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The New Ford Ranger FX4

Until the Ford Ranger came along in the 1990s, the pick-up truck was viewed as just a workhorse machine with minimal safety features. Then Ford decided that, rather than develop an ‘Asian Car’ based on a passenger car, it would instead make a truck its ‘Asian Car’. After all, it had decades of experience making trucks, especially for the US market, the home of pick-up trucks.

The carmaker built a huge new factory in Thailand with an investment of US$500 million to make the Ranger, primarily for the ASEAN market but with a longer term plan of becoming a global production hub for the model. In fact, by the beginning of the 2000s, the Ranger was being exported to over 100 countries and becoming a popular choice.

That it won awards in regions as different as Europe and ASEAN showed that it was a product which could meet a broad spectrum of customers’ needs, whether for personal transport or for business and heavy-duty work. And last year, the Ranger was also introduced in the US market as well.

Game-changer in truck segment
‘Built Ford Tough’ has been a strong point of the Ranger but the other reason for its popularity has been that it has been a stylish pick-up. In fact, the first Ranger was a ‘game-changer’ and influenced other carmakers to make their equivalent products more comfortable and more stylish. And Ford also made safety a high priority, introducing increasingly advanced safety systems with smart technology to protect the occupants.

The current range in Malaysia is perhaps the widest ever, with a choice of engines and variants to suit just about every requirement. At the top is the Ranger Raptor, a muscular-looking truck with performance that matches its looks. Today, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has added a brand new variant – the Ranger FX4 – which is the first pick-up truck to be launched online in Malaysia.

“The New Ford Ranger FX4 is designed for customers who are looking for a truck with a lot more attitude, and those who take their truck on adventures while making use of its best-in-class towing and payload capabilities,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion. “It truly is an uncompromised truck for the adventure seeker, and its addition to our line-up of nine variants in Malaysia further reinforces the Ranger’s versatility as a vehicle to suit every lifestyle.”

“Given the current COVID-19 situation, this online launch of the New Ford Ranger FX4 is appropriate in ensuring the continued social distancing guidelines outlined by the government,” added Tuan Syed Ahmad Muzri. “In an increasingly digital age, it is also in line with our strategy to innovate on ways to bring new experiences to consumers online. We are proud to be the first pick-up truck brand in the country to launch a new model digitally on two live platforms.”

While maintaining the tough and rugged image of all Rangers, the FX4 gains its own identity too with styling features based on a black theme. There’s a new ebony black mesh front grille and the 18-inch alloy rims are also finished in gloss black. The sports bar is also finished in matte black and if you are one of the first 150 buyers, it is provided free of charge.

Three colour choices are available and if the dark shades of Meteor Grey and Absolute Black don’t appeal to you, there’s also Arctic White which has a strong contrast between the black elements and the white bodywork.

Muscular engine with VGT
Powering the FX4 is a Ford 2.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). The VGT enhances the engine’s efficiency by varying boost according to conditions so that optimum output is available all the time. At peak, there’s 160 ps available with 385 Nm of torque continuously available from 1,600 rpm to 2,600 rpm. That means strong pulling power from standstill with the ability to also sustain high cruising speeds.

The power flows through a 6-speed automatic transmission with High and Low ranges to maximise the off-road capabilities of the FX4 while also giving smooth and economical running on highways. In the older trucks, it was necessary to stop the vehicle when switching ranges but with the Ranger, this can be done without stopping. Even better, you only need to rotate a dial instead of struggle with a second lever to engage.

The FX4 also comes with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on the rear axle. With this, there’s better stability on slippery terrain. Whenever one wheel spins as it loses grip, the LSD will immediately divert torque to the other wheel so that grip is not totally lost.

Premium ambience in car-like cabin
The passenger-car like interior of the Ranger was one of its original selling points, persuading many to switch from their sedans or hatchbacks to a pick-up truck – which also introduced them to a new lifestyle. For the FX4, a dark theme is used within, mirroring the exterior theme. The leather-accented seats have embossed FX4 logos on the backrests, while red stitching has been applied to the gear selector, centre console, instrument panel, centre console, door trims, handbrake and steering wheel. Special FX4-branded carpet mats also add to the exclusivity and complement the premium ambience of the cabin.

