English Archives

BMW Malaysia Introduces The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster @ CEPSI 2018

BMW Malaysia today unveiled the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster, with a sticker price of RM1,508,800! This “Icon of a New Era” epitomises the progression of the hybrid sports car, and was the star attraction at the Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) 2018, at which BMW Malaysia is the official E-Mobility partner.

“BMW Group Malaysia sees itself as a key industry player capable of driving and shaping the national dialogue on the Mobility of the Future. Our leadership in Electro Mobility is amply reflected in the innovative range of electrified vehicles that have been launched under the BMW Group. Our commitment to drive e-mobility forward is strengthened through our initiatives to drive innovation, local assembly capabilities, awareness on new and clean technology for the automotive industry as well as changing the infrastructure for premium vehicles in the country,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above, in light blue).

Since the introduction of the BMW i sub-brand in 2013, the BMW Group has celebrated immense success with its E-Mobility portfolio worldwide. Last year alone, the BMW Group promised and delivered 100,000 electrified vehicles. With over 82,000 electrified units already delivered in the first eight months of this year – a 43.3% increase compared to the same period last year – the premium automaker is on track to achieve the mark of delivering 140,000 electrified vehicles in 2018.

This ambition is pursued by BMW Group Malaysia locally with exceptional performance in its electrified vehicles. Year-to-date, BMW Group Malaysia has already successfully delivered over 9,500 BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles, recording an increase of more than 20% compared to the same period last year. Of the total vehicle deliveries, 56% comprises of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles, indicating the evolving sentiment among Malaysians for embracing Visionary Mobility in their automotive needs.

During CEPSI 2018, BMW Group Malaysia will further drive discussion on the Future of Mobility in Malaysia with Dr. Alexander Kotouc. As the Head of Product Management for BMW i, the sub brand of the BMW Group responsible for Visionary Vehicles, Dr. Kotouc will share on the premium automaker’s plans and vision as a leader in automotive sustainability and progressive mobility.

Further solidifying its position as the leading provider of premium electrified mobility, BMW Malaysia also introduced the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster, which was officiated by the Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, Yeo Bee Yin, as a special guest at the landmark conference. “The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster is the ultimate icon for Mobility of the Future. The open-top hybrid two-seater sports car redefines driving enthusiasm, freedom and demonstrates e-Mobility as the visionary way forward for the convertible sports cars segment,” said Hoelzl.

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster is equipped with the most acclaimed features placing it in a league of its own. This year, BMW i8 scored its fourth consecutive win of the International Engine of the Year Award since 2015, a well-deserved recognition of BMW i8’s supremely designed drivetrain. Furthermore, a string of prestigious accolades, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Award, testify to the quality and allure of the brand-new LifeDrive architecture for BMW i models.

More on the BMW i8 Roadster (text & photos courtesy of BMW Malaysia) – Emotion-packed design, a character all of its own…

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster imbues emotional appeal in its spectacular design, by carrying over the BMW i design language into a distinctive vehicle concept. The taut soft-top roof has a visual lightness to go with its low physical weight and serves as a defining element of the silhouette in reinforcing the road-hugging impression made by the car’s low centre of gravity. The body’s dynamic wedge shape can also be best appreciated when viewing the two-seater in profile. A “Roadster” designation is attached on the C-pillar.

When opened, the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster’s broad roof retracts fully into the rear end. A unique mechanism allows the soft-top to be folded into a compact package and stowed away in a perpendicular position, creating around 100 litres of additional storage space behind the seats. The all-electric roof opens and closes quietly in 15 seconds, a process which can be initiated while travelling at up to 50 km/h. Dropping down the roof raises the rear window by around 30 millimetres, where it can also serve as a wind deflector that reduces turbulence for the occupants. The height of the fully retractable rear window can be varied as desired at the touch of a button in the cockpit.

The Icon of a New Era features a brand new LifeDrive vehicle architecture which offers a horizontally split structure comprising an aluminium chassis and a carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) passenger cell to offer an exceptional degree of design freedom. This clever engineering trick enables the optimal positioning of the necessary drive components to ensure the best possible handling, in addition to ensuring a noticeable weight advantage with the carbon passenger cell.

The open-top two-seater comes with newly designed frameless gullwing doors made from CFRP with an aluminium outer shell, while the windscreen frame is made entirely from CFRP. This ultra-strong high-tech material is ideally equipped to provide exceptional rigidity, maximising the car’s occupant protection even if it rolls over. CFRP is also used to manufacture the side skirts with their extra-large cross-section. Additional struts and panels in the front and rear axles also help to maximise the body’s rigidity. The unladen weight of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster stands at 1,595 kilograms, a remarkably low figure for an open-top car.

