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It’s been a year since Human Horizons, a company based in China, unveiled its HiPhi concept electric vehicle (EV). When it made its global debut, the EV was described as a ‘premium supercar-inspired electric SUV’; this year, it has become an ‘Evolvable Super SUV’, said to be representative of a new generation of intelligent EVs.

2021 HiPhi X

2021 HiPhi X

2021 HiPhi X

Like many EVs, the HiPhi X has a sharp profile to slip through the air. Because it uses entirely new architecture, its design is not constrained by ‘legacy structures’ of earlier EVs. Measuring 5.2 metres long, its lightweight hybrid aluminium construction will complement the concept of sustainability with the adoption of vegan leather and the use of recyclable materials.

AI developed with Microsoft
With a virtually clean start, the designers have been able to incorporate many features which draw heavily on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for functioning and occupant comfort. The advanced, highly-personalized onboard AI assistant, known as HiPhiGo, has been developed in collaboration with Microsoft. HiPhiGo is highly sensory, with an array of intelligent functions, including a level of reasoning and continuous learning whilst interacting with its occupants, the surrounding environment and a multitude of vehicle parameters.

2021 HiPhi X

This new breed of self-learning smart vehicle has a ‘neural network’ consisting of 6 “super brain” domain controllers, connected by 1G Ethernet, which provides a higher transmission rate than traditional CAN networks. HiPhiGo is able to analyse massive amounts of information and make decisions utilizing cloud computing with a powerful data analysis engine, which results in a truly intelligent and smart vehicle.

2021 HiPhi X

Level 3 autonomous capability
As would be expected, the HiPhi X – which can seat 6 persons – will be able to operate autonomously. Initially, Level 3 autonomous driving will be available. Level 3 autonomous capability is the start of truly autonomous motoring where the driver can set the destination and leave the driving to the computer. However, use of the autonomous feature will only be possible on dedicated highways or lanes. The driver will also have to become ‘involved’ occasionally in complex traffic situations.

4-wheel steering will make parking easy.

In time, the HiPhi X or future models should be able to progress to the more advanced Level 5 which will allow for fully autonomous motoring where the car’s computer’s handles everything, including negotiating jams and parking by itself. That will not only depend on advancements in vehicle technology but also the public infrastructure.

2021 HiPhi X

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RWD or AWD
For emission-free propulsion, the HiPhi X will have rear and all-wheel drive options and use 268-hp Bosch electric motors. Acceleration time is claimed to be under 4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

Customers will be able to choose lithium-ion battery packs according to their anticipated needs. Those who do not foresee travelling out of the city could use a smaller battery pack and for those who expect to do regular long-distance travel, the 96 kWh battery pack could be specified which gives a claimed range of 610 kms.

2021 HiPhi X

2021 HiPhi X

The project is now its final phase of development with a launch planned at the Beijing Auto Show on September 26 and first deliveries to customers starting in 2021. The cars will be built in Jiangsu province to the north of Shanghai at a factory owned by a Dongfeng joint-venture with Kia.

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Race starts at 3:10 pm in Spain/9:10 pm in Malaysia

F1 Provisional Starting Grid

The compressed revised schedule of 2020 Formula 1 World Championship continues this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The circuit is a familiar one to the F1 teams as it is where they go for pre-season testing. Located in the Barcelona area, the circuit has been in operation since 1991.

Lewis Hamilton F1

The 4.655-km circuit has 16 turns and though many drivers have driven around it a lot, it is still challenging with its broad mix of corner types. There are swift changes in direction and a long start-finish straight that tests both the car’s strength and weaknesses. Each year, teams search for the best set-up to enable their drivers to extract the maximum from the machines.

To get that right set-up can be elusive; there are strong winds blowing at the circuit and they change not just in direction but also speed. So aerodynamics are very important although they are important everywhere else too.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

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Hotter than usual
For this weekend, there is concern about high temperatures. This has not been a major issue in the past as the Spanish Grand Prix usually runs in May when it is still cool. However, it is now mid-August and the engineers are preparing the cars to cope with temperatures of around 30 degrees C.

