The Toyota Hilux BEV was introduced in Thailand a few years ago, featuring a single cab body configuration.
To better suit the demands of mining operations, Toyota has decided to unveil a prototype unit of the Hilux BEV, based on the single cab body style.
In collaboration with mining company BHP, Toyota aims for this Hilux BEV prototype to provide invaluable data for developing a production model.
Over the next 12 months, this Hilux BEV pickup will replace diesel trucks for various operations at Port Hedland, one of the largest iron ore mining sites in the world.
This double-cab prototype Hilux BEV closely resembles the diesel engine version, with the only distinguishing feature being the presence of a charging port on the front fender.
Additionally, Toyota has fitted a bull bar at the front, complete with extra LED lights.
To date, Toyota has kept the specifications of the Hilux BEV prototype under wraps.
However, this is not the first time we’ve heard news about the use of electric Hilux trucks to replace diesel-powered vehicles in mining areas.
A few years ago, Toyota Australia developed an electric version of the Land Cruiser 70 Series as part of efforts to reduce emissions.
Last year, SEA Electric and MEVCO announced a AU$1 billion collaboration to develop 8,500 EV units based on the Hilux and Land Cruiser for use in the mining industry.
Moreover, in the UK, Toyota is conducting an initiative to test up to ten prototype Toyota Hilux units powered by fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology adapted from the hydrogen sedan Toyota Mirai.
Just a few months ago, it has been reported that BMW might axe the Z4 after March 2026. Needless to say, this news left fans of its twin, the Toyota GR Supra, feeling restless. Will Toyota follow in BMW’s footsteps?
It appears that GR Supra enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief, as recent reports suggest that Toyota plans to continue offering the two-door sports car for at least one more generation.
Speaking to CarExpert, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley stated that the notion of the Supra being discontinued is purely speculative.
“There is no plan to discontinue the Supra brand in this car company. I know that. BMW is not Toyota.”
“And, quite frankly, I have no expectation, sitting here today, that the Supra brand will disappear. At all,” Hanley added.
He further explained that the Supra has a long and significant history, making it an important model within the GR lineup.
In addition to the GR Supra, the GR lineup also includes the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR86.
This is an exciting development, as we all know that the Z4 and GR Supra were co-developed by BMW and Toyota. On top of that, both models are also assembled by Magna Steyr at the plant in Graz, Austria.
If BMW does kill the Z4, it would mean that Toyota would need to seek a new technical partner to develop the next generation of the GR Supra. Who do you think would be the most suitable candidate for this exciting project?
Toyota Motor Corp confirmed in a statement last Friday that the total production volume globally in August decreased by 11.2 percent to 709,571 units compared to the same period last year.
This decline was caused by a vehicle certification test scandal and temporary factory closures due to a typhoon that struck Japan in late August.
Additionally, domestic production figures also decreased by 22.2 percent to 185,680 units as popular models such as Corolla Axio, Corolla Fielder, and Yaris Cross remained suspended since last June.
Toyota resumed the assembly operations of these three models at the beginning of September after the Japanese Ministry of Transport confirmed the vehicle safety aspects.
Domestic sales performance in Japan also recorded a decrease of 9.1 percent to 109,505 units.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s vehicle production outside of Japan also showed a decline, dropping by 6.5 percent to 523,891 units after a recall campaign involving the Grand Highlander and Lexus TX models in North America.
The Japanese manufacturer faces fierce competition in mainland China, where sales declined by 13.5 percent.
In addition to Toyota, Nissan experienced a 15.5 percent decrease to 236,016 units due to weak X-Trail SUV sales in China, while Honda witnessed an 11.3 percent decline to 307,870 units.
The answer to these questions can be found in the Toyota Yaris, which serves as an excellent example of a car that is highly relevant for young people in Malaysia.
Despite the overwhelming variety of attractive car models in the market, many young individuals may not realise that the Yaris still holds unique advantages.
