Perodua today handed over another 5 units of the Myvi to the Selangor Police Contingent as a service to the public and country. The donation is part of the Malaysian carmaker’s ongoing activities relating to Corporate Social Responsibility which has seen other cars also being donated to the police earlier.
The 5 Myvis were handed over by Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin (right), Perodua’s Chairman, to Dato’ Arjunaidi Mohamed (left), the Police Chief of the PDRM Selangor contingent.
The Myvis will be assigned to police stations in the Hulu Langat and Gombak districts and used for various purposes. The value of the donation is RM400,000 and this includes 2 years of free scheduled maintenance and required parts for each car. The car is, of course, also covered by the 5-year factory warranty that all Myvis come with.
The units provided are the Myvi AV version which comes with Perodua Smart Drive Assist that comprises Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A.), Driving Assist, Parking Assist and Headlamp Assist. Apart from the PDRM blue/yellow livery on the bodywork and a light bar on the roof, the cars are pretty standard as they are not intended to be used for pursuit.
Senior police officers inspecting the new cars for their fleet.
Of course, if necessary, the Myvi’s ‘hidden’ capabilities can be drawn upon. As we have seen in many incidents, the Myvi (which has come to be nicknamed ‘King’) seems invincible as it can crash into shops, fly through the air and even tip over other cars it rams!
But while these have gained it fame in a notorious way, there’s no denying that the Myvi is a much-loved car by Malaysians as it occupies the top spot in sales year after year. This year, the Myvi accounted for almost 30% of the 127,543 vehicles delivered by Perodua.
There are 5 versions of the Myvi available with prices ranging from RM46,500 to RM59,900 (excluding insurance). 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines are available, but all versions use a CVT and manual transmission is no longer available with this generation.
To know more about the Myvi or to locate a showroom to test one, visit www.perodua.com.my.
Six months after introducing the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has launched the locally-assembled version. As with other models assembled in Malaysia, the new C-Class comes from the brand’s facility in Pekan, Pahang.
Two versions of the sedan are offered – the C200 Avantgarde priced from RM287,888 (excluding insurance) and the C300 AMG Line from RM327,888 (without insurance). Local assembly naturally saves money and unlike some cases, there doesn’t seem to be any significant difference in the features and equipment compared to the CBU versions we saw earlier.
Both models are powered by 4-cylinder turbocharged engines, the C200 having a 1.5-litre displacement and an output of 204 ps/300 Nm, while the C300’s 2-litre engine produces 258 ps/400 Nm. Both engines get additional assistance with the integrated starter generator which can add 15 kW (equivalent to 20 ps) and 200 Nm to the output for brief periods. The same 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with 9 speeds is used to deliver power to the rear wheels.
The classic sedan form that has characterised the C-Class is maintained with a more modernised appearance that has sporty elements. The C200’s Avantgarde line features include the radiator grille design with central Mercedes star as well as elegant trim strips in high-sheen aluminium and chrome with 18-inch 5-spoke wheels.
For the C300 with AMG Line, the grille incorporates the star design in chrome. To distinguish this version are LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist, 19-inch AMG multi spoke wheels and a panoramic sunroof is standard.
The rear ends of both models are similar, but this generation has had more attention given to the tail lamp units. For the first time in a C-Class, they have a 2-piece design, with the light functions divided between the side wall and bootlid lamps.
For this new generation, the interior has influences from the latest S-Class so its image is elevated. Notable features in the cabin are the high-resolution 12.3-inch free-standing display, which makes a difference from traditional cockpits with the classic round meters. The touchscreen appears to float above the expanse of trim and is slightly tilted towards the driver for easier viewing.
The dashboard is divided into an upper and a lower section. Above the wing-like section are a trio of flattened round vents reminiscent of aircraft engine nacelles. The tablet-like central display flows down to the centre console which has a rear padded section for the armrest and a front section in lustrous jet black, divided by a chrome insert.
