CONTINENTAL Tyres has launched the new MaxContact MC7 high-performance tyre designed for urban landscapes and tailored to fulfill the needs of Asia Pacific (APAC) drivers.
According to the company, the MaxContact MC7 tyre was developed and tested by a team of 25 engineers and material experts through more than 8,000 hours in R&D.
Thanks to the optimisation of pressure distribution within the tyre, the MaxContact MC7 is capable of providing more refined handling and exceptional stability for drivers when making sharper turns.
The MC7 achieves this by maximizing the contact area with the road to create a wider footprint with the Cornering Macroblocks, thus redistributing force for a more controlled and stable drive.
Its ReFlex Compound also creates a higher resistance to tyre deformation and leads to improved steering response and accuracy. Its silica technology within the compound enhances the transfer of kinetic energy to heat when braking, leading to shorter braking distances on both dry and wet roads.
To ensure safety during the frequent wet weather seasons in the APAC region, the MC7 comes with 3D laser-cut sipes that improve grip and braking in wet conditions, and reduce the risk of aquaplaning by quickly expelling water that flows through the tyre grooves.
There’s also the upgraded two-in-one Noise Breaker 3.0 that breaks up sound waves, thus preventing noise from building up and traveling into the car cabin for a quieter drive.
The new MaxContact MC7 tyre is available in sizes ranging from 16 to 21 inches.
AFTER a succesful 10-year run, the Lamborghini Huracan and its screaming V10 engine finally bid arrivederci to make way for an “all-new super sports car equipped with a new hybrid powertrain”.
However, before the curtains are drawn on the Huracan, Lamborghini will offer 10 units of the Huracan Super Trofeo Jota (STJ) as a final tribute to the supercar.
Essentially, the Huracan STJ is a Huracan STO with an upgraded aerodynamic package. Firstly, you’ll find two new carbon fibre aerodynamic flicks on the left and right sides of the front bumper.
At the back, the angle of the rear spoiler has also been increased by 3 degrees to increase the aerodynamic load by 10% while keeping the car perfectly balanced.
The mechanical grip has been increased significantly by a set of four adjustable racing-derived shock absorbers, which are capable of optimising the rebound and compression at both high and low frequencies.
Not only that, the combination of 20-inch single nut rims and specially developed Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres also help maximise the driving dynamics.
However, there are no upgrades made to the engine. Like the STO, the Huracan STJ has 640 PS at 8,000 rpm and 565 Nm at 8,000 rpm delivered by the 5.2-litre V10 engine. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch (LDF – Lamborghini Doppia Frizione) gearbox.
Although the STJ did not receive any additional power, Lamborghini says the technical features enabled an improvement of more than one second on the Nardò Technical Center Handling Track laptime compared to the STO.
For the final version, Lamborghini offers two livery options designed by the Lamborghini Centro Stile studio. The first combines Grigio Telesto (grey) bodywork with a Nero Noctis (black) roof and Rosso Mars (red) and Bianco Isi (white) details, while the cabin is characterised by Nero Cosmus (black) Alcantara seats with leather details and contrasting Rosso Alala (red) stitching.
The second configuration has Blu Eliadi (blue) bodywork with a Nero Noctis (black) roof and Rosso Mars (red) and Bianco Isi (white) details. Both versions also feature a special, numbered carbon fiber plate marked “1 of 10”.
In addition, there is the option to add a custom plate on the passenger side according to the customer’s instructions.
Launched back in March 2023, the fourth-generation Toyota Vios is a fairly capable B-segment sedan in its own right.
There are several things that I like about the Vios, but like many other cars that I have had the opportunity to test drive, it also has some weak points which hopefully can be addressed in the future.
So, without further ado, here are five things I don’t particularly like about the Vios:
Limited rear passenger headroom
Honestly, I’m not what you would call a tall person, but during the Vios media drive in Langkawi last year, I found that the rear passenger headroom for rear passengers was rather limited. This is due to the fastback-style sloping roofline. It seems that in the pursuit of style, some comfort had to be sacrificed.
No rear folding seats
It’s quite unusual for a new car to have non-foldable rear seats, but according to Toyota engineers, this feature was omitted in the Vios because market research showed that users rarely use this function. Not only that, the 475-litre capacity is also considered large enough. Bad news for frequenters of Ikea, I guess.
