BIKES: MID-WEEK FEATURE – 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon Reviewed! Is This The Most ‘Complete’ Bike From Ducati?

It takes more than just a beautiful-looking machine with an impressive list of specifications to pull-off this feat that most folks would consider as ‘complete’. All the exact elements must blend in perfect harmony and this requires more than just fabricating machines and internal combustion engines when it comes to motorcycles. Ducati managed to pull off this feat by including spirit, joy, passion, people, lifestyle, and most important of all, satisfaction to the senses.

Our most recent trip to Bologna, Italy really showed us Ducati’s true colours not only in manufacturing some of the world’s most impressive high-performance motorcycles, but also showcasing how these bikes were born and bred to represent their lifestyle filled with fun, adventure, and the incarnation of the free-spirit.

The highlighted bike of the trip was none other than the 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon and with Tuscany placed as the heart of the entire showcase, the entire Ducati Scrambler team brought the event to a whole new level when it comes to their latest evolution and addition to the ‘Land of Joy’ line-up.

It did not take us very long to experience the ‘magic’ behind the new 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon. After 12 hours on two different aeroplanes, a 3-hour transit layover, and 2 hours on a bus from Borgo Panigale all the way to Borgo San Luigi, we had little time to prepare for what’s to come next.

It was only a short 10km ride up to Colle di Val d’Elsa for a short film showcasing the story behind the Ducati Scrambler and the new Icon but riding out from the hotel when the sun was setting with dust flying up from the gravel road couldn’t have been more epic. That perfect moment was more than enough to school me into believing that the Ducati Scrambler Icon is more than just a bike. It was a lifestyle meant to be experienced at its finest.

Two different riding routes were planned for us on the very next day where we tackled the winding hill road of the world famous Chianti Hills in the heart of Tuscany and an even more stunning panoramic route through Casole, Sovicille, and back up again through Monteriggioni.

Starting with the overall looks of the new Scrambler Icon, there’s not that much of a difference which can be seen which is what the Scrambler design theme had in mind. The previous was already impressive but it was lacking something that we couldn’t really comprehend at the time. This can be translated to a dash of ‘premium’ which is what the new Icon has at a level that is just right.

Upon inspection when compared side by side with the 2015 Scrambler Icon, all of us definitely noticed these said changes that not only elevated the machine but pulling off a timeless look but also maintained its modern classic appeal. Changes such as its new front headlamp with Daytime-Running Lights and a cool-looking ‘X’ feature really did set the tone for a good day of riding.

Other new external changes which add up to a more ‘premium’ package include:

Beefier aluminium side panels
LED indicators with auto turn-off feature
Styling updates for the wheels, exhaust headers, and muffler
New black gloss finishes for the engine cases

All these changes were welcomed with open arms as they brought a whole new look and feel to the Ducati Scrambler without sacrificing any of the elements that pay homage to the original spirit of the Ducati Scrambler. The true Italian spirit of adventure still resides in the new generation of Scrambler which will cater brilliantly to the masses.

As for the 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon’s overall riding experience, the team had their sights on making the already versatile bike even more comfortable. These include a flatter seat that offers better riding positioning, a hydraulic clutch for ease of use, and a wider flat handlebar which houses new ergonomic switches.

The display panel looks exactly like the one found on the previous model but it has been updated with two new features which we simply adore; a gear indicator and fuel gauge! These may be modern features but catering to the free-spirited riding community, the last thing bike owners would want to worry about is how much fuel is left by peeking into the tank and sloshing the bike around for signs of petrol.

A host of internal upgrades also gave the new Icon a great riding experience that offers comfort, fun, agility, as well as safety. The suspension package has been revised which seemed excellent to some media members but a bit on the softer end for some. After 140km of riding, it seemed almost impossible to find any fault with the brand new machine.

The safety aspect has been elevated as well as the bike is meant to tackle a variety of road condition such as city streets and minor off-road excursions. The addition of an six-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit) and Cornering ABS taken straight from the Ducati Panigale superbike series, the Scrambler Icon is now safer than ever.

The 2019 Icon still retains its 803cc L-Twin Desmodue Euro4-compliant engine offers smooth response and linear torque through the gears. Tackling the winding hill sections was great fun and worry-free as most of us only had to maintain it in third for some fun in the sun.

As for power and speed, the 803cc engine simply delivers without overwhelming the rider. Just kick it into fourth and fifth and you’ll easily find yourself flying at exciting speeds which was thoroughly enjoyed by the whole lot.

Other aspects of the Icon have been retained from the previous generation in which the Ducati design team figured that the new updates are capable of bringing out the best of the hardware already on offer in the recent years. The Icon was never meant to be a full-fledged off-road machine but thanks to specs like the Pirelli MT60 rubbers and more, the latest-generation Scrambler will not be able to stop those with the heart to explore and venture into slightly rougher terrains.

