The Road Transport Department (JPJ) today introduced the JPJePlate special plate design specifically for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV).
According to JPJ, three standards have been set for the special plate design inspired by European countries, such as:
1. Retro-reflective feature to enhance visibility at night and reduce accident rates.
2. Anti-cloning hologram sticker to minimize theft and fraud risks.
3. Integrated RFID technology that supports toll payments and vehicle parking.
The implementation of JPJePlate starts today (September 9, 2024) for new electric vehicles, with bookings available through the website jpjeplate.jpj.gov.my.
The new plate design is not mandatory for registered ZEVs, but owners can still make reservations as early as November.
A complete set of JPJePlate is priced at RM98/set, including front and rear plates, RFID mirror stickers, and standard delivery costs.
Additionally, JPJ has also launched a special registration number auction (NPI) with the “EV” index through the JPJeBid System starting today and ending on September 13, 2024, at 10:00 PM.
The “EV” registration number is reserved exclusively for ZEVs and cannot be registered on non-ZEV vehicles.
Similar to previous initiatives, a portion of the revenue from these NPIs will be channeled towards public initiatives such as free helmet exchange programs and B2 license training for the B40 group.
Fans and owners of the Nissan GT-R in Malaysia are invited to participate in the GT-R Festival taking place at Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City on October 4-6.
The 3-day, 2-night event is aimed at becoming the largest gathering of GT-R models to be immortalized in the Malaysia Book of Records.
Furthermore, the GT-R Festival also offers the opportunity for GT-R owners to personally meet Hiroshi Tamura, better known as the “Father of The Modern Nissan GT-R”.
The 62-year-old individual joined Nissan in 1984, working there for three years before moving to Autech, a subsidiary responsible for building GT-R vehicles.
He rejoined Nissan in 1993 in the product planning department, where he had the opportunity to develop the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 model.
In 2006, Hiroshi Tamura was appointed as Chief Product Specialist, and since then he has been better known as the Modern GT-R Father.
For the GT-R Festival, there are two categories open to all GT-R owners as follows:
1. Elite
Valued at RM1,999, this category will be open to 250 participants, including a 3-day 2-night stay, dinner event, convoy, session with Hiroshi Tamura, photo session, exclusive GT-R Festival t-shirt, and 2 tickets to the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur.
2. Ultimate Elite
Priced at RM3,499, this category will be limited to only 20 participants, where each participant will receive the same benefits as the Elite category.
Additionally, participants in this category will also receive an exclusive GT-R Festival jacket, two VIP tickets to the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2024, and an exclusive dinner session with Hiroshi Tamura at Crown Plaza Penang Straits City.
The transmission, or gearbox, is one of the crucial components in a vehicle to ensure that every horsepower produced by the engine can be effectively transmitted to the road.
This is because internal combustion engines (ICE) can only generate efficient power within certain engine speed ranges, and each speed ratio is calculated and specified according to the engine output by manufacturers to maximize efficient power delivery in each gear.
It’s a different story for EVs.
Unlike ICE, electric motors can consistently generate maximum instantaneous power at any RPM range.
It can be said that most EVs in the market have a single-speed transmission, where the gear ratio has been meticulously calculated to maximize the efficiency of the electric motor.
Due to the already efficient operating system, most manufacturers believe that the use of multiple-speed transmissions will only add inefficiency, such as increased weight and production costs.
However, there are premium EV models like the Porsche Taycan that use a two-speed gearbox.
The first gear is designed to maximize acceleration, while the second gear ratio is designed to ensure efficiency and high power reserves even at high speeds.
Formula E racing cars even have three-speed transmissions!
So, what about certain manufacturers like Hyundai and Toyota?
Hyundai introduced the N e-shift feature, allowing drivers to simulate gear changes as if using an 8-speed DCT transmission in the Ioniq 5 N model.
Toyota, on the other hand, experimented by fitting a manual gearbox to the AE86 BEV model, complete with a foot clutch!
All of these efforts are made to ensure that the art of driving and manual gear changes will not disappear even when the world fully transitions to EVs one day.
A bitter fact that we must digest at present is that everyone now wants a car with flood-resistant specifications.
