Launched just under a month ago, response to the new Toyota GR Yaris and Vios GR-Sport (GR-S) have been exceptionally positive and strong, with orders exceeding expectations.
The response to the GR Yaris isn’t surprising, though, and mirrors the situation in some other markets where it has gone on sale. Toyota will produce only 25,000 units of the GR Yaris for worldwide sale and approximately 200 have been allocated for the Malaysian market. Apart from having specifications that give it high performance, the hatchback model is a ‘Homologation Special’ which makes it immediately ready for use in any international FIA-sanctioned motorsport competition. Of course, regulations would require appropriate safety equipment to also be installed.
Racing car for daily use
The Vios GR-S is the latest variant in the Vios range with performance-oriented features and suspension tuning. It has been developed exclusively for the Malaysian market and offers a racing car character with comfort for the daily drive.
The GR Yaris, priced from RM286,896 and the Vios GR-S, priced from RM95,284 (both prices excluding insurance and with sales tax exemption), are available only at authorized Toyota dealerships with the GR Garage. These dealerships also offer the GR Supra, GR items for enhancing the appearance and performance of Toyota models, as well as aftersales support.
“We are delighted by the response to the new GR models although this has also been the same in other markets for the GR Yaris. The model is competition-ready as it has been developed from the start to meet international FIA regulations, so all an owner really needs to do is install the required safety equipment and he or she is ready to go racing! As the car is road-legal, those who do not use it for motorsport can still enjoy the high performance provided by the 261 hp 1.6-litre turbo unit which is currently the lightest and smallest engine in production,” said Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman and Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer.
Performance Package with GR Yaris
For the Malaysian market, the GR Yaris will come with a standard Performance Pack as well. Additionally, UMW Toyota Motor is offering an ‘Early Bird Package’ (limited to the first 65 bookings) which consists of an exclusive helmet bag, a GR Yaris scale model and participation in a GR Yaris Driving Experience in 2021 to learn to enjoy the GR Yaris to the fullest.
“While 2020 has been a challenging and difficult year, we are happy to be providing some excitement in the Malaysian market as a prelude to a better year ahead. Our Toyota line-up has been broadened with additional models and variants to meet every type of requirement. As always, we offer the best value for money and we also make it easier to purchase a new Toyota with a choice of financing schemes,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
The EQ range of Mercedes-Benz cars is not just about a new range of all-electric vehicles but will also bring much new and more advanced technologies, especially since the platforms can be entirely new and not adapted from conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines. This gives designers and engineers a truly ‘clean sheet’ or perhaps ‘hard disk’ from which to develop new models.
A new technology which will be one of the major highlights for the EQS flagship model is the new MBUX Hyperscreen, a visually impressive display panel which extends almost the entire width of the interior. In addition to its sheer size, the large, curved screen panel, running from the left to the right A-pillar, guarantees a ‘wow’ effect.
Adaptable to users
Artificial intelligence (AI) and learn-capable software enables the control and display concept to adapt to its user and make personalized suggestions for a variety of functions from infotainment, to comfort and even vehicle functions. 8 CPU cores, 24-gigabyte RAM and 46.4GB per second RAM memory bandwidth are some of the MBUX technical specifications.
With the new zero-layer feature, the user no longer has to scroll through sub-menus or give voice commands as the most important applications are always available in a situational and contextual way at the top of the driver’s field of vision. This alleviates the driver from needing to make numerous operating steps. The MBUX Hyperscreen not only benefits the driver as it is also an attentive assistant for the front passenger, who has their own display and operating area.
The Hyperscreen is the latest advancement of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) which has greatly simplified the operation of the latest Mercedes-Benz models. It was introduced with the A-Class in 2018, and there are now more than 1.8 million Mercedes-Benz passenger cars on the road equipped with MBUX worldwide. A few months ago, the second generation of this learn-capable system debuted in the new S-Class, and Mercedes is now taking another big step forward in the form of the new EQS and the optionally available MBUX Hyperscreen.
“With our MBUX Hyperscreen, a design vision becomes reality,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group. “We merge technology with design in a fascinating way that offers the customer unprecedented ease of use. We love the simplicity we created with a new level of MBUX.”
“The MBUX Hyperscreen is both the brain and nervous system of the car,” explained Sajjad Khan, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and CTO. “The MBUX Hyperscreen continually gets to know the customer better and delivers a tailored, personalized infotainment and operating offerings without the occupant needing to click or scroll anywhere.”
