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Bentley’s Azure range goes beyond superlative comfort to the wellbeing of each passenger

At the very top end of the car market, the luxury models have long been known for their comfort, usually described in superlative terms. For limousines that cost over a million ringgit, the comfort experienced by the occupants must be nothing less than the best and engineers as well as interior designers work very hard to ensure this.

Now, besides comfort, the wellbeing of the occupants is also given a greater deal of attention. Certainly, when one travels in a Bentley, the experience will also provide a heightened sense of wellbeing, but the company now wants to deliver driver and passengers to their destination more relaxed than when they set off.

With the new Azure range that will be available across the full Bentley model line-up, the occupants will have a curated selection of features designed to enhance wellbeing and comfort. The aim is that at journey’s end, they will step out feeling refreshed, alert and ready to resume their busy lives.

The science of wellbeing
But what actually promotes wellbeing? To analyse and develop Bentley’s new concept of ‘wellbeing behind the wheel’, the Azure development team engaged a creative neuroscientist to work with them. Considering everything from light, to the patterns we see around us, to the impact of in-car posture and the importance and thermal comfort, the neuroscientist’s research paired with Bentley’s own measurements to give science-based analysis to the relaxing experience of travelling in a Bentley, as a driver or a passenger.

The two most crucial influences over onboard relaxation are ride comfort and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). Research that tracked thousands of people over a 4-year period found that those exposed to traffic noise over 70 dB were 65% more at risk of depression.

Taking the new Bentayga EWB as an example, measurements showed it to be quieter inside than its competitors, by between 4% and 26%, depending on frequency and position inside the car. Secondary ride comfort is another key variable that affects onboard wellness – obviously, the smoother the ride, the more calming the journey. At typical road speeds and in the crucial frequency range of 5 Hz to 20 Hz, the Bentayga EWB has up to 27% lower secondary ride vibration than its competitors.

Science-Informed Design approach

Facts like these inspired Bentley’s team to adopt a Science-Informed Design approach, using a variety of interdisciplinary methods to create the most positive sensation of wellness and comfort for drivers and their passengers. And because a car is a multisensory environment, this approach involved designing not simply for the senses of vision, hearing, touch and smell but also for the position of our bodies (proprioception), gravity and acceleration (vestibular), temperature and even the body’s internal sensation (interoception).

Escaping the outside world into a personalised environment, with less outside noise, that could otherwise reduce attention, impact memory and increase stress response. Where once a vehicle acoustic engineer would have focused on the suppression of NVH as much as possible to create the quietest possible cabin environment, the focus is now is also on the quality of sound.

“We have to understand how we all detect and respond to sounds and then work out how to engineer those sounds into the components that make a Bentley,” explained Bentley Acoustics Engineer Andy Jackson. “We balance the sound from the vehicle and cocoon the occupants from outside world by minimizing sound penetration. We harmonise the acoustics with the other sensory inputs in the vehicle. The sound is literally in the vehicle’s DNA; it’s authentic and crafted.”

Most advanced seat design
Seating is one of the important elements too. It is important to keep the body in the right posture because when we slump, our bodies can take in as much as 30% less oxygen, affecting our ability to think and placing additional stress on the body.

This led to the most advanced seat ever fitted to the car – Bentley’s Airline Seat Specification. Available in the rear cabin, the seat has 22 ways of adjustment and world-firsts in a new auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology.

In Relax mode, the seat can recline to 40 degrees, whilst the passenger seat is motored forward and a footrest deploys from the back of the front passenger seat. In Business Mode, the seat moves into its most upright position to make working on the move more comfortable.

The Postural Adjustment function uses new thigh and shoulder pockets, plus additional lumbar massage pockets, to subtly yet continuously change the shape of the seat to ease pressure points around the body, preventing ‘dead spots’ and fatigue build-up. The use of air pockets enables more continuous and complex movements to be made – which are virtually imperceptible to the passenger – rather than the linear movements resulting from the use of seat motors.

The system goes beyond the 2D motions typical of adjustable seats, able to employ a 3-dimensional twist to relieve pressure points. Six independent pressure zones can provide 177 adjustments every 3 hours to ensure consistent seat comfort, regardless of the length of the journey. Studies have shown that actively supporting body weight in a dynamic way relieves strain, which can bring on mental stress and cause lack of focus. Natural supported postures have been shown to alleviate stress from tensed muscles.

Besides the heating and ventilation function in the seats which help to maintain the body’s optimum temperature for comfort and alertness, there is also a massage function with 6 programmable settings. This massage function promotes the constant micro-adjustments in muscle and posture that are so vital in preventing fatigue.

