Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has started 2018 with the launch of the new Triton VGT “Athlete” Edition4×4 lifestyle pick-up truck. Along the lines of the infamous saying “You can have it in any colour as long as it’s black…”, the Athlete comes only in a shade of ‘Black Mica’, which actually looks quite stunning.
While there are now SEVEN variants of the Triton (see below), this Athlete is priced at RM126,990 (OTR w/o insurance, incl. 6% GST), the Athlete is powered by a familiar 2.4-litre MIVEC common-rail turbo-diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT) that puts out 181 Ps (133kW) and a colossal 430Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed auto tranny with paddle-shifts.
New to the Athlete are a revised front bumper garnish, new black front-grille with honeycomb mesh, 17-inch alloy wheels, new sports bar, as well as dark grey and orange decals.
Over on the inside, the Athlete gets a new infotainment system now equipped with Apple Carplay. Here’s a quick 360-degree video of the inside…
Safety wise, the Triton Athlete has 7-airbags, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Active Stability & Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, and a Brake Override System.
Stay tuned for the full review once the Triton Athlete is done with its nationwide roadshow which kicks-off at 1 Utama Highstreet (New Wing) today! For a full listing of the nationwide roadshow which hits Melaka, Perak, Penang, Kedah, Sabah & Sarawak, log on to MMM’s official website here.
The Magnificent Seven…*
Triton VGT Athlete – RM126,990
Triton VGT Adventure X – RM126,990
Triton VGT AT Premium – RM116,300
Triton VGT AT GL – RM103,800
Triton VGT MT – RM107,600
Triton MT – RM93,920
Triton Quest (Manual) – RM77,390
*All Triton variants get a 5-year / 200,000km warranty, except Triton Quest, which has a 5-year / 100,000km warranty. All variants are CBU from Mitsubishi Thailand.
BMW Group Malaysia has achieved its best performance in the country with a total of 12,680 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles delivered in 2017. This is the premium automaker’s seventh consecutive all-time high performance, achieving a segment leading growth of 16% as compared to the same period in 2016 (10,906).
(L-R) Kidd Yam & Han
Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above, right) said, “We are humbled by this achievement. Our successful growth here in Malaysia is a result of our absolute commitment to the country as well as all our customers, dealers and their premium ownership experiences. We are committed more than ever to serve the country and the South East Asian region from Malaysia this year and set another benchmark with utmost excellence for the premium automotive industry here. Going into 2018, with the continued support of the Malaysian government, our customers and our strong dealership network, we will realise our investments and plans for the region here and we hope in sustaining this momentum and achieving yet another milestone for the Group and the country.”
(Forefront L-R) Han, Raymond & Sashi
The BMW brand grew by 18% in 2017, delivering a total of 10,618 BMW vehicles from 9,000 vehicles in 2016. The growth was predominantly driven by the BMW 3 Series with 3,564 units delivered – 2,408 of which are units of the BMW 330e and BMW 330e M Sport. The BMW X5 xDrive40e is also a key contributor of the brand’s performance, with over 3,000 units sold last year. The BMW 740Le xDrive which was introduced in the first half of 2017 took the concept of Driving Luxury to the Mobility of the Future and had over 400 units delivered.
The successful delivery of BMW’s electrified vehicles to customers in Malaysia continues to underline the company’s leadership role when it comes to electro-mobility and is an indication that Malaysians are ready for the newest technology in the automotive industry. Driving its product portfolio of BMW Hybrid vehicles with eDrive Technology forward, BMW Group Malaysia will continue to prioritize on infrastructure and mobility services in its strategy to make electric driving a more comfortable and convenient experience and a daily pleasure.
The launch of the all-new BMW 5 Series, the most progressive sport-business sedan, in the first half of 2017 also accelerated the brand’s sales with over 1,600 units delivered.
MINI also grew from strength to strength, achieving the brand’s best record performance in 2017 with 1,010 MINI vehicles delivered. This marks a 12% increase from the previous year (902). This feat continues to position MINI as the second fastest growing brand in the Malaysian premium segment and is now the third largest brand in the segment. Last year, MINI added the new MINI Countryman, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman to its portfolio.
BMW Motorrad meanwhile, delivered a total of 1,052 units of its motorcycles, charting a 5% increase as compared to the previous year (1,004). 2017 saw the unveiling of five new motorcycles – the BMW S1000RR, BMW R1200GS, BMW K1600 GT and Bagger and BMW R nineT Urban GS.
