I had me a ‘blond–moment‘ recently. “This is the 2.0L right?” to which I received an incredulous stare along the lines of ‘what planet are you from?’ from the amused VPCM comms manager…
In my defense, this new VW Tiguan felt so quick, I would have bet a months’ wages there was no way it could be powered by a puny 1.4-litre engine, who’s annual road-tax is a paltry RM70 a year. Here’s my in-car impression video, and please do ignore the part where I called it a two-litre…. duh:
The thing about the Tig (my pet name for it) though is that it only has 150Ps and 250Nm of torque from its 1,395cc turbocharged, direct injection, 4-cylinder engine; however, all 250 of that torques is available from as low as 1,500rpm.
Mated to a 6-speedDSG, to say that acceleration is quick would be a major understatement on my part, because this SUV is very, very fast off the line, and given enough road, it’ll top out well beyond 200kmh, and again, all this performance from a 1.4-litre 4-pot. I still can’t get my head around that to be honest, because my own car has exactly twice the capacity and is exactly twice as slow…
One thing though, unless you really, really need one, it’s best to not tick the box for the roof-rack option as seen on this test-unit, because early on I decided to rename it as the ‘roof-racket’ instead. Anything above 100kmh results in a terrific amount of wind-noise, and not to mention poorer fuel-efficiency due to drag. So yeah, the roof-racket is quite a drag… literally.
Now apart from that easily-solvable problem, the Tig is a remarkable mid-size SUV to drive. It’s a VW so you can be assured of excellent build quality and superb driving ergonomics, not to mention amazing levels of NVH suppression.
And there’s even more good news! Following the 0% GST which is to be implemented from 1st June 2018, the new Tiguan, available in two trim levels, is even cheaper now:
Tiguan
Comfortline
Was RM148,990
Now RM139,888
Highline
Was RM168,990
Now RM158,888
All in all, it’s really hard to fault the VW Tiguan 1.4 TSi. It’s great on gas, it’s cheap to run (still can’t get over that RM70 annual road tax!) and offers the kind of ride and handling that puts it at par with much bigger and more expensive SUVs in the market. Size wise, it makes for the perfect daily-runner and those who prefer a small-ish run-about insofar as SUVs are concerned, really need to give this one a gander. It really will surprise you. – Chris Wee.
Before we go, here’s another video on the new Tiguan during its launch a while back, from our friend Bobby Ang at #EVO Aurizn:
VW Tiguan 1.4 TSi Photo Gallery (Spec sheet / Brochure can be downloaded after the gallery)
Have you been looking for a place to get your car looked after since its warranty expired? If you think that henceforth post-warranty that your choices are limited to ‘cherry-tree’ workshops or small ones fashioned out of shop-lots, think again!
Wearnes Autohaus located in Segambut KL, is an independent 4S service centre and might just be the place you’ve been looking for. In addition to regular car maintenance for all types of cars, they also offer a wide variety of automotive-related services, check out this video of our recent visit there…
What blew us away was that in addition to the fact that Wearnes Autohaus also does crash-repair, as well as complete resprays of vehicles, they also provide a courtesy car for anyone getting their car resprayed there, for up to 10-days! We’ve never heard of such a thing.
Wearnes Autohaus calls itself a “One-Stop” Automotive Centre, which means that just about every facet of car maintenance can be taken care of, and if they really can’t, they’ll help you find a solution. Wearnes also will assist you to sell your car, should you require it, and if time just doesn’t permit you to do so yourself.