All in all, the new Ducati Scrambler Icon is the true representation of the Italian culture, spirit, and adventurous lifestyle for those who seek something exciting and bold yet youthful. Having met the people and explored the wonderful roads of Tuscany, we finally understand how the Scrambler Icon is not just a bike but a true statement of passion and joy in a culture that demands to be free.

As for pricing, the current generation is priced at RM55,900 (recommended retail price sans road tax & insurance) and we expect a slight hike for the 2019 model considering all the extra bits fitted onto it like the Cornering ABS plus more.

The new 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon is without a doubt Ducati’s ultimate bike when it comes to evoking the true sense of emotions, pleasure, and culture of the true Italian spirit that is the Land of Joy. While the brand is widely-known for some of the world’s most impressive motorcycles ever made like the Ducati Panigale V4, the true form of #Joyvolution is represented the most in the Ducati Scrambler range. – Sep Irran, Editor @ MotoMalaya.net

Bentley Bentayga V8 Debuts In Malaysia!

Since its introduction, the Bentley Bentayga has defined a new sector and set the luxury SUV benchmark, offering customers the ultimate Grand Touring experience unrestricted by landscape or conditions. The award-winning Bentley model is now available in Malaysia in its most sporting guise to date – the Bentayga V8.

“The Bentayga V8 is the ultimate luxury SUV that delivers an uncompromising Bentley experience on- and off-road. We know this new model will be highly sought after by our customers thanks to its sleek, sporty look, immense power and acceleration,” explained Jerry Lee, Managing Director of Wearnes Quest.

At the heart of the latest Bentayga model is a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency. The addition of a characteristic V8 burble, stylish twin-quad exhaust pipes and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, reveals more of the luxury SUV’s sporting character. Sitting at the core of the Bentayga range, the new V8 model fuses exquisite luxury with power, usability and extensive sporting ability. Its responsive performance is fully customisable on demand by the driver through Bentley’s Drive Dynamics system, from limousine-like refinement to sporting precision.

In a nutshell…

• Power, luxury, usability and sportiness
• 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine develops 542 bhp
(550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque
• 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds); top speed of
180 mph (290 km/h)
• Unmistakable V8 engine burble adds to emotional allure
• Optional carbon-ceramic brakes – world’s largest front brake system

To read more about the Bentley Bentayga V8, download this FULL press release: 01 Press Information – Bentayga V8 Debuts in Malaysia

For the FULL specifications, download this: 02 Bentley Vehicle Technical Specifications – Bentayga V8

Proton In 2018 – Part 18: Online Booking For Proton X70 Now Open!

In our last report on the new Proton X70 SUV here, we mentioned that online bookings would commence soon, and well folks today they have!

From Proton: Booking a brand new SUV from PROTON has become easier than ever with the launch of the Company’s online booking platform. Accessed via PROTON’s corporate website, the new platform went live at 10am today 17 October to allow customers to book the Proton X70 from anywhere using any device with Internet access.

Visiting a virtual showroom

Following the preview of its connectivity and technology features to the media on 11 October, the Proton X70 set another benchmark by being the first Proton model that can be booked online. With an embedded eSIM card, Wi-Fi connectivity, preloaded apps offering services like online radio, online music, navigation and weather forecasts as well as advanced voice recognition software, Proton’s first SUV is perfectly suited to launch the service.

Customers who want to book a unit are required to provide their personal details, preferred model and colour choice as well as the city and state where they wish to collect their car. Following payment of the booking fee, also done online, a system-generated receipt will be sent to the customer’s email. PROTON then assigns a sales advisor to handle the order who contacts the customer within seven days to process the booking. As with bookings made at any PROTON outlet, a full refund is given should a customer change their mind.

In conjunction with the launch of the online booking portal PROTON will also feature full details of the Proton X70 on its website, including full specifications for each model variant. The information helps customers to make a decision, especially with regards to variant and colour choice, and is akin to visiting a showroom and viewing a full sales presentation.

As this is a new sales tool for the Company, PROTON is holding a ‘flash sale’ from 17-19 October to promote the use of its new platform. During the three-day promotional period, customers who book the Proton X70 via the platform only need to pay a booking fee of RM99.

“After studying consumer preferences and market trends, PROTON believes the time is right to offer an online booking facility to our customers. The platform allows bookings to be made from anywhere a customer is as long as there is an Internet connection available. The Company has also decided to reward those who make a booking prior to the launch of the Proton X70. This will come in the form of special gifts for all early birds regardless of whether they booked their unit online or at our outlets,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

Customer previews continue to East Malaysia

The Proton X70 customer previews have now crossed the South China Sea to East Malaysia with sessions held in Kuching on 15-16 October. Following on from the second media preview, the events focussed on the connectivity and technology functions offered by the SUV while also explaining about the styling elements used for the exterior and interior. The previews will continue in Kuantan and Ipoh with the final session due to be held in Kota Kinabalu.

