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BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Set To “Elevate Driving Pleasure & Ignite Passion” With The Full Circle Programme

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia has introduced the BMW Full Circle Recharged & MINI Full Circle Urban Explorer – new enhancements made to the Full Circle Programme, the dynamic financing programmes supporting BMW and MINI vehicles in the country.

Introducing the innovative financial programme, Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above) said, “Customer-orientation is at the heart of innovations at the BMW Group. From our premium vehicles to our premium services, we are the specialists when it comes to premium individual mobility. The new financial programmes demonstrate this philosophy perfectly. We aim to continue leading the Malaysian premium automotive industry towards the mobility of the future with revolutionary financing and mobility programmes for the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership Experience.”

Tobias Eismann, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Financial Services in Malaysia, meanwhile, said, “To support the high market demand of our hybrid vehicles, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia is pleased to announce the BMW Full Circle Recharged campaign – an exclusive ownership programme developed specifically for the BMW iPerformance model range; the BMW 330e M Sport, the first-ever BMW 530e Sport, the BMW 740Le xDrive and the BMW X5 xDrive40e M Sport.”

For the best of both worlds, the new BMW Full Circle Recharged campaign complements the Sheer Driving Pleasure and ownership of the BMW 330e M Sport from RM 2,918.00 monthly; the first-ever BMW 530e Sport (below) from RM 3,908.00 monthly; the BMW 740Le xDrive from RM 6,668.00 monthly and the BMW X5 xDrive40e M Sport from RM 4,718.00 monthly. With every successful application under the BMW Full Circle Recharged campaign, new vehicle owners will also receive a complimentary set of BMW Life Recharged package consisting of a Fitbit Charge 2 and a limited edition HoriznStudios for BMW Board Case, 33L (terms and conditions apply).

Combining creativity with vibrant urban lifestyle, MINI sets the trend with unconventional approaches with high levels of individuality and customisation for their customers. This passion is also demonstrated with the new MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports (below) introduced recently. The model is meant for those with a knack for adventure, who live in the moment and live their lives to the fullest.

The MINI Full Circle Urban Explorer programme offers the MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports from RM 2,698.00 monthly together with MINI Urban Essential set, consisting of a Nanopresso to craft daily coffee on the go and a Fitbit Charge 2 for every successful application submitted (terms and conditions apply).

Introduced to give customers greater flexibility and assurance when it comes to financing their BMW or MINI, the Full Circle Programme offers a wide range of settlement options for an all-round ownership, delivering a hassle-free mobility experience whilst at the same time securing the value of the vehicles during the agreed tenure.

Eismann said, “The Full Circle Programme is created from the ground up to be a customer focused mobility solution to give our customers the ultimate peace of mind in their premium ownership experiences. Our Malaysian customers are very advanced in terms of their needs for financial solutions and we are already seeing a shift with trends moving gradually from the conventional, straight-line financing driven solutions where customers finance their car for 5 years or more, towards a more modern lifestyle-oriented driving experience where customers can change their car every 2 to 4 years.”

He added that with the Full Circle Programme, owners can easily experience the benefits of new and cutting-edge solutions without having the hassle to negotiate the trade-in or used car sales prices of their vehicles.

“As the financial division of one the most innovative premium companies in the world, we are here to facilitate and support the mobility movement focused on individual and corporate mobility with tailor made solutions. With the rapidly increasing demands of BMW and MINI vehicles in Malaysia, the guaranteed future value of the premium automakers’ vehicles has improved tremendously over the last quarters, making monthly instalments now even more significantly attractive.” said Eismann.

The Full Circle Recharged campaign commences today and concludes on 31 August 2018 (terms and conditions apply). The recent market developments as well as customers’ trust invested in the brands has enabled the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia to offer the BMW 318i Luxury (above) with a competitive monthly installment from RM 2,098.00. The BMW 3 Series is the embodiment of a sporty sedan and remains one of the most identifiable models to the BMW range, and the refined monthly installment is only going to bring Sheer Driving Pleasure to aspired owners of BMW faster than ever before.

