Honda City Remains Top-Seller In B-Segment!

Honda Malaysia recently celebrated a milestone for its best-selling model, which is also the No.1 model in the B-segment, the City, with the sales of its 300,000^th unit in Malaysia. The City’s popularity in Malaysia is undeniable. The 2^nd Generation City which was launched in 2001 sold more than 61,000 units while the 3^rd Generation City brought the legacy a step higher with more than 85,000 units sold. The current 4^th Generation City recorded more than 155,300 units since its launch in 2014. When the newly enhanced and refreshed 4^th Generation City was launched in March 2017, it continued to be well accepted, with more than 48,900 units sold since then till August 2018.

Between January to August 2018, sales of the City contributed 30% to the overall sales for Honda Malaysia, and captured 51% of the market share in the B-segment. During the same period, sales showed an increase of 16% compared to the same period in 2017. These positive numbers resulted in Honda Malaysia maintaining its No.1 position in the Non-National segment and No.2 position in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) to-date. Throughout the period of January to August 2018, the E variant emerged as the top selling variant with a sales contribution of 44% while the V variant contributed 33%. Sales from the Central region was the highest contributor at 49%, followed by Southern region and Northern region at 20% and 19% respectively.

Commenting on the milestone achieved by the City, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Office, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “We are delighted to mark this milestone of surpassing the 300,000 unit sales for the City within a span of 17 years since it was first introduced in Malaysia. This has proven the success of the City in Malaysia. The 4^th Generation City is the best-selling model in Honda and the model continues to lead in the B-segment. This outstanding record achievement would not have been possible without the support from our customers. I would like to extend our sincere appreciation and thankfulness to Malaysians for their support and belief in our brand, and for making City their vehicle of choice.”

The City is powered by Honda’s 1.5L i-VTEC engine combined with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Paired with a fun and responsive paddle shift, the City provides the Joy of Driving through a perfect combination of performance and fuel economy. Further elevating its sleek and stylish design, the City comes with LED Headlights* with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and LED Front Fog Lights*. Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels are equipped as well to provide a stylish appearance.

The interior of the City is developed under Honda’s ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ concept, designed to maximize the space for driver, passengers and goods. The stunning 4^th Generation City is a model with an interior that is comparable with D-segment space in a B-segment size, providing ultimate comfort. Trunk space in the City remains the biggest in its class at 536L, making it the perfect sedan that is extremely convenient for road trips with ample room for luggage, baby strollers and even foldable bicycles.

Reinforcing its safety features, the City is equipped with 6 airbags* from the dual front, side and side curtain that ensures a safe journey for the driver and passengers. The standard active safety features made available are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). The City is available for viewing and test drive at any of Honda’s 97 authorized dealers nationwide. Customers can call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my for more information.

Hyundai Santa Fe, Kona & NEXO Honored At Prestigious 2018 IDEA Design Award, While “Cradle” Tech Moves Forward + Updated Elantra & Ioniq Pricing Locally

Hyundai Motor’s design has been recognized by the judges from the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2018, one of the world’s three grand international design prizes. Hyundai’s mid-size Santa Fe SUV, the NEXO fuel-cell SUV, and Kona subcompact SUV have received silver awards in the automotive and transportation category.

The Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA)’s prestigious award is one of the three most renowned design awards in the U.S., along with the ‘iF Design Award’ and the ‘Red Dot Design Award.’ The award selects winners of 20 categories, including automotive and transportation, consumer technology, and service design, based on standards such as design innovation, user experience and social responsibility. The three silver IDEA Design awards won by Hyundai Motor are the most prestigious global design awards won in Hyundai’s history for the automotive and transportation category. In 2016, the Elantra received a bronze award.

Hyundai’s mid-size SUV, Santa Fe, redesigned and launched as the fourth-generation model in February, features a wide and stable stance, Hyundai’s signature Cascading Grille, and a Composite Light design comprised of LED daytime running lights positioned on top of the LED headlights, showcasing grandiose and dynamic exterior design. The expressive and powerful all-new Kona adopts Hyundai Motor’s new family identity. The future-oriented Composite Light design and rugged bumper design ‘Armor’ together deliver a confident, progressive appearance with a sleek, sharp silhouette. Kona has swept all three worldwide renowned design awards this year.