“The customer response to the Proton X70 has been overwhelming. Attendance at our preview sessions has been very high with the majority of attendees saying they are impressed by the quality and specification offered on the first model to be jointly developed by PROTON and Geely. It will be a game changer for PROTON and customers acknowledge this, judging by the strong pre-launch booking numbers. Therefore we are working hard to ensure the cars delivered meet the heightened expectations of our customers,” added Abdul Rashid.

Please visit www.proton.com for more information.

Porsche Global – Vehicle deliveries In 2018: A Clear Increase After Nine Months! [+New Macan Video]

Positive development over the course of the year: Porsche AG increased its vehicle deliveries by six percent to 196,562 vehicles in the first nine months of 2018. The performance of the Sports Car manufacturer was particularly strong in Europe: the growth here was 9% to 66,551 units. In Germany alone, deliveries increased by 13 percent to 24,709 vehicles. Growth in China, the largest single market of Porsche, was also four percent with 56,254 vehicles delivered. In the model ranges, the Panamera showed the largest percentage increase: up to the end of September, deliveries of the four-door Sports Car increased by 60 percent. The 911 also saw double-digit growth with a plus of 19 percent. The highest-volume model ranges remain the Macan (see below) with 68,050 delivered vehicles and the Cayenne with 49,715 units.

“In Germany and Europe overall, our attractive product range meant that we were very well positioned to meet the strong demand for our Sports Cars in the first nine months,” says Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing. “We are also extremely satisfied with our growth rates in the USA and China. There are a number of significant challenges that await us in the fourth quarter, and we will take proactive steps to ensure that we face up to them successfully. This includes the changeover to the new WLTP test cycle and petrol particulate filters and the farewell to diesel engines,” says von Platen.

The new emissions legislation has been in force in Europe since 1st September. The launch of new models will be staggered after the changeover. At Porsche, this will start with models from the two-door 911 and 718 Sports Car series as well as the new Macan (above & below), which was presented at the Paris Motor Show last week. Porsche has not had any diesel models in its product range since the middle of February 2018. At the end of September, the Executive Board took the final decision to no longer offer any diesel-powered vehicles in future.

At the same time, Porsche is experiencing a great increase in customer interest in hybrid models. For example, more than 60 percent of vehicles from the Panamera model range were delivered with plug-in hybrid drive in Europe. In spite of the challenges, Detlev von Platen, the Member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales, assumes that Porsche will again achieve the record of last year when 246,375 vehicles were delivered to customers.

PORSCHE AG Vehicle deliveries	January – September
PORSCHE AG Vehicle deliveries	2017	2018	Difference (%)
World	185,898	196,562	+6%
Europe	60,838	66,551	+9%
Germany	21,880	24,709	+13%
America	50,386	52,417	+4%
USA	41,237	42,626	+3%
Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East	74,674	77,594	+4%
China	54,090	56,254	+4%

VIDEO on the new Porsche Macan…

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces The Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially launched the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupé to join the E-Class range, the Masterpiece of Intelligence in the premium executive segment alongside the Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line, which was introduced earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde, E 250 Avantgarde, E 250 Exclusive, and the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S.

“With the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé, Mercedes-Benz is further consolidating the premium executive limousine segment. The pair offer considerably sharpened designs with elegantly sporty looks. Besides its good looks, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé are both powered by the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo engine with EQ boost starter-alternator characterised by top performance and intelligent electrification,” said Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

More agility, neutral cornering performance and greater traction come courtesy of the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension developed in Affalterbach. The multi-chamber air suspension with particularly sporty damper set-up and continuously adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) combine outstanding driving dynamics with high ride comfort. A harder spring rate, for example, when cornering and braking, effectively reduces body roll. The damping characteristics can also be preselected in three modes, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”, allowing a significantly more noticeable differentiation between excellent long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics.

The now fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive combines optimal traction for dynamic driving fun with a high level of driving safety in all conditions. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa is seamless, because the intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture. Both, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé are equipped with enhanced MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, with each headlamp equipped with 84 individually activated high-performance LEDs that makes it exceptionally bright and precise. The performance sedan and elegant coupé comes with 20-inch AMG alloy wheels.

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé also feature the exciting AMG Track Pace function. It is the ideal system which transforms COMAND Online into a personal race engineer whereby each drive is analysed in detail, using more than 80 items of vehicle-specific data. Burmester^® surround sound system is also available for superior listening pleasure, along with a host of features which complement the high position of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 range.

The locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E-Class range, data & price at a glance:

Model	E 53 4MATIC+ Sedan	E 53 4MATIC+ Coupé
Number of cyl./arrangement	6/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder	6/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement (cc)	2999	2999
Rated output (kW/hp at rpm)	320/435 at 6,100	320/435 at 6,100
Rated torque (Nm at rpm)	520/1800 – 5800	520/1800 – 5800
Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)	8.7-8.6	8.7-8.6
Combined CO₂ emissions from (g/km)	200-197	200-197
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	4.5	4.5
Top speed (km/h)	250	250
Price (OTR w/o Insurance) *Estimated Price	RM 740,000	RM 764,000

Ownership and care for your Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia offers the AgilityPlus 360° finance package that comes with great value-added benefits for both, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé. Discover packages that lets you pay less and enjoy more of the ultimate convenience of combining financing, protection, service and insurance all in one.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Performance and Personality… the E 53

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia re-interprets performance art with the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupé, expanding the Masterpiece of Intelligence by Mercedes-Benz’s portfolio with a combination of sporty design, performance and efficiency with the performance sedan and elegant coupé.
Priced from an estimated RM740,000 and RM 764,000 respectively, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and Mercedes-AMG 53 Coupé combine a powerful 320 kW (435 hp) output with sports styling and driving performance.
Both the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and Mercedes-AMG 53 Coupé comes with an integrated starter generator which enhances the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Honda City Remains Top-Seller In B-Segment!

Honda Malaysia recently celebrated a milestone for its best-selling model, which is also the No.1 model in the B-segment, the City, with the sales of its 300,000^th unit in Malaysia. The City’s popularity in Malaysia is undeniable. The 2^nd Generation City which was launched in 2001 sold more than 61,000 units while the 3^rd Generation City brought the legacy a step higher with more than 85,000 units sold. The current 4^th Generation City recorded more than 155,300 units since its launch in 2014. When the newly enhanced and refreshed 4^th Generation City was launched in March 2017, it continued to be well accepted, with more than 48,900 units sold since then till August 2018.

Between January to August 2018, sales of the City contributed 30% to the overall sales for Honda Malaysia, and captured 51% of the market share in the B-segment. During the same period, sales showed an increase of 16% compared to the same period in 2017. These positive numbers resulted in Honda Malaysia maintaining its No.1 position in the Non-National segment and No.2 position in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) to-date. Throughout the period of January to August 2018, the E variant emerged as the top selling variant with a sales contribution of 44% while the V variant contributed 33%. Sales from the Central region was the highest contributor at 49%, followed by Southern region and Northern region at 20% and 19% respectively.

Commenting on the milestone achieved by the City, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Office, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “We are delighted to mark this milestone of surpassing the 300,000 unit sales for the City within a span of 17 years since it was first introduced in Malaysia. This has proven the success of the City in Malaysia. The 4^th Generation City is the best-selling model in Honda and the model continues to lead in the B-segment. This outstanding record achievement would not have been possible without the support from our customers. I would like to extend our sincere appreciation and thankfulness to Malaysians for their support and belief in our brand, and for making City their vehicle of choice.”

The City is powered by Honda’s 1.5L i-VTEC engine combined with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Paired with a fun and responsive paddle shift, the City provides the Joy of Driving through a perfect combination of performance and fuel economy. Further elevating its sleek and stylish design, the City comes with LED Headlights* with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and LED Front Fog Lights*. Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels are equipped as well to provide a stylish appearance.

The interior of the City is developed under Honda’s ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ concept, designed to maximize the space for driver, passengers and goods. The stunning 4^th Generation City is a model with an interior that is comparable with D-segment space in a B-segment size, providing ultimate comfort. Trunk space in the City remains the biggest in its class at 536L, making it the perfect sedan that is extremely convenient for road trips with ample room for luggage, baby strollers and even foldable bicycles.

Reinforcing its safety features, the City is equipped with 6 airbags* from the dual front, side and side curtain that ensures a safe journey for the driver and passengers. The standard active safety features made available are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). The City is available for viewing and test drive at any of Honda’s 97 authorized dealers nationwide. Customers can call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my for more information.

Hyundai Santa Fe, Kona & NEXO Honored At Prestigious 2018 IDEA Design Award, While “Cradle” Tech Moves Forward + Updated Elantra & Ioniq Pricing Locally

Hyundai Motor’s design has been recognized by the judges from the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2018, one of the world’s three grand international design prizes. Hyundai’s mid-size Santa Fe SUV, the NEXO fuel-cell SUV, and Kona subcompact SUV have received silver awards in the automotive and transportation category.

The Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA)’s prestigious award is one of the three most renowned design awards in the U.S., along with the ‘iF Design Award’ and the ‘Red Dot Design Award.’ The award selects winners of 20 categories, including automotive and transportation, consumer technology, and service design, based on standards such as design innovation, user experience and social responsibility. The three silver IDEA Design awards won by Hyundai Motor are the most prestigious global design awards won in Hyundai’s history for the automotive and transportation category. In 2016, the Elantra received a bronze award.

Hyundai’s mid-size SUV, Santa Fe, redesigned and launched as the fourth-generation model in February, features a wide and stable stance, Hyundai’s signature Cascading Grille, and a Composite Light design comprised of LED daytime running lights positioned on top of the LED headlights, showcasing grandiose and dynamic exterior design. The expressive and powerful all-new Kona adopts Hyundai Motor’s new family identity. The future-oriented Composite Light design and rugged bumper design ‘Armor’ together deliver a confident, progressive appearance with a sleek, sharp silhouette. Kona has swept all three worldwide renowned design awards this year.

The next-generation fuel cell vehicle, NEXO, has a future-oriented design that showcases its advanced capabilities, and thoughtful features like a horizon positioning lamp showing its future and current visual boundaries, and hidden rear wiper that fits in with the car’s clean image. NEXO also received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, earning recognition for its design excellence. “The three representative models that will be responsible for the current and future of Hyundai Motor’s SUV lineup proved their competitive edge by achieving the highest-ever company performance in product design,” said Luc Donkerwolke, Head of Hyundai Design center and Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor. “We expect this recognition will help inspire continuous improvement in design performance for Hyundai.”

In addition, Hyundai Motor’s luxury brand, Genesis, has been recognized for its design excellence for two consecutive years. The mid-sized sedan G70 was selected as an IDEA Finalist following the same honor as G80 Sports last year.

Meanwhile, Hyundai CRADLE, Hyundai Motor Company’s corporate venturing and open innovation business, has announced it is investing in Perceptive Automata to develop artificial intelligence software for self-driving cars and automated systems. Perceptive Automata, a start-up based in Somerville, Mass, with an office in Silicon Valley, has developed software that gives autonomous vehicles the ability to understand the state-of-mind of people, including pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists. The predictive technology enables automated vehicles to make rapid judgments about the intentions and awareness of people on the street. This gives machines unprecedented human-like intuition. To see the technology in action click here.

Perceptive Automata’s core technology takes sensor data from vehicles that show interactions with people. This rich data is used to train deep learning models to interpret human behavior the way people do. The end result is sophisticated AI software that can be integrated into autonomous driving systems. With the software installed, autonomous vehicles can anticipate what pedestrians, cyclists and motorists might do next. “We are ecstatic to have an investor on board like Hyundai that understands the importance of the problem we are solving for self-driving cars and next-generation driver assistance systems,” said Sid Misra, co-founder and CEO of Perceptive Automata. “Hyundai is one of the biggest automakers in the world and having them back our technology is incredibly validating.”

Perceptive Automata’s software is particularly useful if a pedestrian begins to cross the street but sees the approaching autonomous car and decides to stop and ‘wave’ it on. In this situation, an autonomous vehicle without the software would stop and wait, even though the pedestrian has no intention to cross. Perceptive Automata’s software can read the pedestrian’s intent and pass this information to the autonomous system’s decision-making module. “One of the biggest hurdles facing autonomous vehicles is the inability to interpret the critical visual cues about human behavior that human drivers can effortlessly process,” said John Suh, vice president of Hyundai CRADLE. “Perceptive Automata is giving the AV industry the tools to deploy autonomous vehicles that understand more like humans, creating a safer and smoother driving experience.”

This year, Hyundai has expanded its investment into artificial intelligence technologies that can improve Hyundai’s core automotive business, as well as adjacent areas in robotics and human machine interactions. Hyundai has also been actively investing from its AI Alliance Fund, co-founded in late 2017, with SK Telecom and Hanwha Asset Management.

In Malaysia, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has released the updated pricing of its Elantra, Elantra Sport & Ioniq, which you can download here:

AD Elantra 2.0 SST SEPT

AD Elantra Sport SST SEPT

IONIQ_Peninsular Sept SST

Volkswagen Malaysia Unveils ‘JOIN’ Range With 25 Units Exclusively Available @ Lazada, Announces “VW Cares” Customer Programme

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the ‘JOIN’ range, a special edition model line-up targeted to customers wishing to stand out from the crowd. The ‘JOIN’ range is an accessory package available on Volkswagen’s core models, the Polo, Vento Comfortline and Highline, Tiguan Highline and Passat Comfortline. ‘JOIN’ accessories include side scuff plates, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, VW Tint, and a list of other exclusive add-ons worth up to RM12,000, depending on the model.

Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM (above) said that the ‘JOIN’ range further reaffirms Volkswagen’s commitment to provide a wide variety of products to the Malaysian public. “Whilst our core models are popular on their own, we believe customers are also looking out for an extra touch of exclusivity on their cars. The introduction of the ‘JOIN’ range, and other special edition models is something we are actively doing in our bid to offer to our customers these options with value-added benefits.” (More details on each of the ‘JOIN’ models below after the photo gallery)

In conjunction with the unveiling of the ‘JOIN’ range, Volkswagen and Lazada Malaysia are once again collaborating to offer a special deal for the Malaysian public. 25 units of JOIN models will be exclusively available on Lazada beginning 12^th October 2018 until the 30^th of October. Customers need only pay the retail price of the car to receive the ‘JOIN’ accessory package for free.

To make a booking, customers are required to pay a booking fee of RM799 (for the Polo JOIN and Vento JOIN), or RM1,699 for the Passat Comfortline JOIN and Tiguan JOIN via Lazada Wallet, credit card or online banking, after which they will receive a call from a Volkswagen representative for arrangements on the preferred dealership and to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle. Those interested to purchase any models with the ‘JOIN’ package may visit https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/volkswagen-passenger-cars-malaysia/ to find out more. “We were delighted to have pushed boundaries and make history with our collaboration, when 12 units of the special edition Beetle was sold out in 20 minutes on Lazada last December. This proves that customers, while more discerning than ever, are receptive towards buying big-tickets items online.,” said Erik Winter.

CEO of Lazada Malaysia, Christophe Lejeune (above, left) added, “Lifestyles are changing due to digital commerce, with more people becoming comfortable to shop for what they need online. The sell-out performance of Volkswagens special edition Beetle last year during 12.12 is a testament to that. 1 out of 4 of the 20 million Malaysians online visited Lazada at least once in September, and we are confident that this number is set to grow even further. We are excited to be working once again with VPCM in pushing the boundaries of online shopping, with even bigger things in store for the future.”

The launch of the ‘JOIN’ special edition range was held in conjunction with Volkswagen Fest 2018, which takes place from the 12^th till 14^th October at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam. A celebration of all things Volkswagen, visitors can enjoy exclusive offers on new and pre-owned Volkswagen models, as well as a variety of activities for the family such as food trucks, busker performances, an outdoor movie screening (12^th October), and an open-air concert (13^th October).

At the same time, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) also launched the “Volkswagen Cares” customer loyalty program. The launch was aptly held in conjunction with Volkswagen Fest 2018, which will see Volkswagen fans from all walks of life celebrating their love for the brand over the course of three days starting today. The core of the Volkswagen Cares philosophy is the commitment to care and provide the best for Volkswagen customers. Key to this initiative is the Volkswagen Cares mobile application, an aftersales-led initiative using a new platform for the brand to engage with its customers and continuously improve the ownership experience.

The mobile app comes with a list of features related to both sales and aftersales, and this includes service offers, owner rewards, educational videos and tips event updates, and 24-hours’ roadside assistance – all at the touch of a button. The Volkswagen Cares mobile app is available on both IOS and Android can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play.

Non-Volkswagen owners are also invited to download the mobile app to access offers, Volkswagen video content, and receive Volkswagen event updates via push notifications. Speaking at the launch, Erik mentioned that Volkswagen Cares is more than just a loyalty program. “Volkswagen Cares applies on all levels, be it to our colleagues, dealer partners and our other stakeholders. And more importantly, it is about how we interact, engage and serve our customers better.”

“Volkswagen is better experienced than explained, and this mobile app was conceptualized with this thought in mind. This mobile app not only makes our services more accessible to our customers, it is also a way for us to appreciate and connect with our loyal customers.” Erik Winter.

Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP)

An integral part of Volkswagen Cares is Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP), an exclusive program for owners with a vehicle 5-years and older. With a one-time payment of only RM138, VCP member privileges include three 20% service discounts vouchers, 2-year extension of Volkswagen’s Roadside Assistance, and a RM100 merchandise voucher, which can be viewed and managed within the mobile app. Interested customers can sign up at any authorized Volkswagen dealer to make payment before receiving their membership card.

More on the VW “JOIN” Family of Cars…

Polo ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM81,990*

Available colours: Candy White, Carbon Steel Grey, Flash Red and Reflex Silver.

The Polo is small but tough and is perfect for city driving. The Polo ‘JOIN’ comes with added accessories such as side scuff plates, trunk garnish, rear spoiler in black, side mouldings, leather seats and VW Tint worth RM7,000.

Equipped with a 1.6l 105PS petrol injection 16-Valve Multi Point Injection (MPI) engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic with sport mode, the Polo 1.6l comes with a maximum torque of 153Nm available at a low 3800rpm. The Polo 1.6l is equipped with the new RCD 340G head unit which offers a wide range of connectivity options such as USB and iPod interface, AUX-IN support, SD card slot, Bluetooth and App-Connect (CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink).

