HONG Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has introduced new colour options for the 2024 Yamaha Ego Avantiz model.
Launched in Malaysia for the first time in 2016, the scooter is now offered in three vibrant colour schemes namely Sky Blue, Dark Blue, and Purple.
According to HLYM, the Ego Avantiz can be obtained through authorized Yamaha dealers nationwide starting from May 28, at a price of RM5,998 excluding registration and insurance.
There are no mechanical changes, meaning the Ego Avantiz is still powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder Euro 4-compliant engine that produces 9.4 hp at 8,000 rpm and 9.6 Nm at 5,500 rpm.
For the suspension system, it employs telescopic forks and a single shock absorber (monoshock), while the braking system is made up of a single hydraulic disc at the front and a drum brake at the rear.
The scooter uses 14-inch rims front and rear, paired with a 70/90 tyre at the front and a 90/80 tyre at the rear.
The seat height of the Ego Avantiz is 773 mm, and its fuel tank capacity is 4.2 liters. The overall weight of this scooter is 97 kg.
Other features included are LED lights, an ECO indicator on the instrument panel, a parking lock system, and a 14-litre storage space under the seat.
All foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia will be required to have a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) RFID tag starting October 1 this year.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the move is to ensure compliance with road regulations in the country.
He added that the rule will be enforced at the entry points of both Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes in Johor, namely at Sultan Iskandar Building in Tambak, Johor and Sultan Abu Bakar Building at the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.
Effective October 1, enforcement action will be taken against anyone driving a foreign motor vehicle without a VEP as required under Section 66H (7) Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).
The law provides a compound or a fine of not more than RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months upon conviction.
Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail
“The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has the authority to stop any foreign vehicle that does not have a VEP from entering Malaysia.
“Enforcement of the VEP allows us to track foreign vehicles coming and leaving Malaysia and if there is a (traffic) summons, it has to be settled before the vehicle leaves the country,” added Loke.
Loke said the VEP registration had been implemented since April 2019 for foreign vehicles crossing at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Building in Johor, but the regulation was not enforced.
Based on records, about 70,000 Singapore-registered motor vehicles have activated the VEP tags from more than 200,000 vehicles registered, he said.
The process of obtaining the VEP has been made easier with the RFID VEP tag being delivered to the applicants at their respective addresses.
Loke said that a fee of RM10 is imposed for each VEP tag, which is valid for five years.
Shell Malaysia unveiled its latest marketing campaign for its best-performing fuel, Shell V-Power, which now 100% cleans critical engine parts to fully rejuvenate your engine’s performance.
With more than a century of experience in fuel innovation, the latest formulation of Shell V-Power Racing offers unrivalled performance and efficiency for an exhilarating driving experience.
Available at all participating Shell stations nationwide, Shell V-Power Racing delivers 3.93% more power, 3.69% quicker acceleration and restores up to 100% of your engine’s performance.
It is also the only fuel used, recommended, and trusted by Scuderia Ferrari.
Speaking at the FOCM Festival 2024 organised by Ferrari Owners’ Club Malaysia on May 18, Seow Lee Ming, General Manager, Mobility Malaysia said, “We leverage our collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari in extreme racetrack conditions, where Shell V-Power Racing is the only fuel recommended by this highly successful team. These are the fuels that are available for our customers on the road.”
Powered by Shell V-Power Racing, the FOCM Festival 2024 stands as the nation’s largest gathering of 297 Ferraristi, celebrating the rich history of the world’s most prestigious engines.
VOLKSWAGEN Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the official sale of the locally assembled Golf R, at the recommended retail price of RM334,012 on-the-road without insurance.
The price is inclusive of Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which supports owners with a five-year maintenance, five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and five-year roadside assistance.
The Golf R comes standard with the R Performance Package, which includes a titanium Akrapovič exhaust, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, a new rear spoiler, as well as Drift and Special modes.
