Home - Piston.my

BIKES: Modenas Dominar D400 – Why It’s The BEST Bike Deal Right Now! [+Video]

As we waited for the official price announcement of the new Modenas Dominar D400 at its launch recently, many deduced correctly that it would probably cost below RM20k; what we didn’t realise though was just how much lower than RM20k it would be…

When the final price of RM13,788 was finally revealed, many – including yours truly – thought it was a mistake, but it wasn’t. Incredibly this 373.3cc bike, which was “born to sprint, built to tour”, would be a lot cheaper than even a new 200cc scooter.

Boasting a matching 35hp and 35Nm of torque from a single-cylinder, 4-valve, DTS-i ‘triple-spark’ engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slipper-clutch, the D400 – from Bajaj Motorcycles of India – even comes with front and rear ABS as standard.

Despite having 3 spark-plugs, not all of them fire all the time. It’s like a variable firing sequence, depending on throttle input, and of course, speed. Speaking of the latter, the D400 cruises comfortably at 110-140kmh, topping out at about 160kmh, and surprisingly, very little vibration can be felt through the handlebars even at that speed.

The sweet-spot is 110-130kmh, which makes the ideal touring speed, on any bike; any faster and you’ll find yourself missing quite a lot going on around you. Here’s my first impression after the recent media ride organised by Modenas…

With its upright riding position, the Dominar D400 affords its rider a very comfortable commute, be it for the daily-grind or the occasional long-distance tour. For the latter, a top-box and maybe a set of panniers would be in order, and during the official launch, GIVI displayed their fully kitted-out touring version of the bike (below).

(L-R) Amirudin Abd Kadir, Dinesh Kulkarni, Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah

All in all, I really enjoyed riding this bike, but if I had only one complaint it would be the tyres. They seem to work better on rugged-terrain than they do on asphalt, so buyers would be wise to scrap them and opt for a better set. Despite the tyres’ shortcomings, the Dominar D400 was still able to tackle twists and turns with the kind of gusto normally associated with sport-bikes. It’s very nimble when the straights turn to twisties.

That tyre issue only shows itself in the latter instance, and it’s an easy fix, something most bikers do anyway, and hardly worth complaining about, because inherently, this really is the best deal in town right now. If you’re not into maxi-scooters or litre-class bikes, if you just want something to commute daily and head out of town with occasionally, the buck stops here. Good looks, comfort, fuel-efficient and a price that’s hard to beat. What more could you ask for? – Chris Wee.

Modenas Dominar D400 Photo Gallery…

Bermaz Motor Introduces Mazda Privilage Card

Bermaz Motor has announced the launch of the Mazda Privilege Card as part of its continuing efforts to improve the Mazda Peaceful Ownership Program. The card offers 15% discount on Mazda Genuine Spare Parts, 5% discount on labour cost and 15% discount on Mazda official merchandise. The Mazda Privilege Card is the first of its kind in the industry, rewarding customers through the Mazda Peaceful Ownership Program.

On top of being the latest addition to the Mazda Peaceful Ownership Program, the Mazda Privilege Card is also designed to aid those who are less fortunate through Bermaz’s CSR program – Mazda Medicare Fund. The sign-up fee of RM 100.00, for a validity of 3 years, will serve as a tax-exempted donation to the Mazda Medicare Fund in the name of the applicant. Mazda Medicare Fund, established in 2014, has raised more than RM 900,000.00 to assist charity homes, dialysis patients, and a non-profit hospital.

Cardholders are rewarded with rebates on aftersales services required beyond Bermaz’s 5 Years Manufacturing Warranty and 3 Years Free Maintenance package provision. Any Mazda vehicle purchased within Malaysia is eligible to apply for a Mazda Privilege Card. Benefits of card issued will be exclusive to the Mazda vehicle that it is registered to. Currently, the card can only be used at Showrooms and Aftersales Service Centres operated by Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn Bhd and Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd. Bermaz plans to expand the use of Mazda Privilege Card to include all outlets nationwide in the near future.

Mazda Privilege Card (above) can be applied for at any Showrooms and Aftersales Service Centres operated by Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn Bhd and Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd.

For more information on the Mazda Privilege Card and a list of participating outlets please visit www.mazda.com.my.

38,000 New Perodua Myvis Delivered, 41.5% Market Share Achieved, Perodua Pilihanku Campaign Announced

Fresh from a high of 41.5% market share in March according to Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) numbers, Perodua has reached a new milestone of 38,000 new Myvi deliveries as of the third week of April.

“We are both humbled and happy to have this result in our hands at the tail-end of April. By our count, the Myvi has garnered 70,000 bookings from 8 November 2017 up to 30 April 2018, and we are overwhelmed by the response,” Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director YBhg Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin said.

According to MAA numbers, from January to March 2018, the compact carmaker sold 55,568 vehicles against a 135,140 total industry volume (TIV), returning over 41% market share. This is an improvement of more than 10.5% over the 50,260 units registered in the first quarter of 2017, making it a record first quarter for Perodua in terms of sales.

The 55,560 sales consisted of 24,473 Myvis, 14,962 Axias, 10,101 Bezzas and 6,032 Alzas. In fact, 18% of all new cars registered in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2018 were Myvis. “We thank our valued customers and all Malaysians for their strong support. We look forward to serving you better and we are continuing to improve ourselves for your satisfaction,” said Dato’ Dr Zahari.

On deliveries, Dato’ Dr Zahari said that Perodua is working on further improving its efficiency to ensure that deliveries would be within an acceptable time frame. He said the current waiting period for the 1.5L Myvi variants is a shade under three months; however, 1.3L variants can be delivered almost immediately at the moment.