The excitement from the launch of the All-New BMW X3 (below) is also further sustained for the BMW X Family enthusiasts, where the Full Circle Programme guarantees the future value of the vehicle to be impressively more than 50% in 3 years down the road with a monthly installment from RM 3,808.00.

The BMW Full Circle Recharged and the MINI Full Circle Urban Explorer campaigns are part of the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which include:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme.
MINI 4-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.
BMW 2-Year / 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card, MINI Black Card and BMW Excellence Club membership programme.
BMW and MINI Service Online.

More details on the Full Circle Programme, the BMW Full Circle Recharged and MINI Full Circle Urban Explorer campaigns can be obtained at any preferred BMW and / or MINI Authorised Dealership, via email at BMWGroup.FinancialServices@bmw.com.my or by phone at 1800-88-3000.

But there’s More…

RAYA@BMW

This Hari Raya, BMW Group Malaysia will also be celebrating with attractive rebates and competitive financing solutions starting from 1.22% across a wide range of BMW models, along with the BMW i Wallbox and BMW ChargeNow promotions for selected BMW iPerformance models. RAYA@BMW will take place at all authorised dealerships and on the designated dates below, with exciting activities for the family.

Dealers	Dates
Ingress Damansara	30 June – 1 July
Ingress Puchong	30 June – 1 July
Wearnes	30 June – 1 July
AB Glenmarie	30 June – 1 July
AB Kuala Lumpur	30 June – 1 July
AB Sungai Besi	30 June – 1 July
AB Johor	30 June – 1 July
AB Penang	30 June – 1 July
AB Balakong	30 June – 1 July

For more details of RAYA@BMW, visit (link) www.bmw.com.my.

FEATURE: Don’t Be A Backseat Driver! Be A Positive Influence In The Passenger Seat

Stuck in traffic, your spouse decides to take the “quicker” route home but makes a wrong turn instead. “Now we will never get home!” you shout from the passenger seat. The children, safely buckled in the back seat, start to cry. With so many distractions, you’ve just increased your driver’s chances of making a careless – and dangerous – move on the road.

As distracted driving continues to spread around the world, most of the attention has been directed at drivers and mobile phones. But one of the top distractions is sitting just a few inches away – passengers! Most passengers are probably unaware of the effect they have on drivers, but researchers have found that their behavior is just as crucial as the driver’s when it comes to safety.

Ways passengers affect drivers…

An early study showed that drivers with passengers were 60 percent more likely to have a crash resulting in serious injury compared to when driving alone. Passengers influence driver behaviors – both positively and negatively – due to a variety of factors such as the passenger’s age, the relationship of the driver and passenger and even the gender of the driver relative to the passenger.

For example, while women showed lower levels of risky driving in general, the presence of a man in the passenger’s seat was more likely to cause women to practice risky driving than if traveling with another woman. With passengers in a vehicle, drivers also tend to be less observant and less able to anticipate hazards.

“Consider the impact that your presence as a passenger can have on the driver,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, (below) Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion. “Support everyone’s safe arrival by avoiding distracting behaviors and helping the driver stay focused on the road.”

How to be a good car passenger

Passengers help set the tone for the drive – they can choose to be a helpful, calm sidekick or a bad influence. Here are five ways to be a better passenger:

Be a helpful co-pilot…
Take an active role during the drive by navigating, answering the phone, warning of approaching hazards and keeping the driver company.
Don’t distract the driver…
If you expect the driver to focus on the road, do your part to minimize distractions. Don’t talk loudly on the phone, constantly change the music or comment on their driving.
Stay awake…
Sleeping passengers can increase the chances of the driver falling asleep, too. If needed, swap drivers during long journeys so everyone can take a short nap when tiredness sets in.
Keep kids safe…
Avoid meltdowns by being prepared with a snack, book or other activities for children. Your “precious cargo” – everyone in your car – should be safely secured with seat belts and age-appropriate car seats to minimize distractions and maximize safety.
Speak up…
You have the right to tell drivers to stop putting your lives in danger if they are driving recklessly or engaging in risky behavior.

