Cycle & Carriage, associated for decades with the Mercedes-Benz brand, now has the first Mercedes-Benz virtual showroom in Malaysia. Responding to trends, the Cycle & Carriage Virtual Showroom offers the same high-touch retail engagement online that customers get with the physical retail experience.
“The low-touch economy spurred by e-commerce marketplaces has propelled a need for us to re-engineer our strategy in the luxury car segment. While our physical retail experience will certainly be here to stay, complementing it with an immersive online experience and seamlessly incorporating both channels would make the purchasing journey better for our customers,” said Cycle & Carriage Bintang CEO, Wilfrid Foo. “Our customers’ car-buying journeys can begin not just at our showroom, but at their fingertips. We hope that with a seamless offering, we can deliver on our promise of delivering Exceptional Journeys to our customers in ways that meet those needs.”
Immersive high-quality experience
Simulating a physical showroom, customers can virtually explore both the showroom and vehicles in an immersive experience. For now, there are nine Mercedes-Benz models on display. Visitors can select external and internal 360-degree views of the models, and customise them using the configurator.
There are also exclusive Cycle & Carriage Expert Review videos for more in-depth understanding, with detailed information also available just a click away. Once customers have previewed each vehicle and have an interest, they can also make an appointment for a test-drive at their preferred Cycle & Carriage Autohaus.
Meeting customers’ evolving needs
“We believe that to be a trusted dealer partner, we need to deliver on that promise of meeting our customers’ evolving needs. Our new virtual showroom is one of the many investments we are making to nurture the overall customer experience and together with our physical showrooms, our customers can begin their ownership journey with confidence,” added Mr. Foo.
Cycle & Carriage has been in existence since 1899, starting in Kuala Lumpur as a general goods store. It is today a leading regional automotive group in Southeast Asia that distributes, retails and provides aftersales services for passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles of various brands.
Listed on Bursa Malaysia, Cycle & Carriage Bintang is one of the leading dealer groups for Mercedes-Benz passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as a dealer group of FUSO commercial vehicles. It has 12 outlets across the country, with three Daimler AG-certified ‘Centre of Competence’ facilities.Cycle & Carriage Virtual Mercedes-Benz Showroom.
How often have you made a move to overtake a vehicle ahead, moved to the right lane – and got the blast of a horn from another vehicle behind? You quickly have to swerve back to your lane as the other car passes by with an angry driver glaring at you. Sometimes, you might even have looked in the mirror and not noticed any vehicle because it was in the ‘blind spot’ and if you are unlucky, a collision might occur.
That’s why many manufacturers now install a Blind Spot monitoring system which scans the rear three-quarter zone of the car, alerting the driver if there is another vehicle. It’s a valuable feature and could save expensive damage as well as injuries to others.
Ford has offered Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) technology on many models for more than a decade now. The system can alert drivers to the presence of vehicles in their blind spot using a warning light in the door mirror.
More advanced BLIS
Now, Ford is going further with a more advanced system – the new Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist. Besides monitoring the blind spot, the system can now also take pro-active action to discourage a lane-change manoeuvre if a potential collision is detected.
“Many drivers will at some point have been caught by surprise when another vehicle seemingly ‘appears out of nowhere’,” said Glen Goold, a programme engineer at Ford. “Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist is like having an extra pair of eyes in the back of your head, helping prevent just a second’s lapse in judgement from escalating into something more serious.”
Watching your back
While the original BLIS merely warned the driver, the new system applies a gentle force to the steering wheel to discourage drivers from changing lanes into the path of another road user and even guide the vehicle away from danger.
Radar sensors scan parallel lanes for vehicles up to 28 metres behind, 20 times per second, while the vehicle is moving at speeds from 65 km/h to 200 km/h. An intervention can be automatically activated if the control system senses a lane-change by monitoring road markings using the forward-facing camera, and the technology calculates that the two vehicles are on a collision course.
The Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist can intervene to help prevent collisions with vehicles approaching with a closing speed of up to approximately 30 km/h.
Looking forward as well
Along with Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist, Ford has also developed Intersection Assist technology. This uses the vehicle’s forward-facing camera, combined with radar, to monitor for potential collisions with oncoming vehicles at intersections. One study found that more than one in 10 severe accidents at junctions in Europe involved cars colliding with other cars, vans buses or trucks at cross-junctions.
The technology can automatically apply the brakes when travelling at up to 30 km/h to help prevent or mitigate the effects of accidents in scenarios where a driver is turning across the path of an oncoming vehicle, such as commonly encountered at junctions or small roundabouts.
Intersection Assist operates without the need to detect lane markings or kerbs. It can even intervene in carparks, worksites or other locations without clear markings or traffic priorities. Both technologies can operate in daylight and in darkness with headlights activated.
Ford has already introduced the two new technologies in Europe and will progressively add it to other models as time goes on. These join an already extensive range of safety technologies available in all Ford models, including pick-ups such as the Ranger.
Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about the safety features in Ford models available in Malaysia
Ever since Petron took over ExxonMobil’s retail business in Malaysia, Mobil engine lubricants have dropped out of the public eye. They are still available but not at stations. Besides being sold at supermarkets and by online retailers, there are also official distributors for the lubricants which supply them to workshops as well, so you still can get products like the well known Mobil 1 from such places.
While Mobil 1, which introduced Malaysian motorists to synthetic engine oil in the mid-1980s, remains as a high-performance product, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific also offers other products to cover a broad range of motorists. The latest is the Mobil Super 3000 All-in-One Protection series, an addition to the existing Mobil Super 1000 and 2000 range in the market.
Two viscosities available
Two viscosities are available – 0W-20 (1 litre and 3.5 litre packs) for Japanese hybrid and other newer Japanese ECO petrol engines, and 5W-30 (1 litre and 4 litre packs) for most of the latest Japanese models. Official retail prices are not known but would probably be above RM200 for the larger packs.
The new Mobil product is a premium, fully synthetic oil formulated with Heat Activated Anti-Wear Molecule to protect the engine from high temperature wear while keeping the engine clean. Resisting deterioration and maintaining protection at extreme temperatures is a major strength of full synthetic oils so they are especially good for turbocharged engines.
The oil meets the latest API SP and ILSAC GF-6A SAE standards, enhancing fuel economy with its friction-reducing properties, and providing good protection as well as keeping the engine clean to enable it to run optimally.
Oil change intervals
When Mobil 1 was first introduced, a very long oil change interval was mentioned as one of the benefits of synthetic oil. However, the carmakers were uncomfortable with such a recommendation which was much longer than their own intervals, so Mobil has since recommended that the recommendations in the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual should be followed, especially if the vehicle is under warranty.
“To drivers, Mobil Super means care: for themselves, for their families and for their vehicles. We want to inspire people to live life to the fullest while Mobil protects what they love. Our latest addition, Mobil Supe 3000 All-in-One Protection, offers the best, affordable protection for things most important to you, because we care,” said Teh Sze Min, General Manager of Business Development at ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Private Limited.
Mazda’s design philosophy – Kodo: Soul of Motion – is 10 years old, having been introduced at the Los Angeles Motor Show in 2010 with the Shinari concept car. It was a preview of how forthcoming Mazda models would look and represented a bold new direction for design at Mazda.
The word ‘Kodo’ literally translates as ‘heartbeat’, but with the added meaning of filling something with life; of giving it a soul. This idea is central to the way Mazda has always thought about design. “In Japan, we feel that craftsmen inject life into what they make. We believe that a form sincerely and painstakingly made by human hands gets a soul,” explained Ikuo Maeda, Head of Mazda Design. Therefore, ‘Soul of Motion’ takes on a double meaning, expressing both the essence of motion and the ‘soul’ imbued in the car by Mazda’s master craftsmen.
