The Honourable Mr Miao Wei, China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, visited Proton’s latest RM1.2 billion manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim earlier today as part of the man’s work visit here in Malaysia. Mr Miao Wei was accompanied by YB Tuan Eddin Syazlee Shith, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia together with government officials from both countries. (more…)
Goodyear Malaysia is currently running its Ramadhan and Hari Raya Consumer Promotion where customers can enjoy a set of brand-new Goodyear tyres at discounted prices. The offer is said to promote road safety with the hopes of reducing the overall number of accidents during this upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The Ramadhan and Raya – Goodyear Win a Car campaign will also give the opportunity for fellow customers to win a brand-new Honda City and 10 years’ worth of tyre supplies from Bridgestone Malaysia. (more…)
TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia, today announced ‘The French Experience’, a new sales campaign offering customers who purchase selected Renault models a trip for two to Paris. The campaign, which runs on 1 March – 30 April 2019, applies to either Renault’s flagship model, the premium D-segment Koleos SUV or the French automaker’s global runaway success, the chic and versatile Captur urban crossover.
Any customer who completes a purchase of either model within the campaign period will fly off on a trip for two to the capital of France, reputed for being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities and affectionately dubbed the City of Romance and Capital of Fashion. TCEC’s official travel partner for this campaign is Mayflower Holidays. “Renault’s spectrum of contemporary models now projects a distinctive Renault personality that exudes French style and finesse inside-out and under the hood,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd. “This new sales campaign celebrates Renault’s French roots with an all-around French experience from the daily commute after purchasing a Renault to enjoying a unique vacation in Paris. We believe that our customers are looking for unique life experiences. And Renault vehicles bring just that,” he added.
A quintessentially French experience
Renault Captur and Koleos are two definitive embodiments of the refreshed stylistic language that has emerged from the brand’s renewed design strategy. The rejuvenated approach focuses on two key trends that will continue in upcoming Renault vehicles: French Design and Easy Life.
Consistent styling cues that promote Renault’s French design image, namely warm, simple, sensual lines with a clearly defined family face and C-shaped signature lighting, ensure both the Captur and Koleos reflect a strong and instantly recognisable Renault personality.
Both models, as with all other modern mainstream Renault cars, have also benefited from the company’s more than 120 years of passion in the automotive industry, which continues to inspire the brand’s enthusiasm for enabling people with the freedom to enjoy an easy life behind the wheel.
Through Renault’s rich heritage, which includes an equally long and deep involvement in motorsports like Formula 1, Captur and Koleos owners along with millions of Renault customers are now enjoying the benefits of engineering breakthroughs like turbocharging, improved powertrain architectures, better aerodynamics, new material development, greater fuel economy, more efficient energy recovery systems and enhanced driver response.
Building on its legacy and in embracing its vision for future mobility, Renault has embarked on the next phase of its design strategy with a new cycle of concept cars that simultaneously incorporates design thinking, latest technologies and production best practices. These concept cars will pave the way for the next generation of Renault vehicles with ever more refined, connected and pure features that represent the very best in the French motoring spirit underscored by the company’s brand signature of “Passion for Life”.
Renault Captur and Koleos: Pricing and availability
The trendy turbocharged Renault Captur crossover is available at RM107,980, excluding insurance for Peninsular Malaysia. It is now Euro 6 compliant, which means lower emissions and features engine auto stop-start as well as a new 7-inch infotainment system with offline/online navigation and internet connectivity. The infotainment system is able to support music and navigation mobile applications such as Joox and Waze to name a few.
Blending all the cues of an urban crossover that modern drivers have to come to expect, the trendy turbocharged Renault Captur also features expressive exterior styling with chic two-tone body colours, premium black combination leather seats, sliding rear seats for more boot space, 7-inch infotainment system with reverse camera and navigation, four high efficiency airbags and excellent fuel efficiency.
The Renault Captur has been the best-selling crossover model in its class in Europe, with global sales of over 1 million units. A premium D-segment SUV, the Renault Koleos is priced at RM173,840. It features best class-leading interior space with refinements that match a luxury car in addition to a 2.5-litre petrol engine, a large 8.7-inch touchscreen R-LINK 2 multimedia system, customisable LED cabin lighting, premium combination leather seats, six airbags, power tailgate (in selected models) and blind spot warning system.