Instead of creating or contributing to a problem on the road, you can take more responsibility as an engaged co-pilot. And remember, the next time a driver takes a wrong turn, be the perfect passenger and offer kind words and patient navigation.

Hyundai Named A Top Brand in J.D. Power’s 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM

Hyundai’s new-vehicle quality was among the best in the industry, as the company ranked as the second-highest non-premium brand in J.D. Power’s 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM. Hyundai was one of the most improved brands, moving from sixth to third overall and reducing problems per 100 vehicles by 14.

In the model segments, the Hyundai Tucson was the highest-ranked small SUV and the fourth-best model overall, while the Santa Fe ranked second in the midsize SUV segment. Hyundai’s cutting-edge Ulsan Plant, which produces Tucson, was awarded the Bronze Plant Assembly Line Quality Award for the Asia Pacific region.

“Customers of the Hyundai brand can feel confident that they are selecting a new vehicle that has one of the best initial and long-term quality rankings in the entire automotive industry,” said Omar Rivera, director, Quality and Service Engineering, Hyundai Motor America. “J.D. Power’s IQS is the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality, and our 2018 ranking is a result of an enterprise-wide commitment to producing vehicles of the highest quality and educating customers on how to use their car’s technologies and features.”

Hyundai’s strong showing in J.D. Power IQS follows its third place non-premium ranking in J.D. Power’s 2018 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Hyundai’s results in both of these studies demonstrate its quality leadership over time. Tucson also ranked highest in its class in that study.

J.D. Power measures initial quality by the number of problems owners experience per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. Hyundai had 74 PP100, outpacing the industry average of 93 PP100.

The 2018 U.S. IQS is based on responses from 75,712 purchasers and lessees of new 2018 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 233-question battery organized into eight vehicle categories designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded from February through May 2018. For more information about the 2018 U.S. IQS, visit http://www.jdpower.com/resource/us-initial-quality-study-iqs

Gist…

Ranked Second-Highest Non-Premium Brand
Improved to Third Overall with Hyundai Owners Reporting 14 Fewer Problems per 100 Vehicles Than in 2017
Hyundai Tucson Is the Highest-Ranked Small SUV in Initial Quality
Hyundai Santa Fe Finishes Second in the Midsize SUV Segment
Hyundai’s Ulsan Plant 52 Wins Bronze Plant Quality Award

REVIEWED: VW Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line [+Videos]

The cursor blinks. It awaits manual input because for now at least, thoughts can’t be translated automatically into words. I have a feeling however, it will be thus soon. Anyway, even if it could right now, I doubt anything I’m thinking about the VW Golf 1.4 TSi R-Line would be considered coherent at the moment, and the funny thing is, this was one of the easiest cars from VW that I’ve encountered in recent memory. Allow me to explain…

If you were to trace the lineage of the Golf, back to when it all started in the mid-70’s, it was never intended as a performance car, at all. Iterations of the Golf like the GTi and R were of course the ‘hot’ models in the stable, but in my opinion the regular Golf – like this 1.4 TSi for example – were very much the second ‘people’s car’ from VW, after the Beetle, and thus anyone expecting GTi or R type performance from this car, just because it’s a Golf, are in for surprise. And to me, it was a pleasant one…

Fast-forward more than four decades later and the vanilla-Golf is indeed still staying true to its manifesto, and while the 150Ps may not sound like much, it’s the 250Nm of torque that deserves some mention. It comes in at a low 1,500rpm to 3,500rpm, making it quite excellent for smooth and rapid acceleration as well as roll-on acceleration between 80 – 120kmh, commonly known as the ‘danger zone’ seeing as how that’s the area of speed for overtaking. Here’s how it works…

Again though, this is nowhere near the kind of acceleration and power you’d get from its aforementioned performance siblings, instead it’s smoother and a lot more linear as opposed to fireballs-out-the-flanks frantic. It imparts a more civilized way of driving, and it’s something that’s a lot easier to get used to. Believe me on this, after owning a Golf 1.4 TSi for 30 minutes, you’ll feel it’s been part of your life for years. It’s just that accommodating. Or is it?

