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FEATURE: All-New 2019 Toyota Rush SUV Launched! [+Videos]

Set to debut in January 2019 and priced below RM100,000, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMWT) today introduced the All-new 7-seater Toyota Rush, the second generation of the SUV model developed especially for ASEAN markets. The All-new Toyota Rush has been on sale for some 10 years, with over 18,000 units sold throughout Malaysia. Engineered for robustness and designed for practicality, the All-new Toyota Rush has received regular updates to meet the changing needs of customers. Here’s the video of its maiden debut a few hours ago…

With the new second generation, the All-new Toyota Rush retains the image of an Urban SUV for Rugged-Active Lifestyles, despite only having 2-wheel drive (rear wheel drive), combining the comfort of a passenger car with spaciousness, high seating position, and greater ground clearance of an SUV. The All-new Toyota Rush also introduces 360-T, a new Toyota approach to provide the best package for customers that will be used in all its upcoming models. 360-T is all about Trust and Technology by Toyota, giving customers a complete suite of innovations, designed to protect and provide total advantage on the road. With that said, here’s the first-impression video of our brief test-drive of the new Toyota Rush immediately following the launch…

Three elements make up the 360-T: Safe-T Plus with the latest safety features and systems as a standard feature; Connectivi-T which provides latest technology for connectivity, entertainment and safety; and Guaran-T for total peace of mind throughout the ownership of the vehicle. The design of the All-new Toyota Rush is an indication of the dynamism that can be expected from upcoming Toyota models. Departing from the conventional form of the first generation, the styling has sharp character lines which give an advanced unique design that is known as ‘R-BLADE’. The ‘R’ stands for ‘Rush’ and the ‘blade’ refers to Metal, Sharp and Edge, while a dual tone theme on the bodywork adds visual impact.

The new image of the All-new Toyota Rush has also been elevated to be more advanced with a premium look and feel that comes with high value-added features, making it even better value for money. The All-new Toyota Rush is powered by the latest Toyota 16-valve DOHC 1.5-litre engine which has a maximum output of 105 ps at 6,000 rpm with 136 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. With a proven and reliable 4-speed automatic transmission that comes with Automatic Stop-Start system, fuel consumption is better and can be as good as 15.6 kms per litre. This qualifies it as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) under the current Malaysian National Automotive Policy.

The All-new Toyota Rush continue with rear-wheel drive for a greater variety of terrain conditions, offering better traction for uphill climbs when carrying heavier loads. Other features include Electric Power Steering (EPS) which contributes to the good fuel efficiency, and tyres with the largest diameter in its class. Despite the large tyre size, the All-new Toyota Rush still has an agile turning radius of 5.2 metres.

The seating layout is 2-3-2 over three rows, with easy access to the third row. The cargo capacity is 217 litres but when required, the volume can be expanded to 514 litres by folding the rear seats. Additionally, for those who may have long or large objects (not exceeding 50 kgs); the edges of the roof have integrated low profile rails which the cargo can be placed on.

The new DVD-AVX audio system has a large 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and the unit can be linked to a compatible smartphone to ‘mirror’ the smartphone’s screen onto the audio display. This allows GPS navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze to be used and viewed from the display screen. Other standard features include 13 cupholders, a Multi-Info Display, Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) for a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle, and a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). A Toyota AutoTag is also installed for electronic payment of toll while the Smart Entry system locks/unlocks the doors with just a touch of the button located on the outside door handles.

Toyota places top priority on safety and has developed many new Active Safety systems which can help the driver avoid accidents. The combination of advanced safety systems plus computer-aided engineering and design has enabled the All-new Toyota Rush to score the highest overall rating of 5-stars from ASEAN NCAP (for both Adult & Child Occupant Protection categories).

A new standard active safety feature is the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). BSM helps the driver to be more aware of other road-users in the vehicle’s blind spot, reducing the risk of a collision, while the RCTA is able to warn the driver of approaching vehicles as the vehicle is reversing out of a parking bay.

Also new is the Pre-Collision System (PCS) which helps to reduce low to medium speed accidents due to inattentive driving (only available on the Rush 1.5S). The system, which uses a stereo camera, has four features: Pre-collision Warning, Pre-collision Braking, Front Departure Alert, and Pedal Misoperation Control. The system is designed as a driver assistance feature but gives priority to driver inputs which will override its functions.

The All-new Toyota Rush comes with a 5-year full warranty with unlimited mileage. UMWT expects to sell around 3,600 units in 2019 and in anticipation of high demand, the new model will be assembled under contract at Perodua’s manufacturing plant. The estimated price of the All-new Toyota Rush is RM98,000 for the S variant and RM93,000 for the G variant. The model comes with 5 exterior colours choices – White, Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Blue Metallic and Dark Green Metallic. Bookings for the two variants are accepted at all authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide from today.