Even scent is important
When we see pleasing forms, shapes and colours, our brains release chemicals such as dopamine that not only make us feel good but are good for our body and sense of wellbeing. This led the Azure team to consult with neuroscientists to understand the interrelationship of colour, texture, tactility and even scent to create an atmosphere of relaxed serenity.

“Sensory receptors convert physical stimuli in neural activity, creating changes in our brain and nervous system. Every fabric, sound, motion, colour and touch continuously impacts our nervous system and the Azure cabin has been finessed accordingly,” said Maria Mulder, Head of Colour & Trim at Bentley Motors.

To that end, the Azure interior design specification includes ‘wellness quilting’ which has fractal patterns of precisely crafted diamond quilted upholstery creating an eye-pleasing interplay of light and shade. And while Bentley customers will always have access to the full range of wood veneers, the Azure range includes 3 open pore veneers with a softer, satin, reflective quality that can bring on a calm mood.

A personalised climate within
For most passengers, just having an environment with a comfortable temperature would be pleasant enough on any journey. But in a Bentley, there is Seat Auto Climate where each passenger can select their desired temperature. The contact temperature and surface humidity are then directly measured (cushion and backrest independently) and the heating and ventilation are adjusted to achieve the required temperature.

This is continuously monitored to ensure it remains constant as optimised body temperature is vital when the focus is on individual wellbeing. In studies that have manipulated body temperature via external means, it has generally been reported that cognitive function is reduced by decreasing body temperature below normal. A comfortable thermal environment can also alleviate fatigue, reduce irritability, and improve driving safety.

Bentley stretches the Bentayga to create a new flagship model

Improved Michelin Primacy SUV tyre available with wider range of sizes

With SUV popularity continuing to grow worldwide, demand for replacement tyres for such vehicles has also grown. As demand grows, SUV owners also want better tyres with improved performance, just like how passenger car tyres have constantly been improved. At the same time, SUV tyres are also required to perform well in more varied surface conditions as owners may sometimes go off-road.

Michelin constantly updates its wide range of tyres and following on from the Primacy SUV, the company now introduces the Primacy SUV+ with new and enhanced Michelin technologies as well as a wider range of sizes.

“With the launch of MICHELIN Primacy SUV+, we are convinced to better capture the SUV market potential, as the tyre not only provides a more complete SUV portfolio, but also offers performance and safety made to last, plus market-leading longevity, as well as a quiet and comfortable drive – making it the best partner for both daily commutes and long journeys,” said Michelin Malaysia’s Managing Director, Oliver Biggart.

The new features of the Primacy+ are the Michelin Premium Touch sidewall design (only on 18-inch sizes and larger), higher silica loading and functionalized polymer, and MaxTouch Construction.

The Premium Touch sidewall design, already used in some newer Michelin tyres, gives a velvet-like micro texture that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the tyre. Wet and dry braking performance are said to be greatly improved – without compromising mileage nor rolling resistance – with the new compound while MaxTouch Construction optimizes the contact patch for even wear and longer tread life.

Improved performance
The Primacy SUV+ also has full depth and high sipe density with a U-shaped groove design. This maintains water evacuation even when the tyre is worn – important on the wet road conditions that Malaysian motorists frequently drive in these days. The chamfered tread blocks are more resistant to distortion under pressure, while StabiliGrip sipes help with braking performance as they optimize tyre and also remove water more efficiently.

“Significant safety improvements to the Michelin Primacy SUV+, attested by a number of tests, ensure not only superiority over competitors, but also maximum driving confidence and control behind the wheel for SUV drivers,” said Mr. Biggart.

Longer mileage
He was referring to test results on wet roads against main competitors where the Primacy SUV+ stopped 3.3 metres shorter when new, and 4.2 metres shorter when worn. In addition, its drivable mileage was found to be 10% longer than competitors’ average. The tests were conducted by independent parties, not Michelin.

The Primacy SUV+ is now available at all authorized Michelin tyre dealers nationwide. There are 26 sizes across the 16-inch to 20- inch range so the new tyre should be suitable for a wide range of SUV models. Recommended retail prices are between RM600 and RM1,600 (depending on the size) and if you shop around a bit, you might find some dealers offering better discounts than others.

Michelin Malaysia introduces BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A tyre for SUVs and pick-up trucks

5 new models introduced in Malaysia to celebrate BMW M’s 50th anniversary

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of BMW M today, BMW subsidiaries around the world are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the BMW M, the sub-brand of the carmaker associated with high-performance models and motorsports.

