Volkswagen owners can get more with VIP

ADVERTORIAL

In Malaysia, as in most countries, it is a legal requirement to have a vehicle registered and roadtax paid annually plus there must be insurance coverage, in order to drive on public roads. Those with very old vehicles may opt to save on insurance premiums by buying cheaper third-party coverage, which pays compensation only to other parties in the event of an accident. They will not be able to make claims for damage to their own vehicle.

For those with relatively new vehicles, comprehensive insurance coverage is usually chosen. In fact, if the vehicle is under a H-P loan, it is a must as the bank needs to be assured it will be compensated if the vehicle is stolen or written-off in an accident. This covers not only third-party compensation but also provides for compensation for loss of the vehicle or repair costs to restore it after an accident.

The Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP) is available from all authorised Volkswagen dealers in Malaysia.

Of course, just like other types of insurance (health, life, house, etc), you buy insurance hoping that you never have to call up the insurance company to make a claim. But, apart from being a mandatory requirement for vehicles, it gives peace of mind that you are ‘covered’. Should you one day have an accident or the vehicle is stolen, you will be so glad that there is compensation for the loss and you don’t have to pay yourself.

Exclusively for Volkswagen owners

Generally, comprehensive insurance policies for motor vehicles offer similar benefits which focus mainly on compensation in the event of loss or damage. However, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) believes that its customers deserve more and working with a group of leading insurance companies, it has formulated the Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP) exclusively for Volkswagen owners.

Owners of older Volkswagen models can also enjoy all the extra benefits of VIP.

VIP is just one of the elements in its Volkswagen Cares commitment to give the best to every customer. Whether you are owning a Volkswagen for the first time or have one which has been a trusted member of the family for years, VIP is available with its enhanced benefits that go beyond just compensation. VIP is available only from authorized Volkswagen dealers in Malaysia and the insurance policy can be purchased at any time.

Should the vehicle be disabled or seriously damaged due to an accident, having VIP ensures that reliable and authorized towing services are used. The assistance to call the towing service will be handled by the VIP 24-hour Roadside Assistance and the vehicle will be transported to the nearest authorized Volkswagen service centre. Such assistance would prove valuable especially if there is an accident and stress levels are high. Just call the toll-free number
1-800-88-2389
 and help will be on its way.

Why get VIP?

The value of VIP will also be demonstrated when a claim has to be made. Those who have had to make such claims themselves know that the process can be time-consuming and even frustrating in some cases. Apart from submitting the claim, there is a need to wait for the adjuster to come and assess the damage and decide on the cost the insurance company is willing to cover.

When you have VIP, claims are prioritised and repairs can start faster.

VIP takes all that away for claims below RM30,000 because the claim will be prioritized the moment the vehicle enters the service centre. The Volkswagen staff, who are familiar with the process, will assist in all aspects and obtain approval to start repairs as fast as possible. In fact, the owner is unlikely to have to personally be involved other than to provide the required documents, sign on the Claim Form and receive updates on the repair work. It’s as good as being a VIP (Very Important Person)!

Refinishing and repainting are done in accordance with Volkswagen AG’s strict standards, restoring the car to its original condition.

Extra benefits

Some insurance companies impose what is known as a ‘betterment charges’. This can run to thousands of ringgit because the insurance industry sees repairs which use brand new parts as improving the condition of the car in relation to its actual age. This means that if a 10-year old car has new headlights installed because the old ones were completely destroyed, the ‘age’ of the car in that area differs. For this, the insurance company will impose the betterment charge which sometimes catches owners by surprise.

Volkswagen owners who have VIP do not have to worry about this charge because it is waived for vehicles up to 10 years old. They will not have to pay anything extra for brand new genuine parts as required for the repairs. Everything related to restoring their vehicle to proper running condition will be done by certified technicians with materials that meet Volkswagen AG’s high standards. It is important to note that because it is an authorized service centre, only Genuine Parts will be used to repair your vehicle.

Only Volkswagen Genuine Parts are used and all work is done by certified technicians.

The premiums for VIP will be in accordance with prevailing industry levels. At this time, Allianz General Insurance Berhad and Etiqa General Takaful Berhad are the partner panel insurers collaborating with VPCM to offer the Volkswagen Insurance Plan.

“With VIP, all Volkswagen owners regardless of model, can enjoy quality services and roadside assistance at the best value under a comprehensive plan catered exclusively just for them,” says Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM. “Our owners are at the core of everything we do and providing this added service to them at our dealerships also ensures that the entire process is streamlined and more convenient, making our Volkswagen dealerships a one-stop centre for customer convenience and peace of mind.”

Click here to know more about the Volkswagen Insurance Plan and extra benefits
.


Honda ranked 20th most valuable brand in the world

Honda is said to be one of the most valuable brands in the world according to market research done by Interband in its latest ‘Best Global Brands’ study. The Japanese automaker was able to move up the ranking and is now considered the 20th most valuable brand globally.

Interbrand estimates Honda’s financial value to be at  $22.696 billion. This includes its entire business divisions including the aviation sector, which is starting to witness a great deal of interest pertaining to its newly launched aircraft.

“The power of the Honda brand highlights our influential position in the market,” said Philip Ross, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe. “There’s diverse range of new products, from the zero-emissions Clarity Fuel Cell to the award-winning Honda Civic Type R.”

“These vehicles showcase the significance of advanced technology to the Honda brand. The recently-announced ‘Electric Vision’ will fast-track a major brand advancement, bringing to market a host of new electrified vehicles from 2018,” he later added.

The recognition that the automaker received from Interbrand is a correlation with several landmark achievements for the company in 2016 as well as recent company announcements. Honda has revealed its business plans for the near future, which is considered a drastic shift from what we are used to expecting from the brand.

At the recent Frankfurt Motorshow, Honda revealed that electrified technology will be at the core of every new car model launched in Europe. The announcement was made by Honda Motor Company CEO, Takahiro Hachigo after the unveiling of the Urban EV Concept vehicle.

This proves that Honda is convinced that electric mobility is the future and are readying plans to offer more electrified vehicles to customers in the coming years. The Urban EV Concept will eventually pave the way for the launch of a new Honda electric car, which is slated for production in 2019.

At a global level, Honda plans on having electrified technology powering at least two thirds of its cars by 2030. Though these plans aren’t as drastic as those put forth by Volvo, but they too, spell the end of the automaker’s dependence on fossil fuel powered cars in the not so distant future.

Besides its automotive sector, the newly launched HondaJet light aircraft set a new Miami-Panama speed record that was recognized by the National Aeronautical Association. It also celebrated global deliveries that surpassed that of other jets in its class.

Honda’s expertise in robotics that include its spectacular creation, Asimo, the automaker has come up with an ingenious Miimo lawnmower. It is capable of recharging itself at an electric docking station when its running low on power and can intelligently follow the layout of any garden, quietly while cutting the grass.

All this combined, is the reason why Honda has been ranked this high on the list and should it may be able to move even closer to the top once it realizes the true potential of EV power.


New Toyota Aygo X aims to win more new customers in European A-segment

Japanese carmakers built their reputation on reliable, economical and affordable small cars and for most of the world (with the exception of America), they captured big market shares. However, in Europe, while their small cars were successful and popular, they faced a big challenge in the supermini A-segment. This was where European carmakers had popular products and were pretty well entrenched.

Prior to the 1990s, some European countries like France, Spain, Portugal and Italy had formal and informal quotas on imports of Japanese cars to limit their threat. As in America, the Japanese carmakers began to build factories in Europe as a way to get behind the barriers. Eventually, as the World Trade Organisation forced upon countries the requirement to drop barriers, the issue of quotas became less pursued.

First generation of the Aygo

But the market had also changed by the beginning of the 21
st
 century and collaboration was necessary as it was very costly to develop a model and then to have sufficient volumes to justify the investments. Even Toyota, which had often chosen to control its destiny alone, found it pragmatic to cooperate with other carmakers.

One of these joint ventures was with Groupe PSA, the parent company of Peugeot and Citroen, which saw the opening of a factory in the Czech Republic. Established in 2002, the factory, owned 50:50, was known as Toyota Peugeot Citroen Automobile Czech (TPCA) and was used to produce a supermini that would be marketed by Peugeot, Toyota and also Citroen. The model, jointly developed, was known as the Aygo and Peugeot called theirs the 107 while Citroen’s was badged as the C1.

The factory in the Czech Republic, which started as Toyota Peugeot Citroen Automobile Czech but is now Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic after the Japanese carmaker took over Groupe PSA’s 50% share in January this year.

The combined sales volume of the three models reached a peak of almost 340,000 units in 2009 and it sold well enough that a second generation was introduced in 2014. However, this will be the last generation of the common model as Groupe PSA (which is now in the Stellantis Group) has decided to cease the collaboration. At the same time, TPCA was also taken over entirely by Toyota in January this year.

Having been in the market for 7 years now, the Aygo might seem like it’s reaching the end of its generation cycle but that has not stopped Toyota from coming out with a brand new variant. This is the Aygo X launched this week and it is a response to the continuing demand for crossovers.

Designed mainly in Europe, it’s still a city car but has additional versatility. As with many of the latest Toyota models, it also uses TNGA – Toyota Global New Architecture – and specifically the GA-B platform first introduced with the latest European Yaris and more recently, the Yaris Cross.

“Since the Aygo first arrived in the market in 2005, not only has it been Toyota’s most accessible car in Europe, it also delighted customers with its youthful and fun character. Not only has it brought many new customers to Toyota. It also fulfils our mission to provide everyone with the right mobility solution,” said Andrea Carlucci, Vice-President, Product & Marketing, Toyota Motor Europe, adding that the A-segment is very important to the company.