Mazda Shinari concept
The Minagi concept which became the first CX-5 (below).
The Shinari 4-door sports coupe concept was followed in 2011 with another example of Kodo Design, the Minagi compact crossover SUV concept which later evolved into the highly successful CX-5.
Inspired by the beauty and power of nature allied with the emotion of motion, the first Kodo designs were strongly inspired by the image of a cheetah about to pounce. Mazda designers closely observed how these powerful mammals used their entire body as a spring to convert pent-up energy into highly controlled motion.
From the Shinari came the Mazda6.
Takeri and Hazumi concepts
After the Shinari and Minagi concepts came the Takeri and Hazumi concepts which carried the same expression of motion that focused on the strength, beauty and tension found in the instantaneous movement seen in animals.
The Takeri offered a new level of strength and allure to the future of Mazda’s sedan styling, while the Hazumi (meaning ‘to bound’ or ‘spring up’ in Japanese) used Kodo Design to characterize the personality of a small but vigorous animal bursting with energy for Mazda’s next generation B-segment car.
Mazda Hazumi conceptMazda Takeri concept
Minimalist approach
A turning point for Kodo Design was reached with the RX-Vision and Vision Coupe which evoked a powerful and emotional design with as few elements as possible. Introduced at the 2015 and 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, respectively, both concepts anticipated the new elegance and yet more pronounced minimalist aesthetic of an updated interpretation of Kodo Design. Dynamic and emotional forms are achieved by shaving off any unnecessary elements to bring out the very essence of beauty and motion.
Mazda Vision conceptMazda Vision Coupe concept
From Kai to Mazda3
From this point onwards, Mazda designers sought to create beauty and a unique elegance through taking visual components away, not adding more. Launched in 2019, the latest generation Mazda3 was inspired by the Kai Concept and was the first vehicle to showcase the evolution in Kodo Design. It presented a more mature rendition targeting greater styling prestige through the elegance and rigor of a minimalist, less-is-more aesthetic inspired by the purest traditions of Japanese art and the beauty of space between objects.
Mazda Kai concept2020 Mazda3 Sedan
With the latest Kodo Design, which is in the current Mazda3, every element serves a purpose; nothing is superfluous or purely ornamental. Three concepts were instrumental in this design progression: Yohaku or ma, the beauty of empty space; sori, or curves with poise and balance; and utsuroi, the play of light and shadow.
For example, by eliminating character lines, an empty space is created on the vehicle’s smooth side panels and functions as a blank, endlessly changing canvas for the play of light and shadow – a special skill of Mazda designers. As the car moves through space, the change of light and shade creates a dynamic and fluid aspect with the ‘Soul of Motion’ played out on the side of the car.
It took hundreds of hours of painstaking clay sculpting and painting work to develop the Mazda3’s design that creates subtle undulations of light and shadows gliding over the car’s smooth body. It is fundamental to the uniquely Japanese elegance of Mazda’s next-generation design vision.
Mazda CX-30
Change and Release for CX-30
The CX-30 was developed to follow this design concept with exterior styling that has suppleness and the flowing elegance of a coupe combined with the toughness of an SUV. The vitality of Kodo Design is retained, with a new ‘Charge and Release’ design expression inspired by the brushwork used in Japanese calligraphy.
In particular, Sori is clearly embodied in the arc of the shoulder running from the front wing to the rear wheel, giving a sense of speed and vitality. Utsuroi may be seen in the body surfaces beneath the shoulder line, which reflect the surroundings in a distinctive ‘S’ shape that changes as the car moves.
Mazda has used Kodo Design philosophy in other products like clothes, furniture, tableware and even a bicycle (below). Some of these items have been displayed at the Milan Design Week.
Award winner
Since its inception 10 years ago, Mazda’s Kodo Design philosophy has been praised and recognized by many awards. Both the RX-Vision and the Vision Coupe have been named the ‘Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year’ and the revamped Mazda MX-5 won the ‘World Car Design Award’ in 2015.