For entertainment on the move, there’s an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so there’s easy connectivity with smartphones. Bluetooth is also available for other devices and Voice Recognition helps to keep the hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road. SYNC is like a ‘control centre’ for many functions, some of which can be managed by just saying commands in simple language.

Needless to say, with everyone having one or more electronic devices these days, being able to recharge on the move is useful. In the FX4, there is a 12V socket (which you can plug a USB adapter into) as well as a USB port for charging.

Protecting occupants well
With its ‘Built Ford Tough’ credentials, the Ranger FX4 already has a robust bodyshell and chassis that can offer good passive protection. Additionally, there are airbag systems and ISOFIX childseat connectors in the cabin. But as it always better to prevent an accident from occurring in the first place, Ford has worked hard to add smart technologies that assist the driver to avoid or recover from a potential accident.

These driver assistance systems include ABS, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Rollover Mitigation (valuable for tall vehicles like trucks), Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control.

Additionally, standard features like rain-sensing wipers allow the driver to concentrate on driving more, while Hill Descent and Hill Launch controls make it safer going uphill or downhill. There’s also cruise control to help reduce fatigue on long highway journeys as the vehicle can be set to run at a desired speed.

The display screen on the dashboard also switches to a rear view of the FX4 when reverse gear is engaged. The bright and clear image from the camera mounted on the rear cargo panel gives a wide view so obstacles or even small children can be spotted while reversing. Together with parking sensors in the bumper, it certainly helps when parking the vehicle in tight spots!

Priced from RM126,888 (on-the-road, without insurance), the new Ranger FX4 comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or up to 100,000 kms. It’s imported as a completely built-up model (CBU) from Thailand.

For the very first 150 customers nationwide who purchase the new Ranger FX4, SDAC will give complimentary accessories worth RM5,398. These are the matte black sports bar and executive window tinting, as well as a built-in Digital Video Recorder (DVR) with a range of smart and safety functions including high-definition (HD) recording, wide-angle viewing, night view recording and Mobile App connect via Hotspot. It also comes with 8GB memory card.

Ford Digital Salesperson ready to assist
Besides visiting a showroom, customers can also WhatsApp the Ford Digital Salesperson at +6019-204 1200 from 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays. Through this dedicated channel, they will be connected with an authorized Ford salesperson at a dealership located nearest to them. This will initiate discussions on the purchase process and customers can transact at their own convenience to pay the deposit for their vehicle from wherever they are.

Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about the new Ranger FX4 and where the nearest Ford showrooms is.

Ford Ranger wins International Pick-up Award 2020

Watch the live introduction of the New Ford Ranger FX4 today at 11am!

The Ford Ranger is quite possibly the most desirable pick up truck in the market right now. From the Ranger Raptor to the entry level Ranger XL, all are extremely capable pick-up trucks, with the Raptor and the Wildtrak naturally being the most well balanced for on and off-road capabilities.

Today (June 3rd) though the Ranger family will welcome a new member – the New Ford Ranger FX4.

Model shown here is the New Ford Ranger FX4 for the Australian domestic market. It is still unclear if SDAC will introduce this colour or if the Malaysian FX4 will look anything like this model. – Editor

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official distributor of all Ford vehicles in Malaysia, will be introducing the New Ford Ranger FX4 online via Live Video on Ford Malaysia’s Facebook and Youtube channels. This takes place at 11am.

The updated Ranger FX4 has been vastly improved over the model it replaces.

Far from a regular nip and tuck job typical of model upgrades, the New Ranger FX4 can be immediately recognised by an ebony black grille, black side mirror covers, door handles and a black tailgate handle.

The Ranger FX4 also gets black 18-inch rims and unique FX4 side decals and also a 3D tailgate badge.

It doesn’t end there though, the interior of the new Ranger FX4 is a vast improvement over the old model with new black-leather seats with an embossed FX4 logo.

*Interior shown here is of the Australian spec Ford Ranger FX4. Photo is for illustration purposes only. – Editor*

There is also red contrast stitching adorning the seats, the dash, the steering wheel as well as the centre console.

And because moderns Rangers are brilliant at keeping its occupants entertained, the new Ranger FX4 comes with an eight-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity mated to six speakers.

Underneath it all though, there is a 2.2-litre TDCi VGT turbodiesel engine which also powers the Ranger XLT.

This engine puts out a healthy 157hp and 385Nm of torque through a six-speed gearbox that channels all that power to either the rear wheels or all four wheels.