As with every new Mercedes-Benz in recent times, the new C-Class comes with MBUX and includes MBUX Navigation Premium. The MBUX multimedia system has extended functions and comes with a LTE module to connect to Mercedes me, the app that allows the owner to interact with his car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it possible to transfer favourite apps like Spotify or Waze onto the display screen and use them from there.
The system also has a fingerprint scanner but this is not used for security. Instead, it is used to retrieve stored profiles of different occupants (usually the driver) with regards to their personal preferences such as seat and steering adjustments, air-conditioning settings and even the ambient lighting levels.
Besides the advanced driver assistance systems to help the driver’s awareness and intervention when action is not taken to avoid an accident, there is also an emergency call (e-call) system. This will send a message to a control centre to notify of a possible accident when sensors detect a severe impact and deployment of the airbags. This could bring rescuers faster and make a difference in saving a life.
Each new C-Class comes with the URBAN GUARD vehicle protection package which is a security system for the car that can be helpful on recovering it if stolen. This makes use of the Mercedes me app and besides the usual security systems, it is also possible to deactivate the car keys preventing their use to start the engine. There is also visualisation with camera images to identify possible cause of parking damage.
For those interested in buying the new C-Class, Mercedes-Benz Financial has various financing plans starting from RM2,388 per month (for the C200). Additionally, there’s a MobilityPlus programme with a guaranteed temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement car if the car is retained by the service centre for 48 hours or more.
How times have changed. 40 years ago, when you thought of pick-up trucks, the image might be one of a vehicle carrying construction materials or workers, or a dirty truck struggling along a muddy trail in the jungle. Fashion would hardly come to mind, let alone be associated with it.
Today, the image of the pick-up truck has changed and while it still retains its workhorse role in the commercial sector, trucks are considered ‘lifestyle’ machine today. They are designed for daily use in cities and also for recreational activities during the weekend.
Epitomising the modern truck is the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain, the stylish truck introduced in Malaysia in April last year. The X-Terrain is the flagship of the D-MAX range and clearly focussed on style but without losing any muscular capability either.
To demonstrate how the D-MAX and fashion can go together, Isuzu Malaysia provided the model as the Official Ultimate Lifestyle Vehicle of 2022 KL Fashion Week. The annual event has the theme of ‘The Bigger, the Better’, which is certainly appropriate for the imposing D-MAX!
Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe (right) and Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo (left) with Bob, the founder of Super Sunday streetwear which the company collaborated with.
As the event’s Official Ultimate Lifestyle Vehicle, the D-MAX X-Terrain showcases a fresh dimension to its identity, one that hinges on its appeal as an urban vehicle and not one purely focused on its talents as a capable cargo-mover and dependable off-roader. Isuzu Malaysia also displayed the D-MAX at the Pavilion KL in Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur during KL Fashion Week.
During the event, Isuzu Malaysia also presented a segment at the fashion show to show Super Sunday, a local streetwear line. The brand was founded by Bob, a businessman who established a multi-level store for independent artists. From humble beginnings in 2007, the local brand has become popular among the young for its bold and bright streetwear. For the fashion show, Bob displayed some new creations inspired by the X-Terrain after he experienced it.
To know more about the D-MAX range and locate a showroom to test it, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my.
The Mitsubishi Motors network continues to grow in Malaysia with the opening of a new 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare parts) in Rawang, Selangor, recently. This brings the number of Mitsubishi Motors outlets in the Klang Valley to 16, with a total of 54 showrooms (out of which 49 are 3S Centres) and 55 service outlets nationwide.
The new outlet in Rawang is operated by Lofty Ambition (Rawang) Sdn Bhd which is not a newcomer as a Mitsubishi Motors authorised dealer. The company, which has been an authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealer since 2014, also operates three other outlets for the brand in Ipoh, Taiping, and Sitiawan in Perak.
Besides being strategically located to serve customers and Mitsubishi owners in the surrounding areas, the 3S facility is also accessible via the PLUS North-South Expressway, useful to note for travellers who may need assistance on their journeys.
Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (right) with Sam Chang, Dealer Principal of Lofty Ambition Rawang.