Hybrid-specific all-wheel drive, precision-tuned chassis…

The electric motor’s power is transmitted to the front wheels and the engine’s drive to the rear wheels, resulting in a hybrid-specific all-wheel-drive system that is controlled by the car’s intelligent energy management. In hybrid mode, the electric motor provides a power boost to assist the engine when the driver is accelerating with particular vigour. It is also able to recuperate energy and feed it to the high-voltage battery on overrun and under braking. The petrol engine’s high-voltage starter-generator can likewise generate additional reserves of electricity, thereby ensuring sufficient energy is on tap at all times for the electric drive system.

When the navigation system’s route guidance function is activated, the intelligent energy management ensures the electric motor is employed as extensively and judiciously as possible from an efficiency point of view. The system analyses the route in full and sets up the powertrain management to run on purely electric power, particularly over low-speed sections of the journey.

The model-specific tuning of the suspension and damping systems, the specially configured steering characteristics, a firmer roll stabilisation set-up and targeted modification of the DSC parameters together guarantee that the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster retains all the plug-in hybrid sports car’s trademark handling and performance qualities. Dynamic Stability Control is included as standard. The standard 20-inch light-alloy wheels feature a lightweight construction, with each weighing around one kilogram less than the lightest wheels previously offered for the BMW i8.

Engine with optimised emissions…

The internal combustion engine has also undergone further optimisation. The three-cylinder unit extracts maximum output of 170 kW/231 hp from its displacement of just 1.5 litres, along with a peak torque of 320 Nm. In the process, it generates an even sportier soundtrack. A particulate filter is now fitted to further reduce emissions by absorbing the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gases.

The system output produced by the electric motor and engine acting in unison is now 275 kW/374 hp, enabling an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Its combined fuel consumption stands at 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres, and 14.5 kWh of electrical energy per 100 kilometres. Petrol CO₂ emissions come in at 46 grams per kilometre.

Optimised BMW eDrive technology: more power, longer range – a further enhanced electric driving experience…

The rigorously developed BMW eDrive technology and optimised intelligent energy management lead to a significant increase in the number of driving situations where the electric motor can be solely responsible for powering the car. This underscores the ground-breaking character of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster and ensures drivers enjoy silent and locally emission-free open-top motoring to the full.

Underpinning this new level of electric driving experience is an updated version of the lithium-ion battery developed for the BMW i8. The high-voltage unit is located centrally in the car’s underbody. Its cell capacity has increased to 33 Ah from the previous 20 Ah, and gross energy capacity has risen to 11.6 kWh from 7.1 kWh, all of which means the electric motor has more energy at its disposal. The cell configuration allows a peak output of 105 kW/143 hp, making quick sprints possible on pure-electric power.

In the standard driving mode, the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster can be driven exclusively on the electric motor alone – from step-off to a speed of 105 km/h. The combustion engine is only brought into play at higher speeds or when the driver stamps down hard on the accelerator, and is switched off again far more frequently when a measured driving style is maintained. Pressing the eDrive button allows travel at up to 120 km/h on electric power alone. The electric range of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster reaches 53 kilometres.

Innovative interior with exclusive equipment…

The interior of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster continues the progressive design of the exterior with a classic BMW i8 drive orientation in line with the sporty, dynamic concept. The upper centre console to the instrument panel curves toward the driver in an acute 12-degree angle. All controls and display elements are within perfect reach of the driver and easy to read. The open-pored CFRP Carbon trim on the centre console, door handle and dashboard inlay, the ceramic controls with an embossed i8 logo on the iDrive Controller, and the ceramic finish on the gear selection lever add a futuristic touch to the interior. The immediately impactful environment gives the driver the impression of being one with the car.

The cockpit is fitted out with the BMW Head-up Display that changes to a sports display that includes revs, gears and shift lights when performing manual gear changes in SPORT mode. Other standard specifications include leather sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, electrically adjustable seats, the multifunctional instrument display, the Driving Assistant including Surround View, and the Navigation System Professional. The main menu in the Control Display is now presented in the form of horizontally arranged tiles with a live mode.

The BMW Connected also comes standard, providing access and information to the current charge status, the range and departure time, helping the driver search for charging stations, and having it sent directly to the vehicle, access to the efficiency rating of the last trip, tutorials for particularly efficient driving, and the CO₂calculator. The BMW Connected personal mobility assistant interfaces the vehicle with the customer’s selected touchpoints, such as a smartphone or smartwatch.