The driver can select whether he wants to drive in 2WD or 4WD mode by simply turning a knob located by the gear lever, even while the Ranger FX4 is on the move.

There is also an electronic-locking rear differential for when the road gets tough.

Interested? SDAC is offering the first 150 customers who purchase the new Ford Ranger FX4 free accessories worth RM5,398!

These accessories consist of a matte black sports bar, a high-definition Digital Video Recorder with an 8GB memory card as well as executive tinting.

Don’t forget to catch the live introduction of the latest member of the Ford Ranger family – the Ford Ranger FX4.

Click here to visit Ford Malaysia’s Facebook page and click here to visit Ford Malaysia’s Youtube page.

Online debut for RM2.7 million Porsche 911 Speedster in Malaysia

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) tonight launched an exclusive Porsche model – the new 911 Speedster – in a new way, using online media. The virtual launch event reached across Malaysia, giving Porsche fans a chance to get a first look at the RM2.7 million car which pays tribute to Ferry Porsche’s dream of over 70 years.

Combining it with motorsports technology suitable for everyday use, the 911 Speedster draws parallels with the 356 through many of its design features. The distinctive design and high-performance powertrain are based on GT technology, revisiting the dream of a puristic, open-top sportscar.

Paying homage to the 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster is the Heritage Design package which the 1,948 customers can specify as an extra-cost option. Specially designed by Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, the package takes the driver back to the roots of the Porsche brand. Incidentally, the female star (Kelly McGillis) drove a 1957 356 Speedster in ‘Top Gun‘, the 1986 movie. The car appeared on two occasions during the movie.

1957 Porsche 356 Speedster — *The 2020 911 Speedster and the 1957 356 Speedster*

“Porsche has always represented a dream, and the Speedster concept was aimed at paying tribute to an idea that runs through the history of Porsche. As the idea of the Speedster was conceived to commemorate 70 years of sports car fascination, the launch of the new 911 Speedster in our market could not be timelier. Coinciding with Sime Darby Auto Performance’s 10 years as the Porsche partner in Malaysia, we are thrilled to be introducing this limited edition model to mark this milestone,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.

GT3 engine with 510 bhp
The heart of the new Speedster is adopted from the 911 GT3- a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder boxer engine with 4-litre displacement. It can spin up to 9,000 rpm and peak output is 510 bhp/470 Nm. This can rocket the car from standing still to 100 km/h a claimed 4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 310 km/h.

Befitting its status as a driver’s car, Porsche only offers the 911 Speedster with a manual 6-speed sports transmission. It features an auto-blip function which precisely and independently compensates differences in engine speed between the gears when downshifting through automatic throttle blips. A mechanical differential lock with asymmetric locking action is installed at the rear.

The GT philosophy behind the new Speedster is also reflected in its chassis. With its sporty rear-axle steering and dynamic engine mounts, the chassis is based on the technology of the 911 GT3. Control systems such as Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Stability Management and PASM with sports tuning and lowering by 25 mm have been precisely adapted to the new requirements.

The open-top two-seater runs on 20-inch forged Speedster alloy wheels with central locks. The standard equipment includes Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes with internally vented and perforated ceramic composite brake discs.

True to the design language of the 911
The aesthetically shaped convertible top compartment lid has double-bubble streamliners – a feature of this sportscar type ever since the 911 Speedster from over 30 years ago. It is the largest and most complex component to date that Porsche has used in a road model made of a single piece of carbonfibre reinforced plastic. Two trim elements in the double bubbles make room for the roll-over protection system that immediately activates if the car flips upsides down.

A weight-saving roof structure replaces the basic tonneau cover that was used for the concept model earlier. Despite its puristic design, the fabric convertible top is suitable for everyday use. Together with the shortened window frames with their lowered cowl top panels and the smaller side windows, it gives the 911 Speedster an athletic profile.

Inside the Speedster
The interior is characterised by black leather elements for the side bolsters and head restraints of the carbonfibre composite full-bucket seats, the armrests in the door trims and the shortened gear lever. The centre panels of the seats are upholstered in perforated leather, while the lightweight door panels with black door pulls and stowage nets reduce the overall weight.

“Speedster” logos adorn the head restraints and the visible carbon door sills as well as the central rev counter. Like the other instruments, it has black dials with white needles as well as green digits and scales – features reminiscent of its famous forebear, the original 356 Speedster.