No spare tyre
One of the most talked subjects during the Vios launch was the absence of a spare tyre. I was told that this important feature was sacrificed to reduce weight (they managed to shave off 110 kg, fair enough) and save some space. Users do get a tyre repair kit, though.
Underpowered engine
Although the Vios’ 2NR-VE 1.5-liter four-cylinder Dual VVTi engine is found to be very smooth in most driving situations, it falls short compared to its closest competitor, the Honda City, in terms of output.
The City has 119 hp and 145 Nm, which is 15 hp and 7 Nm higher than the Vios. In fact, the 2NR-VE engine is actually less powerful compared to the previous 2NR-FE engine.
Overloaded with features
There are simply too many features in the Vios. In terms of driver convenience, there’s a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, a push-start system and many more.
When it comes to safety, the Vios is riddled with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features such as Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, and Front Departure Alert, to name a few.
HONDA Malaysia has announced that it is now accepting bookings for the facelifted Honda City Hatchback, which is slated to be launched in Quarter 2 this year.
Since its launch back in December 2021, the City Hatchback remains as one of the top selling hatchback models in the Non-National segment with 10,300 units sold in 2023, bringing the total sales number to more than 28,700 units thus far.
The City Hatchback was Honda Malaysia’s second model with the e:HEV technology. Since its launch, the e:HEV RS variant has contributed 16% to Honda Malaysia’s total hybrid sales to-date.
For the facelift model, the City Hatchback features upgraded looks, which Honda Malaysia claims to be “sleeker” and “more dynamic”.
As the range-topping variant, the e:HEV RS boasts a sharper fascia thanks to the newly designed front grille and front lower grill, both adorned with honeycomb inserts, as well as the front fog garnish.
The sporty look is further accentured with a new rear bumper lower garnish, side sill garnish and new 16-inch alloy wheels in Berlina Black.
No changes to the powertrains. The e:HEV RS retains the 1.5-litre + electric motor combo which delivers 109 PS and 253 Nm, the highest torque in its class.
On the other hand, the pure ICE variants continue to feature a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine that pushes out 121 PS and 145 Nm, sent to the front wheels via CVT.
Fresh looks aside, the City Hatchback facelift now comes with the Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance suite as standard across the range, with the addition of Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). The RS also gets Low Speed Follow (LSF).
PRO-NET announced that the smart #1 has been ranked third in the EV SUV market category for cars priced above RM180,000, making it one of the most preferred premium EVs in Malaysia.
According to Pro-Net, the Malaysian EV market has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, with EV sales volume surging from 3,079 units in 2022 to 11,624 units in 2023, accompanied by a significant increase in market share from 0.43% to 1.45%.
Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of smart Malaysia said the milestone reflects the growing demand for urban mobility solutions in the region and reaffirms smart’s goal to position itself as a leader in the premium EV segment.
“With only one model sold, as opposed to other key players in the industry, we have achieved this great success. This exemplifies the trust our customers have in our product and services, and I would like to express my gratitude to our customers,’’ he added.
Designed by Mercedes-Benz and built on Geely’s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA), the smart #1 is available in three variants: Pro (RM189,000), Premium (RM219,000), and Brabus (RM249,000).
The Pro and Premium variants are equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 272 PS and 343 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The more superior smart #1 Brabus features twin electric motors with an output of 428 PS and 543 Nm. With higher power and AWD, it only takes 3.9 seconds to reach a speed of 100 km/h.
The Pro variant comes with a 49 kWh battery providing a driving range of up to 315 km. On the other hand, the Premium and Brabus variants each have a 66 kWh battery, offering different driving ranges of 440 km for the former and 400 km for the latter.
WTC Automotif (WTCA), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, has officially launched the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom in Malaysia. The crossover was previewed for the first time back in January.
Offered in completely built-up (CBU), the GS3 Emzoom is available in two variants, namely Exclusive (RM118,900) and Premium R (RM128,900).
However, according to WTCA, they have already commenced production of the completely knocked-down (CKD) version of the car in Segambut.
Set to compete with the Honda HR-V and Proton X50, the GS3 Emzoom Exclusive measures in at 4,410 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,600 mm in height. Its wheelbase of 2,650 mm is the longest in its segment.