The Aygo X is the production version of the Aygo X prologue shown in March this year. The concept car was developed at Toyota’s European Design and Development (ED2) in France. Feedback on the concept car helped the designers at Toyota Motor Europe’s styling division in Belgium to fine-tune the product and take it from concept to reality.

The Aygo X uses the dramatic spice colour concept of the prototype with a bi-tone black roof to create a unique graphic profile. A wedged roofline also increases the dynamic feeling for a sportier image. In the front, high-tech lamps hug the upper bonnet to form a wing-like shape, while lower to the ground, the large grille, foglamps and skidplate all build on the double trapezoid theme that is part of Aygo’s identity.

“The bi-tone of the Aygo X immediately grabs people’s attention. It’s clearly not just a detail. It’s an integral part of the design,” explained Anastasiia Stoliarova, Aygo X Product Planner.

The spice theme is not just on the exterior as interior highlights match the bodywork’s spice colours to give a distinctive design to the cockpit, including the dashboard and centre consoles. On the seats can be seen an ‘X’ symbol discreetly stitched right into the fabric. The Aygo X model name is also subtly echoed in the keen look headlamps to provide a strong and coherent identity.

Toyota isn’t offering an ‘Edition 1’ (as some carmakers do) but, for the first 6 months after going on sale in 2022, there will be a ‘spicier’ limited edition Aygo X in Cardamom. This features additional matte Mandarina accents in orange throughout the car with accent stripes on the exterior and on the bespoke 18-inch matte black alloy wheels. The Mandarina theme is also carried through the interior panels and seat fabric design.

As with other Aygo models, the Aygo X is powered by a 1-litre, 3-cylinder engine. Coupled to a new S-CVT transmission, it is claimed to be able to do 21.3 kms/litre.

In adapting the GA-B platform for the Aygo X, the A-segment contender has evolved into a credible  crossover product. It has a modified and downsized rear chassis section with reduced front and rear overhangs. The 3700 mm long Aygo X has less front overhang than the Yaris, and has an exceptionally small turning circle of 4.7 metres.

The total body width is 125 mm more than an Aygo, which has allowed the front seats to be moved 20 mm further apart and increasing shoulder space. Luggage space is claimed to be segment-leading with 125 mm more floor length and a smart space design behind the rear seats. Up to 231 litres of cargo volume is available.

The ‘Pagoda’ roof design maintains compact overall dimensions, while providing comfortable, spacious cabin for driver and passengers. And the sky’s the limit, so to speak, with the optional retractable canvas top, a first for an A-segment crossover. The canvas top, of high quality materials,  offers improved water and dust protection and has a wind deflector structure.


How iRacing developed the BMW M4 GT4 for sim racing

After about half a year of intensive development work, the BMW M4 GT4 is set to make its virtual debut on the sim racing platform iRacing next month. To make sure that the BMW M customer racing car is as realistic as possible, iRacing developers are working as intensively with the BMW Motorsport engineers as if they were working on a real racing car.

In just a few days, the M4 GT4 will be another current BMW racing car after the M8 GTE to make its sim racing debut on the iRacing platform. When the users contest their first races in June, the iRacing developers and BMW Motorsport engineers will have a phase of intensive collaboration behind them.

Important project for BMW Motorsport

“I can’t wait for it to get started,” said Kevin Bobbitt, Director of Marketing at iRacing, emphasising “The openness with which BMW Motorsport met us in this project is fantastic. The communication channels were very short, and you could tell by their involvement that this project is really important to them.”

For some time now, sim racing has been one of the pillars in the BMW Motorsport portfolio. Those responsible had identified the potential of virtual racing before it experienced a boom during the current break from real-world racing. “BMW Motorsport knows the difference between a standard racing game and a real racing simulation, and values it,” said Bobbitt. “A simulation as realistic as this also benefits the manufacturer, because many more people can test the cars and in the best-case scenario might even go on to buy one.”

As head of vehicle development, Rudolf Dittrich is also responsible for the field of sim racing at BMW Motorsport. He confirms the strong customer focus behind the M4 GT4 project. “We want to give our customer teams the opportunity to experience the BMW M4 GT4 virtually,” he said, explaining the advantages: “They can upload and use their own liveries with their own sponsors. Their drivers can also practice on their own in the current break. And potential new customers might even develop a taste for it and think about racing with a BMW M4 GT4 in real life.”

How the collaboration works

Maximum authenticity requires the virtual car to be as close as possible to its real-life counterpart which was the joint mission of BMW Motorsport and iRacing. What do you need for that? “We need three things from the car: the laser scans, the CAD data and photos as a reference,” explained Brian Simpson, Senior Art Manager at iRacing.

Explaining the data transfer process, Dittrich said: “Everything starts with the licence agreement, which is the basis for the transfer of confidential data. Then the developers receive two large data packages of several gigabytes each. Firstly, the CAD data with all the specifications of the car parts. That is exactly the same data that a supplier gets from us to produce the real component. iRacing also scanned a real car, in this case the Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT4.

“The second large data package contained all the information on driving dynamics. We use the same data set to do a lap time simulation or to operate our BMW Motorsport simulator, for example. This data includes damper curves, engine performance curves, axle kinematics, weight distribution, aerodynamic values: any figures that we had calculated for the car we passed on to iRacing,” he said, concluding that ‘iRacing now know as much about the car as our customer teams do’.

Real vehicle driving dynamics

“The more real vehicle data we receive, the closer we get to the real driving dynamics. In the case of our BMW M4 GT4, the initial feedback from people who have driven the real car is very positive,” said Steve Reiss, Senior Vehicle Dynamics Engineer at iRacing.

It goes without saying that the driving dynamic plays the crucial role in user satisfaction, but even the most minute of details are important for realism. “First, our designers parse the data provided and use it to make the basic car. Once we’ve got that, it’s time for the details such as spinning wheels, displays and much more,” explained Simpson. “

“In that respect BMW Motorsport is incredible. They even sent us information on in which situations which lights on the steering wheel come on, and what information is displayed when, which buttons the driver presses when, and what happens when they do. I really enjoy working on those displays right down to the last detail,” he added.

Ready to race

At the end of a continuous development period of about 6 months, BMW Motorsport inspect the virtual car which is also no different from reality. “The idea is to inspect the virtual car in exactly the same way as a real car,” said Dittrich. “This ranges from the external appearance, through handling, to details such as cable routing in the interior, light or texture of the dashboard. After all, we are ultimately responsible for the virtual BMW M4 GT4 meeting all the requirements that we and our customers have for a real racing car.”

BMW Drivers Will Be Racing At Super Sim Saturday With Races All Around The Virtual Globe


You should buy the 2019 Hyundai Elantra just for its new looks!

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially launched the 2019 Hyundai Elantra facelifted with a more modern yet aggressive design and other enhancements in and out. Just by the looks alone, we feel that this new Elantra should be cool-looking enough to capture the hearts of the younger generation with ease.

First and foremost, there’s only one variant available which is the 2.0L Executive and it comes in at a cool RM109,888 (on-the-road price without insurance). This is certainly a favourable price tag in the current premium C-segment sedan range and with its newly-designed façade, it will come as no surprise if it becomes the brand’s best-selling model for this year.

According to Mr Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM, The Elantra has always been a strong contender in the C-segment due to its competitive advantage i.e. stylish design, engine performance, and advanced convenient features. We believe this revolutionary new design that is modern, sporty and elegant will also appeal to a broader market of various age groups.”

The new 2019 Hyundai Elantra is now 70mm longer than the previous model, but it still maintains the same wheelbase. This was done to create a much sleeker and sportier appeal with the addition of new sharp front headlights which fits superbly well with its new sporty radiator grille.

A new two-tone bumper comes with redesigned rear tail lights and fog lamps to complete the overall new look from front to rear. New 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels bring the whole image together in one hell of a stylish package.

These changes don’t stop at just the exterior, folks. The interior has also gone through an upgrade which includes a new sporty chequered cluster meter design, multifunctional steering wheel, all-black plush leather seats, and a soft touch material dashboard.

The new Elantra also comes with the Smart Drive Mode intelligent drive system which helps you to determine the best driving mode according to your style. This goes hand-in-hand with the car’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces a cool 150hp at 6,200rpm and 192Nm of maximum torque at 4,000rpm.

Other specs include:

Multimedia system with Android Auto and Appple Car Play

Hands-free Smart Trunk

Six airbags

Electronic Stability Control

Vehicle Stability Management

Traction Control

Parking Guidance System

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Hill-start Assist Control

HSDM will be offering the new Elantra with 5 different colour options; Phantom Black, Fiery Red, Teal Blue, Fluid Metal, and Polar White. For a limited time, you can also get it in Stargazing Blue and Sparkling Metal.

All new 2019 Hyundai Elantra models come with a five-year warranty or 300,000km plus 24-hou road assist service. To know more, head over to
www.hyundai.com.my
.


Global debut of all-new Kia Sorento next month with first hybrid in the model range

After cumulative sales of more than 3 million units since 2002, Kia’s Sorento SUV will enter its fourth generation this year with the world premiere of the model at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show early next month.

The Korean carmaker’s flagship global SUV will be the latest addition to the brand’s reinvigorated SUV line-up. The new model also marks the first-time adoption of hybrid power in the Sorento range.

The first vehicle based on Kia’s new-generation midsize SUV platform, the Sorento is said to raise standards in its segment for practicality, offering space on a par with larger vehicles.

Kia aims to outdo competitors in the global SUV market by applying a range of innovations to the new Sorento. These include advanced driver assistance systems and progressive connectivity and infotainment features.

Three generations of the Sorento have been produced since 2002.