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster comes in Exterior E-Copper with Accaro interior design, and will be available at authorised BMW i dealerships from 19^th September 2018. For the FULL spec sheet, click to download this: BMW i8 Roadster Spec Sheet_Peninsular Malaysia

Dynamic Financial Programme…

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 17,268.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Complete Premium Ownership Experience…

Customers of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster can also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program.
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card.
BMW Service Online.

The retail price (on the road, without insurance) for the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster starts from:

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster

– RM 1,508,800.00

Nasim Announces Revised Prices For Peugeot Cars Post SST!

Following the Government of Malaysia’s announcement of Sales and Service Tax (SST) implementation effective from 1^st September 2018, Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official importers of Peugeot vehicles on Malaysia, has officially announced the new pricing of its model range inclusive of 10% sales tax applicable for vehicles.

Below is the pricing list below for the breakdown of prices according to model.

MODEL	GST PRICE	NEW SST PRICE	DIFFERENCE
208	RM87,245.17	RM86,888.00	less RM357.17
2008	RM106,693.97	RM105,888.00	less RM805.97
3008 ACT	RM142,888.00	RM141,888.00	less RM1,000.00
3008 ALL	RM155,888.00	RM154,888.00	less RM1,000.00
5008 ALL	RM173,888.00	RM172,888.00	less RM1,000.00

*OTR price without insurance

And yes of course, the photos in this post are of the awesome new Peugeot 508, which is scheduled to be launched here only in Q2 2019, hence it’s not in the price list! But you can read and see videos of it right here in our previous coverage from its international media drive…

The Naza Group will continue to strive to offer great value for customers with the same commitment to quality and innovation. For enquiries, kindly contact Peugeot Careline at 1-800-88-6292 or clic@naza.com.my.

About Nasim Sdn Bhd:

Nasim Sdn Bhd is the official distributor for Automobiles Peugeot in Malaysia. For more information on Peugeot Malaysia, please visit http://www.peugeot.com.my. Be our friend on our various social media platforms such as:

Facebook: Peugeotmalaysia
Twitter: Peugeotmalaysia
Instagram: Peugeotmalaysia
Youtube: Peugeotmalaysia

MForce Bike Holdings Releases New Bike Pricing With SST – Benelli, Keeway, SYM, SM Sport & Brixton Now Cheaper Across The Board!

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd distributors of Benelli, Keeway, SYM, SMSports and Brixton has announced its post-SST prices. “A special thanks to the government, as SST is exempted for motorcycles that are below 250cc hence it will directly benefit all of our small cc motorcycle models and also the end user.” said Mforce, who recently launched the new Benelli VZ125i, which you can read about here.

Prices for its range of bikes are indeed much more affordable than the selling price with GST, consumers can still enjoy the low prices even after SST is implemented. Refer the following table below for the latest price list effective 1^st September 2018 onwards:

New sales price with SST

Make: SYM

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

E-Bonus 110 (E3)

RM3,994.08

RM3,768.00

-RM226.08

Sport Bonus 110SR (M)

RM4,789.08

RM4,518.00

-RM271.08

Sport Bonus 115SR

RM4,693.68

RM4,428.00

-RM265.68

Sport Rider 125i

RM5,874.73

RM5,542.20

-RM332.53

Sport Rider 125i SE

RM6,045.50

RM5,703.30

-RM342.20

Sport Rider 125i (N1)

RM5,874.73

RM5,542.20

-RM332.53

E-SR110

RM4,006.80

RM3,780.00

-RM226.80

Jet Power 125

RM5,013.80

RM4,730.00

-RM283.80

Jet Power 125 SE

RM5,138.88

RM4,848.00

-RM290.88

VTS200 LE

RM11,766.00

RM11,100.00

-RM666.00

Cruisym 250i

RM20,021.28

RM18,888.00

-RM1,133.28

Cruisym 250i SE

RM20,339.28

RM19,188.00

-RM1,151.28

VF3i

RM8,467.28

RM7,988.00

-RM479.28

VF3i SE

RM8,785.28

RM8,288.00

-RM497.28

JET14 125i

RM7,301.28

RM6,888.00

-RM413.28

Make: Benelli

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

TNT25

RM13,769.40

RM12,990.00

-RM779.40

TNT135i STD

RM8,575.40

RM8,090.00

-RM485.40

TNT135i LE

RM10,587.28

RM9,988.00

-RM599.28

RFS150i STD

RM7,566.28

RM7,138.00

-RM428.28

RFS150i SE

RM7,831.28

RM7,388.00

-RM443.28

Make: SM Sport

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

SM SPORT 110R

RM4,121.28

RM3,888.00

-RM233.28

Make: Keeway

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

RKV200G

RM8,054.94

RM7,599.00

-RM455.94

Café Racer152

RM6,519.00

RM6,150.00

-RM369.00

K-Light 202

RM9,103.28

RM8,588.00

-RM515.28

Patagonian Eagle250

RM9,951.28

RM9,388.00

-RM563.28

Make: Brixton

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

Classic 150i (BX150)

