The Mini Cooper S 5-door model offers a blend of practicality and performance with its increased dimensions and sporty features. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this model stand out.
Expanded Dimensions for Better Comfort
Length and Wheelbase: The 5-door model is 172mm longer than the traditional 3-door Mini and features a 72mm longer wheelbase.
Compact and Agile: Despite its increased size, the car maintains a compact profile with short overhangs and a small turning circle of 11.4 meters, making it ideal for city driving.
Enhanced Visual Appeal: Larger tyre diameter (625 mm) not only improves aesthetics but also enhances driving dynamics and comfort.
Versatile Luggage Space: With 60:40 folding rear seats, the luggage capacity can expand from 275 litres to 925 litres, providing ample space without compromising on the Mini’s compact footprint.
Recent incidents involving heavy vehicle accidents have alarmed road users across the nation. Notably, these accidents often result in severe consequences, including loss of innocent lives, and frequently go viral on social media.
Statistics and Causes
Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah revealed that from January to March 2024, a total of 652 accidents involving various heavy vehicles were recorded. These vehicles include container trucks, small trucks, and express buses. The primary factors contributing to these accidents are:
Driver Negligence: Drowsy driving and lack of attention.
Speeding: Driving above the permitted speed limit.
Overloading: Vehicles carrying more than the permissible load.
Poor Maintenance: Inadequate upkeep of vehicles.
Public Concern and Calls for Action
The public has voiced concerns over these incidents, urging the government to enhance the monitoring and enforcement of transport vehicles. There is a widespread belief that stricter oversight could mitigate the frequency and severity of these accidents.
The Economy Ministry has announced that the RON95 targeted subsidy mechanism will fully utilise data from the Central Database Hub (Padu), basing eligibility on net household disposable income.
Padu System Overview
Padu serves as the central data repository for Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, consolidating information for individuals and households. As of March 31, 2024, 10.55 million individuals have updated their personal information within the system. The Padu system is currently in its second phase, which involves data analysis to determine household details, reasonable expenditure, and net disposable income.
Data Analysis and Implementation
The second phase of Padu’s development focuses on analysing collected data to accurately identify household details and assess their financial status. This analysis will help determine who qualifies for the RON95 subsidy based on their net disposable income.
Porsche has expanded its electric Macan lineup by introducing the rear-wheel-drive and 4S trims, adding to the previously unveiled Macan 4 and Turbo models. This move broadens the options available to buyers looking for varied performance and features in the electric SUV market.
Porsche Macan EV 4S
New Base Model: Rear-Wheel Drive
The new base model of the Macan EV eliminates the front motor, resulting in a weight reduction of 110kg compared to the Macan 4. This model uses a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 335hp, which can increase to 355hp with launch control. Despite having 47hp less than the Macan 4, it offers an instant torque of 562Nm, although this is 86Nm less than its all-wheel-drive counterpart. This configuration allows the rear-wheel-drive Macan EV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, just half a second slower than the Macan 4, and reach a top speed of 218km/h.
Porsche Macan EV RWD
Macan 4S: Enhanced Performance
The Macan 4S bridges the gap between the Macan 4 and the Turbo model. It features the same front motor as the Macan 4 but includes a more powerful rear motor, boosting its output to 442hp, or 509hp with overboost. This represents an increase of 107hp over the Macan 4. The torque also rises to 783Nm with launch control, which is 134Nm more than the Macan 4. The Macan 4S achieves 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 238km/h.
Shared Features and Specifications
Both new trims share a 95-kWh battery, capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 21 minutes with a 270 kW charger. Standard features include air suspension and electronic damping control, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
Design and Off-Road Capabilities
The electric Macan offers a new Slate Grey Neo colour and 20-inch wheels. Additionally, it includes an off-road design package that improves the approach angle to 17.5 degrees and increases ground clearance to 7.6 inches, which can be further raised to 8.8 inches with the air suspension in its highest setting. The off-road package also features a redesigned front bumper, side skirts, diffuser, and roof railings, available in Vesuvius Grey or body colour.
Availability in Malaysia
Porsche Malaysia recently showcased the all-new Macan EV and Macan Turbo at the Porsche World Roadshow, where it is now available for booking. Whether or not we will receive these new variants is an answer that only time can tell.
The flagship of the United States Navy’s Seventh Fleet, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), docked at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal today, marking its second visit to Malaysia since Kota Kinabalu in 2019.
Strengthening US-Malaysia Naval Partnership
Vice-Admiral Fred Kacher, Commander of the US Seventh Fleet, emphasised the strategic importance of Malaysia as a key partner for the US Navy in the region. “This port visit provides us with an important opportunity to meet our Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) counterparts, engage with the community here, and enjoy the sights and culture,” he said.
Upon arrival, Kacher was greeted by RMN Inspector General Rear Admiral Abdullah Sani Ismail.
Focus on Maritime Security
Captain Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of USS Blue Ridge, highlighted the significance of the visit in terms of maritime security collaboration. “There are a couple of items of mutual interests that we have with Malaysia in terms of security, whether it’s counterterrorism, maritime domain awareness, or regional stability. Those are topics that we are looking to discuss and further our relationship on,” DeLeo stated during a media tour of the ship.
The BMW Group has become the first automotive manufacturer to receive the CCC Digital Key certificate from the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), marking a significant milestone in digital vehicle access. This certification is based on the highest security and interoperability standards set by the CCC, confirming that the BMW Digital Key meets these rigorous requirements.
Leading the Way in Digital Key Technology
The Car Connectivity Consortium is a cross-industry organisation dedicated to advancing vehicle connectivity with intelligent mobile devices. Since joining the consortium in 2017, the BMW Group has played a leading role in developing and establishing cross-industry technologies and safety standards. The CCC’s membership includes numerous automotive manufacturers, major smartphone manufacturers, tier-one automotive suppliers, semiconductor manufacturers, and security product providers.