In Malaysia, the event is celebrated with the arrival of 5 new models by BMW Group Malaysia – the new M3 Competition and M4 Competition Sedan and Coupe (both with the M xDrive for the first time), M5 and M5 Competition, and showing BMW M’s electric future, the i4 M50.

“In the 50 years of BMW M, we have presented a portfolio of iconic, powerful vehicles which have defined premium performance cars in their times. The sub-brand of the BMW Group has strengthened our experiences and achievements as a complete premium automaker, delivering our promise of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ across the bookends of our product offering. M is an exemplification of our engineers’ passion for combining authentic motorsports functionality with the latest innovations in premium and luxurious vehicles. Today, we are thrilled to be celebrating five remarkable decades of M with the introduction of five new high-performance premium models for our loyal customers, fans, as well as premium motorsports enthusiasts in Malaysia,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

M3 Competition Sedan/M4 Competition Coupe
The new M3 models are powered by the same M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder petrol engine which can produce up to 510 bhp/650 Nm, and an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

2022 BMW M3 Competition Sedan — *M3 Competition Sedan*

They are now equipped with M-specific xDrive which is a more advanced development of the BMW xDrive used in other models. It has so far been available for the M5 and M8 and now extends to these two models. Originally developed for BMW’s Sport Activity Vehicles (SAVs) that began with the X5 in the late 1980s, the system intelligently channels power to all four wheels, enhancing traction on wet surfaces and shortening acceleration times as grip is greater.

2022 BMW M4 Competition Coupe — *M4 Competition Coupe*

The system has rear-wheel bias and goes into all-wheel drive when traction levels are low. However, the driver also has control over its characteristics via three different driving modes – 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD mode. There’s also an Active M Differential at the rear axle that more efficiently splits engine power between the two rear wheels for better driving dynamics.

M5 Sedan/M5 Competition
As for the M5, these two models are of the latest sixth generation. Besides the newly redesigned kidney grille, M-specific double bars and an M badge, there’s also a ‘BMW M 50 Years Emblem’ in the units currently offered.

Both versions have various M-specific exterior features and equipment such as M rear spoilers as well as a new three-dimensional element on the LED rear lights. Exclusive to the M5 Competition is the M Sports exhaust system with a slim finish, and an exclusive M5 competition badge.

Inside, the latest M5s have a larger 12.3-inch Control Display with touchscreen functionality. This gives the driver greater readability to be aware of the status of the car’s systems. Also new is the two-button operating concept in the centre console.

Under the bonnet is the familiar 4.4‑litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, tuned to produce 600 bhp/750 Nm for the M5 Sedan, and 625 bhp/750 Nm for the M5 Competition. Power gets to all four wheels through an 8‑speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive which also includes a 2WD setting for only rear-wheel drive.

While the M5 Sedan has a top speed limited to 250 km/h, the M5 Competition can reach 305 km/h with the standard inclusion of the M Driver’s Package. The M5 Competition also comes with new shock absorbers (similar to the M8 Gran Coupe) and a retuned chassis which is 7 mm lower than the sedan.

First M-badged battery electric vehicle
The i4 M50 is the first M-badged battery electric vehicle and shows that the brand’s future will still be able to claim to be ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ even if they don’t have big combustion and powerful engines. The two BMW M eDrive motors powering all four wheels generate a total system output of 400 kW (544 ps) with maximum torque of 795 Nm. This gives a claim 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds with the top speed capped at 225 km/h.

Compatible with both AC and DC charging modes, the i4 M50 can be fully charged in 8 hours and 15 minutes with an 11-kW AC charger. With a higher powered 200 kW DC charger, the time is said to be 31 minutes (from 10% to 80%). The battery pack has its own warranty of 8 years or maximum of 160,000 kms.

The anniversary version imported to Malaysia has the M Aerodynamics package, M rear spoiler in body colour and black rear diffuser insert. Inside, M interior trim with carbonfibre trim finishers, M Anthracite Headliner, and M Sport seats are standard , along with M seatbelts, instrument panel in Sensatec, and electric glass roof.

Also included is the unique BMW IconicSounds Electric system which provides an ‘emotive experience’ by recreating the sporty ‘M’ engine sound (Click here to read more about this feature). Because it has low noise levels, BMW has included Acoustic Protection and Active Protection for Pedestrians, besides the other advanced active and passive safety systems.

BMW Group Malaysia looking for oldest M models in Malaysia for 50th anniversary

MILITEM turns the Jeep Wrangler into a luxury Extreme Utility Vehicle

There’s something about American SUVs which gives them a certain authenticity. After all, it was in America that the original SUV was born and from the end of the 20^th century, the rest of the world decided that they also liked SUVs. And just as with passenger cars, there are companies that specialise in customising SUVs for a small clientele.