Pirelli is bringing its most durable compounds to cope with the heat and high loads of fast corners such as Turn 3. The C1 is nominated as the hard tyre with C2 and C3 and medium and soft tyres, respectively.

F1 tyres

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1

The hot conditions can be a problem for the Mercedes-AMG cars, as evident at Silverstone last weekend. It’s possible that similarly high temperatures could give Red Bull Racing a chance to claim a second victory of the season after Max Verstappen’s success.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been to Spain when it’s been this hot. The weather is beautiful, but it’s tricky for the car and very tough on the tyres as well. We didn’t see any blistering, the tyres felt OK and the long runs didn’t look too bad, but we also didn’t see any blistering last Friday, so we’ll have to remain careful,” said Lewis Hamilton, who will start from pole position at tomorrow’s race.

Ferrari F1

The Ferrari drivers also find conditions challenging but have been doing well in practices. “I am confident we can extract the maximum out of the car in quali and if I manage to get the balance where I want it to be, we can have a pretty good result.  With regards to the heat, out on track is not that hard because at least there’s some air, but when you are in the garage… it’s like being in a sauna!” said Charles Leclerc.

BWT Racing Point F1

Scuderia Alpha Tauri Honda F1

Max Verstappen is now second
After winning last weekend, Verstappen is now second in the Driver’s Championship, 30 points behind leader Hamilton. Valtteri Bottas is, however, not far behind with a gap of just 4 points.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team has a good lead with 180 points after 5 rounds, 67 points ahead of Red Bull Racing and 125 points ahead of Ferrari. The Italian team has had the most wins here, having won 12 times, of which 5 were won by Michael Schumacher who has also won the event the most times.

Social distancing

Social distance

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Although the SUV trend accelerated during the 1990s, BMW didn’t immediately come out with a model as it wanted to make sure that such a vehicle would still have not just BMW DNA but more importantly, the driving dynamics that the brand had been noted for.

Only when its engineers were able to do that did the carmaker introduce a model for the SUV segment but called it  a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). This was the X5 which made its global debut in 1999 and began a new line of models with the all-wheel drive known as xDrive.

The driving dynamics of the X model, with advanced drivetrain and chassis technologies, make them completely credible as BMW models, And over the years, as with all its other models, BMW has developed its SAVs to deliver higher and higher performance. In recent years, they have also gained advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features.

Two of its latest high-performance SAVs are now available, having made their appearance at the Secret Garage @ M Town last night. They are the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition, priced at RM886,551 and RM904,276, respectively.

2020 BMW X4M Competition
2020 BMW X4 M Competition
2020 BMW X3M Competition
2020 BMW X3 M Competition

Style and speed
The new X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition possess the characteristic M design elements in the familiar form of X models. The front end has a distinctive apron with a large, hexagonal air intake to provide optimal ventilation for the front brakes under high thermal loads.

Adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant, along with full-LED taillights provide the driver with powerful and widespread illumination while also making the vehicles visible to other road-users from a distance.

X4M Competition
X4 M Competition
X4M Competition
X4 M Competition
X3 M Competition

At each corner are 21-inch bicolour M light alloy wheels. On the roof, the X3 M Competition features a slim diffuser in high-gloss black and an M-specific roof spoiler, while the sleeker X4 M Competition has a black spoiler.

510 bhp/600 Nm from 3 litres
Powering the two M models is a 510 bhp/600 Nm M TwinPower Turbo straight-six petrol engine with a displacement of 3 litres. It can take the SAVs to 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed 4.1 seconds and reach a speed-limited maximum of 250 km/h.

Both models use the same M-engineered 8-speed Steptronic transmission with 3 Drivelogic modes – Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus. There’s also an Active M Differential while the M Sport exhaust system – recognisable by its four black chrome tailpipes – adds a distinctive sound at going full throttle.

The M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system allows for conventional variable power distribution, or a Sport mode can be selected to have even more pronounced and dynamic rear-wheel bias.

The chassis has been upgraded with a high proportion of M-specific components for sportier driving characteristics, improving not just performance but handling and lateral dynamics as well. Some areas of upgrading include the strut brace, adaptive dampers, stiffer stabilisers. M Compound Brakes (made of composite materials to reduce weight) give even more powerful deceleration.