The Drift and Special modes – accessible through the R button on the steering wheel, extend the range of customisation modes for the drivetrain and chassis to inject even more excitement to the driving experience.
In Drift mode, torque is prioritised to the rear wheels for fluid and controlled slides. The Special mode, which is specifically designed for the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, adjusts suspension settings for optimum contact.
Powering the Golf R is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine pushing out 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque. With a seven-speed wet-type, dual-clutch DSG transmission, the Golf R rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds to reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
Stability and traction is maintained via its 4Motion all-wheel drive system with performance torque vectoring.
Visually, the flagship model of the Golf range is identified by its motorsport-inspired R front bumper and R radiator grille. Three colour choices are available – the signature Lapiz Blue, Deep Black and Pure White.
Inside, there’s R decorative trim in Carbon Grey, premium Nappa sport leather seats, as well as the R performance steering wheel with blue backlit R button and shift paddles.
Other new features include a head-up display, 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment system, a 10-speaker, 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging and automatic high beam assist.
The Golf R is supported with IQ.Drive, which comprises Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist.
MORE than a year after it was launched in Thailand, the Ford Ranger StormTrak has now arrived in Malaysia with a starting price of RM181,888.
For comparison’s sake, the price of the Ranger StormTrak in Thailand starts at 1,264,000 baht or RM161,195 based on the current exchange rate.
Exterior-wise, the Ranger StormTrak sets itself apart from the Ranger WildTrak by a pair of three-point auxiliary LED lights at the front, Race Red details on the front bumper, StormTrak logo, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
There are three colours to choose from, namely Arctic White, Meteor Grey, and Absolute Black.
Inside, contrasting Race Red stitching and StormTrak emblems can be found on the seats and dashboard, along with Miko Suede inserts and an e-shifter gear button.
Additional features include an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and Park Assist 2.0., to name a few
The upgrades brought by this variant are not limited to cosmetics, as several handy features are also added on for enhanced functionality.
These include a flexible rack system (similar to that found in the Ranger Platinum) and swing-in-place roof rails that can support loads of up to 80 kg (dynamic) and 250 kg (static).
Additionally, the Ranger StormTrak also comes with a zone lighting system to brighten the vehicle’s surroundings and cargo lights for added convenience when loading and unloading.
Similar to the WildTrak, the StormTrak is powered by a 2.0-liter BiTurbo diesel engine with an output of 210 PS at 3,750 rpm and 500 Nm between 1,750 and 2,000 rpm. The power is transmitted to the wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system.
The Ranger StormTrak can be exclusively ordered online, with only 200 units offered for our market. Customers will receive an exclusive windbreaker jacket during the vehicle handover session.
Toyota is currently testing the battery-electric Hilux BEV to assess its performance as it prepares to commence the production of the truck in Thailand by the end of 2025.
According to Reuters, Thailand is a critical market for Toyota, with pickup trucksmaking up more than half of total vehicle sales. The company also has a large manufacturing plant in the country.
“Our intention is to be producing the Hilux BEV over here,” Pras Ganesh, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Asia told Reuters.
Ganesh did not provide any details on pricing or production volume for the Hilux BEV, which would be Toyota’s first electric pickup truck offering.
He added that the pickup truck will be primarily targeted at the Thai domestic market but Toyota will also consider exporting the model.
The Japanese automaker is testing the Hilux BEV for various use cases in different road and temperature conditions.
“The more range I have to put on it, the more battery I have to put on it, which means the weight of the vehicle also becomes significantly heavier, which means the loading can be much less,” Ganesh said.
“So ‘Is it going to meet the customer’s usage needs?’ is always our biggest issue. We are always trying to understand what they do,” he added.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s closest rival Isuzu Motors also plans to assemble its electric D-Max pickup truck in Thailand.
EDARAN Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) recently showcased the Nissan Kicks e-Power at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.