The next-generation fuel cell vehicle, NEXO, has a future-oriented design that showcases its advanced capabilities, and thoughtful features like a horizon positioning lamp showing its future and current visual boundaries, and hidden rear wiper that fits in with the car’s clean image. NEXO also received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, earning recognition for its design excellence. “The three representative models that will be responsible for the current and future of Hyundai Motor’s SUV lineup proved their competitive edge by achieving the highest-ever company performance in product design,” said Luc Donkerwolke, Head of Hyundai Design center and Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor. “We expect this recognition will help inspire continuous improvement in design performance for Hyundai.”

In addition, Hyundai Motor’s luxury brand, Genesis, has been recognized for its design excellence for two consecutive years. The mid-sized sedan G70 was selected as an IDEA Finalist following the same honor as G80 Sports last year.

Meanwhile, Hyundai CRADLE, Hyundai Motor Company’s corporate venturing and open innovation business, has announced it is investing in Perceptive Automata to develop artificial intelligence software for self-driving cars and automated systems. Perceptive Automata, a start-up based in Somerville, Mass, with an office in Silicon Valley, has developed software that gives autonomous vehicles the ability to understand the state-of-mind of people, including pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists. The predictive technology enables automated vehicles to make rapid judgments about the intentions and awareness of people on the street. This gives machines unprecedented human-like intuition. To see the technology in action click here.

Perceptive Automata’s core technology takes sensor data from vehicles that show interactions with people. This rich data is used to train deep learning models to interpret human behavior the way people do. The end result is sophisticated AI software that can be integrated into autonomous driving systems. With the software installed, autonomous vehicles can anticipate what pedestrians, cyclists and motorists might do next. “We are ecstatic to have an investor on board like Hyundai that understands the importance of the problem we are solving for self-driving cars and next-generation driver assistance systems,” said Sid Misra, co-founder and CEO of Perceptive Automata. “Hyundai is one of the biggest automakers in the world and having them back our technology is incredibly validating.”

Perceptive Automata’s software is particularly useful if a pedestrian begins to cross the street but sees the approaching autonomous car and decides to stop and ‘wave’ it on. In this situation, an autonomous vehicle without the software would stop and wait, even though the pedestrian has no intention to cross. Perceptive Automata’s software can read the pedestrian’s intent and pass this information to the autonomous system’s decision-making module. “One of the biggest hurdles facing autonomous vehicles is the inability to interpret the critical visual cues about human behavior that human drivers can effortlessly process,” said John Suh, vice president of Hyundai CRADLE. “Perceptive Automata is giving the AV industry the tools to deploy autonomous vehicles that understand more like humans, creating a safer and smoother driving experience.”

This year, Hyundai has expanded its investment into artificial intelligence technologies that can improve Hyundai’s core automotive business, as well as adjacent areas in robotics and human machine interactions. Hyundai has also been actively investing from its AI Alliance Fund, co-founded in late 2017, with SK Telecom and Hanwha Asset Management.

In Malaysia, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has released the updated pricing of its Elantra, Elantra Sport & Ioniq, which you can download here:

AD Elantra 2.0 SST SEPT

AD Elantra Sport SST SEPT

IONIQ_Peninsular Sept SST

Volkswagen Malaysia Unveils ‘JOIN’ Range With 25 Units Exclusively Available @ Lazada, Announces “VW Cares” Customer Programme

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the ‘JOIN’ range, a special edition model line-up targeted to customers wishing to stand out from the crowd. The ‘JOIN’ range is an accessory package available on Volkswagen’s core models, the Polo, Vento Comfortline and Highline, Tiguan Highline and Passat Comfortline. ‘JOIN’ accessories include side scuff plates, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, VW Tint, and a list of other exclusive add-ons worth up to RM12,000, depending on the model.

Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM (above) said that the ‘JOIN’ range further reaffirms Volkswagen’s commitment to provide a wide variety of products to the Malaysian public. “Whilst our core models are popular on their own, we believe customers are also looking out for an extra touch of exclusivity on their cars. The introduction of the ‘JOIN’ range, and other special edition models is something we are actively doing in our bid to offer to our customers these options with value-added benefits.” (More details on each of the ‘JOIN’ models below after the photo gallery)

In conjunction with the unveiling of the ‘JOIN’ range, Volkswagen and Lazada Malaysia are once again collaborating to offer a special deal for the Malaysian public. 25 units of JOIN models will be exclusively available on Lazada beginning 12^th October 2018 until the 30^th of October. Customers need only pay the retail price of the car to receive the ‘JOIN’ accessory package for free.