Vento Comfortline and Highline ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM91,690* and RM98,490*

Available colours:

Candy White and Carbon Steel Grey (Vento Comfortline)

Carbon Steel Grey and Deep Black (Vento Highline)

When it comes to looks, the Vento embodies the Volkswagen design DNA that perfectly balances form and functionality. Both Vento variants is offered with ‘JOIN’ accessories, which includes trunk garnish, rear spoiler, side mouldings, side scuff plates, leather seats and VW Tint worth RM7,000.

The Vento Highline is powered with the award-winning 1.2l turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with an output of 105PS. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission DSG (with sport mode) and a maximum torque of 175Nm, between 1,550 – 4,100 rpm, the Vento is the sedan with the highest torque in its class.

The Vento Comfortline comes with a 1.6l 105PS Multi Point Injection (MPI) and a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox with Tiptronic function. Maximum torque is 153Nm at 3,800rpm, and fuel consumption is 6.5l per 100km.

Tiguan Highline ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM175,990*

Available Colours: Deep Black, Pure White and Tungsten Silver.

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s most successful SUV with over 2.8 million units sold globally. The Tiguan JOIN comes with additional front design element, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, chrome exhaust tip, load lip protector, footboards and VW Tint worth RM10,000.

The Tiguan combines a 1.4l turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with sport mode to give an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. It boasts an impressive acceleration of 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100kph.

Passat Comfortline ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM188,690*

Available Colours: Deep Black, Manganese Grey, Pure White and Reflex Silver.

Volkswagen’s flagship model, the Passat, features a superior design, economical engines and state-of-the-art technologies. The Comfortline JOIN variant comes with aluminium sport pedals, side scuff plates, new 18” Marseille alloy wheels and VW Tint worth RM 12,000.

The Passat Comfortline is powered with a 1.8l turbocharged TSI engine, and paired with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG)with sport mode to give an impressive output of 180PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,250 to 5,000rpm.

All JOIN models are also offered with VPCM’s Price Protection Scheme (PPS), which is also still applicable for Volkswagen cars registered before the 30^th of November 2018 and while stocks last. All Volkswagen models come with 3-years free maintenance, 5-years manufacturer’s warranty and 5-years roadside assistance.

For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my

UMW Toyota Announces Supply From Japan Improves, Waiting Time For New Toyota Harrier Drops…

Since its launch in Malaysia in January this year, the Toyota Harrier has been in great demand. To date, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has delivered over 500 units to customers throughout Malaysia but with the number of outstanding orders still high, the waiting period has been longer. Now, with cooperation for Toyota Motor Corporation in increasing the supply of the Harrier from the production line in Japan, more stocks are available and customers can expect the waiting period to be shortened.

“We understand that our customers had to wait for a longer period to get delivery of their vehicle. The global demand for the Harrier has been great right from the start and for Malaysia, it surged further during the three months of tax break. The production in Japan is now able to supply more to suit the demand and we will have more vehicles available for delivery,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Priced from RM243,000 (for Peninsular Malaysia registration with SST, without insurance), the latest Harrier is available in two variants – Premium and Luxury. Both variants use the latest generation 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine which features a twin scroll turbocharger, D-4ST direct fuel-injection and VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) for high output with high fuel efficiency as well.

The Harrier’s occupants are well protected with the Toyota Safety Sense Package, a comprehensive suite of Active Safety systems (available in a Toyota model in Malaysia for the first time). These include a Pre-Crash System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive High-Beam System.

Other safety systems included are Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal, Electronic Parking Brake + Auto Brake Hold, and Parking Sensors with a Reverse Camera.

Four colour choices are available – Dark Blue Mica Metallic, White Pearl, Sparkling Black Pearl and Silver Metallic. The Harrier comes with 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. For peace of mind, owners are assured of service and spare parts from all Toyota dealerships throughout Malaysia.

Toyota is also currently running the ‘All About the Drive Bonanza’ promotion until end of the year, those who book a new Harrier stand a chance to win a holiday package and will also be eligible to win a brand new Toyota Sienta compact MPV. More details are available at www.toyota.com.my.

Proton In 2018 – Part 17: We Get To View The New Proton X70 LIVE! [+Video]

As promised, slightly over a month after showing their new SUV to the Malaysian media at a static preview, PROTON have released more details about the Proton X70 through a second more in-depth media preview today! This second round of previews for the first co-developed vehicle by Geely and PROTON concentrated exclusively on the Integrated Cockpit Information System (GKUI), which will offer owners multiple user functions via apps as well as the option to stay connected to the car via their mobile device. Here’s our first impression following the first viewing of the static launch model today!

