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Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the official sale of the locally assembled Golf R, priced at RM332,990. This price includes the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which offers owners 5 years of maintenance, an unlimited mileage warranty, and 5 years of roadside assistance.

The Golf R comes with the “R Performance Package” as standard, which features a titanium Akrapovič exhaust, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, a new rear spoiler, and specialised “Drift” and “Special” driving modes. The “Drift” mode prioritises torque to the rear wheels for controlled slides, while the “Special” mode is tailored for optimal performance on backroads and the demanding Nürburgring-Nordschleife racetrack.

Under the hood, the Golf R is powered by a 2.0TSI 4-cylinder turbo engine producing 320PS and 400Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h. The car’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with performance torque vectoring ensures stability and traction.

The exterior of the Golf R is distinguished by its motorsport-inspired R front bumper and R radiator grille. It is available in three colours: Lapiz Blue, Deep Black, and Pure White. The interior boasts R decorative trim in Carbon Grey, premium Nappa sport leather seats with iconic R styling, and an R performance steering wheel with blue backlit R button and shift paddles.

New features include a Head-Up Display (HUD), a 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with a 10-speaker, 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and automatic high beam assist. The Golf R also includes IQ.DRIVE technology and advanced driver assistance systems such as Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist.

The Golf R will be showcased at the Malaysia Autoshow from May 22 to May 26, 2024, at MAEPS in Serdang. Also on display at the Volkswagen booth in Hall 2 will be the all-new Touareg R-Line 4MOTION and Arteon R-Line 4MOTION.

Customers attending the Malaysia Autoshow can take advantage of special promotions, including savings of up to RM36,000. Additionally, those who purchase an Arteon will enjoy free scheduled maintenance for the first 7 years of ownership. There is also an opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid luxury holiday for two at the Banjaran Hotsprings Wellness Retreat in Ipoh, Perak, by booking any Volkswagen model at the autoshow. This promotion is available nationwide until May 31, 2024.

When R. Kaviyarasan purchased a brand new four-wheel-drive truck last October, he installed a second global positioning system (GPS) tracking device for added security. This decision proved invaluable when, four months later, his pickup truck was stolen from his house in Taman Saujana Puchong in the early hours of the morning, according to The Star.

The thief, demonstrating expertise, disabled the pre-installed GPS tracking system in just over three minutes. The monitoring company for this system only notified Kaviyarasan about an hour after the device was deactivated. However, the second GPS device, which was concealed and installed by Kaviyarasan, promptly alerted him to suspicious movements. The vehicle’s location was displayed on a satellite map on his smartphone.

Kaviyarasan asked a family member to lodge a police report while he began tracking the vehicle using the GPS on his phone. Initially, he saw the truck speeding away and then stopping at a gated residential area in USJ12, Subang Jaya. Despite alerting the police and searching the area, the truck was not found.

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Starting in September, six additional highways in Malaysia will implement the open payment toll collection system (SPT). This expansion is part of an effort to make toll payments more convenient and efficient for motorists, allowing payments to be made using credit and debit cards in addition to the existing Touch ’n Go, SmartTag, and RFID options.

According to Bernama, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that these six highways will join the 12 highways that have already been using the SPT system since its launch last year. This inclusion will bring the total number of lanes equipped with the SPT system to 35. The highways that will adopt the system include:

1. North-South Expressway (PLUS/Thailand-Singapore, 770 km)
2. Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH, 23 km)
3. Linkedua Highway (Singapore-Malaysia, 47 km)
4. Grand Saga Highway (Cheras-Kajang, 11.5 km)
5. Grand Sepadu (North Port-Bukit Raja Klang, 17.5 km)
6. Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE/North to South KL, 30 km)

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We all know how good and popular Japanese cars are here in Malaysia, especially Honda’s. Ever since the launch of the City Hatchback in 2021, Honda Malaysia has managed to sell 28,700 units of it.

The overall Honda sales for the first quarter (Q1) 2024 reached 21,500 units, a 23% increase in Q1 of 2024, compared to Q1 2023.

Due to the City hatchback’s popularity, Honda Malaysia has introduced the new facelift City Hatchback and has targeted to sell 900 units a month. Due to the high demand, we can see them achieving this.

The pricing for the new City Hatchback starts at RM85,900 for the S variant, RM90,900 for the E variant, RM95,900 for the V variant, RM100,900 for the Petrol RS and RM112,900 for the top of the line e:HEV RS variant.

Powered by the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain, the RS variant delivers 109PS and 253Nm, while the 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol version puts out 121PS and 145Nm of torque.

All variants are equipped with safety features such as six airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock. The Multi-Angle Reverse Camera with Hi-Resolution are fitted in all variants except for S variant. Additionally, the V and RS variants are also equipped with Honda LaneWatch to enhance vision for blind spot. The New City Hatchback RS variants are equipped with smartphone application integration named Honda CONNECT for Safety, Security and Convenience. To provide further value, Honda CONNECT is now available as an optional accessory for S, E and V variants.

Malaysia Autoshow 2024, organised by Malaysia Automotive Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii), is gearing up to be an electrifying event with over 45 exciting car and bike launches. Scheduled from May 22nd to May 26th, 2024, at MAEPS Serdang, this year’s Autoshow promises to be bigger and better than ever before, offering an immersive experience for automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike.

The esteemed sponsors of Malaysia Autoshow 2024 include:

  • Platinum Sponsor: Perodua
  • Gold Sponsors: Proton and Petronas
  • Silver Sponsor: Chery

Azrul Reza Aziz, CEO of MARii, highlighted that alongside the vehicle launches, the event will host the 50th Commemorative Malaysia-China Automotive Summit, the 13th ASIAN Automotive Environmental Forum (AAEF), the MyMAP Grand Prix Award 2024, and a Business Forum & Business Matching event.