Ikuo Maeda, Head of Mazda Design, is the ‘father of Kodo Design’. His father was the man who designed the original RX-7.
More recently, the Mazda CX-30 and the new MX-30 have won a Red Dot Award 2020 in the Product Design category, while the Mazda3 was named ‘World Car Design of the Year’ in the 2020 World Car Awards. Ikuo Maeda himself has also been recognized with the Design Hero accolade earlier this year by Britain’s Autocar magazine.
The simplistic elegance and emotional appeal of Kodo Design will remain essential ingredients of the brand’s identity. After 10 years of sustained success, Kodo Design continues to push the limits of car design and define the future of Mazda. When asked if Kodo Design will be replaced by another design philosophy, Maeda told this writer: “As far as I am concerned, Kodo Design will be forever!”.
Visit www.mazda.com.my to know more about the wide range of Mazda models in Malaysia
The McLaren Senna GTR may be out of reach of most people but thanks to LEGO Technic, another segment of the public can still build one of their own. Though the CKD kit comes in 830 pieces, they won’t need to invest in a factory or manufacturing licence either.
The supercar icon will soon be available and is the first McLaren model to be recreated in LEGO Technic form. It provides the ultimate thrill for sportscar lovers and motorsport fans alike looking for their next building challenge.
A different building experience
“Recreating a car that is so extreme to the core as the McLaren Senna GTR with LEGO Technic gave us an incredibly interesting challenge. This track car is not like any road car I’ve worked on before. It’s got some unique details, like its silhouettes and the awesome rear spoiler, which differentiates the building experience from others,” said Uwe Wabra, Senior Designer at LEGO Technic.
“Just like the incredible engineers at McLaren do when designing their supercars, we really pushed things to the max so the resulting model perfectly honours the art form that is the McLaren Senna GTR,” he added.
Attention-getter for any desk
Suitable for anyone above the age of 10, the scaled-down replica of the Senna GTR is packed with authentic features and design details that make it equally impressive. From the V8 engine with moving pistons, beautiful aerodynamic curves, opening dihedral doors and a one-of-a-kind blue livery, the 32-cm long model will be an attention-getter on any desk it is placed or in a cupboard.
“The team responsible for the design of the McLaren Senna GTR worked incredibly closely with their design counterparts at the LEGO Group to capture the extreme looks, excitement and essence of such an incredible supercar for LEGO Technic builders,” said Robert Melville, Design Director at McLaren Automotive.
The LEGO model (above) and the full-sized Senna GTR (below).
More than 75 units, less than US$1.65 million
Unfortunately, the Senna GTR by LEGO Technic will not be on sale in time for Christmas as it will be launched globally only from January 1, 2021. It can be obtained from LEGO.com for £44.99 (about RM245), excluding shipment costs and local taxes. McLaren will be building only 75 units of the Senna GTR but LEGO Technic will produce considerably more…
A full-size 1:1 scale LEGO McLaren Senna was created for the Microsoft Xbox E3 event in America in July 2019. It required close to half a million bricks to create and took months to build.
The LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR is the latest model to be released as part of the long-standing partnership that started in 2015. LEGO builders of all ages have so far been able to create such iconic supercars as the McLaren P1, the 720S in 2017 and the McLaren Senna in 2019.
Back in 2002, Daimler-Benz revived a 93-year old brand name it had acquired in 1960 (but didn’t use it then) with the aim of offering something beyond the upper reaches of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship level. It wanted to create an ultra-luxury model that could be compared to Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the British brands owned by the BMW Group and Volkswagen Group, respectively.
Perhaps it was unfortunate timing and the world did not need another brand like that, or it was just the approach which was taken that saw the Maybach – as a standalone brand – not gaining a big clientele. It expected to sell 2,000 cars a year but by the time the brand ceased operations in 2012, only about 3,000 had been sold over a 10-year span.