Spacious but still M sporty
Like the sedan models, BMW SAVs also have interiors that are sports-oriented, more so with the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition. The spacious cabins have an iconic M interior ambience that starts with entry sills bearing the M designation. Comfortable front seats with active seat ventilation and lumbar support are standard and there is a M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, and a red Start/Stop button.

These are complemented by the redesigned M gear selector lever and the 3-level controls for the engine, damper and steering responses. Further M-specific highlights are ‘Carbon Fibre’ interior trim finishers, decorative seams in BMW M colours, M seatbelts, M pedals, along with a M-specific instrument cluster, and knee pads. The sculptured M Sport seats, with illuminated M badges below the semi-integrated head restraints, comes with premium Leather Merino upholstery.

X3 M Competition
X4 M Competition

As SAVs, the luggage capacity is a strong point and for the X3 M Competition, the volume can be expanded  from 550 litres to 1,600 litres. The X4 M Competition offers no less than 525 litres but if the rear seats are not occupied and the backrests folded down, the volume can be increased to 1,430 litres.

X4 M Competition
X3 M Competition

Rear passengers in the X3 M Competition can have more comfort with adjustable backrests and also be less exposed to sunshine (or have more privacy) with roller sunblinds on the rear side windows, both exclusive features.

Advanced assistance and safety systems
Advanced assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features make driving safer and more enjoyable. There’s a Head-Up Display with M-specific display variants, along with the Driving Assistant Plus, and Parking Assistant Plus featuring Surround View and Remote 3D Service.

The advanced infotainment system fitted as standard has a 10.25-inch display that can be operated via the iDrive controller, by touch, and the BMW Gesture Control. ConnectedDrive Services provide Concierge Service, Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.

X4 M Competition

The Harman Kardon surround-sound 9-channel system has 600W of amplifier power which delivers superior sound reproduction through 16 speakers. A charging pad is also present for wireless charging of compatible smartphones.

X4 M Competition
X3 M Competition

Book online with RM5,000
The X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are available all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from this weekend. Customers can also book new models on at the BMW Shop Online (www.shop.bmw.com.my/) with a deposit of RM5,000. Those who use this booking channel could win a new BMW i8 Coupe.

As with other new BMWs, there is a 5-year warranty (no limit on mileage) and a programme of free scheduled service. BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline are also provided while all owners enjoy the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card. BMW Service Online makes it easy to contact the dealership to book service appointments or make queries.

New BMW M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe launched

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

It’s a good time to buying a new car in Malaysia this year as sales tax is being exempted. The exemption is being given as part of a huge initiative to help many sectors recover after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those who are considering Toyota or Lexus models, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) is collaborating offering attractive financing packages of up to 100% financing for all Malaysian citizens aged between 18 to 65 years old.

Toyota Rush – one of the models that can be purchased with the finance packages.

Two financing options, no downpayment
The packages, offered in collaboration with Bank Rakyat, follow Islamic financing principles and consist of two types of financing options. They are An-Naqlu 1, which offers 90% financing follows the Shariah concept of Al Ijarah Thumma Al-Bai’ (AITAB) and An-Naqlu 2, which offers 100% financing follows the Shariah concept of Tawarruq. Customer can repay over a period of between 4 to 9 years under these schemes.

Customers aged between 18 to 60 years old do not have to make any downpayment (subject to terms and conditions) under AN NAQLU 2. There is also a special Graduate Scheme available with zero down payment to graduates aged 20 – 30 years old with a diploma and have been currently employed for at least 3 months. For those with less than 3 months of employment, a guarantor is required.

2020 Lexus UX
The smallest Lexus model available in Malaysia is the UX,

“We are always working with our business partners to provide affordable ownership solutions to our customers. Bank Rakyat offers this special scheme to help different customer groups to own brand-new Toyota and Lexus vehicle,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

For senior citizens
There is another financing scheme under AN NAQLU 1 (AITAB) exclusively for senior citizens. They should be below 65 years old at the end of the financing period and will need to transfer their pension to a Bank Rakyat savings account.