Kicking off the festive sales campaign is the Perodua Pilihanku campaign – join Customer Days this weekend (5-6 May) at all Perodua showrooms and service centres nationwide, where free vehicle inspections and cash redemptions of up to RM1,800 for selected models and variants await visitors.

“Grab this opportunity also to take a closer look at the newest member of the Bezza family, the Bezza GXtra, which we launched just last week,” Dato’ Dr Zahari said.

The third-generation Myvi is the most sophisticated and indigenously-designed model in Perodua’s 25-year history, featuring Malaysian innovations such as a built-in toll card reader and digital memory air-con. The Myvi also has a full 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating based on the latest protocol and is Malaysia’s most affordable car with active safety functions, courtesy of its Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) systems. – Perodua.

UMW Announces “Ramadan Bersama Toyota” Campaign

For the month of May and the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, UMW Toyota Motor and its authorised dealers are having a ‘Jalan Cerita – Ramadan Bersama Toyota’ campaign where customers are given special offers including “Duit Raya” worth RM500 (for selected models, see below).

Additionally, customers are also given cash rebates up to RM3,500 as well as other attractive offers such as free service vouchers or free accessories packages for added value of their purchase, as per the chart below.

Find out more about the offers in the details below, valid from now until 31^st May 2018:

Model	Attractive Offers
New Vios	Cash Rebate Up to RM3,500* + Free Accessories worth up to RM4,100* + Free Maintenance Package worth RM2,125 + Duit Raya.
Innova	Cash Rebate worth RM2,000 + Free Service worth RM1,000 + Duit Raya
Avanza	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000 + Free upgraded to 16” rims & tyres worth RM3,062* + Duit Raya
Sienta	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000 + Duit Raya
Hilux	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000* + Free Accessories worth up to RM3,485
Fortuner	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000 + Free Accessories (worth RM2,500)*
Camry	Cash Rebate worth RM3,000 + Body Coating worth RM2,700* or Free Accessories worth RM2,500* + Duit Raya
Corolla Altis	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000 + Free Accessories worth (RM5,790) + Duit Raya

(All offers are for selected variants and subject to Terms and Conditions).

Customers who require a financing plan may also check out Toyota Capital services offers like the Toyota 2-Tier Plan which offers lower monthly instalments for graduates and Toyota Drive financing plan, the first of its kind where customers can save more.

For peace of mind, all Toyota models come with a 5-year warranty and unlimited mileage (except for Toyota Hilux with maximum mileage of 150,000kms). To enhance the value of your Toyota, the warranty is transferable to the next owner within the terms and conditions.

To find out more about these attractive offers, customers can visit any Toyota showrooms where test-drives are also available. Visit toyota.com.my for further information.

Ford Ranger Popularity Continues In 1st Quarter 2018

The ever-popular Ford Ranger pickup truck achieved a strong first quarter in Malaysia with retail sales increasing over 9% from the previous year to 1,451 vehicles. The healthy first quarter performance helped Ranger increase its share of the pickup segment to 15.3%, a gain of 1.3 percentage points from the first quarter of last year.

“The ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger is continuing to attract a wide range of loyal customers across the country,” said Truong Kim Phong, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. Ranger continues to be Ford’s best-selling nameplate in Malaysia and one of the best-selling pickups in the market as strong demand has continued across the entire model line.

“Ranger’s bold design and its unmatched versatility, safety and capability is really helping drive its popularity in Malaysia,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.

The Ranger is available in Malaysia in 10 variants – including the Ranger Wildtrak, Ranger FX4, XLT, XL and Standard variants – allowing it to complement a wide-range of customer’s work and lifestyles. Recently, SDAC launched the much-anticipated and very much asked-for Ranger Wildtrak 2.2, which you can read about here.

“We are confident that the Ranger will continue to drive our momentum in Malaysia. We also plan to introduce more global Ford vehicles, as well as continue to enhance our customer and ownership experience, including the ongoing expansion of our dealer network,” added Muzri. (So when is the Ranger Raptor [below] coming in then eh? Hurry, hurry! – Ed.)

See more of the incredible Ranger Raptor during its unveiling at BIMS 2018 here.

To support Ford’s fast-growing customer base in Malaysia, Ford and SDAC continue to expand the nationwide dealership network both in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Recently, Ford and SDAC announced the opening of a new Ford dealer facility in East Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kuching). Read about that here.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Previews Concept EQ! [+Videos]

As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has now reinvented the automotive industry with the EQ brand, pioneering the direction for future mobility – setting the stage with the Concept EQ…

“The EQ brand from Mercedes-Benz stands for Electric Intelligence, and is derived from the brand values of emotion and intelligence. It encompasses all major aspects of customer- oriented electric mobility, and goes beyond the vehicle itself. As such, EQ offers a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem of products, services, technologies and innovations. As the premium market leader, we are committed to remaing an industry pioneer with state-of-the-art products and innovations. In short, we are boldly flipping the switch – creating tomorrow today by developing the needs for the coming mobility landscape,” said Dr Claus Weidner, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (below, left).

“The Concept EQ is a cornerstone of our new electric mobility brand, EQ. It presents an innovative product approach as part of a holistic and comprehensive ecosystem for future mobility. In every way, this vehicle proudly manifests its claim of being a technology leader – meeting the demands of sustainable and future-driven motoring. We are delighted to be able to showcase the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ here in Malaysia, marking the beginning of a pure-electric product offensive which will wear the EQ badge,” said Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (above, right).

For the FULL details on the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ, click this: Press Information – Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ in Malaysia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzFRQfNB1Qg

If you want to have a look at the Concept EQ, it will be on display from 4th to 7th May at The Waterfront, Desa ParkCity (below).