Perhaps VW knew this full well, that maybe 90% of those buying this car would use it as a family car, daily-driver and occasional out-of-towner, because they seem to have dialed-in a lot of NVH suppression in this car – in addition to 7-airbags and a host of active and passive safety systems – so apart from superb build-quality, the ride is also amazingly quiet on the inside, and it’s only when you mash the accelerator pedal to the carpet that you can just about hear the intake roar emanating from the engine bay. It’s quite an addictive sound I tell you, and it should please that remaining 10%.

Almost didn’t see that “Mode” button till it was too late! It’s perfectly hidden from the driver’s view when the shifter is in ‘D’

I guess VW also realized that, well, for the aforementioned 10%, a Golf should also be fun, so they equipped this 1.4 TSi with a couple of naughty bits, in the form of ‘drive modes’. Yes, at the touch of a button (suspiciously located hidden from view behind the gear-lever next to the auto engine start/stop override button) ‘Sport’ mode ups the revs, delays the 7-speed DSG shifts and milks that 1.4 TSi engine to an inch of its life. It’s a profound transformation, and while (again) nowhere near its siblings, it still allows this car to be quite a bit of fun, for that occasional solo Sunday drive with the lads.

Born in 1974, and 44 years on, the effervescent Golf is still as fun has it’s always been and always should be. The perfect daily-commuter that won’t burn a hole in your bank account (annual road tax is just RM70!), shod with a wonderful TSi engine that’s both frugal and efficient, yet tractable and energetic, there’s a lot to like about this car, and if you’d like to see the full spec list, click this: VW Golf 1.4 TSi R-Line

Oh yeah, before I forget, here’s that cool digital-analogue instrument cluster I was talking about in the video. It’s quite brilliant actually. And do note, I’d done almost 200km and still had a range of another 390km to go before filling-up. What a car, what a car. I just thought that and it appeared on my screen all by itself. Honest. – Chris Wee.

VW Golf 1.4 TSi R-Line Photo Gallery…

FSR Technology The Creators Of “Tune Boss” Bike ECU Is Giving Away A Bike!

FSR Technology, the creator of TuneBoss is giving away a brand-new Yamaha Y15ZR to one lucky customer in a draw planned to take place on the 7th of July 2018. The draw will be done in conjunction with the 2018 Yamaha R25 Gathering happening that day at the Go-Kart Circuit @ MAEPS Serdang (link).

All TuneBoss customers are eligible to enter. To complete the entry, one needs follow the instructions in the “TuneBoss Bike Giveaway” post on Facebook. The winner will be randomly picked by the TuneBoss serial number and the draw will be done live on Facebook.

Proof of ownership is required by providing the receipt, ECU, warranty card and the product box to prevent entry using stolen TuneBoss units. Bt the way, this is not the first time FSR Technology has given away a motorcycle, last year Muhammad Zulhanif Hamidon (above) won a TuneBoss Equipped Honda RS150R in a competition organised by the tech company.

For more information visit (linked) tuneboss.co or call + 603-78315041 or drop a “Private Message” on the TuneBoss Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/TuneBoss.Malaysia/

Direct link to competition post…

https://www.facebook.com/TuneBoss.Malaysia/posts/914116125439658

About FSR Technology…

FSR Technology was founded in 2011 by Farhan and Sufian, both electronic engineers. Their vision is to build a company based on “Research & Development” for leading product design. It took them three years for the R&D work to produce TuneBoss ECU which was made possible through self-financing and also supported by a development grant from the Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, an agency under the Ministry of Finance.

