Volkswagen is significantly expanding its ID.7 electric vehicle range with the introduction of new models, including the high-performance ID.7 GTX and the versatile ID.7 GTX Tourer. Both models boast impressive features and performance capabilities, solidifying Volkswagen’s commitment to electric mobility.
High-Performance ID.7 GTX and GTX Tourer
Leading the charge is the ID.7 GTX, a fastback model equipped with a 340PS output and electric all-wheel drive. This powerhouse vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, thanks to its dual-motor setup that delivers 250 kW. It also boasts a substantial WLTP range of up to 595km, making it both a thrilling and practical choice for EV enthusiasts. The ID.7 GTX supports fast charging with up to 200 kW at DC stations, allowing the 86-kWh battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes.
BMW is gearing up for a major shift with the launch of the fourth-generation 1 Series, including a new M Performance variant. Despite retaining its front-wheel-drive architecture, the new iteration brings a host of cosmetic and technological upgrades while hinting at a future shift in nomenclature by dropping the “i” from its petrol model names, starting with the M135.
M135 xDrive
Performance and Powertrain Options
The M135 will be available at launch, powered by the latest iteration of the B48 engine. This 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 296hp in regions with stricter emissions regulations and 312hp elsewhere. Torque is consistent at 400Nm, enabling the M135 to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h.
Other engine options include a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder mild-hybrid in the 120, producing 168hp and 280Nm of torque. This variant can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 225km/h.
For diesel enthusiasts, there’s the 120d with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, generating 161 horsepower and 280Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 222km/h. A more affordable 118d variant offers 148hp and 360Nm of torque, completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds and matching the 120d’s top speed.
Exterior and Design Evolution
The new 1 Series maintains its recognisable silhouette, but with sharper, more aggressive headlights and taillights reminiscent of the latest X2. The M Performance version, the M135, stands out with a quad exhaust system borrowed from the X1 M35i and X2 M35i, and the signature M-specific side mirror caps and kidney grille badge. The M135 also features plenty of glossy black trim and a sportier grille with horizontal slats.
The standard 1 Series models, whether equipped with the M Sport Package or not, sport a unique grille design with interlaced vertical and oblique lines. Notably, the new 1 Series is BMW’s first model to offer a contrasting roof finish in glossy black. Wheel sizes range from 17 inches up to 19 inches for the M135, which can also be equipped with optional compound brakes.
Interior Upgrades and Technological Enhancements
Inside, the 2025 1 Series offers a dramatic departure from its predecessor. It now features BMW’s latest iDrive 9 infotainment system with dual screens- a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch touchscreen. The interior design emphasises minimalism, evident from the removal of most conventional buttons and even the traditional iDrive rotary knob.
M135 xDrive
A new gear selector replaces the chunky gear lever, and the cabin boasts a fully vegan interior as standard. The M135 variant comes with additional sporty touches, including body-hugging front seats with an illuminated M logo and standard shift paddles for its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
BMW’s fourth-generation 1 Series introduces significant upgrades in both design and technology while maintaining the core attributes that have made it popular. The inclusion of a high-performance M135 variant and a range of efficient engines ensures there is a model to suit a variety of preferences. As BMW continues to evolve its lineup, the new 1 Series sets the stage for future innovations and improvements in their entry-level segment.
Malaysia is set to table a new consumer protection act, akin to the “Lemon Law” found in other countries, in the Dewan Rakyat in March. This move aims to enhance consumer rights, particularly for car buyers, by addressing issues related to defective vehicles.
According to NST, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced the initiative, revealing that legal experts have been appointed to conduct a legislative framework study starting this month. This study is expected to be completed by September.
The Lamborghini Urus SE has finally made its way into the Malaysian market. This is Lamborghini’s first Plug-in Hybrid version of the SUV.
The new model showcases a revamped daytime running light signature encircling the headlamp clusters, now equipped with advanced matrix LED technology. Both the front and rear bumpers have undergone subtle modifications, while the rear tailgate boasts a complete redesign. The addition of a spoiler, paired with a revised diffuser, delivers 35% more downforce at high speeds compared to the Urus S.
Aerodynamic improvements are not limited to the exterior. Underbody air vents and updated air ducts enhance cooling efficiency for mechanical and engine components by 15%. The newly designed front section also improves brake cooling by an impressive 30%.
Interior and Infotainment Upgrades
Inside the cabin, the Urus SE features dual 12.3-inch displays and an updated infotainment system, offering improved graphics akin to those in the Revuelto. While the rest of the interior remains familiar, Lamborghini continues to provide extensive customisation options, including wheels ranging from 21 to 23 inches.