1. Hatchback with Sporty Driving Experience
Equipped with a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine delivering 107 hp and 140 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT, the Toyota Yaris offers a quiet and smooth driving experience while being fuel-efficient.
With exciting features like front and rear disc brakes, paddle shifters, and a Sport mode, young drivers should know that the Yaris is capable of delivering a sporty driving experience.
2. The Toyota Yaris is an Ideal First Car
Although it has a compact footprint, the Toyota Yaris can still provide a practical cabin layout and ample legroom for rear passengers.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels have been enhanced with acoustic glass to reduce outside noise. Moreover, the audio volume is also lowered when you shift into reverse.
The 286-litre cargo space is adequate for personal belongings, making the Yaris an ideal first car for young people.
3. Comprehensive Safety Features
For a car priced under RM100,000, the Toyota Yaris comes equipped with excellent safety features, ideal for young people wanting to protect their families.
Examples include Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), a 360-degree Panorama View Monitor (PVM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), as well as Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), which displays live camera feed on the screen when the turn signals are activated.
The Toyota Yaris also comes with Toyota Safety Sense, which comprises Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA), ensuring a safer driving experience.
With seven airbags and six parking sensors (two front, four rear), the Toyota Yaris does not compromise on safety compared to more expensive vehicles.
4. Features Highly Appreciated by Women Drivers
The sporty package means little if the car lacks driver-friendly functions.
In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, there’s also an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic folding side mirrors, and a full-size spare tyre.
Not to forget, the Toyota Yaris now comes with front and rear dashcams!
For the ladies who are solo drivers or often drive home in the middle of the night, you’ll appreciate the “Follow Me Home” feature available in the Toyota Yaris.
5. Outstanding After-Sales Support from Toyota
An extensive specification list does not inherently guarantee user loyalty.
What gives young people confidence in the Toyota Yaris is the comprehensive and high-value after-sales support network from Toyota, covering aspects of purchasing, ownership, as well as service and maintenance.
The Toyota Yaris is available starting from RM88,000, and with promotions worth up to RM9,500, you can enjoy monthly installments as low as RM658.
For more information, visit your nearest Toyota showroom or click the link HERE.
As previously reported, Toyota is developing a new generation of inline four-cylinder engines, 1.5 and 2.0 liters, in order to achieve carbon neutrality targets.
With a more compact and lighter size, the new generation engines are expected to be more powerful while also offering better fuel efficiency.
Toyota holds high hopes for the new engines, to the extent that one of the company’s engineers believes it can surpass the highly popular 2JZ engine among enthusiasts. This was revealed by a journalist from Kuruma News attending an event hosted by Lexus recently.
At the event, Japanese media practitioners were given the opportunity to test the Toyota Hilux and Lexus IS equipped with the new 2.0-liter turbo engine.
Both models have different power outputs, with the Hilux generating 300 hp at a redline of 6,200 rpm, while the Lexus IS is capable of producing 400 hp with a higher redline (7,100 rpm).
According to Kuruma News, despite the differing power outputs, both models have almost no turbo lag and, at the same time, offer an enjoyable driving experience.
Another Japanese media outlet, Best Car Web, revealed that Lexus may be developing a prototype Lexus RC with 600 hp. The prototype model is said to have a six-speed manual gearbox and is being developed for motorsports.
It is not impossible that one day this 600 hp prototype RC model will also be offered under the high-performance Lexus F division.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that it sold 8,500 units in August 2024, representing a slight drop of 500 units from the 9,000 units recorded in the month before that.
This brings the total year-to-date sales as of August 2024 to approximately 64,000 units. The top three best-selling models for last month were the Vios, Hilux and Corolla Cross.
On August 16, UMWT began taking orders for the enhanced 2024 models of the Hilux, Fortuner and GR86.
The Hilux now includes Vehicle Stability Control in the 2.4 Single Cab and features like Remote Engine Start and Panoramic View Monitor in select variants.