‘BR Malaysia 2.0’ has a special promotional rate for these financing schemes and is valid until September 30, 2020.

For more information, customers can visit any authorised Toyota or Lexus dealer or any Bank Rakyat Auto Financing Centre or branches. To locate an authorised Toyota showroom, visit the Toyota Malaysia website at www.toyota.com.my ; for authorised Lexus showrooms, visit www.lexus.com.my.

Lower maintenance costs with Toyota Service Savers packages

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

BMW Malaysia tonight introduced the M8 Coupe (F92) and M8 Gran Coupe (F93) as the newest high-powered members of its portfolio. Priced RM1,452,960.88 and RM1,455,145.25, respectively, the new BMW models are with a choice of seven colours: Alpine White, Brands Hatch Grey, Marina Bay Blue, Motegi Red, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey and Barcelona Blue. The interiors come with Merino Leather, in either Black or Silverstone.

Optionally, BMW Individual is available for owners to personalise their cars. For those who cannot wait, one unit of the M8 Coupe in BMW Individual Frozen Bluestone exterior is available for purchase immediately (at an additional RM30,000).

2020 BMW M8

Both new models are available at authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from today. If you are convinced one of these cars is for you, go straight to the BMW Online Shop at www.shop bmw.com.my where you can place your booking for RM5,000.And who knows, you might also get to win a new BMW i8 Coupe.

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM16,578 and RM16,598, respectively (terms and conditions applicable).

2020 BMW M8

New frontal design language
The two models present the newly introduced 8-Series design language with muscular sculpted surfaces and distinctive characteristics at the front. These include the new M-specific front apron, along with the BMW kidney grille featuring M-specific decorative mesh, double slats and M8 designation.

The slender BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant are positioned slightly higher than the kidney grille, widening towards the road to emphasise the low-slung stance and low centre of gravity.

2020 BMW M8

Both exterior mirrors have the characteristic M twin-stalk design and in typical fashion of BMW coupes, there are frameless side windows with BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line. Flared aluminium wings with M gills and M8 designation emphasise track width and wheel size.

Towards the rear, both models sport the M rear spoiler, as well as M-specific M8 rear diffuser and M-specific exhaust system with twin tailpipes and chrome trims.

2020 BMW M8

Other highlights of the two-door M8 Coupe and four-door M8 Gran Coupe include the soft-close function for doors and carbon roof made of self-coloured carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) that saves weight and lowers the centre of gravity. 20-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 810 M Bicolour with mixed tyres are fitted.

Most powerful BMW M engine
Both cars have the same powerplant under the long bonnet: the completely redesigned high-revving S63 V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. This 4.4-litre unit is the most powerful BMW M engine ever built for a production model, generating up to 600 bhp/750 Nm. That gives a 0 to 100 km/h capability claimed to be 3.3 seconds and a top speed beyond 250 km/h but not attainable since the maximum speed is electronically limited.

The engine’s characteristics can be personalised in one of three modes –  the default EFFICIENT setting, SPORT or SPORT PLUS. Depending on the mode selected, the system will change the response to accelerator pedal pressure as well as the sound characteristics of the flap-controlled exhaust system. A Sound Control button next to the gear selector lever is available for drivers wanting to adjust the sound from the M exhaust system according to their personal preferences.

2020 BMW M8

Power flows through a new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, operated sequentially via an M8-specific gear selector in S mode, or manually via paddles on the steering wheel.

Driving dynamics are enhanced with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system that has rear-wheel bias. For skilled and experienced drivers, the fully variable torque split can be adapted to personal preferences. The 4WD default setting can be switched to 4WD Sport and, with the DSC switched off, a rear-wheel-drive-only 2WD mode can be used on the track.

The models are also fitted with the M-specific integrated brake system. This innovative technology combines brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions in one compact module. The required brake pressure is established by an electric actuator, optimising braking dynamics and pedal feel as well as the precision and speed of DSC stability control interventions.

2020 BMW M8

2020 BMW M8

2020 BMW M8

Sporty cockpit
As would be expected, the cockpit of both models has a sporty, low seating position with controls grouped into clusters according to their function. The M Sport seats, with illuminated M logo, come with many electric adjustment options including a Memory function.