RM9,527.28

RM8,988.00

-RM539.28

Scrambler 150i (BX150X)

RM9,845.28

RM9,288.00

-RM557.28

Café Racer 150i (BX150R)

RM10,163.28

RM9,588.00

-RM575.28

Note: Sales price exclude road tax & insurance.

Price list shown is effective from 01 September 2018

Honda’s 70th Anniversary Sees “Double Joy” Celebration Promotion Announced

September is a special month for both Malaysia and Honda. As the nation celebrates Malaysia’s unity and Honda global commemorates its 70th Anniversary, Honda Malaysia is honouring this double celebration with a Double Joy campaign that rewards customers with rebates. As alluded by the campaign name, customers can now enjoy double bonuses in the form of Honda Bonus together with Honda 70th Birthday Bonus, starting from the Civic with RM2,500 to the Civic Type R with RM20,000 for selected models registered from 1 September to 30 September 2018*.

During the Double Joy campaign period, customers are also entitled to participate in the Joy of Buying contest, in which they will stand a chance of winning one of the seven City being given out as grand prizes over seven weeks. As the No.1 car marque in the Non-National segment from January to July 2018, Honda Malaysia is continuously working hard to retain and strengthen its position in the market. During the three-month tax holiday period of 1 June to 31 August 2018, Honda Malaysia recorded a remarkable sales performance by selling over 35,000 units, accounting for 47% of the total sales from January to August 2018.

Throughout these three months, the City, Civic and Jazz were the hot favourites among customers. The City was the most popular model, accounting for 35% of the sales during this period, followed by Civic at 17% and Jazz at 15%. Region-wise, the Central region contributed the most sales for Honda Malaysia during this period, accounting for 48% of the overall sales. Honda Malaysia will continue to excite the market with more attractive campaigns and products. The soon-to-be launched New HR-V has been gaining widespread attention and is creating much anticipation in the market.

Alongside this impending new model launch and following the new pricing for its petrol models, Honda Malaysia will also be announcing the new price for Honda Hybrid CKD models once it has been finalised. The market feedback on Honda Hybrid models is encouraging and the company is set to continue selling Hybrid models in the future.

For further information on the Double Joy and Joy of Buying campaigns, Honda models and its after-sales service, please call the Honda Toll-Free number of 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my.

*Terms and conditions apply.

BIKES: Benelli Malaysia Launches New VZ125i “Skuchai” @ RM5,288!

Benelli Malaysia has launched its first scooter-cub, called the VZ125i. Powered by a 124cc, two-valve, four-stroke single-cylinder engine, featuring electronic fuel injection (EFI), a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and TLI ignition, this scooter-kapchai – or colloquially known as a “skuchai” – produces 8.4hp @ 7,500rpm) and 9.0Nm torque @ 6,000rpm.

More about the Benelli VZ125i by Benelli Malaysia… (text & photos courtesy of Benelli M’sia)

The distinctive features of the VZ125i put riders in complete control. The all-new CVT gearbox is fast-starting and executes immediate and silky smooth shifts. Its reinforced shock absorption system — featuring a telescopic front fork, telescopic spring oil-damped rear suspension for the standard version and telescopic spring sub-tank oil-damped rear suspension for the special edition. Both rear suspension versions are latest technology powered by Kayaba (KYB). The tubeless tires and large diameter 220mm double piston disc brakes maximize the safety of scooter and enhance riding experience.

The Benelli VZ125i was designed with thoughts of both practicality and user-friendliness. Several of the key components including belts, camshafts, crankshafts and fans which were developed to suit Malaysian market in any condition by improving the reliability and durability of the engine. Additionally, other unique features such as anti-theft lock, under seat helmet hook, USB port for charging and front hanging hook make the VZ125i an everyday companion you can rely on.

Designed by Benelli’s international designers, the appearance of the VZ125i is eye catching and exciting. Its streamlined stylish outlook is dynamic and unrestrained as only a Benelli can be. Benelli VZ125i equips with LCD full digital speedometer, LED headlight and indicators turn heads with hazard light function. The incorporation of hazard light function is the first in this category.

