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There are many brands of engine oil in the market and all the reputable ones can do a good job of lubricating and protecting the engine. With Genuine Oils, however, the specifications and formulation of the oils are specially tailored for the carmaker’s vehicles and therefore should provide optimum performance. Each manufacturer can claim that their Genuine Oil offers the best performance and this may be true too because the engineers who may have worked on the engines know exactly what is needed.

Proton has just launched a new range of Genuine Oils (PGO) which have been developed in collaboration with its technical partner, Petronas. The oils meet the most recent standards specified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), which motorists would be familiar with. The top fully synthetic grade meets the latest API SP standard (5-litre pack only), while the others meet API SN.

In terms of viscosity, the fully synthetic PGO has a viscosity of SAE 5W-30 and 10W-30, the latter meeting the API SN service standard and available only in a 4-litre pack. Then there is a semi-synthetic grade which has passed the API SN standard and has a 10W-30 viscosity, while the mineral oil is 15W-40 and also meets the API SN standard.

The new Genuine Oils are available at all authorised Proton  service centres and will also be available from parts stockists. However, for the time being, the parts stockists will carry only the semi-synthetic and mineral PGO.

“The launch of PGO lubricants is another step in Proton’s journey to being a premium Malaysian automotive  brand. We worked closely with our partners on the formulation to ensure it met our exacting requirements and offers our customers the engine protection their Proton models deserve at an affordable price. By having a full list of products, we are also able to cover our entire model range including the latest TGDI engines used by our SUVs,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.

The advantage of Genuine Oils

Many authorised service centres of the various brands have a policy that the only oil that can be used is what they supply, which is often a Genuine Oil of the brand or one approved by the carmaker. Customers might not be allowed to bring their own oil to use. Furthermore, warranty conditions may also force owners to use the oil supplied by the service centre and could become void if an ‘unauthorised’ oil is used.

Understandably, this is something that not all owners may agree with. They may feel it is their right to choose their own oil, and they might even be able to buy it for less and save money. However, there are also valid reasons why service centres insist on their oil being used and why the warranty can be at risk if another oil is used.

Firstly, the oil supplied will be the one that meets the requirements of the manufacturer, especially if it is a genuine oil. These requirements, in simplified form, are usually found in the Owner’s Manual and focus on two things – the API standard and the viscosity. If the customer can meet both requirements, there shouldn’t be an issue.

But then there is the question of quality of the oil brought in by the customer. Some may unknowingly buy recycled oil or oil that is of a poor quality but sold as if it meets all the standards. They may not be aware and think that they are saving money. If this inferior oil goes into their engine because they insist on using it, who will be responsible if the engine has problems or even gets damaged? Would it be fair on the manufacturer to accept responsibility when the oil used was not one they were assured of quality?

For this reason, manufacturers want to have control on the products used and if something does go wrong, then they can justifiably provide compensation. Many consumers may not understand this point but it is one of the reasons why, during the warranty period, you need to comply with the requirements.

Once the warranty period is over, then you are free to use whatever oil you wish and go to whichever service centre you to go to. So it is best to be patient and abide by the requirements. Besides, many authorised service centres today have amenities for owners, like complimentary food and drink, so you can have a good ownership experience.

EON now has a website dedicated to Proton products and services

Since it first appeared, the Lexus ES has been among the most popular models in the brand’s range. In fact, it was one of the first two models the luxury brand offered when it started in 1989, the other being the LS flagship. The current generation, launched in 2018, is the seventh one and as is normal practice, updates are now due. Key enhancements for the latest model include cosmetic changes that refresh the appearance, with improved comfort as well.

For the Malaysian market, Lexus Malaysia is importing the ES 250 in three variants – Premium, Luxury and F-SPORT. The prices (without insurance) are RM295,663.50, RM329,910.50 and RM345,134.00, respectively. If purchased and registered before the end of 2021, half of the sales tax will be exempted.