For those in Kuala Lumpur who want a closer look at the 911 Speedster, a unit will be on display at Porsche Sungai Besi from June 13 (for a limited time). Visitors are requested to call first to secure an appointment slot so that social distancing requirements can be met.

For more information, visit www.porsche.com.my.

20 years of the Porsche 911 GT3

2020 Honda BR-V finally gets its official launch

With the resumption of business after a long ‘break’ during the Movement Control Order (MCO), the car companies are trying to make up for the lost time, especially when they had new models planned for the first quarter which could not be launched, let alone delivered to customers.

For Honda Malaysia, the facelifted BR-V (did you know it means ‘Bold Runabout Vehicle?) was to have been in showrooms in April but that was obviously not possible since all showrooms had to be closed. Finally, the company can launch the new 2020 7-seater crossover MPV which is available in two variants. The E variant is priced at RM89,900 while the V variant is priced at RM96,900, both prices excluding insurance premiums.

Campaigns to help COVID-19 relief programmes
In conjunction with the launch, Honda Malaysia also announces a COVID-19 relief program as one of the two campaigns related to the BR-V. Called the ‘Be Kind With BR-V’ campaign, for every unit of the model sold from today until August 31, 2020, the company will donate a portion of the proceeds to COVID-19 relief programmes.

At the same time, the company has also organised a joint effort among its dealers to support affected communities in their neighbourhood through a second campaign. This is the ‘Honda Dealer Donation Drive’ and it will run until August 31, 2020 as well. Honda customers can visit their nearest dealership to donate basic necessities such as dried foods or household items (cash will not be accepted). The donations will be compiled and delivered to affected communities in the areas around the respective dealers.

The latest BR-V has the usual cosmetic changes that come with a facelift like a new front grille, restyled front and rear bumpers, front foglight garnish as well as a new Dual-Tone finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels. A Shark Fin Antenna is also installed on the roof.

It’s never easy for the marketing people to get the factory to offer new exterior colours. However, this time, they managed to get a brand-new colour which is a first in Honda Malaysia’s model line-up – Marine Purple Pearl. This joins another four colour choices – White Orchid Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and Passion Red Pearl.

Proven powertrain, now with paddle shifters
Performance-wise, the BR-V continues to use a 120 ps 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine coupled with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). The more expensive variant comes with paddle shifters which allow selection of gears without taking the hands off the steering wheel.

The BR-V offers a lot of versatility in its spacious cabin, with multiple configurations enabled by the 60:40 One-Touch Tilt & Tumble mechanism in the second row and 50:50 Tilt & Full Tumble in the third row. It has the biggest boot volume in its size class: 223 litres even when all the seats are in use, and up to 539 litres when the third-row is folded down.

New value-added features include tweeter speakers, a cargo bay light and cabin filter. The V variant gets a new 7-inch Display for the infotainment system, as well as new leather seats with Red Finishing matching the gear knob’s red stitching. Automatic Air Conditioning, Keyless Entry and a Push-Start Button are now standard features in the E variant.

For more information on both the Community Relief Campaigns or to locate a showroom to test- the new BR-V, visit www.honda.com.my.

Safe practices implemented at all authorised Honda dealerships for customers’ peace of mind

Perodua delivered 7,886 vehicles in May as restrictions eased

With the ongoing COVID-19 situation which brought businesses in Malaysia to a standstill from March 18, the number of new vehicles sold fell to an unprecedented low, especially in April when no sales or registrations were possible.

However, in May, as the restrictions were relaxed and activity could resume, the car companies could resume deliveries of vehicles already ordered as well as work towards getting new sales. For Perodua, the month of May saw 7,886 cars sold, bringing its year-to-date (YTD) sales total to 52,920 units.

The company presently estimates a YTD Total Industry Volume of 129,401 units, so this would translate to a 41% YTD market share for Perodua.

“The situation has had a significant impact on car sales in Malaysia over the past 2 months, but we are thankful that in just 3 weeks since we restarted operations nationwide, we have managed to come close to the level of our March figures pre-Movement Control Order (MCO). We believe we will be able to fulfil our outstanding as well as new orders in a timely manner,” said Perodua President & Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Making up the May sales tally were 2,612 Myvis, 2,028 Axias, 1,820 Bezzas, 950 Aruz and 476 Alzas. Perodua managed to deliver 8,601 cars in March before the MCO came into effect and all activities had to be suspended.