SUV. Crossover. Or whatever three-letter acronym introduced by every manufacturer to distinguish their products from others.
As a result, we can now see various types of crossover SUV models in the local market, and the victims, of course, are the sedan models.
The latest Peugeot 408 available in the Malaysian market is no exception to falling victim to the SUV frenzy.
Is it a model worth buying? Feel free to read our brief review until the end.
Exterior design
If the two previous generations featured sedan body shapes, the new generation Peugeot 408 is now a modern mishmash car built for those who dare to drive it on the road.
Fundamentally, the 408 still retains the sedan body shape, but with a liftback rear design before being embellished with crossover elements around the body.
This is not a new thing, as several other manufacturers also use the same design format, such as Citroen with the C3X, and Toyota through the Crown Crossover model.
Not everyone likes this format, but it could be a suitable model for those seeking something different.
On the road, the Peugeot 408 GT looks aggressive with its lion fang-shaped main headlights, rear lights with claw graphics, and 20-inch black Monolithe rims with a slightly… peculiar design.
With slightly higher dimensions compared to sedans in its segment, along with a ground clearance of 189 mm, it’s difficult to classify this Peugeot 408 as a crossover SUV. The writer prefers to call it a crossover sedan.
As emphasized, the design delivered by this Peugeot 408 is not for everyone, only for the brave.
Modern cabin, but…
The Peugeot 408 GT brings the Peugeot i-Cockpit 3D, which is far more modern than the previous 408.
It features a flat top and bottom steering wheel, a 10-inch digital cluster screen with a three-dimensional display, a 10-inch infotainment screen, and i-Toggles screen where the driver can set up to five different shortcut functions according to personal needs.
In standard, the Peugeot 408 GT variant we test-drove also comes with Nappa leather-wrapped seats that have been recognized by the Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR) independent body, which promotes back health.
There is also a built-in massage function with several modes inspired by animals such as cats and snakes available for the driver and front passenger.
With these mentioned modern features, comfort is indeed not a major issue.
Despite the presence of customizable shortcut function buttons, the writer still believes that frequently used functions such as climate control don’t need to be integrated into the main screen.
The infotainment screen from the factory offers a fairly clear and sharp graphic display, but could be improved with faster and smoother graphic movements.
It can be quite annoying when one wants to quickly lower the cabin temperature, but have to wait a few moments for the ‘loading’ graphic to finish playing.
Fortunately, the Peugeot 408 comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, so most of the time, the driver’s eyes only need to focus on the navigation map display and the appropriate music selection played by the Focal Audio system with its 10 speakers.
Powerful Engine
For the Malaysian market, the Peugeot 408 is only offered with one engine option, which is the 1.6-liter turbo PureTech inline-4.
It is capable of churning out a high power of 218 hp @ 5,750 rpm and a torque of 300 Nm @ 2,000 rpm, delivered to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Accelerating at traffic lights is not a weakness for this crossover sedan; in fact, on highways, the Peugeot 408 can outperform any naturally aspirated sedan.
For a full tank, the writer successfully recorded a mileage of 510 km.
Driving Experience
From the driver’s seat, one actually needs time to get used to the layout of the Peugeot 408 GT’s 3D i-Cockpit. This is because compared to other cars, you need to read the digital cluster screen from above the steering wheel. If set too high, you may struggle to see the meter panel.
Just like the infotainment screen, this digital cluster screen also displays graphics movements somewhat slowly for a modern car. It still offers an analog-style meter display but with a more concise interface.
Despite the asymmetrical steering wheel design, the Peugeot 408 still offers adequate handling responses, not overly sporty but still enjoyable, particularly when maneuvering around corners.
The Peugeot 408’s suspension components, consisting of MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink setup at the rear, are adequate when driving on well-paved surfaces where body roll is at an acceptable level. However, the high body style of the car is its main downside.
The main enemy of the Peugeot 408 is uneven road surfaces, especially when encountering potholes or road debris.
It’s even more frustrating when you’re enjoying a corner, and there are potholes or road debris scattered on the road where this sedan is quick to jump and ‘veer off course’ set by the driver.