2021 Lexus ES 250

“As one of the most accomplished executive sedans on the road, the Lexus ES 250 elicits admiration for its impeccable engineering and styling that satisfies any discerning taste. Combined with the Lexus attention to detail and constant quest for excellence, the improvements to the updated model will invariably retain the Lexus ES 250 as the choice sedan to arrive in,” said President of Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K.

Revised grille design
The ES is recognisable by its sleek coupe-style silhouette with the imposing spindle grille that identifies every member of the Lexus family. For the latest model, the signature grille fewer vertical bars and L-shaped patterns that emphasize lateral flow. It’s something that might not be noticed at a glance but will be apparent when you look at it long enough.

2021 Lexus ES 250

For the sportier F-SPORT version, the grille is different as well and has a mesh pattern composed of interlocking L elements with a dark metallic finish. Cut-outs at each corner of the front fascia also contain the black finish mesh with wider openings than the other two versions.

To complement the revised front grille, the headlamps have also received some restyling. For Premium version has Bi-LED Projector units with new inner bezel design. The Luxury and F-SPORT have ultra-compact 3-beam LED projector units with a distinctive Daytime Running Light design.

Besides exclusive exterior fittings that include a rear spoiler, the F SPORT also has its own set of 19-inch alloy wheels with a Dark Premium Metallic finish.

Enhancements within
The ES interior has been noted for spaciousness and comfort, especially for the rear passengers. Thanks to the intelligent interior packaging and a generous wheelbase, the level of spaciousness is comparable to larger models.

The dashboard has been updated with a new multimedia display for improved operability. The full colour 12.3-inch touchscreen (8 inches in the Lexus ES 250 Premium) has been repositioned closer to the occupants and turned 5 degrees towards the driver. As before, the multimedia system includes Navigation services for the Lexus ES 250 Luxury and also the new F SPORT.

2021 Lexus ES 250

2021 Lexus ES 250

With more portable electronic devices having the newer USB Type-C connector, the ports on the new ES are upgraded to Type-C providing easier connection without the need for adapters. The new models also now come with a Nanoe-X negative ion generator that improves cabin air quality – the first Lexus model to introduce this feature as standard.

For the F-SPORT, exclusive features are the light-emitting analogue clock with its own unique graphics, while the meter has an electric movable metal ring with a 3-D effect. The idea was first used in the Lexus LFA supercar and is found in other F SPORT variants too. The F-SPORT package includes a leather-covered 3-spoke steering wheel, dimpled leather-trimmed shift knob and sporty aluminium pedals and footrest

Proven powertrain
All three versions use the same 2.5-litre DOHC petrol engine (A25A-FKS), a proven unit with an output of 204 ps/247 Nm. Since the first generation, the ES has had front-wheel drive and continues with it, with power delivered to the wheels via a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission. For more efficient transmission performance, there is a Direct Connected Downshift feature which allows the transmission to skip gears when large throttle openings are detected (eg, when overtaking on the highway).

While the MacPherson strut front suspension and trailing-arm double-wishbone rear suspension are retained, the ride comfort and handling have been improved by increasing the rigidity (through adding a brace) of the rear suspension. Performance dampers are installed in the Luxury and F SPORT and these chassis-mounted dampers absorb even the smallest instances of frame compression and/or flex to keep them from generating any resonances that might generate interior cabin noise.

Improvements in Lexus Safety System+
One element of the Lexus ES 250 that hasn’t been radically transformed is its dedication to safety. All versions feature Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) as standard and for the latest model, the Pre-Collision System (PCS) has been enhanced daytime bicyclist detection by both a millimetre-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor. Pedestrian identification in certain low-light situations is also improved by increasing the camera’s sensitivity and dynamic range.

The other elements of LSS+ are Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function; Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert; and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) which uses advanced BladeScan technology.

To know more about the new ES 250 range, visit www.lexus.com.my.