To make a booking, customers are required to pay a booking fee of RM799 (for the Polo JOIN and Vento JOIN), or RM1,699 for the Passat Comfortline JOIN and Tiguan JOIN via Lazada Wallet, credit card or online banking, after which they will receive a call from a Volkswagen representative for arrangements on the preferred dealership and to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle. Those interested to purchase any models with the ‘JOIN’ package may visit https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/volkswagen-passenger-cars-malaysia/ to find out more. “We were delighted to have pushed boundaries and make history with our collaboration, when 12 units of the special edition Beetle was sold out in 20 minutes on Lazada last December. This proves that customers, while more discerning than ever, are receptive towards buying big-tickets items online.,” said Erik Winter.

CEO of Lazada Malaysia, Christophe Lejeune (above, left) added, “Lifestyles are changing due to digital commerce, with more people becoming comfortable to shop for what they need online. The sell-out performance of Volkswagens special edition Beetle last year during 12.12 is a testament to that. 1 out of 4 of the 20 million Malaysians online visited Lazada at least once in September, and we are confident that this number is set to grow even further. We are excited to be working once again with VPCM in pushing the boundaries of online shopping, with even bigger things in store for the future.”

The launch of the ‘JOIN’ special edition range was held in conjunction with Volkswagen Fest 2018, which takes place from the 12^th till 14^th October at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam. A celebration of all things Volkswagen, visitors can enjoy exclusive offers on new and pre-owned Volkswagen models, as well as a variety of activities for the family such as food trucks, busker performances, an outdoor movie screening (12^th October), and an open-air concert (13^th October).

At the same time, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) also launched the “Volkswagen Cares” customer loyalty program. The launch was aptly held in conjunction with Volkswagen Fest 2018, which will see Volkswagen fans from all walks of life celebrating their love for the brand over the course of three days starting today. The core of the Volkswagen Cares philosophy is the commitment to care and provide the best for Volkswagen customers. Key to this initiative is the Volkswagen Cares mobile application, an aftersales-led initiative using a new platform for the brand to engage with its customers and continuously improve the ownership experience.

The mobile app comes with a list of features related to both sales and aftersales, and this includes service offers, owner rewards, educational videos and tips event updates, and 24-hours’ roadside assistance – all at the touch of a button. The Volkswagen Cares mobile app is available on both IOS and Android can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play.

Non-Volkswagen owners are also invited to download the mobile app to access offers, Volkswagen video content, and receive Volkswagen event updates via push notifications. Speaking at the launch, Erik mentioned that Volkswagen Cares is more than just a loyalty program. “Volkswagen Cares applies on all levels, be it to our colleagues, dealer partners and our other stakeholders. And more importantly, it is about how we interact, engage and serve our customers better.”

“Volkswagen is better experienced than explained, and this mobile app was conceptualized with this thought in mind. This mobile app not only makes our services more accessible to our customers, it is also a way for us to appreciate and connect with our loyal customers.” Erik Winter.

Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP)

An integral part of Volkswagen Cares is Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP), an exclusive program for owners with a vehicle 5-years and older. With a one-time payment of only RM138, VCP member privileges include three 20% service discounts vouchers, 2-year extension of Volkswagen’s Roadside Assistance, and a RM100 merchandise voucher, which can be viewed and managed within the mobile app. Interested customers can sign up at any authorized Volkswagen dealer to make payment before receiving their membership card.

More on the VW “JOIN” Family of Cars…

Polo ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM81,990*

Available colours: Candy White, Carbon Steel Grey, Flash Red and Reflex Silver.

The Polo is small but tough and is perfect for city driving. The Polo ‘JOIN’ comes with added accessories such as side scuff plates, trunk garnish, rear spoiler in black, side mouldings, leather seats and VW Tint worth RM7,000.

Equipped with a 1.6l 105PS petrol injection 16-Valve Multi Point Injection (MPI) engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic with sport mode, the Polo 1.6l comes with a maximum torque of 153Nm available at a low 3800rpm. The Polo 1.6l is equipped with the new RCD 340G head unit which offers a wide range of connectivity options such as USB and iPod interface, AUX-IN support, SD card slot, Bluetooth and App-Connect (CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink).

Vento Comfortline and Highline ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM91,690* and RM98,490*

Available colours:

Candy White and Carbon Steel Grey (Vento Comfortline)

Carbon Steel Grey and Deep Black (Vento Highline)

When it comes to looks, the Vento embodies the Volkswagen design DNA that perfectly balances form and functionality. Both Vento variants is offered with ‘JOIN’ accessories, which includes trunk garnish, rear spoiler, side mouldings, side scuff plates, leather seats and VW Tint worth RM7,000.