All prices of vehicles stated are on-the-road inclusive of SST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private individual registration only. For more information about Renault in Malaysia, please visit www.renault.com.my or www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, will be conducting six Field Fix Campaigns for Mitsubishi cars. Overall affected cars are about 23,133 units, listed below for all six Field Fix Campaigns:
| No | Field Fix Campaign | Mitsubishi Vehicles Affected and Manufacturing Year | Description |
| 1. | Inspection and rectification of rear parking brake | Outlander (2016)
ASX (2013, 2015, 2017) |
Improper Sealing of Parking Brake
Due to improper sealing of parking brake, water may enter and caused the shaft to rust.
If continue to use, the rust will erode into the internal caliper and reduce the parking brake force. |
| 2. | Replacement of front wiper link ball joint | ASX (2011-2013) | Improper waterproof structure of the front deck portion
In the event that water drops through the back of the front deck, the front wiper link ball joint may experience excessive moisture and corrode. |
| 3. | Inspection of engine auto tensioner | ASX (2011-2012)
Lancer (2008 – 2012) Lancer Sportback (2011-2012)
|
Insufficient strength durability for auto tensioner.
Due to the improper design of the auto tensioner, the sliding resistance force will increase over time.
This may cause damage on the flange area of the auto tensioner if the engine is used under high-speed driving. |
| 4. | Reprogramming of ASC ECU software | Outlander (2017) | Improper software in ASC ECU for Outlander
Due to improper software in ASC ECU for Outlander, an electric noise will generate when the motor pump is activated. This causes incorrect IC operation, which results to ECU reset.
The hydraulic unit function may also be interrupted and may affect the vehicle’s driving stability. |
| 5. | Replacement of sunroof glass | Lancer EVO (2009) | Deterioration of the resin material may result in decrease of adhesive strength
Depending on the temperature and weather humidity, the adhesive strength of the outer frame of the sunroof glass may become weak because of the resin material.
If the vehicle is still used under this condition, there is a possibility that the sunroof glass will detach from the outer frame. |
| 6. | Replacement of passenger airbag with countermeasure inflator | Lancer (2004-2007) | Deterioration of propellant may cause excessive internal pressure
If the vehicle has been exposed to high levels of humidity for an extended period of time, the propellant; PSAN (phased- stabilized ammonium nitrate) may deteriorate and cause excessive internal pressure.
The inflator body of passenger side airbag may rupture, during a normal air bag deployment event. |
For all Field Fix Campaigns, MMM will issue notification letters to all affected Mitsubishi owners and the full cost of the replacement and rectification will be borne by the company. “Safety is our utmost priority thus MMM is taking this initiative to assure customer’s safety and regrets the inconvenience caused to the affected customers,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.
MMM requests all affected customers to make an appointment at any of the Mitsubishi Motors authorized service centres for the replacement of the above. For the list of service centres and further information, please visit: www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my or contact our Customer Careline at 1800 18 8161 (9 am – 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays excluding public holidays).
It’s quite a mouthful isn’t it? Volkswagen Passat Comfortline Plus 280 TSI 7-speed DSG. Okay, so that last bit with the mention of its gearbox isn’t really in the official name, I just added it in for effect and because I’m silly that way…
But while we’re at it, let’s dissect that “280” badge on the boot shall we? Well, apparently it denotes the torque figure, but this Comfortline Plus 1.8 variant only has 250Nm, so why “280” then? VW says that if the torque figure falls between a certain range, they’ll just take the higher numeric and stick it on the boot. Wait, what?
It’s all part of a new naming nomenclature that began last year, whereby the VW Group has chosen to use the torque figure to denote which variant of the car it is, simple as that.
If you’re still with me, let’s try to forget all that because it really isn’t relevant to the car at hand. Here’s my take on the car, summed up in a short video:
It really is nice actually, and as you can see from the video below, it looks strikingly good as well. Here’s a quick 360-degree external walk-around video, followed by the 5 main things I love about this car:
The Clock…
No joke, wanna know one of the coolest things about the Passat interior? It’s the clock. Seriously, situated smack-dab in the centre of the dashboard sits this wonderful analogue clock. Now I don’t know about you but to me, in this digital-age, digital clocks really cheapen the looks of a car. I don’t care if it cost millions or mere thousands, a digital clock cheapens any car that it’s used in. Period.
Thankfully, the one in this Passat looks glorious. I absolutely love the simplicity of it, and the thought given to where it’s placed deserves mention too; anyone in the car can see it, regardless of where they’re sitting.