KINTO ONE offers a different way to own a new Toyota or Lexus

Armor All is a name in auto care products which will be familiar to older Malaysians as it has been in the market for a long time. In fact, the product is almost 50 years old and appeared in the late 1970s in Malaysia and impressed with its ‘works as advertised’ results.

The original Armor All product was a fluid that, when used regularly, protected rubber, plastic, and vinyl parts of a car or motorcycle from the bad effects of UV radiation and ozone. It was actually invented in 1962 and became widely known after it was marketed in 1972. It was such a ‘miracle formula’ that, before the 1970s ended, the company applied and received two patents for the protectant. One was for the product itself and the other was for the unique way it penetrated surfaces to protect and prevent degradation.

Expanded range of products
Armor All has remained a success story till today and over the years, it has expanded to more than just protectant and under the same brand name, there is a range of auto care products. While the Armor All Protectant series focuses on protecting the interior surfaces against premature ageing, there is also the Waterless Wash & Wax Spray which will have the vehicle always looking showroom ready. Like Armor All Protectant, it is easily applied – just a quick spray and a gentle wipe. For those who prefer to do things the traditional way (and have a lot of ‘elbow grease’), regular Wash & Wax products are also available.

No matter how clean your wheels are, the moment you drive on the road, they start to pick up dirt, grease, road grime and the dust from the brake pads also starts to accumulate. If not removed regularly, these can get baked on with the heat and become harder to remove. Armor All’s triple action formula Wheel & Tire Cleaner is an ideal product to clean the wheel as it dissolves grease, road grime and brake dust. A quick spray and then a little while to let the foamed fluid soak in an remove the dirt and then a quick wash will have the tyres and rims looking as good as new.

Having a clean windscreen is very important for driving safety. In dry conditions, a dirty windscreen is already bad enough but when it rains, then it can be very hazardous. So it is extremely important that the glass is kept clean inside and out. For this, there’s Armor All Glass Cleaner which is specially formulated to keep glass clean. It does not contain ammonia (which is used in household glass cleaners) as this is damaging to the decorative trim in the car. Of course, it goes without saying that the wipers should also be in good condition.

More and more cars (and even trucks) come with leather upholstery and while this is a tough material, it needs more care than fabric. Using their experience in protectant technology, the Amor All people have developed Leather Flow Wipes and Leather Care gel that can be used regularly to maintain the original feel and finish. With added beeswax, there is extra protection and a matte finish for the leather.

More products for the market
Armor All products are marketed in Malaysia by Energizer Holdings (yes, the same people who sell the batteries) and they aim to expand the range in the market. “We are confident that Armor All will be a game-changer in the consumer auto care product space in Malaysia. As a global consumer products company with a wide range of leading brands, Energizer’s mission is to lead the charge to deliver value to our customers and consumers better than anyone else,” said Aaron Abner Ang, Head of Marketing – Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia, Energizer Holdings Inc.

Evolution of Armor All logo since the 1970s until today.

“To elevate visibility for Armor All, we’ve entered the exciting world of Grand Prix racing, with Jenson Button signing on as Armor All’s first ever global brand ambassador. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, we are honoured to work with car experts like Y.S. Khong, G.C. Mah, Alex Yoong and Tengku Djan to create awareness on Armor All, besides partnering with car wash businesses to showcase our products,” he said.

“We are confident that we are offering an impactful difference to car owners looking for a product range that is easy to use yet works wonderfully. We will also be introducing more Armor All innovations to Malaysian car owners as we expand the product range into Malaysia in the next 6 to 9 months, leading into 2022,” added Diane Lee, Business Director – Malaysia & Singapore, Energizer Holdings Inc.

Besides former F1 champion Jenson Button being the Armor All brand ambassador, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing F1 team uses Armor All too!

Driving long distances soon? Be sure to check your vehicle first to avoid unnecessary problems

Given the price of petrol these days, the biggest SUVs only appeal to customers in places like the Middle East and USA where big engines are still acceptable. So for the all-new Lexus LX 600, the Middle East was chosen as the location from which the new flagship of the brand’s SUV range was revealed to the world.