Not all negative aspects are felt in the Peugeot 408. The most appreciated aspect is the cabin’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) level, where any roughness and engine noise are effectively filtered to ensure the driver’s and passengers’ comfort throughout the journey.
Practicality
The Peugeot 408 GT still offers a practical cabin space for the whole family, even with its bold crossover sedan body style.
For instance, on the center console, there is a special slot for wireless smart device charging, followed by space below for other smart devices and a dedicated hole for placing your SmartTag device.
The cute transmission tunnel also contributes to a more spacious cabin. There is also storage space below the central armrest with separate openings, while for rear passenger comfort, second-row air conditioning vents are provided.
Although it may seem narrow from the outside, the Peugeot 408’s cabin actually provides sufficient headroom and legroom for adult passengers. However, the relatively small rear mirror structure makes it difficult for any old-school driver to look back when parking the car.
Fortunately, the Peugeot 408 comes with a clear 360-degree surround-view camera that allows us to observe the presence of obstacles in the surroundings.
Moreover, the Peugeot 408 offers a cargo space capacity of 536 liters, expandable to up to 1,538 liters when the second-row seats are folded down.
Price… a bit expensive
Behind the bold exterior and the aforementioned modern features, one thing that makes the Peugeot 408 not as appealing is the price tag.
For the Malaysian market, you can get the basic Allure version of the Peugeot 408 with pricing starting from RM146,055. Sounds reasonable, right?
However, for the GT variant equipped with additional premium features, the starting selling price is from RM196,055. Wise buyers may suggest adding a bit more money and buying a much larger and more comfortable D-segment sedan.
Therefore, the writer likes to reiterate the argument mentioned at the beginning of the article, “Peugeot 408: A ‘French Lion’ for the Brave.”
Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, has introduced the 2024 BYD Seal Dynamic RWD variant as a complement to the existing electric sedan offerings.
Priced starting from RM163,800, the vehicle comes with a six-year or 150,000 km warranty, an eight-year (or 160,000 km) battery warranty, and an eight-year or 150,000 km powertrain warranty, making the BYD Seal Dynamic a more affordable choice.
Additionally, BYD is offering a complimentary Wall Box Home charger for the first 100 reservations.
Here are the key specifications of the BYD Seal Dynamic variant that you need to know:
Two color options
The BYD Seal Dynamic RWD is available in two color options: Cosmos Black and Aurora White.
Power
Equipped with a rear-wheel-drive electric motor, the BYD Seal Dynamic RWD can produce 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
510 km Range
With a 61.44 kWh battery pack, the vehicle can offer a range of up to 510 km on a single full charge (NEDC data). For comparison, the BYD Seal Premium can travel up to 650 km, while the Performance variant can reach around 580 km.
High-Speed DC Charging
The BYD Seal Dynamic RWD comes with a 110 kW fast DC charging technology, along with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which enhances the practicality of the electric sedan, especially for outdoor activities.
Standard Features
As standard, the BYD Seal Dynamic RWD offers a cargo space of 400 liters, along with a 50-liter front trunk (frunk). It also features unique 18-inch rims wrapped in 225/50 R18 tires.
Alongside the launch of the BYD Seal Dynamic RWD, BYD Malaysia has upgraded the electric SUV offering, the BYD Atto 3 (priced from RM149,800), with enhanced features including:
-Battery capacity increased to 60.48 kWh
-Range now reaches 480 km (NEDC data)
-0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.3 seconds
-18 inch rim
-DC charging up to 88 kW
-one touch open/close tailgate
-8 speakers
-PM2.5 air filter
-multi-colour door handle ambient lighting with music rhythm
For the first 300 reservations, buyers of the 2024 BYD Atto 3 will receive a Wallbox Home Charger, a 3-year service package, and a 4-year road tax waiver.
Do you still remember the Nissan IDx sports concept car showcased eleven years ago?
It was one of the concept models that garnered a lot of attention, but unfortunately, it was not realized due to the relatively high development costs, coupled with lackluster demand.
Nevertheless, in 2024, Nissan is reported to be developing a third high-performance sports car model after the Z and GT-R.
Speaking to the media, Nissan’s Vice President of Global Product Strategy, Ivan Espinosa, shared plans to revive the iconic Silvia model, despite the shrinking sports car market.
“I am trying to make it happen. It is not easy, as the sports car market is increasingly shrinking.”
He revealed a vision where the Silvia would be reborn as an electric sports car (positioned between the Z and GT-R) so that this new model can comply with emission laws in as many countries as possible.
In this way, Nissan can increase production numbers to achieve the necessary economies of scale.
Furthermore, Nissan will not follow the footsteps of collaborative manufacturers in developing sports cars like the Toyota GR Supra/BMW Z4, and Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ.
Instead, Nissan aims to independently develop this new Silvia model without assistance from any party.
Espinosa is confident that Nissan can proceed alone in developing this Silvia model, albeit acknowledging that this project is challenging and requires serious investment.
The future Nissan Silvia will not be an isolated model, considering that it will face fierce competition from other Japanese manufacturers.
For instance, Mazda is developing a new generation MX-5, Honda is presenting the Prelude sports car, and Toyota’s GR86 might be upgraded with a hybrid engine package.
Stellantis Malaysia has announced a promotion of a free 5-year maintenance service package effective from September 1, 2024.
This latest promotion applies to all Peugeot models and variants, including the 408, 2008, 3008, 5008, and the Landtrek pickup truck.
Customers who register their Peugeot vehicles starting from September 1st are eligible to enjoy the five-year free service promotion which covers the cost of spare parts for 10 services within five years, based on intervals of every 10,000 km or six months, whichever comes first.
Customers only need to pay for labor costs.
The Managing Director of Stellantis Malaysia, Jamie Francis Morais, said, “Our customers are our top priority, and we are excited to introduce this 5-year free service maintenance promo as part of our efforts to further elevate and enhance the PEUGEOT ownership experience.
“This 5 years of free service savings paired with our ongoing 7-year extended full coverage warranty is sure to give new PEUGEOT owners peace of mind, for longer.”
This limited offer is available at all authorized Peugeot dealerships nationwide.
For information, all Peugeot vehicles come with a seven-year warranty or a distance coverage of 200,000 km (whichever comes first) as a standard package.
It consists of a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty and an additional 4-year coverage similar to the manufacturer’s warranty.
Despite the sluggish trend in EV ownership, Hyundai has unveiled updates to its electric SUV model, the 2025 Ioniq 5.
The facelift for the 2025 model has been launched, marking the Ioniq 5 as the first model to be produced at the Metaplant Georgia.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 brings about cosmetic changes, such as a new bumper, revised spoiler, more aerodynamic rims, and new color options.
Minimal changes have been made to the interior, including a redesigned steering wheel, upgraded center console, and the addition of physical buttons for commonly used functions.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 also comes with a larger capacity battery package.
The Standard Range variant now features a 63 kWh battery (compared to the previous 58 kWh), increasing the driving range to 386 km from the previous 354 km.
Meanwhile, the Long Range variant is equipped with an 84 kWh battery, promising a range of over 499 km for the RWD version, or 451 km for the AWD version.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also becomes the first Hyundai model to come standard with NACS (North American Charging Standard) ports, allowing Ioniq 5 owners to use Tesla’s Supercharger network without requiring an adapter.
Finally, there is a new off-road variant called the XRT, featuring unique front design, black accents, digital camouflage pattern on the bumper and fender flare, and 18-inch matte black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
Moreover, the Ioniq 5 XRT now offers 23 mm greater ground clearance, red-colored tow hooks, H-Tex upholstery, and XRT logos on the seats.
Did you know that Volvo is among the earliest automotive manufacturers in the world to announce a strategy to offer a full-time EV portfolio by 2030?
In fact, by the end of May 2024, its CEO, Jim Rowan, explained that the target could still be achievable, and he also believes that Volvo can end the sales of internal combustion engine vehicles within the next five years.
However, in an event held with investors in late July, the CEO finally admitted that “it will take time to connect various parts of the world to achieve full electrification.”
In other words, the initial goal of becoming a pure EV brand by 2030 may be difficult to achieve.