Of course, the VZ125i proudly wears Benelli’s heritage and passion on its sleeve. The stylish decal livery ties it to Benelli’s century-plus history of engineering and design excellence which featuring a unique and novel design of the marque’s lion logo. Targeted sales of VZ125i is set at 15,000 units per annum.

Compared to similar scooters in this category, users will be amazed with Benelli VZ125i’s competitive price and its unique product features. There are 3 colour options which are ‘Matte Blue’, ‘Chili Red’ and ‘Matte Black (SE)’. VZ125i retails for RM5,288.00 and VZ125i (SE) at RM5,588.00 (all prices are including SST & excluding road tax and insurance). The Benelli VZ125i will be available at local authorized Benelli dealers’ showroom from December 2018.

Specifications:

Engine and Transmission	Displacement (c.c.)	124
	Engine mode	1-cylinder/4-stroke/2-valve / SOHC
	Bore & Stroke(mm)	Ø53.5×55 mm.
	Rated Output	6.3kW/7500 r/min
	Compression Ratio	9.0:1
	Fuel System	EFI
	Ignition	TLI
	Starter	Electric and Kick
	Lubrication System	Pressure splash lubrication
	Cooling System	Forcedly air-cooled
	Gearbox	Automatic CVT
	Clutch Type	Automatic
	Exhaust System	Short-acting catalyst and oxygen sensor
	Certification	Exhaust Emission Euro 3
Physical Measures	Dry weight（kg）	101
	Ground Clearance (mm)	137
	Wheelbase (mm)	1280
Chassis and Dimensions	Front Suspension	Telescopic forks, 82mm
	Rear Suspension	Telescopic coil spring oil damped Single shock absorber, travel 55mm
	Front Tire	70/90-14
	Rear Tire	80/90-14
	Front Brake	Disc
	Front brake Diameter (mm)	220
	Rear Brake	Drum
	Rear brake Diameter (mm)	130
Other Specifications	Fuel Capacity(L)	4.9

About Benelli

Benelli is Power, Technology, Quality, Value and legendary Italian design. Since 1911, Benelli is pure passion.

For more than 100 years, Benelli motorcycles have impressed mightily on the street, in the dirt, and in racing from our capable and affordable scooters, to our high-end, big-bore sport and naked bikes, and everything in between. Benelli motorcycles represent a perfect combination of form and function. With peerless Italian styling from our Italy-based Design Center, to our ultra-modern manufacturing capabilities, Benelli offers motorcycles that not only function superbly, but ones that light your emotional fire.

Benelli. Nothing like it anywhere.

BIKES: Naza Premira Introduces Three New Limited-Edition Vespa Models!

Naza Premira Sdn Bhd, official distributor of the Vespa brand in Malaysia introduced three limited edition Vespa scooters recently; Vespa 946 (RED) (below), Vespa Sprint Carbon (2nd pics down) and Vespa Sei Giorni (above) to Malaysian shores.

Expressing uniqueness and a distinctive lifestyle, Vespa is the ultimate symbol of Italian elegance and its scooters are designed for those who appreciate the true meaning of life with the brand interpretation “Not for Everyone”. Infused with style, comfort, safety and sturdiness, the Vespa 946 (RED), Sprint Carbon (below) and Sei Giorni are unrivalled in today’s scooter market.

Vespa 946 RED: For Those Intrigued by Uniqueness and Style…

The Vespa 946 (RED), is an all-red version of the classic Vespa 946 scooter; a highly exclusive model dedicated to aesthetic and technological perfection. The Vespa 946 (RED), has a style and cutting-edge technology that will rewrite the future while evoking memories of the inspiration and creativity of the original idea behind the Vespa.

As per Vespa tradition, the Vespa 946 (RED), uses steel bodywork embellished with eye-catching aluminium components such as the mudguard and the side covers that houses the engine, transmission and mechanical parts. An epitome of timeless elegance without having its safety compromised, the exclusive scooter also comes with double disc type brake system complemented by a dual-channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and an innovative Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control; exclusive to the Piaggo Group, that prevents loss of grip and ensures superior traction at all times.

The ultra-modern and eco-friendly Vespa 946 (RED), is powered by a 150 cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine with three valves, which consumes minimal fuel, makes very little noise and boasts exceptionally low emission levels. The Vespa 946 (RED), is priced at RM66,000 (no, that’s not a typo) and is available exclusively in the colour red.

