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It’s our nation’s Merdeka again soon and to celebrate the 63rd year of independence, MINI Malaysia has started its ‘Add Independence’ campaign. It consists of specially curated programmes which relate to the Countryman model, with different variants to choose from.

The campaign, which runs till September 30, 2020, has a range of attractive offers for selected and limited units while stocks last. Customers can enjoy interest-free H-P loans, monthly instalment plans starting from RM2,315, instalment support up to RM5,000, and cash rebates up to RM22,000.

MINI Countryman

Brand’s largest model
The Countryman is the brand’s largest model and now in its second generation. While it takes its name from the original model sold in the 1960s, it is classified as a crossover SUV. Compared to a 5-door MINI, it is 294 mm longer, 95 mm wider and 132 mm taller.

Its size provides generous cabin space and comfortable accommodation for 5 persons and their holiday or recreational gear. The low bootlid can serve as a picnic bench while also make for easier access into the cargo space which can be expanded up to 1,390 litres.

MINI Countryman

MINI Countryman

MINI Countryman

4 variants, 3 powertrain choices
MINI Malaysia offers four variants of the Countryman with three powertrain choices, one of which is a plug-in hybrid. The most powerful version with a 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine has claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

As would be expected of a car with the character of a MINI, customers have a variety of colours to choose from. Prices for the 2020 model year Countryman start from RM220,741, after deducting the sales tax (exemption applicable only till the end of this year).

More information and location of showrooms in Malaysia can be found at www.mini.my.

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

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It used to be that the company name was also a brand name and used with every model the company sold. However, in recent times, especially with the advent of electric vehicles (EVs), some companies are finding that it would be better to create a dedicated sub-brand for such vehicles and give them more prominence.

Hyundai Motor is the latest to do so with the announcement of the IONIQ brand which will be for EVs. Most readers would know that the IONIQ name has already been used by a Hyundai model. The name, which fuses ‘ion’ and ‘unique’ was first introduced in 2016 as ‘Project IONIQ’, a long-term R&D project focused on eco-friendly mobility.

Based on the project, Hyundai introduced a model named IONIQ which was unique in that it could be powered by a choice of three powertrain options – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and full electric – within the same bodystyle.

Hyundai IONIQ
The IONIQ was introduced to the Malaysian market in 2016, and is available only with a hybrid powertrain.

Three new models in four years
Mow, the company will re-assign the model name to become a brand name. Over the next four years, the Korean carmaker will introduce a range of numerically named EVs under the new brand, with the even numbers used for sedans and the odd numbers for SUVs. These will start, in early 2021, with the IONIQ 5. In 2022 will come the IONIQ 6 sedan and in early 2024, the IONIQ 7 which will be a large SUV.

The first model, the IONIQ 5, will be a midsize CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) based on the concept 45 which was displayed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motorshow as a homage to its very first concept car. The IONIQ 5’s designers have taken inspiration from the past and integrated it with cutting-edge parametric pixels, a unique design element that Hyundai designers will continue to incorporate into future IONIQ models.

Hyundai Concept 45 and Prophecy
Concept 45 (above) will be the basis of the IONIQ 5′ design, while the Prophecy concept (below) provides the designers with the starting point for the styling of the IONIQ 6.

2020 Hyundai Prophecy concept

The IONIQ 6 sedan will be based on the company’s latest concept car, the Prophecy, which made its debut 5 months ago. The IONIQ 7 SUV will share the vehicles’ common design theme of ‘Timeless Value’. The vehicles will be inspired by past models but they will be a bridge to the future, says Hyundai.

Hyundai IONIQ models

E-GMP platform
All IONIQ models will sit on an Electric Global Modular Platform, known as ‘E-GMP’, that will have fast charging capability and generous driving range. The EV-dedicated platform will allow Hyundai designers to reimagine the cabin as a ‘smart living space’ with highly adjustable seats, wireless connectivity and unique features such as a glovebox designed as drawers.

The platform paradigm shift will extend into the user interfaces that will be simple, intuitive and ergonomically designed to help occupants feel at ease.

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Strategy 2025
The Hyundai Motor Group recently announced that the Group aims to sell 1 million units of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and take 10% share to become a leader in the global EV field by 2025. Under Strategy 2025, Hyundai Motor Company itself aims to become the world’s third-largest automaker of eco-friendly vehicles by 2025, with 560,000 BEV sales in addition to Fuel Cell EV sales.


Hyundai celebrated the launch of the IONIQ brand by turning the London Eye into a giant letter ‘Q’ using electric lights just before the official reopening of the famous attraction. With the otherwise bustling city of London having come to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Hyundai is ‘bringing new energy into the city’ by lighting up and turning one of its most iconic sights once again.


