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Plans for a new SMART Tunnel traversing Sections 51 and 51A, Federal Highway Route 2, and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) have been announced, with an estimated cost of RM350 million. This ambitious project aims to mitigate flood risks and reduce surface-level traffic congestion in Petaling Jaya.

Wan Agyl, the former head of policy and planning at the now-defunct Land Public Transport Commission, highlighted the effectiveness of the SMART Tunnel’s flood mitigation system, which diverts stormwater into designated channels and reservoirs. This system has successfully reduced flooding in key areas of Kuala Lumpur and is expected to do the same for Petaling Jaya.

“The SMART Tunnel’s design has proven effective in Kuala Lumpur, where it has successfully reduced flooding in key areas,” Wan Agyl said, according to FMT.

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The implementation of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) programme has received positive feedback from school and express bus operators in Malaysia, who credit the fleet card for helping them maintain current fare levels without imposing additional costs on users.

Benefits of SKDS Programme

According to FMT, Amali Munif Rahmat, President of the Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia, emphasised that the SKDS programme’s monthly diesel quota of 1,800 litres at RM1.88 per litre has effectively managed operational costs for school bus operators. This subsidy has enabled them to stabilise fares for the time being, alleviating financial strain amidst the recent diesel price hike to RM3.35 per litre in the peninsula.

“We will not increase fares at this time but will maintain the current rates,” Amali assured, highlighting the adequacy of the quota for sustaining their operations. He also mentioned that additional quotas could be requested if needed, demonstrating flexibility in response to future operational demands.

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Proton attracted some brick bats during the introduction of the name of the company’s upcoming electric car, the eMAS.

That came after a slide mistakenly showed Sarawak as Sabah, and Sabah as Sarawak, The obvious error was projected onto a screen in front of a crowd of hundreds and some attendees were quick to capture photos and critise that error on social media.

Photo sourced from Facebook.

Proton responded to that error this morning by issuing the following statement:

PROTON acknowledges an error in a presentation mislabelling the states of Sabah and Sarawak.

We deeply regret this mistake and understand the sensitivities it has stirred among our fellow Malaysians.

PROTON holds the unity and diversity of Malaysia in the highest regard, and we are committed to respecting and celebrating all states equally.

We sincerely apologise for any misunderstanding caused and appreciate any feedback from the public.

We will ensure greater care in our future endeavours. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

We commend Proton on their quick response.

Alfa Romeo has announced the pricing and specifications for its first fully electric vehicle, the Junior. Combining sporty design, compact size, and Italian flair, the Junior will start at £33,895 (RM203,368) OTR for the base model, the Junior Elettrica.

Powertrain and Performance

The Junior is Alfa Romeo’s debut into the fully electric market, featuring two powertrain options. The base model comes with a 156hp motor, providing a range of up to 402km (WLTP). For those seeking a sportier experience, the Junior Veloce offers a 240hp motor with a range of up to 346 (WLTP). Both versions are equipped with Alfa Romeo’s signature sporting DNA, ensuring dynamic performance and excellent road holding. Charging is efficient, with a 10-80% charge achievable in under 30 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger.

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After years of discussions and months of talk, Proton has finally revealed the name of its upcoming electric vehicle, and it is to be called the e:MAS. (more…)

BMW has unveiled an upgraded version of its 2 Series Coupé, combining sportiness, controllable dynamics, and advanced digital features. This two-door model, which follows in the footsteps of the iconic BMW 02 Series from the 1960s, is now even more attractive with detailed design modifications, extended standard equipment, and consistent digitalisation.

Performance and Engine Options

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé lineup is led by the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé, powered by a 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder engine that produces 374hp. This engine, combined with intelligent all-wheel drive, allows the M240i xDrive to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

In addition to the inline six-cylinder engine, the 2 Series Coupé offers three four-cylinder petrol engines and a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The entry-level BMW 218i Coupé features a 156hp petrol engine, achieving 0 to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds. The BMW 220i Coupé with 184hp accelerates in 7.5 seconds, while the BMW 230i Coupé with 245hp does so in 5.9 seconds. The BMW 220d Coupé’s diesel engine, enhanced with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, generates 190hp and reaches 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

All engines come paired with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, with the Sport transmission version available for the M240i xDrive, 230i, 220i, and 220d Coupés. This version, featuring enhanced shift dynamics and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, is optional for the BMW 218i Coupé.

Design and Exterior Features

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé exhibits a distinctive front end with individual round headlamps, a horizontal BMW radiator grille, and a power dome on the long bonnet. The side view features athletically modelled surfaces, wide wheel arches, and a short luggage compartment lid ending in a striking air scoop. The M Sport Package, now standard, includes large air intakes, powerful side skirts, and a striking rear apron with vertical reflectors and a diffuser-like insert.

The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé boasts its own M-specific design features, optimising cooling air supply and aerodynamic balance. These include high-gloss black inserts for the side air intakes, a black spoiler lip on the front apron, a model-specific rear spoiler, and trapezoidal tailpipes. All models now come standard with M high-gloss Shadow Line, enhancing the car’s dynamic appearance.

The available paint finishes for the new 2 Series Coupé include two solid colours, seven metallic colours, and two BMW Individual paint finishes – Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Frozen Portimao Blue metallic. Fire Red metallic and Skyscraper Grey metallic are now available for the two-door model, while Zandvoort Blue solid paint is exclusive to the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé.

Interior and Technology

The interior of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé offers a premium ambiance for an intense four-seater driving experience. The high centre console, blended instrument panel, and door panels create an enveloping feeling of space, further enhanced by the anthracite-coloured headlining included in the M Sport Package.

Digitalisation is a key focus, with the BMW Curved Display playing a central role in the vehicle’s operation. This fully digital display system comprises a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display, running on the BMW Operating System 8.5. This system supports the latest BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, allowing for intuitive operation via touch or voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Standard ambient lighting includes new waterfall lighting integrated into the central air vents, with adjustable color and brightness settings. The system also features atmospheric welcome and goodbye animations, including a carpet of light in the entrance area and light signals for incoming calls and open doors.

Enhanced Standard Equipment

Beyond the M Sport Package contents, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé includes a wide range of additional standard features to enhance driving pleasure. These include heated front seats, an exterior mirror package, and an alarm system. The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé also comes with sun protection glazing as standard.

With these updates, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé reaffirms its position as a unique and compelling choice in the compact segment, offering a blend of performance, design, and cutting-edge technology.

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