Vespa Sprint Carbon: For Those Who Know Life is a Sport…

A combination of sporty personality and innovative technology, the Vespa Sprint Carbon is the most modern version of the Vespa sport idea. It was made to heighten riding pleasure and safety while embodying the heritage and tradition of vitality and youthfulness of the legendary vespino

With its small and lightweight body that is comfortable and protective, the Vespa Sprint Carbon is quick, extremely agile and modern, perfect for the youths and young at heart looking for dynamism and enjoy riding round town in style. The sporty “small body” scooter is entirely made of steel, characterised by its bold rectangular headlights and large 12” wheels with spectacular aluminium alloy rims.

The Vespa Sprint Carbon packs a punch with the Piaggio Group’s new and ultra-modern i-Get 150 cc air-cooled engine capable of brilliant performance, lower operating costs with reduced noise and extremely high overall efficiency. Designed to make the ride smoother, quieter and more comfortable, the engine is also environmental-friendly with approval in compliance with the Euro4 Multi-Directive. Additionally, the Vespa Sprint Carbon also stands out for its generous equipment package which includes a USB socket, located inside the leg shield back plate compartment and comes standard with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Available in the colour black, the Vespa Sprint Carbon is priced at RM17,400.

Vespa Sei Giorni: For Those Ever-Ready for Travel and Adventure…

Reminiscent of Vespa’s classic nature, the Vespa Sei Giorni is the heir to the original Vespa Sport “Sei Giorni” specifically built for the taxing “Sei Giorni Internazionale di Varese” regularity competition of 1951, where it earned 9 gold medals, making it the undisputed protagonist. The Vespa Sei Giorni is a special version, produced in numbered edition and dons a “Special Edition” plate on its leg shield back plate bearing its serial number.

The Vespa Sei Giorni is designed with the characteristic elements such as the “faro basso”; the low position of headlight assembly on the front fender, and the handlebar like the one on the original Vespa Sei Giorni, as well as its iconic exposed metal pipe. Its uniqueness is also enhanced by the black number plate taken directly from the livery of the Vespa, highlighted by all black parts and gritty red details. The scooter also comes with a single-seat look saddle – actually passenger approved, to highlight the sporty spirit of the Vespa Sei Giorni.

Perfect for moving around elegantly, the Vespa Sei Giorrni uses the most powerful engine in the history of Vespa scooters – the modern and technological 300 Euro 4, a single cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, electronic injection engine capable of putting out 15.6kW of power at 7,750 rpm, ensuring quick response in acceleration and overall brilliant performance.

Boasting the style, comfort and safety of the typical Vespa GTS range, the Vespa Sei Giorni is equipped with a spacious helmet compartment and a large and comfortable seating area, ergonomically crafted to ensure absolute comfort even for long distances. In addition to its standard ABS safety feature, the Vespa Sei Giorni also has a USB port located inside the compartment of the leg shield and front turn LED lights that function as day running lights. The Vespa Sei Giorni is available in the colour green and is priced at RM38,000.

The exclusive Vespa 946 (RED), Vespa Sprint Carbon and Vespa Sei Giorni are available for viewing from September 2018 at selected authorised Vespa dealerships and outlets nationwide.

*While stocks last.

WEEKEND SPECIAL: Bikes On The Federal Highway – The Star Online, Seriously???

Wow. I’m not sure if I’m angry or just very, very disappointed in The Star Online, for this utter drivel. Honestly, I expected a LOT more from one of the more respected media houses in the country. While I’m quite sure the writer of this article published today (screenshot below) is not a biker…

…what’s even more ridiculous is that the writer didn’t even bother to do a little bit of research before writing this nonsensical rant of an article, (some rempit probably pissed him off today) because if he had done so, he’d realise that as of today, September 15th 2018, the Federal Highway bike lanes are still officially CLOSED. Check out this video which I just went out to shoot if you need visual proof… Location: Motorola heading to KL.

And as you can clearly see from this photo below as well, the entrances to the bike lanes along the Federal Highway are closed in many places, necessitating the need for bikes to use the main highway. As I said in the video, I don’t want to use the main part of the highway, none of us do, it’s horrendously jammed most of the time, and a lot more dangerous for bikers to use than a dedicated bike lane.

The bike lanes on both sides of the Federal Highway were supposed to be opened for use in March this year by the way, but they’re still closed..

Would you like to see the most laughable aspect of this bullshit article? Check out the main photo that was used in it below… You can clearly see the entrance to the bike lane is closed even in their own picture, and the arrow is directing bikes to use the main highway! Shoot yourself in the foot much Star Online? What rubbish. – Chris Wee.