The rear seats – upholstered in Merino leather as standard – are moulded to provide maximum lateral support which will be appreciated during ‘dynamic’ driving. With the rear backrests folded, the coupe has 420 litres of cargo space in the boot while the Gran Coupe has another 20 litres more.

2020 BMW M8

For infotainment, there’s the BMW Live Cockpit Professional running on the BMW Operating System 7.0. This package consists of an all-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a high-resolution 10.25-inch Control Display and a full-colour Head-Up Display with additional M-specific displays.

Both models can be operated via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant’s latest voice control system, direct menu control buttons, the intuitive iDrive Touch Controller with its rotary/push button, the touchscreen Control Display or the Gesture Control system.

2020 BMW M8

The new M Mode selector on the centre console can be used to control the driver assistance systems as well as the content of the instrument cluster displays and the Head-Up Display. M Mode can be used to activate the ROAD and SPORT settings and in addition to the M Mode selector, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant enables drivers to use their normal, natural voice and speech pattern to interact with the vehicle.

BMW ConnectedDrive provides Connected Package Professional such as Remote Services, Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call, Apple CarPlay and Concierge Service. Other highlights include the Digital Key to unlock, start and lock the car using a compatible Samsung smartphone (available as part of the Comfort Access).

2020 BMW M8

2020 BMW M8

Limited-Time, Special Programmes
From August 15 to September 30, 2020, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and campaigns for a range of BMW M models. The Limited-Time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the M2 Competition, M4 Coupe, M5 Sedan, M850i xDrive Coupe an attractive price reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000, respectively.

BMW and MINI owners can now enjoy Door-to-Door Service

Social distance

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

March 2021 will be the 60th anniversary of the iconic British sportscar – the Jaguar E-Type. To mark the occasion, Jaguar Classic will create six matched pairs of E-types. The E-Type 60 Edition, as each car will be known, will be restored 3.8 E-Types with commemorative detailing and exclusive paint colours.

Each pair of E-type 60 Edition cars pay tribute to two of the oldest and most famous Jaguar E-types of all: ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’, which played pivotal roles in the unveiling of the car at its world debut in Geneva, Switzerland in March 1961.

Jaguar E-Type
Co-founder and Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, Sir William Lyons, introducing the E-Type in 1961.

Debut in Geneva
An Opalescent Gunmetal Grey 3.8-litre Fixed-Head Coupe registered ‘9600 HP’ was one of the first two E-types unveiled to specially-invited guests. Driven ‘flat out’ to Switzerland from Coventry the night before the launch, public relations manager Bob Berry arrived with minutes to spare for demonstration drives.

With an outstanding reaction to the E-Type resulting in overwhelming demand for drives with Berry, legendary Jaguar Test and Development Engineer Norman Dewis was told to ‘drop everything’ and drive a British Racing Green 3.8-litre roadster registered ‘77 RW’ from Coventry to Geneva. He took did the drive across Europe through the night.

Jaguar E-Type
The very first two E-Types made available for public test-drives.

Both cars were also loaned to the media for their road tests, which confirmed the car’s performance, including its 241 km/h top speed. One of the contributors to the high performance was its jet aircraft-inspired lines on a bodywork refined in a wind tunnel.

Built by Jaguar Classic
Every E-type 60 Edition built by the team at Jaguar’s Classic Works facility in England, the largest such facility in the world. There will be an existing 1960s 3.8-litre E-type fully-restored to exclusive 60th anniversary tribute specification.

Each E-type 60 Collection pair will include one Flat Out Grey ‘9600 HP’ coupe and one Drop Everything Green ‘77 RW’ roadster, with unique paint formulations exclusively reserved for these cars. There will be a number of 60th anniversary commemorative design details created in conjunction with Jaguar Design Director Julian Thomson.

Jaguar E-Type

A car that made an impact
Synonymous with the revolutionary zeitgeist of the Swinging Sixties, E-Types were owned by celebrities such as Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Tony Curtis and Britt Ekland. And, thanks to the beauty of its sculptural forms, its functionality and its impact on design, an E-Type became only the third car to join The Museum of Modern Art’s design collection in 1996.