SDAP To Enter Southern Region, Porsche Centre Johor Bahru Set For 2020!

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, is expanding its footprint to the southern region with the upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Bahru. With an estimated investment of RM 48 million, the new Porsche Centre Johor Bahru will occupy an estimated build-up area of 58,311 sq ft on 74,052 sq ft of land. The state-of-the-art centre is yet another prominent addition to the development of the Porsche brand in Malaysia following the recent launch of Porsche Centre Penang in 2017.

“SDAP has been the sole importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia since 2010 and has continuously invested into the Porsche brand, with special dedication to state-of-the-art facilities and highly-skilled employees. We see a huge potential in the southern market, with the upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, it marks another milestone for Porsche in Malaysia,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance. “I strongly believe in the long-term potential for Porsche in Malaysia and I am convinced that this latest addition will support our growth whilst assuring an outstanding experience for our customers,” he added.

A first for Porsche in Malaysia, the new 4S Porsche Centre will be equipped with a sales showroom, service workshop, spare parts warehouse, and a state-of-the-art body and paint centre. In assuring the same high standards of performance, SDAP sets the standard for both technical and ecological to be in accordance to Porsche AG requirements. The facility will be equipped with the latest Porsche technology, trained professionals, and the use of genuine Porsche parts, materials, tools and equipment.

“After Sales has proven to be the key differentiator in the luxury car business. As a customer-centric brand, peace-of-mind ownership experience is a pivotal element in our approach. With the inauguration of the latest facility, SDAP aims to fulfil growing customer requirements and enhance our After Sales competencies,” Christopher added. Construction work is expected to commence in end of 2018 and operations are set to begin in first quarter of 2020.

BIKES: MID-WEEK FEATURE – 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon Reviewed! Is This The Most ‘Complete’ Bike From Ducati?

It takes more than just a beautiful-looking machine with an impressive list of specifications to pull-off this feat that most folks would consider as ‘complete’. All the exact elements must blend in perfect harmony and this requires more than just fabricating machines and internal combustion engines when it comes to motorcycles. Ducati managed to pull off this feat by including spirit, joy, passion, people, lifestyle, and most important of all, satisfaction to the senses.

Our most recent trip to Bologna, Italy really showed us Ducati’s true colours not only in manufacturing some of the world’s most impressive high-performance motorcycles, but also showcasing how these bikes were born and bred to represent their lifestyle filled with fun, adventure, and the incarnation of the free-spirit.

The highlighted bike of the trip was none other than the 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon and with Tuscany placed as the heart of the entire showcase, the entire Ducati Scrambler team brought the event to a whole new level when it comes to their latest evolution and addition to the ‘Land of Joy’ line-up.

It did not take us very long to experience the ‘magic’ behind the new 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon. After 12 hours on two different aeroplanes, a 3-hour transit layover, and 2 hours on a bus from Borgo Panigale all the way to Borgo San Luigi, we had little time to prepare for what’s to come next.

It was only a short 10km ride up to Colle di Val d’Elsa for a short film showcasing the story behind the Ducati Scrambler and the new Icon but riding out from the hotel when the sun was setting with dust flying up from the gravel road couldn’t have been more epic. That perfect moment was more than enough to school me into believing that the Ducati Scrambler Icon is more than just a bike. It was a lifestyle meant to be experienced at its finest.

Two different riding routes were planned for us on the very next day where we tackled the winding hill road of the world famous Chianti Hills in the heart of Tuscany and an even more stunning panoramic route through Casole, Sovicille, and back up again through Monteriggioni.

Starting with the overall looks of the new Scrambler Icon, there’s not that much of a difference which can be seen which is what the Scrambler design theme had in mind. The previous was already impressive but it was lacking something that we couldn’t really comprehend at the time. This can be translated to a dash of ‘premium’ which is what the new Icon has at a level that is just right.

Upon inspection when compared side by side with the 2015 Scrambler Icon, all of us definitely noticed these said changes that not only elevated the machine but pulling off a timeless look but also maintained its modern classic appeal. Changes such as its new front headlamp with Daytime-Running Lights and a cool-looking ‘X’ feature really did set the tone for a good day of riding.

Other new external changes which add up to a more ‘premium’ package include:

Beefier aluminium side panels
LED indicators with auto turn-off feature
Styling updates for the wheels, exhaust headers, and muffler
New black gloss finishes for the engine cases

All these changes were welcomed with open arms as they brought a whole new look and feel to the Ducati Scrambler without sacrificing any of the elements that pay homage to the original spirit of the Ducati Scrambler. The true Italian spirit of adventure still resides in the new generation of Scrambler which will cater brilliantly to the masses.