It’s an all-new model but it is also no secret that the LX 600 is a model Lexus shares with Toyota’s latest Land Cruiser. This has been the case since the mid-1990s when the Land Cruiser was first ‘Lexified’ to enable Lexus to quickly have a fully-fledged SUV (before they came out with the game-changing RX in 1997).

2022 Lexus LX 600

Latest Toyota Land Cruiser

New GA-F platform shared with Toyota Land Cruiser
Like the Land Cruiser, the LX has been developed on core attributes such as reliability, durability, and rough-road driving performance. The fourth generation continues with a body-on-frame construction and rides on the new GA-F platform which is 20% more rigid. Thanks to the new structure and weight-saving approaches like aluminium doors, the new LX 600 is 200 kgs lighter than its predecessor. This has helped to improve driving dynamics, with predictability and balance during turning, acceleration and deceleration maneuvers, as well as improved stability when driving off-road.

2022 Lexus LX 600

Lexus Driving Signature
Though much will be the same as the Land Cruiser, Lexus engineers have always contended that a Lexus will have a difference in dynamics and other aspects. In this case, the engineers have made sure that the new LX 600 has the Lexus Driving Signature.

The suspension is classic SUV with front high-mounted double wishbones that are fitted with dampers having 100 mm of bound and 145 mm of rebound, important factors for off-road driving performance. At the rear is a 4-link axle-type suspension with rear lateral control arms carried over from the previous model.

The rear shock absorbers are placed outside of the lower control arm, and the shock absorber mounting angle has been adjusted to match the angle at which the axle moves. This makes it easier for the shock absorbers to follow the vertical movement of the wheels, increasing their damping effect and, thus, better absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road surface to provide very good vehicle stability.

To have capable off-road performance as well as the sort of comfort Lexus owners expect, a lot of work went into the suspension with the inclusion of variable ride height and adding a spring rate switching device for front and rear wheels. The ride height can be automatically adjusted or manual selected and not only adjusts the vehicle height but also responds to changes in vehicle posture to enhance stability.

The springs are softened to help provide a comfortable ride when overcoming bumps during in-town driving and are stiffened to help ensure a flat and stable ride when going around curves. When at a total standstill, the suspension automatically lowers for easier passenger entry or exit.

2022 Lexus LX 600

The power steering is assisted by an electric motor while the Electronically Controlled Brake system employs a sensor to detect the degree of brake pedal depression and creates braking force with the hydraulic brakes for more linear braking characteristics.

3.5 litre V6 in place of 5.7-litre V8
The new LX 600 will be offered with a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine which replaces the naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V8 used before. Though having smaller displacement, its output is higher with turbocharging, with 415 ps/650 Nm. This goes through a 10-speed direct-shift automatic transmission with a transfer case for high and low ranges, the latter for off-road use. Having 10 ratios means that performance can be optimized when starting as well as when cruising at higher speeds. The wide spread also allows for smoother transitions between gears.

Exclusive to F SPORT, a Torsen LSD is employed to help ensure traction performance of the rear tyres. When accelerating during a turn, it optimally distributes the driving force according to the load on the rear left and right wheels to achieve a high level of control performance. In straight-line driving, it responds to changes in road conditions, contributing to stability.

Ultra Luxury 4-seater version
Like the LM 350 MPV, the new LX 600 also has a version with just 2 seats for the rear section of the spacious cabin that normally has 3 rows of seats for 7 persons. Available in the Ultra Luxury grade, it offers rear occupants up to 1.1 metres of maximum leg space. The seats have exclusive curved headrests, seatbacks and cushions that gently wrap around the head, hips and lower body. They should offer the ultimate in seating comfort as they are said to be crafted to help offset any lateral G-forces and shocks from irregular road surfaces – even in off-road driving conditions.