Tyres, alignment & balancing, car tint, detailing, and even Blaupunkt ICE and Akrapovic exhaust systems are to be had here. Here’s my final say on the Wearnes Autohaus experience! To find out more, log on to www.wearnes.com.my (more details after the photo gallery)
Balik Kampung Campaign… Starting from the 8th of May 2018 up until the 30th of June 2018, Wearnes Autohaus Service is having a “Balik Kampung Campaign” offering an engine oil change of BP Castrol 5W-40 fully synthetic for the following brands with amazing prices: Volkswagen – RM288 Audi – RM388 Volvo – RM388 Vellfire/Alphard – RM388 BMW – RM488 Mercedes Benz – RM488
Wearnes Autohaus Photo Gallery…
More on Wearnes Autohaus Service – Malaysia’s First Independent 4S Service Centre
Wearnes brings more than a century of experience in servicing various luxury marques into one highly professional independent 4S Service Centre in Kuala Lumpur, known as Wearnes Autohaus Service.
Situated in Segambut, strategically a stone’s throw from downtown Kuala Lumpur, Wearnes Autohaus Service is backed by the same expertise and understanding of customer needs gained from more than a century of experience with various premium automotive brands across the world.
From buying and selling, to servicing and repair, body and paint, even quality accessories, Wearnes Autohaus Service is the first independent 4S Service Centre to cater to every automotive need of even the most discerning of customers.
VIP Treatment, Yet Reasonable Prices
Whatever one’s purpose at Wearnes is, the customer can expect first-class treatment amidst cosy surroundings. The showroom floor building is fully air-conditioned and furnished in accordance to premium marque standards, and laid out to give a comfortable, spacious, and airy feel.
Owners waiting for their cars to be serviced can stay connected through the facility’s high-speed wireless internet system while relaxing at the customer lounge in which complimentary refreshments are served.
Customers walking into Wearnes can expect to be treated no different than those walking into 4S centres of premium marques. Yet, the experience comes at only a small expense, for Wearnes charges a fraction of labour costs compared to premium 4S centres whilst offering the same level of expertise and equipment. This gives motorists access to premium levels of service at reasonable prices.
Service by Experts
Leveraging from knowhow gained from maintaining premium vehicles of various makes, Wearnes Autohaus Service is staffed by highly-trained technicians working with the latest equipment ensuring that they are able to competently service, maintain, and repair even the most sophisticated vehicles.
From wheel alignment, mechanical servicing, major servicing, brakes, suspension, exhaust repair, through to body and paint work, Wearnes Autohaus Service has the equipment and manpower for the job. The tools and processes at Wearnes’ disposal meet even the most stringent standards set by premium marques such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.
Additionally, Wearnes works closely with many insurance companies and has acquired pre-approved status in some cases, meaning most accident repairs can commence immediately without the need to wait for the lengthy claim process. Prompt, and without hassle.
Wearnes Autohaus Service promises fast turnaround without compromise on quality from its line-up of fully-trained technicians.
All work is carried out on-site, ensuring quality of the servicing work. Depending on the customer’s preference, Wearnes only utilizes genuine or high quality OEM parts, covering repair works with unlimited mileage warranties of 12 or 6 months respectively.
Body & Paint – The Final Touch to Your Masterpiece
To those interested in changing their cars’ colour or even just a simple touch up from a minor scratch to a major repair can now look to Wearnes Autohaus Service. Highly trained staff are dedicated to ensure paints are mixed meticulously to satisfaction of the customer. All paint jobs are done inhouse to have a lock on the quality of the job is up to par as one can expect from an authorized service centre.
Trustworthy Pre-Owned Cars
Wearnes Autohaus Service offers a selection of the finest quality pre-owned cars in the market at the most competitive prices. Cars are subject to rigourous checking as well as meticulous restoration and repair before being put on the showroom floor.
For those looking to trade-in their existing cars, Wearnes Autohaus Service is a reputable and trustworthy company that guarantees a fair and hassle free selling experience. No charges are hidden, and owners are invited to drive in their vehicles for free on-site evaluations.
Quality Accessories
Owners seeking to enhance and personalize their vehicles have a variety of quality premium accessories to choose from at Wearnes Autohaus Service. A wide assortment of interior accessories complement a full selection of premium tinting films are on offer for any motorist seeking to add a touch of class to their vehicles.
