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MINI Malaysia Unveils Three New Iconic Models at Malaysia Autoshow 2024

MINI Malaysia has introduced three new iconic models at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024. The new lineup includes the All-Electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4, the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Countryman ALL4, and the MINI Cooper S.

The New MINI Countryman

The New MINI Countryman SE ALL4 and the MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 are the highlights of this release, offering increased room, superior comfort, and advanced digital and safety features. Taller and more spacious, these models come with ALL4 All-Wheel Drive capability, making them versatile for urban, rural, and off-road adventures.

Exterior Design and Features:
The new MINI Countryman has grown in size, with an additional six centimetres in height and thirteen centimetres in length. Distinctive features include a new octagonal vehicle grille, LED adaptive headlights with high-beam assistant, and three light signatures in the front and rear LED lights. The New MINI Countryman SE ALL4 and JCW Countryman ALL4 come with unique trims, including roof and mirror caps in Piano Black or Vibrant Silver, and JCW-specific patterns with red accents.

Interior Design and Features:
The interior showcases a spacious, curved dashboard with textile surfaces made of recycled polyester fabric. Features include a MINI head-up display, adjustable rear seats, Harman Kardon 12-speaker surround sound system, and high-quality Vescin vegan leather upholstery. The New MINI Countryman SE ALL4 offers a luggage capacity of 460 litres, expandable to 1,350 litres, while the JCW Countryman ALL4 offers 505 litres, expandable to 1,530 litres.

Performance and Technology:
The New MINI Countryman SE ALL4 delivers 313hp and 494Nm of torque, with a 0 – 100km/h sprint in just 5.6 seconds, and an electric range of up to 432km. The JCW Countryman ALL4 offers 300hp and 400Nm of torque, achieving 0 – 100km/h in 5.4 seconds. Both models feature advanced driver assistance systems like Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus, enhancing safety and convenience.

The New MINI Cooper S

The New MINI Cooper S reinvents the classic MINI design with modern features and advanced technology, emphasising its go-kart-like driving experience.

Exterior Design:
Compact proportions, round headlights, and a distinctive grille characterise the modern exterior. It is equipped with 18-inch Slide Spoke 2-tone light alloy wheels and triangular LED rear lights.

Interior Design:
The minimalist interior features a new steering wheel, round OLED display, and a spacious cockpit with high-quality vegan leather seats. The luggage capacity is 210 litres, expandable to 725 litres.

Performance:
The New MINI Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-litre engine delivering 204hp and 300Nm of torque, enabling a 0 – 100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds. The suspension and damping system provide the signature MINI go-kart feeling, ensuring exceptional driving dynamics.

Digital Innovations

All new MINI models feature the MINI Interaction Unit, a touch-sensitive high-resolution OLED display with MINI Operating System 9, offering an immersive digital experience. The MINI Connected Package provides access to various apps, and the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant facilitates voice-controlled navigation and other functions.

Personalisation and Connectivity:
The MINI App offers new functions like Remote 3D View, Remote Engine Start, and MINI Digital Key Plus, enhancing user convenience and vehicle sharing capabilities. Eight MINI Experience Modes allow for personalized interior ambiance with dynamic light patterns and driving sounds.

MINI Malaysia’s unveiling at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability. The new models—All-Electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4, MINI JCW Countryman ALL4, and MINI Cooper S—represent the future of urban mobility, blending advanced technology with classic design. Enthusiasts are invited to experience these exciting new additions, reflecting MINI’s enduring “BIG LOVE” for innovation and adventure.

Estimated retail pricing of the new MINI Countryman SE ALL4, new MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 and new MINI Cooper S with SST (on the road, without insurance) is RM260,000 for the Countryman SE ALL4, RM399,000 for the JCW Countryman ALL4 and RM 280,000 for the Cooper S.

MINI Countryman SE ALL4

MINI JCW Countryman ALL4

MINI Cooper S

BMW Malaysia Unveils All-New BMW i5 M60 xDrive and New Locally Assembled BMW 520i

BMW Malaysia has introduced two new models to their premium sporty sedan lineup: the All-New BMW i5 M60 xDrive and the new locally assembled BMW 520i. These models were unveiled at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, alongside the All-New BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport and the First-Ever BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport.

All-New BMW i5 M60 xDrive

The All-New BMW i5 M60 xDrive is a significant addition to BMW’s electric vehicle lineup, featuring a range of design, interior, performance, and technology highlights that emphasise its sporty and modern aesthetic. The M Performance kidney grille, BMW Iconic Glow exterior package, and 21-inch aerodynamic wheels from the BMW individual line contribute to its sleek design. Additional features include vertical LED strips in the headlights, a coupé-like silhouette, and slender LED taillights, creating a distinctive appearance.

Inside, the luxurious interior includes a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display, complemented by the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 18 speakers and 655 Watts output, enhancing the driving experience. The electric powertrain delivers 601hp and 795Nm of torque, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 230km/h. The high-voltage battery offers a range of up to 516km (WLTP).

Technological advancements include the BMW Operating System 8.5, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, and Digital Key Plus with UWB radio. The Driving Assistant Professional provides advanced driver assistance with features like Distance Control with Stop & Go and Steering and Lane Control Assistant. Efficiency is optimised with adaptive recuperation, heat pump technology for interior heating and cooling, and a new Max Range function. The vehicle supports 22kW AC charging for flexibility in home and public charging. Exterior and upholstery options include colours like Black Sapphire Metallic and Mineral White Metallic, with premium upholstery options such as Leather Merino Black / Atlas Grey.