In 2015, the Maybach brand was brought back again but this time, it was to be part of the S-Class range, an additional variant right at the very top. That made more sense to customers and perhaps even provided a safe haven for the model to grow from.
It fared better in this approach and over the past 5 years, around 60,000 examples of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class have been delivered worldwide. Last year alone, around 12,000 units were sold, with China, Russia, South Korea, the USA and Germany being the main markets.
The Maybach differs from the S-Class in being more exclusive and much more luxurious, as was the tradition of the original Maybach. Distinguishing features at the front include the distinctive bonnet with a chromed fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille. This is highly recognisable by its vertical, three-dimensional trim strips.
The rear doors are wider than those of the brother models, and the C-pillars feature a fixed quarterlight. On request, electrically operated comfort rear doors can be installed. The exclusive appearance can be enhanced by a two-tone paint finish with a dividing line which is applied by hand, a process that takes up to one week.
Shared with latest S-Class
The interior shares the completely new interior design of the latest S-Class. The sculptured look of the dashboard, centre console and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape. Up to 5 display screens are available, with a 12.8-inch OLED central display as a high-tech control centre. A 12.3-inch 3D driver display with three-dimensional representation of other road-users and pronounced depth and shade effects can also be provided.
Active ambience lighting – an animated LED light band with intelligent comfort and safety functions – produces a rose gold white and amethyst glow. The ‘Welcome Rear’ entry display welcomes passengers with a special light show and new adaptive rear lighting follows the wishes of the occupants in terms of brightness, and size and position of the light spot.
Although advanced technologies are key features, there is plenty of classic luxury too. Traditionalists will appreciate the large areas of trim on the front seats, and high‑quality wood surrounds encasing the rear of the front seat backrests.
MBUX with more personalisation
The distinctive look of the driver display underlines the special status of the Mercedes‑Maybach. And there is, of course, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) – the advanced and intelligent infotainment system. The second generation MBUX can network with a wide range of vehicle systems and sensor data. The possibilities for personalisation and intuitive operation have become far more extensive and MBUX Interior Assist can also be installed in the rear.
MBUX Interior Assist recognises numerous occupant intentions. It recognises eye-direction, hand gestures and the body language of the occupants, so as to assist with automatic vehicle functions as the situation requires. It is also able to recognise movements and gestures by the rear occupants with the help of 3D laser cameras in the ceiling.
For example, the belt extender for the outer rear seats automatically offers up the seatbelt when MBUX Interior Assist recognises the occupant’s intention to reach for the belt by hand movements. The exit warning function has also been extended and is able to register that a rear passenger intends to leave the vehicle.
Electrified powertrains
The engines of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are electrified and have an integrated second-generation starter-generator (ISG). This provides a boost of up to 15 kW, facilitates efficient ‘gliding’ when driving at constant speed, makes the start/stop experience even more comfortable, and makes the drive system more efficient overall.
All-wheel drive is standard with the 9G-TRONIC transmission improved and adapted for the ISG. The electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission cooler have now moved into or onto the transmission. An electric refrigerant compressor is used which means that even when the engine is not running (start/stop and gliding phases), the cabin air can still be cooled. This will also help to keep the champagne or other drinks chilled in the refrigerated compartment.
Supreme comfort
It goes without saying that a car of this class will require the best ride comfort, and this is provided by the AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping. Optional rear-axle steering improves manoeuvrability in urban areas, reducing the turning circle by up to 2 metres.
The optional, fully active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension on a 48V basis uses a stereo camera to scan the road ahead and smoothens out undulations. It also gives additional protection in the event of a lateral collision, as it raises the vehicle level. It can reduce the loads acting on the occupants because it directs the impact forces towards particularly resistant structures in the lower area of the vehicle.
Ride comfort also means quietness and the big sedan is said to have very good low NVH (noise, vibrations, harshness). The extended measures mainly benefit the rear section with additional absorbent foam installed in the rear wheel arches, and thicker laminated class in the fixed quarterlights of the C-pillars.