Sime Darby Opens Upgraded Ford Facility in Kota Kinabalu

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), Ford Motor Company’s exclusive distribution partner in Malaysia, today announced the opening of its newly upgraded Ford dealer showroom and service centre, Sime Darby Auto Connexion Kota Kinabalu.

Strategically located at Jalan Limau Manis, the 3,216 square-metre facility is designed with Ford’s global Brand@Retail standards, including six additional service bays with vehicle hoists, totaling 13 service bays. The facility also features a dedicated customer service lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi, where customers can enjoy hot beverages and snacks while waiting for their service appointments.

“Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu) is designed to offer an unmatched customer experience, with convenience, efficiency and comfort,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, (below) managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion. “This upgraded facility is part of Ford and SDAC’s network expansion and customer service enhancement plan aimed to offer the very best sales and aftersales services to better serve growing number of Ford customers in East Malaysia.”

Staffed by certified technicians, the Kota Kinabalu showroom is equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment and special tools to provide Ford Authorised Service, and maintains a full supply of genuine spare parts. “The quality of the ownership experience we provide is just as important as the quality of our world-class Ford vehicles,” said Truong Kim Phong, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. “The newly upgraded Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu) demonstrates our joint commitment to offer Ford customers an even better experience.”

The Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu) is located at Jalan Limau Manis, Off Jalan Lintas, 88450 Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The Showroom is open from 8:30am-5.30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8:30am-12:30pm on Saturday, while Service Centre opening hours are 8:00am-5:00pm from Monday to Friday, 8:00am-12:30pm on Saturday.

For more information, call the Kota Kinabalu hotlines – showroom 088 425 255, service centre 088 427 666, or visit www.sdacford.com.my.

REVIEWED: Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T – This Time Your Friends Can Come With You [+Video]

I’ve not slept very well since this drive. I’m still rather perplexed as to how it was possible to create something with so much power and yet dial in so much user-friendliness as well. I’m referring of course to the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T, which Piston.my reviewed recently. Here’s the day we’d not soon forget…

https://www.facebook.com/piston.my/videos/1105343836305123/

The Facts & Figures…

Boasting 448kW (610bhp) and 760Nm from a twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 mated to a 7-Speed F1-DCT gearbox, the GTC4 Lusso T also benefits from 4-wheel steering and an E-Diff. All this culminates to enable the GTC4 Lusso T to accelerate from 0 to 100kmh in less time than it took you to read this sentence; 3.5sec to be exact. Drive modes are of course selectable via the manettino on the super-mega-multi-function-steering-wheel, which also houses the turn-signal buttons, starter button, suspension settings and even the friggin’ wipers.

Pedal to the floor, and with enough road, in 11-seconds from zero it’ll hit 200kmh, and it will see the bright side of 320kmh flat-out before giving up the ghost, while a slew of active safety systems constantly monitor every rotation of the wheel to ensure the intended path of travel remains exactly that. You can find more of the GTC4 Lusso T’s specifications here.

The Indescribables….

So now you need to forget all that techno babble above, because I really do believe that that’s not what the GTC4 Lusso T is all about. Sure it may look, feel and even sound like a super-sports car, and from most of the reviews I’ve read emanating from the USA and Europe, many of my counterparts there seem to think it is, but I don’t. Dare I say it? The GTC4 Lusso T is not really a supercar, it’s a gentleman’s super-cruiser.

Before the pitchforks and lit torches arrive en masse, accompanied by the Tifosi braying for blood though, let me explain. First-off, it’s a Ferrari, so it’s a given that it has – absolutely has – to be fireballs-out-the-flanks type powerful, and don’t get me wrong, it is. It’s just that in the GTC4 Lusso T – and this despite all the aforementioned figures I regurgitated on you three paragraphs up – is exceptionally, and I mean exceptionally, easy to drive.