Enhanced Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Urus SE retains its powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, producing 611hp and 800Nm of torque. The engine is now complemented by an electric motor delivering 189 hp and 483Nm, resulting in a combined system output of 800hp and 950Nm.
These power figures enable the Urus SE to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 312km/h. The plug-in hybrid version also offers up to 60km of electric-only range, powered by a 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery.
Advanced Drivetrain and Suspension
The Urus SE’s powertrain includes an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, featuring an integrated front differential and a rear electronic limited-slip differential. Air springs allow for adjustable ground clearance, ranging from 15mm in Corsa mode to 75mm when necessary. In addition to Corsa, the Urus SE offers various drive modes, including Strade, Sport, and Neve. PHEV-specific modes such as Hybrid, Recharge, and EV Drive are also available.
With its enhanced design, superior performance, and advanced technology, the Lamborghini Urus SE sets a new benchmark in the luxury SUV segment. The combination of powerful hybrid capabilities and meticulous design updates ensures that the Urus SE remains at the forefront of automotive innovation.
The Lamborghini Urus SE is now open for booking in Malaysia through Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur, the authorised distributor, with a starting price of RM1,028,000 before taxes, duties and customisation.
In light of the recent Daihatsu safety testing scandal, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has extended its investigation into other domestic automakers dating back to 2014. This probe has uncovered fraudulent conduct in type approval applications by major players including Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Suzuki. Consequently, these companies have been compelled to suspend production, shipment, and sales of the affected models.
Toyota’s Safety Testing Misconduct
Toyota, Japan’s largest automaker, admitted to submitting falsified data in pedestrian and occupant safety tests for current models such as the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross. Additionally, internal audits revealed tampered crash tests for discontinued models including the Crown, Isis, Sienta, and Lexus RX. Despite these infractions, Toyota asserts that its internal checks have verified compliance with all safety regulations, indicating no immediate action is required from vehicle owners.
Mazda’s Engine and Crash Test Alterations
Mazda revealed that the engine control software of the MX-5 RF roadster and the Mazda2 subcompact hatchback had been altered during official output testing. Furthermore, improper modifications were made to crash test vehicles of the discontinued Atenza/Mazda6 and Axela models. Nevertheless, Mazda confirmed that these production models still meet safety standards.
The Proton X50 was launched in 2020 and since then has remained largely unchanged. Proton seems to have stuck to the age-old adage of “if it is not broken, don’t fix it”. But that doesn’t help a car maker sell cars or remain relevant.
Despite its age, the Proton X50 has remained hugely popular. However, the competition is heating up and while previously the X50 enjoyed a considerable advantage over its competitors, they have now caught up and are breathing down Proton’s neck, and our national car maker is starting to feel the heat.
To ensure that it keeps its edge over the rest, Proton has introduced a number of updates for the X50, but they do not warrant calling the update a “facelift” in the traditional sense. That is because from the outside, the new X50 looks identical to the previous models, there is literally no update as far as the exterior goes.
The update then is most around the interior and some of the creature comforts. The updates are:
1. Powered tailgate:
While previously the powered tailgate was reserved for the top end models only, now all variants of the X50 get an automatic tailgate.
2. Improved NVH levels:
We have driven the new X50 around Proton’s test track, and while Proton says the new X50 has more than 20 improvements to the NVH levels, a test track is not the best place to try that out. But the car did feel refined and wind noise was barely audible even at well over 100km/h.
3. Updated Infotainment Head Unit
No unfortunately fans of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will still have to wait a while as Proton says it is still finalizing licensing with the two automotive software providers. But there is a Spotify music app though for music fans. Besides that the system comes with a new dual quad-core processing unit with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage capacity.
Proton says that this update results in 3.3 times faster computing performance, 33% faster boot up speed and 55% faster loading time.
4. Updated 360 Camera
Malaysia is a unique country where a 360 camera can actually make or break a sale. When all things are equal, a good quality 360 camera is undeniably important, and Proton knows that. Hence why the company has updated its surround view camera that gives crystal clear images in low light conditions. They did it by adding 3.3 times more pixels that allows the driver to monitor blind spots with 3D live feed when switching lanes. We tried it and it works brilliantly. Check out our video below to believe it.
5. Proton Link App
Allows the user to remotely start the engine to keep it cool before driving off and also control the locking and unlocking functions.
The updates may not seem all that great, but they are designed to make owning and operating the X50 a more pleasant experience.
Besides that, everything remains the same for the Proton X50 and it comes with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage, 6-times free labour service, 5-year data package with 1GB/month, financing interest rates from 2.28%pa and Proton insurance programme.
The first 5,000 bookings (registration by 31 July 2024), will enjoy a cash discount of RM7,000, trade in overtrade support of RM1,500 and value added features worth RM6,000, bringing the total savings to RM14,500.