As for the 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon’s overall riding experience, the team had their sights on making the already versatile bike even more comfortable. These include a flatter seat that offers better riding positioning, a hydraulic clutch for ease of use, and a wider flat handlebar which houses new ergonomic switches.

The display panel looks exactly like the one found on the previous model but it has been updated with two new features which we simply adore; a gear indicator and fuel gauge! These may be modern features but catering to the free-spirited riding community, the last thing bike owners would want to worry about is how much fuel is left by peeking into the tank and sloshing the bike around for signs of petrol.

A host of internal upgrades also gave the new Icon a great riding experience that offers comfort, fun, agility, as well as safety. The suspension package has been revised which seemed excellent to some media members but a bit on the softer end for some. After 140km of riding, it seemed almost impossible to find any fault with the brand new machine.

The safety aspect has been elevated as well as the bike is meant to tackle a variety of road condition such as city streets and minor off-road excursions. The addition of an six-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit) and Cornering ABS taken straight from the Ducati Panigale superbike series, the Scrambler Icon is now safer than ever.

The 2019 Icon still retains its 803cc L-Twin Desmodue Euro4-compliant engine offers smooth response and linear torque through the gears. Tackling the winding hill sections was great fun and worry-free as most of us only had to maintain it in third for some fun in the sun.

As for power and speed, the 803cc engine simply delivers without overwhelming the rider. Just kick it into fourth and fifth and you’ll easily find yourself flying at exciting speeds which was thoroughly enjoyed by the whole lot.

Other aspects of the Icon have been retained from the previous generation in which the Ducati design team figured that the new updates are capable of bringing out the best of the hardware already on offer in the recent years. The Icon was never meant to be a full-fledged off-road machine but thanks to specs like the Pirelli MT60 rubbers and more, the latest-generation Scrambler will not be able to stop those with the heart to explore and venture into slightly rougher terrains.

All in all, the new Ducati Scrambler Icon is the true representation of the Italian culture, spirit, and adventurous lifestyle for those who seek something exciting and bold yet youthful. Having met the people and explored the wonderful roads of Tuscany, we finally understand how the Scrambler Icon is not just a bike but a true statement of passion and joy in a culture that demands to be free.

As for pricing, the current generation is priced at RM55,900 (recommended retail price sans road tax & insurance) and we expect a slight hike for the 2019 model considering all the extra bits fitted onto it like the Cornering ABS plus more.

The new 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon is without a doubt Ducati’s ultimate bike when it comes to evoking the true sense of emotions, pleasure, and culture of the true Italian spirit that is the Land of Joy. While the brand is widely-known for some of the world’s most impressive motorcycles ever made like the Ducati Panigale V4, the true form of #Joyvolution is represented the most in the Ducati Scrambler range. – Sep Irran, Editor @ MotoMalaya.net

Bentley Bentayga V8 Debuts In Malaysia!

Since its introduction, the Bentley Bentayga has defined a new sector and set the luxury SUV benchmark, offering customers the ultimate Grand Touring experience unrestricted by landscape or conditions. The award-winning Bentley model is now available in Malaysia in its most sporting guise to date – the Bentayga V8.

“The Bentayga V8 is the ultimate luxury SUV that delivers an uncompromising Bentley experience on- and off-road. We know this new model will be highly sought after by our customers thanks to its sleek, sporty look, immense power and acceleration,” explained Jerry Lee, Managing Director of Wearnes Quest.

At the heart of the latest Bentayga model is a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency. The addition of a characteristic V8 burble, stylish twin-quad exhaust pipes and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, reveals more of the luxury SUV’s sporting character. Sitting at the core of the Bentayga range, the new V8 model fuses exquisite luxury with power, usability and extensive sporting ability. Its responsive performance is fully customisable on demand by the driver through Bentley’s Drive Dynamics system, from limousine-like refinement to sporting precision.

In a nutshell…

• Power, luxury, usability and sportiness
• 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine develops 542 bhp
(550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque
• 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds); top speed of
180 mph (290 km/h)
• Unmistakable V8 engine burble adds to emotional allure
• Optional carbon-ceramic brakes – world’s largest front brake system

To read more about the Bentley Bentayga V8, download this FULL press release: 01 Press Information – Bentayga V8 Debuts in Malaysia

For the FULL specifications, download this: 02 Bentley Vehicle Technical Specifications – Bentayga V8

Proton In 2018 – Part 18: Online Booking For Proton X70 Now Open!

In our last report on the new Proton X70 SUV here, we mentioned that online bookings would commence soon, and well folks today they have!

From Proton: Booking a brand new SUV from PROTON has become easier than ever with the launch of the Company’s online booking platform. Accessed via PROTON’s corporate website, the new platform went live at 10am today 17 October to allow customers to book the Proton X70 from anywhere using any device with Internet access.