The Engine…
Like me, I’m sure anyone test-driving this car will not believe it’s a 1.8-litre 4-pot, especially when ‘Sport’ mode is selected, followed by vigourous fingering of the paddle shifts. I should have worded that better I think, but you get what I mean.
There’s a definite Dr.Jeckyll & Mr.Hyde thing going on under that bonnet because ‘Sport’ mode really does bring out the beast in this car, and while normal cruising rewards the occupants with a smooth and effortless ride, ‘Sport’ mode alters this cars’ personality to the ‘nth degree.
The Design…
It’s a subjective matter of course, but in terms of design and aesthetic appeal, despite being a ‘safe’ choice as I mentioned in the video, there’s still something about how this car looks from the outside that’s uncannily appealing.
It’s not in the least bit ostentatious, however, the Passat manages to pull-off looking sporty and aggressive, and yet stylish at the same time. There’s just something about that front-end that captures your attention and holds it. Double-takes were very prevalent during the time I had the car…
The Ride…
Here’s another trick akin to what the designers pulled-off insofar as looks are concerned, that the engineers accomplished as well. The car runs on 18-inch alloys, but you’d never know it because the suspension manages to soak-up even the worst undulations and asphalt irregularities, which abound in this country.
At the same time, the Passat feels stable and reassuring in twists and turns taken more ‘spiritedly’. It’s not a GTI and shouldn’t be thought of as one, but it will hold its own during the odd occasion you find yourself alone on a stretch of road that would be a sin to not take advantage of. Yes, I know you know what I mean…
The Ownership Experience…
I had a bet the other day with a friend that I could drive a car for 5km and know exactly everything I’d need to know about it for the purposes of a review. I was bullshitting of course, and while reliability and cost of ownership are things that I can’t comment about for this Passat, I can say that having had it for a longer period of time than usual, it’s a brilliant ownership proposition.
This is the kind of car that would be ideal as a company car, daily commuter and weekend family-time car as well. It’s big, spacious, comfortable and very well appointed (FULL specs, click here). That’s my driving position in the photo above and look at the space available at the back. Some carmakers shorten the length of the rear seat for added legroom, this is not the case with the Passat.
So as I said in the video, despite not seeing this car much on the road, it is a definite worthy consideration for anyone seeking a D-segment car in the RM180k range. By all means go test the other multitude of D-segmenters from Germany, Japan, S.Korea, and even the USA. But do yourself a favour… save the VW Passat for last. – Chris Wee.
VW Passat Comfortline Plus Photo Gallery…
Cars that are neglected early in life, are usually the most troublesome to maintain in the long run. The best way to save yourself from having to incur hefty repair bills, is to tend to the minor issues immediately. We have listed five different ways to know if your recent car troubles are a direct result of poor maintenance practices.
Like human beings, most older cars will not be in tip-top shape regardless of how well they have been looked after. There will be slight niggles, which could include squeaky noises and occasional but bizarre electrical problems. These issues pale in comparison to those that are due to years of neglect.
Rust bubbles
Unlike the fine rust patches that develop overtime, rust spots that become visible through paintwork, are a clear indication that your problems are about to intensify. In this case, like cancer, the rust has spread on the inner side of your car’s body, eating away at the solid structure piece by piece. If left unchecked, this could result in bodywork decay especially on the roof and floor board.
Blue Smoke
If you’ve ever noticed smoke with a bluish hue spewing out of your exhaust pipe, then there is reason for concern. This is a sign of engine oil being burnt along with your fuel, which isn’t good news. The purpose of the oil, is to lubricate and protect parts like the pistons by lowering surface friction. If the oil is being burnt, than there will be less of it left to protect vital components.
Overheating
If you are the type who doesn’t mind the engine running hotter than recommended, your car’s future is going to be rather bleak. Overheating is a sign that your car’s cooling system isn’t effective enough to cool the engine. A variety of issues could cause it, which may include a faulty water pump, a leak in the engine or radiator as well as a number of others. Continuous neglect can lead to catastrophic component failure.
Whining noises
If there’s a noticable whining noise coming from your gearbox, it’s presence isn’t to add character. Instead it could point to issues such as low transmission fluid levels or worse still, worn out gears. The latter would be far more expensive to fix.
Harsh ride quality
Shock absorbers are a major component of any vehicle’s suspension. It’s main priority is to cushion impact transferred from the wheels to the body. It absorbs the blows caused by road undulations and makes for a supple ride quality. Worn out shock absorbers, are rarely effective, instead provide drivers with an unsettling ride quality and less than stellar cushioning.