Khoo Cheng Pah, Chief Executive Officer of Edaran Tan Chong Motor, confirmed that the company will launch their first e-Power model in the second half of this year.
The specific model to be launched has not been disclosed, but there are rumors suggesting that ETCM will introduce the Serena e-Power.
E-Power is a Nissan’s hybrid technology that integrates internal combustion engine with an electric motor. It offers an immediate throttle response as the latter can generate maximum torque instantaneously.
With this technology, the engine is only utilised to generate electricity, while the wheels are 100% driven by a high-output motor.
The main components of e-Power include consists of a Lithium-ion battery, a high-power electric motor, inverter, generator and a combustion engine with class-leading thermal efficiency.
Unlike conventional self-charging hybrids where the wheels are primarily and directly driven by the engine, the e Power’s intelligent control system regulates engine operation independently based on factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, degree of acceleration and battery charge levels.
As a result, the driving experience is quiet and refined with less frequent engine operation compared to conventional hybrids.
At low to medium speeds, such as in urban areas, the vehicle is mainly driven by the electric motor powered by the lithium-ion battery for an EV-like performance.
When driven at high speeds where rolling noise is elevated, the engine runs at optimal RPM to generate sufficient electricity to power the motor, and when strong acceleration is required, the motor combines the electricity generated by the engine and the electricity from the lithium-ion battery to power the vehicle.
Like EVs, e-Power also offers the convenience of single-pedal driving where brake pedal operation can be reduced by nearly 70% through regenerative braking which can slow the vehicle while replenishing the battery.
Besides the i5 M60 and 520i, BMW Group Malaysia also launched four new motorcycles at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 held at MAEPS, Serdang.
According to the company, these launches showcase its dedication to setting new benchmarks in the industry, promising thrilling experiences for riders across Malaysia.
BMW CE 02 (RM38,500)
Introduced globally in July of last year, the CE 02 was developed for urban and city environments, with a rugged, practical, and minimalist design.
It is powered by an electric motor on the rear wheel capable of producing 15 hp and 55 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in three seconds and reach a maximum speed of 95 km/h.
With a 6 kWh battery, the CE 02 offers a range of up to 100 km. Charging the battery is a breeze with the included 900W external charger, ensuring convenient charging at standard household sockets.
It also supports fast charging with a capacity of up to 1,500 W, which takes 1 hour and 40 minutes for a 20%-80% charge or 3 hours and 30 minutes for a full charge.
BMW F 900 GS (RM88,500)
The new BMW F 900 GS unveils an array of innovative features and technologies tailored for the local market. One contributing factor is a weight reduction of 14 kg, bringing the current total weight to only 219 kg.
The displacement of its parallel-twin engine has also been increased from 853 cc to 895 cc. It generates 105 hp at 8,500 rpm and 93 Nm at 6,750 rpm, enough to allow the the F 900 GS to accelerate to a top speed of over 200 km/h.
The bike is fitted with the Enduro Pro Package, which includes a fully adjustable titanium nitride-coated upside-down telescopic forks, fully adjustable central spring strut, sport frame, black handlebar, handlebar riser, as well as an M-Endurance chain.
There is also a range of practical and rider-friendly amenities, including an engine guard, hand protectors and adjustable foot brake and gear levers.
BMW R 1300 GS (RM138,500)
The new R 1300 GS redefines expectations for the local market as it unveils a significant improvement to its product substance and vehicle makeup.
Its two-cylinder boxer engine is now more compact and has a displacement of precisely 1,300 cc. It is capable of producing 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm, making it the most powerful BMW boxer engine ever produced in series.
The R 1300 GS boasts an entirely new design that results to an impressive weight reduction of 12 kg, with a total weight of just 237 kg. This lightweight construction is paired with the Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) that adjusts both front and rear damping, along with the spring rate, based on selected riding modes, road conditions, and manoeuvres.
Other features include four riding modes (Rain, Road, Eco, and Enduro), a 6.5-inch color TFT screen, ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Keyless Ride, and more.