Visiting a virtual showroom

Following the preview of its connectivity and technology features to the media on 11 October, the Proton X70 set another benchmark by being the first Proton model that can be booked online. With an embedded eSIM card, Wi-Fi connectivity, preloaded apps offering services like online radio, online music, navigation and weather forecasts as well as advanced voice recognition software, Proton’s first SUV is perfectly suited to launch the service.

Customers who want to book a unit are required to provide their personal details, preferred model and colour choice as well as the city and state where they wish to collect their car. Following payment of the booking fee, also done online, a system-generated receipt will be sent to the customer’s email. PROTON then assigns a sales advisor to handle the order who contacts the customer within seven days to process the booking. As with bookings made at any PROTON outlet, a full refund is given should a customer change their mind.

In conjunction with the launch of the online booking portal PROTON will also feature full details of the Proton X70 on its website, including full specifications for each model variant. The information helps customers to make a decision, especially with regards to variant and colour choice, and is akin to visiting a showroom and viewing a full sales presentation.

As this is a new sales tool for the Company, PROTON is holding a ‘flash sale’ from 17-19 October to promote the use of its new platform. During the three-day promotional period, customers who book the Proton X70 via the platform only need to pay a booking fee of RM99.

“After studying consumer preferences and market trends, PROTON believes the time is right to offer an online booking facility to our customers. The platform allows bookings to be made from anywhere a customer is as long as there is an Internet connection available. The Company has also decided to reward those who make a booking prior to the launch of the Proton X70. This will come in the form of special gifts for all early birds regardless of whether they booked their unit online or at our outlets,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

Customer previews continue to East Malaysia

The Proton X70 customer previews have now crossed the South China Sea to East Malaysia with sessions held in Kuching on 15-16 October. Following on from the second media preview, the events focussed on the connectivity and technology functions offered by the SUV while also explaining about the styling elements used for the exterior and interior. The previews will continue in Kuantan and Ipoh with the final session due to be held in Kota Kinabalu.

“The customer response to the Proton X70 has been overwhelming. Attendance at our preview sessions has been very high with the majority of attendees saying they are impressed by the quality and specification offered on the first model to be jointly developed by PROTON and Geely. It will be a game changer for PROTON and customers acknowledge this, judging by the strong pre-launch booking numbers. Therefore we are working hard to ensure the cars delivered meet the heightened expectations of our customers,” added Abdul Rashid.

Please visit www.proton.com for more information.

Porsche Global – Vehicle deliveries In 2018: A Clear Increase After Nine Months! [+New Macan Video]

Positive development over the course of the year: Porsche AG increased its vehicle deliveries by six percent to 196,562 vehicles in the first nine months of 2018. The performance of the Sports Car manufacturer was particularly strong in Europe: the growth here was 9% to 66,551 units. In Germany alone, deliveries increased by 13 percent to 24,709 vehicles. Growth in China, the largest single market of Porsche, was also four percent with 56,254 vehicles delivered. In the model ranges, the Panamera showed the largest percentage increase: up to the end of September, deliveries of the four-door Sports Car increased by 60 percent. The 911 also saw double-digit growth with a plus of 19 percent. The highest-volume model ranges remain the Macan (see below) with 68,050 delivered vehicles and the Cayenne with 49,715 units.

“In Germany and Europe overall, our attractive product range meant that we were very well positioned to meet the strong demand for our Sports Cars in the first nine months,” says Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing. “We are also extremely satisfied with our growth rates in the USA and China. There are a number of significant challenges that await us in the fourth quarter, and we will take proactive steps to ensure that we face up to them successfully. This includes the changeover to the new WLTP test cycle and petrol particulate filters and the farewell to diesel engines,” says von Platen.

The new emissions legislation has been in force in Europe since 1st September. The launch of new models will be staggered after the changeover. At Porsche, this will start with models from the two-door 911 and 718 Sports Car series as well as the new Macan (above & below), which was presented at the Paris Motor Show last week. Porsche has not had any diesel models in its product range since the middle of February 2018. At the end of September, the Executive Board took the final decision to no longer offer any diesel-powered vehicles in future.

At the same time, Porsche is experiencing a great increase in customer interest in hybrid models. For example, more than 60 percent of vehicles from the Panamera model range were delivered with plug-in hybrid drive in Europe. In spite of the challenges, Detlev von Platen, the Member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales, assumes that Porsche will again achieve the record of last year when 246,375 vehicles were delivered to customers.

PORSCHE AG Vehicle deliveries	January – September
PORSCHE AG Vehicle deliveries	2017	2018	Difference (%)
World	185,898	196,562	+6%
Europe	60,838	66,551	+9%
Germany	21,880	24,709	+13%
America	50,386	52,417	+4%
USA	41,237	42,626	+3%
Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East	74,674	77,594	+4%
China	54,090	56,254	+4%