(What preceded were the express personal views of the Editor and may not be that of Piston.my as a whole)

UMWT Malaysia Invites You To Take On Toyota ESports!

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has announced its involvement into the world of ESports, a first of its kind actually by a Malaysian car company. The company’s first move into the sport is the upcoming Toyota Velocity ESports Championship, the biggest national racing event in Malaysia, which will be held at the Sunway Pyramid Blue Atrium from the 21st to 23rd of September.

Those who are interested to become Malaysia’s quickest and fastest racing simulator drivers are welcome to participate without any fees. Entries are open for up to 400 participants who hold Malaysian citizenship or residency status.

The game? The exhilarating Gran Turismo Sport.
The racetrack? The legendary, Suzuka Japan GT.
The car? The speedy, Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept!
The Prize? Total of RM60,000 (Top prizes 1^st=RM20,000, 2^nd =RM10,000 and 3^rd =RM5,000).

There will also be an exciting exhibition race participated by celebrities from Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival and all of this are not to be missed! “At Toyota, we always have our youth in mind. The Esports is on a steep upward curve and has the potential to become one of the top five sports in the world. This rapidly-rising industry is a new and exciting experience especially for the younger generation and with that being said, we at Toyota would like to be at the forefront of this Championship Series,” said Mr. Ravindran K., President of UMWT.

More details on registration procedures, programmes and a lot more about the exciting event will be announced soon. Log on to www.toyota.com.my to find out more. So watcha waitin’ for? Buckle-up and get your game on with Toyota!

ETCM Announces New Prices Of Nissan Vehicles With SST, Now Cheaper Across The Board!

In line with the Government’s Sales and Service Tax (SST) implementation effective 1^st September 2018, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the sole distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the new pricing for its Nissan models inclusive of 10% Sales Tax.

Nissan Almera, Grand Livina, Serena S-Hybrid and X-Trail will be priced ranging from RM 69,800 to RM153,800*, and are lower compared to the Goods and Service Tax (GST) price structure, whereas for the Nissan Navara, the pickup’s price will remain at current 0% GST price while stocks last. This ranges from RM 77,330.97 for the 2.5L Single Cab to RM 119,869.08 for the fully loaded VL Plus (Double Cab). After-sales services by Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn Bhd (TCEAS) will be subjected to a 6% service tax for labor charge.

ETCM also introduced its ‘Malaysia Day Bonus’ campaign with attractive rebates up to RM 8,000* for selected Nissan models. Members of the public are invited to test drive the recently launched Navara VL Plus with Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) and other innovative Nissan models at any Nissan showrooms across the nation.

Below are the new Nissan prices with SST, compared to when 6% GST was in effect…

Model	Variant	OTR Price with 6% GST (RM)	New OTR Price with 10% Sales Tax (RM)	Price Difference (RM)	Price Difference (%)
Almera	1.5L E AT	72,200	69,800	(2,400)	– 3.3%
Almera	1.5L VL AT	82,000	79,800	(2,200)	– 2.7%
Grand Livina	1.6L AT	91,100	89,800	(1,300)	– 1.4%
Grand Livina	1.8L AT	102,800	99,800	(3,000)	– 2.9%
Serena S-Hybrid	2.0L Highway Star	135,500	131,800	(3,700)	– 2.7%
Serena S-Hybrid	2.0L Premium Highway Star	147,500	143,800	(3,700)	– 2.5%
X-Trail	2.0L 2WD	137,000	133,800	(3,200)	– 2.3%
X-Trail	2.5L 4WD	159,200	153,800	(5,400)	– 3.4%

*Terms & conditions apply, for more information, visit www.nissan.com.my or call ETCM’s Nissan Customer Care Centre at 1800-88-3838.

FEATURE: Why I Rode A Scooter 1,233kms & Via A “Certain-Death” Area To Prove Two Points [+Mega Photo Gallery]

Terrorists! Bombs! Communists! Dangerous! You will be kidnapped and raped! There’s no petrol stations! There’s no food! You will DIE! These are just some of the unbelievable horror statements and stories I’ve heard about the infamous Route 410 (below) that goes from Danuk to Betong, close to Pattani and Yala in Southern Thailand. And that’s exactly why I needed to find out for myself…

You see, this is exactly what terrorists and terror-groups want you to believe, to instill ‘terror’ (hence the terminology) in the hearts of everyone, to the point that if you believed everything you hear from a friend – of a friend, of a friend, of a friend, ad infinium – or read about from various sources on the internet, you’ll be too afraid to even leave your house, much less undertake a 5-hour road trip like I did, in previously unexplored and unknown terrain, laden with supposed terrorists just waiting to kill you…

