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REVIEWED: Volkswagen Beetle Sport 1.2 TSI

You know the hard part about this job is not doing it, because with practice it becomes almost second nature. We’re not born to do this job though, nobody is, it all stems from passion for anything and everything automotive, short of a ride-on lawnmower. But I’d have a go at that too if given the chance…

No, the hard part of this job is returning the review cars that we reeeeeally liked. In fact some of us motoring scribes have even gone as far as to buy the cars we liked reviewing so much; yes, it happens more often than you’d imagine. The Mazda3 hatch was one such car, I think there were at least 4 who bought this car after reviewing it for their respective publications / websites. For me it’s only happened once in my career, with the Proton Satria GTI.

Well in that respect then, so is this, the VW Beetle Sport 1.2 TSI. Now anyone who knows me, knows very well that I’m more into retro, classic and old-school type cars as a personal choice, seeing as how my daily-runner is a car that’s older than 80% of you reading this, and comes from a time when this laptop I’m hacking away on didn’t even exist yet. Heck, websites didn’t exist yet. And the thing is, I’ve never been into Beetles. Ever. The Beatles yes, but Beetles, no.

I won’t deny though, that the allure and appeal of the Beetle, now spanning 80 years (yes, eighty!) has never really waned. From the early models (above) to this latest one, there have always been followers for this most iconic of cars.

So iconic that in the span of eight decades, its external design (above) hasn’t really evolved that much, except maybe to become more streamlined, sophisticated, sporty and pedestrian friendly. Oh, and metallic paint of course. Also, I doubt this new one floats…

It still sports ’round-eyes’ and almost comically exaggerated wheel-arches, just like the original, and even pays homage to the latter on the inside, where the whole dashboard is colour coded to the exterior. Even the additional glove-box (below) is a direct copy of the one found in the classic Beetle. Epic.

It’s kinda hard to not like something as cool as this. But the similarities with its forefather pretty much end there, because under this new Beetle’s hood is an engine, and the boot this time is conventionally at the back. Speaking of engines, the Beetle Sport is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged (TSI) 4-cyl engine capable of 105Ps and 175Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DSG with paddle-shifts.

Earth-shattering figures these aren’t, and well, maybe they’re not supposed to be, since this isn’t a Beetle RSI, remember that? Let’s sidetrack: Behold the maddest production Beetle ever….

The VW Beetle RSI was limited to only 250 units, and since it was a special edition of the vehicle, the Beetle RSI came with a 3.2 liter, 24-valve V6 engine which could produce 220bhp at 6200 rpm. (Photo & Text from AutoEvolution)

This Beetle Sport though has nowhere near that kind of oomph, but in all fairness, it shouldn’t anyway. There’s a bit of turbo-lag during initial acceleration, but once that turbine spools up, this little fella becomes pretty sprightly. It cruises into triple-digit speeds fairly quickly if given the beans, and of course being a VW, chassis-rigidity and NVH are right up there with the best of them.

There isn’t much room in the back for passengers, especially with me at the wheel, but surprisingly, the boot is huge for a car in this class (see gallery). One big gripe I had though is the position of the seat-belt anchors. Because this car is a 2-door, you’ll notice that the B-pillars (below) are much further back than they would be in a 4-door car, so even at 6’2″ and my driving position, I was having a hard time reaching back for the seat belt, located on the aforementioned B-pillar. I can only imagine how difficult it would be for more petite drivers.

I use the word ‘petite’ because throughout my time with the Beetle Sport, it only seemed to be the fairer-sex who were taking an active interest in checking out the car. Unless of course it was me they were checking out… no, I don’t think so. Really.

Another issue I had with the Beetle was the ridiculously large rear blind-spot created by the huge C-pillar (above & below). It looks great styling-wise, affording the Beetle a chunky swept-back coupe-ish look, but from the inside, I nearly reversed into a fork-lift which managed to hide perfectly in the said gargantuan blind-spot. So yeah, craning your neck to have a look-around before reversing is a must, and thankfully the Beetle Sport does have parking/proximity sensors to assist.