It came to a point (when I was alone in the car) where I intentionally tried to get it to kill me and it outright refused. Perhaps it was able to cotton-on to my juvenile nefariousness, and decided to show me just who was smarter of the two. It won. As weird as it sounds, I was actually a bit disappointed that the car didn’t try to kill me; my own cars try to ‘suicide’ my ass all the time…

No, the GTC4 LT is actually docile; fast as hell, but docile. One giveaway could very well be the fact that it has two rear seats. Yes, it’s now possible to ferry 3 of your friends around in a Ferrari, and not just 1. However, now that that’s possible, one must take into consideration that those ‘friends’ may very well be – and will likely be – replaced by ‘family’ at some point or other.

That’s a whole new ball-game isn’t it? Rhetorical question. Of course it is. If you’re ferrying your wife in front and your 2 kids at the back, it’s 100% guaranteed that you will not be driving the same way as you would be with friends. Think about it; where’s the fun in a family-drive if half the time you’re going to have to stop to clean puke off the floorboards, seats and the back of your neck? Sorry, I needlessly over-emphasized that. My articles should come with a warning sometimes, graphic imagery ahead…

So, has Ferrari created the world’s first family station-wagon supercar? Okay, okay, shooting-brake. Happy? Tomatoes, tomatoes. Sure everyone knows they made a one-off Ferrari 456GT Wagon for the Sultan of Brunei a while back, so have they made one for the masses now? I use that ‘masses’ term lightly of course, seeing as how the GTC4 Lusso T costs more than most bungalows in really nice neighbourhoods. Well, I think they have.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still every bit a Ferrari from fore to aft, top to toe, inside and out. It still imparts an extremely rewarding and spirited drive when (WARNING: Graphic Imagery Ahead!) you’re alone and unconcerned about copious amounts of semi-digested sustenance unexpectedly adorning the interior of your car courtesy of passengers. Attack any road, and it’s guaranteed that the GTC4 Lusso T will be able to handle anything you throw its way, with the kind of ease and panache that almost seems to taunt you to push harder. If cars could talk, this one would be saying “Is that all ya got?”…. a lot.

If you really feel the need to know more about the 20-inch alloys, 46:54 F&R weight distribution and CS brake discs that are bigger than most cars’ wheels and tyres combined, feel free to click here. But, come on, does it really matter? I didn’t think so. – Chris Wee.

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T Photo Gallery…

Regas Premium Appointed Newest Authorised BMW Dealer In Sabah

BMW Group Malaysia has appointed Regas Premium Sabah as its newest dealer representative for the brands BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad in the state of Sabah. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “East Malaysia has long been a contributing market to our growth here and we are excited to have Regas Premium Sabah on board as our new dealer in Kota Kinabalu to continue growing our presence in the State of Sabah.”

Hoelzl (above, 2nd from left) added that the State of Sabah currently contributes over 500 vehicles to the premium segment in the country annually and has the potential to double over the next five years. “Last year, we experienced an 18% growth in our deliveries in Sabah in comparison to 2016 which really demonstrates the potential in the state.” added Hoelzl.

L-R: David Tay, Managing Director of Regas Premium Sabah; Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia; Matthew Tan, Dealer Principal of Regas Premium Sabah; and Michael Rainer, Finance Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

Matthew Tan, Dealer Principal of Regas Premium Sabah (above, 2nd from right) meanwhile said, “It has always been an ambition of ours to venture in the premium automotive industry in Sabah, and representing the brands of the BMW Group is definitely a dream start. With the great ambition and challenge ahead, we look to continue serving existing and new customers with BMW Group Malaysia to further reinforce the growth and presence of the brands in the state.”

Regas Premium Sabah Sdn Bhd is a joint venture between TM Vision Auto Services Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Tan Brothers Machinery Company (TBMC) group of companies and Regas Premium Auto Sdn Bhd. Regas Premium Auto is the authorised dealer representative for the brands BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad in the state of Sarawak, and was also appointed as the authorised service dealership for BMW i in 2016 in the state, and last year established the first-ever BMW i public charging facilities in East Malaysa at CityOne Megamall Kuching.

