The Mini came on the scene 60 years ago and over 6 decades, the passion has endured for the little car that was loved by just about every class in society. Thousands of events have been held all over the world to celebrate anniversaries and this year, the MINIfest returns in Malaysia for the second time to celebrate the MINI’s 60th anniversary.
The event will be held on Saturday, September 7 2019 (12 noon to 7 pm) at the Indoor Arena of Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. It’s going to be a fun day for MINIacs as MINI Malaysia has planned a host of exciting activities, all MINI-themed.
MINI-styled marketplace
Don’t worry about filling up your stomach before going because there will be a special MINI-styled marketplace with delicious food from a variety of popular food trucks. Live music performances will keep the atmosphere lively all day long, and there will be thrilling rides and games. Early birds will also receive exclusive giveaways.
The highlight of MINIfest The 60 Years Special will be the new anniversary-exclusive MINI 60 Years Edition (pictured above) on display, along with MINI Classic cars. Test drives will also be available throughout the day for 10 different versions. These include the Cooper S 3-Door, Cooper S 5-Door, John Cooper Works Clubman as well as the Cooper S Countryman Pure that was unveiled this year.
Click here for more information and updates on MINIfest The 60 Years Special. Pre-registering will get you into the site faster so do so online.
The next generation of Volkswagen’s Golf – among the top ten bestselling cars of all time – is nearing launch. This will be the 8th generation of the model which appeared in 1974 to take over from the Beetle as the modern ‘people’s car’. To date, over 35 million units have been sold worldwide.
7 generations of the Golf have been launched to date, with the current one having had its debut in 2013.
Designed for the 21st century
The new Golf will be a product for the 21st century, with design and digital innovations for the new era of electrified drives, a digitalised and connected interior world, assisted driving and online-based functions and services.
The camouflage lets onlookers identify that the black and white lines are disguising a 5-door hatchback. The DNA of the Golf, evolved over 45 years, is still evident but the camouflage still masks the finer details of the new design.
The design of the original Golf has evolved over the years but its DNA continues in the new generation.
Commenting on the all-new model, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, says: “At this time, we will not disclose all details of the new Golf, but you can already perceive its elegant proportions.” The next generation will be a genuine eye-catcher!”
The countdown to the global debut of ‘No. 8’ has already begun and Volkswagen says its world premiere will be in autumn 2019. That would almost certainly be at the Frankfurt Motorshow.
The Fastest Woman on Four Wheels, Jessi Combs, was killed in an unfortunate jet-car crash yesterday at The Alvord Desert, Oregon. The race car driver, fabricator, and TV host for famous shows like MythBusters died while attempting to break her own land speed record on board the 52,000hp jet-powered vehicle. (more…)
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Suzuki Motor Corporation are strengthening their relationships with an agreement which involves a capital alliance. The two companies began considering such a business partnership in October 2016 and since then, have continued to explore and discuss specific details.
On March 20 this year, the companies announced that they would begin specific considerations in order to engage in joint product development and collaboration in production, in addition to promoting the mutual supply of products, by bringing together Toyota’s strength in electrification technologies and Suzuki’s strength in technologies for compact vehicles.
Discussions to form a stronger relationship such as an Alliance began in October 2016.
Now, with an Alliance, there can be a long-term partnership between TMC and Suzuki for promoting collaboration in new fields, including the field of autonomous driving. This is vital as the automobile sector is currently experiencing a turning point unprecedented in both scope and scale, not only because of enhanced environmental regulations, but also from new entries from distinct industries and diversified mobility businesses.
“The execution of the capital alliance agreement is a confirmation and expression of the outcome of sincere and careful discussions between TMC and Suzuki, and it will serve for building and promoting their future partnership in new fields.”
Joint statement by the two companies
Cooperating in new fields but still competitors
Both companies intend to achieve sustainable growth, by overcoming new challenges surrounding the automobile sector by building and deepening cooperative relationships in new fields – while continuing to be competitors – in addition to strengthening the technologies and products in which each company specializes and their existing business foundations.
In order to develop and promote a long-term partnership between the two companies, the companies plan to acquire each other’s shares based on the Alliance. Toyota plans to acquire 24,000,000 shares of common stock in Suzuki (4.94% ownership of the total number of shares issued by Suzuki as of March 31, 2019 (excluding treasury shares) with a total value of 96 billion yen) by underwriting the disposition of treasury shares by way of third-party allotment conducted by Suzuki. Likewise, Suzuki plans to acquire, through purchase in the market, shares in Toyota equivalent to JPY 48 billion yen.
The folks from Playstation has announced that Michelin will be the Official Tyre Technology Partner for the Gran Turismo franchise which is a video game that is considered by many as one of the best and most authentic in this current generation of gamers and futurists.