“The Jaguar E-Type is a genuine icon, as sensational today as the moment it was unveiled in 1961. It’s testament to the E-Type’s advanced design and engineering that it can still be enjoyed and admired as passionately almost 60 years on,” said Dan Pink, Director of Jaguar Classic.

“The E-Type 60 Collection is a lasting tribute for E-Type admirers, honouring the car’s legacy and the achievements of the team that created it – many of whom have descendants working for Jaguar Classic today, expertly restoring, maintaining and future-proofing enjoyment for generations to come,” he added.

1963 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe reborn

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

The Renault Symbioz concept EV was conceived as a mobile home on wheels, with a multi-use cabin giving occupants a new motoring experience. It is an extended living space from the home, bringing the lounge atmosphere when on the move.

Thanks to its various self-driving modes, there’s no more need for manual driving (the option is still there though). In lounge mode, the front seats swivel 180° experience while the vast sunroof gives a very open feeling as the sky passes by overhead.

The floating glass roof features a system to adjust the opacity of the glass and the LED lighting that can be accessed from the Renault MULTI-SENSE 3.0 system interface.

Renault Symbioz concept

And when at home, it is also possible to make the Symbioz an additional room for the house. Pushing home automation to the next level, the home power supply can charge the electric  car automatically and at the same time, the car’s battery pack can supply electricity for the needs of the home. This interconnectivity allows car and home to recognize each other and anticipate their reciprocal needs.

Want to own a Symbioz? TC Euro Cars can offer you one and rhere’s no charge. The only cost to you will be some time that will be well spent experiencing one of the Renault models offered by the company. By the way, the Symbioz will be 1/64th the size of the original car.

Some of the Renault models available in Malaysia.

Click here to locate a showroom to experience a Renault and get your Symbioz (while stocks last).

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The countdown has started for the launch of the all-new Honda City in Malaysia with bookings being accepted by 101 authorised dealerships nationwide from today. The Malaysian launch, to take place during the fourth quarter of 2020, will also be the global debut of the City RS intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD).

Preview before launch
Before the launch, the public can get a glimpse of it at various locations in Peninsular Malaysia (click here for the list of venues).  Honda Malaysia will also offer ‘early bird’ buyers with a RM1,000 Service Voucher under the All-New City Special Early Booking Programme. And although the price is not announced yet, the new car will have full 10% sales tax exemption until the end of 2020.

This will be the fifth generation of the model which began as Honda’s ‘Asian Car’ in the mid-1990s (there was an earlier City in the 1980s but it was a different concept). The new generation made its global debut in Thailand in November last year.

New LED headlights have a more advanced appearance than the ones in the previous generation (below).

The City RS will have LED Headlights (RS and V variants) with LED Daytime Running Lights as well as new LED taillight clusters. New Black door mirrors on the RS create a two-tone expression of the body colour. There are also 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels with the RS & V variants finished in a dual tone. The circumference of the wheels gives the impression of being rim-less, making the wheels look larger and complementing the larger appearance of the car.

Honda Malaysia has revealed that there will be four variants of the new City which will be assembled at its factory in Melaka. Commenting on the model, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The City has proven to be an important model for Honda Malaysia, a favourite among many Malaysians for its spaciousness, practicality and safety features. Since its introduction to the Malaysian market in 2001, the model has an accumulated total sales of 351,000 units with the most sought-after 4th Generation City which was launched in 2014 contributing more than 205,000 units and upholding its No.1 position in the B-segment.”

Mr. Ishiyama added that the launch of the City RS with a new powertrain in Malaysia is ahead of other countries. “We believe that this new model will excite the market with its advanced styling and engineering as Honda continues to lead the way in pioneering benchmarks and introducing Next Generation Advanced Technology that is ahead of its time,” he said.

4 variants with sporty RS as well
In the Honda line-up, RS is conceptualised as ‘Road Sailing’, where one can imagine driving far away and sailing along the road with an uncompromising driving performance. ‘RS’ is also associated with sporty and stylish appeal Honda variants and with the new City RS, Honda Malaysia expects it to be a class leader.

