The FerrariPortofino was the undisputed star of a Europe-wide tour that hit the road on 16 April. The famous Ligurian town, that both gave the car its name and played host to a world premiere attended by hundreds of clients in September 2017, provided the starting line from which 20 examples of the new Ferrari departed to over 60 cities across the continent.
The Prancing Horse’s most loyal enthusiasts and collectors were treated to a truly exclusive preview of the car’s prowess as they took turns behind the wheel of the Ferrari Portofino on Europe’s most beautiful roads to experience the car’s performance across a wide variety of conditions.
Three alternating itineraries crisscrossed very different terrains, ranging from the rolling Tuscan hills to the slopes of the Alps, the Cote d’Azur, the Scandinavian Peninsula, Stockholm Bay and the Port of Belfast. Settings that of course provided the perfect showcase for the driving pleasure and versatility of this stunning convertible GT, permitting clients to savour the V8 engine’s 600hp, the handling and superior in-car comfort that put it at the top its category.
BMW Group Malaysia has introduced the All-New BMW X3, which will be locally-assembled (CKD) for the first time in the country, allowing its price to be RM320,000. This demonstrates BMW Group Malaysia’s commitment to growing its investments here in Malaysia, a move that further emphasises Malaysia as the hub for the BMW Group in South East Asia.
Mr. Harald Hoelzl, (above) Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Today, we celebrate a new generation of the BMW X3, which in the history of the premium automotive industry, is the creator of the mid-sized premium SAV segment in 2003. This is a perfect example on the BMW belief that the best way to predict the future is to create it. With over two generations of the BMW X3, we have delivered more than 1.5 million vehicles to lead the segment all over the world. Today, the All-New BMW X3 is set to continue to write the next chapter in BMW’s success story in the premium segment.”
Hoelzl added that with over 1,000 units already delivered in 2018, the BMW X Family is enjoying a significant 39% growth in Malaysia, compared to the same period last year. Driving this performance is The Boss – the BMW X5, and the First-Ever BMW X2. Now, with the All-New BMW X3, BMW Group Malaysia looks forward to pushing the BMW X Family further this year.
“For the very first time, the independent and passionate BMW X3 is made available from launch as a locally assembled vehicle to offer our customers here a wider choice and availability of products as well as a differentiation, option and a mix from our offering of fully imported models in the premium sports activity vehicle segment,” Hoelzl said.
Overall, BMW Group Malaysia delivered 3,000 BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles in the first quarter of 2018, charting an impressive 15% growth compared to the same period last year with 2,600 vehicles delivered. In the details, the BMW brand saw an 18% growth in deliveries with over 2,500 new vehicles in the first quarter of 2018 (Q12017: 2,100 vehicles).
MINI, meanwhile, grew by 6% – delivering over 220 vehicles compared to the same period in 2017 where 200 vehicles were delivered. While BMW Motorrad grew by 2% in the first quarter of 2018 with close to 260 motorcycles delivered to customers.
The new locally-assembled BMW X3 is priced at RM320,000 (OTR w/o insurance)
More on the new BMW X3…
The All-New BMW X3 now sports an even more striking and dynamic design language, boasting class leading driving systems and dynamics – all of which attribute to All-New BMW X3’s independent spirit. “It is only fair that the All-New BMW X3 is called The Independent in the BMW X Family,” Hoelzl said.
The All-New BMW X3 is introduced in the variant of the BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury. The dynamic handling qualities of the All-New BMW X3 are rooted in its ideal 50:50 weight distribution, its meticulously honed chassis and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which made its debut in 2003 when the first generation of the BMW X3 was launched.
Sharper Design with Distinctive Looks.
The All-New BMW X3 elevates the already bold dynamic design language of its predecessor to new, even more eye-catching territory. The third generation of the pioneering premium mid-sized Sports Activity Vehicle treads a familiar BMW X family path in combining rugged off-road looks with sporting presence. The exterior dimensions of the All-New BMW X3 may be largely unchanged, but its five-centimetre-longer wheelbase, long bonnet and short front overhang with even more finely balanced proportions – which emphasise the perfect 50:50 distribution of weight between the front and rear axle – give it the edge over its predecessor.
At the front end, the “three-dimensional” kidney grille treatment and foglamps featuring a hexagonal design for the very first time on a BMW X model, underline the confident character of the All-New BMW X3. The SAV features LED headlights with low-beam and high-beam, side lights and cornering lights. The All-New BMW X3 also features high-beam assistant which switches head lights to high beam automatically when needed. The underbody protection in Frozen Grey and high-gloss Chrome. The All-New BMW X3 sits on 19” light alloy wheels Double Spoke bicolour Ferric Grey.