BMW S 1000 XR (RM129,500)
Introducing a refreshed look, the new S 1000 XR is the epitome of long-distance capability fused with high-performance dynamics in an adventure sports motorcycle.
The front view of the adventure sports motorcycle maintains its dynamic streamline silhouette, matched with LED turn indicators, headlights with adaptive cornering lights, LED auxiliary lights and Headlight Pro DRL.
Pannier holders, toll card compartment, under-seat storage space, and gizmos such as Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Dynamic Pro riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and DTC Wheelie are also included.
With a 999 cc inline-four engine producing 170 hp at 11,000 rpm and 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm, the S 1000 XR is said to be capable of reaching a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
NETA, distributed by Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of GoAuto Group, has introduced their second EV for the Malaysian market, namely the Neta X.
According to the company, the Neta X will be officially launched in the second quarter of this year. There are three variants to choose from, namely 400 Comfort, 400 Luxury, and 500 Luxury, with estimated prices ranging from RM119,900 to RM139,900.
All three variants feature an electric motor on the front axle generating 161 hp (120 kW) and 210 Nm. Neta Malaysia claims that this model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 9.5 seconds, with a maximum speed exceeding 150 km/h.
Regarding the batteries, the 400 variants use a 52.49 kWh battery offering a range of up to 401 km based on the NEDC cycle. The 500 Luxury variant is equipped with a 64.14 kWh battery providing a range of up to 480 km on a full charge.
The Neta X comes with an onboard 6.6-kW AC charger capable of charging from 0 to 100% in nine hours. It also has DC fast charging that takes 30 minutes for a 30-80% charge but the capacity is not specified.
Size-wise, the Neta X is larger than its two closest competitors, the BYD Atto 3 and Chery Omoda 5, measuring 4,619 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, 1,628 mm in height, with a 2,770 mm wheelbase.
Other niceties include an 8.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch HD display powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155. It also has Apple CarPlay and wireless charging.
Additionally, the 400 and 500 Luxury variants are equipped with Level 2 ADAS, encompassing Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Intelligent Cruise Assistance (ICA), to name a few.
MERCEDES-BENZ Malaysia (MBM) has expanded its EQE lineup with the launch of three new variants, namely the EQE 350+ Electric Art Line, EQE 350+ SUV Electric Art Line, and EQE 350+ SUV AMG Line.
Additionally, the EQE 350+ AMG Line, which was first launched here back in December 2022, has been given fresh updates.
EQE 350+ Electric Art Line & AMG Line
Coming in as the entry-level offering, the EQE 350+ Electric Art Line features the Electric Art Line exterior package, 19-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, and Digital Light with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.
The interior is complemented by Artico man-made leather upholstery in black and sapce grey, along with the Advanced Sound System, laser-cut backlit trim with Mercedes-Benz pattern on the dashboard, active ambient lighting, Keyless-Go, and Parking Package with 360° camera.
Similar to the EQE 350+ AMG Line, it is equipped with a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels, producing 292 hp and 565 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 210 km/h.
The battery capacity is also identical at 90.56 kWh, providing a range of 665 to 682 km based on WLTP cycle. The model comes with a 22 kW AC charger, requiring 4 hours and 45 minutes for a full charge, and DC fast charging up to 170 kW that takes only 32 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Meanwhile, the EQE 350+ AMG Line now gets a panoramic sunroof, radiator grille with Mercedes-Benz pattern, rear axle steering with up to 10° steering angle adjustment, Airmatic air suspension, an electric charging socket flap, and 22 kW AC onboard charging.
Pricing starts at RM379,888 for the Electric Art Line variant and RM429,888 for the AMG Line.
EQE 350+ SUV Electric Art Line & AMG Line
Launched five months after the EQE 500 SUV, both variants of the EQE 350+ SUV are powered by a single electric motor positioned at the rear axle, delivering 292 hp and 565 Nm of torque.
