Social media can be an incredibly toxic place, but it also has its benefits. Facebook user JC Jess found the power of social media when she uploaded a video complaining about her car on April 6th.
The video, which has since received 1.4 million views, 13,000 likes and 49 comments, is about her experience with her Chery Omoda.
The caption is in Chinese (Mandarin we assume) and according to Google Translate says, “Never buy a Chery Omoda. My car is just over two months old and I have already gone to the service centre several times because of the brakes. I just came out of the service centre and suddenly there are no brakes on the highway!! This almost took my life!!”
From the post, it seems like the issue has been lingering and the service centre simply brushed it away. The video that she posted can be seen below:
Chery Malaysia was quick to respond though, and the company issued a press statement on Sunday afternoon clarifying that they have already been in touch with the complainant to resolve the issue. To ensure her safety, a courtesy car was offered while they looked into her car.
The complete statement from Chery Malaysia can be seen below:
Some comments on social media are chiding the company for reacting only when the issue became viral. However, it is important to note that customers only deal with the dealerships and service managers, who sometimes brush things under the carpet.
Occasionally, the distributor, which in this case is Chery Malaysia, will be informed, which does not seem to be the case here.
Chery Malaysia should be commended for reacting to the problem as quickly as they did, practically racing to resolving the issue.
As for what happened to the car, we are yet to find out as there is no further information. But this issue does bring to light that Malaysia badly needs “Lemon Laws” to protect consumers in the event of such issues. Here’s what a Minister had to say about the proposed law.
It is also important to take note that any vehicle that is mass produced is susceptible to problems. Out of 100 cars that are produced, manufacturers have an acceptable error rate, which can be as high as 3 out of every 100, or even as low as 1 out of every 1,000,000. So such things do happen, so it up to the car maker to fix it and fix it fast. In this case, Chery Malaysia should be commended.
Has It Happened Before?
Not in Malaysia but it has unfortunately happened before. We picked up on reports from Australia dating back to February of this year where a total of 5,901 cars were found to have defective brakes, resulting in a mass recall. The recall involved the Omoda 5 but it is important to note that not all Omoda 5’s sold were affected. The issue involved a brake fluid leak resulting from a screw that was not fastened properly. We are not sure if the Australian cars are the same as Malaysian ones, but since both drive on the same side of the road, they are unlikely to differ mechanically but perhaps some features might be different. You can read the full Australian recall involving the Omoda 5 here.
Have you ever wondered what people mean when they say that a car is nice to drive? What do they mean by that? How is it nice and what makes it nice?
To this writer, a car that is described as nice to drive could mean that the suspension is smooth, and you glide over anything without noticing much. It also could mean that the seats are soft, and you sink into them, and the comfort levels is better than most other cars, making the car nice to drive.
It could also mean big power. A big mighty V8 engine will always make a car nicer to drive than one than runs on a puny three-cylinder engine that huffs and puffs on its way to the top.
Handling though, is one part where most people miss out. To appreciate handling, there needs to be a prerequisite – you should have driven some crappy cars that handle like wooden tanks to be able to appreciate one that handles like it were on rails. Or vice versa. How else will you know that a car handles well?
The term “nice car” is often used with SUV’s, which is unsurprising since they are big, spacious, and more often than not, quite comfortable. It is difficult to get the recipe wrong for an SUV, but it sometimes happens.
This article though is about one of the nicest SUVs to come out of Japan in recent times – the Mazda CX-5.
It is not very spacious though, as families with growing children will fast realise their kids will be kicking the front seats in a matter of months. Space is one of the biggest prerequisites that defines a nice SUV, and unfortunately the CX-5 runs out of it quite fast.
The model you see on these pages is the latest CX-5 that was launched in Malaysia in February of this year. Specifically, it is the 2.5G High variant, and it sits just below the flagship – the 2.5G Turbo.
It took about two years for Bermaz Auto, the assembler and distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia, to offer the updated version of the CX-5 after its global launch.
Priced from RM173,400, the 2.5G High is the fun-loving, thinking man’s choice. It’s 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder engine is not as powerful as the flagship, but still has quite to offer with 192hp and 258Nm of torque. The flagship and its turbocharged engine offer 228hp and 420Nm of torque, but because it runs on an all-wheel-drive powertrain, it seemingly has an unquenchable thirst for petrol.
