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2025 Kia Carnival: Updated Design, Advanced Features and Hybrid Option

The 2025 Kia Carnival has received a significant update, blending bold exterior elements with a high-tech, sleek interior. Here’s a detailed look at the new features and enhancements:

Exterior Design

Front and Rear Styling: The Carnival sports a grand sculptural grille, intricately detailed cube-like headlights, and Kia’s signature Star Map lighting.
Wheels: Geometric designs range from 17-inch to 19-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels standard on EX trims and above.

Interior Features

Dashboard and Screens:
- Standard: A panel integrating a 4.2-inch TFT screen and a 12.3-inch display.
- EX Trims and Above: A full digital upgrade with a 12.3-inch cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment and navigation display on a curved panoramic panel.
Connectivity:
- Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Six USB-C ports distributed across all three rows.
- Two power outlets and two 115V inverters (SX and SX-P only).
Seating and Doors:
- “Slide-Flex” seating for 8-passenger versions with a sliding second row (except those with optional VIP Lounge Seats).
- Removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats.
- Dual power sliding doors with hands-free open standard, with EX trims and above adding family-friendly features like in-cabin camera, intercom, and Quiet Mode.
Voice Recognition: Standard system for commands such as window operation and climate control adjustment.
Driver Convenience: Available features include an 11-inch Head-Up Display, Full Display Mirror, and Ultrawide-based Digital Key 2.0.

Connected Technology

ccNC Operating System: The next-gen Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) allows over-the-air updates.
Rear Entertainment System: Available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) system with dual 14.6-inch monitors capable of streaming and future content updates.

Performance

Engines:
- Standard Engine: 3.5-litre V6 GDI with 287hp and 352Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Hybrid Option: 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid engine with a 54kW motor, producing a combined 242hp and 367Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Hybrid Exclusive Features: 17-inch aerodynamic wheels (standard on LXS trim), Active Air Flaps, and paddle regenerative braking.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA):
- Standard with enhancements including Junction Crossing (FCA-JC), Lane-change Oncoming (FCA-LO), Lane-change Side (FCA-LS), and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA) on SX models and above.
Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2):
- Standard on SX trims and above, designed to maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, keep within lane markers, and assist in lane changes on certain highways.

The 2025 Kia Carnival’s combination of advanced technology, enhanced performance, and bold design ensures it remains a top contender in the family vehicle segment, offering a compelling blend of comfort, convenience, and safety.

Batik Air Partners with Kia for Sustainable Private Terminal Transfer Service

Batik Air has introduced a new premium and sustainable private terminal transfer service for its passengers, starting from yesterday. This exclusive service is available to Batik Air Business Class and Flexi passengers and aims to enhance their travel experience amid the temporary suspension of the aerotrain service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Key Features of the New Service

Exclusive Offering: The service is exclusive to Batik Air Business Class and Flexi passengers.
Collaboration with Kia: In partnership with automaker Kia, through its sole distributor Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, Batik Air offers seamless and eco-friendly transfers.
Vehicle Fleet: Passengers will be chauffeured in the all-electric Kia EV9 and the latest model of the Kia Carnival.
Route: The service facilitates transfers between the main terminal and the satellite building of KLIA Terminal 1.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Sets New Record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N demonstrated its prowess at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, setting new benchmarks in the Electric Modified and Production SUV/Crossover categories. This event underscored Hyundai’s commitment to launching special electric vehicle (EV) models and participating in prestigious motorsport events.

Record-Setting Performance

Hyundai fielded two specially prepared Ioniq 5 N TA Spec (Time Attack) models and one production-spec Ioniq 5 N for the 20km climb. The specially prepared models showcased significantly enhanced performance compared to the stock version.

Ioniq 5 N TA Spec:
- Driver: Dani Sordo, a World Rally Championship (WRC) driver
- Performance: Completed the climb in 9:30.852, setting a new record in the Electric Modified class and winning the exhibition class.
Second Ioniq 5 N TA Spec:
- Driver: Randy Pobst
- Performance: Finished the climb in 9:55.551, trailing Sordo by 25 seconds.
Production-Spec Ioniq 5 N:
- Driver: Ron Zaras, a rookie driver
- Performance: Completed the climb in 10:49.267, making it the fastest electric production SUV/crossover at Pikes Peak.