Revised prices of 2020 Hyundai models

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In case you missed the news, if you have any outstanding summonses from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) or Land Public Transport Department (now known as APAD instead of SPAD), you can save some money if you settle before the end of this month.

In conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka Day celebrations, the agencies are offering a 70% discount for all summonses during August 2020. This discount is for all compoundable summonses issued by the JPJ and APAD under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 (Act 334) and Land Public Transport Act 2010(Act 715). Summonses issued by the police are not included in this discount offer.

The discount is offered for speeding offences recorded by AES cameras.

The offences covered include drunk driving, exceeding speed limits as recorded by the AES cameras,and also vehicles which are found to be in a condition that is not roadworthy. Depending on the nature of the offence, the compound fine can be up a maximum of RM300.

If you are blacklisted, this is an opportunity for you to sort the matter out. However, you will need to personally visit a JPJ branch to resolve the matter and then make payment (the discount will still be allowed). For other road-users, payments can be made at JPJ offices or online portals.

JPJ saman summons discount (2)

Note that a summons does not mean you are guilty of the offence. If you read the wording, you will find that it informs you that you have been sighted committing an offence (which will be specified). If you believe you are not guilty, you have a right to challenge the charge in court. However, if you agree that you are guilty, then you just pay the compound fine, saving time for all parties.

Incidentally, in Ipoh, Perak, the city council is also offering motorists a discount on offences related to parking. The discounts range from 30% and 50%.

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Just as car models receive periodic refreshing and updates, so too do the brand identities and other elements of the retail side of the auto business. For authorised Nissan dealers in Malaysia, that time has come and dealerships are progressively switching to the new Nissan Retail Concept (NRC).

The latest is a Nissan 3S centre in Kota Bharu, Kelantan operated by newly appointed dealer, Edaran Nuri Sdn Bhd. With the new NRC, there is the promise of an improved customer experience and journey of Nissan brand. The exterior features iconic red Nissan tablet signage while the exciting ‘Nissan Drive’ sales and consultation areas greet customers with warmth and comfort.

Nissan Edaran Nuri Kelantan

Nissan Edaran Nuri Kelantan

Everything under one roof
The 3S Nissan Centre has a total built-up area of 12,260 square feet and its showroom can display up to 5 models simultaneously. Within the same site is a service centre with 3 bays which can handle up to 15 vehicles per day.

Additional facilities include a cafe-styled customer lounge, free wifi and kids’ area. As taking delivery of a new Nissan is a special occasion, there’s an exclusive delivery bay for customers to receive their vehicles.

Nissan Edaran Nuri Kelantan

Nissan Edaran Nuri Kelantan

“Customer satisfaction is our main priority, and it is important that we work closely with our dealer to serve our customers better. The Nissan Retail Concept is our commitment in providing customers with high quality services and after-sales offerings from the minute they arrive,” said Mr Christopher Tan, Sales & Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the distributor of Nissan vehicles for over 50 years.

SOPs observed
Mr. Tan gave assurance that, in line with government Standard Operating Procedures to curb Covid-19, Nissan showrooms and service centres nationwide carry out temperature checking and social distancing for all staff and customers. Nissan staff wear face masks, while face masks, gloves and hand sanitizers are freely available to customers, if required. Frequent disinfecting is carried out at the showrooms and service centres throughout the day covering every touchpoint including display and test drive vehicles, as well as all customer vehicles before and after service. During this period, contactless payments are encouraged.

For more information on the Nissan network in Malaysia, visit www.nissan.com.my.

New Nissan brand logo for a new era

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♦ A spin in Turn 1 for Sebastian Vettel saw the 4-time World Champion drop from 11th to last in the pack as the cars headed away.

♦ After 10 laps, tyre issues began to start as temperatures rose and the cars came in for tyre changes.  Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel stayed out up to 23 laps but Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen chose to hang for 27 laps before pitting and giving up his leading position momentarily.

♦ Tyre management became increasingly critical for the two Mercedes-AMG cars as the hard compounds blistered.

♦ With 15 laps to go, Hamilton captured the lead but was very concerned about his tyre condition and the blistering.

♦ Understanding that the Mercedes-AMG driver could only do so much with his well worn tyres, Verstappen was told to put the pressure on and close the gap which was about 11 seconds.

♦ With 10 laps to go, Hamilton came in to get fresh tyres and Verstappen took over the lead, with Bottas 4 seconds behind. Charging confidently ahead and setting a new lap record, he got past Charles Leclerc and closed in on Bottas.