Quicker shift times in future Kia/Hyundai hybrids with Active Shift Control


10 car clubs give stamp of approval for Shell FuelSave 95

Those who own and drive cars would be the best people to assess fuels, and the members of 10 car clubs in Malaysia have officially given their approval on the robust capabilities of Shell FuelSave 95. The clubs are Proton Ambassadors of Malaysia, Myvi Gen.3 Club, HR-V Club Malaysia, Civic FC Club Malaysia, Geng Alza Biru Malaysia, Vios Yaris Owners Club, Mazda 3 Owner Club Malaysia, Kelab AruzR Malaysia, Nissan X-Trail Club Malaysia and Volkswagen Club Malaysia.

The recommendation comes after numerous engagements the petroleum company has had with several car clubs since 2019 to test the difference of extra kilometres with Shell FuelSave 95. From the positive experiences, the car clubs jointly formalised their approval via an official recommendation.

“We are very particular about fuel quality because we understand how important it is to maintain engine cleanliness and optimise vehicle performance. Shell FuelSave 95 has always been our fuel of choice – we recommend it to peers, friends, and family because we have complete faith in its capabilities. We are thrilled to join hands with Shell Malaysia and look forward to collaborating with them,” said Mohd Affan Bin Mohd Aris, a representative from Myvi Gen.3 Club.

Major events planned

The unleaded RON95 Euro4M petrol will power over 50,000 car club members with an estimated drive of 75,000 kms  accumulatively to showcase its ‘extra kilometres’ capabilities through specially curated drive events. These events will commence when the government’s COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Additionally, these events will allow members to provide immediate feedback on how the Shell fuel enhances their drive. The car clubs will also receive early access and first-hand trials to other new Shell products and services.

“Shell fuels are developed through decades of technological expertise, rigorous research and most importantly, our customers’ needs in mind. Not all fuels are created equal; this is why we are honoured to have so many passionate car experts choosing Shell FuelSave 95 for their cars as it reflects the confidence our customers have in our ability to continue delivering high quality fuels and extra kilometres,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd Managing Director, during a virtual ceremony online this evening.

Special offer

To celebrate the official recommendation from the car clubs, Shell Malaysia is offering customers a  5% discount for RM30 and RM50 Shell vouchers exclusively on Shopee for 10 days (from August  13 – 22, 2021). This offer is limited to 2,000 codes per day.


10 things about AMG you may not have known

53 years ago, three letters came together to become synonymous with the ultimate in Driving Performance: AMG. The company began as an independent tuner which improved the performance of Mercedes-Benz cars. Its successful business attracted the attention of DaimlerChrysler AG, which took a controlling interest in 1998. The association proved to be very useful for Mercedes-Benz and by 2005, it became the owner of AMG, establishing Mercedes-AMG GmbH as a high-performance subsidiary.

The history of AMG has many interesting stories, some lesS well-known innovations and superlative, exclusive sportscars. Here are 10 things about the company which you may not have known:

‘AMG’ stands for Aufrecht, Melcher, Grossaspach, the last names of its founders Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, along with Aufrecht’s birthplace of Grosspach. The AMG story started in the 1960s when the two engineers were working on the 300 SE 4-door sedan’s racing engine in the Development Department at Daimler- Benz. When the company discontinued all motorsports activities, Aufecht and Melcher continued to work on it. In 1965, the engine won 10 races in the German Touring Car Championship and with further successes came the eventual formal partnership with Mercedes- Benz.

The first model associated with AMG and perhaps its most noteworthy, started its life as a subdued 4-door sedan – the 300 SEL 6.3. Extensively modified, the engine displacement was increased to 6.8 litres and it produced 428 ps/607 Nm. The car was extensively lightened but was still likely the heaviest car on the starting grid at its racing debut in the 1971 24 hours of Spa. It secured a class win and second place overall result, immediately connecting the letters AMG with motorsports success.

The first jointly developed high-performance car from AMG and Mercedes-Benz was the C 36 AMG. By 1998, the partnership between AMG and Mercedes-Benz solidified further when Daimler acquired a majority stake of AMG, setting the stage for a variety of high-performance Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles.

Since 2007, Mercedes-AMG has shared its passion for performance with the Cigarette Racing Team, resulting in a unique partnership that has produced 12 special edition, high-performance, ultra-exclusive boats. The striking design of the Tirranna AMG Edition as well as the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Cigarette Edition is the result of close collaboration between the team, the Mercedes-AMG design team and Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG.

Few models can match the exclusivity and track-optimized performance of the rare AMG Black Series models. One can think of the Black Series as AMG’s most extroverted, most track-focused and most exclusive, limited production models. Thus far, only 5 special models have carried the distinctive AMG Black Series badge. The exclusive series will grow soon with the addition of the forthcoming GT Black Series, set to make its debut later this year.

The striking SLS AMG was the first-ever car designed and developed from the ground up fully by Mercedes-AMG, followed by the AMG GT 2-door sports car in 2015, and most recently the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe in 2019. The iconic SLS AMG featured vertically opening ‘gullwing’ doors, inspired by the iconic original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘gullwing’ (produced from 1954 – 1957). The doors had an unusual safety feature – two explosive capsules, capable of blowing the doors off for quick exit, in the unlikely event that the vehicle flips on its roof.

All AMG models are built according to the ‘One man, one engine’ philosophy, in which one master craftsman assembles each AMG engine from start to finish. Each engine has a special plaque with the signature and name of the individual who assembled it.

Mercedes-AMG has a history of technology and performance related innovations, many of which are evident in the latest models. For example, the AMG Dynamic Select toggle as well as the AMG Drive Unit steering wheel controls extend the performance potential and individualization possibilities. Functions such as the level of traction control as well as the AMG Performance Exhaust setting are also easily accessible via these advanced steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar is set to become the most powerful AMG model ever produced. It is capable of producing more than 1,000 ps and reach top speeds beyond 325 km/h. For the first time, this 2-seater hypercar will bring fully-fledged Formula 1 hybrid technology directly from the racetrack to the road.

Mercedes-AMG continues to be headquartered in Affalterbach, Germany, a small town northeast of Stuttgart. It is where AMG handcrafted engines are assembled by craftsmen who are part of the company’s approximately 1,800-strong workforce.

New Mercedes-AMG GT R & GT C – From RM1,558,888


Infiniti Malaysia Announces 0% GST Prices

INFINITI Malaysia
 has announced the new prices for INFINITI models, which will take effect from
1 June 2018
 with the implementation of the zero-rated GST. The zero-rated GST prices will remain in effect until the implementation of the sales and services tax (SST) in-line with government’s official announcement.

The table below lists on-the-road (OTR) prices of INFINITI models, with and without GST and its savings respectively

Model

Variant

Peninsular Malaysia

(Private Individual Registration)

Current OTR Price without Insurance       (GST 6%)

New
OTR

Price without Insurance                      (GST 0%)

Savings

(GST Amount)

(RM)

(RM)

(RM)

Q50

GT

   239,800.00

   226,267.48

      (13,532.52)

GTT

   275,800.00

   260,229.74

      (15,570.26)

Q60

   308,800.00

   291,361.82

      (17,438.18)

QX70

GT

   390,000.00

   368,100.20

      (21,899.80)

More information about INFINITI and its industry leading technologies can be found at
www.infiniti.com.my
.

You can also follow INFINITI on
Facebook
,

and see all our latest videos on
YouTube

or visit
INFINITI Center Kuala Lumpur located at The ICON, Jalan Tun Razak, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
 for test drives which are open daily from 10.00am to 7.00pm, tel. no.
603-2162 3223.


“PUSPAKOM Ready to Help!” campaign to give public better understanding of services

“Avoid using middlemen, deal only with PUSPAKOM officials!”

That’s the message which the vehicle inspection company wants to get across to the public during its campaign entitled “
PUSPAKOM Ready to Help!
“. The program will be on at selected PUSPAKOM branches throughout the country from
August 19 until October 2, 2019
, 9 am to 4 pm.

Information direct from PUSPAKOM officers

The public can obtain information on all vehicle inspection matters from authorised and authoritative sources as PUSPAKOM officers will be on hand to answer the questions. The aim of the campaign is to prevent incidents of vehicle owners being misled by unscrupulous middlemen (not authorised by PUSPAKOM) who have been known to give incorrect information about the vehicle inspections.

“The campaign is intended to provide customers with understanding and knowledge on vehicle inspection services offered by PUSPAKOM so that they can deal directly with PUSPAKOM and not through middlemen. Often, PUSPAKOM receives feedback where customers prefer to use a middleman because they do not understand the vehicle inspection process. This is an important campaign for PUSPAKOM to provide correct and factual information,” said PUSPAKOM’s CEO, Shukor Ismail.

PUSPAKOM also has its own specially-designed vehicles that can conduct vehicle inspection services in public areas.

Middlemen may cheat on promise of ‘sure pass’

He added: “We hope customers understand the process and information of what goes on during an inspection at PUSPAKOM before they choose to use a middleman service. This is because some customers who use the middleman service have been paid a high service charge and even been cheated on the promise of a ‘sure pass’,” Encik Shukor revealed, adding that PUSPAKOM charges only between RM20 to RM90, depending on the type of inspection and vehicle.

Naturally, PUSPAKOM carries out its inspections professionally and with full integrity so there would be no such thing as ‘sure pass’ if the vehicle fails to meet any test standards. This is especially crucial when it comes to tests on safety systems and no compromises are permitted.

In addition to the advisory services provided, PUSPAKOM officers can also assist clients in managing the MyPUSPAKOM online registration and how to use it. There is also the recently introduced e-wallet service available for those who wish to use it.

During the program, there will also be other activities and customers will receive a free exam handbook. There will also be a ‘
Wheel of Fortune
’ and ‘
Mix & Match
’ games with exciting prizes to be won.