“In this age of social distancing and heightened hygienic awareness, the role played by personal transport becomes all the more important. Vehicles are still needed for short, quick trips out for household essentials, and e-hailing drivers have begun using their vehicles to deliver goods instead of just transporting passengers,” Dato’ Zainal said.

Perodua Bezza — *Bezza sedan is a popular model among e-hailing drivers*

“Perodua cars are very suitable for such purposes, being compact, affordable, fuel-efficient, dependable, spacious and easy to drive,” he added.

Throughout June, Perodua’s Meaningful Raya campaign is offering special cash redemptions of up to RM1,300 for the Aruz and selected Myvi variants, while buyers of other models will get a RM300 e-voucher that is redeemable for the purchase of selected parts and accessories at any authorised Perodua service centre.

Visit www.perodua.com.my to know more about the models available and special offers.

2020 Lexus LC 500 Sports+ available for booking

Lexus Malaysia has announced that it is now accepting orders for the 2020 Lexus LC 500 Coupe, priced from RM1.25 million (without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia. This would be the third year that the LC500 has been in the market since going on sale (in Malaysia) in mid-2017. During that time, Lexus engineers have, in typical kaizen (constant improvement) philosophy, been looking at improving the car.

The improvements cover virtually all areas of the car, notably in enhancing driving dynamics, which is one of the strong points of attraction. In this respect, lightening unsprung weight was pursued and 10 kgs have been removed. One of the areas where weight was saved was in the 21-inch rear wheels and having forged aluminium front lower arms.

Updates were also made to the Adaptive Variable Suspension, including new bushings on the damper rods and a switch to independent rebound and compression orifices. Both changes allow for an expanded range of damping force for enhanced overall comfort.

The Electric Power Steering has been retuned to improve steering feel, and the assist levels have been altered along with stiffer steering box bushings. There’s now a more robust aluminium steering support mounting at the instrument panel and revised Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) tuning. Active Cornering Assist control and Dynamic Rear Steering are also present.

With its extremely high performance, advanced safety systems are important and the LC 500 comes with Lexus Safety System + which includes Front Pre-Collision System, Lane Keeping System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam adjustment.

The powerplant remains as the proven 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine which generates maximum power of 470 ps/540 Nm of torque. It is paired with a close-ratio Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission.

For the exterior, there are two new colour choices – Blazing Carnelian Contrast Layering and Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic – while for the inside, additional options are Flare Red and Black/Orange.

Owner convenience is improved with the addition of a Power Easy Access that moves the driver’s seat and steering wheel further apart for easier exit. This, of course, only takes place when the engine is shut down.

On the dashboard, the layout remains driver-oriented and there’s now Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to interface smartphones, along with the provision of a 10.3-inch Electro Multi Vision infotainment screen.

“The new Lexus LC 500 remains one of the most dynamic and technically-advanced supercars available on the road today. With the updates made to the 2020 model, I believe that this is the car that will provide even greater driving pleasure to anyone with a passion for high-performance motoring whilst appreciating an automobile designed with passion,” said the President of Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K.

Imported and distributed by Lexus Malaysia, the LC 50 comes with a comprehensive 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty. Full aftersales support is available from 7 locations around Malaysia.

Click here for other news and articles about Lexus.

For more information on the new LC 500 or other models in Malaysia, visit www.lexus.com.my.

Trio of new models for the Mercedes-AMG Compact Class

AMG – the three letters associated with Mercedes-Benz which get the adrenalin rushing. Originally, a small outfit specializing in tuning and upgrading Mercedes-Benz cars, AMG did such a good job that the carmaker decided to acquire it. This saw the start of a new sub-brand – Mercedes-AMG – just for high-performance models as well as a unit that could look after motorsports activities.

In earlier years, the Malaysian range was largely the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class. The establishment of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (known as DaimlerChrysler Malaysia) in the early 2000s saw a broadening of the range to include more models and more variants. Customers were happy to be able to buy from authorized dealerships because they could get not only a genuine warranty and aftersales support but also the premium experience.

The ever-widening range included AMG-badged models but these were AMG-line, fitted with accessories that enhanced the looks in a sportier way. The real Mercedes-AMG models – with boosted performance – were not available until recent years. In 2020, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is offering a trio of Mercedes-AMG models from the A-Class (W177).