Considering the latest developments, Volvo has decided to realign its sales targets, aiming for 90-100 percent of sales to consist of EVs and PHEVs by the end of this decade.
Meanwhile, non-plug-in hybrid vehicles will continue to be sold for a longer period than initially expected.
The Swedish manufacturer believes that several factors contribute to the slowing transition to EV usage, such as slow infrastructure development, reduced EV sales incentives, and the introduction of new tariffs for EVs in some markets.
In addition to Volvo, several other major global manufacturers are also reconsidering their aggressive electrification strategies, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, and Ford.
Toyota seeks to commemorate the 51st anniversary of its first World Rally Championship (WRC) victory by launching the limited edition GR Yaris model.
With a production limit of 51 units exclusively for the Italian market, the Toyota GR Yaris TGR Italy Limited Edition comes with a unique specification package.
For example, it features a distinctive red decal graphic design inspired by the Corolla 1600 Coupe which won the Press On Regardless Rally championship in Michigan in 1973.
Moreover, this limited edition GR Yaris is adorned with TGR Italy emblems on both the exterior and interior, complete with production serial numbers.
Each of the four wheel arches is adorned with 18-inch forged rims in Heritage Gold color, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.
Despite these cosmetic changes, no alterations have been made to the heart of the car, the 1.6-liter turbo G16E-GTS three-cylinder inline engine capable of producing 276 hp.
All 51 units of the GR Yaris TGR Italy Limited Edition are offered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Reservations for this limited edition model will commence on the Toyota Italy website on September 9, and each unit will be sold at €67,500 (RM325,917).
Interested buyers will need to pay a deposit of €2,000 (RM9,657), and notably, Toyota also provides a test drive session in a racing car, two VIP passes for the TGR Italy 2025 event, special car protection, and branded sportswear from Gazoo Racing.
In the Thailand market, Carryboy company has begun offering full-spec motorhome packages for owners of the Hilux Champ pickup truck model who prioritize comfort while traveling.
The same module can actually be fitted onto larger pickup trucks like the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton.
Depending on the selected specifications, this motorhome is capable of accommodating up to six people at a time.
It provides a living area that can be transformed into a sleeping area, in addition to other amenities such as LED lighting system, storage space, 80-liter refrigerator, cooking area, 32-inch TV, and air conditioning unit.
On the exterior, Carryboy also installs electric-powered side steps, awning roof, and a pull-out cooking option.
There is a 100-liter fresh water tank for the bathroom and toilet use.
The motorhome also comes with a 9,600 Wh capacity battery that can be upgraded to 19,200 Wh or 28,800 Wh for those who wish to remain off-grid for longer periods.
Owners can also take advantage of hot weather by installing solar panels on the roof to extend the battery life.
The engine power remains standard, with the 2.4-liter diesel heart capable of producing up to 148 hp and 343 Nm of torque to drive the rear wheels through the automatic gearbox.
However, Carryboy also offers an upgraded suspension system option with new shock absorbers that can further increase the ground clearance of the Hilux Champ.
For those who prefer a more compact package, Carryboy offers the Touring Package, including a rear module with organized storage space, and a rooftop tent that can accommodate two adults.
The price for the Touring Package starts from THB 450,000 (RM57,298) for the rear module, and THB 32,500 (RM4,138) for the rooftop tent.
Those interested in the comprehensive motorhome package mentioned earlier can budget from THB 1,997,000 to THB 2,389,000 (RM254k-RM304k).
Despite carrying the Hilux name, the Hilux Champ actually has a smaller size and is positioned below the pickup truck model as a more compact and affordable alternative (priced from THB 459,000 or RM58,444).
Starting next year, motorcycles with a capacity of 150cc and above must be equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), as reported by Bernama.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also chairs the Malaysian Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion, ABS can reduce motorcycle rider fatalities by 31% in accidents, based on a report from the World Health Organization.
“I am confident that this initiative will reduce road user deaths in Malaysia and inspire other ASEAN countries to take similar steps, making motorcycles safer across the region,” he said during his speech at the Asian Road Safety Conference (CARS).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong were also present at the event.