For more information, call PUSPAKOM’s toll-free number
1-800-88-6927
 or use the private message channels on the company’s official
Facebook page
. There is also a Live Chat service at
www.puspakom.com.my
.


Pre-launch bookings for all-new Lexus ES accepted, priced from RM299,888

In the 30 years since the Lexus ES was launched as one of the first two models of Toyota new premium brand, over 2.3 million units have been sold worldwide. That makes it the brand’s bestselling model and its success has largely been attributed to being a standard-setter in luxury motoring with every higher levels of sophistication as each new generation was introduced.

The seventh generation continues as a benchmark in the executive sedan category, and is said to offer a new level of unparalleled refinement, performance and safety to the executive on the go.

Two variants – from RM299,888

Now available for pre-launch booking in Malaysia, the all-new ES250 will be offered in Luxury and Premium variants, priced from
RM299,888
 (without insurance). The former, being top of the line, has superior levels of trim and equipment such as a 10-way powered front seat, powered reclining rear seats, 3-zone climate control, heads-up display, a 12.3-inch Electro Multi-vision Display in the centre console and a panoramic view monitor.

Instantly recognisable as a Lexus by the signature spindle grille, the ES250 has a dynamic exterior design that flows distinctively from its chiselled front end to the sleek coupe-like rear. Thanks to its wider and longer chassis, there’s a more spacious cabin with class-leading rear legroom.

2.5 litres with 8-speed transmission

The powertrain consists of a new advanced 2.5-litre engine with an output of 204 ps/247 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels through a Direct-Shift 8-speed automatic transmission with Artificial Intelligence for smoother and more efficient operation.

Safety is heightened with this new generation with the introduction of the Lexus Safety System + (LSS+). This sophisticated electronic driver assistance system incorporates the latest Lexus safety technology aimed at reducing the occurrence and effects of traffic accidents.

Active Safety systems such as Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go Function are standard in both variants. With its 3 Bi-Beam LED headlights, the Luxury version has the added feature of Adaptive High Beam System that channels the appropriate amount of light to darker areas of the road without blinding drivers in oncoming vehicles.

Visit
www.lexus.com.my

for more information or to locate a Lexus Centre in Malaysia.


Bloodhound LSR being prepared for 800 km/h test run in South Africa

To be the most powerful straight-line car on the planet, the Bloodhound LSR is fitted with a Rolls-Royce engine but it’s not an engine you get in the Rolls-Royce Phantom. It’s the EJ200 jet engine made by the other Rolls‑Royce company and which is normally found on the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.

The output for this jet engine is a monstrous 9 tonnes of thrust (90 kN), equivalent to approximately 54,000 thrust horsepower – about the same as the combined output of 360 medium-sized cars. That will rocket the Bloodhound to a mind-blowing speed of 800+ km/h which is as fast as a commercial airliner’s cruising speed. On solid ground, that would definitely place it amongst the 10 fastest cars of all time.

At full design speed, the Bloodhound LSR could cover 1.6 kms in 3.6 seconds – or 150 metres in the blink of an eye. The World Land Speed Record of 1,227.9 km/h is held by the Thrust SSC which was set in 1997 by a UK team led by Richard Noble and driven by Andy Green.

The project is now split into two phases. Phase one’s target is to break the existing World Land Speed Record. This is necessary to understand how the car behaves as it enters the transonic stage initially and then supersonic speed levels. Upon the successful completion of the first phase, the team will review the data and technical challenges before embarking on phase two, and the challenge of safely reaching 1,600 km/h.

A 9,000-km journey to set a new record

The project has reached the final phase of its build programme as it prepares to head to South Africa and be put through its paces in a series of high-speed shakedowns on the vast Hakskeenpan desert in the Northern Cape.

Moving the 6.4 tonne Bloodhound LSR 9,000 kms from the UK to South Africa throws up major logistical challenges in itself. Much of the heavy support equipment, including the car’s trailer, has already set off to make the long journey by sea but the car itself will travel via air freight to ensure it isn’t subjected to any uncontrolled shock loads that could damage it in transit.

The EJ200 jet engine will travel mounted inside the upper chassis, which is where you would find it in its natural home inside the Eurofighter Typhoon. The 2-metre-high tail fin, which is the same size as that found on a Red Arrows display jet, has been removed and will travel upright in a wooden crate, along with some sections of the composite bodywork.

The car will be fitted with the wheels shod with pneumatic tyres that were used for UK runway testing at Cornwall Airport in October 2017, where they carried the car at speeds of up to 320 km/h. For testing in South Africa, the wheels will be changed from pneumatic to solid aluminium discs to cope with the high speeds and desert environment.

The 90-kg desert wheels are produced by a consortium of partners including Castle Precision Engineering, who recently balanced the wheels to ensure they conform to Class G2.5, the same as aircraft turbine blades. This involves an exacting process of shaving microns of aluminium from the spinning discs to ensure they’re perfectly balanced and ready for the desert.

Crucial testing stage

This stage of the testing process is crucial, as the 480 – 900 km/h window is one of the most vulnerable stages for the car. It’s at this point that the stability of the car transitions from being governed by the interaction of the wheels with the desert surface to being controlled by the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The grip from the wheels will fade faster than the aerodynamic forces build up, so this is likely to be the point where the car is at its least stable.

Data on the interaction between the solid aluminium wheels, which are being used for the first time, coupled with ‘base drag’ measurements, will provide real world insight into the power required to set records. Base drag relates to the aerodynamic force produced by low pressure at the rear of the car, sucking it back. As the car approaches transonic speeds, this force far exceeds the friction of the air passing over Bloodhound’s bodywork.

“Transforming Bloodhound from a runway spec car to one capable of reaching speeds in the transonic range on the desert racetrack has been no small task,” said Bloodhound LSR Engineering Director Mark Chapman. “After many years in preparation, we can’t wait to get out to the Hakskeenpan and let Bloodhound off the leash to see just how it performs.”


Genesis to show concept models developed with PlayStation Gran Turismo team

Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, is aiming to develop a performance side to its image, just like the three Japanese luxury brands (Lexus, Infiniti and Acura). It is already finalizing a range of GT models that will appear in showrooms in the next couple of years.

This weekend, during the Monterey Car Week in California, Genesis is showing its design process at an ultramodern experiential installation called ‘
The Performance of Design
‘. At this event, the brand will unveil 3 concept models developed in collaboration with the creators of the PlayStation Gran Turismo videogame series.

G7o for competition

One of the models that will convey its motorsport intent are the G70 GR4 Gran Turismo, a California-built racing car, during an exclusive event. This is derived from the G70 sedan but completely reimagined for competition with an all-new GT-inspired racing package.

“The G70 GR4 GT builds on the existing G70 model to create a bold, yet elegant, high-performance racing vehicle,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Genesis Design. “We are pleased to be presenting this vehicle and others as we explore the brand’s entry into motorsport.”

4 other concepts

Besides the G70 GR4 GT, there will be the GR3 and 3 potential designs for a future Vision Gran Turismo Concept, an elite racing vehicle. The three design studies are:

GR1 Alpha_DB
 – an experimental concept that embraces ‘Athletic Elegance’, separating the brand’s iconic two lines to form one seamless design and testing the limits of aerodynamics and speed.

GR1 Bravo_GB
 – a sophisticated mobile sculpture, proving that function and beauty can work as one.

GR1 Charlie_ET
:  a design embracing the technical precision of ‘Athletic Elegance’, capturing the tension, athleticism and performance of Genesis products.

Immersive experience with AR and VR

Visitors to the facility will be able to ‘experience’ these new designs with the use of augmented and virtual reality technologies that will create an immersive environment.

s


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces Locally Assembled  A35 AMG and GLA35 AMG – Priced from RM325,000

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia reached another milestone with the introduction of the locally assembled A 35 AMG and the GLA 35 AMG.

Previously, only the A 35 AMG was available in Malaysia in CBU form. The GLA 35 AMG expands the model line up and both cars are now assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Pekan, Pahang.

Visually the new A 35 AMG is nearly identical to the CBU model it replaces. It now runs on 19-inch AMG wheels which are nestled in wider wheel arches to accommodate the AMG wheels.

Inside, the new A 35 AMG offers an enhanced equipment range that includes a 360-degree camera, heads-up display and AMG steering buttons. There’s also a Keyless-Go comfort package, wireless charging and the MBUX interior assistant.

Other than that, the interior also comes with sports seats with electronic adjustment up front. The interior is available in optional ARTICO man-made leather or suede like DINAMICA microfibre black with AMG aluminium trimming in either black or silver.

The interior of the GLA 35 AMG (shown below) is nearly identical. It features the same overall layout with the same MBUX system and offers the same leather options as the A 35 AMG but comes with carbon-fibre like trimming instead. Just like its sedan sibling, the GLA 35 AMG too offers the AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in nappa leather.

The GLA also comes with a 360-degree camera, active park assist, blind spot assist, active lane keep assist, active brake assist and Keyless Go, among others.

But the similarities end there. The GLA 35 AMG distinguishes itself by offering the light and sight package as standard that comes with 64 ambient lighting option, an auto-dimming interior mirror and driver’s exterior mirror function.

The GLA also offers the easy-pack powered tailgate and the Urban Guard vehicle protection with anti-theft alarm and interior monitoring system.

Both the A 35 and GLA 35 AMG come with the Burmester surround sound system.

The interiors of both cars may be slightly different, but both cars are powered by the same M260 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that puts out 306hp and 400Nm of torque.

Both cars may share the same engine, but not the same gearbox. The A 35 AMG gets an AMG SpeedShift DCT 7G box while the GLA gets the AMG SpeedShift DCT 8G box.

