Positioned directly below the top-of-the-range BMW 1 Series (M135i xDrive) that was launched here recently, the new BMW 128ti, is almost here.
Currently in its final test phase, the new BMW 128ti is undergoing thorough calibration test drives on the hilly roads of the Eifel around the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring and, of course, also directly on the world’s most demanding racetrack.
It is said that the new model will be making its global debut in November 2020.
The front-wheel drive BMW 128ti also features a newly developed 2-litre engine. The four-cylinder with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology beneath the bonnet of the BMW 128ti has a power output of 265 bhp, facilitating sporty driving performance such as the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The new BMW 128ti comes as standard with the 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission and a Torsen limited-slip differential, providing for better traction on the front axle.
It has a specifically tuned M sport suspension including lowering by 10mm as well as BMW Performance Control, which has been specially adapted for increased agility.
In addition to many differentiating exterior and interior features, the entire suspension and steering were specifically tuned to offer extremely sporty and driver-oriented driving dynamics.
Furthermore, the steering has been specifically aligned to the vehicle for precise reactions, providing the driver with direct response.
Moreover, the The BMW 128ti is also about 80 kilos lighter than the four-wheel drive BMW M135i xDrive, from which it takes the highly pre-stressed stabiliser bearing and the stabilisers.
Honda Malaysia has introduced a new Platinum White Pearl colour option for two of its popular models – the Civic and New BR-V, replacing the White Orchid Pearl colour.
The Platinum White Pearl colour was first introduced by Honda Malaysia in Honda’s model line-up, namely the Odyssey and the 10th Generation Accord.
According to Honda Malaysia, both the Civic and BR-V are dominating its respective segment with substantial contribution to the company’s overall sales.
When the company introduced the Platinum White Pearl colour in the Accord early this year, Honda saw good market acceptance with this colour accounting for 33% of the sales of the model.
Speaking of sales, Honda Malaysia’s second best-selling model – the 10th Generation Civic maintained its No.1 position in the C-segment with a market share of 79%.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Non-National MPV segment; the New BR-V, has sold more than 38,000 units since its introduction in 2017. The Civic in new Platinum White Pearl colour is now available in the market, while the New BR-V in this new colour is expected to be available in November 2020.
Surcharge of the Platinum White Pearl colour introduced in the Civic and the New BR-V is RM 272.73.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) enters a new era of electromobility with the launch of the new Porsche Taycan, its first fully electric sports car.
The Taycan models will be available in Malaysia in three variants:
Taycan Turbo S – RM1.195 million
Taycan Turbo – RM999,000
Taycan 4S – RM725,000
On the exterior, LED Matrix Headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) are equipped as standard for the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo, while the Taycan 4S comes with LED Headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus).
Other standard features on the Taycan Turbo S include lightweight Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), carbon fibre door sill guards, sport design side skirts, and rear diffusor in louvered design. These are available as options for the Taycan Turbo and Taycan 4S.
Inside, The freestanding 16.9-inch curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard, while a central, 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look.
“Foot garages” – recesses in the battery in the rear footwell – ensure sitting comfort in the rear and allow the low sports car height.
An entire leather-free interior is fitted as standard for the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo, and is an available option for the Taycan 4S. Interiors made from innovative recycled materials underscore the sustainable concept of the electric sports car.
According to Porsche, the original 911’s cleanly styled dashboard from 1963 was the inspiration for the Taycan’s cabin design.
In terms of performance, the flagship Taycan Turbo S can generate up to 761 PS overboost power in combination with Launch Control, and the Taycan Turbo up to 680 PS.
The Taycan Turbo S generates up to 1,050 Nm of torque and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, while the Taycan Turbo reaches maximum torque of 850 Nm and completes this sprint in 3.2 seconds.
The Turbo S has a range of up to 412 kilometres, while the Turbo has a range of up to 450 kilometres. The top speed of both all-wheel-drive models is 260 km/h. The Porsche Electric Sport Sound comes as standard, a unique acoustic accompaniment to dynamic driving.
