Tesla has initiated the delivery of its electric sedan, the Model 3, in Malaysia. The deliveries took place at Tesla’s Cyberjaya centre, marking a crucial step in Tesla’s mission to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy in the country. Customers received the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range variants at the Cyberjaya facility.
The Model 3 comes with refined exterior styling, optimised for maximum aerodynamics, and a redesigned interior. These updates promise improved range, a quieter ride, and additional features without compromising the thrilling performance that characterises Tesla models.
One of the notable features of the Model 3 is its V3 Supercharging capability, allowing the car to charge up to 282km in just 15 minutes. This feature enhances the charging experience for Tesla owners, providing efficient and quick recharging.
Proton has officially introduced the Proton S70, a sleek and feature-rich sedan that combines the trusted Proton lineage with the innovative design of the Geely Emgrand model. The Proton S70 is available in four distinct variants. The variants are the 1.5T Executive, 1.5T Premium, 1.5T Flagship and the 1.5T Flagship X.
Based on and drawing inspiration from the Geely Emgrand, the Proton S70 features an identical shape with thoughtful modifications. The exterior is enhanced with a distinctive rear model script and a new grille adorned with chrome pin inserts. LED projector headlamps illuminate the path ahead, accompanied by LED taillights with a striking light bar. Completing the look are a sunroof and 17-inch 10-spoke wheels wrapped in Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2 tires.
Under the hood, the Proton S70 differentiates itself with a turbocharged 1.5 L 3-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This powerhouse contrasts with the Geely’s naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
The Proton S70 embraces cutting-edge technology with a 10.25-inch TFT infotainment display boasting a resolution of 1,920 x 720. Complementing this centerpiece is a 3.25-inch monochrome meter display, offering a comprehensive view of crucial vehicle information. The infotainment system features voice command functionality, a powered driver seat, an inductive trunk that responds to a simple foot swipe, and a convenient wireless charger.
Prioritising safety, the Proton S70 comes equipped with an extensive suite of features, including:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), incorporating:
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
Traffic Sign Information (TSI)
Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
Six airbags
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control (TC)
Hill Hold Assist (HHA)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
Door Opening Warning (DOW)
Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Pricing for the Proton S70 is as follows:
S70 1.5T Executive: RM73,800
S70 1.5T Premium: RM79,800
S70 1.5T Flagship: RM89,800
S70 1.5T Flagship X: RM94,800
Proton has also introduced an early bird package for the first 3000 buyers that is valid until 29th February 2024. The package includes:
Aerokit worth RM3130 for the Flagship X variant.
Service voucher worth RM500 for the Premium and Flagship variants only.
Upgraded Proton insurance program with complimentary first year special perils coverage.
The standard package for all variants include:
5-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
5-year data package with 1GB per month for both flagship variants.
A recent video circulating on social media has left viewers in shock as it captures a harrowing incident where a kid, seemingly innocently giving false directions, revealed malicious intentions while riding in the back of a Grab car driven by an elderly man.
In the video, the child engages in an elaborate ruse, continuously providing false directions for nearly an hour, causing evident frustration for the elderly driver. However, the shocking turn of events unfolds as it becomes apparent that the kid harbours darker motives.
Seemingly prompted by the opportunity to seize money kept in the driver’s pocket, the child, armed with a knife, escalates the situation dramatically. The driver, unaware of the impending danger, follows the fabricated directions and eventually reaches his destination.
A crucial stretch of the federal route connecting Bentong and Janda Baik, specifically FT68 or Jalan Lama Gombak to Bentong, has been closed until December 1 due to structural damage. The affected sections are 43.00 to 43.40 and Jalan Pintasan Bukit Tinggi from Sections 1.98 to 2.58 in Bentong. The closure aims to ensure the safety of road users and comes in the aftermath of a debris flow incident that occurred over three hours on Saturday, resulting in damage to the road and properties.
Closure Details and Alternative Routes
As reported by Bernama, the closure announcement was made by the Bentong district Public Works Department (JKR), urging road users to adhere to the closure for safety reasons. Those heading to Janda Baik are advised to take an alternative route by using the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway to the Bukit Tinggi Intersection, heading towards the Bukit Tinggi BHP petrol station and passing through SMK Bukit Tinggi. Road users are encouraged to follow road signs and can contact the Bentong JKR office at 09-2224040 for inquiries.
Impact of Debris Flow Incident
The closed road section was part of the site affected by a debris flow incident on Saturday, which resulted in a water surge carrying bricks, sediments, and fallen trees. The incident caused damage to road infrastructure, including cracks, as well as hill slope collapses and damage to residents’ properties. Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman highlighted the need for a comprehensive study by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) for necessary mitigation work, especially in high-risk areas like Bukit Tinggi and Janda Baik.
In the recently concluded nationwide Ops Patuh Bersepadu 2023, more than 23,000 motorists were apprehended for driving without a valid license. The 14-day operation, which concluded on Friday (Nov 24), targeted various traffic violations and aimed to enhance road safety.
According to TheStar, during the operation, JPJ officials inspected a total of 554,372 vehicles, resulting in the issuance of 23,748 notices for driving without a license. The majority of offenders fell within the age group of 15 to 35. In addition to unlicensed driving, JPJ also issued 17,447 notices for expired road taxes, 13,857 notices for vehicles lacking insurance coverage, and 12,191 notices for technical offenses. Other notable violations included 4,902 cases of driving without vocational licenses and 2,329 cases of overloaded vehicles.