New CL45 S 4MATIC and A45 S 4MATIC
Topping the new range of Mercedes-AMG Compact Cars is the new A45 S 4MATIC+ and the CLA45 S 4MATIC+. Both cars have the most powerful volume-produced 4-cylinder turbocharged engine in the world. The output in the improved M139 engine is now raised to 421 bhp/500 Nm which gives the specific power output of 211 bhp/litre. That gives the A45S the capability to reach 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed 3.9 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG CLA45S 4MATIC

MERCEDES-AMG A45S 4MATIC

As with all engines that have the AMG badge on top of them, each engine is put together with the “One Man, One Engine” principle, and the future owner can see who that man was because the small plaque includes his name.

The noticeable change of the engine is the reversed mounting position of the engine whereby the exhaust manifold and turbocharger are now located at the rear with the intake system at the front. This results in several advantages, particularly in terms of aerodynamics. The modified position allows for a flat, more aerodynamic front design while concurrently optimizing the airflow in the engine compartment.

To reduce friction between the pistons and cylinders, the linings are coated using patented NANOSLIDE technology (developed by Daimler AG). This gives the linings a mirror-like surface for minimal friction, is twice as hard as conventional grey cast-iron liners and therefore makes them much more durable. The coating is also used in the Formula 1 engines of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport racing cars.

Together with an 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive gets the power flowing to the wheels efficiently onto the road. In the new rear axle differential is AMG TORQUE CONTROL which variably distributes power not only between the front and rear wheels but also selectively between the left and right rear wheels. Drift mode is available for those who want to enjoy powerslides.

The price for such superlative performance starts from RM448,888 for the CLA45 S and RM459,888 for the A45 S which comes as an Edition 1 package.

A35 4MATIC
For those who want something dynamic and with the same adrenalin-boosting looks, there’s also the new A35 4MATIC hatchback priced from RM379,999 with the Edition 1 package. This comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, also turbocharged, which is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G transmission. The output of 306 bhp/400 Nm gives the A35 4MATIC a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds, still impressive. And with the AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, stability and grip are assured even when taking the car to its limits.

The virtual race engineer
AMG TRACK PACE, the virtual race engineer, is available in all three models. The software is part of the MBUX infotainment system and when negotiating a race circuit, it continuously monitors more than 80 vehicle-specific data items (eg speed, acceleration, etc). On top of this, lap and sector times are displayed, as well as the respective difference from a reference time so a driver can have an idea how he is doing. The data can be used to analyse and help improve driving skills.

10 things about AMG you may not have known

Roslan Abdullah appointed Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Proton

Roslan Abdullah has been appointed as the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Proton. Concurrently, he is also appointed as the CEO of Proton Edar Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the carmaker which is involved in the distribution of Proton cars and providing sales and aftersales services to customers in Malaysia.

Having spent close to three decades in the automotive sector, Encik Roslan brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge about Malaysia’s automotive landscape. His stint in the industry covered finance, operations and sales roles. Prior to his move to Proton, the Finance & Accountancy degree holder from the University of Brighton, United Kingdom, oversaw the operations of DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (DEFTECH). He also spent many years as the President & Chief Operating Officer at Honda Malaysia.

His appointment will further strengthen Proton’s team to achieve its long-term goal and objectives, according to Dr. Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton. “We are happy to welcome Roslan Abdullah to the PROTON family and we look forward to his positive contributions to Proton’s performance during this challenging period.

Click here for more news and articles on Proton.

Customers who buy Volkswagens can have new vehicle delivered to their homes

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly brought about changes in many ways, to the extent that we now have to adapt to what is known as the ‘new normal’. In the case of the car industry, dealers have now to follow new standard operating procedures to protect their customers as well as their employees.

Every dealership must now carry out temperature checks, provide and use hand sanitizers, practice social distancing, cashless payments and many now ask customers to wear facemasks as well. Understandably, there are still customers who are hesitant about going to a showroom, even if they have a new car to collect.

For such customers, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has a new initiative under its Hands campaign whereby the handover can be done without them having to go to the showroom. It’s a new option where the new vehicle will be delivered to the home of the new owner.