Thanks to the aggressive R Style Sport Package bodykit, the length of the Premium R variant slightly increases to 4,446 mm. It can also be distinguished by the centre-mounted twin-tip exhaust.
Step inside and you will find blue and black leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a crystal electronic gear shift, and various amenities such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android phone mirroring, surround-view camera, electronic parking brake with autohold.
Exclusive to the Premium R is the added luxury of automatic climate control, six-way power adjustment for the driver seat, multi-colour ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charger, hands-free power tailgate, Fusion Automatic Parking Assist (FAPA) and a panoramic sunroof.
Ath the back is a rather spacious boot offering 341 litres of storage, which is expandable to 1,271 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Both variants are powered by a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 270 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 4,500 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
As far as performance is concerned, the GS3 Emzoom can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds, just 0.1 second slower than the X50 TGDi with 177 PS and 255 Nm. Average fuel consumption stands at 5.9 litres per 100 km.
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) with Level 2 autonomous driving comes as standard, bringing features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Intelligent Speed Limit Control (ISLC).
As the range-topping variant, the Premium R gets two additional features, namely High Beam Assist (HMA) and Fusion Automatic Parking Assist.
The GS3 Emzoom is available in four colours: Salt Lake Blue, Ivory White, Graphene Grey, and Super Star Silver.
To commemorate the launch, WTCA is offering a Special Launch Package for the first 2,000 early-bird customers. The package consists of three complimentary scheduled service maintenance (including labour, parts and lubricants), and an added seven-year/180,000 km engine and powertrain warranty.
They will also receive a complimentary limited GAC Smart Watch Key which functions like the original car key with the additional connectivity features of a smart watch.
BMW Malaysia announced that the all-new BMW iX2 is now open for pre-booking. The electric Sports Activity Coupe is priced from RM282,800 on-the-road, without insurance.
For our market, the iX2 will be available in available in a sole xDrive30 variant, featuring a single electric motor on each axle.
The combination generates 313 PS (230 kW) including a 7 PS (5 kW) boost, allowing the electric crossover to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
The 66.5 kWh high-voltage battery in the vehicle floor generates a WLTP range of up to 449 km. An 11 kW AC charger enables the battery to be charged from 0 to 100% in 6 hours and 30 minutes, while the 130 kW DC charger requires only 29 minutes to do so.
The iX2 gets its rebellious appearance from the new BMW kidney grille with a black mesh grille and black high-gloss illuminated frame, as well as adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam and vertically arranged light signature.
Flush door handles, the M high-gloss Shadow line package and V-spoke style 873 M Bicolour 20-inch M light alloy wheels complete the look.
Like other iX models, the iX2 interior features the BMW Curved Display powered by the BMW Operating System 9. It combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch control display.
The system features the BMW iDrive display and is equipped with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and a control system with QuickSelect, which is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Other features include wireless charging tray with a built-in cooling system, front armrest with integrated control panel, automatic tailgate, and Harman Kardon Hi-Fi audio system.
There are also sport seats for the driver and front passenger, a 40:20:40 rear seat configuration, and a leather-wrapped multifunction M steering wheel.
According to BMW, the iX2 combines sportiness and comfort through upgraded stabilizer bearings on the front and rear axle, anti-roll bars, M adaptive suspension system, M Sport steering, and M Sport brake system.
As for driving assistance systems, the iX2 offers features such as Active Guard Basis, Driving Assistant Plus, and Parking Assistant Plus, including the Attentiveness Assistant.
The iX2 xDrive30 is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Skyscraper Grey, Cape York Green, Fire Red, M Portimau Blue, and M Brooklyn Grey.
For the interior, customers can opt for the Veganza leather-alternative in M Alcantara (black) with blue stitching, Perforated Black, Perforated Coral Red/Black, Perforated Atlas Grey/Smoke White, and Perforated Mocha.
Customers can also purchase the Inclusive BMW Service & Repair package, which includes a five-year extenderd warranty and service, at RM14,200.
A Proton S70 owner is facing stroke of bad luck as his newly purchased sedan was reported to have encountered a total of 73 issues despite being brand new.