This engine though is not new either and is carried over from the previous model and is a highly tuned version of the engine found in the A250.

Unlike the engines found in AMG models like the A 45S and above, the engine in the A 35 and GLA 35 is not put together by a single person, which is an integral part of the AMG ‘one man, one engine’ ethos.

But that is not to say that the cars are not proper AMGs.

As part of the launch, we were given three laps of the north track of the Sepang Circuit in both cars.

Both cars felt eager and responded to the tiniest of throttle input, which gave it a very edgy character.

We started and ended the drive in the Sport Plus driving mode. There are four driving modes on offer with Sport Plus being the most extreme with all systems on full alert.

Despite both cars coming with AMG Ride Control suspension, the GLA had noticeable body roll around the tighter corners of Sepang.

This is quite understandable because the GLA has a taller ride height and as such will tend to roll around a lot more than the A-Class.

The A 35 AMG thought felt like the wilder sibling. The one that did not get the full parental supervision and as such grew up to be the brawler.

The A 35 feels like it truly benefited from the AMG Suspension. It felt more planted in fast corners, and body roll was non-existent in tighter ones.

It did feel like it had more understeer than the GLA, but at no point did it feel unmanaged. After all, both cars comes with the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system that sends power to the axle that needs it the most.

In terms of outright performance, the A 35 accelerates harder than the GLA, it does the century sprint in just 4.8 seconds while the latter does it in 5.2.

After the drive, it was clear that the GLA 35 AMG is more suited to comfort and convenience. It is a car for the family man who wants a dash of sports.

The A 35 AMG though is for the wilder ones. If you appreciate a car that rewards hard driving and corner carving, the A 35 AMG is the car for you.

Both offer well built cabins with impressive features, and there’s no louder testament that you have made it in life than a AMG badge.

The GLA 35 AMG is now available at RM345,048.74 with SST exemption while the A 35 AMG retails at RM325,090.23 before SST.


Volvo XC60 gets ‘smarter’ with integrated Google apps and services

Volvo Car Malaysia has updated its XC60 and apart from cosmetic changes and added safety features, the significant new feature is integration with Google Services. This is the outcome of the partnership between the Swedish carmaker and Google which sees a first-of-its-kind built-in infotainment system complete with a host of Google Services.

Volvo Cars is the first company to team up with Google to integrate an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services such as Google Assistant built in. This means that Volvo drivers can get the same sort of apps that they have on an Android smartphone integrated with their infotainment system and use voice commands to manage and operate them.

Of course, there is now also Android Auto which can mirror apps from a compatible smartphone onto infotainment systems but having the apps and services as part of the system is even better.

Additionally, with the Volvo Car App and Connected Services, the driver can be easily connected to the XC60 using a mobile device. This enables convenient remote control of several functions, eg cooling down the cabin by starting the air-conditioner, checking vehicle status, locking/unlocking the doors, etc.

Referring to the latest model as ‘The Smarter XC60’, Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, said that with Google Services, customers can get the most intuitive infotainment experience in the automotive industry. “It fully delivers on our brand promise to provide the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way,” he said.

The latest XC60, priced from
RM325,449
 (without insurance and sales tax), has a new grille, new front bumpers and a new exterior colour. For the Recharge T8 version, there are also new 19-inch 6-multispoke black diamond-cut alloy wheel design and a Bowers and Wilkins sound system as standard.

As an electrified model, the XC60 uses hybrid technology with its 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that has a supercharger as well as a turbocharger. The combustion engine output is 407 bhp/640 Nm with the electric motor contributing 87 bhp/240 Nm. All that power goes through an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.3 seconds.

In the past, that sort of performance would mean high consumption but the XC60 is said to be able to do up to 45 kms/litre. This is because the powertrain does not run on the petrol engine all the time and depending on conditions, it use the electric motor which means no fuel is consumed. There is even a mode that can ‘lock’ the powertrain in pure electric mode but only for a limited distance as it will be constantly drawing on power from the lithium-ion battery pack.

Volvo built much of its reputation on safety and the XC60 ensures that is maintained. While the early Volvos had impressive passive safety (which protects occupants when an accident occurs), today’s models have more advanced Active Safety systems. These Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can help to avoid collisions, keep the car in its lane and even stop the car at a junction if another vehicle is approaching from either side (but the driver is unaware). Small cameras provide a simulated image of the area around the vehicle so the driver can spot hazards and also park more precisely.

Volvo Car Malaysia offers lifetime warranty for genuine parts


Fuel Price Updates For July 29 – August 4, 2021


Toyota GR Velocity Esports rocked Kuala Lumpur

The grand finals of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Velocity Esports Championship concluded its epic weekend here in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Regarded as Malaysia’s biggest national Esports racing event, spectators at Pavilion KL witnessed champions being crowned in this new era of motorsports.

The folks from UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) made the right move by being the first Malaysian car company to associated themselves with Esports racing activities since last year. For 2019, the winners shared one heck of a prize pool of RM70,000 plus thousands of Ringgit worth of gaming products.

According to Mr. Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, “In this digital age, it’s not surprising that Esports has become a fast-growing industry, not only in Malaysia but also globally. It offers the thrills and excitement familiar to the generation that has grown up in the digital age of videogames and racing simulators.”

“As such, Toyota’s association and involvement in Esports through the Toyota GAZOO RACING banner is an ideal way for the brand to show off its dynamic and sporty side. Last year, we were delighted with the overwhelming response from the public towards our very first Toyota GAZOO RACING (GR) Velocity Esports Championship and this year, it is even stronger,” added Mr Ravindran.

For the final round, all participants competed in the latest
Toyota GR Supra
, Toyota’s flagship sportscar that was developed for both the real motorsports and Grand Turismo Esports. Attendees at the final round were also able to witness the actual A90 Supra being showcased at the event’s ground.

Judging by the turnout and overall support plus ever-growing fanbase, we’re confident that UMW Toyota will bring even more action and excitement in their next year’s Toyota Gazoo Racing Velocity Esports. If you’ve missed today’s happening, head over to
https://toyotavelocity.com/
 for more information.

2020 Toyota GR Supra has landed in Malaysia! From RM568,000


TGR Festival season 3 ready to rock Malaysia this September

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (Toyota Malaysia) has announce that their very successful TGR Festival will be entering its third season this year and fireworks will go up this coming September. Four rounds consisting of eight Toyota Vios Challenge One-Make races are in schedule as the highlight of the festival.

These races will be conducted in specially constructed street circuits across the country (Penang, Terengganu and Johor) and like last year, one round will be held at the Sepang International Circuit. Three classes will run throughout the season which consists of the usual Promotional Class, Sporting and Super Sporting dedicated for professional and amateur drivers alike.

Off-track, the TGR Festival will also consists the popular Gazoo Racing Velocity E-Sports series where more than 400 participants took parts in virtual wheel-to-wheel racing when it was firstly introduced last season. Other highlights of the TGR Festival includes the Gazoo Racing Outlet which will showcase some very special models including the Gazoo Racing Supra.

According to Mr Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, “Toyota has accomplished so much in motor-racing and we want to bring enthusiasts and customers closer to the Toyota brand and products by leveraging on Toyota’s rich motorsports heritage. The TGR Festival was never about just selling more cars but celebrating the success of Toyota and Gazoo Racing in global motorsports, from the Dakar Rally and World Rally Championship to the most recent victory in 24 Hours of Le Mans and translating these achievements to benefit the masses domestically.”

“With Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s global direction in pushing the limits via its involvement in motorsports, and this is translated into building better products and shaping the strength capability and creativity of its workforce. We embrace this philosophy in our business domestically, and now with models like the Vios, Yaris, and soon to be available Supra, we believe UMW Toyota Motor has the right product mix locally to establish an even bigger footprint in Malaysian motorsports.”

For this year’s Promotional Class, celebrities like Shukri Yahaya, Shawn Lee, Nabil Ahmad, Khai Bahr, Nabila Razali, Wany Hasrita, Janna Nick and last year’s champion, Diana Danielle. Newcomers to the battle this season are Ain Edruce and Syafiq Kyle. Mr Takeyama will also be joining the racing action again this season, and he’s now a ‘veteran’ as he took part in the first two seasons.

Fans get to meet their favourite celebrities, one of the many activities at each round.

TGR Festival Season 3 hopes to attract more than 80,000 race fans and over a million online viewers through the races and other core sponsors like Toyo Tyres, Denso, TRD Asia, Moty’s, Enkei, M7 Energy Drink, and Toyota Capital Malaysia. To know more, head over to
toyota.com.my/tgrmalaysia/tgr-racing-festival
 .


Get Ready to be Excited by the New Honda City RS e:HEV

The Malaysian market is greatly appreciated by Honda Motor as this is one of the global markets where the brand enjoys a strong position. It has achieved this success for many years now because it understands that Malaysians like new and advanced technologies and features in their cars. This has led to Malaysia being the first market to launch a new product or technology outside Japan.

With the latest 5
th
 generation Honda City RS e:HEV, Honda again gives Malaysian such an honour. This is the first time in the Asia & Oceania region that Honda is introducing its e:HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with an advanced 2-motor hybrid system using an intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD).

Another first for Malaysia

This follows other firsts by Honda Malaysia over the past 8 years. It was the first company to assemble hybrid cars locally (and the third country among Honda globally after Japan and USA) and the only country outside of Japan to introduce the Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent-Dual Clutch Drive) with the Jazz Hybrid and previous City Hybrid as well as the HR-V Hybrid.

Malaysia gets the honour of being first because this is where Honda sells the most hybrid models in its Asia & Oceania region. Over the past 5 years, 40% of its hybrid models sold in the region have been in Malaysia. So, as part of its plan to increase e:TECHNOLOGY, it is introducing the new City with i-MMD.