(For the full spec & price list, click this: vw-modelspecsheet-beetle-wm or click this link)

These are minor gripes though, because when it comes to actual driving, the Beetle Sport is every bit as fun as the original promised to be so many decades ago. It feels light and agile, spirited even. It feels like it wants to take the longer route, and because it’s so much fun to pootle around in, you will find yourself indeed taking that longer route to get somewhere, just so you can drive this thing more.

The Beetle Sport warrants me to use a term I coined a while ago, when it came to describing the Mazda MX-5. I called it a ‘happy car’. Weird right? But that’s what it was. It was the kind of car that makes you happy to drive, the kind of car that makes you want to drive it just for the hell of it. That’s exactly what this Beetle Sport does too. It even makes you feel happy just walking up to it…

Priced at RM147,888 (NSP) it’s by no means cheap, but then again, what price can you really put on something that makes you happy just seeing it parked in your porch? Heck, if this thing was a convertible, it would be perfect. – Chris Wee.

VW Beetle Sport 1.2 TSI Photo Gallery…

Hyundai Tucson Ranked Most Dependable Small SUV By J.D. Power

The Hyundai Tucson has received the distinct honor of Most Dependable Small SUV by J.D. Power in their 2018 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The annual Vehicle Dependability Study shows Tucson ranked highest in its class, beating out leading competitors. Overall, Hyundai scored an impressive sixth-place finish in the entire industry and third-best in the non-premium category, while the Hyundai Santa Fe also ranked second in its segment. Earlier, the Ioniq won the What Car? Best Hybrid Award too.

“In one of the most competitive segments in the industry, Tucson places highest in its class,” said Barry Ratzlaff, vice president of customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai is committed to providing customers with high-value vehicles that withstand the test of time. The quality and dependability of our models is important to reassuring owners that we care about their Hyundai experience beyond their initial purchase at the dealership. The results for Santa Fe and Tucson show, as our CUV lineup expands, long-term quality will be a real strength for us.”

For the 2018 model year, Tucson adds a 7-inch audio display system with expanded availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio and heated seats. More than 90 percent of 2018 model year Tucsons have these technologies included and are at dealerships now.

More on the J.D. Power VDS…

The study, now in its 29th year, examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 2015 model-year vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study covers 177 specific problems grouped into eight major vehicle categories.

BMW “Oil Inclusive Programme” Now Available With Maybank Instalment Plan

The BMW Oil Inclusive Programme, another industry-first offering from BMW Group Malaysia, is now available for all BMW vehicles with Maybank Instalment plan. Maybank cardholders can now enjoy a 6 to 12 months repayment period, through the Ezypay method, with a minimum spend of RM 500. The instalment plan is available for all aftersales transactions including Vehicle Service, Extension of Warranty and Service Packages, Repair, Body and Paint, Parts and Accessory, and Lifestyle items.

Commenting on the value-added service, Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “We at BMW Group Malaysia are always in an ongoing pursuit of ways to enhance the sheer pleasure of a BMW ownership experience by providing quality initiatives. With this new offer, our goal is to affirm our initial sentiments for owners to enjoy their cars and peace of mind ownership experience even after the original service period.”

Stefan Sloboda, Head of Aftersales, BMW Malaysia expressed that “The plan with Maybank will allow more BMW customers to enjoy the freedom of further enjoying their premium ownership experience with their BMW vehicles.”

The BMW Oil Inclusive Programme allows BMW owners to extend the service for their vehicles within a set number of years or mileage period at a competitive price, with a choice of 5 Years / 60,000km or 5 Years / 100,000km.

Take for example a BMW 1 Series registered in 2013 would now be out of its service and warranty programme with its current mileage of (approx.) 70,000km. Acquiring the 5 Years / 100,000km Oil Inclusive Programme this year (2018) will allow the owner to continue the Free Scheduled Service programme for his BMW 1 Series until year 2023 or 170,000km, whichever comes first.