Touch ‘n Go, a key player in RFID technology in Malaysia, is addressing a recent misconception about RFID tags having an expiry date. While debunking this misconception, the company emphasised a different aspect—RFID tags, unlike traditional smart tags, may experience wear and tear over time.
Contrary to the false information suggesting an expiry date, Touch ‘n Go clarified that RFID tags issued by the company do not have a predetermined expiration. Instead, the focus was on a recent campaign aimed at pilot users, participants in the initial RFID pilot program launched in 2018. This campaign offered these users the opportunity to refresh their RFID tags, particularly if wear and tear had occurred, through a special promotion.
Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia is gearing up for the 2023 Sepang 1000 KM Endurance Race (S1K) with a focus on defending the overall title they secured the previous year. The team plans to enter a Toyota Vios in the MTC Class, with drivers Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel and Naquib Azlan returning to the competition. Additionally, dealer team Wing Hin Motorsports will participate with two Toyota Yaris cars in the MTC Class, driven by Boy Wong and former Gazoo Racing Rookie Class driver Amer Harris.
The S1K event will also feature the third edition of the Gazoo Racing (GR) Vios Enduro Cup within the SP2 Class. This cup has gained popularity as a season finale for drivers already engaged in the GR Vios Challenge and GR Vios Sprint Cup. The GR Vios Enduro Cup attracts a diverse range of drivers, including teenagers, a father and son duo, a husband and wife team, and several female drivers.
Stellantis Group is undergoing a significant transformation in its Peugeot operations in Malaysia, shifting from its current partnership with Bermaz Auto Bhd to establish its own national sales company. Under this restructuring, Stellantis will directly handle distribution and sales in Malaysia, while Bermaz Auto Bhd’s role will be scaled down to that of a super dealer from its previous position as an exclusive distributor.
Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor for Ferrari cars in Malaysia, has launched its first showroom in the country. Strategically located in the heart of the Malaysian capital at Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur, the new showroom is designed to cater to the growing needs of new and seasoned Ferraristis in the region alike, in line with the signature Ferrari Showroom Experience.
The Ferrari Ital Auto Malaysia showroom encompasses 3,826 square feet of prime real estate, with two vehicle display bays providing the stage for the latest Ferrari models to be showcased at all times.
Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor of Ferrari cars in Malaysia, unveiled the Ferrari Roma Spider at their recently revealed showroom in Kuala Lumpur. As the latest addition to the iconic line of Prancing Horse Spiders, the Roma Spider pays homage to the carefree lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s, offering customers the option of a soft top—a first for a front-engined Ferrari in 54 years since the 1969 365 GTS4.
The soft-top design of the Roma Spider reflects a novel and modern approach, emphasising the car’s exuberant character. It comes with extensive personalisation options, featuring sophisticated, bespoke fabrics and contrasting stitching. The soft top can be deployed in just 13.5 seconds, operable at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Its compact design not only allows for a larger boot but also enhances the car’s overall versatility. A patented wind deflector integrated into the rear bench backrest contributes to in-car comfort without occupying additional space.
Retaining the excellent dynamic characteristics of the Ferrari Roma, the Spider boasts a best-in-class weight/power ratio, thanks to its soft top and all-aluminium chassis, housing a potent 620PS, 760Nm of torque twin-turbo V8 engine. The engine, part of the award-winning V8 turbo family, is coupled with Ferrari’s renowned 8-speed DCT, known for rapid shift times, comfort, and mechanical efficiency.
The Ferrari Roma Spider offers not only ease of driving but also exceptional dynamism and responsiveness, making it an ideal companion for both out-of-town weekends and extended journeys. It maintains the exhilarating Ferrari V8 soundtrack, coupled with features enhancing versatility, including a category-topping boot size, wireless connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Wi-Fi.
Designed under the leadership of Flavio Manzoni, the Ferrari Roma Spider aims to extend the concept of “La Nuova Dolce Vita” for elegant, carefree driving ‘en plein air.’ The sophisticated fabric soft top preserves the coupé’s proportions seamlessly, and the exterior design focuses on clean lines and absolute symbiosis between elements. The proportions and volumes align with Ferrari’s front-engined GT tradition, complemented by modern touches for contemporary style.
The cabin of the Ferrari Roma Spider follows the dual cockpit concept, providing separate spaces for the driver and passenger. The symmetrical layout creates an organic distribution of spaces and functional elements, ensuring an immersive driving experience. High-tech features include a digital instrument cluster, optional passenger display, and a central 8.4” display for infotainment and climate control functions. The steering wheel’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) incorporates touch controls for a refined driving experience.
Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the Ferrari Roma Spider’s development, considering the impact of the fabric soft top on bodywork geometries. The active spoiler, concealed in the rear lid, adjusts to three different positions, optimising downforce based on speed and driving conditions. Attention to aerodynamic comfort with the top-down minimises turbulence and wind noise in the cabin.
The car’s dynamics benefit from the Side Slip Control System (SSC) and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, providing precise handling and traction performance. The Manettino offers five positions, including the new ‘Race’ position, enhancing driving fun. The chassis, derived from the Ferrari Roma, incorporates new components, ensuring exceptional torsional rigidity and beam stiffness.
With a focus on client service, Ferrari offers an extended seven-year maintenance program for the Roma Spider, covering regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This exclusive service ensures peak performance and safety over the years and is also available for pre-owned Ferraris. The Ferrari Roma Spider is available in Malaysia, starting from RM3,200,000.00, inclusive of duties and taxes.