2022 Lexus LX 600

2022 Lexus LX 600

At the front is the North American-developed Lexus Interface multimedia system. This has a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen with a 7-inch lower touchscreen. The screen’s new Human Machine Interface (HMI) enhances user interaction through sight, touch and voice, while balancing accessibility needs.

2022 Lexus LX 600

Lexus Interface incorporates a new Voice Assistant developed with a human-centered approach. The Voice Assistant is intended to be the primary way the occupants interact with the new multimedia system. Designed with dual microphones with speaker location capability and enhanced noise-cancellation, the system enables a voice-first approach allowing front seat occupants an expanded and interactive experience to access navigation, media, phone and other vehicle control settings.

2022 Lexus LX 600
If the 4-seater Ultra Luxury version is not specified, the LX 600 will have 3 rows of seating for up to 7 occupants.

When off-road, the driver has the Multi-Terrain Monitor to see around the vehicle. Four cameras capture images to allow the driver to check road conditions, which are often in the blind spots. By switching to the Back Underfloor View, images of the foreground taken in advance are provided to the driver as transparent-underfloor images. By superimposing the vehicle and wheel position over this image, the driver can check underfloor conditions and front-wheel position. In another view, the vehicle is made transparent, and an image showing the area around the rear wheels is magnified. This can enable the driver to ascertain conditions around the rear wheels and estimate distances to obstacles.

Pricing for the new LX 600 is not available yet and deliveries will only begin in the first quarter of 2022. As it has for the past 26 years, the new LX will continue to be a luxurious long-range cruiser with proven off-road capabilities.

2022 Lexus LX 600

The LX 600 F SPORT version is the first-ever F SPORT in the LX range. It has exclusive sportier styling which includes a F mesh design spindle grille and sports tuning.for the suspension.

Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept

Although many companies have focussed their CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts on providing help to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many sections of society which need help, especially the under-privileged urban poor.

Recently, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) offered such help in the form of a Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 truck to the Dignity Farm School in Bentong, Pahang which is a one-stop holistic and community learning centre.

It will be used for the farm’s daily operations, and to provide transport for the Orang Asli to schools where they are given transformative youth education programs grounded in community building, natural agriculture, and skills development.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia

Helping underprivileged and indigenous community
The Triton was handed over earlier this month by MMM’s Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi. Explaining the decision to help the Dignity Farm School, Mr. Shinnishi said: “In line with the Malaysian government’s efforts to reopen schools soon with tightened and updated standard operating procedures to adhere to, we at Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia feel it is a strategic time post-lockdown to relook into how we can do more for the underprivileged and indigenous community in terms of education and health.”

“We are happy to work with the Dignity Farm School a place where skills and knowledge are connected and taught from a wellspring of sources and experiences, combining practical skills and theory in a farm setting. This, in return, will also prepare the underprivileged children in the future to enter an agricultural and tourism workforce requiring both innovation and manpower,” he said.

“The school is located in a remote area of Bentong where a 4×4 like the Triton is required. It has passed many endurance tests and we hope that it will assist the Dignity Farm School well in many of their adventures to come, no matter what the terrain,” added Mr. Shinnishi.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia

Activities at the Dignity Farm School.

Mitsubishi Motors CSR vision
MMM’s initiative supports the Mitsubishi Motors CSR vision for 2021 which is ‘Inspiring Lives Today for a Greater Future’. Its mission is to implement CSR activities that provide aid to support underprivileged children, and to collaborate with NGOs in promoting a sustainable economy, society, and environment.

As part of the company’s various and ongoing COVID-19 aid efforts, MMM also donated a Box of Hope containing food necessities and a bag of rice to the B40 groups in Malaysia. This effort will benefit more than 150 families across the nation.

To know more about the Triton and other Mitsubishi models available in Malaysia, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia provides essential items needed by our hardworking frontliners

It’s been a while since the pick-up truck segment saw a new competitor appearing. Although there have been some models from China and India purely for commercial use, there have been few targeted at the larger ‘lifestyle’ market that was born in the late 1990s when the regulations on ownership changed.