Ahmad Zahid also proposed expanding the Motorcycle Assessment Program Malaysia (MyMAP) rating system beyond Malaysia to enhance motorcycle safety worldwide.
“Through this, we can identify which motorcycles from which companies are safer and vice versa,” he said.
The lifespan of the luxurious electric sedan Mercedes-Benz EQS may not last as long as expected.
This is because according to the latest report from Autocar, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius confirmed that the electric sedan will be replaced with an electric version of the S-Class.
“In the future, there will be two versions of the S-Class, namely ICE and electric,” he said.
Unlike the current approach, Mercedes-Benz will use the same design for both models, although they will not be based on the same platform.
According to the report, the electric S-Class sedan will be built on a specific EV platform, while the ICE version will continue to use the improved MRA architecture.
The approach of the same design for two different powertrain models has already been used by its competitor BMW in the new generation models of the 5-Series and 7-Series.
The name EQS is also likely to be dropped, referring to the long name used by the previously launched electric-powered G-wagen (G580 with EQ Technology).
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the first 911 Turbo model, Porsche introduces a lineup of up to 12 sneaker designs for enthusiasts to own.
All 12 sneaker designs are produced through a collaboration with the sportswear manufacturer Puma, with each model limited to 911 units.
In line with the theme, two models from the sneaker collection have historical significance and are inspired by iconic Porsche models.
For instance, the Turbo No. 1 sneaker design is based on the legendary Porsche model presented to Louise Piëch on her 70th birthday.
Crafted using full-grain leather, the Turbo No. 1 sneaker features a metallic silver exterior with a red/blue tartan pattern inside, reminiscent of the interior trim of the first 911 Turbo model.
On the other hand, the Turbo 930 sneaker design pays tribute to Dr. Ferry Porsche’s turbo model from 1976.
The Turbo 930 sneaker showcases nubuck leather in Oak Green Metallic color with a green tartan pattern on the interior lining.
For the local market, the Turbo No. 1 and Turbo 930 sneakers in the exclusive polar blue color will be available starting from August 29, 2024, at all Porsche Centers, limited to only 150 pairs.
Buyers will also receive additional shoelace sets and an exclusive black Porsche Puma sports bag.
If you’ve noticed, there are several car models in the Malaysian market that are already equipped with the option of side cameras to replace the role of side mirrors.
At first glance, cars equipped with side camera units do indeed look advanced. It’s futuristic, as if they come from the future.
There are also imported models like the Honda e, which comes standard with the side camera feature.
According to the manufacturer, the use of side cameras provides several benefits, especially for electric vehicles.
These include better aerodynamics and the ability to achieve a longer range of motion.
Furthermore, it also helps reduce the impact of wind noise and avoids larger blind spots as found in conventional cars.
However, does being more advanced mean it’s much better than side mirrors?
The author previously had the opportunity to test a car equipped with side cameras.
There’s no better way to test the effectiveness of this advanced system than by entering a parking space in reverse.
In contrast to models equipped with side mirrors, the author took quite a long time to get used to the car with side cameras.
One reason is the position of the display screen on the door panel, where it directly changes our viewing habits from the original position of the side mirrors to a new line of sight within the car.
Imagine having to gauge distance on the side of the vehicle, we have to look at the display inside the car instead of outside the car.
The field of view displayed on the screen is not as wide as the use of side mirrors.
Insufficient lighting conditions can also affect the image displayed on the screen.
Now, imagine if you’re driving on the road, and the side camera becomes a target for the actions of irresponsible motorcyclists.
Like it or not, you may need to allocate a large budget to replace a malfunctioning side camera, compared to replacing a conventional side mirror.
Not all technological advancements make things easier, but it’s up to each individual’s budget to determine which one is best for personal use.
Aside from a comfortable home, we also need a mode of transportation that can make enjoyable travel from point A to point B.
With technological advancements, modern cars are now much more comfortable and safer compared to the cars used by our fathers and grandfathers.
However, the rapid pace of technological advancement has also brought sudden changes to how we operate cars on a daily basis.
Here are some automotive trends that should be phased out from modern cars:
Troublesome minimalism
This is a trend that we can see in new cars.