In a post on the Proton S70 Malaysian Community (MYS70COM) group, Ku Azhar mentioned receiving a Space Grey S70 Flagship X on February 2, 2024. However, the car reportedly began facing issues the following day (February 3), after merely traveling 300 km.
Ku Azhar said he sent his car to the service center on February 5, where it remained for 15 days. He stated that the car was also sent to the Proton headquarters for a day and to the Proton factory in Tanjung Malim for 15 days.
It was revealed that 33 issues were pinpointed during the Tanjung Malim visit, and as of March 17, a total of 69 problems had been detected.
Ku Azhar highlighted that the latest count of issues reached 73, with 54 problems remaining unresolved at the time of the visit.
Here are some of the problems experienced by Ku Azhar’s S70 Flagship X:
Noisy steering rack/absorber
Excessive engine vibration (confirmed by Service Center, abnormal compared to other S70s, vibrating after being returned by Proton Tanjung Malim)
AEB suddenly brakes when taking corners
IHU lagging, unable to change mode/do anything on the screen
Loud brake pad noises: Proton Tanjung Malim replaced brake pads and discs due to overheating spots.
Loud bubbling noise from AC: Proton Tanjung Malim replaced o-ring, piping, condenser, and topped up coolant tank to maximum
Loud knocking sound every time compressor starts running
Low gear makes very loud noise compared to test-driven S70 – confirmed by Service Center, borrowed test drive unit for comparison.
Powertrain missing next service mileage while at Proton Tanjung Malim, odometer not working but next service mileage shows 776 km left – HQ instructed to have service at 10,000 km at 9,400 km, with owner covering costs to avoid warranty issues later.
Car difficult to start, remote start also not functioning. No response from HQ/SC in when stranded at R&R.
Auto-hold gear not engaging even after pressing brake and stopping, car still moves forward, green P symbol did not come on
Additionally, he mentioned his car also suffered from exterior and interior cosmetic issues due to improper installation after returning from Proton Tanjung Malim.
These included stone chip marks on bumpers and hood, and scratch marks on the dashboard. He even claimed there were shoe prints on the rear seats.
According Ku Azhar his last meeting with CRM on March 18 at the Proton Center of Excellence (COE) in Shah Alam. He explained that the rectification plan, initially scheduled for the following week, was postponed to April 15, 2024, due to the promised replacement car not being available yet.
He claimed that the date was further pushed to April 16 as the contact person was on leave on April 15, 2024. In the meantime, Proton suggested continuing to use the car until the rectification is done.
IN addition to the Maybach GLS 600, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance has also been launched as part of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Dream Cars Collection for 2024.
The S63 is powered by a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine combined with a hybrid system to produce a total output of 802 PS and 1,430 Nm, making it the most powerful S-Class ever built.
Thanks to the AMG Speedshift nine-speed transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, the luxury sedan only needs 3.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. It can also hit a top speed of 250 km/h.
The S63 comes equipped with the AMG high-performance battery (HPB) with a capacity of 13.1 kWh, offering an electric driving range of up to 31 km. The HPB battery supports AC charging with a capacity of 3.7 kWh.
Standard exterior features include Digital Light headlights with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, the AMG Night package comprising high-gloss black and black chrome trim elements, and 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels.
Inside, there is an Nappa leather-wrapped AMG steering wheel, Anthracite open-pore poplar wood trim, AMG door sill panels with replaceable covers and red illuminated AMG logo, AMG floor mats, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting system.
The infotainment system includes a 12.8-inch OLED display, a 12.3-inch instrument panel, an augmented reality (AR) head-up display, Burmester 3D surround sound system, and MBUX rear seat entertainment system.
Also fitted are high-performance composite brakes, AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, rear-axle steering, and safety features such as the Driving Assistant Package, Parking Package, Pre-Safe Plus, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side.
MERCEDES-BENZ Malaysia has introduced its Dream Cars Collection for 2024, which is made up of four exciting models.
The first is the ultra-luxurious full-sized SUV, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, available at a starting price of RM1,918,888.
This model can be distinguished from the standard version by the vertical chrome bars and “Maybach” lettering on the radiator grille, Maybach pattern on the air inlet grille, and 23-inch multi-spoke forged wheels.
The GLS 600 is available with an extensive range of paint options including the distinctive Maybach two-tone paint.