Enthusiasts seeking a performance upgrade for their vehicles are offered sporty exhaust solutions from Akrapovic, for which Wearnes is an appointed official dealer of the brand in Malaysia.
Balik Kampung Campaign
Starting from the 8th of May 2018 up until the 30th of June 2018, Wearnes Autohaus Service is having a “Balik Kampung Campaign” offering an engine oil change of BP Castrol 5W-40 fully synthetic for the following brands with amazing prices: Volkswagen – RM288 Audi – RM388 Volvo – RM388 Vellfire/Alphard – RM388 BMW – RM488 Mercedes Benz – RM488
Location / Contact
Wearnes Autohaus Service is located along Jalan Segambut Tengah that is accessible from major roads such as Jalan Duta, Jalan Ipoh, and Jalan Kuching. Wearnes Autohaus Service Sdn Bhd 39 Jalan 2/57B, Jalan Segambut Tengah 51200 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia T: +603 6259 8221 F: +603 6259 8225 E: wearnes.service@wearnes.com www.wearnes.com.my, www.facebook.com/WearnesAutohausService
About Wearnes
Established in 1906, Wearnes Automotive has built its reputation for excellence and best customer service in the automotive industry for more than one hundred years. The group specialises in operating as an authorized importer and distributor for select iconic luxury and premium passenger cars.
With successful operations in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong and Vietnam, the group has established itself as one of the preferred premium Automotive Dealer Groups in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Now Wearnes is expanding the excellence of its services to new horizons by establishing its very first independent service centre in Malaysia – Wearnes Autohaus Service. Drawing on the company’s expertise and understanding of customer needs, this landmark new venture will continue our proud history of excellence, forged over the last century.
In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya “balik kampung” drives, Shell Helix has announced a special promotion to encourage car owners to have their cars serviced ahead of the festive season. The Shell Helix Hari Raya Promotion, which runs from 15 May till 15 July 2018, offers cash rebates for the following oil change service packages:
RM30 off service with Shell Helix Ultra (4L);
RM20 off service with Shell Helix HX7 or High Mileage (4L/6L);
RM10 off service with Shell Helix HX5 (3L/4L).
The offer is available at participating Shell Helix-branded workshops, independent workshops, official service centres and also at the new Shell Malaysia Official Online Store at Shopee.
In addition, customers who purchase any of the promotional oil change packages will receive a RM10 Shopee e-voucher and automatically qualify for the Shell Helix Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Contest where four lucky Grand Prize winners would be able to experience the excitement at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and a memorable Ferrari driving experience at the Yas Marina F1 Circuit.
Shopee Marketing Lead Rachel Tan (L) and Shell Helix Brand Manager Alvin Leo
Those who purchase any 4-litre pack of Shell Helix Ultra, HX7, High Mileage or HX5 from any Shell retail station or Lubebay service will also receive the RM10 Shopee e-voucher.
More about the New thinner viscosity Shell Helix Ultra variant…
Shell Malaysia has also announced the launch of a new variant for its best-selling Shell Helix range of passenger car motor oils, Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30.
Priced at RM277.60 (including GST) for a 4-litre pack, the new Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 is a thinner viscosity fully synthetic motor oil with API SN/ILSAC GF-5 specification that meets the needs of most of today’s modern passenger cars. Containing Shell’s proprietary PurePlusTechnology and Active Cleansing Technology, the product helps:
Keep the engine clean by removing sludge left by inferior oils and preventing any further build-ups;
Ensure superior wear protection by preventing piston deposits up to 65% better than industry standards[1];
Prevent oil degradation through higher resistance to chemical breakdowns; and
Provide better fuel economy by using low-viscosity oil to reduce friction and meets the demanding ILSAC CF-5 fuel economy.