Active road noise compensation is used for the first time. The system reduces unwanted low-frequency noises using counter-phased sound waves. Noise-optimised tyres with foam absorbers can also be installed.
Especially in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, particular attention has always been paid to safety in the rear section. During severe frontal collisions, the rear airbag can considerably reduce the loads acting on the heads and necks of seatbelt-wearing occupants on the outer rear seats.
In day-to-day driving, new and extended assistance systems are provided to relieve driver stress. This enables the driver to stay alert for longer and reach the destination more safely and comfortably. When danger threatens, the assistance systems can respond according to the situation and reduce the severity of possible collisions, or even avoid them.
With the DRIVE PILOT, conditionally automated driving becomes available from Mercedes-Benz. From the second half of 2021, on suitable motorway sections and where traffic density is high, the DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the driving, initially up to the legally permitted speed of 60 km/h.
Sales of the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will commence in the some markets next month and then in Germany and other markets from early 2021. Customers in North America and China will get their cars during the second quarter of 2021.
Customers for the new Mitsubishi XPANDER are now receiving their vehicles around the country as deliveries are underway. The first units began rolling out from the assembly facility at HICOM Automotive Manufacturers Sdn Bhd in Pekan, Pahang at the end of October. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) plans to assemble around 6,000 units for sale annually, and every unit to be assembled till the end of the year already has a customer waiting.
Demand exceeds supply
“Due to the overwhelming response, the total amount of bookings which MMM received has exceeded the total production capacity until December 2020. Customers who book the new XPANDER moving forward will receive the 2021 model year vehicles, which will be subjected to sales tax,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.
The XPANDER is priced from RM91,359 (without insurance) during November and December, after which the price will increase to RM94,800 with the inclusion of 10% sales tax when the exemption ends.
Only one variant is currently available, powered by an all-aluminium 1.5-litre MIVEC petrol engine with an output of 105 ps/141 Nm. Power delivery to the front wheels is through a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The 3-row cabin has an overall length of 4475 mm and an overall height of 1730 mm, made possible by the 2775 mm wheelbase. MMM says that the XPANDER is the only model in its class with fold-flat second and third rows seats providing full luggage space and a car-like cargo area.
“Mitsubishi Motors is very excited to deliver the Malaysian-made new XPANDER to some early bird customers. The XPANDER has already attracted a strong following here and wherever it is sold in ASEAN. With its combination of style, practicality and competitive pricing, we believe the XPANDER will play an increasingly important role in growing our sales,” Mr. Shinnishi said.
New colour for Triton
Meanwhile, those who are considering the Triton pick-up truck have a new exterior colour choice for the Adventure-X version – Sun flare Orange Pearl. The new colour joins Jet Black Mica and White Diamond in the available colour range.
New colour for flagship version of Triton.
The Triton Adventure-X is the flagship of the Triton range imported from Thailand. Prices for the Triton start from RM79,890 and go up to RM137,900 (excluding insurance).
Viewing and test-drives of the XPANDER and Triton are available at authorised dealerships nationwide. Their locations can be found at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.
In just a month after being officially launched, some 9,000 bookings have been received for the all-new 5th generation Honda City. To date, over 2,400 cars have been delivered nationwide from Honda’s assembly plant in Melaka.
Clearly, the new model has many appealing attributes that have drawn this impressive number of orders, although it could also be that there are many people who want to enjoy the sales tax exemption before it ends on December 31, 2020.
Sales tax-free pricing
The three variants already in showrooms (the City RS e:HEV will be available at the beginning of 2021) are currently priced (without insurance) as follows: City 1.5S: RM74,191.27 | City 1.5E: RM81,664.82 | City 1.5V: RM86,561.45.
After December 31, when the 10% sales tax is included again, the prices will be: City 1.5S: RM76,800 | City 1.5E: RM84,800 | City 1.5V: RM89,800.