As for the Taycan 4S, it reaches the century sprint in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. With the standard Performance Battery, it delivers up to 530 PS via overboost power in conjunction with Launch Control. This is increased to a maximum of 571 PS with the optional Performance Battery Plus.
The Taycan 4S also has an electrical range of up to 407 kilometres with the standard Performance Battery and 463 kilometres with the Performance Battery Plus.
The Taycan is the first production vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts instead of the usual 400 volts for electric cars. This is a particular advantage for Taycan drivers on the road: in just over 36 minutes, the battery can be fully recharged using the available 175 kW direct current (DC) chargers from the high-power charging network for a range of over 400 km across all models.
The overall capacity of the Performance Battery Plus is 93.4 kWh and can conduct higher currents, thus speeding up the charging process significantly. Taycan drivers can comfortably charge their cars with up to eleven kW of alternating current (AC) at home.
As part of the ownership experience that Porsche is known for, SDAP will be offering intelligent and holistic charging solutions for Taycan owners, with equipment that includes a 22 kW Porsche Mobile Charger Plus and the Porsche Home Energy Manager.
Malaysia’s first Direct Current (DC) high performance chargers have also been installed across SDAP dealer network. With first deliveries of the Taycan estimated to be in the first quarter of 2021, all Taycan owners can have peace of mind with these 175 kW DC chargers delivering a full charge in 36 minutes
Taycan customers will enjoy the same complimentary and comprehensive four-year maintenance and warranty programme offered for all Porsche cars by SDAP, with the battery covered under an eight-year warranty. Customers can opt to extend both the vehicle and battery warranties for up to fifteen years.
Nissan has unveiled the Z Proto, signalling the company’s intent to launch a new generation of the legendary Z sports car.
Shown at an event beamed around the world from the Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama, Japan, the prototype features new design inside and out, as well as an upgraded powertrain with a manual transmission.
First hinted at in a brand teaser video, “Nissan A-Z,” shown in May, the Nissan Z Proto pays full respect to 50 years of Z heritage. At the same time, it’s a thoroughly modern sports car.
Sporting a bright yellow pearlescent paint – a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first-generation 240Z and the 300ZX – the Z Proto boasts a fresh, attractive exterior design with a silhouette that communicates respect to the original model.
The shape of the hood and the canted, teardrop-shaped LED headlights are both unmistakable reminders of the original Z. The rectangular grille dimensions are similar to the current model, although the grille fins nod to the past. The form continues to exude both sportiness and elegance.
The link to the original Z is most striking when viewing the Z Proto from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create a distinctive first-generation Z profile whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height giving the Z its unique posture. The signature transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slung position of the rear tail adds to the effect.
The rear takes inspiration from the 300ZX taillights, reinterpreted for the modern world. Set within a rectangular black section that runs across the rear and wraps around the outer edges, the LED taillights convey a sharp glow.
Lightweight carbon fiber treatments on the side skirts, front lower lip and rear valance ensure nimble performance. 19-inch alloy wheels and dual exhausts complete the Z Proto’s striking road presence.
Designed to fit driver and passenger like a glove, the Z Proto’s cabin seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage Z touches.
The interior design team sought advice from professional motorsports legends to give the Z Proto an ideal sports car cabin, both for road and track. This can be seen in the Z’s instrumentation. All vital information is found in the 12.3-inch digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the twelve o-clock position.
The new, deep dish steering wheel offers the driver quick access controls without losing its vintage aesthetic.
Yellow accents are found throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature special accent piping and layered seat material to create depth.
The original Z was built to bring the joy and excitement of sports car ownership to as many people as possible.
Each new generation had a more powerful engine, although the Z is about more than power increases.
Under the elongated hood is an enhanced V6 twin-turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. As a prototype, work is now underway to synchronize the power with the grace and control that has defined the Z for the past 50 years.
Nittsu Transport Service (Nittsu), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nippon Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd became the first international truck fleet in Malaysia to sign up for Scania Ecolution as part of the company’s commitment towards reducing its carbon footprint.