Most manufacturers are reducing functional buttons and consolidating all essential operations into the infotainment screen.
As a result, the layout of the dashboard becomes ‘cleaner’, but it brings a significant problem – driver distraction occurs more frequently.
In the past, you only needed a single specific button to open the panoramic sunroof, but now you have to tap the central screen several times just to perform the same operation. Isn’t that bothersome?
Unfriendly voice commands
Another troublesome trend following the first point, is manufacturers racing to introduce their own voice command systems.
With this function, you can direct the system to open the windows, adjust the temperature, and various other tasks if the system comes with artificial intelligence (AI) features.
For users who have a soft accent, there is no issue in adapting to the voice command system.
What about other users? The writer can attest to the frequent use of this system while test driving various types of modern cars.
Too many screens in the cabin
In the past, we might have been presented with a small screen for displaying important information.
Over time, the vehicle’s infotainment screen has increased in size, and not only that, there are additional screens installed on the dashboard.
Cabin lights like a tom yum shop
This is also a trend that should be phased out, because ambient lighting systems resembling a tom yum shop can actually affect the driver’s focus, especially at night.
The reflection effect of the ambient lighting on the windows can confuse the driver’s attention.
Some manufacturers even intentionally place ambient lighting at the same level as the driver’s field of vision.
In the writer’s opinion, ambient lighting is a good feature to enhance the cabin at night, but it should be moderated. Don’t let it disrupt driving.
Not using turn signal at all
What is the purpose of creating turn signal lights? To alert other road users of our intention to change lanes or enter any intersection ahead.
So, what benefit do we gain if we never use this function to change lanes at all?
There is no benefit, and you might even receive continuous insults and honking from behind.
So, please do not belong to the group that enjoys inconveniencing others.
Section 1 of the West Coast Expressway (WCE), involving the stretch from Banting Interchange to SKVE Interchange, will officially be open to highway users starting at 12:01 a.m. tonight (August 31, 2024).
The opening of Section 1 of the WCE was officiated by the Minister of Works, YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, in an event held earlier at the Banting Toll Plaza.
This section involves a 12.5 km stretch connecting Dengkil-Banting Road (FT31) to the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), and is expected to benefit residents around Banting by providing connectivity to major towns in the southern Klang Valley such as Putrajaya, Bangi, and Kajang.
It will also link major ports such as Port Klang and Port Lumut to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is expected to enhance travel efficiency for the freight transport sector and reduce operation costs for industrial companies operating within the highway’s reach.
In conjunction with the official opening, the Minister of Works also announced toll exemption for one month from August 31, 2024, until September 29, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
Due to difficulties in meeting safety and emission regulations, Jaguar Land Rover made the decision to cease production of the classic Defender in 2016.
The introduction of the new generation Defender model in 2019 brought about significant changes, as it now uses an aluminum monocoque chassis instead of the previous body-on-frame construction.
However, this technological change does not mean that Land Rover will forsake the classic Defender generation.
Through the Works Bespoke division, Land Rover has announced a project to bring back the classic off-road SUV with a V8 engine offering.
It is not a completely new model, but rather a restomod project based on donor models from 2012-2016 and is available in the practical short-wheelbase 90 or 110 versions.
The mentioned V8 engine is capable of producing a high power of 405 hp and 515 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The suspension has been upgraded with the use of Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, and an anti-roll bar, while the braking system utilizes four-piston Alcon calipers with 335mm front rotors and 300mm rear rotors.
In the cabin, Land Rover still maintains the old-school dashboard layout, but with the addition of a small 3.5-inch touchscreen complete with satellite navigation and digital radio.
In addition, there are Recaro front seats, as well as a choice of leather trim with five single-tone colors or eight dual-tone trim options.
Land Rover also offers customization packages ranging from roof tent and ladder installations to transforming it into a camping vehicle.
The price for a Land Rover Defender 90 starts at £190,000 (RM1.08 million), while the 110 five-seat version starts at £199,000 (RM1.13 million).
There is a 110 variant with seven seats available, for which the price is stated as £204,000 (RM1.16 million).
If the stated cost is too high, there is a more affordable alternative.