Most popular colour choice
According to Honda Malaysia, the City 1.5V is the most popular variant, accounting for 54% of total bookings received. Of the 5 exterior colour choices offered, Platinum White Pearl appears to be the favourite, with 28% of customers wanting it for their new car.
Not surprisingly, the majority of orders (44%) are in the company’s Central region, with the Northern and Southern regions accounting for 22% and 19%, respectively.
“The 5th Generation All-New City is very well received in the market and the bookings increased by an additional 80% within a month of its official launch. This outstanding Honda model continues to capture the hearts of Malaysians be it working adults, young executives or young families,” said Toichi Ishiyama, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO.
“Many customers also took the opportunity to purchase their new car during the sales tax exemption period. The attractive pricing of the All-New City in addition to the advanced features are plus points which resulted in the encouraging bookings received,” he added.
Related: The Game-Changer Strikes Again with the 5th Generation Honda City
5-year unlimited mileage warranty
The City comes with a 5-year warranty and no mileage limit. Owners will also be entitled to free labour service for 5 times during the first 100,000 kms or 5 years after registration.
To view or test-drive the new City, visit any of the 102 Honda authorised dealerships nationwide. Information on Honda models and the locations of dealerships can be found at www.honda.com.my.
Toyo Tyre Malaysia has added a new tyre to its Proxes range with the launch of the Toyo Proxes CR1 tyre in Malaysia tonight via an online event. The new tyre is for passenger cars and SUVs, especially those between the A-segments to D-segments.
36 sizes are available for the Malaysian market, ranging from 14-inch to 18-inch diameters (9 sizes for the Proxes CR1 SUV tyres from 17-inch to 19-inch diameters). The recommended retail prices for the passenger car version range from RM160 to RM440, while the SUV version ranges from RM380 to RM580, depending on the tyre size.
Main features
The Proxes CR1 tyres have four strong points – Quietness, Safety, High Grade and Comfort. The secret of the Proxes CR1 achieving these attributes is the use of Toyo Tires’ proprietary T-Mode and Nano Balance Technology.
To run quietly, noise reducing materials have been incorporated in the tyre. The silent wall and out-in different pitch arrangement collaborate to disperse pitch noise, and a noise protection sheet is inserted within the construction of the tyre to reduce casing noise.
The Proxes CR1 offers superior performance in both wet and dry road conditions. Its highly developed water drainage system is made of wide circumferential grooves that quickly expel water from under the tyre.
As important as wet road grip is dry road grip, which is probably the condition for more of the driving time. The triple taper and rib design improves the performance by securing rib rigidity and suppresses circumferential fluctuation resulting in less uneven wear. In addition, the multi-wave sipes help in the prevention of irregular wear by ensuring block stiffness and a joint-less cap ply improves high speed performance.
The high grade of the tyre is saod tp be in its overall performance. Toyo Tires claims the Proxes CR1 produces 11% less road noise and has 2% reduction in aquaplaning on wet roads compared to its predecessor, the Nano Energy 3. It also has lower rolling resistance for better fuel consumption.
Tengku Djan’s comments
“Overall, the low rolling resistance and low noise levels of the Proxes CR1 are the aspect that really shine,” said Tengku Djan Ley, Malaysia’s professional drift driver, who has tested the new tyres on his Mercedes-Benz C230. “I must say the rolling comfort with these tyres is exceptional.”
“If you are using it for daily driving, the Proxes CR1 is 100% comfortable,” he added. “It’s actually the perfect tyre for street use.”
He praised the tyre’s grip at high speeds and was impressed with the braking in both wet and dry conditions. “What I found is that there is good support in the sidewalls, with good resistance to stress during hard cornering. Under pressure, this tyre performs extremely well,” he noted. “This tyre is up there with the best where safety is concerned.”
In conjunction with the launch of the Proxes CR1, customers who purchase a set of four Proxes CR1 tyres will receive a free limited edition Proxes CR1 umbrella (while stocks last).