Hybrid technology advanced

Hybrid technology uses both an internal combustion engine, with a 1.5-litre displacement in the new City, and an electric motor. An Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) seamlessly manages power flows in three modes: EV Drive which is purely electric; Hybrid Drive which combines use of both engine and motor; and Engine Drive which draws power only from the engine.

The choice of modes depends on driving conditions as well as the available energy in the lithium-ion battery pack which is also continuously recharged while driving. EV Drive is usually used when starting off and cruising steadily, while Hybrid Drive optimizes running efficiency. Engine Drive will activate at higher speeds, during which time the battery pack will also be recharged.

An electric motor can generate maximum torque the moment the car starts moving off, and this means the driver has up to 253 Nm of torque available right away. This great amount of torque – highest in its class and even more than cars with bigger engines – is generated up to 3,000 rpm so acceleration remains strong. Overtaking can be done quickly and safely and with a system power output of 108 ps, the City can reach its top speed of 173 km/h very quickly.

For added efficiency, the i-MMD uses an Electric CVT to transmit power to the front wheels. The optimum ratio is computer-selected but the driver can manage deceleration more effectively with a Deceleration Selector Pedal, reducing the need to use the brakes.

Exclusive styling for the RS

Naturally, with such advanced technology, Honda Malaysia also wants the City RS to stand out more distinctly. This is achieved by giving exclusive styling features to the variant. The grille has a high-gloss Piano Black finish with the RS badge clearly identifying the variant. The slim LED headlights have an eye-catching design and incorporate LED Day Running Lights (DRLs) that give a specific lighting signature. The headlamps can be set to come on automatically whenever lighting conditions are dim, an added convenience.

At the rear, the LED combination lamps also create a distinct lighting signature that immediately identifies this as a special City variant. The wraparound design enables illumination to be spread over a wider range for driving safety.

Emphasizing the sportiness of the City RS is a slim Piano Black spoiler on the edge of the bootlid. Apart from the looks, this helps to manage airflow as it departs from the car body, reducing turbulence that causes drag.

As to be expected, the City RS gets its own exclusive lightweight alloy rims with a multi-spoke design. 16 inches in diameter and with a dual-tone finish, they are fitted with 185/55 tyres that have been chosen by Honda engineers for this car.

Premium look and feel within

The cabin, more spacious with the increased size of the new generation, has become more refined, with increased sophistication and a premium feel on every surface. Switchgear is placed within easy reach with the aim of allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road ahead. For example, the controls for adjusting the automatic air-conditioning system are rotary knobs which are easy to operate even without looking, while the Electric Parking Brake is easily operated with just a press or pull of a finger.

The icons on the full colour 8-inch display are also large, making selection easy. The infotainment system, which includes an 8-speaker surround-sound audio system, easily connects with compatible smartphones using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This allows favourite apps to be mirrored on the screen, from which they can be managed. With Waze or Google Maps accessible from the dashboard, driving will become easier as traffic conditions are visible and warnings can be heard too.

A 7-inch TFT screen is used for the instrument panel, giving sharp and clear displays in all lighting conditions. A tripcomputer provides driving information with a real-time fuel consumption bar to help the driver achieve economical motoring. The left dial shows power generation and also the chare level of the battery pack.

The premium image is enhanced by the upholstery for the seats – Ultrasuede, a synthetic ultra-microfibre fabric with a soft, elegant texture and feel. Red stitching and sports pedals with polished metal finish add a sporty touch.

For convenience, there’s keyless entry with pushbutton starting/stopping of the engine. The driver can also start the engine from outside the car using the key fob. This allows running of the air-conditioning system so that the cabin can be cooled down before entry – certainly a welcome feature in our climate!

Honda SENSING comes to the City

It’s not just powertrain technology that is advanced in the new City RS. The new model now has Honda SENSING assistance technologies to help the driver. There are seven systems, all of which use a wide-view camera mounted at the top of the windscreen. Images captured in real-time are analysed by the on-board computer to determine hazardous situations and conditions that have a risk of an accident.

When Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is on, the car will travel at a set cruising speed, However, when another vehicle is detected ahead, the speed will be adjusted so that a safe gap is maintained. If there is no longer a vehicle ahead, the set speed will be resumed automatically.

When ACC is not used, Honda SENSING will still monitor the road ahead and if there is a risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead, the driver will be alerted. Should no action be taken (like braking or slowing down), the system will take over and activate the brakes to reduce speed and stop the car. This will help in avoiding a collision in case the driver has lost concentration, and it can also help reduce damage and repair cost as the early deceleration will reduce the impact speed.

As the car is moving, Honda SENSING monitors the lines on the road and notes the position of the car within the lane. Should the driver become drowsy and not maintain full steering control, the car may start to move out of its lane. When this happens, the system will vibrate the steering wheel to alert the driver. In some cases, the system will also gently apply corrective force to steer the car back to the centre of the lane.

There is also the possibility of the car being driven too close to the edge of the road. Honda SENSING is also programmed to detect this and besides alerting the driver, will use steering control and even the brakes to correct the car’s movement.

Auto High Beam is another system in Honda SENSING which gives the driver maximum illumination of the road ahead when possible. Whenever there is no oncoming vehicle, the headlights will switch to the brighter and longer-range high beam, automatically dipping to low beam if a vehicle is detected. This will avoid blinding and irritating the other driver, contributing to safety.

While Honda SENSING is a new feature, exclusive to the City RS, other safety systems such as Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD and Hill-Start Assist are also present. Additionally, besides dual front SRS airbags, the City RS also has side and window curtain airbags for added protection during side collisions. There is also an Auto Brake Hold feature to make driving in a traffic jam less stressful.

Honda LaneWatch

For the first time, the City gets Honda LaneWatch, an innovative camera-based system which provides the driver with a real-time view of the blind spot along the left side of the car. The advantage of this system is that the driver does not need to turn the head so much to see the traffic situation (unlike having to turn a lot to see the door mirror). The LaneWatch display automatically comes on whenever the signal indicator is activated.

While LaneWatch provides a view of the left side, a Multi Angle Rear View Camera covers the back of the car. This helps the driver position the car properly in a parking bay by showing three different views – wide, normal and high-angle. Each view can be chosen at the touch of a button, appearing clearly on the display even at night when lighting conditions are low.

With so many safety systems to help the driver, plus the G-FORCE CONTROL (G-CON) body structure, it is not surprising that the City can score maximum points from ASEAN NCAP. The G-CON structure dissipates the energy of a collision before it can reach the occupants and cause serious injuries.

Joy of Buying and Owning

Honda Malaysia often talks about giving customers the
Joy of Buying
 with its products, and complementing this would be the
Joy of Owning
. This comes in many ways that will give peace of mind to the owner. Reliability and durability are a given with any Honda, along with high quality of assembly. The warranty will be for a full 5 years as there is no limit on mileage, and a further 3 years for the hybrid battery pack.

The all-new Honda City RS e:HEV will be available in January 2021 but authorized Honda dealerships nationwide will be happy to accept a booking now. To locate a showroom nearest to you, visit
www.honda.com.my
 or by calling 1-800-88-2020.


Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Cars Is Now @ Cycle & Carriage PJ Autohaus!

Complementing the newly launched
Mercedes-Benz Certified Programme

for pre-owned cars,
Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (Cycle & Carriage)
 promises an equally exclusive and exceptional customer experience for both existing and new customers of the three-pointed star. The first certified Pre-Owned centre was HSS or
Hap Seng Star
, which we covered
here
.

“Aligned with our brand promise to deliver
Exceptional Journeys
, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre here at our landmark one-stop 3S centre in Petaling Jaya. The integration of the Mercedes-Benz Certified brand within our 3S centre transforms this Autohaus into the ultimate one-stop touchpoint. Whether our customers are seeking a brand new or a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz car, they can expect to enjoy exclusivity and exceptional end-to-end customer experience with Cycle & Carriage,”
 said
Cycle & Carriage CEO, Wilfrid Foo.

Customers of the
Mercedes-Benz Certified
 brand can expect to enjoy the same convenience and world class 3S (sales, service and spare parts) capabilities of the Cycle & Carriage Petaling Jaya Autohaus. This includes advanced repair techniques, the latest diagnostic tools and
assurance of genuine parts at a competitive price. Customers are also offered added value services through Service Differentiation – a menu of personalised services suited to customers’ lifestyles. Among them are the Premier Express Service, Door-to-Door Service and 24-Hour Motor Vehicle Breakdown Service.

Cycle & Carriage’s signature priority service for its after-sales services is supported further by the Petaling Jaya Autohaus’
work bay capacity of 40 Mercedes-Benz vehicles at any one time, which ensures servicing and maintenance is timely. As a result, Cycle & Carriage is able to service a high volume of cars while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Cycle & Carriage is focused on delivering exceptional experiences to their customers at every stage of their journey with them. Ensuring comfort to both new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz owners, Cycle & Carriage Petaling Jaya Autohaus features an exclusive customer lounge area with a vertical garden completely furnished with a café. The Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre is operated by a dedicated team experienced in providing exceptional retail and financial services specially tailored for Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned vehicle customers.

Customers at the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre in Cycle & Carriage Petaling Jaya Autohaus can view a variety of models, ranging from the A- to S-class, at attractive prices. Assuring the reliable and global standards of the Mercedes-Benz brand, customers are guaranteed peace-of-mind through the nine promises applied to every Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Vehicles Nine Promises

Prior to receiving the
Mercedes-Benz Certified
stamp of approval, every vehicle undergoes a thorough
215 multi-point inspection
  by certified technicians which include stringent checks on engine components, chassis to vehicle appearances. The inspection ensures only the highest standards and quality in each vehicle certified under the programme, giving customers the same distinctive and unique Mercedes-Benz quality assurance and brand experience.