In the UK, there is an off-road SUV called the Ineos Grenadier, inspired by the Land Rover Defender, with a starting price of £65,015 (RM398,875).
It is powered by a straight-six 3.0-liter engine with an output of 282 hp/450 Nm for the petrol version, or 245 hp/550 Nm for the diesel version, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Despite an uncertain future for the electric vehicle (EV) segment, Hyundai remains steadfast in moving forward.
During the recently held CEO Investor Day 2024 event, Hyundai confirmed the launch of no less than 21 new EV expected by 2030, ranging from affordable models to high-performance ones.
Interestingly, Hyundai also plans to turn the N Vision 74 concept model into a reality.
The Hyundai N Vision 74 is a concept developed by Hyundai based on the 1974 Pony coupe model designed by the legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiario.
Unlike the Pony, the N Vision 74 presents a blend of retro and modern elements with a wedge-shaped body structure, a large rear spoiler, and digital light units at the front and rear.
At this stage, Hyundai has not disclosed the powertrain unit that will be used in the actual production version of the N Vision 74.
However, for your information, the N Vision 74 Concept is a hybrid vehicle combining a hydrogen fuel cell system and a battery electric powertrain.
The 800-volt electric propulsion unit includes two electric motors generating 670 hp/900 Nm powering the rear wheels.
A 62.4 kWh battery pack is utilized to supply the required power to these electric motors.
At the front, Hyundai incorporates a 114 hp hydrogen fuel cell system with two hydrogen tanks totaling 4.2 kg capacity that can be fully refilled in just five minutes.
Overall, the N Vision 74 can travel nearly 600 km and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in four seconds.
Apart from the official name, Hyundai has also not revealed a specific timeline for the production model launch of the N Vision 74.
As of now, the N Vision 74 is one of the 21 new EV models set to be released by Hyundai by 2030.
Hyundai is also aiming for total sales figures to reach 5.55 million units by the same year, with 2 million of them being EV models
Several months after the unveiling of the Concept #5 model, smart has finally introduced the new crossover model #5 2025.
At its core, the smart #5 is a mid-size premium SUV, sporting a boxy body shape with dimensions that rival those of the GLC-Class SUV.
Here’s what you need to know about the smart #5:
Dimensions
The smart #5 measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, 1,705 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. In comparison, the smart #5 boasts larger dimensions than the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, but slightly smaller than the GLC-Class.
Storage Space
Due to its larger size compared to the smart #1 and #3, the smart #5 offers more storage space within the cabin, with a cargo capacity of up to 1,530 liters. Additionally, there is also a ‘frunk’ space at the front suitable for storing smaller items.
Premium Cabin
Luxurious features loaded into the cabin include zero-gravity seats, premium leather upholstery, oak wood trims, a Sennheiser audio system with 21 speakers, and ambient lighting system with 256 color options available.
The dashboard houses a 10.3-inch digital cluster screen, along with two 13-inch screens displaying the AI avatar Leo, and a 25.6-inch augmented reality heads-up display.
Furthermore, the rear seats come with heating and adjustable recline functions, power sunshades, first-class cabin-style LED reading lights, and a special comfort mode that provides extra legroom. The rear seats can also be folded down to provide a comfortable sleeping space.
Can travel up to 740 km
The smart #5 comes equipped with a 100 kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of 740 km (CTLC data). The 800-volt charging technology enables fast DC charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 10-80 percent within 15 minutes.
According to information from the Chinese ministry’s website, the smart #5 will be offered in RWD versions with 335 hp or 358 hp, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version combines a front electric motor with 221 hp with options for rear electric motors of 358 hp or 416 hp.
Exterior Features
Unlike the more rounded appearance of the smart #1 and #3, the smart #5 presents a more rugged and robust look. The main headlights feature a more angular shape, complemented by body protection cladding, integrated door handles, and aerodynamic rims with floating center caps.
Owners seeking a more rugged version can opt for the Summit Edition, which adds roof-mounted light bars, side step boards, a ladder, underbody protection, more aggressive rims, a trailer hitch, and storage boxes that can be mounted on the C/D pillars.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