In an official signing ceremony held at Nittsu’s office in Balakong, Director of Nittsu, Billy Tee also received the delivery of five Scania New Truck Generation G360A4X2NA. The keys to the Scania trucks were handed over by Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström.
Scania Ecolution is a tailor-made partnership between Scania and customers that focuses on reducing fuel consumption resulting in reduced CO2 emissions. The partnership also focuses on reducing operating cost, translating to improved profitability while fulfilling the growing demand for environmentally-friendly initiatives.
Apart from the powerful Scania New Truck Generation enhanced engine, these trucks provide safety features such as the improved response from the Electronic Braking System (EBS).
The comfortable fully adjustable seat placed close to the door and ergonomic dashboard with touchscreen works very well for the drivers. A large windscreen with extended view, gives clear visibility from all angles for the drivers making the Scania New Truck Generation as one of the safest trucks in the world, for all road-users.
Nittsu also signed the inclusive Repair and Maintenance contract where the costs of the spare-parts are already included in the contract and keeps the Scania trucks uptime to the maximum consistently.
Nittsu is the trucking division of Nippon Express with its headquarters based in Kuala Lumpur. Its main core businesses include heavy haulage, reefer fleet, railway, domestic, milk run, and cross-border business; all of which amounts to transporting an average of 1000 containers monthly across Peninsular Malaysia, 700-800 containers monthly crossing the Thailand border and 400 containers in and out of Singapore.
Proton today decided to break the internet early in the morning by finally releasing the official images of the upcoming X50, revealing the model in all its glory.
Three photos were shared on Proton’s official Facebook page this morning, showing the X50’s exterior as well as the cabin.
From what we can see, there are LED DRLs, dual tone body colour, a generous dosage of leather upholstery, a large touch screen infotainment system, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, as well as rear air cond vents and rear USB charging ports.
Technical details are yet to be disclosed by the national carmaker, but rumour has it that there could be four variants (Standard, Executive, Premium, Flagship) and two 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine options (Turbo and TGDI) making up to 175 hp and 255 Nm of torque.
That said, watch this space for more details as we are actually quite close to the launch.
Those who desire to drive a stylish French-made continental car but have some hesitation should take advantage of the new promotion under Renault Subscription to experience the Captur lifestyle crossover in a “real-life test drive” for one full year, with no obligations.
Available for the Renault Pre-Owned Captur Subscription – a one-year plan that is priced at RM1,299 per month – the promotion offers customers a reduced rate of RM799 per month for the first six months. Subsequently, from month seven to 12, the monthly rate of 1,299 will resume. Monthly rates are inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing and an annual mileage cap of 20,000km, with an option to upgrade.
A booking fee of RM200 applies when customers book via Renault Store on Shopee, which will be deducted from the first subscription month payment.
For more savings, TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia is offering a 50 percent discount on the booking fee for 20 units available through the Shopee Malaysia ‘Shocking Sale’. The sale will take place at 4.00pm -8.00pm on 9 September 2020 during Shopee’s 9.9. Super Sale.
Customers who miss the ‘Shocking Sale’ can still secure a unit via the Renault E-Store.
There are limited units available of the pre-owned Renault Captur vehicle, available via Renault E-Store and ‘Shocking Sale’ on a first come, first served basis.
All pre-owned Captur vehicles provided will be no more than two years old and will have passed thorough inspection to meet Renault quality and safety standards.
Customers can decide to buy, subscribe to a Renault Subscription Fixed or Switch Plan, or simply end with the Pre-Owned Captur offer after one year when the subscription term is over.
“We understand that many Malaysians have some reservations about buying or even trying out a continental car. This latest promotion aims to help lower the barrier to entry, with no obligations and at the same time, customers can experience a real-life test drive of the Captur for a whole year,” said Wong Hoe Mun, CEO, TC Euro Cars.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) today announced the introduction of a new enhanced Premium Package for the Macan, with enhancements worth over RM 39,000.00.