Adding to the company’s commitment to deliver greater ownership experience for its customers, BMW Group Malaysia also introduced the Full Circle Programme by BMW Credit Malaysia, and the Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline Program for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles, on top of its existing premium offerings such as the BMW 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty and Free Service Program, the BMW Tyre Warranty Program, and the MINI 4 Year Unlimited Mileage and Free Service Warranty program.
The leading premium automaker also opened its doors to its newest Regional Parts Distribution Centre facilities at the Free Trade Zone of the Senai International Airport of Iskandar Malaysia. The new regional facility, which is built on an investment of over RM 130million, is one of the largest of its kind in the Asia Pacific region and supports over 22 countries in the region. This is a testament to Malaysia being a key market for the BMW Group; a market that supports the Group’s strategic business direction in expanding its footprint in the region.
In 2018, BMW Group Malaysia will begin delivery of the first BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series to Vietnam and the Philippines. To support the move, the BMW Assembly Plant in Kulim increased its local assembly capabilities to over 10,000 vehicles in 2017 with an investment of over RM 10million.
“This year is our 15th year of operations in Malaysia and we are very proud to have established ourselves as the leading provider of premium individual and sustainable mobility. We look forward to another year of growth in every aspect – from our sales to the maturity of our product portfolio to our leadership in electromobility and future mobility here in Malaysia,” said Han.
The success of BMW Group Malaysia mirrors that of the BMW Group worldwide. Globally, the premium automaker achieved a new all-time sales high with a total delivery of 2,463,526 vehicles. A seventh consecutive year of record sales. In 2017, the BMW brand saw a 4.2% boost in numbers with a total delivery of 2,088,283 vehicles while the MINI brand also charted a new sales record in 2017, growing 3.2% over the previous year with 371,881 deliveries. Sales across the BMW Motorrad range also increased by 13.2% with a total of 164,153 units delivered worldwide.
The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke department is an extraordinary collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople, who bring the marque’s discerning and influential patrons’ most ambitious and personal visions to reality.
Today, almost every motor car that leaves the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, is Bespoke. 2017 was the year that Rolls-Royce elevated Bespoke to unprecedented new levels, resulting in one of the most significant years for Bespoke in the 114-year history of the brand, surmised in this video…
What follows is a snapshot of some of the finest examples of Bespoke design and craftsmanship to be completed by the luxury house over the past 12 months.
Rolls-Royce Torpedo Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com
‘Sweptail’
Rolls-Royce ‘Sweptail’, the realisation of one customer’s coachbuilt dream. Premiered in 2017, ‘Sweptail’ is a compelling representation of true luxury, taking Bespoke coachbuild personalisation to new heights. Check out the video…
The result of a collaboration between patron and artisan, ‘Sweptail’s’ bold design embraces the marque’s heritage as the world’s leading coachbuilder whilst reaffirming its pinnacle position in Bespoke personalisation.
This automotive equivalent of Haute Couture draws on the lineage of 1920s and 1930s Rolls-Royce motor cars. The client’s vision was for a coachbuilt two seater coupé featuring a large panoramic glass roof. The result is a contemporary masterpiece.
Rolls-Royce Torpedo Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com
The grille, milled from solid aluminium, presents a distinct formality. The side profile of ‘Sweptail’ defines its stately character, whilst the rear taper of the motor car pays homage to the world of racing yachts, shaping a completely new perception of a dramatic Rolls-Royce coupé. The elegant and characterising rear culminates in the registration number 08, milled from ingots of aluminium and hand polished to a mirror finish.‘Sweptail’ is a personal, Bespoke, motor car like no other.
New Phantom and ‘The Gallery’ – An Art Gallery on Wheels
New Rolls-Royce Phantom was unveiled to global critical acclaim in 2017. At the heart of the motor car’s design aesthetic is ‘The Gallery’, a contemporary and luxury reinterpretation of a motor car’s dashboard and instrument panel.
An application of glass runs uninterrupted across the fascia providing an unprecedented opportunity to present artwork, within your motor car. ‘The Gallery’ is an innovation that furthers Rolls-Royce’s unparalleled Bespoke vision and mastery of materials and craft.
Dawn and Wraith at Porto Cervo
Two unique motor cars were created in honour of the 2017 Rolls-Royce Summer Studio, Porto Cervo, Sardinia. A Bespoke Dawn drophead coupé and a Wraith Black Badge were commissioned to encapsulate the essence of this beguiling island.
Dawn adopted a nautical theme, evoking emotions of a languid Mediterranean sojourn. The Porto Cervo motif, encrusted with genuine Sapphires and Mother of Pearl, is embedded into the front facia of the motor car. The navy blue and arctic white hues complement an expanse of teak, including the decking and floor.