The Vento Highline is powered with the award-winning 1.2l turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with an output of 105PS. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission DSG (with sport mode) and a maximum torque of 175Nm, between 1,550 – 4,100 rpm, the Vento is the sedan with the highest torque in its class.

The Vento Comfortline comes with a 1.6l 105PS Multi Point Injection (MPI) and a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox with Tiptronic function. Maximum torque is 153Nm at 3,800rpm, and fuel consumption is 6.5l per 100km.

Tiguan Highline ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM175,990*

Available Colours: Deep Black, Pure White and Tungsten Silver.

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s most successful SUV with over 2.8 million units sold globally. The Tiguan JOIN comes with additional front design element, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, chrome exhaust tip, load lip protector, footboards and VW Tint worth RM10,000.

The Tiguan combines a 1.4l turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with sport mode to give an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. It boasts an impressive acceleration of 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100kph.

Passat Comfortline ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM188,690*

Available Colours: Deep Black, Manganese Grey, Pure White and Reflex Silver.

Volkswagen’s flagship model, the Passat, features a superior design, economical engines and state-of-the-art technologies. The Comfortline JOIN variant comes with aluminium sport pedals, side scuff plates, new 18” Marseille alloy wheels and VW Tint worth RM 12,000.

The Passat Comfortline is powered with a 1.8l turbocharged TSI engine, and paired with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG)with sport mode to give an impressive output of 180PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,250 to 5,000rpm.

All JOIN models are also offered with VPCM’s Price Protection Scheme (PPS), which is also still applicable for Volkswagen cars registered before the 30^th of November 2018 and while stocks last. All Volkswagen models come with 3-years free maintenance, 5-years manufacturer’s warranty and 5-years roadside assistance.

For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my

UMW Toyota Announces Supply From Japan Improves, Waiting Time For New Toyota Harrier Drops…

Since its launch in Malaysia in January this year, the Toyota Harrier has been in great demand. To date, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has delivered over 500 units to customers throughout Malaysia but with the number of outstanding orders still high, the waiting period has been longer. Now, with cooperation for Toyota Motor Corporation in increasing the supply of the Harrier from the production line in Japan, more stocks are available and customers can expect the waiting period to be shortened.

“We understand that our customers had to wait for a longer period to get delivery of their vehicle. The global demand for the Harrier has been great right from the start and for Malaysia, it surged further during the three months of tax break. The production in Japan is now able to supply more to suit the demand and we will have more vehicles available for delivery,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Priced from RM243,000 (for Peninsular Malaysia registration with SST, without insurance), the latest Harrier is available in two variants – Premium and Luxury. Both variants use the latest generation 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine which features a twin scroll turbocharger, D-4ST direct fuel-injection and VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) for high output with high fuel efficiency as well.

The Harrier’s occupants are well protected with the Toyota Safety Sense Package, a comprehensive suite of Active Safety systems (available in a Toyota model in Malaysia for the first time). These include a Pre-Crash System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive High-Beam System.

Other safety systems included are Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal, Electronic Parking Brake + Auto Brake Hold, and Parking Sensors with a Reverse Camera.

Four colour choices are available – Dark Blue Mica Metallic, White Pearl, Sparkling Black Pearl and Silver Metallic. The Harrier comes with 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. For peace of mind, owners are assured of service and spare parts from all Toyota dealerships throughout Malaysia.

Toyota is also currently running the ‘All About the Drive Bonanza’ promotion until end of the year, those who book a new Harrier stand a chance to win a holiday package and will also be eligible to win a brand new Toyota Sienta compact MPV. More details are available at www.toyota.com.my.

Proton In 2018 – Part 17: We Get To View The New Proton X70 LIVE! [+Video]

As promised, slightly over a month after showing their new SUV to the Malaysian media at a static preview, PROTON have released more details about the Proton X70 through a second more in-depth media preview today! This second round of previews for the first co-developed vehicle by Geely and PROTON concentrated exclusively on the Integrated Cockpit Information System (GKUI), which will offer owners multiple user functions via apps as well as the option to stay connected to the car via their mobile device. Here’s our first impression following the first viewing of the static launch model today!