New Locally Assembled BMW 520i

The New BMW 520i shares a similar design language with its electric counterpart and includes a sleek, sporty exterior with a coupé-like silhouette, and new 19-inch aerodynamic wheels. The interior features a two-spoked steering wheel, BMW Curved Display, illuminated BMW Interaction Bar, and wireless charging tray.

Performance-wise, the vehicle is powered by the B48 4-cylinder engine in a 48V mild hybrid form, delivering 208hp and 330Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 230km/h. Technological features include the Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, and Lane Departure Warning system, enhancing driving safety and convenience.

Exterior and upholstery options include colours like Black Sapphire Metallic and Mineral White Metallic, with luxurious upholstery options such as Veganza Perforated with Quilted Black.

BMW Malaysia remains committed to providing premium vehicles that cater to diverse customer preferences while maintaining high standards of performance, efficiency, and luxury. The introduction of these new models at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 underscores BMW’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction in the Malaysian market.

The estimated pricing (on the road without insurance) for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive is RM480,000 and RM340,000 for the BMW 520i.

Proton To Showcase S70 R3 Racing Car at Malaysia Autoshow 2024

Proton is set to showcase its latest motorsport innovation, the Proton S70 R3, at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Selangor (MAEPS). This new racing car marks a significant milestone for Proton R3, the brand’s motorsport division, as it returns to the Sepang 1,000km (S1K) endurance race for the first time since 2019.

Proton’s Motorsport Legacy

Proton R3’s latest creation continues the company’s storied history in motorsports. The legacy began with the original Proton Saga in rally and circuit competitions and has grown through the years with multiple successful models. Proton R3 has an impressive track record, boasting five victories at the S1K race, including a remarkable streak of three consecutive wins from 2017 to 2019.

Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton, highlighted this heritage, stating, “Proton has a long history in motorsports, starting with the original Proton Saga. Our involvement ramped up with the inception of Proton R3 in 2003. We have competed and won in various competitions up to a global level with models as varied as the Proton Satria, Waja, Suprima S, Iriz, and the latest version of the Saga. Now, with the Proton S70 R3, we are adding another milestone to our legacy, marking not only the return of the Proton name to the S1K event but also the first racing car based on a model jointly developed by Proton and Geely.”

The All-New PROTON S70 R3

The Proton S70 R3 represents the latest in racing car technology and design from Proton R3. The show car displayed at the Malaysia Autoshow features the newest aerodynamic package tailored specifically for racing. The S70 R3 is currently in development and is expected to compete fiercely in the upcoming S1K endurance race, with Proton set to campaign two units of this new model.

Being a race car that marks Proton’s return to the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K), you can expect it to be very different from the road going car. The interior will be devoid of any comforts such as air-conditioning and any forms of entertainment. In its place you can expect light weight racing and safety materials such as lightweight sports bucket seats, full racing harnasses and a fire retardant system, among others.

However, the biggest change will be the engine. Based on our understanding of the rules of S1K, the regulations do not allow the use of a three-cylinder engine. So in its place might be a Geely built four-cylinder engine instead.

We will get more information and confirmation and photos once we see the car tomorrow.

Exclusive Promotions at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024

In addition to the unveiling of the Proton S70 R3, Proton is offering exciting promotions and rewards for attendees at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024:

Exclusive Gifts: Attendees who book a Proton model on the spot will receive gifts such as sunshades, toll readers, and wireless chargers for selected models.
Special Promo: A special promotion is available for bookings made at the Autoshow, with registration by June 30, 2024. This includes two years of free service maintenance for the X50, X70, and X90 models, and a RM500 cash voucher for the Proton S70, Saga, and Persona.
Test Drive Lucky Spin: Participants who test drive a Proton model will have the chance to spin a lucky wheel and win exclusive Proton merchandise.

With the return to the S1K race and exclusive promotions for Autoshow attendees, Proton continues to strengthen its presence in the automotive and motorsports industries.

Malaysia Withdraws as Host of 2024 Formula E-Prix Grand Finale

Malaysia has announced its withdrawal as the host of next year’s Formula E-Prix grand finale, citing substantial upfront financial demands from the championship’s owner. The decision follows escalating tensions between Formula E and its local partner, Sports Tech Holdings, due to increased rights fees and unexpected commercial charges.

According to FMT, The conflict intensified when Sports Tech opted to move the event from the Kuala Lumpur City Circuit to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), a decision that Formula E opposed. Sports Tech CEO Wan Agyl Wan Hassan explained that the switch was necessitated by technical difficulties with the city street circuit. However, the financial implications of hosting the event at SIC proved insurmountable.

While the exact financial demands from Formula E remain undisclosed due to a non-disclosure agreement, the decision to withdraw marks a significant setback for Sports Tech, which had been in advanced stages of planning to revive the E-Prix in Malaysia after a decade-long hiatus.

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Volkswagen Golf R Officially Priced at RM332,990, Inclusive of VAP – 320PS, 400Nm of Torque

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.

Secondary GPS Tracker Recovers a Stolen Pickup Truck

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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Malaysia Expands Open Payment Toll System to Six More Highways

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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Honda Malaysia Sold 28,700 Units of the City Hatchback Since 2021

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 Gearing Up for Over 45 Car and Bike Launches

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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New Honda City Hatchback Facelift Launched from RM85,900 – Total of Five Variants

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).

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.