The 3S centre consists of a 3-storey shoplot and has a built-up area of 4,000 square feet. It is designed in accordance with the Mitsubishi Motors’ brand identity and presents the brand’s global brand message: ‘Drive Your Ambition’.
Customers will be able to view new Mitsubishi models in the showroom while those who send their vehicles to the service centre can make use of a comfortable customer lounge which has complimentary wifi service. The service centre is fully equipped with the necessary tools for maintain Mitsubishi vehicles and the technicians have also been thoroughly trained for their work.
Congratulating Lofty Ambition for opening another Mitsubishi Motors showroom, Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), said: “This goes to show the company’s confidence in the Mitsubishi brand, and commitment to further strengthen Mitsubishi’s presence and network in Malaysia. This new showroom is to serve our customers better in the Klang Valley as we see a huge potential for business growth, especially for the Triton pick-up truck and XPANDER 7-seater crossover.”
Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus, a limited edition of the popular pick-up truck.
Commenting on the business situation this year, Mr. Ikeda said that, during the first half of the year, MMM sold 12,261 cars, a 63% growth compared to the same period in 2021. “Our estimated market share is 4% and Mitsubishi Motors is retaining its position in the top three spot among non-national brands in Malaysia,” he added.
To know more about Mitsubishi Motors’ products and services in Malaysia or to locate an authorised dealer in the network, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.
Ever since Lamborghini launched its first SUV, the Urus, sales have been exceptionally high and propelled it to become the bestselling model for the Italian sportscar maker. In fact, in 4 years, it has produced over 20,000 of the SUVs, which makes the Urus the most successful model the company has ever produced.
But like any progressive company, Lamborghini has not left the Urus as it is and has been inspired by success to raise the bar on its Super SUV. With the new Urus Performante, there are revisions in styling and both the powertrain and chassis have also received improvements for higher performance.
“The Urus set a new standard at its launch, taking Lamborghini’s design DNA and technological talent and delivering the world’s first Super SUV for a new era. The Urus Performante sets the bar even higher for the SUV segment,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman & CEO.
Extensive use of carbonfibre The Urus Performante can be identified by a pure, sharper, more prominent bonnet and bumper design/ Deep cuts in the bonnet lines extend down to the new front bumper, and the bonnet has an air outlet forged from lightweight. A roof in carbonfibre is also available as an option, reflecting the Urus Performante’s extensive use of composite materials that makes it the car with the highest number of carbonfibre parts in its segment.
The front bumper and splitter in carbonfibre sport assertive new lines. There are new black front air-intakes which deliver increased engine cooling, while a new air curtain draws airflow over the front wheels. The aerodynamic design theme decreases drag to contribute to the overall aerodynamics efficiency with the newly-designed rear spoiler increasing downforce of the Urus Performante by 38% at the rear end.
In profile, the SUV’s lowered stance is accented by its prominent front, and rear wing and bumper, increasing overall length by 25 mm. The rear is equally distinctive by its purposeful high-performance design as the rear spoiler with carbonfibre fins takes design inspiration from the Aventador SVJ.
The lower rear bumper and diffuser are also in carbonfibre with a lightweight titanium Akrapovic sports exhaust as standard. This generates the characteristic Lamborghini resonance depending on the drive mode selected.
“The Urus Performante’s very bold and characterful design perfectly integrates the improved aerodynamics incorporating the front bumper’s air curtain, with significant visual differentiation including the new lightweight carbonfibre bonnet and extensive use of carbonfibre throughout reminding of its ‘Performante’ heritage. This benchmarking Urus is designed as a unique driver-oriented Super SUV,” said Mitja Borkert, Head of Design.
Ad Personam options available Inside, the cockpit features Nero Cosmus black Alcantara as standard with a new hexagonal seat stitching design known as the ‘Performante trim’. Customers have a wide choice of options in colour and trim, with further Ad Personam customization including interior matt carbonfibre details, red door handles, and a customized kickplate with the Ad Personam logo.
A new HMI graphic, with a dedicated design for the Urus Performante, features on both the centre console screen and in a large arc across the main display.