The Porto Cervo Wraith playfully emulates Sardinia’s night time ambience. A two-tone Diamond Black exterior is contrasted with gloss and matt paint applications, while black woven leather door panniers infer Wraith Black Badge’s dark and complex character, under the night sky.
‘Spirit of Calligraphy’ Ghost
A special one-off commission unveiled in Dubai in 2017, the Bespoke ‘Spirit of Calligraphy’ Ghost draws its design inspiration from the ancient art of Arabic calligraphy. Words are harmoniously moulded into shapes, creating a unique effect where texts and images become one. Sir Henry Royce’s resonant words “Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it”, in their Arabic form are shaped into Rolls-Royce’s flying mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy. The calligraphy motif, created by renowned artist Khaled Al Saai, features as a silver inlay on the centre panel and as embroidery on the rear centre seat, amidst an eye-catching array of Turchese, Black and Arctic White leathers.
‘Elegance’
Commissioned for an individual collector, the Ghost ‘Elegance’ raised the bar of Bespoke by becoming the first motor car to be finished in a paint infused with diamonds. Named ‘Diamond Stardust’, the unique paint incorporates 1,000 diamonds crushed to form a very fine powder, giving the finished panels unmatched lustre and sparkle.
The flanks of the motor car are highlighted with Mugello Red and Black twin coachlines, reflected inside with black leather seats and accents in Mugello Red, carried through stitching on the doors and piping on the seats. The detailed fascia of smooth open-pore Tudor Oak veneer is also complemented with a Mugello Red single stitch along the top of the dashboard, and finished with a Bespoke clock.
‘Dawn in Fuxia’
In 2017, US collector Michael Fux was presented with his tenth Bespoke model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Following a visit to Pebble Beach in 2016, where he collected a cluster of eye-catching fuchsia petals, he challenged the Bespoke team at Goodwood with a commission to bring a striking new colour to Dawn. Subsequently unveiled during The Quail automotive gathering in California, the vibrant ‘Dawn in Fuxia’ represents the addition of another unique hue to the Rolls-Royce Colour Collection, and is reserved exclusively for Mr. Fux to use. His most recent commission is his second Dawn, having collected the first – in one-off ‘Fux Blue’ – in 2016. Reminiscent of that car, the interior of ‘Dawn in Fuxia’ is trimmed in stunning Arctic White leather.
‘Dawn B50’ for Hotel Byblos
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Hotel Byblos in Saint-Tropez in 2017, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed the ‘Dawn B50’, a highly Bespoke and unique motor car inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of the Côte d’Azur. Commissioned by the Hotel Byblos as the automotive ‘Jewel of Saint-Tropez’, the Dawn B50 exudes two dominant exterior colours. The lustrous combination was developed exclusively to celebrate the hotel’s anniversary, along with bespoke door treadplates and a unique hand-painted coachline on each side bearing the ‘B50’ logo. The sophisticated interior takes inspiration from the intense Mediterranean sun, with vibrant tangerine tones that accentuate the dashboard and echo the stitching across the seat upholstery and floor mats.
Homage to a special Silver Dawn
Prominently displayed at the Home of Rolls-Royce is a remarkably rare 1952 Silver Dawn, one of very few ever made. It was sold new to a customer in Canada, and in 2017 a commission for a new Dawn from the same country led to a beautiful homage to this particular car in its 65th anniversary year.
Finished in two-tone Midnight Sapphire and Jubilee Silver, the new Dawn closely emulates the original finishes of the 1952 motor car, with a Bespoke painted coachline, broken for the first time on a Rolls-Royce. Inside, Selby Grey and Navy leather are combined with Crossbanded Walnut Burr veneer, closely matched to the original. The finishing touches include a Bespoke clock with ‘1952’ lettering and a Spirit of Ecstasy veneer inlay.
Inspiration from South Korea
The ‘Bespoke Collection for Korea’ unveiled at the British Embassy in Seoul, embraced the aesthetic heritage of South Korea with a contemporary flare. The Ghost Seoul Edition reflects colours that grace the country’s Taegukgi national flag, finished in bright Andalusian White with a twin coachline in Cobalto Blue and Mugello Red – along with a hand-painted Bespoke motif that captures the silhouette of the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower. Inside, the black leather is complemented by contrasting bands in Arctic White, as well as blue and red highlights for stitching and piping.