♦ In the closing laps, Hamilton got past his team mate but ran out of time to close in on Verstappen who was 9 seconds ahead.

♦ The win today at Silverstone makes it 9 for the Red Bull Racing DutchmanThe 25 points don’t advance his position in the standings but narrow the gap with Bottas.

Red Bull Racing

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Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

Scuderia Alpha Tauri

Alfa Romeo Orlen

BWT Racing Point

Ferrari

Haas F1

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Mention Cadillac and most people outside the USA will have an image of a big, heavy, fuel-guzzling limousine. That’s what the cars of the 118-year old company looked like for decades, with the ultimate being ‘The Beast’ which is the nickname of the car used by the US President.

Like the other American carmakers, Cadillac was aware of the need to be indifferent to the issue of fuel consumption, especially after the energy crises of the 1970s. But it still had big engines that traditional customers liked, although new technologies helped make them fuel-efficient and new materials and engineering reduced weight.

But there’s a limit to how much an internal combustion engine can be improved, and manufacturers are now switching to electric motors that require no fossil fuel at all. Cadillac is readying for the transition. It has revealed its first all-electric vehicle (EV) as a concept model with the production version expected to go on sale in late 2022,

Cadillac LYRIQ

Cadillac LYRIQ

To use GM’s Ultium EV platform
Known as the LYRIQ, this is a crossover SUV based on GM’s next-generation, modular EV platform and driven by the Ultium propulsion system. With range being one of the biggest factors when it comes to selecting an EV, the target is 480 kms or more of range on a full charge. Charging options that fit a variety of preferences include DC fast-charging rates over 150 kW and Level 2 charging rates up to 19 kW.

The Ultium’s NCMA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminium) chemistry uses aluminium in the cathode to help reduce the need for rare-earth materials such as cobalt. In fact, GM engineers reduced the cobalt content by more than 70%, compared to current GM batteries.

GM Ultium battery pack
GM Ultium battery pack and platform.

The advanced battery chemistry is packed in large, flat pouch cells that enable smart module construction to reduce complexity and simplify cooling needs. Additionally, the battery electronics are incorporated directly into the modules, eliminating nearly 90% of the battery pack wiring, compared to GM’s current electric vehicles.

Within the LYRIQ, the Ultium battery system is a structural element of the architecture, integrated in ways that contribute to ride and handling, as well as safety. In fact, the lower centre of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution enabled by the placement of the battery pack provides benefits to handling.

Cadillac LYRIQ

Additionally, the LYRIQ is driven primarily by the rear wheels, with a performance all-wheel drive option available. The placement of the drive motor at the rear gives an even greater feeling of balance and agility. It also enables the system to channel more torque to the pavement without wheelspin for exhilarating acceleration and greater cornering capability.

Vehicles equipped with performance all-wheel drive go a step further, with a second drive unit placed at the front which allows for a significant amount of tuning flexibility, enhancing vehicle dynamics and performance.

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New architecture, new possibilities
Inside, the LYRIQ’s new architecture opens up possibilities in spaciousness and design, encouraging the designers to rethink how to use the space and where to locate various interior elements. The more airy, minimalistic design does more to involve the driver and passengers in the driving experience while offering exceptional functionality when it comes to storage solutions.

The LYRIQ is said to offer Cadillac’s highest level of driver information, infotainment and connectivity integration. A 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display integrates a single, large screen that spans the viewing area for the driver and incorporates driver information details, infotainment controls and camera views.

Cadillac LYRIQ

This new display has the highest pixel density currently available in the automotive industry and can display over one billion colours. That’s 64 times more than any other vehicle in the industry.

A new dual-plane augmented reality-enhanced head-up display employs two planes: a near plane indicating speed, direction and more, and a far plane displaying transparent navigation signals and other important alerts.

Active noise cancellation technology
For the first time, Cadillac will introduce a new road noise cancellation technology, which takes active noise cancellation to the next level by introducing more microphones and accelerometers. With this new system, Cadillac’s performance and audio engineers can target the frequency range of tyre cavity noise, reducing the noise level in the vehicle and allowing for a quieter in-cabin experience.

Cadillac LYRIQ

The LYRIQ builds on the brand’s exclusive partnership with AKG. The objective was to deliver a sound experience that would transport the driver into a recording studio. The result is a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system that delivers exceptionally crisp and precise sound reproduction.

“Led by LYRIQ, Cadillac will redefine American luxury over the next decade with a new portfolio of transformative EVs,” said Steve Carlisle, Executive Vice-President & President, GM North America. “We will deliver experiences that engage the senses, anticipate desires and enable our customers to go on extraordinary journeys.”