Meanwhile, the Fortuner introduces a GR Body Kit Package and Remote Engine Start on higher trims, while the GR86 now offers sharper handling, enhanced throttle response and comes equipped with a front and rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR).
Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor said, “Our August 2024 sales performance as well as the enhancements made to the three models, reflect our commitment to providing mobility solutions that drive innovation and customer satisfaction.”
For the month of September 2024, UMWT is introducing the “Move in Harmony” promo where buyers could enjoy broad promotional savings, including promo worth up to RM9,500 for the new Yaris, with monthly purchase instalments starting from only RM658.
The Toyota Service Savers program further offers convenient monthly instalments starting from as low as RM31.
For motorsport fans, brace yourselves as the highly anticipated Toyota Gazoo Racing Season 7 Round 2 is set to return to the Petronas Sepang International Circuit on September 27-29.
Toyota’s mobility service division, Kinto, is now offering a new rental plan under the Vintage Club by Kinto program in Japan.
There are two classic concept cars available for enthusiasts to choose from, namely the Toyota AE86 G16E Concept and the AE86 BEV Concept.
These classic cars can be rented from October 17 to December 20, 2024, at the Toyota Mobility Tokyo GR Garage for an affordable price of just 20,000 yen (RM590) for a three-hour period.
The application slots opened on September 19 and will close on September 30. Selected applicants will be notified via email on October 3.
The Toyota AE86 G16E Concept was developed by Toyota Motor Corporation, featuring a three-cylinder in-line G16E engine from the GR Yaris to replace the original 4AGE engine.
The naturally aspirated (NA) engine has been retuned for a more responsive driving experience.
On the other hand, the Toyota AE86 BEV Concept offers an emission-free restomod alternative, utilizing electrification expertise from Lexus. Meanwhile, Toyota aims to integrate fun driving aspects while retaining elements such as the body shape, weight, and front/rear weight distribution ratio of the AE86.
Most importantly, this electric AE86 also retains a manual transmission option!
Depending on the market, the Toyota GR Supra can be found with a choice of BMW engines, either a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine (258 PS/400 Nm) or a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine producing up to 387 PS/500 Nm of power.
However, for racing purposes, Toyota will sideline the German-made heart and prioritize a V8 engine to be fitted inside the GR Supra.
The V8-powered GR Supra race machine will compete in the Supercars Championship in Australia starting in 2026, with Toyota becoming the third manufacturer to join the competition against Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.
Reportedly, the V8-powered GR Supra race machine was internally developed by Toyota Australia in Altona to comply with the GEN3 Supercars Championship regulations.
The mentioned V8 engine already exists in high-performance Lexus vehicles such as the IS F, GS F, LC 500, and RC-F.
The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter aluminum heart (code 2UR-GSE) is capable of producing up to 481 PS/535 Nm of torque in the RC-F model, or 477 PS with a peak torque of 540 Nm in the LC 500 model.
Returning to the V8-powered GR Supra race machine, it will showcase the racing livery of the Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) team and will be piloted by drivers Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood.
The WAU team previously raced under the Holden brand from 1987 to 2023, before switching to the Ford brand for three seasons, and will collaborate with Toyota starting in 2026.
Don’t celebrate too early, as this V8-powered GR Supra will only exist in racing form.
The road-going GR Supra will still continue with the inline-six cylinder engine offerings until its production ceases in the coming years.
However, before that, Toyota is reported to launch the Supra GRMN model with a retuned inline-six cylinder engine, a stiffer chassis, and improved aerodynamics.
The alarming cases of children who died after being left behind in cars have become a little too common, not only in Malaysia but also in other countries.
Recognising the seriousness of the issue, Toyota has introduced the Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system that is capable of detecting movement in the rear seats after the vehicle has been turned off and locked.
The first model to receive the new system is the 2025 Toyota Sienna, a three-row MPV available in the North American market.