The ‘Wraith Busan Edition’ is inspired by the hues of the coastal city of the same name, with a two-tone exterior in Royal Blue and Jubilee Silver that conjures up the shimmer of the surrounding sea. The rear pillar motif echoes the delicate latticework of traditional Korean ‘hanok’ screen doors, and is also carried inside the car across the dashboard. Emulating the dusk sky across nearby mountain ranges, a single coachline in Blushing Pink draws attention to the shoulder line. The colour is also applied to the seat stitching, instrument panel and ‘RR’ headrest monograms inside, as the final flourish to the Selby Grey and Cobalto Blue upholstery.
Discerning car buyers who desire to be unique and stand out from the crowd without sacrificing quality, driving fun and value-for-money should take advantage of the current Renault ‘Favours the Bold’ campaign.
The recently-launched campaign offers attractive promotions on popular models within the Malaysian line-up, as well as the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Through the Renault campaign, customers who purchase the Koleos – Renault’s premium SUV – will receive a free service and maintenance package worth RM6,850* Available in 2WD and 4WD versions, prices for the Renault Koleos start at RM184,200**.
The trendy turbocharged Renault Captur crossover, which is priced at RM109,000, is also available through the campaign at only RM98,000, and includes the 5-in-Captur aftersales service offer.
Additionally, customers who prefer the reliable and solid Renault Fluence sedan will appreciate the promotional price of RM89,888. The offer translates to RM30,000 in savings and is valid for the Dynamique variant, which is normally priced at RM119,8882.
The promotions on offer for the Renault Koleos, Captur and Fluence will end on 31 March 2018.
But there’s more.
Additional reasons to get a Renault…
That’s not all. There are also irresistible prizes to be won for customers who purchase any Renault model between now to 30 June 2018.
One lucky winner will stand a chance to drive away a Renault Twizy full-electric vehicle, worth RM86,800. There are also nine holiday prizes worth a total of RM13,500 up for grabs. The official travel partner is Mayflower Holidays.
Winners for the holiday prizes will be determined every two months from a draw during the campaign period, while the lucky winner of the Renault Twizy will be decided in July after the campaign ends. Exclusive Renault merchandise will also be given away for each purchase as well as upon completion of test drives.
Strong aftersales support for enhanced ownership experience…
As with all Renault mainstream vehicles, the Koleos, Captur and Fluence come with a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage. This warranty is fully backed by Renault and not undertaken by any other insurance companies, which means terms and conditions as well as parts covered are consistent from the first year of ownership to the end of the warranty period.
In addition to the five-year full manufacturer’s warranty, the 5-in-Captur aftersales service package includes:
Service and maintenance (parts and labour) for five years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first, at an attractive package of RM4,906
Complimentary 24 hours roadside assistance***
Pick-up and delivery during scheduled maintenance at Renault service centres
Mobility service of replacement car in the event any part is not available for over 48 hours at authorised service centres, subject to availability
Renault customers are also assured of enhanced peace-of-mind and convenience knowing they will receive the very best aftersales and service through the strength of Tan Chong Group’s aftersales network. Furthermore, highly skilled technicians who have been trained and certified by Renault are on hand to provide complex diagnosis and repairs.
To date, Renault has 14 service centres across Peninsular and East Malaysia.
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has announced the return of the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS), slated for 23 November to 2 December 2018 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
(L-R) President of MAA YBHG. Datuk Aishah Ahmad, Minister of International Trade & Industry Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Chairman of Trade-Link Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd, YBHG. Dato’ Zainal Abidin Haji Ahmad.
The launch announcement was officiated by YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry.The signing ceremony held at the event was between Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of MAA and Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, the Chairman of Trade-Link Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd, for the appointment of the latter as show manager of KLIMS 2018.
KLIMS 2018 is poised to rev up Malaysia’s automotive industry and capture the public’s attention with many new model launches and exciting automobile concepts. For KLIMS 2018, MAA is expecting more than 350,000 visitors to the 10-day extravaganza.
“KLIMS is Malaysia’s most established and significant automotive event. The motor show is trailblazing towards its 9th presentation after a five-year hiatus, on the theme of “Beyond Mobility”
Datuk Aishah Ahmad emphasized that KLIMS will continue to be represented as the eminent national automotive event, which has played a significant role in Malaysia’s automotive industry. “MAA has worked with our members and the automotive industry to navigate through some arduous times. With the rise in cost of living affecting consumers and the rise in cost of doing business impacting companies, the local automotive sector is expected to face another challenging year. Therefore, MAA and leading auto companies have indicated that having the motor show in 2018 is opportune to re-ignite consumers’ sentiments, define brand presence, and refuel the industry.” said Datuk Aishah.