Moving to the rear, the light clusters (whose three-dimensional look in full-LED guise give them significant visual impact), markedly downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes bring matters to a suitably muscular conclusion. The cargo space offers versatility as it can be expanded from 550 litres to 1,600 litres when the seats are folded down. The Comfort Access with contactless boot operation allows for added user-convenience with keyless access to the vehicle, including contactless access to the tailgate.
Supreme Driving Pleasure, Exceptional Efficiency.
The cutting-edge BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0 in-line four-cylinder petrol engine sits at the heart of the All-New BMW X3, which comprises of TwinScroll turbocharging, High Precision Injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing. With an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the All-New BMW X3 is capable of sprinting from 0-100km in 6.3 seconds at a top speed of 240 km/h. The All-New BMW X3 is capable of generating a maximum output of 252hp and 350Nm of torque, offering supreme driving pleasure with exceptional efficiency. For the full spec sheet, click here: BMW X3 Spec Sheet_Peninsular Malaysia
With the intelligent lightweight construction, the All-New BMW X3 is up to 55kg lighter than its predecessor, which translates to superior dynamic performance and outstanding efficiency. With that in mind, the All-New BMW X3 also has the lowest aerodynamics with a Cd factor of 0.29. The lower the factor, the less drag the body will induce. As a result, a balance between a dynamic yet efficient design is achieved.
Furthermore, the standard Driving Experience Control switch allows the driver choose between various configurations – i.e. ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, all of which are designed to make the vehicle more dynamic, more comfortable or more efficient to drive.
Perfect Off-Road Prowess.
The dynamic handling qualities of the All-New BMW X3 are rooted in its ideal 50:50 weight distribution, its meticulously honed chassis and the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Not only has the system been offering superior grip on slippery surfaces ever since, it has had a beneficial effect on driving dynamics, too. It is interlinked with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) meaning that the power split between all four wheels can be constantly varied to always produce the handling characteristics for which BMW is renowned, even when the driver is pressing on. Complementing the off-road capabilities of the All-New BMW X3 is Hill Descent Control which helps maintain the SAV at a steady pace when driving down a steep incline.
Comfort-Oriented Interior with a Luxurious Ambience.
The interior of the All-New BMW X3 follows BMW tradition with its driver-focused and ergonomically optimised cockpit layout and carries over many aspects of the car’s exterior design. For instance, hexagonal forms and precise, bevelled edges play a central role in the interior. The interior displays exceptional material quality, fit and finishing, and impresses functionality-wise. One example here is the well-thought-out storage concept, which offers more storage space than ever before and ensures it is easier to access as well as galvanised plating on the air conditioning, audio and steering controls which is luxury to the sight and touch within the premium vehicle.
Evidence of the attention to detail lavished by the designers on the interior of the All-New BMW X3 includes the exclusive BMW X embossing which is highly visible on the B-pillar, enter console and rear door trim. Partially hidden BMW X embossing can also be spotted between the front door and dashboard end.
Upon entering the All-New BMW X3, the driver will be welcomed into the Leather Vernasca with contrast stitching sports seat, with padded side bolsters and eye-catching shoulder section. The dashboard is also set low to offer the distinctive “Command Position”, leaving the driver with a feeling of being in control with a good all-round vision.
With the Luxury Line, the All-New BMW X3 offers leather upholstery, a Sensatec-covered instrument panel with contrast stitching and Dark Oak fine wood interior trim strips with accent strip in Pearl Chrome. The All-New BMW X3 also comes with 6 ambient light colours tones (orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue and white) with selectable contour and mood lighting.
The All-New BMW X3 also features a rear camera, with Park Distance Control which provides an acoustic and visual (distance only) warning of the obstacle behind the vehicle. To assist the driver further, the Parking Assistant aids with automatic parking into parallel and lateral parking spaces.
Technology and Communication.
In the All-New BMW X3, the new Multifunctional instrument display with Black Panel technology replaces the traditional gauge cluster which has been a common fixture in the page. Besides displaying a breadth of information such as navigation, the three different driving modes – ECO PRO, COMFORT, and SPORT – and their specific displays have their own colour scheme and graphic style.
The 10.25-inch Central Information Display is located above the instrument panel of the All-New BMW X3 with touch control functionality, providing a quick overview of the most pertinent information and offers users intuitive access. With the BMW ConnectedDrive, owners will have seamless connectivity to their car and the world outside. To further enhance driver experience, the All-New BMW X3 also comes with the Welcome Light Carpet, creating a sophisticated atmosphere when approaching the vehicle.