Standard features include Multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and a panoramic sunroof. Also onboard are power closing doors which pulls the doors gently and almost silently into the lock.
The Manufaktur leather package enhances the cabin’s luxurious flair with Nappa leather upholstery on the seats and headliner, along with high-quality diamond pattern stitching on the centre sections of the seat surfaces and backrests,
For Mercedes-Maybach, customers get to choose between the Manufaktur Crystal White/Silver Grey Pearl or Manufaktur Mahogany Brown/Machhiato Beige colour combinations for the interior.
Special for rear passengers are a pair of Executive seats equipped with leg rests and a massage function. Passengers are separated by an arm rest housing temperature-controlled cup holders and a refrigerated compartment.
In addition, passenger comfort is assured with an ambient lighting that extendes to the roof liner, as well as the Acoustic Comfort package that significantly reduces disruptive exterior noise.
The MBUX multimedia system brings the Widescreen Cockpit, consisting of the instrument display and the media display, a head-up display with augmented reality (AR) for navigation, and two 11.6-inch displays and a tablet for rear passengers.
Powering the Maybach GLS 600 a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine producing 557 PS at 6,000 rpm and 770 Nm of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. It is assisted by a mild hybrid system generating an additional 22 PS and 250 Nm.
According to Mercedes-Benz, this behemoth of an SUV is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed reaching 250 km/h.
For the chassis, this one utilizes a combination of the Airmatic air suspension system and E-Active Body Control for comfortable driving. It also features Magic Vision Control, which provides a clear view thanks to heated wiper blades and wiper hoses.
The driver assistance and safety systems include features such as Guard 360°, the Driving Assistance Package, Mirror Package, Active Distance Assist Distronic, the Parking Package with a 360-degree camera, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side.
IN addition to the Husky 150, MForce Bike Holdings, the official distributor of SYM motorcycles in Malaysia, has also launched the Maxsym TL508.
According to SYM, the latest model features an upgraded engine compared to the 465 cc engine in the Maxsym TL500 that was launched here back in 2020.
The 508 cc twin-cylinder engine with fuel injection technology is capable of delivering an output of 45 hp at 6,750 rpm and 49.9 Nm at 5,250 rpm.
The manufacturer claims the Maxsym TL508 has a perfect body configuration with 50/50 weight distribution to ensure excellent handling performance.
In terms of equipment, it comes with a host of latest features including Traction Control System (TCS), dual-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and adjustable windscreen.
The scooter is also suitable for long rides thanks to its ergonomic and non-slip seat design, which is capable of providing ample support for the rider’s and passenger’s lower backs.
Additionally, it boasts LED headlights and taillights, a TFT display, a USB charging port, and a 12.5-litre fuel tank. Storage space is available beneath the seat.
The Maxsym TL508 will be offered in three colours, namley Indigo Blue, Storm Grey, and Jet Black. It is priced starting from RM46,888 (excluding road tax and insurance) and will be available in the market from next May.
MFORCE Bike Holdings has officially launched the much-anticipated scooter, the new SYM Husky 150.
It is available in two variants, namely Standard and Special Edition. The former, which is priced at RM9,998, is available in Ebony Black and Purce White, meanwhile the latter can be had in Matte Green and Wolf Grey for RM10,298.
Powering this rugged-looking scooter is a a 150 cc single-cylinder engine capable of delivering 14.5 hp at 8,000 rpm and 14.5 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
Despite looking compact, the Husky 150 is packed with all the latest bells and whistles including Traction Control System (TCS) and dual-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
The suspension system is made up of telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock absorber. It also has a large fuel tank capacity of 15 litres to reduce the frequency of stops for refuelling.
Other creature comforts include LED headlights and taillights, LED turn signals, keyless ignition system, and an emergency ignition mode that allows you to start the engine with a weak key battery.
There’s also a 5-inch TFT instrument panel with automatic dimming and day and night display modes, as well as a USB 3.0 charging port which can be used to charge smartphones.
The Husky 150 will be available at all authorized SYM dealerships across Malaysia starting April 2, 2024. Each purchase comes with a two-year or 20,000 km manufacturer’s warranty.
LOTUS Cars continues to strengthen its brand presence in Malaysia with the opening of its first Lotus Store at Pavilion Damansara Heights.