Below shows the approximate cost per service according to the vehicle models respectively*, calculated based on average vehicle service interval of 10,000km, which could differ by vehicle manufacturing date and user’s driving behaviour.

Time / Mileage (years – km)	5 years / 60,000 km	5 years / 100,000 km
BMW 1 & BMW 2 Series	RM 494	RM 342
BMW M2	RM 812	RM 548
BMW 3 & BMW 4 Series	RM 519	RM 362
BMW M3 & BMW M4	RM 812	RM 548
BMW 5 Series	RM 544	RM 377
BMW M5	RM 1097	RM 744
BMW 6 & BMW 7 Series	RM 645	RM 447
BMW M6	RM 1097	RM 744
BMW X1	RM 503	RM 347
BMW X3 & BMW X4	RM 519	RM 362
BMW X5 & BMW X6	RM 595	RM 412
BMW X5M & BMW X6M	RM 1080	RM 734
BMW Z4	RM 511	RM 352
BMW I8	RM 503	RM 347

With the BMW Oil Inclusive Programme, owners can enjoy a fixed price for the next 5 years and peace of mind as trained BMW Certified Technicians service their vehicles with the latest know-how, technology, and equipment. Of course, the BMW Oil Inclusive Programme includes BMW Genuine Oil (Full Synthetic), BMW Oil Filter, and labour.

Catered for BMW vehicles without any active package with BMW or out of BMW Warranty and Service Package, this vehicle service interval is Condition Based Service with an average of 10,000km service interval, which could differ by vehicle manufacturing date and user’s driving behaviour.

For more information and purchase of the New BMW Oil Inclusive Programme, visit your preferred BMW Authorised Dealership.

* Prices shown are retail prices inclusive of 6% GST.

* Prices shown are valid as of time of publish.

* BMW Malaysia reserves the right to change the above prices without any prior notification.

Would You Buy A Skoda… Again?

Remember the Skoda brand? It used to be a lot more prominent in the country some time ago, but it seems to have faded into obscurity hasn’t it? Pity because I thought this Skoda Superb was, well, superb…

I do get a feeling though that the brand might be poised for a resurgence locally, especially with the likes of the new Karoq SUV (below) in the pipeline.

Globally, Skoda plans a “significant sales increase” by the year 2025, and this new Karoq is supposed to spearhead that charge, as it replaces the very popular (in Europe) Yeti mid-size SUV (below).

“Latest to arrive on the scene is the new Skoda Karoq, a model which has an integral role to play in the firm’s long-term plan to significantly increase sales by 2025. More than that, though, it has a hard act to follow, replacing the much-loved Yeti as the company’s contender in the mid-size SUV class.” – Auto Express.

Image & Info Source: Auto Express

Shell Diesel Euro 5 Now Available In E.Malaysia

Diesel vehicle owners in Sarawak take note! You can now get Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 at stations in Bintulu and soon to be followed by other major cities in Sarawak namely Miri, Kuching, and Sibu.

Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Timur Sdn Bhd said, “We are proud to announce the availability of our Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 in Sarawak. Here at Shell, our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are on a mission to make their life’s journeys better. Hence, we are bringing our best diesel fuel to Sarawak that will give our customers one less worry on the road and help them leave happier for their journey ahead. This is also in line with our strategy of providing cleaner and innovative energy solutions, leveraging on our leadership in fuels technology.”

Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 is formulated with DYNAFLEX Technology, with new dirt-busting molecules for a clean and efficient engine. The technology helps to clean and protect key fuel system components, such as fuel injectors, from build ups that may reduce engine’s performance. In addition, the new Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 contains less than 10 mg/kg of sulphur, making it suitable for modern diesel engines which requires low sulphur diesel fuel.

Motorists can now enjoy the benefits of the all new Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 at selected stations in Sarawak. For more information, please visit www.shell.com.my/SarawakE5

New Toyota Supra Caught Testing Ahead Of 2018 Geneva Motorshow Debut!