Another production-spec Ioniq 5 N, driven by stunt driver Paul Dallenbach, was also set to compete. However, Dallenbach sustained injuries during practice and could not participate in the race. Despite this, he achieved a certified time of 10:33.86 in pre-race testing, setting high expectations.

Enhancements

The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec featured several modifications to boost its performance:

Increased Power Output: Enhanced compared to the stock version.
New Shocks: Improved handling and stability.
Slick Tires: Provided superior grip and performance.
Motorsport-Derived Brakes: Enhanced stopping power for the demanding climb.

Future of Hyundai EV Motorsports

Hyundai confirmed its intentions to continue developing and launching special specification models, such as the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car racer and the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec. This aligns with Hyundai’s strategy to expand its presence in EV motorsports and showcase the high performance of its mass-produced vehicles.

Hyundai’s success at Pikes Peak not only highlights the capabilities of the Ioniq 5 N but also sets the stage for further advancements in EV technology and motorsport achievements.

Used Toyota Vios Breaks Down A Week After Purchase – Key Steps in Buying a Secondhand Car

A recent case involved a single mother who was scammed when her used Toyota Vios broke down a week after purchase. Here’s what went wrong and how to avoid similar issues:

Misrepresentation: The car was claimed to be a 2014 model but was actually a 2013 model. Always verify the vehicle’s year of manufacture.
Lack of Warranty: The seller refused responsibility after the sale. Always ensure you have a written warranty.
High Fees and Interest Rates: The seller imposed exorbitant fees and a high-interest rate. Verify and negotiate all fees and financing terms before signing.

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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Launches New GLB 200 and GLB 250 4MATIC Variants

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduces two new variants of the Mercedes-Benz GLB compact SUV: the GLB 200 and GLB 250 4MATIC. With its powerful proportions and numerous innovations, the redesigned GLB is poised to attract even more customers.

Exterior Features

Design Updates: The GLB 200 features a redesigned front bumper with visual underbody protection, an SUV radiator grille with four horizontal louvres, and a Progressive Line exterior. The GLB 250 4MATIC sports an AMG Line exterior with a radiator grille that has single louvres and chrome inserts, an AMG front apron with a front splitter, and an AMG rear apron with visible tailpipe trim in high-gloss black.
Night Package: Available for both variants, this package includes high-gloss black trim parts, including the radiator shell louvres, front and rear apron trim elements, roof railing, exterior mirror housing, beltline and window line trim strips, and simulated underguard.
Lighting: The GLB features new full-LED headlights and rear lights, with Adaptive Highbeam Assist included in the LED High Performance headlamps.
Wheels: The GLB 200 comes with 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, while the GLB 250 4MATIC has 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Colour Options: The range of exterior colors has been expanded to include a new Spectral Blue Metallic paint.

Interior Features

Seating and Space: The GLB can accommodate up to seven occupants, offering high practicality and variability. The GLB 200 features ARTICO man-made leather upholstery, while the GLB 250 4MATIC offers a combination of ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT microfibre.
Displays and Infotainment: Both variants come with freestanding 10.25-inch wide-screen displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia screens. The latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Design Elements: The interior includes round air vents in a turbine look, a new multifunction sports steering wheel (leather in GLB 200, Nappa leather in GLB 250 4MATIC), and a Star-pattern trim (backlit in GLB 250 4MATIC) that interacts with ambient lighting.
Comfort and Convenience: Additional USB-C ports, increased USB charging power, illuminated USB ports, comfort seats, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control enhance the interior experience.

Safety and Technology

Safety Features: Both variants come equipped with Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Active Brake Assist, and a Parking Package with a reverse camera. The KEYLESS-GO Comfort package, EASY-PACK tailgate, and GUARD 360° Vehicle protection are also included.
Exclusive GLB 250 Features: The GLB 250 4MATIC includes 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an additional 48-volt electrical system for the belt-driven starter generator. This system provides an additional 10kW of power for faster acceleration, low-vibration and low-noise engine starting, coasting with the engine off, and energy recuperation during braking and acceleration.

Pricing

Mercedes-Benz GLB 200: RM290,888 (on the road without insurance, with 10% Sales Tax for Peninsular Malaysia).
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC: RM341,888 (on the road without insurance, with 10% Sales Tax for Peninsular Malaysia).