Now Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM) will challenge the status quo with its new Vigus Pro from Jiangling Motors Company Ltd (JMC). Unlike other pick-ups from China, the Vigus Pro is stylishly designed and equipped like a passenger car. It is a full-fledged truck with 4×4 and the load-carrying capabilities if needed.

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

Assembled locally
ATM is not testing the market and seems to have enough confidence to jump straight in with the new model by committing it to local assembly. As ATM is affiliated with the Tan Chong Group, it is only natural that the vehicles will be assembled at Tan Chong’s plant. In this case, it is the younger one in Serendah, just off the North-South Highway after Rawang, Selangor. This is also where most of the Nissan models are assembled.

For now, the Vigus Pro is available in just one variant which is priced from RM98,888 (without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia. It will be sold through a network of dealerships which presently number 13, with an equal number of aftersales outlets also established. A warranty of 3-years or 100,000-km (whichever comes first after registration) is provided.

Speaking at today’s launch, Tan Keng Meng, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd and Executive Director of ATM, said: “The JMC Vigus Pro is a stylish and versatile pick-up truck developed with premium engineering. Whether it’s for work or play, the Vigus Pro is ready to meet the demanding requirements of pick-up truck users in Malaysia after proving itself as the second best-selling pick-up truck in the Chinese market.”

Bold, distinctive looks
The styling of the Vigus Pro is certainly bold and distinctive, and it should stand out in a crowd of pick-ups. It has all the modern design elements like slim headlamps, LED daytime running lights and 3D taillamps. A sports bar in fitted behind the double cab and incorporates the third brake light.

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

Size-wise, it’s about the same as the Toyota Hilux, which has been the market leader for years. It has a bit more width, which could mean a bit more comfort within. It has traditional construction, meaning body-on-chassis, with the ladder frame chassis providing durability.

Ford-based TDCi engine?
While most of the vehicle has been developed by JMC, the Puma engine appears to have Ford involvement. It even has a ‘TDCi’ badge on it, which would be familiar to Ford Ranger owners. Ford is in the picture because the American carmaker has had a share in JMC since the mid-1990s, so there would be some technology-sharing and engines may be among them.

The engine in the Vigus Pro is a 2-litre unit with high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system and a variable geometry turbocharger and intercooler. It develops 141 ps/340 Nm and is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with manual shift option and paddle shifters. The fuel consumption claim is pretty good at 12.8 kms/litre which should give a range of almost 900 kms with the 68-litre fuel tank.

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

Full-fledged 4×4 BorgWarner system
The Vigus Pro has a transfer case to direct power to the front and rear axles. The 4×4 system comes from BorgWarner, one of the leading companies in drivetrains. There are High and Low ranges as well as 2WD which can all be selected with an electronic rotary dial – no more having to struggle with a secondary lever. The rear axle is also fitted with an Eaton limited-slip differential (LSD) lock for better traction in very slippery conditions.

Additionally, there’s Hill Descent Control which is like having an experienced off-road driver handle driving downhill (which is not always easy in off-road terrain). The system maintains a safe speed by applying brakes when necessary and also adjusting engine power. All the driver has to do is watch the ground ahead and steer to avoid obstacles.

Other assistance features include Hill Start Assist, ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control. So in as far as active safety is concerned, the Vigus Pro is comparable to an average passenger car of today.

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

To ensure that it appeals to its target customers, ATM has specified a high standard for the cabin. There’s a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering with steering controls for the infotainment system, cruise control and voice calls via Bluetooth connection. The infotainment system has an 8-inch colour touchscreen which also displays real-time images from the reverse camera.

First fleet customer
The first major customer to order the new model is Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd, which will take 30 units of the Vigus Pro to add to its fleet of over 2,800 vehicles. The 30 units are about a tenth of the total number ATM expects to sell in the remaining months of 2021.

2021 JMC Vigus Pro

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and though you may not show symptoms, you can spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

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