GM looking forward to all-electric future with Ultium batteries

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Race starts at 2:10 pm British time/9:10 pm Malaysian time

Following the British Grand Prix a week ago, F1 extends its stay at Silverstone this weekend with Round 5 of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship – the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. The event has been named in celebration of the inaugural World Championship, the first event of which was the British (and honorary European) Grand Prix which took place at Silverstone on May 13th, 1950.

The circuit is noted for its fast, flowing corners but the intricacies of the lower-speed ‘Arena’ section between Abbey and the Wellington Straight are often where time is to be gained or lost. Silverstone is a difficult circuit on which to overtake and qualifying position is frequently paramount: thus, these sections receive just as much attention in set-up discussions as the famed high-speed turns at Copse, Stowe and the Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel complex.

Formula 1

Silverstone

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Silverstone

Formula 1

Whereas last weekend’s British Grand Prix used the three hardest compounds in Pirelli’s range, a change in allocation this weekend alters the complexion of the race. For the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, the allocation moves a step softer with C2, C3 and C4 tyres available.

While every team converged on a one-stop strategy last Sunday, the use of softer tyres on a fast, high-energy circuit makes a similar plan inherently risky this weekend. With a two-stop race more likely, greater strategic options come into play on the fast Silverstone layout.

“This weekend at Silverstone will be a real challenge with higher temperatures and softer compounds. The hotter conditions brought the field closer together last week and the softer tyres will mean more pit stops and more variability with strategy, so we can expect a good fight,” said Toto Wolff, Mercedes-AMG team boss.

After 4 rounds, Mercedes-AMG driver Lewis Hamilton already has a commanding lead of 30 points in the race for the Drivers’ Championship. His closest rival is team-mate Valtteri Bottas, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen a further 6 points back.

Drivers Championship after 4 rounds

Ferrari F1

Formula 1

Formula 1

With the contribution made by Hamilton’s victories, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team has an equally daunting advantage in the Constructors’ Championship table, enjoying a 68-point lead. The controversy over the brake ducts on the BWT Racing Point car, which were the subject of a protect by the Renault team, reached a conclusion yesterday as the FIA decided to deduct 15 championship points from the team’s current standing. They have also been fined €400,000 (about RM1.97 million).

BWT Racing Point

BWT Racing Point will be appealing but Ferrari, McLaren and Renault have also issued statement that declare an intention to appeal against that decision. There are other issues which have come to light which the teams now want the FIA to clarify.

Constructors Championship after 4 rounds
*: BWT Racing Point had a 15-point deduction for a technical issue.

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Volvo Car Malaysia’s Merdeka Campaign this year pays homage to the country’s 63rd National Day with the belief that good things come in three. And so it will centre upon three Volvo sedans – the S60 T8 R-Design, S90 T8 Inscription Plus and S90 T8 Special Edition – with three special deals – free first-year insurance, free Polestar optimisation package and free 5-year service maintenance (VSA5+).

“Coming off the back of our most successful month since the inception of Volvo Car Malaysia in 1999, with 286 units sold in July, we hope that our Volvo 2020 Merdeka Campaign will spur Malaysians to consider the additional benefits of having a car that is powerful yet safe. As an automotive brand, we are committed to making the roads safer for both drivers and passengers through leading safety features and innovation that have been carefully engineered into our cars. Together with our legacy in Malaysia and our Swedish heritage, we want to continue to provide safer, more sustainable and premium experiences for more generations of Malaysians to come,” said Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM).

Besides the special deals, VCM is also adding extra deals for buyers of the S90 Inscription Plus and S90 T8 Special Edition. For the former, there’s a RM15,000 voucher to purchase accessories while those who buy the latter will get a complimentary exterior styling kit and a 20-inch rim and tyre package worth RM35,000.

Volvo

Through this campaign, Volvo Car Malaysia is also offering everyone a chance to own exclusive Volvo merchandise such as watches, sunglasses, electric ride-on cars for children and more, at a special bundled price of RM1,957. There is a bundle deal for men, women and children, with each category consisting of specific lifestyle items.

Volvo
A Volvo for the little ones.

Finally, in collaboration with Thule Malaysia, Volvo Car owners who present their car key when purchasing any Thule Crossover 2 luggage bags and backpacks will be given a Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Organiser worth RM119. They will also receive a 15% discount on all Thule items until the end of December 2020.