In terms of external colour offering, the All-New BMW X3 offers new and bold colours of Terra Brown, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Alpine White. On the interior, the Leather Vernasca Black is best paired with Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Terra Brown; whereas the Leather Vernasca Mokka is best paired with Alpine White and Black Sapphire. The All-New BMW X3 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Wednesday, 25th April 2018*, with deliveries commencing in July 2018*.
Complete Premium Ownership Experience.
Customers of the All-New BMW X3 can also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program.
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card.
BMW Service Online.
Full BMW X3 Press Release in Bahasa Malaysia & Chinese here:
Lusting for a Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 but can’t bear the thought of exorbitant annual road-tax? Well good news! Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, has announced the latest addition to the popular Ranger line-up – the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L – at all showrooms nationwide.
Priced at RM127,8881 (*RM133,8882 – for Sabah & Sarawak), the new Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L offers Malaysian consumers an additional option to own one of the world’s toughest, most capable and versatile pickup trucks that best suits their needs at an even more attractive pricepoint.
To balance power and fuel efficiency, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L is powered by a turbocharged 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine putting out maximum power of 160PS at 3,000 rpm and peak torque of 385Nm at 1,600 to 2,600 rpm. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the improved engine has been carefully calibrated to deliver significant savings to drivers over the life of the vehicle, while also providing the power Ranger customers demand.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L comes in three colours including Cool White, Pride Orange and Shadow Black. “The Ranger continues to be a Malaysian favourite, and the Wildtrak 2.2L will give Ranger customers even more choice to own the toughest, most capable pickup truck in the market,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.
To celebrate the launch of the Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L and SDAC’s 10-year anniversary, customers who register to purchase any Ranger model from now to 30 June 2018 will stand to win a grand prize of one Ford Fiesta 1.5L Sport. There are also 15 units of Huawei Mate 10 Pro Smartphones up for grabs. Winners will be determined through monthly lucky draw, with five smartphones to win each month. The grand prize winner will be announced after the final draw in June.
For more information, visit SDAC’s multilingual website (www.sdacford.com.my), which also features a chat-bot in English.
RM127,888 – Price inclusive of GST, on-the-road without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration only.
*RM133,888 – Price inclusive of GST, on-the-road without insurance for Sabah & Sarawak and private registration only.
The new Range Rover Velar which has just been launched nationwide brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the Range Rover family. Designed and engineered based on ‘reductionism’ and elegant simplicity, this new luxurious mid-sized SUV has a unique character incomparable with other SUVs in its class.
With a starting price of RM529,800 the Velar features pioneering consumer technologies such as the flush deployable door handles and the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system which is the centrepiece of the Velar’s interior. The Touch Pro Duo features two 10-inch high-definition touchscreens integrated seamlessly behind secret-until-lit surfaces. These slim, intuitive displays work in harmony with the cabin architecture while adding an overall sense of modernity to the vehicle’s design.
The Touch Pro Duo system allows the driver to multitask with greater safety by using two screens simultaneously. When travelling to a new destination, the lower screen can be used to make a call without losing the navigation on the upper screen. Other technology-advanced features include a Head Up Display**, Interactive Driver Display and Navigation Pro.
Winner of the Car Design of the Year at the 2018 World Car Awards, the Velar carries a progressive design featuring a seductive silhouette, flush deployable door handles, integrated rear spoiler as well as distinctive design cues from the front bumper to the rear of the vehicle, foil stamped grille and Matrix LED Headlights. The twin chrome exhaust finishers** that are integrated into the rear bumper, provide a subtle reference to the Velar’s power and performance.
Zooming into some of the Velar’s high-tech features:
Flush Deployable Door Handles
The flush deployable door handles are unique to the Velar in the Land Rover family. A futuristic feature, the door handles deploy when the vehicle is unlocked and the handles retract once the vehicle is locked. The door handles contribute to the low drag coefficient of only 0.32, making it the most aerodynamically-efficient Land Rover ever produced.
Matrix LED Headlights
The most slender ever to appear on a Land Rover vehicle, these boldly designed Matrix LED headlights produce a quality of light close to daylight, giving excellent illumination and reducing eye fatigue.
3-inch Interactive Driver Display
The new Interactive Driver Display makes driving the Velar more interesting especially with four visual themes and a full-screen 3D navigation display.
