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Mini Expands All-Electric Lineup with New Countryman E

Mini is broadening its all-electric vehicle portfolio with the introduction of the new Mini Countryman E. With increased dimensions, the latest Countryman model offers a spacious and family-friendly design. It measures 13cm longer and eight centimetres taller than its predecessor, providing more interior room and enhanced storage capacity. The luggage compartment, with a maximum volume of 1,450 litres, easily accommodates bulky items when the rear seats are folded down. The model’s 202 mm ground clearance ensures a comfortable ride on uneven roads.

Customisable and Stylish Trims

The Mini Countryman E comes in four new vehicle trims, allowing for extensive personalization of both exterior and interior elements. The Favoured Trim highlights brand-typical design features in Vibrant Silver, and buyers can opt for a contrasting roof and mirror caps in the same colour. The model’s clear and streamlined surfaces are accentuated in the striking Blazing Blue shade. Inside, the Favoured Trim includes comfortable sports seats and a newly designed sports steering wheel featuring a textile strap instead of the traditional six o’clock spoke.

Enhanced Performance and Agility

The Countryman E is powered by a 204hp electric motor, delivering 250Nm of torque. This enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 170km/h. The continuous acceleration of the electric motor enhances agility, emphasizing Mini’s signature go-kart feel. The vehicle’s battery, with an energy content of 66.45 kWh, supports DC fast charging up to 130 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes. The model boasts a range of up to 462km in the WLTP test cycle.

Modern and Aerodynamic Design

The new exterior design of the Mini Countryman E accentuates its off-road character. Short overhangs, a short bonnet, and a long wheelbase create a dynamic and agile appearance. The redesigned octagonal front grille and distinctive LED headlamps enhance the vehicle’s modern look. Optional light signatures for the front and rear lights allow for further customization. The slightly curved roof seamlessly connects to the redesigned C-pillar, adding sporty accents, while the distinctive Mini rim designs are available in sizes ranging from 17 to 21 inches.

Spacious and High-Tech Interior

The new Mini Countryman E offers nearly three centimeters of additional width in the shoulder and elbow areas, providing more space and comfort for the driver and passengers. The dashboard features a two-tone textile cover extending into the door panels, while the central round OLED display with a 240 mm diameter and high-quality glass surface controls all infotainment and assistance systems. The new Mini Operating System 9, accessible via touch or voice control, enhances user interaction. The Mini Experience Modes offer an immersive driving experience, and the panoramic glass roof brings natural light into the spacious interior.

Advanced Assistance Systems

The Mini Countryman E includes innovative assistance systems for improved comfort and safety. The optional Driving Assistant Professional enables partially automated Level 2 driving on motorway-like routes, allowing the driver to take hands off the steering wheel at speeds up to 60km/h while remaining alert. This system can identify necessary gaps in traffic for lane changes and adjusts the vehicle’s speed for optimal assisted lane changes.

Mini’s latest offering, the Countryman E, exemplifies the brand’s commitment to combining style, performance, and advanced technology in an all-electric package, making it an ideal choice for families and eco-conscious drivers alike.

Lorry Driver with 100 Traffic Summonses Involved in Fatal Accident

In a tragic incident at a factory area on Jalan Lahat-Simpang Pulai, a lorry driver with a record of 100 traffic summonses has been implicated in the death of an elderly man. The accident occurred on Wednesday, June 5.

Ipoh police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad revealed that the 44-year-old lorry driver also has three previous traffic accident offences. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver, while reversing his vehicle, failed to notice the senior citizen standing behind. The impact resulted in the victim’s immediate death due to severe injuries to the chest and abdomen. The lorry driver did not sustain any injuries.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death due to reckless or dangerous driving.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to come forward and assist with the investigation. Individuals with information are urged to contact the investigating officer, Insp Muhammad Syafiq Fauze, at 013-6713177, or visit the nearest police station.

This incident highlights the critical need for stringent enforcement of traffic regulations and the importance of maintaining road safety to prevent such unfortunate occurrences.

China Approves Testing of Level 3 Autonomous Vehicles on Public Roads

In a significant move for the future of autonomous driving, China has granted nine companies the green light to begin testing Level 3 autonomous driving systems on public roads. This approval comes approximately eight months after the Chinese government issued guidelines for the nationwide initiative and started accepting applications from firms interested in testing their self-driving technologies.

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has confirmed that Nio, BYD, Changan Auto, GAC, SAIC, BAIC BluePark, China FAW Group, SAIC Hongyan, and Yutong Bus have received approval to test their autonomous vehicles on restricted roads. These tests will allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, marking a significant step towards the deployment of Level 3 semi-autonomous vehicles in China.