Shopee Marketing Lead Rachel Tan (L) & Shell Helix Brand Manager Alvin Leo
According to Shell Lubricants Marketing General Manager, May Tan, the 5W-30 viscosity grade was one of the most recommended viscosity grades for new cars. “In the new Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 with SN specification, we have a product that offers a balance of fuel economy, engine protection and reliability that are synonymous with the Shell Helix brand. It is suitable for most modern cars ranging from the small compacts right up to large D-segment sedans and even performance cars,” she said.
The product is available at all Shell Authorised distributors and Shell Retail stations. Customers who purchase the product from Shopee, Shell Malaysia’s latest e-commerce partner, can enjoy exclusive special low price for limited period. For details visit www.shopee.com.my/shell.official.store .
“Our strategic collaboration with Shell is in line with one of our targets this year, which is to bring more brands online as the market and shopping behaviour changes rapidly. Users now want to look for convenience and fuss-free experience on top of the Free Shipping Across Malaysia and Zero (0) Commissions incentives, which Shopee is known for among our 9 million users,” said Ian Ho, Shopee’s Regional Managing Director.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has announced new revised prices for the entire Porsche model range. The new prices will take effect from June 1, in line with the new zero-rated GST implementation announced by the government. The new prices will be effective until the re-implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST).
For example, the 718 Cayman with a new base price of RM509,434* has a price adjustment of RM30,566 less, while the flagship Panamera Turbo with a new base price of RM1,462,264* has a price adjustment of RM87,736.
“This is a special time for our customers. With the implementation of zero-rated GST, our customers can now enjoy additional savings on their dream Porsche. This also includes savings on options and all other services that we offer,” said Arnt Bayer, (above) Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
The revised prices include SDAP’s four-year warranty and free maintenance package that includes complimentary service, parts and labour. The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fees, road tax and insurance. Standard zero-rate GST implementation will also be applicable for parts and service at all SDAP authorised dealers.
Porsche 360 Financing is also available on all brand new Porsche. It is an intelligent alternative to conventional financing by reducing monthly payments by up to 30% and providing flexible terms for customers who would like to own a new Porsche every 3 – 5 years.
*Prices shown are based on standard specifications, excluding options. Terms and conditions apply.
Malaysia-based car care assistant app Maxx ‘N Go has expanded their product portfolio with two new market offerings, Maxx Hero Roadside Assistance and Maxx Saver Membership, as well as announced a nationwide expansion initiative recently. Maxx Hero Roadside Assistance service is a new feature that provides Maxx ‘N Go app users with greater peace of mind in case of any vehicular emergency situation.
The service is now available in Klang Valley and Johor Bahru. The brand also launched Maxx Saver, a membership plan that helps customers save money on their car care. Customers may purchase packages consisting of a variety of Maxx ‘N Go services to suit their needs, and get complimentary subscription to Maxx Hero Roadside Assistance services. Malaysian artist and entertainer Auguste Kwan (above) was also in attendance to be officially announced as Maxx ‘N Go’s new media brand ambassador.
“It’s a great opportunity to be partnered with such a great brand as Maxx ‘N Go. They really offer a much needed convenience to car owners in Malaysia, and I’m proud to be representing them to the public”, said Kwan about joining Maxx ‘N Go. Another highlight from the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Maxx ‘N Go and Vision Venturers Management Berhad, a Malaysian investment holdings company, heralding a new phase of growth for Maxx ‘N Go.
Having just passed the 130,000 downloads milestone, Maxx ‘N Go is on track to achieve 500,000 downloads by end 2018. With a huge projected leap of user base, the brand sees the further expansion of services and coverage area vital to driving such growth. As such, they have officially announced their plans to expand their service nationwide. Current service areas include the Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh and recently, Johor Bahru.
“Our key focus is to provide the highest level of quality assurance to every Maxx ‘N Go user, ensuring the best car maintenance experience at their convenience. We have recently launched Maxx ‘N Go in Johor, and have plans to eventually cover the whole of Peninsular and Semenanjung Malaysia. It’s a big challenge for us, but we have a great, dedicated team with a structured and organized operation as the backbone.” said Maxx ‘N Go Chief Technical Officer Tengku Djan Ley (above) about the brand’s goals.
