The police are now looking for the driver of the Toyota CH-R which was shown in recordings to have been involved in a hit-and-run case involving motorcycles in two different locations in Johor. The two video recordings show the collision with a motorcyclist and the Toyota not stopping as it was chases by others nearby.
The matter, which is being investigated by the Iskandar Puteri District Police, is being investigated under Section 42 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 which relates to reckless and dangerous driving. Two reports have been received by the police in connection with the accidents.
According to the police, the first accident occurred at Km16 along the Jalan Johor Bahru – Air Hitam road, while the second occurred at Persiaran Ledang in Iskandar Puteri at 9:30 pm on April 11.
While the Hyundai IONIQ 5 was in the spotlight being announced as the 2022 World Car of the Year award at the New York International Motor Show, Genesis – the third brand in the Hyundai Motor Group – unveiled the X Speedium Coupe to give a preview of what the luxury brand’s next wave of electric vehicles will be liked.
The concept car reflects Genesis’ principle of reductive design with Genesis’ wings and Two Lines prominent, while an hourglass silhouette gives the car its muscular presence. It was born out of a ‘freestyle’ design exercise based on the Genesis X Concept and inherits the brand’s design philosophy of ‘Athletic Elegance’.
Inspired by passion for motorsports
The name ‘Speedium’ was inspired by the passion for motorsports which Genesis designers felt at the Korean racetrack. It also encapsulates the brand’s belief that the emotional value of driving will remain strong in the era of electrification, while the addition of the ‘coupe’ further accentuates the enjoyment of driving through aesthetic designs.
On the front, Genesis’ signature Two Lines lamps have evolved into a full-width element that encompasses the shape of the crest resembling the Genesis Crest Grille. It is designed to carry the brand signature of the wing face for the electrification era by integrating the daytime running lamps with the low beam and high beam together. It carries an EV face that symbolizes Genesis’ transformation towards becoming an all-electric car brand with a 6-model line-up by 2030.
From an overhead perspective, the hourglass silhouette is evident, while the curvaceous and sensuous form accentuates the wheelarches creating muscular presence. Viewed from the side, the Parabolic Line extending from the front to the rear of the car maintains a certain tension in the design as a classic car would.
The concept car’s metallic emerald green shade is referred to as ‘Inje Green’. The reference to a Korean racetrack is seen in the colour which encompasses the mountainous landscape where the track is located.
According to Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of the Hyundai Motor Group, the X Speedium Coupe challenges the status quo of a defined car type. This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey towards our future EV design. This is not a showcar… it’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis’ DNA,” he said but clarified that it is also not a conventional concept car that previews plans for the production line-up.
Genesis House in New York
The X Speedium Coupe was unveiled at Genesis House in New York, a cultural space which opened in 2021as the brand’s home in the USA. Measuring 4,340 square metres and consisting of 3 floors, it has been a venue for numerous events held in collaboration with various artists and the local community. The environment at Genesis House also allows guests to enjoy a Korean cultural experience with a restaurant and Tea Pavilion.
Besides a library, there is also an exhibition space displaying the Genesis line-up of existing models and concept cars. Tessellated mirrors set off the design of the cars on display, and a curator is on hand to provide detailed explanations in various languages.
Continuing its collection of awards, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been voted as the 2022 World Car of the Year, besides also winning the 2022 World Electric Vehicle of the Year and the 2022 World Car Design of the Year awards in the same event. The battery electric vehicle (BEV), which entered the market last year, was chosen from an initial list of 28 candidates, and then from 3 finalists. This is the second consecutive year an EV has won the title and the fourth EV in the event’s history.
To be eligible for the overall title, vehicles must be produced in a volume of least 10,000 units per year, priced below the luxury level in their primary markets, and on sale in at least 2 major markets on at least 2 continents at some time between January 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022.
The jury of consisted of 102 automotive journalists from 33 countries who began assessing candidates from August 19, 2021. The preliminary assessments ended with 3 finalists being selected which reflected the industry trend towards electric vehicles: besides the Hyundai, were the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV 6 were the other two finalists from 28 candidates.
For the World Car Design of the Year award, a design panel consisting of 6 highly respected design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and they then established a shortlist of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote in February.
The IONIQ 5 received a total of 815 points covering Occupant Environment, Performance, Value, Safety, Environment, Market Significance, Emotional Appeal and Innovation. The EV6, which is the Kia version of the same car, scored 808 points, while the Mustang received 773 points. A closer look at the scores shows that the winner could have been either one as the Kia also scored higher points in some areas such as market significance and performance. But whichever won, it was still a victory for the Hyundai Motor Group which both brands are in. In addition, the 2022 World Car Person of the Year was Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President, Chief Creative Officer, Hyundai Motor Group.
An additional award for the Hyundai Motor Group’s – Luc Donckerwolke was also chosen as the 2022 World Car Person of the Year.