Increased power output Under the bonnet, the V8 twin turbo powerplant power has gained a 16 ps increase to 666 ps (640 ps for the Chinese market due to homologation reasons) with 850 Nm of torque to take it up to a top speed of 306 km/h. With overall weight decreased by 47 kgs, the Urus has a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio of 3.2, allowing it to go from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds and from 100 km/h to standstill in 32.9 metres.
The re-engineered drive modes allow the driver to select the perfect set-up for every surface condition to enjoy more comfort or sharper, stronger throttle response with enhanced agility. Besides the standard drive modes, there is also a new RALLY mode which provides more fun dirt tracks with amplified oversteer.
Prior to its global debut, the Urus Performante’s high level of performance was demonstrated when it set a new record in the production SUV category on the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Road, beating the record set 4 years ago.
Chassis upgrades Under the bonnet, the V8 twin turbo powerplant power has gained a 16 ps increase to 666 ps (640 ps for the Chinese market due to homologation reasons) with 850 Nm of torque to take it up to a top speed of 306 km/h. With overall weight decreased by 47 kgs, the Urus has a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio of 3.2, allowing it to go from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds and from 100 km/h to standstill in 32.9 metres.
New steel springs lower the Urus Performante’s chassis by 20 mm, with a wheel track that is broader by 16 mm, over which wider carbonfibre wheelarches surround the new optional 23-inch or forged 22-inch lightweight wheels with titanium bolts and specially developed Pirelli tyres.
Special-developed Pirelli tyres The tyres come alongside with an evolution of the Urus Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. For the first time, the Pirelli semi-slick tyre has been developed to meet the characteristics of an SUV, with this particular variant developed in co-operation with Lamborghini. The result of the collaboration is a tyre with increased capability, achieving performance both on dry asphalt with high ambient temperatures and on wet surfaces with colder temperatures.
Until recently, any company with an Open AP (Approved Permit to import vehicles) has been able to bring in Lamborghini models, new and used. However, this is no longer the case as we understand that the Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI) has given exclusive rights to only one company to import new Lamborghinis under the Franchise AP privileges.
The change, which applies only to importation of new units, has been effective since August 17, 2022, and PEKEMA, the largest group of AP holders in Malaysia, has been informed accordingly by MITI.
The company appointed by Lamborghini as its official dealer for Malaysia is SunAgata Supercars Sdn Bhd (Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur), which began business in April 2021. It has a sales and aftersales facility in Glenmarie, Selangor, which opened in March this year. SunAgata Supercars is among the 22 Franchise AP holders which are currently given exclusive rights to import new vehicles of brands they represent in Malaysia.
The service centre of SunAgata Supercars, which is the authorised dealer appointed by Lamborghini.
About the AP policy The AP policy, which was introduced in 1970, had the objective of helping bumiputera businessmen make inroads in the automobile sector. In earlier years, it was evident that much of the car business was in the hands of foreign companies (mainly British) and bumiputera participation was low. With the AP policy making APs available only to bumiputera businessmen and companies, it was expected that they would be able to become more involved in the auto industry.
The policy was intended to support the development of bumiputeras in the auto industry, but it was not properly managed in its early years. There were parties that applied and received APs but did not make an effort to actually do business. Instead, they merely allowed others to use their AP to import vehicles and charged a fee.
As that was not what the government had created the policy for, there was a review in 1987 and around 150 AP-holders were terminated. With the review also came the introduction of the Franchise AP for legitimate authorised franchise holders for them to import new vehicles of the brand they represented.
The condition, however, was that their company need to have a bumiputera shareholding of at least 70%, unlike the Open AP condition where the company must be 100% bumiputera-owned. For those with Open APs, their companies would have to set up a proper business with a paid-up capital of at least RM1 million and sales and aftersales outlets.
Controversial subject With Malaysia being a member of the WTO (World Trade Organisation), the AP policy has been controversial as it conflicts with free trade practices because issuance of APs is subject to certain conditions. Periodically, there has been talk of ending the AP policy, but the government has found it difficult to remove it due to strong arguments from groups like PEKEMA.