Performance-wise, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 210 km/h. That’s just 0.3 seconds slower than its sedan stablemate.
With a battery capacity of 90.56 kWh, the EQE 350+ SUV offers a range of 485 to 596 km based on the WLTP cycle. Its energy consumption ranges from about 21.6 to 17.5 kWh per 100 km.
The charging time is similar to the sedan version, taking 4 hours and 45 minutes for a full charge using a 22 kW AC charger and 32 minutes for 10-80% charge using a 170 kW DC fast charger.
The differences between the two variants lie in their features. The Electric Art Line variant boasts the Electric Art package for the exterior and interior, 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Neotex/Artico leather upholstery, laser-cut backlit trim with Mercedes-Benz pattern, comfort suspension, Advanced Sound System.
It is also fitted with Digital Light, Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, Driving Assistance Package Plus, Parking Package with 360-degree camera and AR navigation.
On the other hand, the AMG Line variant shares the same features as the EQE 500 SUV, including a panoramic sunroof, Airmatic air suspension system, rear-axle steering control, Burmester 3D audio system, and sports seats. New to the EQE 350+ SUV AMG Line is the 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Pricing starts at RM398,888 for the Electric Art Line variant and RM448,888 for the AMG Line.
BMW Malaysia has officially unveiled the latest additions to their fleet of premium sporty sedans, the all-new BMW i5 M60 xDrive and the new locally assembled 520i at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.
BMW i5 M60 xDrive (RM480,000 est.)
The second i5 variant to be introduced here following the eDrive40, the i5 M60 xDrive being the sportier variant features two electric motors that drive all four wheels and deliver a total system output of 601 hp and 795 Nm.
With such power at its disposal, the i5 M60 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 230 km/h.
Located in the underbody, the 83.9-kWh battery offers a range of up to 516 km based on the WLTP cycle.
Charging the battery from 0 to 80% state of charge takes 34 minutes via 205 kW DC fast charging, while a full charge using the 22 kW AC charging requires 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Styling-wise, the i5 M60 comes with the M Performance kidney grille accentuated by the BMW Iconic Glow, 21-inch aerodynamic wheels from the BMW individual line, as well as a host of M Sport Pro parts, including the M rear spoiler, M Lights Shadowline, M High Gloss Shadowline, and M Sport brakes in red high gloss.
The interior feels familiar thanks to the BMW Curved Display consisting a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen, as well as the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, featuring 18 speakers and an amplifier output of 655 Watts.
BMW 520i (RM340,000 est.)
Locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah, the 520i features a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain with the revered B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill that generates 208 hp and 330 Nm of torque.
With an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, the sedan is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 230 km/h, claims BMW.
The exterior on the 520i features a similar design to the i5, showcasing a sleek and sporty exterior design language. Completing the looks are new 19-inch aerodynamic wheels in 934 bicolour grey.
Inside, you’ll find a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen that make up the BMW Curved Display.
There’s also the illuminated BMW Interaction Bar that enhances driving experience by simplifying control of the air conditioning and other functions.
As for driver assistance systems, the 520i is fitted with Active Cruise Control, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, to name a few.
WHAT you’re looking at here is not a handiwork of West Coast Customs custom shop from the reality TV show Pimp My Ride. It is in fact a one-off BMW XM that has been co-created with Naomi Campbell for the Cannes Film Festival.
Called the Mystique Allure, it is the first vehicle in the brand’s history to be designed using materials from the high fashion industry.
Nearly the entire upper body of the XM Mystique Allure is covered in velvet in a deeply saturated ultramarine shade, while the lower part of the SUV adorned with shimmering Frozen metallic sequins casting hues ranging from intense violet to deep ultramarine;
Its interior is equally luxurious, featuring purple velvet upholstery that touches every nook and cranny, including the roof, door panels, and the M Lounge in the rear.