Regas Premium Sabah will be taking over FM Autohaus as BMW Group Malaysia’s new dealership in Kota Kinabalu and will operate in the existing 53,500 sq ft facility located in the prime area along Jalan Penampang, offering the full suite of Sales, Services, Spare Parts and Systems (4S) for the brands BMW and BMW Motorrad, as well as service facilities for the brands BMW i and MINI.

BMW Group Malaysia currently has a network of 20 BMW, 8 MINI, and 9 BMW Motorrad dealerships nationwide. Regas Premium Sabah commences operation on 1^st July at Lot 17362, Mile 3, Lido, Jalan Penampang, 88300 Penampang.

Why The Little Suzuki Jimny Is THE BEST 4×4 Ever And There’s A New One Coming! [+Videos]

Let me tell you a story… There was a time when I went full-retard for the world of 4×4’s, no, really. It was quite a sight I tell you, and since it was me, and everyone knows you never go full-retard, needless to say it was pretty epic… And one of the 4×4’s I had early on was a little Suzuki Jimny SJ413, which looked almost exactly like this (minus the roof-rack, alloy rims, bull-bar, air-press, spot-light, decals, etc.)…

It was the most uncomfortable vehicle I’d ever owned in my life, and I also later learned that during previous ownership, a fire had broken out in the engine compartment. Wow. Powered by a small, naturally-aspirated 1300cc engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, it had manual-locking front hubs if I needed to get into 4×4 mode, but more importantly, it also had a 4WD High & Low transfer case, and that’s what mattered most. Actually, forget the photo above, mine looked exactly like this one, bare-bones and basic as hell – and also that filthy – cos it looked better that way…

You see, I was crazy into off-roading back then, and often accompanied friends, who happened to be in the 4×4 line, as a back-up car when they went to recce locations for upcoming 4×4 events. The thing I recall most fondly about my SJ413 SWB (short wheelbase, there was also a LWB, but that was pretty rare even back then) is that it never got stuck, not once. The bigger 4×4’s in the convoy would always invariably get stuck at some point, and had to be winched or snatch-strapped free, but not the little Jimny. It would just scuttle along merrily past them, seeing as how it was so light, so nimble and much smaller than the rest.

And you wanna know the best part? Short of a set of M/T tyres (mud-terrain), my Jimny was bone-stock-standard. No bull bars, no snorkel, no body-lift, no raised suspension, no winch, not even a tow-hook to speak of. This always made me smile (well, snigger actually) when those who had gotten stuck earlier in the day would talk about their expensive 4×4 modifications and add-ons around the campfire later that night. Stock-standard, never stuck.

Here’s an old video showcasing the SJ413 against its (then) newer sibling, which debuted in 1998. A bit of an unfair comparison seeing as how the (then) newer one seemed to be on road tyres, and traction matters most when you’re ascending a slippery incline, but it does show just how tough and nimble the old one was…

I still occasionally scour the on-line classifieds to scope out used Suzuki Jimnys, and I’m quite pleased to see that they’ve maintained their value in the used-car market. Good ones still command five-digit figures easily, and sometimes those digits don’t start with 1.

Sadly though, the Suzuki brand is no longer represented here, which is a shame really, because the new Jimny set to debut next year looks brilliant. It looks like a mini Merc G-Wagen to be honest, and well if you’re gonna be design-inspired, it might as well be by one of the best out there right? Here’s the intro video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FALkze7E808

And now from CarBuyer UK, check out the new Suzuki Jimny due in 2019!

These are the first official pictures of the 2019 Suzuki Jimny, showing that the new version of this diminutive SUV will look tougher than ever when it arrives next year. The Jimny has a reputation for being a superb off-roader despite its small size and the outgoing model has the oldest design of any car on sale, with few major changes in the past 20 years.

Its long-awaited replacement is clearly recognisable, but has squared-off lines, a table-top bonnet, upright windows, bright colours and a black roof. Viewed from the front, its two-tone look apes cars with a ‘floating roof’ design, including rivals like the Ford EcoSport. The Jimny could also tempt buyers away from the Dacia Duster and Jeep Renegade.