Electrifying appearance, emotional visualization
Surrounded by a continuous plastic front frame painted in Silver Shadow, the MBUX Hyperscreen is an example of digital/analogue design fusion. Several displays appear to blend seamlessly, resulting in an impressive, curved screen band, while analogue air vents are integrated into this large digital surface to connect the digital and physical world. The integrated ambient lighting installed in the lower part of the MBUX Hyperscreen makes the display unit appear to float on the instrument panel.
The front passenger also has a personal display and operating area to help make road trips more enjoyable and entertaining. The passenger display allows for individualized content with up to 7 profiles. If the passenger seat is not occupied, the screen becomes a digital decorative part. In this case, animated stars (ie the Mercedes-Benz pattern) are displayed.
The bright and clear display uses OLED technology for the central and front passenger sections. This technology features individual image pixels that are self-luminous; image pixels, when they are not used, remain switched off, which means that they appear deep black. The active OLED pixels radiate with a high colour brilliance, resulting in high contrast values, regardless of the angle of view and light conditions. All of the graphics are styled in a new blue/orange colour scheme throughout. The classic cockpit display with two circular instruments has been refreshed with an all-new digital look.
Several displays appear to merge seamlessly, resulting in an impressive 141-centimetre wide and curved screen band. The area that passengers can experience is 2,432.11 sq. cm. The large glass cover display is curved three-dimensionally in the molding process at temperatures of approximately 650°C. This process allows a distortion-free view of the display unit across the entire width of the vehicle, irrespective of the display cover radius.
Thanks to its clear design, the MBUX Hyperscreen is intuitive and easy to operate. One example of this is the EV display, important functions of the electric drive such as boost or recuperation are visualized in a new way, with a spatially moving clasp, making it tangible for the user. A lens-shaped object moves between these clamps, which follows gravity and thus is able to impressively depict the g-Force.
Personalized suggestions
Infotainment systems offer numerous and extensive functions, typically with several operating steps often required to control them. In order to reduce these interactive steps even further, with the aid of artificial intelligence, Mercedes-Benz has developed a user interface with context-sensitive awareness.
Mercedes-Benz researched the usage behaviour of the first MBUX generation, and learned that most of the use cases fall in the Navigation, Radio/Media and Phone categories. Therefore, the navigation application is always at the centre of the screen unit with full functionality for ease of use. Over 20 further functions – from the active massage program to a birthday reminder, and suggestions for a to-do list – are automatically offered with the aid of artificial intelligence, if they are relevant to the customer.
“With MBUX, our goal was to create the most desirable automotive infotainment system. We have transferred the bipolarity of our design philosophy Sensual Purity to MBUX – that is, on the one hand the sensual beauty and on the other the ‘wow effect’ of the uniquely intuitive operation. We have invented a new interface that brings design and technology together. The MBUX Hyperscreen was born as a digital piece of art, a futuristic, luxurious sculpture and also a huge technological challenge,” said Wagener.
Nowadays, size matters.
Well, at least for customers who need All that Space not just for a comfortable drive but also able to flash that made in Germany pride while carrying your family of seven along.
However, it is no secret that one need to splash the cash to be able to afford a full-blown German-made SUV, a seven-seater nonetheless.
Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Porsche will definitely burn a hole in your pocket (unless your pants are made out of kevlar that is) hence you have no choice but to turn to other options that might just get you there without having to sacrifice too much.
Meet, the All-New Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line (which we were given a chance to test out recently).
For those who seek that straight edge, high-tech, no-nonsense, proper, and made in Germany SUV that will cost you just RM200,000.
Here are five (5) things you need to know about one of the latest offerings by Volkswagen Malaysia.
The overall look of the Tiguan Allspace R-Line is ravishing, especially those aggressive front bumpers and side skirts with a touch of black trims.
Those 19 inches sporty wheels just extend how good it looks on the road along with the unique design front and rear LED and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
Compare to the standard Tiguan, the Allspace is 200mm longer and 100mm longer wheelbase which resulted in 230L of boot space that can be increased up to 1,775L with the 2nd and 3rd row folded.
Although a full-fledged 7-seater, the Allspace R-Line comes with a 2.0L turbocharged engine that generates 220hp and 350Nm of torque which is paired to a 7-speed transmission 4Motion All-Wheel Drive.
The gearbox also offers four driving modes to match your needs in.
It looks good on the outside but also makes you feel good on the inside.
Especially the 9.2″ full colour touch-screen that combines your entertainment systems, navigation, and connectivity.