We’re not sure if Ms Campbell is a fan of fast cars but if the answer is yes, the British supermodel will be more than happy with the XM seeing as how the SUV is the most powerful series-produced model from BMW M.
The XM Mystique Allure is based on the Red Label variant, meaning it has a potent 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that works with an electric motor to make a total power output of 748 PS and 1,000 Nm. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 290 km/h if equipped with the M Driver’s Package.
While not receiving any power upgrades, the XM Mystique Allure has a unique acoustic character thanks to a bespoke adaptation of the BMW IconicSounds Electric developed by renowned composer Hans Zimmer.
This marks BMW’s third consecutive year as the official automotive partner of the Cannes Film Festival. For this year’s event, the company provides an exclusive shuttle service of more than 200 vehicles, including the i7, iX, i5, and XM.
SHANGHAI-BASED electric vehicle manufacturer Nio, recently launched a new smart EV sub-brand known as Onvo.
According to the automaker, Onvo is short for “On Voyage”, and its first product to enter the market will be the L60, an electric SUV designed compete with the Tesla Model Y.
The L60 is available for pre-order in China with prices starting at RMB219,900 (RM142,670), with deliveries expected to commence in the third quarter of this year.
In comparison, the Model Y in Malaysia starts from RM191,000 for the Rear-Wheel Drive variant and goes up to RM280,000 for the Performance variant.
According to Onvo, the L60 is built using a 900V high-voltage architecture, claimed to be more energy efficient, boasting CLTC energy efficiency of 92.3% and the world’s lowest drag coefficient of 0.229 for a production SUV.
As a result, the company claims that the electric SUV can achieve energy consumption as low as 12.1 kW.h per 100 km.
In its Standard Range configuration, the L60 can travel up to 555 km on a single charge, while the Long Range configuration offers a range of up to 730 km. With the Ultra Long Range battery, it can provide a driving range of over 1,000 km.
Furthermore, the L60 features battery swapping technology with Nio, allowing drivers to replace their EV batteries in just three minutes at over 1,000 battery swapping stations across China.
Additionally, customers have the option to purchase the L60 without a battery. It is sold at a lower price of RMB170,000 (RM110,558), but they are are required to pay a monthly subscription for the battery under the Battery as a Service (BaaS) program.
After the initial launch in China, Onvo reportedly plans to market the L60 globally, including in Europe, towards the end of this year.
EDARAN Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad (DRB-HICOM) has launched its revamped Proton EON 3S centre in Banting, Selangor.
The new centre, which previously only operated as a showroom, has now been upgraded to offer 3S services, namely sales, after-sales service and spare parts replacement.
With a total of RM6 million invested in refurbishment and upgrades, the Proton EON Banting 3S centre offers customers enhanced experience through digital sales and after-sales services within a comfortable and modern enlarged showroom.
The upgraded showroom spans an impressive 18,775 square feet build up area capable of displaying eight units of Proton vehicles.
Complementing the showroom is an advanced service centre covering 12,347 square feet, equipped with 10 service bays featuring state-of-the-art technology for efficient and reliable servicing of various Proton models.
Customers also stand to benefit from EON’s digitalisation push with the introduction of Workforce Management (WFM) platform that enables customers to get appointments for car servicing online and enjoy real-time service updates. Those who are car hunting can even book for new vehicles online via www.eon.com.my.
The showroom is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm Mondays to Saturdays, and 10:00am to 4:00pm Sundays and public holidays. Its service centre operates from 8:30am to 5:30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 8:30am to 1:00pm on Sundays.
Earlier this year, the Chief Operating Officer of Alfa Romeo USA, Larry Dominique, confirmed that sales of the Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio would be discontinued in the country in April 2024.
Additionally, Dominique stated that production of the Quadrifoglio models for the US and Canada markets would cease in June. Both biturbo V6 models are assembled at the Stellantis factory in Cassino, Italy.