Michelin was also announced as the official tyre supplier for the FIA Certified Gran Turismo Championships where the brand will be featured in the game throughout the World Tour live event currently taking place. (more…)
The Volkswagen Passat has been in the market for quite some time now and there are quite a number of them on Malaysian roads today. Currently on offer as their top-of-the-line premium sedan by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), we decided to take it out for a spin again just to see whether if it’s still a relevant car to drive in 2019. (more…)
Attention all Volkswagen fans and enthusiasts! The annual Volkswagen Fest 2019 is back for its third year running and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is proud to announce that it’ll be taking place this weekend (30 August – 1 September 2019) at the Setia City Convention Centre, Setia Alam. (more…)
Hyundai Motor Group is known for innovating unique approaches when it comes to urban mobility. Their latest electric scooter represents that very fact with a riding range of 20km, perfect for those who have to park far away from the office. (more…)
After a month-long intense training session, celebrities Syafiq Kyle and Ain Edruce have been given the green light to compete in Season 3 of the Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR Festival). The two young personalities will make their debut in the Promotional class of the one-make race in Round 1 of the TGR Festival on September 6/7 in Kuala Terengganu.
Held for the second time on a 1.65-km street circuit specially constructed for the event at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, the Vios Challenge will feature exhilarating door-to-door action on the track with celebrity, amateur and professional racing drivers competing in three classes of saloon car racing (Promotional, Sporting and Super Sporting classes respectively).
10 celebrities for Season 3
A total of 10 local celebrities will compete in the Promotional category with actress Diana Danielle returning as the defending champion. Already a veteran after racing in the past two seasons, Diana will be challenged by Shukri Yahaya and Janna Nick, beat-boxer Shawn Lee, presenter Nabil Ahmad as well as singers Khai Bahar, Nabila Razali, and Wany Hasrita.
“It has been an incredible experience and I learnt a lot in the training session from understanding the proper racing lines, identifying my braking points, being in the proper gear in corners, how to defend my racing line to how to remain calm and mentally focused driving under pressure,” said 28-year-old Ain.
Before participating in the new season of the TGR Festival’s Vios Challenge, the newcomers have to undergo training so they can drive competitively and safely.
“I never realized that there is so much science to motor racing. Racing is much more than just the ability to drive fast but it requires in depth understanding of momentum, acceleration, deceleration, balance and handling of a vehicle. Being consistent and precise is the key to setting a quick pace around the track.”
The actress, model and presenter said she has ‘bonded well’ with the new Vios which she will use in the race. She described the racing car as being very perceptive in terms of handling and stable at high speeds. Competitors in all three classes of racing will drive identical Vios race cars as the one-make format prioritizes driving skills and experience instead of any modifications to increased vehicle performance.
All the racing cars in the Vios Challenge have identical performance with strict inspections before and after the races to ensure compliance. So it is more of driver skill than sheer power which can make the difference during racing.UMW Toyota Motor’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama (centre), with the two newcomers, Ain Edruce and Syafiq Kyle. Mr. Takeyama has also competed in the Promotional Category for the past two seasons and will join the racing again for Season 3.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old actor Syafiq Kyle hardly feels intimidated with the competition but will approach his first race on a street circuit cautiously. “I am well prepared for the challenge ahead but I believe the most challenging aspect of the race will be competing on a street circuit. This is something I will need to approach cautiously considering all of my training was conducted on a proper racing circuit where it is more forgiving to make mistakes. On a street circuit, there is no room for mistake – one hit against the concrete barrier and you’re out of the race,” he said.
“The strategy for the season will be to drive consistently but competitively, avoid concrete barriers, and try to finish every race,” added the former Hero Remaja 2011/12 finalist and Gol & Gincu actor.
An event for all the family
For motorsports fans and spectators, the excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to the action and drama on the track. At the Kuala Terengganu venue as well as the other venues, there will also be displays of Toyota’s fleet of latest models (with test drive available) , a drift performance by Japanese drifters courtesy of Toyo Tires, racing simulator challenge, stage games and celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandise, and superfans signing session for a chance to meet with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class.
The TGR Festival is an event for all the family to enjoy and starts from 9 am on Friday September 6. It continues through Saturday till late in the evening when prize presentations are made to the winners. Entrance is free and there’s ample parking around the stadium.
The folks from Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official custodian for the Peugeot brand here in Malaysia, has officially launched their latest 2019 Peugeot 3008 SUV Plus together with the 2019 Peugeot 5008 SUV Plus for the Malaysia market. Two variants for each model are available now from RM150,888 (OTR without insurance). (more…)