The display also shows selected smartphone apps that can be easily access using MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.
The 2nd row is just filled with space with a lot of legroom that will assure a lot of comfort for every family members however, the 3rd row (as with other SUV’s) is a bit tight and cramped for adults.
The Tiguan Allspace R-Line comes pack with the best safety features you can think of from Hill Descent Control, Automatic Post Collision Brake System (stops you from subsequent impact after involved in a crash), Drive Alert System, 6 Airbags, ISOFIX, Electronic Stability Control, and a Rearview Camera.
Even the seat grabs you in its place to make you feel as if you are driving in a safety net, especially for someone who is 1.75m and 88 kg, the seating ergonomics is on point.
The Tiguan Allspace R-Line will only cost you RM209,575 and if you compare it to other carmakers that also reside in the Land of Ideas, the Allspace is much more value for money.
Not to mention, a cheaper option, the Tiguan Allspace Highline is price only at RM165,000.
The Allspace R-Line fulfills your every need not just as a family-friendly 7-seater SUV but also able to deliver 220hp when you need them.
Volkswagen Malaysia also offers 3-years free maintenance with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance, hence you can enjoy the car without any worry, and I personally think the Tiguan Allspace R-Line is an excellent deal.
At the request of a long-term client, Singer Vehicle Design has looked to a golden era of Porsche rallying in the 1980s, and to automotive heroes including the 911 SC/RS and the legendary 959, to reimagine his air-cooled 911s as World Rally Championship-inspired, all-terrain competition machines.
Singer doesn’t manufacture or sell cars and its main business is to restore and reimagine 1989 to 1994 Porsche 911s, based on the 964 chassis for its clients. Its latest services will enable clients to go off-road racing, with a Porsche 911 modified by Singer for all-terrain use.
Two machines commissioned
The All-terrain Competition Study (ACS) undertaken by Singer, in partnership with renowned 911 rally specialist Richard Tuthill, in response to the request from their client for modifications to his air-cooled 911 that would enable the car to compete in off-road racing and to demonstrate extensive all-terrain exploration capabilities.
To highlight the broad repertoire of the ACS, the client has commissioned two machines, one – in Singer’s iconic Parallax White – focused on high-speed desert rallying and a second – in Corsica Red – configured for high-speed, high-grip tarmac events and disciplines.
Porsche 911s prepared by UK-based off-road competition specialist Richard Tuthill have dominated rally events for decades, a recent victory being in the 2019 East African Safari Classic. It was a remarkable 4th win in the gruelling 5000-km event across Kenya and Tanzania. These successes sit alongside deep expertise from the world of WRC competition and events such as the Paris-Dakar.
Reimagining the iconic Porsches
“We’ve taken particular inspiration from the iconic Rothmans-sponsored 911 SC/RSs and 959s that conquered events like the Qatar International Rally and Paris-Dakar in the mid-1980s and, at the request of our client, have reimagined these all-terrain 911’s in their honour while utilizing fresh perspectives and state of the art know-how,” said Rob Dickinson, Founder & Executive Chairman of Singer Group Inc.
In developing the Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer ACS, Singer engineers gave it off-road competition capability for events such as the Baja 1000 and Dakar Rally. This called for dramatically increased ride height, suspension travel and overall strength to cope with all kinds of terrain.
Engineered for the roughest terrain
The specialised long-travel suspension has twin, 5-way adjustable dampers per corner (8 dampers total). Forged aluminium 8×16-inch wheels with BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres are fitted and behind them are 4-piston, monobloc steel disc brakes with a hydraulic handbrake.
The strength designed into the car’s structure and components is a response to the forces encountered during high-speed, off-road endurance events and pathfinding.
The bodywork has carbonfibre panels not only for their lightness (which offsets the extra weight of the roll-cage) but also quick replacement and easy underbody access. Carbonfibre also allows for curvatures to be formed easily. There is also effective breathing and cooling for the powertrain.
Cabin for off-road racing
Inside, the ACS reflects the demands of off-road racing. FIA specification seats and harnesses sit within a full roll cage. The car is equipped with a race GPS navigation system while both driver and navigator have access to in-seat rehydration systems.
3.6-litre twin turbo engine
As with all Singer’s restoration services for owners of the 911, the car takes the Type 964 generation of air-cooled cars as its starting point. At the heart of the machine is an evolution of the ‘Mezger’ air-cooled flat-six in 3.6-litre, with twin symmetrical turbochargers and fly-by-wire individual throttle bodies.
