There are approximately 250 Payquik kiosks available nationwide, located primarily in the offices of utility companies, shopping malls and government buildings so Malaysians can access them while running errands such as paying bills or grocery shopping.

Junior Cho, Zurich General Insurance’s CEO, said: “We are constantly seeking fresh solutions that would meet the market’s evolving needs. Modern lifestyles have fueled the growing demand for convenience and ease of purchasing goods and services. As economic activities resume, we understand the importance of roadtax renewal, as well as motor insurance so Malaysians can commute to work with peace of mind as the renewal exemption period ends. This three-way collaboration with Finology and Payquik will provide wider access for drivers as well as riders to obtain the service and protection they need in a fast and easy manner.”

According to the 2018 statistics from JPJ, there are about 29 million registered vehicles in Malaysia. Out of this, only 19 million vehicles have their roadtax renewed every year and about 95% of those with expired roadtax are motorcycles.

”One might ask why a service kiosk is necessary if people have the option of paying online now. The reality is that there are still customers who prefer to pay with cash or who do not own a credit card. This means that these people do not have sufficient access to the necessary financial services online,” explained Jared Lim, MD of Finology. “Enabling motor insurance purchasing and road tax renewal through kiosks is a great alternative to paying online or over the counter. Plus, these kiosks are available 24 hours, allowing customers to make purchase or renewal at their convenience.”

The latest collaboration is a joint effort to promote financial inclusion and offer Malaysians comprehensive coverage while on the road. In 2019, Zurich and Finology collaborated to offer customers end-to-end online insurance quotation and purchase services via Finology’s platform.


Top things to prepare before driving anywhere this Hari Raya

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is less than one week away and already folks are getting on the roads for that ‘balik kampung’ trip to meet up with their loved ones. We all know that the Raya exodus can get a bit crazy but navigation app, Waze, will hopefully make things a bit easier with their traffic predictions.

First things first. Waze has predicted that there will be MORE Malaysians on the road this year compared to last year. According to their data collected back in 2018, the app believes that there will an increase of 18% of active road users as compared to a normal week.

That might seem like a small number but try eating five burgers in one seating and then try eating another one. Bad things happen if you don’t plan and prep for the adventure (both driving and trying to eat six burgers at one time).

Prediction number 2 – Waze forecasts that not only will there be more Malaysians on the road, but they will spend more time travelling as well. An average Malaysian spends around 72 minutes per day on the road but come Raya week, that figure will probably shoot up to 83 minutes.

Driving distance will also increase since most of us want to gather with our families and friends during this blessed week (also for shopping and food using all the ‘duit raya’ collection).

So, what are some tips from Waze to help make your journeys a bit easier?

Leave Waze on when you drive (easier to monitor reports & traffic conditions)

Select routes (you can check different ways to your destination & everything that’s happening in between)

Play music (to ensure that you’re always active and alert while driving)

Not from Piston.my

We here at Piston.my have had our fair share of ‘balik kampung’ trips and here are some of our own tips to ensure that the journey is as smooth as it can be.

Service your car (request for a complete and thorough inspection)

Make sure that the spare tyre is in good condition (and filled with enough air)

Got kids? Get them child seats for extra safety

Stock up on snacks and drinks (easier to stay active with sustenance)

Keep a bottle of water, coolant, and fire extinguisher in the boot (just in case)

There are more tips and advice but they’re mostly common sense like don’t use your phones while driving and use the turn signals. Remember, everyone wants to get to their destinations safely. Let’s be more considerate and take care of each other, okay? Safe journey, fellow Malaysians!

87-year-old man wants to drive 16,000km in a 1955 Land Rover, AGAIN