While rear seat reminder systems are not new to the automotive world, Toyota’s Advanced Rear Seat Reminder is more sophisticated as it is capable of making calls to the user’s phone.
According to Toyota, the system utilises sensors concealed in the headliner and a 60GHz band millimeter-wave radar to scan the second and third row seats for potential movement.
If the system senses movement after the vehicle is shifted into park and ignition is cycled off, the driver’s door has been opened then closed and the vehicle has been locked, the initial warning will trigger the hazard lights and to flash and sound the door lock chime nine times.
If movement is still detected by the sensor and a door has not been opened approximately 90 seconds after the initial warning, the system will sound the horn as part of the escalation warning.
If the driver has opted into Advanced Rear Seat Reminder notifications via the Toyota app and has an active Safety Connect subscription, they will receive a push notification and a text message four minutes after the horn escalation warning starts.
Finally, after an additional two minutes has elapsed, the system will attempt to generate an automated phone call from Toyota Safety.
However, if the vehicle is left unlocked, the hazard lights will not activate, nor will the door alarm or horn sound. Instead, users will be notified via SMS after 10 minutes, followed by a phone call two minutes later.
Will Toyota introduce the Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system in other markets? We certainly hope so, as it has the potential to save many lives.
A new world record for the lowest fuel consumption rate has been set in the Guinness World Record for a driving distance exceeding 5,000 km, that is 2.5L/100 km.
This is much more efficient compared to the official figure of 57 MPG (4.12 liters/100 km) released by Toyota!
Wayne Gerdes drove a Toyota Prius LE from Los Angeles City Hall to New York City Hall, covering a distance of 5,168.7 km.
During the journey, he had to navigate routes at an elevation of 2,100 m and traverse the Mojave Desert where temperatures can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius.
To achieve this figure, Gerdes suggested several tips that can be used to improve fuel efficiency.
These include driving slowly from stops while maintaining steady pressure on the pedal.
“For a record attempt like this, it requires meticulous planning. You need to have a plan and be able to quickly adjust that plan.
“So, if conditions change, you must alter your plan. Change your route. Think about what you can do to reach that goal,” he added.
The Toyota Prius LE has a fuel tank capacity of 43 liters, so based on a quick calculation, Gerdes may be able to achieve a distance of 1,693 km with each full tank refill.
It is indeed an impressive figure, considering Toyota’s official figure is only about 1,036 km.
The news about the revival of the Starlet model has long been circulating online.
According to the Japanese publisher Best Car Web, Toyota is planning to reintroduce the Starlet model as a replacement for the discontinued Toyota Passo.
Not only that, the Gazoo Racing racing division also plans to produce a turbocharged hot hatch GR Starlet (unofficial name) that will serve as the basis for the WRC Rally 4 racing vehicle.
The new Starlet model may use the same TNGA-B platform as the Yaris, but with smaller dimensions.
Best Car Web estimates the dimensions of the Starlet to be 3,850 mm in length, 1,725 mm in width, 1,475 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm.
For comparison, the Toyota Yaris (TNGA platform) measures 3,940 mm in length, 1,745 mm in width, 1,500 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,560 mm.
Unlike the GR Yaris, which uses the G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbo engine, the GR Starlet may use a more simplified powertrain.
According to sources, the new hot hatch will be equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-three engine based on the earlier 1.6-liter turbo engine, producing about 150 hp, front-wheel drive system, and a six-speed manual transmission.
Due to the absence of the all-wheel-drive GR-Four system, it also contributes to a lighter weight, approximately 980 kg, or 300 kg lighter than the GR Yaris.
Additionally, the actual production model of the Starlet is expected to appear in 2026, while the rally car Starlet will showcase its prowess in the 2027 racing season.
Like other manufacturers, Toyota has also been affected by the decline in demand for electric vehicles.