There is a sequential racing transmission with front, centre and rear limited-slip differentials and permanent AWD. The performance characteristics of the engine can be tuned depending on the demands of competition and the owner.
“We feel confident this machine can appeal to off-roading enthusiasm of all kinds, whether it be in the pursuit of professional competition at the highest level or adventure and exploration. ACS advances Singer’s capabilities in forced-induction, all-wheel drive, off-road ability and dynamic response – all of which will support our ongoing mission. This pursuit of focused competition studies is something you will see more of from us in the future,” said Dickinson.
Prototypes and studies Porsche has never before shown to the public
In 2020, people were unable to enjoy actual racing on the tracks and many turned to simulator racing at home, giving eSports or what the FIA calls ‘digital motorsports’ a boost in popularity. Some manufacturers got involved in it, among them BMW with its SIM Cups.
After their successful debut in the 2020 season, this year’s BMW SIM Cups will offer an even wider range of race formats, cars and sim platforms on which they take place.
The BMW SIM GT Cup, BMW SIM M2 CS Racing Cup and BMW SIM Time Attack offer the world’s best sim racers the opportunity to qualify on the iRacing, rFactor 2 and Assetto Corsa Competizione platforms for the Grand Finals at BMW SIM Live 2021, and to win attractive prize money. The races will be streamed live on the BMW Motorsport social media channels.
“Having introduced our new BMW SIM Cup formats at BMW SIM Live last December, it is now time to get down to the serious business, as the first races are just around the corner,” said Rudolf Dittrich, Head of BMW Motorsport SIM Racing. “We are understandably excited to see how our new race formats and the wider range of BMW race cars will be received by the sim racing community.”
“We are now active on three major platforms: iRacing, rFactor 2 and Assetto Corsa Competizione. This allows us to reach a far larger group of sim racers and their fans than last year. We are obviously hoping to attract a lot of top-class competitors, as well as to receive expert feedback on our race formats and cars, which helps us to keep improving all the time,” he said.
BMW SIM GT Cup – iRacing
The BMW SIM GT Cup is the successor to the BMW SIM 120 Cup. Divided into two seasons, a total of 10 races will take place in 2021. In the five rounds that comprise Season 1, sim racers go head to head in teams of two in the BMW M8 GTE. In Season 2, the new BMW M4 GT3 will be the car of choice for the teams. A total prize purse of US$4,200 (about RM16,870) is offered for the top 3 teams in the first 4 races of each season.
BMW SIM M2 CS Racing Cup – rFactor 2
Same car, same simulation platform, but new format. This year’s BMW SIM M2 CS Racing Cup features as a support series for the popular and top-class rFactor 2 GT Pro Series. As a result, the BMW one-make cup will take place at different racetracks, whereas it was previously held exclusively at the Nurburgring and on the Nordschleife. The top three at each event will share a total prize purse of €1,850, and the winners of each race will qualify for the final at BMW SIM Live.
BMW SIM Time Attack by Assetto Corsa Competizione
New simulation platform, new race format, new car. BMW SIM Time Attack by Assetto Corsa Competizione takes the form of a lap time competition on circuits that change monthly. Each month, the competitor who sets the fastest lap time, at the wheel of the virtualM4 GT4, qualifies for BMW SIM Live 2021.
Carsome, Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, has set up its first technical institution in Malaysia, offering Malaysian youths technical education and guaranteed career opportunities.
Known as Carsome Academy, the institution is a Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional (SLDN) training centre accredited by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources. It offers industry-oriented training programs which combine institutional and workplace training, students will undergo 30% of theoretical lessons at Carsome Academy, followed by 70% industrial training at any Carsome Inspection Centres in Malaysia. Carsome Academy also guarantees a job in Carsome after graduation.
Human capital development initiative
According to Carsome Co-founder and Carsome Academy Director, Teoh Jiun Ee, the academy is a human capital development initiative that aims to create positive social impact in the local communities where Carsome operates.
“We want to build a technical workforce that strives for the best standards in professionalism and ethics to move the Southeast Asian used car industry forward in a meaningful way and to serve our customers better. Carsome has built a trusted platform over the years which we are proud of. Now, we want to bring that pride to more people working in the industry through an accredited and industry-recognized training and assessment, equipped with the best digital tools available,” Mr. Teoh said.
Over 1,800 hours of training
The Carsome Academy aims to build a sustainable workforce in the automotive industry. This will be achieved through 1,840 hours of industrial training to develop students’ technical skill sets and strengthen their capabilities.