The new enhanced Premium Package for the Macan includes additional specifications such as Comfort Access, Park Assist with Surround View, as well as Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), on top of the standard options.
Other luxury and comfort features that are complimentary with the base price of the Macan include Apple CarPlay accompanied by the BOSE Surround Sound System, Power Steering Plus, 14-way power seats including memory function for both driver and front passenger, comfort lighting package and automatic dimming mirrors.
Powering the Macan is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 252 hp and 370 Nm of torque. With its seven-gear PDK dual-clutch gearbox, the compact SUV goes from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 225 km/h.
Its latest prominent features include the three-dimensional LED light panel at the rear to keep with Porsche’s design DNA and the new fully interconnected Porsche communication management system with 10.9-inch touchscreen inside the vehicle, for a range of digital possibilities at your fingertips.
From now until 31 December 2020, customers will also enjoy the 50% sales tax incentive supported by the government on top of complimentary enhanced new features that now come as standard. That being said, the pricing for the Macan with the enhanced Premium Package starts from RM439,351.00
Alongside the new GLE Coupe, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also announced the introduction of the new 2020 GLS 450 4MATIC AMG Line today.
The GLS 450 4MATIC AMG Line is powered by the 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine electrified with 48-volt technology. It produces 367 hp and 500 Nm of torque with a further 250 Nm of torque and 22 hp via the EQ Boost over short periods.
The power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. The broad ratio spread of gears one to nine allows a clear perceptible reduction in engine speed and is a decisive factor behind the high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort.
The GLS comes with the enhanced AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus fitted as standard. This setup uses highly complex sensor systems and algorithms to adapt the damping characteristics to the road condition and driving situation in real time.
All components have been enhanced compared with the previous generation, and the wheel suspension mountings have been optimised to maximise ride comfort. In addition to this, the air suspension keeps the car at the same level, regardless of the load on board.
Measuring 5207 mm in length and 1956 mm in width, with a wheelbase length of 3135 mm (60 mm longer than its predecessor), highlights on the GLS’ exterior include the upright radiator grille in an octagonal SUV interpretation, the prominent, chrome-plated underguard in the front apron with the bone-shaped air inlet grille, and the bonnet with two powerdomes.
This striking appearance is emphasised by the distinctive headlamp design by day and night. The GLS is equipped with MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, with a total of 112 LEDs per headlamp.
The GLS cuts an imposing figure from the rear, too. This is particularly ensured by the powerful shoulder muscle extending from the rear doors to the tail lights, which enables the GLS to strike an imperious pose on the road.
The two-piece tail lamps are based on LED technology, and their high-calibre, three-dimensional look conveys depth and solidity. The reflectors are relocated lower down, giving the tail lamps a flatter appearance. They are crowned by a slender, continuous chrome trim strip. The rear is strikingly rounded off with the chrome-plated underguard.
Inside, the central element in the dashboard’s design is an impressively sized screen unit embedded in a distinctive dashboard support. The dashboard support flows into the door panels, and the integral trim element likewise extends to meet the doors.
The prominently wide, raised centre console creates a robust contrast with the free-floating appearance of the dashboard. As a typical feature of off-roaders, there are two prominent grab handles on the centre console. Apart from good ergonomics, fluent leather surfaces create a modern, luxurious impression, rounded off by a broad area of trim and flush-fitting sunblinds. The controls with haptic and audible feedback appear to have been milled from a solid metal block.
The large touchscreen of the MBUX infotainment system allows all the GLS comfort features to be controlled from the driver’s seat. Very fine chiselling and the pyramid structures of the trim surfaces show the desire for perfection and craftsmanship. The new multifunction sports steering wheel with its striking spoke design accentuates the impressive appearance of the SUV’s interior.
The new GLS has a considerably longer wheelbase than its predecessor (3135 mm, an increase of 60 mm). This creates more space, especially in the second seat row, which can furthermore be adjusted fore and aft. Legroom here is increased by 87 mm when the seats are in their rearmost position, which also makes it easier to get into the vehicle. The second row has a 60:40-split folding rear bench seat with adjustable 40:20:40-split backrests.