The regular 2.5G High though has some impressive fuel efficiency. In fact, it is possible to travel well over 700km when it’s 56-litre tank is full, a distance that will make Turbo owners re-consider their purchase.
Visually, the new CX-5 can be distinguished by its new headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillamps, new 19-inch wheels and a new grille design.
Inside, it is business as usual, but there are some important updates. The front seats have been updated and are now ventilated, a much-welcomed feature to deal with our torrid Malaysian weather.
The other update is the wireless Apple Carplay while Android Auto users will still need to rely on a cable. The new CX-5 also gets a wireless charge pad.
Depending on how much you love to drive and how much control you like over your car, the new CX-5 also gets shifter pedals, which is great for those who like to indulge in the performance aspect of their car. All but the entry level model get this addition, and it lets you have better control over the power delivery of the car.
Besides that, everything about the interior of the new CX-5 is the same as the old. Placement of buttons and overall design is the same, and quality is still great. The CX-5 does not feel cheap inside, in fact, it is well thought out.
So, if the updates are few, what makes the CX-5 such a nice car then? A Mazda is a car that not only looks good, but it needs to be driven to appreciate that famous Mazda experience.
Just like every other manufacturer, Mazda spent a lot of time in ensuring that its cars were comfortable to drive, felt good, had all the latest safety tech and were easy on the eye.
But Mazda took it a step further by incorporating a tech that no other SUV in its category has, called the Mazda G-Vectoring Control Plus, or otherwise known as GVC Plus.
This simple but brilliant tech works by regulating engine torque and braking to provide effortless and seamless control over the car.
GVC Plus is basically a software algorithm that works by tying together the power steering control computer and the engine control computer.
Through super-fast calculations that is beyond what humans can feel, the software reduces engine power when the driver starts to turn the steering wheel during the entry of a corner.
This then moves the weight of the car forward very quickly and forces the front tyres to respond to the driver’s input more directly, making the car feel more obliging and consistent with minimal steering movement.
But that is only part of the story. The GVC Plus feature also works during the exit of a corner. To do this, the system applies a tiny amount of brake pressure to the outside front tyre of the car. So, if the car is turning left, very little brake pressure is applied to the front right tyre of the car. This helps to straighten the car during exit, which inadvertently makes the car feel more agile during entry and exit.
This also means that passengers get a more comfortable ride quality because the driver drives more smoothly and makes fewer steering inputs. Mazda says this also helps with reducing fatigue as the driver does not have to work the steering wheel as much.
This is all part of Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai concept, which translates to horse and rider as one. In this context, it basically means that driving Mazda cars should feel completely natural and intuitive where the car responds to the driver as it if was part of our own body.
The feeling that you ultimately get when you are behind the wheel of a Mazda is different from any other Japanese SUV. You don’t expect the Mazda to feel so good and effortless. The naturally-aspirated engine has a metallic rasp to it that frankly, sounds really good, better in fact than the whooshing sound of its turbocharged sibling. And this sometimes coxes you to get on the accelerator pedal just to indulge in that sound.
And if you are into tech, the new CX-5 might impress you again with the newly added adaptive cruise control and adaptive front-lighting system that automatically illuminates dark areas and sign boards. That is not to mention the armada of safety tech that includes an impressive ADAS suite.
This then brings us back to the original question then, what do people mean when they say that a car is nice? Nice is undeniably subjective and what is nice to one person may not be so for another, but the next time someone says that a Mazda CX-5 is nice to drive, believe them.
Specifications:
Engine: 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC
Power: 192hp @ 6000rpm
Torque: 420Nm @ 2000rpm
Transmission: SKYACTIV DRIVE 6 speed automatic with manual paddle shifters
Suspension: MacPherson Struts (Front) Multi-link (Rear)
Price (as tested): RM178,260.40 (On the road without insurance with Premium paint)
We like: Driving experience, efficiency, comfort
We don’t like: Can feel small after a while
In a significant move that provides stability for growth and capturing of market share, Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (Pro-Net), a wholly owned subsidiary of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd, has announced that it has obtained RM200 million in financing from CIMB Bank Berhad.