(NB: NO photography or any recording whatsoever was allowed during this media preview, so these are just my first-impression thoughts on the Proton X70 – Chris Wee, Editor Piston.my)

Additional Points: Proton X70 is equipped with a 1.8-litre engine producing 135kW (184bhp), Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning Assist, Blind-Spot Warning, Lane-Departure Warning, 360-deg All-Round camera, Rear View Camera, High-Beam Assist (automatically dips the high-beam if an oncoming car is detected), Park Distance Assist w/Guide Lines & Audible Warning. Claimed Combined Fuel Consumption 8.0L /100km.

Hosting the media exclusive event was Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer PROTON, Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer PROTON, and senior management members of PROTON who explained the features of the GKUI and answered queries relating to the highly anticipated SUV.

Voice Commands allow you to ‘talk’ to your X70 to perform basic functions like switching on the radio, A/C, lowering the windows, opening the sunroof, as well as finding restaurants, ATMs, petrol, etc.

A car that connects users to the world…
Featuring an embedded eSIM card, the GKUI in the Proton X70 is preloaded with five apps offering services such as online radio, online music, navigation, weather forecasts and voice recognition. Access to the apps and other car functions is via an 8-inch Android based touchscreen interface featuring a 1280 x 720 full colour display with 16GB of internal memory space. The system also has Wi-Fi connectivity so the X70 can be used as a mobile hotspot.

To fully exploit the connectivity capabilities, owners can pair their cars with their personal mobile device via Proton Link and use an individual ID that is assigned to every buyer. They can then create a profile of their driving thanks to the on board telematics that will record data such as distance travelled, fuel economy, journey times and even keep track of service intervals. There is also a ‘find my car’ function that will be particularly useful when parking in huge and unfamiliar parking complexes.

If you’re familiar with using a ‘Smartphone’ (who isn’t), the X70’s functions are incredibly easy to operate, and looks good too, with switchable wallpapers and moveable icons. Software updates are free and ‘over-the-air’

“The GKUI system in the Proton X70 allows owners to stay almost constantly connected to their car. It’s an active two-way system that allows for multiple options to fit the preferences of individual owners. In the future, the ability to download additional apps will also be offered and just like mobile devices, it means no two cars will be exactly alike,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

Display changes colour from Blue (normal), Green (eco) & Red (sport) according to chosen driving mode; fully digital, it shows different readings including the pressure in each tyre (TPM)

Because it runs on an Android operating system, the GKUI offers Android mobile device users full mirroring capabilities. That means apps owners have on their device can be accessed on the Proton X70’s touchscreen thus offering yet more connectivity possibilities. Apple OS user won’t be able to do the same though they will be able to connect to the X70 via Bluetooth to access telephone and contact list functions.

Definitely very Range Rover Evoque-ish from the back, especially with that tapered window-line, X70 size is comparable to a Honda CR-V…

Voice recognition allows true hands free operation…
True hands free operation of a number of functions on the Proton X70 is now possible thanks to advanced voice recognition software that allows the use of spoken commands. Access to the system is granted when an owner utters the phrase ‘Hi Proton’ which opens up a variety of choices that can be controlled simply by speaking a command. This includes operating the windows and air conditioning system and even accessing the navigation app to look for places to eat nearby.

9-speaker ICE system including a sub-woofer “as big as a spare tyre” in the back, plus 6 USB chargers can be found throughout the X70. Pictured Nappa Leather seats option only available in the premium variant…

“The Proton X70 is the first Proton model to use voice recognition technology, which is something we think our owners will appreciate. Hundreds of voice samples were recorded for each phrase to ensure the system would have a high degree of accuracy even when you take dialects into account. For ease of use, the GKUI will also type out each spoken phrase on the screen to confirm each command. Currently, the GKUI offers voice recognition for English phrases only as there are software limitations but we have ensured the phrases it recognises are easy to use even for owners who are not fluent speakers of the language,” added Abdul Rashid.

Why on earth is there a hidden USB port behind the rear-view mirror? Well, in case you want to install a dash-cam later of course. Why hasn’t anyone else thought of this?

Online bookings for X70 to begin soon…
In line with the high technology image of its first SUV, PROTON will be activating an online booking function on its website on 17 October 2018. Customers who are interested to place a booking for the Proton X70 will be able to book and pay a deposit for their order online, thus making it incredibly convenient for those who don’t have the time to physically visit a PROTON 3S and 4S outlet.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for Malaysians to book a Proton X70 so we think this is a step in that direction. To promote our new channel, we will run a promotion for three days from the date the function goes live, where those who place a booking for the Proton X70 will also receive special gifts,” said Abdul Rashid.

For the Proton X70 Colour Options, click to download this: ProtonX70Variant_ColourOptions