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a death-wish, but I fervently believe that when your time is up, it’s up. It doesn’t matter what you could be doing at the time, a car could come crashing through the Starbucks you’re sitting at peacefully sipping your mocha-latte, and take you out spectacularly. You’ll probably make the evening news. Heck, you could die right now from a stroke or heart-attack, just ask my dear departed friend Ramesh Kanagasundram…

Hence the line from that movie “The 13th Warrior” always rings true for me: “The skane of your life was written the day you were born, go hide under a rock if it makes you feel better, you won’t live an instant longer, fear benefits man nothing…”

And that fear is what prompted me to write this article. As was the fact that after successfully and safely completing this journey with my trusted ride-buddy Buck Saleh (above, that’s his best side, snigger, snigger, arf arf) on his brand new Yamaha N-Max, there were still some who felt compelled to mention the dangers of riding here, in his later social media posts about the trip, despite the fact that I’m quite certain that some of those commenting have never even set foot in this area, much less travelled its entire distance.

Sure they can always say that ‘news reports’ said so, and if it’s online then it must be true right? Well, yes and no. Don’t forget that “sensation sells” and no news sells better than bad news. Ever been drawn inexplicably to look at a crash on the highway? You know it’s bad, you know you might see a dead body possibly in pieces, which will haunt your thoughts for days and maybe even weeks to come, and yet we are compelled to look.

It’s the same with news, a lot of it is sensationalism in order to capture an audience. I just did the exact same thing on purpose with the headline for this story. Hammer it home hard and long enough, and soon fantasy becomes reality, fabrications, embellishments and even outright lies become truths. Thus the more I heard about the (hearsay) dangers of Route 410, the more curious I became. How bad could it really be? The ‘want’ to find out manifested itself over the years and soon it became a ‘need’. I needed to know…

Yes, there are petrol stations along the way on Route 410. Still not one terrorist in sight at this halfway point…

Let me cut to the chase. It was one of the most brilliant +/- 288km of back-roads I’d ever travelled on a bike in my life. And when it was over I wanted to turn back and ride it again. I even recall Buck and I being quite pissed-off that we’d taken to heart all the horror stories about Route 410 over the years, and seriously regretted not doing this ride sooner.

At no point did I ever feel in danger or threatened in any way, (point of fact, I’ve felt in more in danger riding in downtown KL than the whole of Route 410) since there were numerous check-points to go through, and save for the last one before the destination town of Betong (the red pointer in the map above), we were not stopped or hassled even once. Along the way there were various places to stop and take a break, like the Khao Nam Khang Historical Tunnel Complex in the National Park, where we also had some of the best coffee ever at this small hut leading to the entrance…

Route 410 proved to be one of the nicest, most well made roads I’d ever had the pleasure of riding on, and seems to be a favourite not just with the locals, but I distinctly recall seeing quite a few Malaysian registered vehicles go by as well. Average speed throughout the entire stretch was about 80kmh, and that was fine, seeing as how my steadfast rule when it comes to biking is that if you go too fast you lose the essence of what biking is all about, and you’ll completely miss everything the location has to offer, since all your concentration is taken up just staying on the road.

The other point I wanted to prove was more to myself than anyone else. I wanted to really know if #Scootouring, or touring on a scooter, was a plausibility or just a hashtag I made up because it sounded funky. It’s a real thing by the way, I even have a Facebook page on it, so it must be real, right? Well, the fact that I’m hacking away on this laptop back home after 1,233kms over 4 days through supposed terrorist-infested roads proves that it is. Just make sure your vehicle, be it bike, scoot, car or truck is properly maintained, and in tip-top condition before any long-distance trip, to anywhere, not just here.

Before I end, let me set the record straight. I’m not telling you to go out now and drive to Beirut okay? No. All I’m trying to impart is to NOT let what you hear stop you from doing something that you’ve always wanted to do, or doing something that you love. That’s what terrorists want, to change how you think and feel; to change your way of life, to make you afraid. Remember, it’s all about how much fear they can instill in you, nothing else. And like I said earlier, if your time is up, hey, it’s up; only the man upstairs knows how and when. Your skane is written…

In the meantime, #yolo… we only get one shot at this, one chance, one life… so I don’t know about you, but I intend to make full use of it. I’m already planning the next ride, wanna come? Peace. – Chris Wee.

Route 410 Danuk – Betong Scooter Ride Photo Gallery…