The academy currently offers the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 3 in Motor Vehicle Inspection (Roadworthiness) which is recognized by the Malaysian government and technical industries. Its inaugural intake (for only 25 persons), which starts in February 2021, is now open for registration to Malaysians aged below 30 years with a minimum pass in Sistem Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3). The 1-year course costs RM8,000 and is fully refundable upon a graduate’s successful placement and tenure with Carsome. Study loans are also available for students who wish to further their studies at the Academy.
Though representing a German brand, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) ‘acts locally’ and is already preparing for the coming Chinese New Year. For those wanting to start the new year of The Ox with a new car, VPCM is offering special money-saving deals.
Authorised Volkswagen dealers around the country will offer a RM1,000 ang pao rebate for the Passat and Arteon sedans and Tiguan Allspace SUV. There are also additional savings of up to RM4,500 if the purchase is booked through the Volkswagen eShowroom.
Those interested in the Passat range will also enjoy free additional 1-year insurance or RM5,500 savings. For selected Tiguan Allspace and Arteon models, there are additional savings of up to RM3,500. And of course, with the sales tax exemption extended until June 2021, there are also extra savings.
Besides warranty coverage for the full 5 years after original registration, the owner will also not need to pay for scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years (terms and conditions apply). There will also be complimentary Roadside Assistance for the first 5 years, providing peace of mind on long journeys.
Existing owners not forgotten
VPCM doesn’t look at just selling a car but cares about making the entire ownership experience a good one. And during festive seasons like the coming Chinese New Year, Volkswagen owners can also enjoy special deals at authorised service centres. This year, the CNY Aftersales Service Campaign offers savings on replacement parts and genuine engine oil. The Aftersales offerings are listed below:
Additional offerings for owners include complimentary a 5-Star Service Check, up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres, and complimentary Volkswagen ang pao packets. Service appointments can be made online here.
Chinese New Year falls on February 12 this year, but the Volkswagen CNY Sales and Aftersales promotions will be on until February 28, 2021.
For more information or to locate a Volkswagen showroom in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my .
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia introduces additional online aftersales services
Kia is starting the new decade with a change in its corporate logo, a move to signify the Korean carmaker’s bold transformation. The introduction of the new logo represents the 76-year old company’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.
The logo is a symbol of Kia’s new brand purpose and the values it promises to offer customers through future products and services, and the experiences these enable. “Kia’s new logo represents the company’s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President & CEO. “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”
The new logo has been designed to resemble a handwritten signature. The rhythmical, unbroken line is said to convey the company’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers.
The new logo was unveiled during a record-breaking pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea. The event saw 303 pyrodrones launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized artistic display, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. This set a new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously’.
Its global brand slogan is also changed to ‘Movement that inspires’. With this change, there will also be a new brand strategy but it will only be revealed on January 15. To be through the digital ‘New Kia Brand Showcase’ event on Kia YouTube channel, the global audience will also get to understand the brand purpose and philosophy, as well as application to Kia’s future product line-up.
The launch of the new logo follows the announcement of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ long-term business strategy in 2020. Under Plan S, Kia, among other objectives, has the ambition to take a leading position in the global car market. This is focused on popularizing electric vehicles and introducing a broad range of mobility services, tailored to meet the needs and tastes of individuals and local markets.
With 2021 having started, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) – the new company handling Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia – is preparing itself to provide the necessary services and support to customers and owners. To start off, it is running a customer information update exercise which calls for owners of Peugeot vehicles to provide their details so that the customer database can be updated.
This is important as owners will need to be kept information of service reminders, warranty matters, service campaigns and other news from time to time. Having the latest contact information will enable BAASB to stay in touch with them.
All personal information protected
All Peugeot owners in Malaysia can update their information by visiting the new official Peugeot website at www.peugeot.com.my. To prove ownership, they will have to provide details of their vehicle registration as well as service and warranty booklets. BAASB assured owners that all information collected will be protected in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) law of Malaysia.
BAASB says this is just the first step in is efforts to improve the ownership experience for Peugeot owners. The team at BAASB includes people who have long experience in the auto industry and have taken the Mazda brand to a higher level in the past 10 years. They would certainly be aiming to achieve the same success with the Peugeot brand.
Besides the website, customers and owners can also contact BAASB by writing to customersupport@baasb.com.my. There is also a dedicated Peugeot Customer Support phone number 03-7627 8818, which operates from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 6.00 pm.
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