“We are truly honoured to receive these prestigious awards, which recognize the talent and hard work of all our people and business partners at Hyundai Motor Company. Our vision is to enable Progress for Humanity, and this endorsement of our approach will serve to embolden our commitment to make this vision a reality,” said Jaehoon Chang, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.
“IONIQ 5 represents a pivotal achievement for us as we pioneer a new generation of smart mobility solutions with its innovative E-GMP platform technologies, exceptional performance, and disruptive approach to design and space. Our game-changing EV has made a strong impact on increasingly eco-conscious and demanding consumers around the world, and its success supports the acceleration of electrification of the automotive industry. The pace of change at Hyundai will continue unabated through the rest of 2022 as we will soon be adding to our award-winning IONIQ range,” he added.
The winners of the other categories were as follow:
World Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz EQS
World Performance Car: Audi e-tron GT
World Urban Car: Toyota Yaris Cross
World Car Design of the Year: Hyundai IONIQ 5
World Electric Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai IONIQ 5
The basic rule of the road is that the user of the bigger vehicle should always care about the smaller vehicle or road-user. So a lorry driver would be expected to understand that his vehicle is much bigger than others and be careful when passing or driving near cars and other road-users. But how would this rule apply when the ‘smaller’ road-user may be the one at fault and an accident occurs?
This is the controversy behind the case of 27-year old Sam Ke Ting, who crashed into a group of cyclists in Johor Bahru in February 2017. She was driving home in the early hours of the morning (around 3 am) and unexpectedly encountered a group of cyclists riding along a hilly and winding road that was also said to not be well lit. Perhaps if it was in the daytime, one could say that the element of surprise would not be so great (encountering cyclists), but it was at a time when most people – especially children – would be asleep at home. These were not a bunch of workers cycling home after a night shift at a factory but children out for fun.
The accident also drew attention to the issue of ‘basikal lajak’ (modified bicycle) which were deemed unsafe and the activities on public roads also reckless and dangerous. In fact, after the accident, there were reports of the police taking action to catch basikal lajak gangs and action was also considered against parents who allowed their children to be involved in such activities. So just as it is an offence to use a car or motorcycle that is modified excessively, it seems that the same would apply to those basikal lajak.
The crash resulted in 8 of the cyclists losing their lives, and Sam was charged with reckless and dangerous driving under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. In her defence, Sam said that she had not expected such activities to be going on and the road was also dark. She also said that she was not speeding, and this was supported by a study conducted by MIROS (the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety) which reported that she could have been travelling at 44.5 km/h or 75.8 km/h but within the speed limit for that road.
A curious point which was also mentioned was that the authorities believed Sam was not the driver, and there was a suggestion that another person might have been at the wheel. However, there was no evidence presented to support this and the magistrate in the trial could not accept that allegation. There was also no evidence that she was under the influence of alcohol or using her phone.
Based on the defence submissions, the magistrate found Sam to not be guilty and she was acquitted and thought she could put the traumatic episode behind her. However, the prosecution appealed against the judgement and in a second round in October last year, the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court upheld its decision as the prosecution had failed to prove their case again and reasonable doubt arose, based on all the evidence presented earlier.
For some reason, the prosecution was still unwilling to accept the judgement even on the second occasion and this time, she was dragged to the High Court after an appeal by the Attorney-General’s Chambers. This time, however, the judge took the view that the magistrate’s court had erred in accepting the arguments presented by the defence which led to her acquittal on both occasions.
The High Court judge, Datuk Abu Bakar Katar, did not agree with the respondent’s defence of being unaware of ‘basikal lajak’ activity during the time of the incident and said that she should have been driving carefully because the area’s lighting was not bright at that time.
Sam has therefore been found guilty and sentenced to 6 months in prison as well as a fine of RM6,000. She is also disqualified from driving for 3 years after she has completed her prison sentence.
There is still a chance to submit an appeal at the Court of Appeal and although Sam’s lawyer’s asked for a stay of execution, the judge rejected this application as they have not received approval from the Court of Appeal.
Motorists should pay attention to this case as the judgements set precedents for future cases of a similar nature. There are those who agree with the guilty finding as well as those who feel that Sam was not reckless and the accident was not her fault. Both sides have their points, but it must be said that the teenagers also bear some responsibility. While they may be the ‘smaller’ road-user, that does not give them the right to ride in a manner that can cause problems for other road-users. Even people crossing the road are required to observe safety protocols and cannot simply expect that cars must stop for them if they suddenly dash across the road.
With an increasing number of cyclists (not just the basikal lajak types) on roads nowadays, there are more risks of accidents. Generally, cyclists are aware of their vulnerability and take sensible safety measures but there are still risks of an accident. Even if there is no loss of life, there will be police to deal with and then a court case (don’t forget lawyer’s fees) which could drag on. So to avoid such situations, it’s best to be alert when driving and when cyclists are ahead, stay as far from them as possible!