All seats are electrically adjustable as standard. The same applies to the EASY-ENTRY function, which makes it easy to get into and out of the two individual seats in the third row. For this, the seats in the second row move a long way forwards and fold forwards.
A push of a button is all that is required to stow away the comfortable seats and make full use of the 2400-litre boot space in the GLS. The switches on the left and right of the load compartment and on the front of the wheel arches on the front-passenger side in the C-pillar area allow the seats in the rear rows to be folded completely flat.
It is also possible to fold down all the seats simultaneously by pressing the “ALL” button. The carpet-trimmed backs of the backrests form part of a flat, practical load area. Another push of a button lowers the boot sill by approx. 50 mm to make it easier to load heavy items.
The MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System is available for all seating variants – for even more entertainment and convenience. It includes two 11.6-inch touchscreens that allow passengers in the second row to enjoy movies or music, use the integrated web browser, or call up and input trip information.
Each screen displays the content selected by the individual user. In addition to the options offered by the MBUX infotainment system, users can also play their own media from a mobile phone, tablet or laptop.
With the Mercedes me connect, the GLS is virtually in your pocket. It puts a world of remote features, from starting the engine to locking its doors to scheduling service, in a handy smartphone app.
Other standard features include:
4-way lumbar support
AIR BALANCE package
Ambient lighting
AMG Floor mats
Auto dimming interior and driver’s side exterior mirror
Dashboard and door beltlines in ARTICO leather
Double sunblind
EASY-PACK load compartment cover
Electric sunblinds in rear doors, left and right
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function
EXCLUSIVE interior
High-gloss anthracite lime wood trim
Interior chrome package
Multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather
Surround lighting with logo projection
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, front and rear
Third row of seat with EASY-ENTRY system
2 wireless head sets
Additional USB ports
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Burmester® surround sound system
Communications module (LTE) for Mercedes me connect services
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduced the GLE 450 4MATIC Coupé and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé.
Pricing is as mentioned below:
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe – RM661,009
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe – RM787,357
The GLE 450 Coupé is powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line turbo engine that produces 367 hp and a maximum torque of 500 Nm which enables acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupé on the other hand, is powered by an electrified 3.0-litre engine with twin turbocharging by a turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor.
The 6-cylinder in-line turbo engine generates 435 hp and delivers a maximum torque of 520 Nm. Its EQ Boost starter-alternator delivers an additional 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque for a short period, and also feeds the 48 volt onboard electrical system.
The new GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is also equipped with fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, AMG Active Drive Control, AMG Specific display, AMG Performance steering wheel, up to 22-inch wheels, AMG Track Pace, and a whole lot of AMG goodies.
Both models feature the AIRMATIC air suspension system, an adaptive adjustable damping feature which uses highly complex sensor systems and algorithms to adapt the damping characteristics of the road condition and driving situation in real time, providing maximum ride comfort for any situation.
Measuring 4,939 mm long and 2,010 mm wide, the GLE Coupe is now 39 mm longer and 7 mm wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase has grown by 20 mm compared to its predecessor, but remains 60 mm shorter, which benefits its sporty handling as well as its appearance.
The interior of the new GLE Coupés share numerous common features such as the modern cockpit with two large screens in the format 12.3 inches, Artico man made leather upholstery, and the latest dashboard design among others.
There is more space as well, as the wheelbase is 60 mm shorter than on the GLE SUV, but 20 mm longer than in the previous coupé, and these extra benefits the occupants seating and legroom. The entrance dimension has even been enlarged by 35 mm.
In many places the new member of the family offers improvements to the interior dimensions, which add up to a significantly better sense of spaciousness. The capacity of the stowage spaces in the interior has been increased to a total of 40 litres.
The GLE Coupé models also offer the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with intuitive operating structure, brilliant graphics with a high visual quality.