The funds are for its green mobility initiative and the importation and distribution of the smart #1 EV for the Malaysian market.
PRO-NET is the exclusive authorised importer and distributor for smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand, particularly the smart #1 for now with more models in the pipeline.
With a comprehensive ecosystem spanning 13 dealer locations, aftersales services, as well as a user-friendly digital app known as ‘Hello smart’ to provide access to over 70% of the public charging network, PRO-NET offers a holistic electric mobility solution together with the reassurance of a robust customer service plan.
The company is also charged with fulfilling national carmaker PROTON’s commitment to its electric vehicle agenda and is set to play a pivotal role as it leads the transition towards the production of New Energy Vehicles (NEV) and the development of the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim.
CIMB on the other hand provides an array of solutions for the consumer EV segment with the introduction of its comprehensive suite of EV financial solutions to drive the adoption of EVs and support the shift towards sustainable mobility across ASEAN. These include preferential auto financing rates, insurance protection and a range of other exclusive privileges, facilitating consumer needs across every aspect of owning an EV.
After enjoying a bull run, sales for UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) seems to have stabilised as the company ended March 2204 with total sales of 9,688 units for Toyota and Lexus models combined. This comprises 9,471 units for Toyota and 217 units for Lexus and a total year-to-date sales as of March 2024 of 23,444.
This figure is down from the 25,219 units sold in the same period of 2023, which can be attributed to the rush to register cars before the SST exemption expired, and perhaps even the pent up demand from the post pandemic era.
UMW Toyota (UMWT) does not reveal sales by model so there is no telling which model took the lead in sales.
Complementing that is the new Toyota HiAce Super Long Wheelbase (SLWB), which boasts significant size enhancements for increased interior space, offering unparalleled comfort for passengers and cargo. Equipped with a powerful 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine, the HiAce SLWB promises robust performance with 177 PS and 450 Nm of torque.
It has been almost a year since Proton DX, the country’s first automotive digital centre that houses a blend of interactive technology, leisure and lifestyle elements, was launched.
With an aim to be the centre for automotive and technological learning for all ages, Proton DX also wants to spark interest in STEM learning among the younger generation.
STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is considered an important aspect in human capital development for Malaysia, and recently received an allocation of RM100 million in the 2024 budget for the empowerment of STEM. The budget is for the maintenance and upgrading of existing facilities and the purchase of equipment.
To cultivate interest and foster understanding of STEM, Proton DX, an ACO Tech development in collaboration with Proton and China Construction Bank (CCB), announced its availability as a community engagement platform for STEM exploration.
The centre hosts a monthly Student Robotic Car Workshop targeting secondary school students. At the workshop, students learn the basics of assembling and programming their own mini autonomous vehicle using an Arduino platform.
Over 50 Malaysian youths across the Klang Valley, including a group of 20 students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, have participated in the workshop. Students who complete this workshop receive a certificate and goodie bag.
ACO Tech is targeting to engage with at least 200 Malaysian youths through this workshop and other upcoming STEM activities by the end of 2024.
In order to maximise the facilities on offer, Proton DX is also actively welcoming collaborations from local companies in search of a platform to conduct events and workshops promoting STEM awareness and education among Malaysian youths. Activities that can foster unity among local communities are also welcome.
PROTON DX also welcomes visitors of all ages to visit the centre. Visitors get to learn about ACO Tech’s technologies and products, and experience engaging activities available in Proton DX such as the Virtual Cockpit, a virtual drive in a purpose- built enclosed theatre-like dome to experience smart mobility. Proton DX is also able to model a bespoke virtual cockpit experience for partners at trade shows such as E-Mobility Asia.
Proton DX has a carefully laid out floor plan that allows it to be a space for community engagements such as networking sessions and barista classes by Proton DX’s very own certified barista.
The centre, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, has a space spanning over 5,000 square feet that can fit around 40 guests comfortably at any given time, including a private VIP lounge equipped with an 86-inch TV for meetings.
The centre opens daily from 10:00AM to 10:00PM and is located at Ground Floor, Quill City Mall, 1018, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
For collaborative events, schools, universities, local businesses, and potential partners can reach out via protondx@acotech.my or its Facebook or Instagram pages.