The Maxx N Go Future Innovations Conference held at Hilton Kuala Lumpur on 11th May 2018 was also attended by members of Maxx ‘N Go’s key management team, including founder and CEO Patrick Tam, COO Alan Tam, and CTO Tengku Djan Ley.
What is Maxx ‘N Go…
Maxx ‘N Go is an on-demand car care assistant mobile app, which allows people to set their location, pick a preferred time, and receive their car care services like engine oil change at maximum convenience. Also available is Maxx Hero Roadside Assistance for help during vehicular emergency situations, offering tyre rescue, battery jump starting and more. For added value, customers can avail themselves to Maxx Saver membership plans, which help them save money on their regular vehicle maintenance.
Born with a purpose to serve, Maxx ‘N Go’s mission is to continuously provide smart solutions and maximum convenience to all motorists, empowering them with more flexibility and time saved. For more information, please visit: http://maxxngo.com/
Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/app.maxxngo
TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the new prices for its Renault models, which will take effect immediately with the upcoming implementation of the zero-rated GST. TCEC is also offering additional incentives in the form of rebates on the related models, with combined savings of up to RM40,000 for the Renault Fluence (see chart below).
TCEC will absorb the 6% GST for vehicles registered with immediate effect and new zero-rated GST prices will remain in effect until the implementation of the sales and services tax (SST). Customers are also able to enjoy additional rebates for relevant models immediately.
The table below lists the prices of Renault models, with 6% GST versus with 0% GST, as well as the new prices that are inclusive of the respective rebates. All prices stated are on-the-road, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private individual Malaysian registration only.
Current Price with 6% GST
New Price with 0% GST
New Price with 0% GST + Additional Incentives
Total Savings
Fluence
(limited units available)
RM119,888
RM113,143
RM79,888
RM40,000!
Captur (Pre-Facelift)
RM109,000
RM102,845
RM89,999
RM19,001
New Captur (Facelift)
RM109,000
RM102,845
RM95,999
RM13,001
Koleos 2WD
RM184,200
RM173,840
RM159,888
RM24,312
Koleos 2WD Signature
RM198,800
RM187,614
RM179,888
RM18,912
Koleos 4WD
RM209,000
RM197,237
RM189,888
RM19,112
“This is a great time to buy a Renault. We strongly encourage those looking for a stylish, vehicle with continental quality and safety standards to take advantage of this tax-holiday plus our additional incentives,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.
The new prices with zero-percent GST include Renault’s five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage for the models listed in the table above. For the Renault Captur, the new GST zero-rated price also covers the 5-in-Captur aftersales package, which includes:
Free service and maintenance (parts and labour) for five years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first
A five-year manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage
Complimentary 24 hours roadside assistance*
Pick-up and delivery during scheduled maintenance at Renault service centres
Mobility service of replacement car in the event any part is not available for over 48 hours at authorised service centres, subject to availability
“Customer satisfaction is the number one priority for us and a key component of that is ensuring top-quality aftersales service and support. In addition to providing strong coverage for servicing and maintenance through the 14 Renault service centres and Tan Chong Group’s wide network, customers can also rest assured of an established parts supply system that ensures consistent parts availability,” said Kuan.
Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, has launched the ‘Ford for Food’ online contestto enhance consumer engagement while offering more interactive digital experiences for customers. “The ‘Ford for Food’ online contest builds on Malaysians love for food, especially Ford Ranger owners who are known to be foodies and avid gamers. The game provides an interactive and immersive way to showcase the various features and capabilities of the smarter, tougher and more efficient new Ranger,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.