The City will once again be a game-changer with its new 253 Nm powertrain.

i-MMD powertrain
The new i-MMD powertrain, globally known as ‘e:HEV’, spearheads Honda’s Next Generation Hybrid Technology to realize outstanding environmental performance without compromising driving enjoyment. It provides high efficiency electrification combined with direct and smooth response.

The i-MMD powertrain was previously only available in Honda’s line-up of large class models. To offer the advanced technology across all other Honda models, the engineers at Honda R&D have adapted a more compact and efficient i-MMD system to a smaller-sized vehicle. the powertrain is said to deliver a best-in-class maximum torque rating of 253 Nm which is comparable to a bigger D-segment model or a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine.

Customers also have the option of choosing a new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC powertrain which is the newest engine in its segment.

Honda LaneWatch

The new City will have Honda LaneWatch to monitor the blind spot on the car’s left side. However, the camera installation appears to be different from the one’s on other Honda models (below).

Honda LaneWatch

Honda LaneWatch comes to the City
With the new City, Honda Malaysia is going further with safety equipment and it will have a couple of B-segment firsts. One of them is Honda LaneWatch, a camera-based system which monitors the blind spot on the left side and shows the image on the dashboard display. This feature is already available in the Accord, CR-V and Civic and now comes to the City.

Replacing the traditional handbrake lever, there is a new first-in-segment Electric Parking Brake which makes handbrake operation a lot easier. Little effort is needed to lift the small tab which can be done with one finger. It also frees up more space on the centre console for other purposes.

Revised Price List for Honda Models, effective from today till December 31, 2020

COVID-19 Facemask

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In spite of the Movement Control Order (MCO) – which is still in effect as the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) – reducing motoring for two months, BHPetrol’s Kaya Raya promotional contest still received half a million entries from around the country.

This was revealed by Leslie Ng, CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd, which distributes and markets BHPetrol fuels, lubricants and other services. The contest, which began on March 15 was on until June 20, 2020. It was open to customers at BHPetrol stations who made a purchase of RM30 of BHPetrol Infiniti fuel or purchased items from the BHPetromart convenience store.

Leslie Ng, CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing (left) and Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, Senior GM Supply, Retail and GPA (right) with the Grand Prize winner, Lye Wan Sin from Perak.

During the contest period, there were weekly prizes of 100,000 ePoints given to 10 winners each week, for a total of 140 winners. The ePoints can be redeemed for BHPetrol fuel or various products at the stations. 1 ePoint is normally given for every RM1 spent at BHPetrol service stations or partner outlets. Motorists can redeem 550 ePoints for RM5 worth of fuel or 950 ePoints for RM10 worth of fuel.

12 Malaysians, randomly chosen from those who submitted all-correct answers on the entry form, became the finalists and were invited to attend the ceremony for the final draw. Mr. Ng and his senior colleagues drew the winning names for the big cash prizes and BHPetrol eCard loyalty points.

BHPetrol Euro5 Diesel

The prizes were one Grand Prize of RM100,000 + 200,000 ePoints; two 1st Prizes of RM50,000 + 100,000 ePoints each; three 2nd prizes of RM20,000 + 40,000 ePoints each; and six 3rd prizes of RM15,000 + 30,000 ePoints each.

“I would like the congratulate all the lucky winners and express my gratitude to all customers who have participated in the contest. This is one of our ways of rewarding our valued customers who have been supportive to the brand all these years,” said Mr. Ng.

He gave assurance that the company is committed to bringing more exciting promotions while providing excellent products and services at our network of 400 service stations.

While Infiniti fuels are the most prominent products, Boustead Petroleum Marketing is also involved in the distribution of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) which is branded as BHPetrogas. It is available in a range of capacities, from 12-kg and 14-kg cylinders, to 50-kg industrial cylinders for home or commercial use

Engine lubricants under the SYNGARD brand are also available in different grades and formulations to suit a wide variety of vehicles on Malaysian roads. They are developed with advanced US additive technology sourced from one of the world’s biggest specialists in additives.

To know more about BHPetrol products and services and to locate a station, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.

Click here for other news and articles about BHPetrol

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