After years of struggling to stay afloat, McLaren has undergone a significant change in ownership, being acquired by Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat. Mumtalakat, already McLaren’s largest single shareholder, has now assumed full ownership of the McLaren Group.
The transition in ownership is hailed as a crucial milestone for the company, promising to inject much-needed stability after enduring years of tumultuous production and staff layoffs. McLaren has grappled with financial woes since 2020, resulting in significant workforce reductions, temporary production halts, and the sale of both its headquarters and cherished heritage vehicle collection to finance the development of the Artura.
“We are delighted with Mumtalakat’s continued commitment to McLaren through this deal,” stated McLaren Group’s executive chairman, Paul Walsh. “This will further enable us to focus on delivering our long-term business strategy, including investment in new products and technologies, while continuing to explore potential technical partnership with industry partners,” Walsh added.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that the restructuring and simplified organizational setup position McLaren for future success and pave the way for strategic partnerships to drive the company’s growth in the years ahead.
In addition to its renowned sports car division responsible for crafting models like the 750S, GTS, and Artura, the McLaren Group holds a majority stake in McLaren Racing, fielding factory teams across various competitive arenas such as Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, and Extreme E.
Despite its relatively young age compared to traditional automakers, McLaren has left an indelible mark with its lineup of iconic cars, from the groundbreaking three-seater F1 to the lightning-fast P1 and Senna models. The continuation of McLaren’s story under new ownership signals optimism for the future of the company and its legacy in the automotive world.
Chery Malaysia has introduced a vibrant new colour for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations.
Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro will now be available in Aurora Green, a unique yet pleasant soft green colour that seems to be quite popular among car makers these days.
The Aurora Green will only be available for the Tiggo 8 Pro for the moment, which is befitting since it is the flagship SUV.
The Tiggo 8 Pro first made its debut in the Malaysian market back in July of 2023, and has endeared itself to Malaysians, which is no surprise since it offers impressive value for money.
The combination of a spacious interior, advanced features and safety tech as well as a powerful 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine makes it difficult to ignore.
The engine offers 256hp and 390Nm of torque with power sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The interior is comfortable with some of the best seats in its category. Features include wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a 540-degree Panoramic Camera, a gargantuan 24.6-inch dual-screen display, and a Sony audio system.
It also offers an array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection, among others of course.
But what is truly impressive however is the refinement levels that it offers. It achieves this by using soundproof Acoustic Glass that keeps the interior silent and isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world outside.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is undeniably one of the finest SUV’s in its segment today, and the new Aurora Green further adds a touch of class to an already good-looking SUV. However, you have to be quick if you like the colour as it is available to just 120 units, lending it a touch of exclusivity.
Priced from RM159,800, the Tiggo 8 Pro comes with a comprehensive warranty package that includes 7-years of coverage or up to 150,000km, along with a complimentary 5-years of labour service.
Customers also have the option to enhance their coverage by topping up an additional sum of RM 2,000 for the Extended Warranty Package, which provides a 10-year warranty or 1,000,000KM for their vehicle’s engine.
Additionally, Chery Malaysia is currently offering the Extra Peace of Mind Package, which includes a 10-year extended vehicle engine warranty or 1,000,000KM and 7-years of service maintenance, all for just RM 11,600.
So is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro the best SUV in its segment? Is it a better buy than a Proton X90? Read our full review of the Tiggo 8 Pro here, and check out the comparison video below:
Check out our full gallery of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro here:
After previewing the ORA 07 last month, GWM Malaysia has officially launched its first sedan model for the Malaysian market.
The ORA 07 is available in two variants:
GWM ORA 07 Long Range Ultra – RM169,800
The entry level 07 is powered by a single motor that drives the front wheels and outputs 204PS and 340Nm of torque. GWM says this variant is able to travel 640km on a single charge, but that is on the NEDC cycle. For the more accurate WLTP cycle, this variant is able to travel about 512km before it runs out of juice.
The Long Range Ultra accelerates to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and maxes out at 170km/h.
As for the interior, this variant gets two colour choices – black or brown, the latter being a RM2,500 option.
With a focus on range rather than performance, this variant rolls on 18-inch wheels.