If your car has any of the problems mentioned earlier, its best that you take it in for an inspection at your trusted service centre. It pays to fix a minor issue than to wait for it to develop into a real problem. Look after your car, and your car will return the favour ten-fold.
If you are a fan of the Fast & Furious movie franchise, we’ve got some unpleasant news for you. The release date of Fast 9, the follow up movie to this year’s The Fate of the Furious, has been pushed back to 2020, which is a year later than anticipated.
The change in release date could have been due to several reasons but the official one is to allow for director scheduling. However, according to an article by The Hollywood Reporter, there is speculation that the change was done to make way for a spin-off movie.
It will feature Luke Hobbs played by Dwayne Johnson and Deckard Shaw played by Jason Statham as the movie’s protagonists. The duo have managed to rejuvenate the aging Fast & Furious franchise by bring about a fresh prospective to the long running movie genre.
Apparently, Chris Morgan has been tasked with writing the script for the new movie, which should see Hobbs and Shaw return as the Diplomatic Security Service agent and Assassin turned good guy, respectively.
Morgan has been in charge of the Fast & Furious movie scripts since Tokyo Drift hit the silver screen in 2006. And the movies that followed it have had action packed scenes that were packed with a combination of real life stunts and sophisticated CGI effects.
This new movie featuring Hobbs and Shaw should make it to theaters around the world in July of 2019 and bring about a unique spin off of the Fast & Furious movie franchise that many of us have come to appreciate.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Volvo has released aero updates for its S60 and V60 Polestar variants that improve their general aerodynamics. According to Polestar, Volvo’s performance arm, this is a culmination of research and development honed on the racetrack with its Motorsport partner, Cyan Racing.
A lot of this data and feedback was learnt from Volvo and Cyan Motorsports involvement in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), where the brand has been a dominant force these past few years.
“The Model Year 18 S60 and V60 Polestar models are the pinnacle of our road car programmes that we have been developing successfully since our first road car was launched in 2013,” said Jörgen Ronstad, Vice President, Product Strategy & Management at Polestar.
Polestar, modest as they are, managed to incorporate a lot of what they had learnt after completing the ‘infamous’ secret Nürburgring test. This was where a Polestar S60 claimed the record for the fastest four-door road legal car around the infamous Nordschleife circuit.
These aerodynamic tweaks include a new front splitter, side sills and a rear spoiler extension, which are made from carbon fibre. Not only is this material considerably stronger than steel, but is significantly lighter too.
Working together, the aero kit provide the vehicle with an increased downforce of 30 per cent. They also increase grip and high-speed stability, which allow for the cars be comfortable daily drivers but sharp enough to be enjoyed around a racetrack.
It has been said that more than 250 components have been changed compared to the ‘standard’ Volvo models. But the most noteworthy changes of the lot are the adjustable Öhlins shock absorber system and six-piston Brembo brake calipers with 371 millimeter discs.
Besides these, other visual changes include high-gloss black Polestar diamond cut wheels, carbon fibre door mirror casings and a new colour, Bursting Blue Metallic. On the inside, the interior has been updated with a new seat upholstery with blue contrast stitching and Polestar embroidering.
As such, gone are the days when Volvo cars used to be boxy and relatively slow compared to their German rivals. Today, the Swedish automaker produces some of the best vehicles on the road right now.
Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has launched the first ever Shell Malaysia Online Store on the country’s leading e-commerce platform, Lazada Malaysia. The Shell Malaysia Official Online Store is the company’s latest initiative in making their industry-leading genuine Shell Helix motor oil much easier to purchase and obtain for all vehicle owners across the country.
The official store also promises nothing but their genuine Shell Helix products officially sourced by the manufacturer itself which includes delivery across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Further enhancing their level of convenience in terms of purchasing one of the best engine oil and lubricants in the market, the Shell Malaysia Online Store also offers great value for money packages at selected authorised workshops in Klang Valley as well as Johor.
The online e-commerce market and demand for easier shopping conveniences has launched Lazada Malaysia as the main go-to site to purchase anything and everything from electronics, fashion items to services. Today, the collaboration between Shell Malaysia and Lazada Malaysia continues to innovate the ever growing demand for life-improving services whether it’s purchasing the product or opting for one of their all-inclusive service packages.
When customers opt for any of the all-inclusive packages starting from RM103, each package includes the preferred Shell Helix engine oil, oil filter, labour costs and also a complimentary 15-point vehicle check.