As a farewell gesture, Alfa Romeo has introduced a special edition model known as the Super Sport, which is inspired by the 6C 1500 Super Sport racing car that won the Mille Miglia race in 1928.
The Super Sport models are limited globally to 275 units for Giulia and 175 for Stelvio. Out of these numbers, 72 Giulias and 52 Stelvios are specifically allocated for the US.
Pricing starts from $86,770 (RM408,067) for the Giulia Quadrifoglio Super Sport and $94,370 (RM443,809) for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport.
The Quadrifoglio Supersport models can be distinguished by a number of design elements, including the ‘reintepreted’ Quadrifoglio logo with a black background instead of white.
There are also carbon fibre parts such as the roof (optional on Giulia only), in the “V” of the grille shield, and the sideview mirror caps.
These are complemented by dark-coloured 19-inch five-hole alloy wheels for the Giulia and 21-inch for the Stelvio, along with Brembo brake calipers painted in black.
The Super Sports can be had in Rosso Etna, Nero Vulcano metallic, and Bianco Alfa, which is available for the Giulia only.
The sportiness is further highlighted by 3D red carbon fibre trim on the entire dashboard, center console, and door panels. The steering wheel is upholstered in leather and Alcantara with black stitching and carbon-fibre accents.
The front headrests are embroidered with the “Super Sport” logo in red and the car’s number in black to distinguish them as part of the exclusive limited series.
Both models are powered by an all-aluminum 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine capable of delivering 505 hp and 600 Nm, channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and mechanical LSD derived from the Giulia GTA.
SUZUKI Jimny enthusiasts know that the small SUV has a long history that dates back to the 1970s era.
To commemorate this, Suzuki has introduced a limited edition model for the Jimny XL (Jimny 5-Door) known as the Heritage. Only 500 units will be produced, all destined for the Australian market.
What makes the Jimny XL Heritage stand out?
The limited-run model is adorned with retro-style decals in orange and red on the sides and rear. This is complemented by the classic rhino logo on the rear shoulder and red mudflaps on all four corners.
Additionally, there are five exterior colours to choose from – White, Chiffon Ivory + Bluish Black Pearl, Jungle Green, Bluish Black Pearl, and Granite Grey Metallic.
Elsewhere, it’s exactly the same as the non-Heritage version. Under the hood, there is still a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 101 hp and 130 Nm.
The Jimny XL is normally available with either an automatic or manual transmission, but for the Heritage, Suzuki only offers a five-speed manual transmission.
Needless to say, the AllGrip Pro all-wheel-drive system is onboard to help channel power to the wheels.
Other niceties include a nine-inch touchscreen multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a cargo tray.
The selling price of the Jimny XL Heritage starts from AUD36,490 (RM114,047), about AUD1,500 (RM4,688) dearer than the standard version.
But pricing won’t be a problem, seeing as how the 3-door Jimny Heritage sold out in just two days.
SIME Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, recently announced that it will soon launch a limited-edition Ford Ranger.
According to SDAC, the booking for the limited-edition Ranger is solely available online starting May 30 2024 at https://shop.sdacford.com.my/vehicle/.
Members of the public who wish to get a closer look the exclusive pickup truck can do so at One Utama Luxe from May 30 to June 2, 2024.
Much about the forthcoming Ranger is unknown but in an official release, SDAC says the pickup truck will come with “high-end features” and is “designed to elevate the outdoor experience”.
The total number to be offered is also undisclosed, but according to SDAC, customers who secure their bookings online will receive a complimentary limited-edition Ford Ranger windbreaker upon vehicle delivery.
BYD has officially introduced its first pickup truck, the Shark, in Mexico. BYD Chief of Americas Stella Li said Mexico was chosen due to the increasing demand for pickup trucks in the country.
It is interesting to note that the Shark was launched just hours after Joe Biden announced a tariff increase from 25% to 100% on EVs from China.