The 173.58 square meter showroom opens its doors 10 months after the introduction of the Eletre. The electric Hyper SUV has seen strong demand in the country, with over 50 units already delivered to customers to date and another 200 units on arrival.
Designed to reflect Lotus’ all-new corporate identity, the showroom houses two of the brand’s latest arrivals in Malaysia – the Eletre and the Emira.
In addition, the Lotus Store provides facilities such as a configurator room where customers can personalize and accessorize their own vehicles, a dedicated wing for exclusive Lotus merchandises and apparel, and a well-appointed lounge area.
The configurator allows customers to to customize every aspect of the vehicle, which ranges from exterior (trim, colour, rims and tyres, coloured brake calipers, carbon ceramic brakes, and badges) and interior elements (themes, materials, seat belts, steering wheel, and carbon inlays).
Additionally, customers can choose the level of equipment including the side mirrors, Lotus Dynamic Handling package, smart glass roof, on top of adding driving aid features like Parking Pack and Highway Assist Pack.
Operating daily from 10 am to 10 pm, the Lotus Store at Pavilion Damansara Heights also marks a preamble to the opening of Lotus Cars Malaysia’s flagship showroom in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, which is scheduled for completion in Q2 2024.
Lotus also aims to further extend its footpring in the Northern and Southern regions, and implement a Lotus Mobile Service Solution to improve customer convenience.
In November last year, the BMW i5 made its debut in Malaysia in the eDrive40 M Sport version. Now, just four months after its arrival, the electric sedan has been upgraded with enhanced charging capabilities and several new features.
The i5 now comes with a 22 kW AC charger that requires less than four hours and 15 minutes for a full charge, which is a whopping four hours faster than the previous 11 kW AC charger.
Continues to be equipped is a high-power 205 kW DC charger, capable of charging the battery from 0 to 80% in just 34 minutes.
The i5 eDrive40 features a single electric motor on the rear axle generating 313 hp and 400 Nm. In Sport Boost, the output is cranked up to 340 hp and 430 Nm, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and onwards to a maximum speed of 193 km/h.
The driving range remains at 582 km based on the WLTP cycle, with electric power supplied by an 89.3 kWh capacity battery located in the underbody.
The i5 exterior highlights include vertical LED strips adorning its headlights, “Sharknose” design kidney grille, BMW Iconic Glow contour lines, as well as an M high-gloss Shadowline package to complete the look.
Available exterior colours include the Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, and Phytonic Blue Metallic.
Additionally, the i5 eDrive40 M Sport now arrives in four new striking colour options, namely, Sophisto Grey Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, Cape York Green Metallic, and Fire Red Metallic.
The interior features the BMW Curved Display consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen, both powered by BMW Operating System 8.5.
You’ll also find BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Maps, Digital Key Plus, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system boasting an amplifier output of 655W and 18 speakers.
For the upholstery, customers can choose from Leather Merino Black, Leather Merino Copper Brown and Leather Merino Silverstone.
The i5 is fitted with an array of advanced safety and driver support features, which include Proactive Care, Driving Assistance Professional, Speed Limit Assist, route control and active navigation guidance, Side Collision Protection, Road Priority Warning and Wrong-way Warning, Crossing-traffic Warning with braking function.
Pricing-wise, the upgraded i5 eDrive40 M Sport starts at RM399,800. The additional 5-Year Extended Warranty and Service Package is available at RM20,300.
PROTON has announced that the X90 has been launched in Bangladesh on February 29. This is the fourth export market for the automaker’s flagship SUV after Mauritius, South Africa, and Brunei.
Held in the capital city of Dhaka, the event was officiated over by H.E. Haznah Md. Hashim, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton and Romo Rouf Chowdhury, Group Managing Director, Rancon Holdings Limited, the exclusive distributor for Proton in Bangladesh.
Two variants of the X90, the six-seat Flagship and seven-seat Premium, are offered to buyers, and to date, 25 units have already been registered in less than two weeks following its unveiling.
In a statement, Proton states that there is optimism for its first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) to carve out a market niche prior to local assembly (CKD) operations starting later in the year.
“Proton is confident Rancon Holdings is the perfect partner for Proton to be successful in Bangladesh. They are already establishing a sales and after sales network and will invest in a manufacturing line to locally assemble Proton vehicles in the future,” said Dr. Li Chunrong.