One of them is MILITEM, an Italian company started by Hermes Cavarza, an entrepreneur from Milan with 40 years of automotive experience in the Gruppo CAVAUTO company (MILITEM is a brand of the company). Over the part 5 years, MILITEM has taken America models, specifically from RAM and Jeep, and given them more exclusive looks as well as Italian craftsmanship.

Extreme Utility Vehicle
The brand has been steadily expanding its reach beyond Italy and has just opened its first dealership in Germany. For this special occasion, MILITEM had the world premiere of a new model, the FEROX500 which it refers to as an EUV – Extreme Utility Vehicle. The FEROX500 tops out the range which has the FEROX, another SUV, and the FEROX-T pick-up.

The FEROX500, which started life as a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, is the fifth model in the brand’s range. Priced ex-factory from 149,500 euros (about RM700,000), it comes with a typical American engine – the V8 HEMI with a displacement of 6417 cc and power output of 470 ps at 6,000 rpm, with 637 Nm of torque at 4.300rpm. That gives it supercar acceleration with a claimed 0 – 100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds.

75% of the massive torque is available at the low end of the rev range. To ensure that all of it reaches the road, there’s 4WD and the transmission is a robust, proven 8-speed automatic TorqueFlite unit. To maximise off-road capability, the adjustable suspension has been re-engineered by the MILITEM team.

Cylinder deactivation to save fuel
While the engine has a big displacement, owners can still bring fuel consumption down with Fuel Saver technology in the engine management system. This deactivates half the cylinders when maximum power output is not required.

Fitted as standard are MILITEM Performance Shocks dampeners, which have separate twin gas and dual-effect hydraulics. The suspension is made of aluminium and coated in carbonfibre. The system also includes the Track Bar (torsion bar) that can be calibrated and is an efficient steering damper.

The black performance Dual Mode exhaust system was engineered in-house by MILITEM and is fitted with 4 tailpipes and valves. These can be activated via a dashboard button to match that sound to the setting and route taken.

The brake system is exclusive to the FERO500 and developed in collaboration with Powerbrake. It is one of the model’s strong features, with large slotted, semi-floating discs with radial expansion and contraction featuring 72 ventilation channels and a surface coating. The radial calipers are of turned aluminium machined from billets with internal fluid crossovers and 6 pistons crafted from stainless steel.

Completing the set-up are high-performance brake pads and aircraft- grade cables in low-expansion braided steel. In the rear, the brakes adopt 4-piston calipers, also with high-performance components and tubing in low-expansion braided steel.

Differentiation for a flagship
While sharing the same name as the rest of the range, the FEROX500 has been given unique features to distinguish it. While the ‘wide body’ design is common for all FEROX models, the bodywork of the FEROX500 has been enhanced with modifications to the front end and rear. There are more refined, colour-matched, chrome inserts but the elegant looks are balanced by the strong sporty edge.

Aesthetically, it is recognizable from the logo on its flanks and the spare wheel on the rear door is also omitted. This allowed the model to be completely redesigned, which saw the elimination of the airscoops too. The styling change has made the vehicle more elegant and modern than the original, while also improving rear visibility.

Facing forward, the carbonfibre grille in matt boasts a new Dual Colour with a black and red finish. This colour choice is also repeated in the cabin. The logo on the bonnet is all-black like the hooks, bonnet inserts and side grilles set behind the front wheelarches.

A more luxurious cabin
The cabin has been completely refurbished to be much more luxurious than the Wrangler. Much of the work is handcrafted with the materials and finish appropriate to the high status of the vehicle.

The seats have been redesigned by MILITEM and have a racing-derived shell shape, with integrated headrests. Hand-fitted nappa leather and ALCANTARA finish is in contrasting colours sporting MILITEM stitching. The leather finish can also be extended to the dashboard, instrument panel, steering wheel boss, gear knob, door panels and luggage compartment lining, pairing well with the carbonfibre and all-black inside.

With the same versatile characteristics of the Wrangler 392, the body-coloured hardtop comes in 3 sections to make it easier to remove. It is also possible to have an electric soft-top fitted, combined with removable rear windows for a wider panorama and a cabriolet drive.

MILITEM FEROX-T is a Sport Utility Truck, not a mere pick-up truck

Learning 4×4 skills at the Ford Ranger/Raptor Training Experience

Since the late 1990s when the laws on registering pick-up trucks changed and they could be registered for private use, many Malaysians have switched to such vehicles. For many, becoming a truck owner has introduced them to a whole new lifestyle where they can go far off the highway and explore our beautiful countryside.