According to the latest report from the Japanese newspaper The Mainichi, Toyota has reduced its global production target for electric vehicles by 30 percent by the year 2026.
The company is now aiming to produce around 1 million units, compared to the original plan of 1.5 million EV units.
Toyota, previously characterized as a ‘stubborn’ manufacturer, changed their electrification strategy early last year when their president Koji Sato announced a sales target of 1.5 million EV units by 2026.
The global EV market initially experienced rapid growth, thanks to the popular models produced by Tesla and BYD.
However, sales in the zero-emission segment have been slow as they have failed to attract interest from other consumer groups beyond early adopters due to high costs and charging infrastructure issues.
Throughout 2023, Toyota managed to sell 104,000 EV units, a fourfold increase compared to the previous year.
This figure is significantly small when compared to the total vehicle sales exceeding 10 million units.
In comparison to EVs, Toyota’s hybrid vehicles have been well-received as they offer a more practical solution in driving carbon neutrality missions.
Despite the plans to decrease EV production, Toyota will respond to current market demand by increasing production numbers for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
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).
For specific markets like North America and Europe, the ninth generation D-segment sedan Toyota Camry is exclusively a hybrid model and no longer available with a conventional petrol engine.
However, this does not signify that Toyota is completely disregarding the traditional powertrain units.
In the Middle East, buyers can still obtain the new generation Camry with a pure petrol engine along with hybrid variants.
It is still powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine producing 201 hp and 240 Nm, similar to that used in the previous generation.
This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior design of the Camry 2025 is not much different from what is offered in the U.S. market.
Base variants come with 16-inch steel rims, while the highest trim gets 18-inch alloy rims.
The cabin layout remains the same, with the base variant equipped with an 8-inch infotainment screen, while the 12.3-inch screen is reserved for the more expensive trims.
For your information, the new generation 2025 Toyota Camry retains the TNGA-K platform base used in the eighth generation Camry, with some changes made to comfort and handling aspects.
In the UAE, the 2025 Toyota Camry is sold starting from AED 109,900 (RM129,996) and from AED 123,900 (RM146,555) for the hybrid version.
The high-performance SUV genre is no longer an anomaly, considering many manufacturers are racing to produce their own unique products.
Not limited to producers such as Audi RS, Mercedes-AMG, and BMW M, there are also quick SUVs from premium automotive brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, and Lotus.
But what about Toyota?
For your information, Toyota still does not have a lineup of high-performance SUVs, but the manufacturer is said to be planning to produce a Gazoo Racing model in the near future.
During a visit to China to meet with Century SUV owners, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda disclosed plans to produce the Century SUV GRMN model so that “more people from around the world can enjoy the model.”
Built on the TNGA-K platform, the Century SUV is equipped with a V6 3.5-liter plug-in hybrid engine producing up to 406 hp.
At the launch of the Century SUV model, Toyota also unveiled a special build Century SUV GRMN model with a more sporty appearance and a sliding rear door design.
For this Gazoo Racing Meister of Nurburgring variant of the Century SUV model, we can expect significantly higher spec upgrades compared to the standard GR Sport and GR models (GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR Supra).
The Century SUV GRMN model is owned by Akio Toyoda, who also has a Century GRMN sedan with a much more radical appearance than standard Century sedans out there.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced the opening of bookings for the new Hilux, Fortuner, and GR86, featuring several upgrades and enhancements.
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Hilux, the reigning pickup truck king in Malaysia, has been updated with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) for the 2.4 Single Cab model.
It also comes with Remote Engine Start for selected variants, a first for a Toyota model. Activated through the Toyota My app, this function can also start the air conditioning to cool the cabin before entering the vehicle.
The Hilux 2.8 GR Sport, Rogue, and 2.4V variants are also equipped with the Panoramic View Monitor, while the GR Sport and Rogue editions feature wireless charging capability. The 2.8 GR Sport is powered by a 2,755cc engine with an output of 224PS and 550Nm of torque, while the 2.8 Rogue has an output of 204PS and 500Nm.