While Level 3 autonomous vehicles are not yet commercially available in China, these tests are expected to pave the way for the introduction of such systems for individual buyers and fleet operators. Currently, at least 10 car manufacturers in China, including Huawei and Xpeng, sell vehicles equipped with Level 2 systems.

Proton Registers 13.6% Sales Growth in May Amid Positive Market Sentiment

Proton has reported a significant 13.6% increase in sales for May, with 12,522 units (domestic and export) sold. This surge has cemented the company’s second position in the national automotive sales ranking, achieving a forecast market share of 19%. The company’s sales for the first five months of the year closed at 62,697 units.

The growth in Proton’s sales aligns with the overall trend in the Total Industry Volume (TIV), which is estimated to have grown by 20.7% to approximately 70,000 units in May. The year-to-date (YTD) TIV figure is estimated at 330,236 units, marking an 8.8% increase over 2023.

Export Sales Surge

Proton’s efforts to expand into international markets, including Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh, and Iraq, have been fruitful, with export sales reaching 509 units in May—the highest shipment recorded for 2024 so far. Since February, the best-selling export model has been the Proton Saga, leading with 360 units exported in May. Cumulative export sales have reached 1,344 units since January.

CAAM Urges Aspiring Pilots to Research Flying Schools Amid Sector Recovery

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued a strong advisory to aspiring pilots, emphasising the importance of thorough research into flying schools before enrolling. This comes as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and an increasing number of individuals seek to become pilots.

CAAM, which licenses flying schools and issues clearance letters to trainees after vetting their qualifications, has noted that many aspiring pilots often have unclear expectations or misconceptions regarding the roles of the schools and the regulatory authority. This confusion can lead to frustration and hinder students’ progress toward their aviation careers.

Norazman Mahmud, head of CAAM, advised prospective pilots to visit flying schools to tour the facilities, meet instructors, and understand the training environment. He highlighted the necessity of verifying the schools’ accreditation status, reviewing the training programs offered, and considering the qualifications of instructors and the schools’ safety records.

BMW 3 Series and 4 Series Receive Alpina Power Boost

Alpina, the renowned automaker famed for its unique blend of luxury and performance, has unveiled the GT versions of its B3 and B4 models. This move caters to BMW enthusiasts desiring a sophisticated package that delivers M-like performance.

The new GT models boast a significant power boost. The twin-turbocharged inline-six engine now delivers 529hp, an increase of 34hp, and 729Nm of torque. This positions the Alpina B3 GT sedan and B3 GT Touring, along with the B4 GT Gran Coupe, on par with BMW’s M3 Competition models.

Alpina has attributed this power increase to revised engine mapping. The enhanced performance allows the B3 GT sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The B3 GT Touring and B4 GT Gran Coupe achieve this in 3.5 seconds. All models feature power distribution to all four wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Visually, the GT versions maintain a subtle yet distinctive look. They feature small canards and a front splitter, along with a redesigned black diffuser and new exhaust tips. Alpina’s signature shades of blue and green are available, alongside a broad range of BMW Individual colours. The Alpina badging is prominent on both the exterior and interior, including the GT script in Oro Tecnico.

The B3 GT is offered in both sedan and wagon trims. These models, based on the 3 Series, sport the smaller grille compared to the M3, providing a different aesthetic choice for buyers. The B4 GT, available in Gran Coupe format, shares the same power and performance enhancements.

These models will be exclusive to the European market, with deliveries starting in November. Pricing begins at 101,700 Euros (RMRM518,008) for the B3 sedan, 102,900 Euros (RM524,098) for the B3 Touring, and 105,100 Euros (RM535,348) for the B4 GT Gran Coupe.

The new GT versions from Alpina offer a compelling alternative for BMW buyers seeking a luxurious yet powerful driving experience. With M-level performance and unique Alpina styling, these models provide a sophisticated option in the high-performance vehicle segment.

BYD Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Historic 10-Millionth NEV Milestone

Surviving Borneo: We Experience Borneo Safari, One of The Toughest 4X4 Challenges In The World

QR Code Usage at Johor Causeway to Expand in 2024

Naza Eastern Motors Unveils the Suzuki Jimny Arctic in Malaysia

CATL Says That Elon Musk Does Not Know How to Make a Battery

Hyundai Unveils Elantra N TCR Edition: A High-Performance Sedan with Motorsport DNA

Lexus Unveils Facelifted ES Sedan in China with Updated Design and Features

BHPetrol Announces Contest Winners & Launches New Contest With RM200,000 In Prizes

Bugatti W16 Mistral Sets New Open-Top Speed Record at 453.91km/h

Peugeot End of the Year Sales: Savings of Up to RM26,388!

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Archive

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Porsche Targets Flexibility in China with Dealership and Cost Adjustments

Toyota to Join Supercars Championship in 2026 with V8 GR Supra

CATL Unveils Game-Changing 400km Range Battery for China’s Rising PHEV Market

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