Once certified, the vehicles are then made available for purchase where customers are given the option to
test drive
 any of the vehicles. Customers are also provided with options to
trade-in
 their existing vehicles when purchasing a Mercedes-Benz Certified vehicle. The purchase is also made easier with available
financing and leasing plans
 catering to various needs and budgets.

All Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned vehicles are under six years old with a
guaranteed mileage
 of less than 125,000km during the handover. Aside from a
12-month warranty
 extension with unlimited mileage above the remaining manufacturer warranty, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned vehicle owners can expect regular
servicing and maintenance packages.
 Flexible and affordable
service contracts
are also available to allow customisation of maintenance packages.

In the event of an emergency, the programme also offers
24-hour road assistance
 to all Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned vehicle owners ensuring them peace-of-mind at all times. The nine promises under the programme assures every pre-owned Mercedes-Benz is kept in the best condition possible, for an exceptional journey.

Aside from the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre in Petaling Jaya, customers can also find the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned brand at all other Cycle & Carriage Autohauses. To date, Cycle & Carriage owns the largest Mercedes-Benz dealer network in Malaysia with 13 dealerships nationwide, including a dedicated commercial vehicle facility.


First models of revived Ralliart brand debut at Thailand International Motor Expo

As mentioned in May,
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is reviving Ralliart
, the motorsport brand of the company. No details were given as to what the scope of the revival would be but an image of a Triton with Ralliart treatment was shown in a presentation on the carmaker’s FY2020 financial results that were made public.

At the 38th Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok this week, the first models of the revived Ralliart brand will be unveiled. These are the Triton Ralliart and the Pajero Sport Ralliart as special editions, based on the popular pick-up and SUV models made at the factory in Thailand.

No performance upgrades yet

For now, it appears that the special editions do not have any performance upgrades and are essentially differentiated from the standard models by Ralliart-themed cosmetics reminiscent of the historic cars in rallies.

Both models feature iconic side decals with red, silver and black stripes, and mud flaps with the Ralliart logo. The front grille and alloy wheels are painted black to differentiate from the standard trim. As for the interior, the floormats have the Ralliart logo and red-accent overlocks are specially fitted.

Exclusive accessories

The Triton Ralliart is based on the low-rider variant of the Triton Club Cab (Mega Cab) and Double Cab. For these two models, in addition to the common cosmetic features are front bumper garnish with a red accent and bedliner with the Ralliart logo. In addition, the two-tone model features black door mirrors, black door handles, black rear gate handle and black rear bumper.

The Pajero Sport Ralliart has front and rear under garnish with red accents and the Ralliart logo. Exclusive to the two-tone colour model are black fender arch moldings, black roof rails, black shark fin antenna and black tailgate spoiler. Two exterior colour options are available – a two-tone exterior with a White Diamond body and a black roof, and Jet Black Mica.

“We are truly honoured to bring back the Ralliart brand products to the fans of Mitsubishi Motors and Ralliart,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, MMC. “Starting from these Ralliart special editions in Thailand, we are planning to introduce more of the attractive items sequentially. We are also considering some exciting activities in the near future, so that the fans can feel and enjoy our Ralliart spirit. Please stay tuned with our revived Ralliart… there is more to come!”

The Ralliart special editions will be available from Mitsubishi Motors’ dealerships in Thailand but no word on whether other markets will get them. Quite likely, distributors in other countries like Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia may offer Ralliart accessories first and then progress to fully-equipped models at a later stage.

To know more about the Triton and to test-drive one, visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
 for the location of an authorised dealer in Malaysia.

Mitsubishi Motors to revive Ralliart


Fuel Price Updates For October 21 – October 27, 2021


Fuel Price Updates For February 20 – February 26, 2021


Hyundai’s first global model reconstructed and modernised as the Heritage Series Pony

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 for more information.

The Hyundai Pony (which was never sold in Malaysia) is a significant model in the history of the Korean auto industry. As the first mass-produced and exported model, its significance to Koreans is similar to what the original Proton Saga is to Malaysians. It was with the Pony that the Korean auto industry accelerated onto the world stage over 45 years ago.

Retro-modern model

Recently, Hyundai Motor Company revealed the Heritage Series Pony, a retro-modern reconstruction of the original Pony and placed it at the new Hyundai Motorstudio Busan in South Korea as part of its ‘
Reflections in Motion’
 exhibition.

Legacy features in design

The Heritage Series Pony combines distinctive legacy design features –the work of legendary automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro – with modern touches to offer a glimpse of the future. Its exterior is marked by a matte, shimmering surface of silver throughout front to rear part of the vehicle, hatchback silhouette.

Notable features include camera-based, fender-mounted exterior mirrors to the fore of the windshield, pixelated round headlights and U-shaped taillights made of LED lights. The pixelated round headlights and U-shaped taillights embody the company’s ‘Pixel Road Trip’ design approach that incorporates pixels and 8-bit graphics also utilized in the IONIQ 5 and 45 concept car.

Premium materials, classic feel

The interior has a string of chic and modern features, including doors made of premium materials that exude a classic feel, a modern lighting system, a speed-gauging instrument panel made of lighted vacuum tubes as well as other stylishly retrofitted design elements. It also contains future-oriented elements, not only retro style.

Examples are the digital touch transmission, cradle space for mobile phone and voice-activated steering wheel. In the boot is a last-mile mobility device with a stainless steel case, representing Hyundai Motor’s human-centered design commitment.

About the original Pony

The Pony made its debut in October 1974 in Turin, Italy, and went on sale by the end of the following year. There were various bodystyles, including something like a pick-up, with the 5-door hatchback being popular as such a bodystyle gained wide acceptance in that decade.

While the platform was based on the Morris Marina, the powerplants were 4G engines from Mitsubishi Motors with sizes from 1.2 litre to 1.6 litres. The car was exported to many countries, introducing Hyundai Motors in many cases although the name was not unfamiliar as Hyundai was already well known in shipbuilding and construction.

The Pony went through two generations by which time Hyundai Motors’ product range had widened considerably and other models were introduced. Quality was an issue which was understandable at the start, but the carmaker worked hard to improve quality. In fact, the Chairman of the company said that even if they could not beat Toyota on sales volume, they should at least beat it in quality.

2021 Hyundai IONIQ 5 – first model of new IONIQ EV brand

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.


Honda Malaysia and its suppliers distribute essential goods to 6 charity homes

In challenging times like these, Honda shows that it’s not just a company that makes and sells cars but also cares about the local community. In Malaysia, the company has demonstrated its corporate social responsibility in many ways, and the most recent activity is helping the local communities in Melaka who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honda Malaysia has a special relationship with Melaka as its factory is located in the state. Recently, together with the Honda Malaysia Suppliers Club (HMSC), close to RM40,000 worth of essential goods to 6 charity homes in the state to help alleviate the burden brought about by the pandemic and total lockdown as well as to uplift their spirit through this gesture.

The 6 charity homes include old folks homes, welfare centres and orphanages. At the same time, this initiative also provided an opportunity for the company and HMSC to mutually strengthen with  relationship.

“2021 continues to be a challenging year for Malaysia with the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases, and the country was placed under a nationwide lockdown since June 2021. The near total closure of the economic sectors has resulted in difficulties in sustaining livelihoods, especially among the communities that need support, thereby bringing adverse impact on their everyday life. We understand their situation and believe in order to overcome the challenges, we must move forward “Together As One” and help each other in every possible way,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.

“Striving to be a Company society wants to exist, we collaborated with HMSC in an initiative to help ease the situation especially for the elderlies, orphans, people with disabilities and the homeless. As the nation is implementing Phase One of National Recovery Plan (NRP) in several states, the charity homes are even more difficult to get aid from the public. Hence, this initiative enabled Honda Malaysia to reach out to them,” she said.

Essential supplies that were distributed included rice, flour, eggs and cooking oil, as well as hygiene products such as disposable diapers, detergent and shower gel to charity homes in the vicinity the  Melaka plant. Also provided were clothes for adults, as well as colouring books and small toys for the children.

“We hope the contributions from Honda Malaysia together with the aid from public donations and Social Welfare Department can provide some relief to their burden as well as joy and hope to the residents of the homes. We are also hopeful that the ongoing vaccination programme will help to curb the spread of COVID-19 and bring a safer environment for all of us in Malaysia,” Ms. Chujo added.

The 6 charity homes were Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Dan Warga Emas Alor Gajah, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Warga Emas Dan Anak Yatim Victory, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Harapan, Persatuan Kebajikan Sri Murni Insan Istimewa, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna and Pusat Jagaan Pertubuhan Villa Harapan. A total of more than 300 people are residents at these homes.

Honda Malaysia constantly thinks of ways to help the less fortunate and even on media drives, they have organised charity distribution activities to bring supplies to needy homes.

Meanwhile, on the business front, Honda Malaysia’s plant and authorised dealer showrooms remain closed. However, owners can still obtain support services for preventive maintenance, repair work and towing assistance. Appointments must be made in advance before visiting a service centre, and in accordance with regulations, the service centre should be within 10 kms of the owner’s home. For information and assistance, call
1 800 88 2020
.

Honda’s IGNITION program helps start new businesses proposed by employees


Sime Darby Motors offers multiple brands under corporate programme

Sime Darby Motors has a wide range of brands in its retail and distribution portfolio for the Malaysian market. These Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Hyundai, BMW, MINI, Motorrad and Volvo. To cater to the needs of corporate clients, the company is having an ‘
Unbelievable Deals’
 campaign. a corporate programme providing special privileges with very attractive cost of ownership and exceptional benefits.