Meanwhile, the Hilux 2.4 generates 150PS and 400Nm of torque. The starting price for the Toyota Hilux is RM104,880.
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner now comes with GR body kit as an additional accessory for the 2.7 SRZ and 2.4 models. The kit includes front bumper skirting, fog lamp garnish, and rear bumper skirting.
Remote Engine Start is now available for the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ. The SUV is still offered with both petrol and diesel engine options.
The 2.7 SRZ petrol unit produces 166PS and 245Nm of torque, while the 2.8 VRZ diesel generates 150PS and 400Nm of torque. The Toyota Fortuner 2024 can be yours starting at RM195,800.
Toyota GR86
In the case of the Toyota GR86 sports coupe, both automatic and manual variants have been updated for better handling and response.
The throttle response has been retuned for more precise control, while the suspension has been refined for handling and road feel.
The steering system has also been recalibrated for a smoother feel. For the automatic transmission, new tuning allows for downshifting at higher RPMs, providing better control for the driver. The price for the 2024 Toyota GR86 starts at RM295,000
The first round of the seventh season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge, which unfolded last Sunday, had the right mix to produce a more dramatic race weekend.
In addition to the debut of the new generation Vios racing car for the first time, it also became a battleground with changing weather conditions, sibling showdowns, international racer participation for the first time, and a resurgence of young driver dominance.
The first round saw a total of 33 cars battling it out in a challenging one-hour race format, different from previous seasons where drivers only had to compete in shorter sprint races.
In the Super Sporting class, Axle Sports’ driver Naquib Azlan emerged as the overall winner of the first round, taking home a prize of RM16,000.
Mitchell Cheah from Prima Pearl TD Racing came in second place, and Tengku Djan Ley (TD Racing) secured third place.
In the Sporting class, Kenneth Koh from PCM Group Racing Team emerged as the overall winner after improving his position in the second race.
Shafiq Shamsudin (Race Rally KL), who clinched the first race victory, seemed to swap places with Kenneth Koh in the second race, thus securing second place overall.
Meanwhile, Teo Hong Zhou (BAE Racing by ES Yang) finished third overall, after securing fourth place in the first race and second place in the second race.
The Rookie class, showcasing a lineup of young drivers, produced the same results in the second race as the first, with pro karter Adam Mikail clinching first place twice consecutively throughout the weekend.
Adam’s performance has exceeded expectations as a rookie, considering his ability to finish the race early compared to the Sporting class winner, securing a tenth place overall position in a grid of 33 cars.
The seventh season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge also saw the participation of three young drivers: pro karter Audrey Leong (17 years old), simulation racer Raja Amirul (21 years old), and recreational karter Kingston Tan (19 years old).
The second round of the Vios Challenge will take place from September 27 to 29 at the PETRONAS International Circuit at Sepang.
As someone who isn’t particularly fond of SUV body types (except for a few models), the writer feels grateful that the majority of major automotive manufacturers in Malaysia are still trying to maintain sales of sedan models, despite their decreasing popularity on a global level.
Here, we have several options of sedan models, ranging from affordable prices to high-performance luxury sedan models with considerable prices.
Unfortunately, the competition in the sedan models segment is not as strong as it was decades ago.
For example, in the C segment, consumers are only presented with a few models, such as the Proton S70, Mazda3, Honda Civic, and the very popular name worldwide – the Toyota Corolla Altis.
The Corolla indeed needs no introduction, unless you were born during the Covid era and are only more familiar with those lifeless electric cars.
The Toyota Corolla 1.8G that we test drove is a facelift model launched last year.
Despite being a facelift, if you are expecting something ‘wow’, this 1.8G Corolla may disappoint those expectations.
This is because there are not many changes to the exterior of this sedan model, except for a unique bumper design, followed by new 17-inch rims wrapped in 225/45 profile tires.