Like many British sportscars of the 1950s, the Austin-Healey 100 has become an iconic model because of its historical significance. Built between 1953 and 1956, it was the first model of the association between Austin and Donald Healey which would last for 20 years. Over 14,600 cars were built and those that are still in existence today are valuable collectors items.
For those who want this piece of British motoring history but cannot acquire one, Caton, a new company specialising in design and creation of ultra-exclusive, highly aspirational luxury products will restore and modernise the model – known as Healey by Caton – as its first creation.
The original Austin-Healey 100 built between 1953 and 1956.
Only 25 units to be hand-built
It will be extremely rare too, with a limited run of 25 hand-built restored cars at the factory in England. Each car will have a unique combination of design and engineering comparable to established carmakers, with traditional craftsmanship techniques.
Taking a forensic yet sympathetic approach, Caton’s designers have introduced a subtle smoothness to the Healey’s instantly recognisable lines, gently amplifying the visual dynamism while fully respecting the engineering and design principles of the original car’s creator.
The execution of the cleaner, smoother look has been applied across the entire body, with all seams and beading removed. This is evident in the new front aluminium fenders, which feature a more clamshell-like construction. Despite being built on an English Wheel, using traditional methods, they are entirely free of the beading that ran through the centre of the original items. A new air vent and a finisher have been integrated into the flanks, visually amplifying the diving line that runs along the side of the car.
Refining the design
For the most part, though, Caton has refined, rather than added to the Healey’s body. The rear bumpers are gone, as are the external boot hinges, replaced with new internal hinges running on modern gas struts. The boot handle is deleted too, and the lid is now opened by an internal release mechanism, run by a new, modern Caton key.
“To remain true to the car’s DNA, we asked ourselves: ‘What would Healey have done when building a car in the Fifties if they had the tools and manufacturing techniques that we are in the unique position to have at our disposal today?’” said Darryl Scriven, who directed the design work.
Scriven refers to technology that enables a complete 3D scan of each donor car. A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine enabled the fabricators to work to tolerances of just 0.2 mm, creating ultra-perfect panel gaps that add to the beautification of the bodyshell. Yet the team also deployed technology that would have been entirely familiar to those building the car in period, such as an English Wheel, which was used to hand-roll the aluminium panels.
2954 cc 4-cylinder engine
The car is powered by a 185 bhp/264 Nm 2954 cc 4-cylinder engine, not far different from the 2660 cc displacement of the original’s powerplant. Based on an original Austin-Healey block, the engine is completely stripped down, fully lightened, balanced, and then refurbished to zero kilometres. It is further enhanced with a full steel crankshaft, upgraded bearing shells, high compression pistons, a race camshaft with more aggressive lobes and roller rockers. Larger Twin H8 carburettors (yes, carburettors!)and gas flow inlets provide enhance throttle response, while a race side-exit exhaust system adds further to aural appeal.
The engine, and most of the car’s mechanical components, are the work of the world’s leading Healey specialists J.M.E. Healeys, who have strong historical links with the original Healey company. Jonathan Everard, who founded J.M.E., and his father Harold, actually worked for the Donald Healey Motor Company in earlier years. Today, the company is run by Jonathan’s sons and it is based in Warwick, which was the original home of the Healey company.
The car benefits from a new chassis, strengthened and modified at known weak points – including the addition of new front and rear bulkheads – identified from J.M.E.’s decades of experience in restoring, servicing, and rallying Healeys. Strengthened driveshafts transfer the performance to the road but there are no electronic traction or stability controls to dilute the driving experience. Nor is there ABS, in keeping with the purist driving feel, but all four wheels have disc brakes.
Interior modernised with focus on comfort
Inside, the cockpit is totally modernised with a focus on the very best in contemporary and period materials. Interestingly, the original Healey 100s were designed and built for people who were shorter back then and many of today’s drivers may be somewhat cramped. Thanks to a redesign of the transmission tunnel and new 5-speed manual gearbox, there has been a transformation in cabin space. As a result, the Healey by Caton is a highly practical sportscar, offering today’s drivers the feeling of a classic but with comfort as well.
With production of the Healey by Caton limited to 25 units, the company will be able to liaise with each customer on a highly personal, one-to-one basis. The future owners can visit the factory on a regular basis and besides touring the facilities, they can also watch every stage of their car being built.
Caton will offer the ability to add completely bespoke and personal touches, whether for the car’s paint finish (in any colour imaginable) or choosing from the extensive array of materials and trim suite available for the car’s interior.
“No two examples of the Healey by Caton will be the same, but each will be of exceptional beauty and built to the highest possible OEM levels of quality. Each will represent a true reincarnation of the iconic Austin-Healey 100 sportscar utterly fitting for the modern age. Our aim is to deliver an unrivalled, immersive, intoxicating and highly emotional driving experience,” said Tim Strafford, CEO of Caton’s strategic vehicle building partner, Envisage Group.
The pricing with a car included is likely to be in the region of £395,000 (about RM2.2 million) but the official announcement will be made at Salon Prive London on April 21. Production will commence during this quarter of the year.