Touted as a calming sanctuary, the interior of the Velar is uncluttered, exquisite in detailing and offers exceptional refinement with the use of premium and luxury materials. The instrument panel’s strong, horizontal beam is the defining element of the Velar’s interior architecture. It rakes back dramatically towards the windscreen to create the fastest angle of any Land Rover and underlines the Velar’s dynamic driving characteristics. The slender air vents reinforce the Velar’s reductive, technology-enabled design.
Fortified with the Sports-Command driving position, the Velar’s front seats balance its performance-oriented design and support with opulent comfort. Meticulously weight-optimised and designed to liberate additional interior space and legroom, the seats have also been carefully sculpted for ease of entry and egress to and from the cabin.
Kvadrat highly durable wool-blend premium textile contrasted with Suede cloth is made optional for customers who prefer the option over the perforated grained leather for the P250 variant or perforated leather with suede cloth*** that comes with the R-Dynamic variant. Kvadart is Europe’s leading manufacturer of high-quality design textiles. The use of Kvadart premium textile in the Velar is unique to luxury SUVs of this segment.
***Depending on interior colour choice
The Velar’s body is built with aluminium-intensive monocoque using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture. Aluminium alloys account for more than 81 percent of the body-in-white – a figure no competitor can match. Its light, stiff, aluminium-intensive body, together with double-wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension provides the perfect basis for agile handling, superior ride comfort and outstanding refinement. It also delivers exceptional levels of crash protection that the Velar has been developed to meet.
It is also one of the safest vehicles due to its comprehensive safety system that includes six airbags and a suite of technology advanced driver assistance systems including Head Up Display**, Navigation Pro System and Cruise Control Speed Limiter.
The Velar delivers exceptional composure and agility on-road, as well as class-leading capability off-road. The most significant of these is an intelligent, efficient, torque on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which provides the optimum torque distribution to suit various road conditions. Depending on road conditions, it can make the transition from 100 percent rear bias to fully locked in only 165 milliseconds; transient torque delivery to the front axle can take as little as 100 milliseconds. This makes the AWD system incredibly responsive, delivering exceptional performance in all conditions.
Exceptional performance and efficiency comes from its Ingenium powertrain, that is matched to a smooth-shifting ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics. The Velar is fitted with the P250 powertrain. It is the first of the two new petrol engines that develops peak power of 250PS and high maximum torque of 365Nm, which is maintained from just 1,200rpm to 4,500rpm. This means that the Velar can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds and return an impressive 7.6-litres/100km and 173g/km CO2 on the European combined cycle.
When purchasing the Velar, customers can choose from the following options:
Velar (P250) – RM529,800*
Velar R-Dynamic (P250) – RM588,800*
*Selling price is inclusive of 6% GST. Excludes Road Tax, Registration and Insurance.
The Velar is available in eight exterior colours i.e Fuji White, Yulong White, Corris Grey, Santorini Black, Kaikoura Stone, Firenze Red, Silicon Silver and Carpathian Grey; five interior colour options of Ebony/Ebony, Acorn, Vintage Tan/Ebony, Eclipse/Ebony and Light Oyster/Ebony. The Velar (P250) comes standard with 20-inch rims while the Velar R-Dynamic (P250) comes with 21-inch rims.
Designed and engineered at Jaguar Land Rover’s development centres in the UK, the Velar is manufactured at the company’s Solihull production facility.
All vehicles distributed by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia are compatible with the Malaysian climate, environment, fuel quality and meet the Malaysian emission standard. All Land Rover vehicles distributed by authorised dealers also come with Land Rover Care programme which includes a five-year warranty, five years’ free service and three years’ roadside assistance. Please visit www.landrover.com.my for more information.
This has got to be the the bike deal of the decade! Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (MODENAS) has launched the highly anticipated Dominar D400 sports tourer, the company’s first big bike in nearly two decades as it continues to up its game in the local market. Fully loaded even with ABS as standard, the Dominar D400 is priced at an incredible RM13,788! No, that’s not a typo…
The launch of Dominar D400 is aimed at bringing the sports touring culture to Malaysia by offering the combination of satisfying power for short sprints and smooth power delivery for long distance touring. It is the perfect mid-size sports tourer, with a design and riding posture (upright) that will enhance the riding experience.
Once again, MODENAS has disrupted the market by announcing a pocket-friendly introductory price of RM13,788 (excluding GST) for the Dominar D400. The bike also comes with a two-year or 24,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) and five free services.