Once the online purchase is successful, car owners will be contacted by the Shell Malaysia Official Online Store to assist in arranging their preferred service venue, date and time slot followed by an SMS confirmation. All the customer has to do is just head over to the assigned authorised Shell Malaysia workshop and the rest will be taken care of for them.
In conjunction with the launch, online shoppers who purchase either the engine oil or service package anytime from 3 August to 10 August 2017 will receive a Lazada Malaysia e-voucher worth RM30.
According to Shell Lubricants Executive Director – Southeast Asia & Oceania, Troy Chapman, Malaysia was the first market in Southeast Asia to enable online purchase of genuine Shell Helix products and service packages from an official channel.
“This is yet another initiative from Shell, which explains why we have been the number one lubricant supplier in the world for the past 10 consecutive years .We were the first motor oil brand to offer the Shell Helix Engine Warranty or S.H.E.W last year. Today, we are proud to be the first oil and gas company in Malaysia to have an official presence on a leading e-commerce platform such as Lazada Malaysia. This initiative would help expand our market coverage and reach significantly and complement our extensive brick and mortar network in this country, which has been built over the past 125 years,” said Mr Troy Chapman.
Lazada Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Hans-Peter Ressel also commented that “This is a winning collaboration for Lazada and Shell that first and foremost, benefits the consumers as they now have unparalleled access to a wide range of official Shell Helix products via our platform. Brands such as Shell recognise the strategic importance of e-commerce in Southeast Asia and we look forward to working together with Shell in growing its online presence not just in Malaysia but across the region,” he said.
To visit the Shell Malaysia Official Online Store, you can head on over to http://www.lazada.com.my/shell-malaysia-official-store/.
Article by Sep Irran
The F40 is now three decades old, does that make you feel old yet? One of the most memorable Ferraris ever made was introduced to the world in 1987 and was the last car that Enzo Ferrari had a hand developing.
The car came to be because il Commendatore, which is how Mr. Ferrari was referred to, wanted to build a true Ferrari. It was to be a vehicle that embodied everything he and his company stood for. Built from carbon-fibre, the iconic F40 silhouette was a culmination of extensive wind tunnel testing as well as research and development.
Leonardo Fioravanti, a member of the Pininfarina team that designed the car, was invited by Enzo to drive the 288 GTB Evoluzione, the 650bhp experimental prototype supercar. It never really made it onto showroom floors due to regulatory issues, but it was still an amazing machine in its own right.
Speaking of the car, Fioravanti said, “We knew, as he knew (Enzo Ferrari), that it would be his last car. We threw ourselves headlong into the work. Extensive research at the wind tunnel went into aerodynamic optimisation, to achieve coefficients appropriate for the most powerful Ferrari road car ever.”
He then added, “Its style matches its performance: the low bonnet with a very tiny overhang, the NACA air vents and the rear spoiler, which my colleague Aldo Brovarone placed at right angles, made it famous. If I had to point out one overriding reason for the success of the F40, I would say that its line succeeded in instantly transmitting the exceptionality of its technical content: speed, lightness, and performance.”
As a matter of fact, the engine of the F40 was actually a derivative of that that powered the 288 GTB Evoluzione. A number of innovations were made though and the end result, was a twin-turbo V8 that produced 478bhp.
Great emphasis and time were placed on the design of the engine. There was extensive use of magnesium for the oil sump, cylinder-head covers, intake manifolds, and gearbox bell-housing. At the time, It’s use was considered unconventional and rather expensive.
Magnesium, as a material, costs five times as much as aluminium alloy, which is what is usually used. And since, the F40, it was never used in such quantities again for any subsequent production car, which makes the car, all the more special.
In just 13 short months, the F40 went from the drawing board to a fully fleged supercar that was extremely powerful, lightweight, and had the handling characteristics of a professional Go-Kart. A little more than a thousand cars were produced in total and despite its age, the F40 is one of the most revered cars from the Ferrari stable and the world in general.
Unlike its modern brotheren, it lacked the technologically advanced wizardry that governs cars like the F430 and as such, it was a true driver’s car. The fat rear tyres provided it with exceptional grip, allowing it to handle cornering with ease. The F40, like Ferraris before it, had a little bit of Enzo in them, which to fans of the brand, is something worth more than gold.
We will end this lengthy tribute to the car by saying – happy birthday F40! You look just as good now as you did 30 years ago.
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