This campaign is applicable across all the brands to suit different requirements. “This programme is specially curated to reward our loyal customers across Sime Darby Motors Malaysia. As exhilarating as it is rewarding, we aim to offer our customers with irresistible deals whilst ensuring their sales and aftersales needs are cared for by our passionate professionals who are dedicated in providing world-class services that exceed expectations,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD of Retail & Distribution, Malaysia.

The different brands represented by Sime Darby Motors offer a variety of vehicle types from Ford pick-ups to premium sedans like the Jaguar XF (below)

“The automotive industry is moving towards a more digital environment to fit with the needs of our consumers. Our operating units are continuously innovating to find new ways of digitalising the car-buying process; from digital showrooms and door-step test drives to contactless servicing and eventually delivering customers’ cars to their doorsteps. The digital transformation in the automotive industry is certainly opening up new opportunities for us,” he explained.

On the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Gan said the company takes the current situation very seriously. “We stand guided by the government’s policy, with the safety and health of our employees, customers and business partners being our utmost priority,” he explained.

More information on the corporate programme is available at the individual websites of the respective brands.


2022 Honda Odyssey now available in Malaysia, priced from RM275,311.

Like the other top non-national brands, Honda focusses largely on locally-assembled models as they can be priced competitively and sell in large volumes. Nevertheless, it also offers some models that are imported in CBU (completely built-up) form for customers who want something that the local range may not have.

One of these is the Odyssey which is now in its fifth generation. To date, Honda Malaysia has sold almost 2,000 units of the MPV which was introduced locally in 2003. The latest generation of the MPV is priced at
RM275,311
 without insurance and with half the applicable sales tax exempted (until June 30, 2022). The model continues to use a 2.4-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (172 ps/225 Nm) and CVT.

“The introduction of the New Odyssey caters to the needs of customers such as families and executives who seek a luxury 7-seater MPV with excellent ride comfort, elegant exterior and unrivalled utility features, all in one package. In addition, the refined exterior and enhanced premium interior will further elevate the joy of owning a luxury Honda 7-seater MPV,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.

The Odyssey was originally developed for the US market to compete in the minivan segment and was a successful model. It was also available in Japan and to make it more suitable for urban conditions, its roofline was a bit lower than most MPVs so it could more easily slot into garages.

Cosmetic updates for 2022

The latest Odyssey inherits much of the DNA of its predecessors with an imposing front end to the monobox form. The new chromed grille and flanking headlight units are an interpretation of the ‘EXCITING H DESIGN!!!’ which has a ‘Solid Wing Face’ design language. At the rear, the taillight units have been revised along with a new bumper profile. Both the front and rear signal lights now have sequential signalling which gives a premium touch to the vehicle.

For this latest version, which is essentially a midcycle facelift, the interior has received premium upgrades as well as an updated dashboard design. The dashboard has a 7-inch TFT meter for the driver and an 8-inch display panel for infotainment. As would be expected of models being introduced nowadays, there is smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so favourite apps can be access from the display panel.

Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman

The Odyssey has always offered good cabin space with versatile layouts that makes it suitable for families as well as executives who may need to work while on the move. It comes with standard combination leather upholstery and Captain’s Cradle Seats with Ottoman on the second row. These wide and comfortable seats are like those on aircraft which allow the passenger to stretch out.

Loading luggage or other items in the boot does not require the use of hands to open the rear door. In fact, there isn’t even a need to press a button as placing a food under the rear bumper will automatically open the door. It’s great when both hands are carrying things and also if it’s raining and one hand has to hold the umbrella up.

Honda SENSING is, of course, standard and the integrated active safety systems are Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Auto High Beam. Additionally, there is also a Multi-View Camera System with Smart Parking Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Cross Traffic Monitor. All these systems can not only help the driver avoid an accident but also reduce the workload to reduce fatigue on long drives.

The Honda SENSING system, which uses a camera to scan road markings, can not only keep the vehicle within its lane but also guide it back if it unintentionally starts to move into another lane

More information on the New Odyssey can be obtained from authorized Honda dealers. To locate a showroom in Malaysia, visit
www.honda.com.my
.

Honda Malaysia introduces new Genuine Engine Oils, upgraded to API SN standard


Lower maintenance costs with Toyota Service Savers packages

Your vehicle has to be serviced regularly to keep it in optimum running condition which will give the best fuel economy and maximum performance. It’s also a condition of the warranty that you need to have the servicing done according to the schedule provided by the manufacturer.

To make regular servicing more convenient, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is introducing Toyota Service Savers (TSS), a maintenance package which can be purchased during a new vehicle purchase. The cost of the package can be included in the financing so it becomes part of the H-P loan amount that can be repaid over a number of years.

With the TSS package, the servicing costs are covered in advance and this means just sending the vehicle in for its scheduled service and not having to pay anything upon collection (unless there are items replaced or additional work done which is not part of the requirement).

The TSS package can be used at all 85 authorized Toyota service centres in Malaysia over a period of 5 years from the time of purchase. Prices of the TSS packages depend on the model, ranging from RM3,220 for the Vios (savings of RM469 compared to paying each time) to RM6,030 for the Hilux (savings of RM922).

The packages follow the servicing requirements for the model at recommended intervals (as listed in the Owner’s Service Manual) and include the fluids and parts specified for replacement. Only Toyota Genuine Parts or Toyota-approved items and materials are used.

As an added benefit, all TSS customers are entitled to a 10% discount for selected parts and 20% discount on wheel alignment & balancing as well air-conditioner servicing packages at all authorized Toyota Service Centres. So there are additional savings as well.

For more information of the Toyota Service Savers Package, customers can contact any authorized Toyota showroom or service centre. For the nearest location, visit
toyota.com.my
 or call the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Two more UMW Toyota Motor branch outlets transferred to dealers


F1 (Round 9): Preview & Starting Grid For 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix

Race starts at 3:10 pm in Italy/9:10 pm in Malaysia

COVID-19 has caused loss of lives, hardship, disrupted life and businesses and impacted economies. It has also disrupted motorsports all over the world and as conditions eased, the Formula 1 organisers have rushed to try to run as many rounds as possible before the end of the year. And COVID-19 can also be ‘blamed’ for bringing the 9
th
 round of the 2020 championship to a completely new venue – Mugello.

First new circuit for F1 since 2016

Located near the city of Florence in Italy’s Tuscan countryside, the Mugello circuit was opened in 1974 and while it has never had a F1 race, it has had at least 30 rounds of the Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix. It is the 72
nd
 venue to host a F1 round and the first new one in four years, the last being the Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan.

Mugello is not entirely new to F1 veterans though, as it was a testing venue until 2012, used mostly by Ferrari which also owns it (since 1988). However, where actual racing is concerned, it will be new to every driver and the teams have had only since last Sunday’s race at Monza to get to know and understand the circuit.

The circuit has a number of steep ascents and descents, long full-throttle sections and some extremely fast corners. Situated in a valley, it subjects drivers to quite a rollercoaster ride, especially at the start of the second sector. There are absolutely no slow corners (even the slowest can be taken in 4
th
 gear at 140 km/h), and the cornering speeds will subject the drivers to higher g-forces than usual.

Needless to say, the cars and the tyres will also be under tremendous stress but comments from the drivers after practices has been enthusiastic as they welcome the challenges of a new circuit.

“Driving an F1 car around this circuit is unbelievable. In all the fast sections, it’s pretty impressive. I think it’s going to be quite a tough race, physically, as already in the long run we’ve done in FP2 the neck starts to feel it! The lack of run-off areas will also make it difficult, but I guess this is what we like as well,” said Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Unusual layout and abrasive surface

Mugello’s unusual track layout has fairly old, abrasive tarmac and bears some resemblance to Suzuka in Japan. The engineers at the Mercedes-AMG team will therefore use the venue of the Japanese Grand Prix as a reference point for their predictions about tyre life and degradation. Both tracks generate a very high sliding energy and put a lot of stress on the tyres.

To cope with a combination of fast corners and abrasive asphalt, Pirelli is sending their hardest compounds to Mugello, with the C1, C2 and C3 on offer. This is also to shield against the potential for thermal degradation exacerbated by very hot weather. The narrowness of the track and the technical nature of the layout are likely to make overtaking difficult, putting an extra onus on strategy decisions.

Some spectators allowed in for a change!

The Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio Della Toscana Ferrari 1000 2020 – which most will refer to as just the Tuscan Grand Prix – will be the 1000th F1 race for Scuderia Ferrari. Last weekend was a blot in the marque’s history book but that’s past and to celebrate this milestone, the two SF1000s took to the track in their special Burgundy livery, the deep red originally seen on the 125 S, the very first Ferrari ever built.

The F1 Safety Car painted in Ferrari Red as a tribute to Scuderia Ferrari’s 1000th race achievement this weekend.

“We will honour the achievement with the Mercedes-AMG Safety Car in Ferrari red – our nod to a racing history that brought us some of the greatest moments in Formula One. The men and women of Maranello have a proud history to celebrate and we’re paying respect to those celebrations this weekend,” said Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Championship positions after Monza

Despite registering his worst result of the season at Monza last Sunday, Lewis Hamilton’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship holds steady at 47 points, with team-mate Valtteri Bottas moving into second position after Max Verstappen recorded his second DNF of the season.

Mercedes-AMG, meanwhile, expanded their lead at the top of the Constructors’ Championship as Red Bull Racing’s failed to score. Their lead is now up to 123 points. Behind them, the battle is rather more intense: McLaren’s best result since 2014 saw them extend their lead in the race for third place, pulling out a gap of 16 points ahead of Racing Point, who in turn have an 11-point advantage over Renault.