(L-R) MODENAS Chief Executive Officer Amirudin Abd Kadir, DRB-HICOM Chief Operating Officer Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah & Bajaj Auto Limited Vice-President – International Business Dinesh Kulkarni with the Dominar D400
Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah (above, on bike), Chief Operating Officer – Automotive Distribution, Defence, Manufacturing & Engineering, DRB-HICOM Berhad, expressed confidence that the Dominar D400 would appeal to Malaysians with its distinctive, modern design and a competitive price which made it perfect as a daily work commute and a weekend touring machine.
“The demand for street bikes is set to grow with the increasing preference amongst youth who enjoy carving out a fast-paced lifestyle for themselves. The success of the Pulsar and the V15 in our local market has reinforced our belief that it is right time to provide this new offering which will undoubtedly enrich the riding experience of the average Malaysian motorcycle enthusiast,” he said.
Dinesh Kulkarni, (below, right) Vice President, Bajaj Auto Limited, said that the Dominar D400 was built to offer a superb touring experience, with a growing base of satisfied owners across the globe; from Latin America and Europe to South Asia and now, Southeast Asia.
“Recently, the Dominar D400 successfully completed one of the world’s longest motorable journeys, the Trans-Siberian Odyssey covering 15,000 km in 53 days. The journey from Uzbekistan to Russia, which passed through six countries, was successfully completed without a single breakdown and showcased the bike’s comfort and power and its pedigree as a true a sports tourer,” he said.
Based on one of the best 400 cc bikes in India produced by Bajaj, the Dominar D400 is powered by a liquid-cooled 373 cc, four-valve engine with digital triple spark ignition (DTS-i) and fuel injection with a maximum power of 35 hp at 8,000 rpm. Additionally, 28 Nm of the total available torque of 35 Nm is available at 3,000 rpm, which makes riding extremely smooth due to the available power.
It is paired with a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch and equipped with dual channel ABS to deliver outstanding performance, handling and safety. The suspension comprises telescopic 43mm forks at the front and a multi-step adjustable mono-shock at the rear for a sporty ride. A curb weight of 182 kg and fuel tank capacity of 13 litres makes the Dominar D400 is ideal for both short sprints and long tours.
The MODENAS Dominar D400 is the fourth product in the street bike segment to emerge from the company’s successful collaboration with Bajaj. Here’s a look at it in action!
NB: The Pulsar NS200 naked street bike, RS200 race bike and the retro-styled V15 have sold a combined total of more than 4,500 units since their launch in May 2017, enabling MODENAS to capture 23% of the market in the 250 cc and below street bike segment. In the financial year 2017/18, MODENAS sold more than 41,800 units, a 47% increase compared to the financial year 2016/17
In response to the recent news that replacement parts for the ageing Proton Wira will no longer be produced, Perodua has issued a statement giving its commitment to its customers that it will continue to support their motoring needs by opening a new parts production line dedicated to the compact carmaker’s second-generation Myvi; yes the older one above. So Perodua is basically saying, “We got your back folks…” Nice one!
To be operated by Perodua vendor IQM Sdn Bhd at its Proton City, Tanjung Malim facility, the line produces body components including hoods, doors, fenders, quarter panels and roofs. “For our customers’ safety, convenience and peace-of-mind, we are giving our commitment to them that we will continue to produce high-quality and affordable parts for their Perodua vehicles,”Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd President Mr Takahashi Masanori said at the Myvi Service Parts Line official opening last Friday.
“We elected to outsource parts production for the second-generation Myvi because our manufacturing plants are already at peak capacity. Being already a manufacturer of Viva parts since production of the model ended in 2014, IQM was a natural choice for this project,” he said. Besides the second-generation Myvi and the Viva, original parts for the first-generation Myvi, the Kelisa and even the Kancil continue to be produced by vendors in Malaysia to this day.
“There remain a great many users of the second-generation Myvi, of which over 519,000 were produced from May 2011 to October 2017. This is an endorsement by Malaysians and we take this trust seriously,” Mr Takahashi said. For now, the Myvi Service Parts Line at IQM Tanjung Malim produces only body components owing to their high demand. Engine parts for the second-generation Myvi continue to be produced on a one-shot basis at PMSB in Rawang, while other parts are produced by various vendors.
A supplier of metal stamping, body assembly parts and brake tube components to Perodua, IQM began manufacturing service parts for the Perodua Viva in 2014, as production of the model ended. Viva parts are still being produced today at IQM’s Tanjung Malim facility.
“IQM Sdn Bhd has been a vendor of Perodua’s since 2002. Over the years, Perodua and IQM have built a strong relationship based on trust, quality and absolute never-ending loyalty to our customers,” said IQM Executive Director Aidil Azlan Mohd Fitri.