The Ford Ranger and its more powerful brother, the Ranger Raptor, is among the popular trucks in the market, offering the convenience features of a passenger car and yet being ‘Built Ford Tough’ to be driven over any type of terrain.

The Ranger is certainly a very capable vehicle but not all owners (especially those coming from passenger cars) know how to make use of all its capability. Understanding this, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) organised a Ranger/Raptor Training Experience to provide them with the knowledge and skills to take their vehicle further.

The Ranger/Raptor Training Experience was held in Sepang, Selangor, on a specially prepared course which gave owners the chance to discover the full capabilities of their trucks. By tackling the challenging obstacles created around the course, the owners gained confidence to be able to pilot their vehicle safely in different types of terrain.

The session was part of the Ford Ranger Getaways program which is a community and experiential platform designed to provide owners with a unique experience of ‘Living the Ranger Life’ through a series of local adventures.

“This is a segment first in Malaysia where customers can make bookings via a digital platform. These specially curated outings aim to offer opportunities for customers, their friends and families to get together and build camaraderie with like-minded individuals while supporting domestic tourism that has been impacted by the pandemic,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

Durian buffet coming up next

In June, the Ford Ranger Getaways will offer an off-road durian adventure to Penang. The 2-in-1 off-road course will begin at Ford Juru outlet on the mainland side and the participants will then head to Jeti Batu Musang at Batu Kawan (also on the mainland). There, they will have the chance to test the limits of their Rangers across various obstacles, with guidance from a professional driving instructor. These include water-wading, jungle track driving, light rock climbing and more.

After the 4×4 experience, they will then head to Green Acres Orchard at Balik Pulau, a well-known spot for durians on the island. Following a short tour of the orchard, the participants can then kick back and savour the all-you-can-eat durian buffet and a hearty lunch. The getaway package is priced at RM976 per vehicle (Rangers only, of course) for a recommended maximum of 4 persons per vehicle.

There will also be other destinations for the Ford Ranger Getaways, designed to let owners and their friends experience 4×4 off-roading as well as have an adventure. There is also one special package which will put them behind the controls of an Airbus A320. No, it won’t be a real one, but the simulator is said to give a very realistic experience and the route programmed is over the virtual skies of Kuala Lumpur.

For those who want the real thing, another package lets them become a pilot for a day. They will be in the cockpit of a small aircraft with a professional pilot guiding them and can get an aerial view of the nation’s capital from around 500 metres up under the guidance of a professional pilot.

To find out more about the Ford Ranger Getaways and to make a booking, click here.

‘Ford Ranger Getaways’ by SDAC-Ford provide owners with ways to enjoy their truck to the fullest

Full range of services available at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships

Car companies do their best to provide as much convenience as possible to customers and owners of their products. Whether it is enquiring about a new model or sending a vehicle for servicing, the more convenient it is, the better the experience of the brand.

For this reason, many companies have made their retail outlets 3S or 4S types, meaning sales, service and sale of spare parts are all at one location. ‘4S’ includes additional services such as accident repairs and refinishing. It is the norm these days and businessmen who wish to become dealers must be willing to make the big investments to build such facilities.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has followed this policy and can now say that virtually all its authorised dealerships in the country are now either 3S or 4S outlets, with the exception of one which is 2S (service and spares). There are currently 17 Volkswagen dealerships and one service partner, strategically located in key regions to provide customers with sales and aftersales services.

All dealer groups are equipped with the expertise, personnel and equipment to maintain Volkswagen models. In addition, VPCM is continuously working with its dealer partners to enhance customer satisfaction by providing professional, attentive, and top-level services. These efforts are evident in the Car.Advisor ratings given by customers. Car.Advisor is an independent third-party platform that manages customer satisfaction for the Volkswagen brand.

Volkswagen Malaysia has achieved an average 4.93/5 star for its sales experience on Car.Advisor, whilst aftersales services received 4.76/5 star (these annual results are as of April 2022). Ratings and reviews for each dealership are transparently shown on the website and accessible by the public.

Providing 3S and 4S outlets that offer the full range of services at one location is part of the company’s Volkswagen Cares initiative to enhance the ownership experience for customers. According to Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, a smooth and memorable ownership experience is important. “Customer service makes all the difference because it elevates the ownership experience. Now with a strong network of 3S and 4S centres, we are providing convenience for Volkswagen owners from around the country. We are also practising transparency with our customer satisfaction because ratings and reviews are available on the Car.Advisor website, and this pushes us and our dealer partners to continue improving our offerings too,” he said.

Click here for more news and articles about Volkswagen.