“With more offerings in the pipeline, as well as our commitment to support all facets of the partnership, we aim to be a the top-3 brand in Bangladesh within three years,” he added.
A critical component to Proton achieving its lofty targets in Bangladesh will be the setting up of an assembly line. Aside from allowing its products to qualify for more favourable tax rates, a new plant also encourages the development of skilled local workers while energizing the vendor ecosystem through technology transfers.
Operations are targeted to begin as early as 2024, with strict production standards enforced to ensure the output matches the quality of vehicles built in Tanjong Malim.
“To ensure product quality in export markets that have local assembly are the same as the vehicles built in Malaysia, Proton is leaning on its experience of using the Volvo Global Quality Standard, which has been instrumental in improving the quality of our products,” said Dr. Li.
CHERY Auto Malaysia has confirmed that the Tiggo 7 Pro will be launched in the local market by the end of May, with an estimated price of below RM130,000.
The C-segment SUV, which will compete with the likes of the Proton X70 and the Honda CR-V, is now open for bookings and will be showcased at Chery showrooms nationwide starting this April.
As previously reported, the Tiggo 7 Pro is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission tasked to drive the front wheels.
Interestingly, during its business briefing event held in January, Chery claimed that the Tiggo 7 Pro is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. However, the specifications shared recently stated a significantly different century sprint time of 9.5 seconds. We will seek clarification from Chery regarding this matter.
Additionally, the model is said to be capable of reaching a maximum speed of 205 km/h. The company also claims a fuel economy of 7.0 litres per 100 km.
In terms of features, the Tiggo 7 Pro will come equipped with LED headlights and taillights, sequential turn signals, diamond-like inserts on the grille, and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, you will find leatherette upholstery, a 24.6-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50W wireless charger, a multi-colour ambient lighting system and a Sony audio system with eight speakers.
Additionally, there are USB Type-A and Type-C ports, a panoramic sunroof, Remote Engine Start, Walk Away Auto Lock, and three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
In terms of safety, the Tiggo 7 Pro comes with ADAS 2.5 safety suite, which includes features such as:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Multi Collision Brake
Blind Spot Detection
Door Opening Warning
Traffic Jam Assist
Intelligent High Beam Control
Front Collision Warning + Rear Collision Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control + Integrated Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning + Lane Departure Prevention
Also included are seven airbags, a 540-degree panoramic camera system, Hill Start Assist Control and Hill Descent Control.
The Tiggo 7 Pro will be available in four exterior colours, namely Bloodstone Red with a black roof, Vanilla Blue, Carbon Black, and Khaki White with a black roof.
SIME Darby Auto Connexion-Ford (SDAC-Ford) has announced its sales performance for the year 2023, which saw the company achieve a record-breaking sales with 8,858 units of the Ford Ranger and Everest sold.
According to SDAC-Ford, the achievement reflects Malaysian consumers’ growing trust and preference for Ford vehicles’ exceptional performance, advanced technology, and superior quality.
A key contributing factor to the company’s success is the steady expansion of its dealership network to raise the bar in the Ford service experience.
Last year, it broke ground on the latest RM12 million Ford Signature dealership in Penang strategically located on Jalan Baru in Seberang Prai.
The state-of-the-art facility spans 46,000 square feet, showcasing a cutting-edge Ford 3S centre that follows the latest Ford Signature Corporate Identity and features 16 service bays and four vehicle display areas. The center will be fully operational by the end of Quarter 2 2024.
SDAC-Ford has also significantly expanded its presence across East Malaysia. Recognising Sabah as the third largest pickup market in the country, the company launched two key dealerships in the state – Ford Kota Kinabalu (Inanam) by Boston Auto Dealership and Ford Kota Kinabalu (Penampang) by Rightpower Corporation.
In Sarawak, the company opened Ford Kota Samarahan, Jimisar Aruna dealership in October 2023, located in the UniVista Commercial Centre, Jalan UniVista Off Jalan Express Way in Kuching.
These openings have solidified the brand’s footprint in East Malaysia, bringing a total of nine Ford dealerships across the area and 38 dealerships nationwide.