For convenience and safety of customers
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, said that the initiative showed the company’s evolution in keeping up with the new shopping habits of consumers. “With the introduction of this service, we are closing the loop and making it easy for our customers to buy a Volkswagen from the comfort and safety of their own homes. It is as simple as selecting their preferred model on the eShowroom, finalizing the sales process and having the new car delivered right to their doorstep,” he explained.

VW delivery — *If they prefer, customers will not have to go to the showroom to pick up their new Volkswagen and the dealership will send it to their home by a flatbed truck.*

The service is available nationwide from all authorized Volkswagen dealerships up to a distance of 20 kms from the dealership serving the customer No, it won’t be Grab delivering the new vehicle nor will a sales consultant be driving it. It will be put on a single flatbed carrier truck and fully covered in canvas to protect it from damage. The customer will not have to pay for the service.

Adhering to strict safety guidelines, the carrier trucks are also cleaned and disinfected before and after each delivery, with drivers regularly checked and practicing COVID-19 safety measures. Owners will receive an SMS notification once their new car has been collected and is en route to their doorstep. As added safety measure, the owner’s Welcome Kit and car keys will be safely placed in the locked car.

Volkswagen Deep Sanitisation package
For owners seeking additional peace of mind, the Volkswagen Deep Sanitisation service package is now available, and starts from as low as RM80. The treatment package works to eradicate more than 99% of germs and bacteria in the cabin, including the air-conditioning system.

For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Volkswagen’s ‘Buckle Up’ campaign educates children on importance of road and car safety

LOOKING BACK: The forgotten Volvo P1900 sportscar with a fibreglass body

Volvo isn’t well known for sportscars although it has had such models in its history, the best known being the P1800 that gained worldwide fame in the TV series ‘The Saint’ in the 1960s. However, that was not Volvo’s first sportscar and before the P1800, there was a model called the P1900 Sport which was sold in 1956 and 1957.

The P1900 Sport project was initiated when Assar Gabrielsson, one of the two founders of the car company, visited the USA in the early 1950s to study the market. He saw that American motorists liked big sedans, which Volvo would produce and be successful at later on. At the same time, he noticed that there was a strong following for small sportscars from Europe. The Chevrolet Corvette also impressed him and he decided that Volvo should produce a small sports model.

Although Sweden was not a place where convertibles were appreciated a lot due to its climate, Gabrielsson believed that there was a market for a small topless sportscar in other places, the USA being one of them. So he asked his engineers to come up with a platform which was adapted from the PV444 but instead of a steel body, it had a tubular frame on which a fiberglass bodywork was attached.

Volvo didn’t have the expertise in fiberglass so they commissioned a company in California called Glasspar which was a specialist in making fiberglass boat hulls and also kitcar bodies. Glasspar was also asked to come up with a design for the sportscar and coached with Volvo’s production people on the use of the lightweight material.

Meanwhile, the engineers moderated costs by using many components from the PV444, adapting its 4-cylinder engine for the purpose. The engine had a 1.4-litre displacement and two carburettors, with modifications made to increase performance to 70 bhp/103 Nm. It was mated to a 3-speed manual transmission and hydraulic drum brakes were used all round.

The 966-kg car was 4.22 metres long with a wheelbase of 2.4 metres. The first running prototype was tested in 1954 and reached 155km/h.

Not surprisingly, there were issues with the fiberglass body which cracked and fitting the doors properly was also difficult. The chassis was found to be weak and the transmission didn’t seem suitable for a sportscar (a 4-speeder was deemed too expensive at the time).

The issues were addressed and by the following year, Volvo showed off the new P1900 Sport to the media and dealers. It had set a production run of 300 cars for 1955 but production only started in 1956. Cars were exported to the USA (where it was priced at $US2,600), Brazil, Morocco and South Africa but in the end, most were actually sold in Sweden.

By then, a new CEO, Gunnar Engellau, was in charge and after spending a weekend with the P1900, he felt it lacked the high quality expected for the brand. Furthermore, the company was actually losing money on each car and so he ordered production to stop – after 68 cars had been built.

Engellau wasn’t against sportscars and started a new project which led to the P1800 and its ES derivative, this time using a steel body to avoid the issued with fibreglass. But it would be another 40 years after the P1900 that Volvo would offer another convertible, a variant of the C70, in 1997.

LOOKING BACK: The car that saved Volvo in the 1980s

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