The ‘Ford for Food’ online game and contest is open to the public for anyone aged 18 years and above and will go on until the end of the year. Each week, SDAC will give away three prizes in the form of exclusive SDAC-Ford merchandise. Weekly winners will be announced on the Ford Malaysia Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FordMalaysia. Featuring Ford’s most popular model in its most capable, powerful and versatile iteration – the Ford Ranger Wildtrak – the ‘Ford for Food’ game takes participants on a pre-defined route to different states throughout Malaysia, starting with Melaka, and highlights each state’s local delights.
Participants will go through three levels during the course of the game. Each level features a different driving condition – highway, off-road and busy city streets – to demonstrate the range of cutting-edge features and advanced driver assistance systems that has earned the Ranger its reputation as one of the toughest and most capable pickup truck in the world. As they “drive” through each level, players are tasked with picking up as many food items as they can to score points. Throughout the game, players can also activate key features in the Ranger as they collect food items to score additional bonus points.
The top three participants with the highest scores and fastest times cumulatively each calendar week will be the winners. Participants are encouraged to play the ‘Ford for Food’ game as many times as they desire within one calendar week to achieve their best results. Game results will be displayed on a leader board, which will be cleared each week.
To play the game, participants need only to visit the contest page on SDAC’s website www.sdacford.com.my and log in through their personal Facebook accounts. The ‘Ford for Food’ game and contest is mobile-friendly and can be played on smartphones and other gadgets in addition to PCs and laptops.
For more information on Ford, visit SDAC’s multilingual website (www.sdacford.com.my), which also features a chatbot now available in three languages – English, Bahasa Malaysia and Simplified Chinese – to provide a better customer engagement experience.
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has announced the reduction of Honda’s vehicle pricing following the announcement by the Government of Malaysia on zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) effective 1 June 2018.
Honda’s Completely Knocked Down (CKD) models namely Jazz, Jazz Hybrid, BR-V, City, City Hybrid, HR-V, Civic, CR-V and Accord will reflect a reduction in prices ranging from RM4,088 to RM9,573*.
Prices of Completely Built Unit (CBU) models such as the New Odyssey and Civic Type R will also reduce by RM14,362 and RM18,072 respectively*.
(*price in Peninsular Malaysia effective 1 June 2018, terms and conditions apply, prices are subject to change without prior notice)
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “With the implementation of zero-rated GST effective 1 June 2018, Honda customers can enjoy the new pricing before the re-introduction of Sales and Services Tax (SST). In addition to the post zero-rated GST pricing, customers who purchase selected Honda models will also be entitled for attractive “Welcome Festive Rewards”** starting from 1 June 2018”.
Mr. Ishiyama further added that, “Customers will be able to benefit more with additional savings and bonus when they purchase their dream car in the month of June 2018”. Goods and Services Tax (GST) for Honda spare parts as well as service maintenance including labor charge and Honda genuine accessories will be zero-rated for all Honda models effective 1 June 2018.
For the FULL listing of Honda vehicle prices in Pen.M’sia, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan & Langkawi after 1st June 2018, download this: Honda Vehicles Price Post Zero-Rated GST
For more information, call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on towww.honda.com.my
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to update the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system of certain units of Toyota Alphard and Vellfire. UMWT has assured that the safety of their customers is always Toyota’s top priority.
There are around 1,900 units of the two models manufactured from April 2016 to Feb 2018 and distributed by UMWT involved in this campaign. The condition occurs due to improper programming of the ECU for electric parking brake system. There is the possibility that a voltage reduction during an engine re-start after an idling stop could be judged as an abnormality if the battery has experienced degradation. If this were to occur, a warning light would illuminate and the EPB system may not work.
UMWT will notify all its affected vehicle owners officially to update the ECU programming at no charge to the customers. The work should take around an hour. For further information, owners of affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
Toyota owners can also visit Toyota’s Special Service Campaign webpage through this link: toyota.com.my to check whether their vehicle is involved, through Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)Checker. To those who have uploaded the Toyota Drive Apps, there is also a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN Checker. Information on other vital SSCs is also available on the webpage.