Funky features like round headlights and a slotted grille pay tribute to the old model, as do rear light clusters either side of its simple bumper and the spare wheel hung on the tailgate. The overall effect is similar to a Mercedes G-Class (toldja! – Ed.) that has shrunk in the wash. Basic versions will come on practical steel wheels, while chunky alloy wheels will be offered on Jimnys further up the food chain.

The angular design theme carries on inside, where the staunchly horizontal dashboard has been treated to a large infotainment screen, sitting above Suzuki’s modern switches and dials for the heating and ventilation system. There’s also a new steering wheel and large gauges sunk into an old-school square binnacle.

Under the retro bodywork, there’s a tough ladder-frame chassis featuring rigid axles and part-time four-wheel drive, with a low-range set of gears you can switch into for serious off-roading. There’s no word on engines yet, but we’d expect Suzuki to fit petrol engines from its current portfolio, with the 1.2-litre Dualjet and advanced 1.0-litre Boosterjet from the Swift the most likely candidates.

Sitting between the smaller Suzuki Ignis and larger Suzuki Vitara SUV in the Japanese manufacturer’s line-up, the new Jimny is expected to sell for close to the £12,999 price of the current model.

WikiHistory: The history of Suzuki four-wheel-drive cars dates to 1968. Suzuki bought former Japanese automaker Hope Motor Company which had introduced fifteen small off-road vehicles called the HopeStar ON360. The first Suzuki-branded 4-wheel drive, the LJ10 (Light Jeep 10), was introduced in 1970. The LJ10 had a 359 cc air-cooled, two-stroke, in-line two-cylinder engine. The liquid-cooled LJ20 was introduced in 1972 with the cooling changed due to newly enacted emission regulations, and it gained 3 hp. In 1975, Suzuki complemented the LJ20 with the LJ50, which had a larger 539 cc, two-stroke, in-line three-cylinder engine and bigger differentials. This was originally targeted at the Australian market, but more exports soon followed (Malaysia included).

Unique Tailor Made Specification For The Ferrari 488 Pista!

In occasion of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Prancing Horse is launching a unique ‘Piloti Ferrari’ specification for the Ferrari 488 Pista. This special custom creation, the latest from the exclusive Tailor Made programme, was designed to recognise the success of clients who race Ferraris and will make its debut on the eve of the legendary French endurance race at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Inspired by AF Corse’s no. 51 car, with which Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado won the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles, this special finish for the new Ferrari 488 Pista is available exclusively for customers involved in the company’s motor sports programmes.

The exterior features a new livery with stripes in the colours of the Italian flag recalling the racing version of the 488 GTE, embellished by a laurel celebrating the WEC title, the logo of the championship and the word “PRO” indicating the class the car raced in. The Italian flag livery features again along the car’s flanks which are also adorned with the personal race number each client will be able to add.

The version that will be unveiled at Le Mans carries the number 51 used by the world championship drivers. The matte black S-Duct and the natural carbon-fibre ‘dovetail’ suspended rear spoiler and vent surrounds round off the personalisation of the exterior. The ‘Piloti Ferrari’ 488 Pista will be available in four different colours inspired by the world of racing: Rosso Corsa, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona and Argento Nürburgring.

The interior, in black Alcantara®, includes seats upholstered with a special perforated version of the same material that incorporates the Italian flag in the central band of the backrest. The national colours are also clearly visible on the edge of the gearshift paddles and on the floormats which, like the carpeting itself, are made of a special technical fabric. The number that features on the external livery also appears on the base of the steering wheel, while all the carbon-fibre trim parts have a matte finish. The personalisation of the interior is completed by an exclusive identification plate and sill trim in carbon-fibre, the latter with the Tailor Made logo.

The ‘Piloti Ferrari’ 488 Pista is powered by the latest 720-cv version of the 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 which has been voted best engine in the world for the third consecutive year at the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards.