MALAYSIAN helmet manufacturer Gracshaw has launched a lineup of limited-edition DC Super Heroes motorcycle helmets.
The new helmet range features six unique designs inspired by popular DC characters, namely Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and The Joker.
According to Gracshaw, the helmets are designed under the trademark of DC to guarantee authenticity and originality.
The company says that production will be limited to 1,500 units each for the Batman, Superman, The Flash and The Joker designs, while the Aquaman and Wonder Woman designs will each be limited to 500 units.
The Gracshaw DC Super Heroes helmets are based on the Gennex model. In addition to being SIRIM certified, they also features dual-D-ring locking mechanism, dual ventilation system, and removable inner padding.
The helmets also come with sun visors with eight different colours to choose from.
They are available in sizes ranging from M to XXXL, priced at RM460 per unit. Each purchase comes with a specially curated box containing a carrying bag, a certificate of authenticity, and DC-inspired stickers for added personalisation.
The helmets will be available at 30 selected Gracshaw dealers from January 10 onwards.
Porsche is currently working on a new variant of the Taycan that offers better on-track performance compared to existing variants.
Although it’s not quite ready yet, the unnamed new variant has already put an impressive display of track prowess with a lap time of 7:07.55 minutes on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.
The lap time clocked by the pre-production car is a whopping 26 seconds ahead of the record set by the Taycan Turbo S and almost 18 seconds quicker than that of the Tesla Model S Plaid.
To illustrate the speed of the new variant at the Nurburgring, Porsche said it would finish lapping the 20.8 km circuit 1.3 km ahead of the Taycan Turbo S.
Driven by Lars Kern, the pre-production Taycan was equipped with a roll cage and bucket seats for safety reasons.
Details about the powertrain are undisclosed, but rumours suggest the variant comes with a tri-motor setup capable of generating a total system output of up to 1,000 hp.
An extra motor on the rear axle allows for better thermal management and advanced traction control.
As for the design, official images released by Porsche show a more aggressive design front bumper, a lip spoiler, as well as a rear spoiler. The wheels also appear to have a different design from the existing options.
According to Porsche, an onboard video of the complete lap will be published in mid-March.
ZEEKR, the premium electric vehicle brand from Geely, is set to enter the Singaporean market in 2024, The Business Times reported.
According to BT, sales will commence in the first half of this year, with first deliveries expected to take place sometime between June and July.
Representing Zeekr in Singapore is Premium Automobiles Group, which has been appointed as the official distributor of the EV brand. Premium Automobiles also serves as the official distributor of Audi in the republic.
To mark its arrival, Zeekr will be launching the 009 and X, both built on the Scalable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform developed by Geely.
The 009 is a large MPV with a length of up to 5.2 meters and a cabin capable of accommodating up to six passengers. Equipped with a 140-kWh battery, it is capable of covering a distance of more than 800 km on a full charge.
The X was introduced in February 2023 as the third model in Zeekr’s lineup. Technical details are scarce, but the compact crossover reportedly shares the same powertrain as the Smart #1, indicating that it may be offered with a 66 kWh battery with a range of 400 km.
THE Koenigsegg Jesko was introduced in 2019 as a replacement for the aging Agera. The Swedish megacar is named after Jesko von Koenigsegg, the father of the founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg.
According to Koenigsegg, production of the Jesko is limited to just 125 units. In a recent Instagram post, the company revealed the latest unit to roll out of its factory.
Appearance wise, this particular Jesko is said to have taken inspiration from a similar-looking Agera RS ‘Phoenix’ which was specially built for renowned US real estate mogul Manny Khoshbin.
Like the Phoenix, each panel body panel of the Jesko is made from carbon fiber, finished with a clear coat for a glossy effect. It is then accentuated with 24 karat gold leaf accents on the front canards, side mirror arms, bonnet, front bumper, side skirt fins, and rear wing endplates.
Not only that, the Koenigsegg logo and roof are also adorned with the gold leaf trim, indicating that this is not your ordinary Jesko.
This specific unit is an Attack variant that is specifically tuned for track performance, evident in the extra appendages that are there to improve aerodynamics. This include the aggressive front splitter, the diffuser as well as the spoiler.
In addition to the Attack, the Jesko is also available in an Absolut guise, which is theoretically capable of exceeding a top speed of 480 km/h. This variant does not come with a spoiler.
Both the Attack and Absolut are powered by a 5.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that can produce up to 1,280 hp on regular gasoline or 1,600 hp on E85 fuel.
With a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 2.5 seconds.
THE curtains have closed on the year 2023, which seemed like a busy period for the Malaysian electric vehicle market, thanks to the influx of new offerings coming on to the local EV scene.
So without further ado, let’s revisit the 10 most exciting EVs launched in our market throughout last year. Not that the cars in this list is not sorted in order.
Tesla Model 3 Highland
The Model 3 facelift, also known as the Highland, was launched shortly after Tesla marked its entry into Malaysia with the Model Y.
The electric sedan is arguably the most anticipated EV of the year, and this is not surprising as it looks even better than before and comes with various improvements and competitive pricing.
Unfortunately, we have yet to try the new Model 3 but we have a feeling that the driving experience will be rather different from other EVs with the omission of the gear selector and turn indicators.
Audi e-tron GT
Unlike the Porsche Taycan, the Audi e-tron GT can definitely make you feel you’re Mr Stark himself.
The e-tron GT is easily one the most attractive EVs on the market, and its on-track performance has also been proven during a test drive session at the Sepang International Circuit a while ago.
For the Malaysian market, you can get the e-tron GT in the base version or the RS version, which has higher power output, a rear differential lock, rear-wheel steering, and an adaptive air suspension system.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has been actively expanding its EQ electric vehicle lineup, this time with the launch of yet another model, the EQS SUV.
Available in the sole EQS 580 4Matic AMG Line variant, it is equipped with a 107.8 kWh battery that offers a range of up to 615 km on a full charge. Rapid DC charging at 200 kW allows the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes.
There’s a long list of standard features on board, which include AMG Line body kit, 22-inch AMG wheels, MBUX infotainment system with Hyperscreen, and Airmatic air suspension system.
BMW i7
Say what you want about exterior design of the i7, but this car has earned BMW’s “most powerful EV” title with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds for the M70 variant.
In the xDrive60 M Sport guise, this electric limousine has 544 PS and 745 Nm, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 240 km/h. Its range is equally impressive at 625 km.
If performance is not your priority, the i7 still offers a high level of comfort and luxury that can be expected from the 7 Series. There’s plenty of new tech and gadgets inside, including a 31.3-inch drop-dpwn screen for the rear passangers.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Following the encouraging response received for the Ioniq 5, Hyundai has decided to introduce another EV model to the local market, namely the Ioniq 6.
This streamliner-shaped sedan is available in Max RWD and Max AWD variants, offering ranges of up to 614 km and 519 km, with prices ranging from RM289,888 to RM319,888.
If that seems expensive, Hyundai also offers Lite and Plus variants priced from RM219,888. Most of the standard features are retained, but both variants have a lower power output, and the range is shorter at 429 km.
THE curtains have closed on the year 2023, which seemed like a busy period for the Malaysian electric vehicle market, thanks to the influx of new offerings coming on to the local EV scene.
So without further ado, let’s revisit the 10 most exciting EVs launched in our market throughout last year. Note that the cars in this list is not sorted in order.
Lotus Eletre
There are many reasons to like the Eletre, whether or not you are a fan of Lotus. Firstly, it is the first production SUV for the brand known for its small and lightweight sports cars.
It may be an electric SUV, but the Eletre has what it takes to blow the existing ICE Lotus vehicles out of the water with a total system output of 905 hp and 985 Nm in its most powerful version, the R.
Its rather aggressive exterior design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Eletre’s space-age cabin should leave youe in awe.
Smart #1
After months of teasers, the smart #1 was finally launched last November, offering three variants with selling prices ranging from RM189,000 to RM249,000.
The prices may seem a tad steep but with the #1, you truly get what you pay for. In other words, the #1 is a premium EV with a wide variety of features.
The Pro and Premium variants are equally impressive, with acceleration performance of 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a range of 440 km. If that’s not enough, the Brabus variant offers a sportier look with red trims and two electric motors.
BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is the Chinese EV manufacturer’s second model to arrive in Malaysia, following the Atto 3. With a starting price below of RM100,000, it is also one of the most affordable EVs in the market.
True to its name, the Dolphin’s exterior design is rather adorable, enhanced by attractive LED signature lights at the front and rear. Its interior space looks unique with a funky dashboard design and vibrant color theme.
In addition to the impressive driving range (410 km to 490 km, NEDC), what’s appealing about the Dolphin is the amount of standard equipment buyers get, which include wireless Apple CarPlay, a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, and ADAS, to name a few.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
This ultra-luxurious electric coupe arrived in Malaysia last September as the most expensive EV in the country, with a price starting from RM2 million excluding options.
If V12-powered cars like the Ghost and Dawn are sometimes described as “eerily silent”, imagine a Rolls-Royce without an internal combustion engine.
With a 102-kWh battery, the Spectre can drive up to 520 km on a full charge. Charging from 10% to 80% can be achieved in just 34 minutes via a 195 kW DC charger. Interestingly, the Spectre is the first two-door coupe Rolls-Royce to come with 23-inch wheels in almost 100 years.
BMW iX M60
The first electric SAV model in the BMW M portfolio is powered by two electric motors producing a total power of 619 PS and 1,015 Nm.
If that torque figure isn’t high enough, the Launch Control function will boost it to 1,100 Nm to enable the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is capped at 250 km/h.
A 105.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a driving range of up to 561 km, but with the bonkers ouput, it seems that not many drivers will be able to reach 500 km on a single charge.
FOLLOWING the launch of the Aveta Service Corner (ASC) earlier this month, Aveta Malaysia continues its customer care initiative with the introduction of its latest program called ‘Aveta Care on Wheels’.
The launch of this initiative is part of the manufacturer’s efforts to expand its sales and after-sales service network to meet customer needs.
ACW is a mobile service team consisting of one pickup truck and three motorcycles. The team’s mission is to reach customers nationwide to address any issues that cannot be solved by local dealers.
The team consists of service professionals from Aveta Malaysia who have been specially trained to troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise.
“At Aveta, we are deeply passionate about meeting our customers’ needs. We understand that attractive products alone are not enough. A brand can only succeed when it has a comprehensive customer care program that wins the hearts and confidence of its customers,” said Steven Lim, group managing director.
ACW covers the entire Peninsular Malaysia with plans to expand the initiative in East Malaysia. It is already operational and is available from Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Appointments can be made by calling the Aveta Customer Careline at +60129565409.
PERAK Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that the state government has agreed to provide a location for the construction of a university in Proton City, Tanjung Malim, as proposed by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
According to Saarani, the matter was discussed two weeks ago, during the company’s senior management visit to Perak.
“During the discussion, they asked us to provide a location for the development of the university, and at the same time, we have suggested several locations that we feel are suitable.
“However, no specific period has been set for the construction of this university, as well as other details,” he said.
Saarani added that the construction of the university was seen as significant, especially in providing job opportunities to various levels of society, especially the youth.
“In other words, the opening of this university will usually make a place a new development centre. So you can imagine all the possibilities,” he said.
In October, Geely and DRB-Hicom signed a joint venture agreement for the development of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, Perak, which is expected to attract RM32bil in investments.
VOLKSWAGEN Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has issued a recall involving 6,671 vehicles manufactured between 2010 and 2014 following a Takata airbag safety issue.
This recall campaign involves six Volkswagen models, namely the sixth-generation Golf GTI, Eos, Passat CC, Polo, Beetle, and Vento, which are equipped with a specific driver front airbag gas generator housing.
According to VPCM, the concern with the front driver airbag housing generator is caused by deterioration of the generator’s propellant due to high air humidity and temperature fluctuations over a long period of time. This could lead to potential injury on the driver and passenger.
In an official statement, the company said that they have taken the necessary steps with its dealer partners to ensure parts availability and that the recall is conducted smoothly and efficiently. The nationwide recall will be carried out in phases to manage the number of cases.
“All notifications to identified owners, based on the Volkswagen database will be conducted by email and WhatsApp, and customers who purchased the vehicle from a previous owner or a used car dealership are advised to urgently contact the nearest Volkswagen authorised dealer for verification,” it said.
Should parts replacement be required in the event of parts replacement, all labour and replacement parts for this service will be at no cost to owners, the company added.
IN light of recent developments surrounding the safety test at Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd (DMC), UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has released a statement ensuring customers and the public that it is committed to transparency and accountability.
This follows the statement released by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) highligthing a procedural irregularity in in the testing of models by DMC, impacting three models distributed by UMWT in Malaysia.
President of UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Ravindran K. said, “We emphasise our dedication to maintaing the highest standards and quality in our vehicles. Rest assured, we are actively working to ensure that all our vehicles in Malaysia strictly adhere to the relevant regulations and rules.”
Ravindran stated that UMWT is also working closely with regulatory authorities to promptly and transparently address this matter, maintaining its commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles to the Malaysian market.
“We understand the importance of trust, and we we want to reinforce the confidence our customers place in us. Our dedication to customer satisfaction has always been and remains our top priority,” he added.
In a statement issued on December 20th, TMC stated that an investigation conducted by an independent third-party committee found new irregularities in 174 items within 25 test categories. This is in addition to the door lining irregularity in April and the side collision test irregularity in May.
These encompassed a total of 64 models and three engines of vehicles (total of models currently being produced, developed, or ceased in production), including 22 models and one engine being sold by Toyota. The affected Toyota models sold in Malaysia are the Rush, Veloz, and Yaris/Vios.
In light of this, TMC and DMC have temporarily suspended shipments of all affected models both in Japan and overseas.
JAGUAR Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has announced that the facelifted Range Rover Evoque will be launched in January 2024.
The premium compact SUV made its global debut in June this year with fresher design cues and a host of latest features.
Exterior-wise, the basic shape of the Evoque remains but the SUV now gets a redesigned grille, new Pixel LED headlights with jewel-like daytime running lights, as well as new rear lights with super-red rear illuminationthat enhances visibility and diminishes glare.
In addition, the charateristic ‘floating’ roof effect and flush deployable door handles are further complemented with new accent and colour options.
Inside, the Evoque features the latest-generation Pivi Pro infotainment system with a new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen, that provides access to all vehicle functions.
Controls for the climate and audio volume are consistently within view via new sidebars, featuring multi-functional sliding controls on either side.
There’s also a new centre console design which provides ample internal storage space and Wireless Device Charging below the touchscreen.
According to JLRM, the Evoque facelift will be offered with the Ingenium petrol engine that offers enhanced
fuel efficiency, smoothness and responsiveness. That being said, the actual variant that will be offered is not specified.
Those interested in taking a closer look at the new Range Rover Evoque facelift are welcome to visit JLRM’s roadshow happening at Bangsar Shopping Centre from January 3rd to 7th, 2024.
AFTER nearly five years on the market, the McLaren GT makes way for its replacement, known as the GTS.
The newest offering from Woking boasts a number of enhancements, which cover areas such as the design, equipment, and perhaps more excitingly, performance.
While the overall shape of this grand tourer remains unchanged, the front fascia now incorporates wider, more pronounced air intakes to channel more air into the radiator system.
On the rear fenders, new, taller air scoops sit on the shoulders to enable greater airflow into the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
Alongside new colour options such as Mantis Green, Tanzanite Blue and Ice White, the GTS can be had in an exclusive colour called Lava Grey. It incorporates a shimmering red fleck that catches the light to create a distinctive effect.
There are two alloy wheel designs to choose from, both of which can be fitted with titanium bolts said to be 35% lighter than standard bolts. The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubbers developed specifically for the GTS.
As for the interior, customers can now opt for Softgrain Aniline leather upholstery with double piping and contrast stitching.
In addition to the visual upgrades, McLaren has reduced the weight of the GTS through the use of composite roof and upper structure at the rear, both made of carbon fibre. This makes the car 10 kg lighter, with a kerb weight of 1,520 kg.
With an output of 635 PS, which is 15 PS higher than its predecessor, and 630 Nm of torque, the GTS only takes 3.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and 8.9 seconds to reach a speed of 200 km/h. The maximum speed is 326 km/h.
Higher output does not necessiate that practicality has to be compromised. In fact, the GTS is more practical than the model it replaces as the lift system can now raise or lower the nose in only four seconds – more than twice as fast as before.
Additionally, the GTS has a boot space of 420 litres accessible via a front-hinged, electrically-operated glass tailgate. It also has a 150-litre storage space within the nose, giving it a total cargo space of 570 litres.
The electro-hydraulic steering system has also been retuned to deliver a more accurate level of feedback. The steering’s level of assistance is also increased at low speeds for easier low-speed manoeuvres.
A year ago, BYD marked its entry into the Malaysian electric vehicle market with the launch of the BYD Atto 3.
In commemoration of this anniversary, Sime Darby Motors recently launched the Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition, which sets itself apart from the standard version with a blacked-out bodykit.
The latest offering is based on the Extended Range variant and is limited to only 500 units. Customers can choose from a selection of two exterior colours, namely Boulder Grey and Ski White.
Regardless of the chosen colour, the Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition is fitted a front bumper lip, front spoiler, front bumper panels, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser.
Additionally, the window frame, side mirror housings, and C-pillar panels are painted black to give the EV a more aggressive look.
There are no powertrain upgrades, meaning like the variant it is based on, the limited edition Atto 3 features an electric motor on the front axle generating 204 PS and 310 Nm. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.
This variant is equipped with a 60.48 kWh battery that offers a driving range of up to 480 km on a full charge. Charging from 0-80% takes approximately 45 minutes with a fast DC 80 kW charger.
The selling price of the Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition starts at RM173,800, making it RM6,000 dearer than the standard Atto 3 Extended Range.
THE Toyota Crown Sport, which is one of the four models in the Crown lineup, is now available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in its home market, where it is priced from 7.65 million yen (RM248,030).
Similar to the hybrid version, the aforementioned powertrain employs the A25A-FXS 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine, but in this version, the engine is assisted by a pair of electric motors.
On its own, the engine develops 177 PS and 219 Nm of torque, while the front and rear electric motors generate 182 PS/270 Nm and 54 PS/121 Nm, respectively.
The ICE-electric motor combo provides the Crown Sport PHEV with an E-Four all-wheel drive system and a healthy total system output of 306 PS.
With a 51-Ah lithium-ion battery, the SUV is capable of traveling up to 90 km without using a drop of fuel.
Not only that, it is also said to offer a fuel consumption rate of about 20.3 km/l and with a 55-litre fuel tank, it boasts a total cruising range of more than 1,200 km on a full tank.
According to Toyota, the Crown Sport PHEV supports both standard and rapid charging, with the latter enabling a charge to 80% power in 38 minutes.
The exterior may appear to be unchanged from the hybrid version, but underneath the gorgeous sheetmetal lies an additional braces to the floor tunnel to ensure an optimal balance of body rigidity.
Furthermore, the damping characteristics of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system have been retuned for smoother and more stable ride.
The Crown Sport PHEV comes standard with 21-inch aluminum rims, 20-inch ventilated disc brakes with red calipers on all four corners, black and red interior colour scheme, paddle shifters and sports seats.
Other features include the Vehicle to Home (V2H) that can provide enough electricity for about 6.5 days of use in emergency situations, and My Room Mode, which allows users to enjoy air conditioning and audio systems from an external power source.
THE partnership between Lamborghini and the Italian State Police continues with a specially-prepped Urus Performante.
The super SUV is the sixth model to enter into the Highway Police fleet since the two joined forces way back in 2004.
Set to enter into service next year alongside the Huracán LP610-4, the Urus Performante will be used for special services including the urgent medical transport of organs and plasma.
It was fitted out by Lamborghini technicians at Sant’Agata Bolognese, starting from the exterior, following police specifications. The livery is an artwork of Lamborghini Centro Stile, featuring the classic blue colour of the Italian State Police and white, with tricolor bands on the sills and seat belt.
The police logos have been applied to the doors in reflective film, while a light bar with 360 degree blue LED lights has been installed on the roof, together with a two-tone electric siren.
The cabin has been fitted with an armoured weapon box, a flip-down message display, a compartment for stowing service equipment as well as a defibrillator for first aid response.
Most importantly, there is a portable fridge for the transportation of organs, along with a display and data logger for the continuous monitoring of the internal temperature.
The Urus Performante won’t be having problems reaching the hospital in time as it has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine capable of outputting 666 PS and 850 Nm of torque.
With an eight-speed automatic gearbox driving all four wheels, it will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 306 km/h.
The sixth-generation Honda CR-V has been officially launched in the Malaysian market, a month after it was made available for booking.
According to Honda Malaysia, the SUV has amassed over 2,000 bookings within the period. The company targets to achieve a monthly sales target of 1,000 units.
The CR-V is offered in four variants, with the following prices:
1.5L S – RM159,900
1.5L E – RM169,900
1.5L V – RM181,900 2.0L
e:HEV RS – price to be announced later
The range-topping e:HEV RS will only be launched early next year, thus its price will be announced closer to the launch date.
In conjunction with Honda’s 75th anniversary and Honda Malaysia’s celebration of 20 years of CKD production of the CR-V, the company is offering a special price of RM157,900 for the CR-V 1.5L S for the first 750 customers.
Compared to the outgoing model, the new CR-V has larger a footprint that measures 4,691 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width and 1,681 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,701 mm, 40 mm longer than before.
The e:HEV RS variant is powered by a combination of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an improved Hybrid Traction Motor producing a total output of 184 PS and 335 Nm. Power is delivered to the front wheels through an e:CVT.
The other three variants feature a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine with 193 PS and 243 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT. The S and E variants are front-wheel drive, while the V variant is equipped with the Real Time AWD all-wheel-drive system.
Moving on to the features, all CR-V variants come standard with LED headlights and taillights, and sequential turn signal lights. LED fog lights are only available from the E variant and above.
The alloy wheel sizes start from 17 inches for the S variant, up to 18 inches for the E, V, and RS. As the sportiest variant, the RS wheel comes in Berlina Black.
Inside, the CR-V (save for the S variant) is equipped with leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory function, eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for passengers, additional USB Type C ports, 15W wireless charger, a nine-inch audio display, and paddle shifters.
The V variant adds ambient lighting, while the RS variant includes a smart key card, a 10.2-inch digital meter, head-up display, driving mode switch, Active Sound Control, and a Bose audio system with 12 speakers.
As for safety, Honda Sensing is now equipped as standard across the range. It comprises nine features:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Departure Warning
Road Departure Mitigation
Lane Keep Assist System
Collision Mitigation Braking System
Lead Car Departure Notification System
Low Speed Follow
Adaptive Driving Beam (RS only)
Meanwhile, Honda LaneWatch is available in the E, V, and RS variants, while the 360-degree multi-view camera system is available in the V and RS variants only.
The CR-V is available in five colours, namely Canyon River Blue, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic.
FROM mid-2024 onwards, the European-market Toyota Hilux will be offered with a new mild-hybrid powertrain that which offers improved driving performance and enhanced comfort in both urban and off-road environments.
Marketed as the Hilux Hybrid 48V, it features the familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides an additional power of 16 PS and 65 Nm to help with the acceleration and fuel efficiency.
The aforementioned engine puts out 204 PS at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm, just like in the Hilux Rogue.
According to Toyota, the engine drives a compact generator using a belt drive system, which in turn charges a 48-volt lithium battery, which is small enough to be installed under the rear seats and weighs just 7.6 kg.
Like Toyota’s full hybrid electric systems, the battery is charged during deceleration. Once charged, the battery sends the output through the motor generator to the engine to enhance acceleration, power and efficiency.
The motor generator has been designed to withstand the harsher working environments, while the engine gets a new two-arm belt tensioner and stronger belt material to adapt to the hybrid system.
With an enhanced start-stop system, the powertrain helps improve the Hilux’s fuel efficiency by up to 5% compared to the conventional non-electrified diesel powertrain.
Electrification aside, the Hilux Hybrid 48V retains its towing and payload capacity at 3,500 kg and 1,000 kg, respectively.
Its off-road credentials also remain intact with a ground clearance of 310 mm, an approach angle of 29 degrees, and a departure angle of 26 degrees. It can drive through water up to 700 mm deep thanks to waterproofing of the battery and DC-DC converter.
Safety-wise, there’s the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense comprising enhanced features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Adaptive High Beam (AHB).
OWNERS of the new MINI Cooper SE looking to give their car a more menacing look will be happy to know that the automaker is now offering a John Cooper Works Trim package for the electric vehicle.