According to Auto Express, Toyota is “set to excite car enthusiasts around the world” at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and AE have given us the first glimpse of the new Supra in a ‘modern racing concept’ form, seen undergoing testing at the famed Nurburgring.

It also appears the production car’s all-important powertrain details have leaked out via a scanned copy of the March edition of Japan’s Best Car magazine, posted on the VW Vortex forum.

It reveals that the Japanese-spec car features a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine putting out 330bhp and 450Nm of torque, with an extra 50Nm added thanks to an overboost function.

A 0-100kmh time is quoted at 3.8 seconds. Power is said to be put down through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, though it’s not clear yet if a manual will also be available.

“The leaked report also suggests that the new Supra is 4.38m long, 1.86m wide and 1.29m tall, with a 2.47m wheelbase. The six-cylinder variant is said to weigh just under 1,500kg. Previous reports have suggested that a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder motor would also be offered, and shared with the next BMW Z4.” – Auto Express.

2018 Toyota Supra Photo Gallery (All images courtesy of Auto Express)

REVIEWED: Kia Optima GT 2.0 T-GDI [+Video]

Would you believe that the Kia Optima GT has air-conditioned seats? Hard to imagine a car in this segment having such a feature, but I guess it came part and parcel in its CBU form, which also boasts a heated steering-wheel. No, really, I tried it, and it works…

Now apart from the Kia Stinger, which we featured here taking on a Porsche and BMW, Kia isn’t really a brand known for making exciting cars, I mean seriously, can you remember back in the year 2000 when Kia debuted the Optima looking like this?

Fast-forward to 2018, and now it looks like this:

Quite an amazing transformation over the last couple of decades wouldn’t you say? You can thank Peter Schreyer for that. But you know what, it’s not just in the way the car looks that’s mind-blowing, it’s the whole package really…

Powering the Optima GT is a 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine (T-GDI) with three drive-modes (Normal, Eco & Sport) that churns out a whopping 252bhp and 350Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels via a torque-converter 6-speed auto-tranny with paddle-shifts. This allows the Optima GT to complete the 0-100kmh sprint in 7.4sec.

The icing on the cake though, is the ‘manufactured’ engine note, that comes off sounding more like an old-school burbling V8 than an in-line four. This raspy and rumbling sound, clearly audible from the cabin, can be suppressed by selecting the ‘Eco’ drive-mode, but becomes even more pronounced when ‘Sport’ mode is selected.

It’s a brilliant car to drive, and here’s a short video of my take on it:

Perhaps the only downside to this car is its price tag. Coming in at around RM175,000 on the road without insurance, it falls squarely in Teana, Camry and Accord territory, and those 3 have dominated D-seg sales for the longest time haven’t they? Rhetorical question.

The funny thing is though, I reckon Kia knew this full well; I mean who wouldn’t know the market they’re trying to penetrate right? And yet, here it is, the Optima GT. It’s a lot of money to pay for an Optima, or even a Kia for that matter, a brand that has nowhere near the presence and steadfast-solid reputation of the aforementioned Big Three.

But maybe it’s exactly that bravado, that unabashed gall to even think of taking on the Big Three that sets this car apart from the rest. It had to be different, and it is. Unapologetically so.

There’s no denying it looks very good, but it also goes really well and offers the kind of NVH suppression that’s right up there with the best of them. And it also has the plus point of being absolutely, unbelievably bonkers when it comes to sheer power.

I doubt it’ll sell in vast numbers, and maybe it shouldn’t, for it’s own sake.

Being exclusive and brilliantly, unabashedly different in a segment that’s bordering on staid, the Kia Optima GT certainly stands out head and shoulders above the rest. – Chris Wee.

Kia Optima GT 2.0 T-GDI Photo Gallery…

All-New 2018 Ford Focus Revealed!

Thanks to Auto Express, here’s the first-look at the new Ford Focus! The latest edition of Ford’s immensely popular family hatchback and hot-hatch is scheduled to be revealed in full in very soon, but an image that appeared on a Hungarian website has let the cat out of the bag early.