(NB: NO photography or any recording whatsoever was allowed during this media preview, so these are just my first-impression thoughts on the Proton X70 – Chris Wee, Editor Piston.my)

Additional Points: Proton X70 is equipped with a 1.8-litre engine producing 135kW (184bhp), Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning Assist, Blind-Spot Warning, Lane-Departure Warning, 360-deg All-Round camera, Rear View Camera, High-Beam Assist (automatically dips the high-beam if an oncoming car is detected), Park Distance Assist w/Guide Lines & Audible Warning. Claimed Combined Fuel Consumption 8.0L /100km.

Hosting the media exclusive event was Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer PROTON, Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer PROTON, and senior management members of PROTON who explained the features of the GKUI and answered queries relating to the highly anticipated SUV.

Voice Commands allow you to ‘talk’ to your X70 to perform basic functions like switching on the radio, A/C, lowering the windows, opening the sunroof, as well as finding restaurants, ATMs, petrol, etc.

A car that connects users to the world…
Featuring an embedded eSIM card, the GKUI in the Proton X70 is preloaded with five apps offering services such as online radio, online music, navigation, weather forecasts and voice recognition. Access to the apps and other car functions is via an 8-inch Android based touchscreen interface featuring a 1280 x 720 full colour display with 16GB of internal memory space. The system also has Wi-Fi connectivity so the X70 can be used as a mobile hotspot.

To fully exploit the connectivity capabilities, owners can pair their cars with their personal mobile device via Proton Link and use an individual ID that is assigned to every buyer. They can then create a profile of their driving thanks to the on board telematics that will record data such as distance travelled, fuel economy, journey times and even keep track of service intervals. There is also a ‘find my car’ function that will be particularly useful when parking in huge and unfamiliar parking complexes.

If you’re familiar with using a ‘Smartphone’ (who isn’t), the X70’s functions are incredibly easy to operate, and looks good too, with switchable wallpapers and moveable icons. Software updates are free and ‘over-the-air’

“The GKUI system in the Proton X70 allows owners to stay almost constantly connected to their car. It’s an active two-way system that allows for multiple options to fit the preferences of individual owners. In the future, the ability to download additional apps will also be offered and just like mobile devices, it means no two cars will be exactly alike,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

Display changes colour from Blue (normal), Green (eco) & Red (sport) according to chosen driving mode; fully digital, it shows different readings including the pressure in each tyre (TPM)

Because it runs on an Android operating system, the GKUI offers Android mobile device users full mirroring capabilities. That means apps owners have on their device can be accessed on the Proton X70’s touchscreen thus offering yet more connectivity possibilities. Apple OS user won’t be able to do the same though they will be able to connect to the X70 via Bluetooth to access telephone and contact list functions.

Definitely very Range Rover Evoque-ish from the back, especially with that tapered window-line, X70 size is comparable to a Honda CR-V…

Voice recognition allows true hands free operation…
True hands free operation of a number of functions on the Proton X70 is now possible thanks to advanced voice recognition software that allows the use of spoken commands. Access to the system is granted when an owner utters the phrase ‘Hi Proton’ which opens up a variety of choices that can be controlled simply by speaking a command. This includes operating the windows and air conditioning system and even accessing the navigation app to look for places to eat nearby.

9-speaker ICE system including a sub-woofer “as big as a spare tyre” in the back, plus 6 USB chargers can be found throughout the X70. Pictured Nappa Leather seats option only available in the premium variant…

“The Proton X70 is the first Proton model to use voice recognition technology, which is something we think our owners will appreciate. Hundreds of voice samples were recorded for each phrase to ensure the system would have a high degree of accuracy even when you take dialects into account. For ease of use, the GKUI will also type out each spoken phrase on the screen to confirm each command. Currently, the GKUI offers voice recognition for English phrases only as there are software limitations but we have ensured the phrases it recognises are easy to use even for owners who are not fluent speakers of the language,” added Abdul Rashid.

Why on earth is there a hidden USB port behind the rear-view mirror? Well, in case you want to install a dash-cam later of course. Why hasn’t anyone else thought of this?

Online bookings for X70 to begin soon…
In line with the high technology image of its first SUV, PROTON will be activating an online booking function on its website on 17 October 2018. Customers who are interested to place a booking for the Proton X70 will be able to book and pay a deposit for their order online, thus making it incredibly convenient for those who don’t have the time to physically visit a PROTON 3S and 4S outlet.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for Malaysians to book a Proton X70 so we think this is a step in that direction. To promote our new channel, we will run a promotion for three days from the date the function goes live, where those who place a booking for the Proton X70 will also receive special gifts,” said Abdul Rashid.

For the Proton X70 Colour Options, click to download this: ProtonX70Variant_ColourOptions