However, this package is limited to aesthetic changes, which means the Cooper SE retains the single electric motor setup with 208 PS and 330 Nm just like the standard version.
Well, not that it is in dire need of additional power as even with a rather modest output, the car only needs 6.7 seconds to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint.
Needless to say, the 54.2-kWh battery is also retained to give the Cooper SE a range of up to 402 km on a single charge. The battery pack that can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes via 95-kW DC fast charging.
Nevertheless, the JCW Trim package does make the Cooper SE look more aggressive on the road. At the front, you’ll find a high-gloss block finish on the radiator grille surround and logo as well as JCW-specific individual light signatures featuring two horizontal stripes as daytime running lights.
Also included are 18-inch wheels in Lap Spoke two-tone design with ten spokes, red JCW brake calipers, front and rear diffusers, hood stripes, as well as Chilli Red accents on the roof and side mirrors.
Similarly, the interior gets racing-inspired cues which include a black and red theme, JCW seats upholstered in synthetic leather with multi-coloured knitted material in the shoulder section, and 2d-knit on the door and the dashboard.
The central OLED display now has a JCW-inspired Go-Kart mode, which colours the display and interior lighting anthracite red and pumps go-kart sound into the cabin. This mode also optimises throttle response of the accelerator pedal.
THE first electric vehicle (EV) introduced by smart Malaysia, the smart #1, has received 1,000 bookings within about two weeks of its launch.
“The success of smart #1 reflects not only the excellence of our product but also our dedication to providing a seamless and enjoyable ownership experience.
The comprehensive warranty coverage, complimentary packages, and the smartCharge Home Charger offer are a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction,” said Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of smart Malaysia.
Zhang added that delivery is also a pivotal aspect, and his team is diligently working to ensure timely delivery of cars to customers.
For the Malaysian market, the smart #1 is offered in three variants, namely Pro, Premium, and Brabus, with prices ranging from RM189,000 to RM249,000.
The car comes with an eight-year/200,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, an eight-year/150,000 km high-voltage component warranty, a four-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, and a two-year unlimited mileage spare parts warranty. Customers also benefit from 24/7 roadside service assistance.
Other perks include a complimentary accessories package worth RM2,000, a five-year Internet data plan of a total of 60GB, and a limited-time offer of a complimentary smartCharge Home Charger valued at RM3,200. This special offer is valid until 31 December 2023.
FOLLOWING the EQS SUV, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now further expanded its electric vehicle range with the launch of EQS’ smaller sibiling, the all-new EQE SUV.
It is offered in a single variant, the EQE 500 4Matic SUV, with a starting price of RM458,888 (on-the-road without insurance, with 10% sales tax).
Exterior-wise, standard equipment includes the AMG Line package, 21-inch aerodynamically-optimised light alloy wheels, Digital Light headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, aluminum-look running boards, and the signature three-pointed Mercedes star pattern on the grille.
Being the smaller sibling, the EQE SUV has a smaller footprint, measuring 4,863 mm in length, 1,940 mm in width, 1,685 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,030 mm.
Inside, the futuristic Hyperscreen found in the EQS and EQS SUV makes way for a more conventional OLED central display and digital driver display setup, along with a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.
Other features include the AMG Line package, ambient lighting, sports seats, AMG floor mats, Nappa leather wrapping on the steering wheel, black/gray leather upholstery, magnolia wood trim, aluminum inlays, Keyless-Go Comfort package, Thermotronic climate control, among others.
Powering the EQE 500 is a pair of electric motors generating a total output of 408 PS and 858 Nm of torque. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h.
With a 90.6 kWh battery, it offers a driving range of 552 km on a full charge (based on WLTP cycle). The battery supports 22 kW AC charging, which takes four hours and 45 minutes for a 0-100% charge.
Alternatively, it can also take DC fast charging with capacities up to 170 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in 32 just minutes.
The EQE 500 SUV comes equipped with Airmatic air suspension with adaptive ADS+ dampers that can be varied fully automatically at each individual wheel in both the compression and rebound stages.
To increase ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 30 mm, which is possible up to a speed
of 80 km/h. It also features rear-axle steering to reduce the turning radius from 12.3 meters to 10.5 meters.
Safety and system package comprises the Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Pre-Safe, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, a 360-degree camera, and transparent bonnet.
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