PROTON continued its positive growth trajectory to start the year by reporting 13,602 sales (domestic and export) in February. By doing so, total sales for the first two months grew to 26,484 units, an increase of 3% over the same time period from 2023.
The achievement is particularly noteworthy as automotive sales are traditionally slower at the beginning of the year after the year-end sales push in December.
After the first two months of 2024, total-industry-volume is estimated to have grown by 13.8% year-to-date to 129,353 units as an influx of new brands launching both traditional and EV models generates a lot of buyer interest.
The national carmaker’s market share is forecast to be at 20.5%, placing it comfortably in second position in the overall national automotive sales ranking.
Launched at the end of November 2023, the S70 has unlocked pent up demand and interest from buyers in both domestic and international markets. Sales increased by 60.5% to 2,314 units in February, as production continues to ramp up.
About to enter its 39th year of continuous production, the Saga recorded sales of 6,212 units in February, making it the fifth consecutive month the car has exceeded the 6,000 unit a month barrier.
More impressively, with a total of 12,341 units sold in the first two months of 2024, year-to-date sales for the model are now 10.9% higher than the previous year.
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Apart from the S70, other models also ended February as sales leaders for their respective segments. The Persona and the X90 both continued to reign in their categories respectively with 1,859 and 374 units sold, respectively.
The X50 meanwhile ended February in second place for B-segment SUVs with 1,816 units, while the X70 saw an uptick of 19.6% to 445 units. The Iriz added 3.8% to close at 543 units.
Finally, although production has ended for the Exora, 39 units were sold in February and to date, over 194,250 units of the model have been sold, making it the most successful C-segment MPV in Malaysia’s automotive history.
Notably, its export business leapfrogged by 223% to 346 units in February as compared to January this year while year-to-date export growth stands at 50.5% with 453 units sold to overseas markets this far.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has introduced the new BMW R18 Roctane at the BMW Premium Selection (BPS) showcase that took place at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium early this month.
As the fifth edition to the R18 family, the Roctane comes in as a fresh combination of time-honoured design elements with updated contemporary riding technology, culminating to provide a uniquely stylish touring experience.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary R5, the R18 Roctane is built upon a double-loop tubular steel frame, a hallmark of BMW Motorrad’s design tradition. Akin to the the R5, the rear swinging arm envelops the rear axle drive in a timeless fashion.
It also boasts well-balanced ergonomics with the presence of a ‘mid-mounted foot peg’ configuration and a two-level seat, as well as updated running boards, gearshift paddle, and high handlebars coated in sleek black.
The R18 Roctane is available Mineral Grey Metallic as well as Manhattan Metallic Matt – two distinct colourways that celebrate its rebellious character.
At the heart of the motorcycle sits the traditional air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine, the largest boxer engine of the Heritage line-up. With a capacity of 1,802 cc, it delivers 91 hp at 4,750 rpm and 150 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful two-cylinder boxer engine ever produced by BMW Motorrad.
Riding assistance features come in the form of Automatic Stability Control (ASC), along with three standard riding modes – Rock, Roll and Rain.
Optional features include the new Adaptive Headlight, Hill Start Control, Headlight Pro, Reverse Gear Aid, Daytime Riding Light, Cruise Control, and fuel filler cap lockable.
The estimated pricing for the R18 Roctane is RM160,000.
Bermaz Auto Alliance (BAA) has announced the cessation of its business operations with effect from 29 February 2024. BAA was appointed to manage the distribution, sales, and aftersales of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia and as the authorised repairer for Citroen and DS models three years ago.
This comes following the decision and announcement on 22 November 2023 by Stellantis N.V to manage its brands in Malaysian market through its own national sales company.
With the cessation of operations, BAA will no longer be able to continue serving the Peugeot customers as intended. In a statement, the company expresses its appreciation towards all customers for the support and confidence in the sales and aftersales service rendered by BAA throughout these years.
BAA has agreed to transfer the contractual Free Service Maintenance (FSM) program to Stellantis N.V in totality and as such, all future FSM will be carried out through Stellantis N.V appointed network.
For the more up-to-date information, it is recommended that the customers to refer to Stellantis N.V or contact their customer support toll-free number at 1800-18-7852 or email to customersupport.my@stellantis.com for clarification on any specific concerns.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