The Long Range Ultra also gets five driving modes – Normal, Sport, Well-Being, Individual and Eco.
GWM ORA 07 Performance – RM189,800
Unlike the Long Range Ultra, the Performance variant benefits from dual motors, one for each axle. It offers 408PS and 680Nm of torque. But because it focuses on performance rather than on all out range, the Performance model can travel 550km (NEDC) or 440km on the WLTP cycle.
The Performance variant sees of the sprint to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 180km/h.
The interior of the Performance model can only be had in brown.
The Performance variant gets six driving modes – Normal, Sport, Well-Being, Individual, Eco and Sport Plus.
This top of the line variant rolls on 19 inch wheels.
Both variants come with a massive panoramic roof, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Infinity sound system with 11 speakers. There is also a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heads up display and a special USB port designed for dash cams.
As for charging, both cars are powered by the same 83.499kWh Ternary Lithium Battery that can be charged via a 11kW Type 2 AC charging port or a 88kW CCS2 DC charging port. Both cars will take 32 minutes to recharge from 30-80% with a DC charger, or 15 hours to recharge from 0-100% with a AC charger.
On the safety front, both cars benefit from a full range of ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Assistance, Traffic Jam Assist, Front Collision Warning, Auto Emergency Braking, Auto Emergency Braking – Pedestrians, Auto Emergency Braking – Bicycle, Parking Distance Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Evade, Lane Change Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Overspeed Alert, Intelligent Speed Alerting, Secondary Collision Mitigation, Emergency Signal Braking, Door Opening Warning, Rear Collision Warning, AEB Junction Assist, Emergency Braking at Low Speed, Front Radar Auto Turn On at Low Speed, Blind Spot Detection System, Electronic Stability Program and finally Integrated Intelligent Parking (phew).
And just in case you were wondering, the 07 is 4871mm long, 1862mm wide, 1500mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2870mm. Boot space on the other hand measures in at 333 litres.
The ORA 07 is covered by a six year or 150,000km vehicle warranty and eight year or 180,000km warranty for the battery, electric motor and the electric motor control unit. On top of that, the 07 is also covered by a 12 year car rust and corrosion warranty.
GWM Malaysia is also offering a ‘one-to-one’ battery replacement if the state of charge falls below 70%.
However, to further sweeten the deal, GWM Malaysia is also including a complimentary home Wallbox charger and an additional two-year vehicle warranty that takes it up to eight years or 180,000km on top of the warranty mentioned above. But this is only for the first 500 customers.
If you are a current GWM owner, GWM Malaysia will give you an exclusive RM3,000 Loyalty Offer if you purchase an ORA 07.
The ORA 07 is now available in Malaysia in three colours – Grey, Purple and White.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduced its Dream Cars Collection, which is says embodyies the pinnacle of automotive luxury and sophistication. Crafted in accordance with the brand’s design philosophy of sensual purity, passion, and captivating desire, these vehicles promise pure performance, breathtaking style, and cutting-edge engineering. (more…)
The fifth generation of the Mini Cooper offers a diverse range of drivetrain options, including purely electric engines and efficient petrol engines. The Mini Cooper S, equipped with a four-cylinder petrol engine, combines power with agile handling, making it a thrilling driving experience.
Powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo engine producing 204hp and 300Nm of torque, the Mini Cooper S accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds. Its suspension and damping system are tuned for agile handling, ensuring a dynamic ride on any road.
There are four vehicle trims available for the Mini Cooper S, with the Classic Trim offering additional body colours and contrasting roof finishes. The Ocean Wave Green colour enhances the minimalist design, while the contrasting white roof and mirror caps add to its presence.
The interior of the Classic Trim features black-blue surfaces made of two-tone knitted material, complemented by high-quality Vescin seats in grey or black. The perforated houndstooth pattern and blue accent stitching add to the stylish design of the interior.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Mini Cooper S offers maximum driving fun, with increased track width for optimised driving dynamics. Various driver assistance systems, such as Safe Exit, Active Cruise Control, and Parking Assistant, enhance safety and comfort. Additionally, the Mini Interaction Unit features the brand’s first full-fledged voice assistant, making operation even more convenient while on the go.