Reuters reported that BYD does not have any plans to sell the Shark in the United States.
As previously reported, the Shark uses a new plug-in hybrid powertrain known as the DMO (Dual-Mode Off-Road).
The PHEV powertrain features a combination of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and two electric motors that generate a total power of 430 hp, allowing the Shark to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The battery specifications are not disclosed, but this truck offers an electric driving range of up to 100 km (NEDC cycle) and a total driving range of 840 km. The fuel consumption rate is approximately 7.5 litres per 100 km.
Like the Leopard 5, the Shark is built on a ladder frame chassis. It measures 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width, 1,925 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,260 mm, making it larger than the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
The chassis is combined with an independent suspension system at the front and rear, which BYD claims can offer a balance between handling performance and comfort.
The Shark is a true and true pickup truck, so it boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg. The truck bed offers a cargo space of 1,450 litres with a payload limit of 835 kg. For off-road driving, there are three selectable modes: Sand, Mud, and Snow.
Inside, you will find several elements synonymous with the BYD brand, including a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Additionally, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the “Hi BYD” voice command system, karaoke function (microphone sold separately), a 50W wireless charger, and a 12-inch head-up display.
The safety system includes six airbags and ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent Navigation System (ICC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Rear Cross Collision Warning (RCTA), Rear Cross Collision Braking (RCTB), and more.
In Mexico, the Shark is available in two variants, namely the GL and GS. The selling price starts from 899,980 pesos (RM250,356) for the former and 969,800 pesos (RM269,777) for the latter.
THERE are three things that can elevate a BMW. The first is the wagon (or Touring in BMW speak) body style. The second is manual transmission, and the third is Alpina.
The Alpina B3 Touring has all three. It is currently up for auction on the ‘Bring a Trailer’ website, with the current bid standing at $20,250 (RM95,985) at the time of writing.
Only 89 units of the B3 Touring were ever produced, and this particular unit is #23. Built in September 1996, it was initially delivered to Nicole Racing Japan before being exported to the Netherlands in 2017. In 2022, it was imported to the United States.
The car still sports its original metallic blue paint, along with the Alpina body kit and 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels. Making it stand out further are the gold-tone Alpina graphics on the side and rear.
Inside, the seats and door panels are upholstered in black fabric with green and blue stripes, while the floor is protected by Alpina carpeting. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with two-tone stitching and features the Alpina logo on the steering boss.
Under the hood lies a 3.2-litre inline-six engine producing 265 hp and 329 Nm of torque. Several maintenance works were made in 2023, including the reconstruction of the Vanos system and the replacement of the cylinder head gasket, fuel pressure regulator, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, and more. The mileage is approaching 176,000 km.
The #23 B3 Touring was initially equipped with an automatic transmission, but it was replaced with a Getrag 420G six-speed manual transmission from sourced from an E46 M3. It was installed this year along with a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).
Interestingly, the removed automatic transmission is included in the sale along with additional spare parts and a scale model.
KIA has released teaser images of their next electric vehicle (EV), the EV3. It will be fully unveiled on May 23 as a compact electric SUV slotted below the EV5.
For your information, the EV3 was first previewed by the Concept EV3 in October last year. Kia’s teaser images indicate that it will retain most of its exterior design cues for production.
Kia Concept EV3
Similar to the EV9, Kia applies the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy to the design of the EV3, as evident from the striking boxy fenders and tailgate.
The EV3 also carries the brand’s signature Star Map lighting at the front and rear, along with black-painted C pillars to create the floating roof effect.
Interior images have not been revealed yet; however, we anticipate a design and layout not significantly different from Kia’s existing EV models.
Likewise, technical details of the EV3 are unknown for now, but according to reports, it is built on the E-GMP platform with a 400V architecture, as opposed to the 800V system in the EV6 and EV9.
Kia says the EV3 will go on sale later this year following its global world premiere.
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