The design of the front projector LED headlights and rear lights remain the same. Perhaps it’s already perfect, so there’s no need to change those aspects.
However, you need to enter the cabin to enjoy the changes brought by Toyota in this model.
The front seats have been redesigned for comfort, in addition to providing better support for the driver during spirited driving.
The major change is the presence of a 12.3-inch digital cluster screen, providing a concise interface, and most importantly still offering classic analog meter graphics.
In addition to wireless Apple CarPlay support, the Corolla also provides USB-C charging slots on the center console, as well as clips for holding smartphones in the wireless charging slot.
Apart from that, the basic specifications remain the same, such as a cargo space of 470 liters, MacPherson front strut and double wishbone suspensions, electric power steering system, and front and rear disc brake system.
The writer had the opportunity to test drive this Corolla further while on vacation to the East Coast a few weeks ago.
One main thing that the writer noticed was the quieter NVH levels compared to the pre-facelift Corolla.
The 137 hp and 172 Nm of torque produced by the 1.8-liter engine is sufficient to move this 1.3-ton body.
It is agile, and no lack of power was felt throughout the journey.
Perhaps it’s due to the mindset of drivers who consider the Corolla not a sports car, so the driving is done in a relaxed and straightforward manner.
However, you need to experience the magic of this TNGA platform when exiting the highway and entering winding federal roads.
There, you will find the MacPherson/Double Wishbone suspension setup in this Corolla working brilliantly with stable handling every time it encounters twists and turns.
Body roll is still felt, but at a controllable level even though this sedan is not equipped with a sportier suspension like the GR Sport variant.
Additionally, the electric power steering system also assists the driver in handling this sedan accurately without the need for constant correction.
Whatever the driver directs, the Corolla makes it happen.
Attempts to escape from the highway, sometimes with speed trap cameras, seem to have successfully made the writer fall in love with a rarely used road, through driving this Corolla.
Certainly, the cabin atmosphere is not disturbed by engine noise or the whistling of the wind, and even the noise of the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires is well-filtered.
For a standard factory sedan, the writer truly enjoyed a more enjoyable drive than a Corolla compared to the Honda Civic and Proton S70.
The standard seats are also comfortable enough to accompany us throughout the journey.
Although at times, this sedan needs to traverse roads with qualities similar to the surface of Mars, the passenger in the adjacent seat still sleeps soundly.
The 470-liter cargo space is sufficient to accommodate essential items during cross-country trips.
Unlike the Vios, you can fold the second-row seats to provide a larger space.
Fuel consumption is also satisfying, where the writer managed to achieve as low as 8.1 liters per 100 km, or approximately 680 km on a full tank.
Safety aspects need not be worried about, because this Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense.
Among the features included are the pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert (LDA), automatic high beams (AHB), blind-spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), and dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), which is very useful on the highway.
Furthermore, there are also seven SRS airbags, seatbelt warning, as well as ISOFIX anchors for child seats in the rear.
At the end of the day, what the writer can conclude is that this Toyota Corolla 1.8G could be a worthwhile option for a family sedan to own and consider.
The facelifted Toyota Corolla offers a complete package for those who prioritize practicality and comfort without sacrificing enjoyable driving.
With a starting price of RM147,800 for the 1.8G variant, it’s not wrong for you to break away from the usual preference for the H logo, for this rather perfect companion for the return to the hometown.
Specifications of the Toyota Corolla 1.8G
Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder (2ZR-FE)
Power: 137 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 172 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed CVT
Suspension: MacPherson/Double Wishbone
Rim: 17 inches
Cargo: 470 liters
UMW Toyota Motor has announced the return of the Vios Challenge racing series for its seventh season, starting this weekend, offering a total prize value of RM630,000.