She also added “The recent completion in the construction of Malaysia’s largest and state-of-the-art exhibition centre with the opening of the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, was also an impetus for the return of KLIMS in 2018. MAA is confident that this brand new home for KLIMS will deliver a renewed experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.”
MAA is urging automotive industry players to leverage on KLIMS 2018 to fuel their market position. Daihatsu, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Kawasaki, Kia, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Perodua, Proton, Toyota, UD, V-Kool, 3M are among the front-runners in confirming their exhibition spaces.
KLIMS 2018 is expected to encompass over 50,000 square meters of exhibition floor with over 100 participating exhibitors and is targeting to attract over 350,000 visitors.
TOP FEATURED IMAGE: (L-R) President and COO of Honda Malaysia & representing the Vice Presidentship of Malaysian Automotive Association (Manufacturing) Tuan Haji Roslan Abdullah, President of UMW Toyota Motor & representing the Vice Presidentship of Malaysian Automotive Association (Trade) Encik Ravindran Kurusamy, President of Malaysian Automotive Association & Chairman of Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 organizing committee YBHG. Datuk Aishah Ahmad, Minister of International Trade & Industry Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Chairman of Trade-Link Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd YBHG. Dato’ Zainal Abidin Haji Ahmad, Managing Director of Daihatsu Malaysia & representing the Malaysian Automotive Association Honorary Secretary and Treasurer Dr. Iqbal Shaharom, Managing Director of Trade-Link Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd YBHG. Dato’ Albert Lai.
For more information on KLIMS 2018, log-on to www.klims.com.my, or contact Trade-Link Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd at Tel:+603-7842 9863 or E-mail info@trade-link-group.com
Following the introduction of the Lexus LS recently, Lexus Malaysia, a luxury arm of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, are now accepting orders for the latest models in its luxury crossover line-up, the 2018 NX 300 (below) & RX 350L (above) at all authorised Lexus Centres across Malaysia.
Debuting last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the RX 350L (top) sees the inclusion of a third row (below), seating up to seven passengers without compromising on its class-leading cargo room. The seats are fixed with a 40/20/40 split bench-type along with a longer and slightly higher rear to accommodate passengers in the third row.
In terms of performance, the RX 350L is powered with a 3.5-litre V6 engine that delivers 294hp and is optimised with an 8-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). It is also fitted with Lexus’ Active Torque Control AWD system to vary torque distribution anywhere from 100:0 to 50:50 front to rear, depending on driving dynamics and road conditions.
Priced at RM475,000 the RX 350L is a combination of functionality, technology, comfort, and luxury – making it ideal for big families or those with diverse lifestyles.
On the other hand, the Lexus NX 300 was unveiled at last year’s Shanghai Motor Show, receiving bold exterior styling refinements to appeal to the next generation of luxury consumers. The entire front fascia of the new NX has been refreshed, with the upper portion of the grille and the front bumpers redesigned to give the car a sleeker overall shape and excellent aerodynamics. The rear end sports a new look as well; with its rear bumper cover now incorporating elements of the grille’s spindle motif.
Powering the NX 300 is Lexus’ powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter engine churning out 235hp for dynamic performance. The hybrid variant conversely comes with a 2.5-literinline-4 combined with a pair of electric motors, offering customers class-leading power and fuel economy. Built for a captivating drive that promises to satisfy the performance demands of the most discerning motorist, the NX comes in four variant – Urban, Premium, F SPORT and Hybrid. The NX 300 line up is priced from RM311,900 onwards.
Malaysians who wish to be among the first to own Lexus’ newest luxury crossovers can now place their bookings at all Lexus centres nationwide. The 2018 Lexus RX 350L and NX 300 come with a comprehensive warranty of five (5) years covering unlimited mileage. Complete aftersales support is available at seven (7) locations across Malaysia, where professional technicians with extensive training by Lexus are ready to serve.
Fully imported (CBU) from Japan, the 2018 RX 350L and the four new variants of the NX 300 are scheduled to arrive in early February 2018.
The 2018 Lexus NX
Peninsular Malaysia
Sabah
Sarawak
NX 300 Urban
RM 311,900
RM 315,377.80
RM 315,377.80
NX 300 Premium
RM 329,800
RM 333,277.80
RM 333,277.80
NX 300 F SPORT
RM 387,900
RM 391,377.80
RM 391,377.80
NX 300 Hybrid
RM 397,800
RM 401,099.60
RM 401,099.60
The 2018 Lexus RX
Peninsular Malaysia
Sabah
Sarawak
RX 350L
RM 475,000
RM 477,755
RM 477,755
*Prices listed above are On the Road price including GST without insurance.