“The new Focus was snapped on a location shoot in Portugal and you can see from the image that the car’s minders would rather it hadn’t been. The rear spoiler, large alloy wheels and red brake calipers on the car in the picture suggests that this is the up-spec Ford Focus ST-Line model that’s set to head-up the range alongside the more luxury-orientated Vignale before a full blown Focus ST hot hatchputs in an appearance.” – Auto Express.

2018 Ford Focus Photo Gallery… (All images courtesy of Auto Express)

Rolls-Royce Reveals Name Of New High-Bodied Motor Car! [+Video]

Three years ago in the pages of The Financial Times, Rolls-Royce announced to the world that it would create an all-new, high-bodied car that would redefine luxury travel by making it Effortless, Everywhere. Since that day the world has waited, anticipating the arrival of this mould-breaking new Rolls-Royce.

Today, the wait is almost over as Rolls-Royce confirms that its new motor car will be called Cullinan.

“The name Cullinan has been hiding in plain sight since we revealed it as the project name some years ago,” comments Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce. “It is the most fitting name for our extraordinary new product. Cullinan is a motor car of such clarity of purpose, such flawless quality and preciousness, and such presence that it recalibrates the scale and possibility of true luxury. Just like the Cullinan Diamond, the largest flawless diamond ever found, it emerges when it is perfect and exists above all others.”

The story of how this new Rolls-Royce came to be named Cullinan is itself one of the pursuit of perfection. Like the diamond, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has undertaken a fascinating journey. From the searing deserts of Africa and the Middle East to the freezing snows of the Arctic Circle; from the grassy glens of the Scottish Highlands to the towering canyons of North America, the designers, engineers, craftspeople and artisans of the House of Rolls-Royce have shaped, tested and polished this unique motor car to eliminate any flaw and make it Effortless, Everywhere.

“We were inspired by the epic processes, over many millennia, which went into the creation of the Cullinan Diamond. The name embodies the many facets of our new motor car’s promise. It speaks of endurance and absolute solidity in the face of the greatest pressures; it tells of rarity and preciousness and it alludes to the pioneering, adventurous spirit of The Hon. Charles Rolls and the engineering innovation of Sir Henry Royce; and, of course, it speaks of absolute luxury, wherever you venture in the world” continued Müller-Ötvös.

Cullinan is the second Rolls-Royce to sit atop the company’s recently announced all-new proprietary aluminium spaceframe ‘Architecture of Luxury’. Unique and unequalled in its brilliance, every facet of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan scintillates.

Müller-Ötvös concludes: “Quite simply, the name Cullinan is perfect and brilliant.”

What is the “Cullinan”?

The Cullinan Diamond (below) was extracted from a mine deep in South Africa’s Magaliesberg Mountains in 1905, and at 3,106 carats, remains the largest diamond ever discovered. Cleaved into nine stones, cut and polished, the two largest portions of the Cullinan reside in the British Imperial Crown and Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.

The alleged story of how the Cullinan diamond travelled to take up its place in the British Crown Jewels is as interesting as the diamond itself. The Transvaal government of the day purchased it for £150,000. A prize surely fit for a King, their plan was to present it to King Edward VII on his 66th birthday, in the hope that such a gift would help heal the wounds of the recently ended Boer War.

Its journey to England would prove to be the diamond’s next big adventure. Given its size and value, it was bound to attract much unwanted attention. So detectives were sent from London to provide a visible and secure escort for the diamond on board a passenger steamboat bound for Britain. The treasure was ceremoniously placed in the ship’s Captain’s safe and guarded throughout its entire journey.

Or so it appeared…. Legend has it that that was all a sleight of hand. That the police and the safe were just an elaborate ruse. The diamond in that ship’s safe, protected by those police officers, was said to be a resin replica, whilst the real Cullinan was simply sent to London by registered post to the Foreign Office to be presented to the King. (Brilliant! – CW)

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Photo Gallery…