For this year, the Vios Challenge will feature up to three rounds and six individual races taking place at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
The first round of the Toyota Vios Challenge will take place from August 9-11 simultaneously with the Malaysian Championship Series (MCS), while the second round will be held from September 27-29. Both of these rounds will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.
The final round will take place on January 3-5, 2025, open to the public with various attractions and programs planned to further enliven the atmosphere.
The seventh season of the Vios Challenge will feature three main classes: Sporting Class, Super Sporting Class, and TGR Rookie Class.
Among those expected to draw attention in the Super Sporting Class are three-time champion Tengku Djan Ley, Mitchell Cheah, Eddie Lew, William Ho, Tom Goh, and Freddie Ang.
Additionally, the Super Sporting Class will see the participation of young racers such as Putera Adam, siblings Naquib and Nabil Azlan, Bradley Benedict, Ady Rahimy, and Aman Nagdev from India.
The Sporting Class will list names like Dato’ Dr Ken Foo, Kenneth Koh, Dannies Ng, Shafiq Samsudin, Ricky Tan, Lim Chung Beng, as well as young racers Elson Yew, Amirul Haikal, Timothy Yeo, and Ashen Arumugam.
This class will also feature international racers, namely Panithan Rakpaibulsombut from Thailand and Daniel Inosuke Ooi from Singapore.
Meanwhile, the TGR Rookies will showcase a lineup of 24 young racers who have just completed the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program.
Highlighted names include kart racer Brandon Ho (22 years old), Adam Mikail (18 years old), Amirul Afiq (22 years old), Audrey Leong (17 years old), Kingston Tan (19 years old), and simulation racer Raja Amirul (21 years old).
The seventh season of the Vios Challenge will serve as the main stage for the debut of the latest generation Toyota Vios racing car.
It still retains the 1.5-liter engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, but with a more stable platform and chassis, and revised aerodynamics to enable it to achieve the fastest lap times.
In the final round of the GR GT Cup Malaysia simulation race held at Sunway University Campus the other day, Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira emerged as the champion for the fourth consecutive time.
The 26-year-old teenager has now become the most successful simulation racer in the GR GT Cup Malaysia series, accumulating a total of 59 points, leaving Chong Kai Chang in second place and 2022 champion Muhammad Iqbal Suji in third.
With a total prize pool worth RM120,500, the GR GT Cup Malaysia is the most lucrative simulation racing series ever organized in the country.
According to Taj Izrin Aiman, he made the decision not to change tires when the rain began to fall after two laps, and this bold move allowed him to overtake other racers.
Chong is satisfied with improving his position from third place last year to second place this year.
He, who took home the RM15,000 prize, often practices with his friends using various racing strategies due to the major update received by Gran Turismo 7 involving game physics several days before the final event took place.
The third place was taken by Muhammad Iqbal, bringing home a cash prize of RM12,000.
UMW Toyota’s President Datuk Ravindran K said, “Throughout the seven seasons of organizing the GR GT Cup Malaysia, the competition has become increasingly intense, and each year the driving skills and level of race craft displayed by the finalists are at a higher level.
“This is what we at Toyota aim to achieve, and I am very pleased that we can make an impact on motorsports in Malaysia, whether in the virtual world or through racing circuits such as the GR Vios Challenge and GR Young Driver Development Program.”
The GR GT Cup Malaysia 2024 also featured a race involving 10 finalists selected from the GR GT Cup Malaysia Campus Tour.
Among those who garnered attention was the presence of 14-year-old young racer Ethen Low from St Michael’s Institution, who managed to seize second place.
Meanwhile, Raja Amirul Syauqat has been selected to join the GAZOO Racing Young Driver Development Program and is expected to make an appearance in the Vios Challenge through the Rookie Class.
Additionally, there was a special race organized for Toyota GAZOO Racing rookie racers and media practitioners, aside from the Team Championship, where finalists from the GR GT Cup were combined with Campus Tour participants with the aim of finding new talent to be guided by professional racers.
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