Full Volvo pricelist with Sales Tax exemption

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Though it has a variety of models, vehicles made in India have not have a significant impact on the world market. But that should change, thanks to Kia Motors which has today unveiled the Sonet, and the Korean brand’s made-in-India global product after the Seltos.

Manufactured at Kia’s state-of-the-art production facility at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, the Sonet is Kia’s latest all-new urban compact SUV., It marks the brand’s entry into the competitive and still growing compact SUV segment, with first-in-class features that are said to set new benchmarks.

The Sonet will be launched in India soon, followed by exports to many other markets around the world. Pricing ranges from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 13 lakh (about RM47,000 – RM73,000) in the domestic market.

2020 Kia Seltos

Another tiger nose grille interpretation
The Sonet incorporates Kia’s DNA of emotive styling, displaying a dynamic stance in a compact body. Up front, a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ mesh grille pays respects to India’s historic strengths in sophisticated mathematics, science and architecture. The 3-dimensional geometric design inspired by India’s iconic stepwells.

It is flanked by ‘heartbeat’ LED DRLs (daytime running lights). Shaped like the electric pulse of a heart, the theme is also used for the rear lighting units. A stylish front skidplate contributes to the rugged image while the silhouette incorporates a unique design and structure for the C-pillar, matched with a wraparound rear windscreen.

2020 Kia Seltos

2020 Kia Seltos

Compact outside, ergonomic inside
Inside, the Sonet is designed around the driver, with a well laid-out, easy-to-use connected infotainment and cluster interface. Despite compact exterior dimensions, the interior of the Sonet offers ample space for all passengers with ergonomic considerations met.

To suit a wide array of customers, the Sonet will be offered in a dual trim concept. This will include the sporty GT-Line trim for enthusiasts. GT-Line models are finished with contrast red stitching on the steering wheel, seats and door armrest, with a D-cut steering wheel for the driver.

2020 Kia Seltos

The dashboard has the largest-in-segment 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with infotainment and navigation system which uses Kia’s connected car technology. Additionally, the 4.2-inch instrument cluster presents important information to the driver in vivid colour and clarity, such as turn-by-turn navigation instructions, tyre pressure, drive mode and traction mode selection.

To create a concert-like ambience, the Sonet is the only vehicle in its category to offer audio performance from BOSE, with a 7-speaker system. Other mood enhancers include the LED Sound Mood Lighting, introducing a level of personalisation unique to this segment, as well as a wireless smartphone charger with cooling function. The two front seats are ventilated, which should be a welcome feature in hot climates.

2020 Kia Seltos

Important for these times is Kia’s Smart Pure Air Purifier with virus protection. This is a 2-level purification system with a pollutant-cleansing HEPA N29 filter. The filter uses fibre made from nano-ionic bonding technology of copper sulphide, effective in removing pollutants and bacteria from the cabin air. The second level of filtration is achieved with a UV-C LED beam, UV rays having been proven to kill bacteria.

Multiple powertrain options
The Sonet will be offered with multiple powertrain options to suit different markets. There’s a choice of two petrol engines – a Smartstream 1.2-litre 4-cylinder unit and a 1.0 T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) – as well as an efficient 1.5-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine.

Customers will be able to choose from up to 5 transmission types (depending on market) – 5 and 6-speed manuals, a 7-speed DCT, 6-speed automatic, and Kia’s revolutionary new 6-speed Smartstream intelligent manual transmission (iMT). The iMT is said to be a technological breakthrough from Kia, offering fatigue-free driving by omitting a clutch pedal. For the first time in this segment, the Sonet also offers a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine with the 6-speed automatic transmission.

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The ride and handling have been tuned by Kia engineers at the brand’s Namyang R&D headquarters in Korea as well as at the brand’s Development Centre at Anantapur. Sonet prototypes have been driven and tested for over 100,000 kilometres on Indian roads, across a variety of conditions, to confirm durability and reliability.

2020 Kia Seltos

Aiming at millennials and Gen Z
“Kia Motors continues to be recognised globally through products which offer exquisite design and world-class quality, along with ‘The Power to Surprise’. Everything about the all-new Sonet is uniquely Kia and is sure to delight both drivers and passengers,” said Ho Sung Song, President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation.

“With its aggressive and modern design language, fun-to-drive dynamics, and Kia’s latest high-tech features, the Sonet puts an exclamation point on our ambition to make Kia the brand of choice, especially among millennial and Gen Z consumers. The Sonet fills a need in the growing SUV market, in India and further afield, and will attract a wider number of consumers to the Kia brand,” he said with confidence.

Hyundai and Kia vehicles will have cleaner air in cabins in future (w/VIDEO)

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