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Honda Malaysia has finally launched the much anticipated facelifted City Hatchback. The facelifted model was available for bookings at all Honda dealerships nationwide back in April of this year.

Introduced in 2021, the City Hatchback was Honda Malaysia’s second model featuring the e:HEV technology. The e:HEV RS variant, known for its sporty appeal, contributed significantly to the Company’s hybrid sales, accounting for 16% of total hybrid sales. In 2023, the City Hatchback achieved strong sales figures, solidifying its presence in the Non-National hatchback segment.

The new Honda City Hatchback comes in a total of five variants; the S, E, V, Petrol RS and e:HEV RS.

The facelifted City Hatchback has a newly designed Honeycomb Front Grille, Front Lower Grille, LED Front Fog Lights Garnish and Rear Bumper Lower Garnish. New Berlina Black 16-inch Alloy Wheels and a new edgy-looking Side Sill Garnish further elevate the sporty appeal of both RS variants. The Petrol RS and e:HEV RS variants of the New City Hatchback is now longer with refreshed exterior design measuring 4,369mm in length while the S, E and V variants are 4,350 mm in length.

Powered by the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain, the RS variant delivers 109PS and 253Nm, while the 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol version puts out 121PS and 145Nm of torque.

The interior has received some upgrades too. The RS variants now feature a red-painted dashboard panel and sporty Combi Leather seats with red stitching. Both Petrol RS and e:HEV RS are fitted with 8” Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Connectivity, in addition to 7” TFT Meter Cluster. The New City Hatchback continues to excel in practicality and spaciousness, thanks to the ultra Seat, which comes standard across all variants. 

The New City Hatchback is equipped with Honda SENSING as a standard safety feature for all variants, now including the Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). The complete list of Honda SENSING features in the New City Hatchback includes Low Speed Follow (LSF) – (new feature applicable for e:HEV RS only), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) – new feature for all variants, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam (AHB).

All variants are equipped with safety features such as six airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock. The Multi-Angle Reverse Camera with Hi-Resolution are fitted in all variants except for S variant. Additionally, the V and RS variants are also equipped with Honda LaneWatch to enhance vision for blind spot. The New City Hatchback RS variants are equipped with smartphone application integration named Honda CONNECT for Safety, Security and Convenience. To provide further value, Honda CONNECT is now available as an optional accessory for S, E and V variants.

The on the road pricing without insurance for the new City Hatchback starts at RM85,900 for the S, RM90,900 for the E, RM95,900 for the V, RM100,900 for the Petrol RS and RM112,900 for the top of the line e:HEV RS.

The Ford Ranger continues its winning streak with a blend of robustness and innovation, setting the stage for the unveiling of its latest model, the limited edition Ford Ranger. Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, is gearing up to introduce this exclusive model, poised to resonate with loyal fans and attract a wider audience with its enhanced features and premium design.

Scheduled to be showcased to the public from May 30 to June 2, 2024, at One Utama Luxe, New Wing, the limited edition Ford Ranger promises an elevated outdoor experience. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore the rugged yet refined model up close and personal, with test drives available for not only the limited edition variant but also other Ranger and Everest models, providing a comprehensive overview of Ford’s versatile lineup. Interested customers can pre-register for the event via www.sdacford.com.my.

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The automotive market landscape in Southeast Asia is witnessing significant shifts, with Malaysia emerging as the region’s second-largest auto market, surpassing Thailand and trailing only behind Indonesia. This transformation underscores Malaysia’s growing importance in the automotive sector, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s automotive industry dynamics.

Data compiled by sources reveals that Malaysia’s auto sales figures have consistently outpaced those of Thailand for three consecutive quarters through January-March 2024. The Malaysian Automotive Association reports a 5% increase in auto sales in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 202,245 vehicles. This growth follows an impressive 11% surge in 2023, setting a record of 799,731 vehicles sold.

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Evo Cartech Sdn. Bhd., an authorised dealer of GAC vehicles in Cyberjaya, officially opens its operations today, unveiling a 4,434-square-foot showroom located in the heart of the city centre. As part of the GAC Motor dealership network in Malaysia, the newly opened showroom will showcase GAC Motor’s latest lineup of automotive products, beginning with the compact SUV GAC GS3 Emzoom. This model will be available for public viewing and test drives starting from the opening day.

Distributed in Malaysia by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn. Bhd., the newly introduced GAC GS3 Emzoom SUV boasts a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 177PS and 270Nm of torque. Its striking design is complemented by advanced technology features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features.

From May 16 to 19, visitors can experience the GAC GS3 Emzoom at the GAC Cyberjaya showroom, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. For further details, interested individuals can visit facebook.com/GACMotorCyberjaya.

Hyundai Malaysia has issued a statement announcing the compromise of its official Instagram account, @hyundaimy_official. The breach occurred on May 14, 2024, at approximately 6:40 PM. The company has swiftly responded by collaborating with Meta, the parent company of Instagram, to rectify the situation and regain control of the account.

In light of the compromise, Hyundai Malaysia has advised its followers and the wider social media community to exercise caution. They have specifically cautioned against interacting with any posts, messages, or links originating from the compromised account, @hyundaimy_official.

As a precautionary measure, Hyundai Malaysia has opted to communicate official updates and announcements solely through alternative social media channels. These include the official Hyundai Malaysia Facebook account, “Hyundai Malaysia,” and the LinkedIn account of “Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn. Bhd.”

The company reassures its followers that efforts are underway to resolve the issue promptly. Updates regarding the progress of account recovery and any further developments will be communicated in due course.

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