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MazdaSports Academy resumes Advanced Driving courses

After a period of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MazdaSports Academy is revving up again to show Mazda owners the potential of their cars, and teach them safer and more enjoyable driving. The academy was established in 2018 by Bermaz Motor, the distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia.

The syllabus has been developed by the Bermaz MazdaSports division (formed in 2016), which handles vehicle development, parts and accessories development as well as experience programs for customers.

While there are various training modules, the coming course for Mazda owners will focus on advanced driving. Participants will be shown the potential of their cars (and SUVs), especially how jinba-ittai can help them to be better drivers and enjoy driving. Jinba-ittai is a Japanese term that refers to the unity between a ride and his horse, enabling movements with precision and confidence. This quality is a key feature of every Mazda model.

While some other advanced driving courses provide vehicles for participants, the Mazda one requires them to use their own vehicles. This is actually better as they will be familiar with the vehicle, and they will also be using what they learn on the vehicle they have trained in.

Generally, most people who attend advanced driving courses feel that they do benefit from what they are taught. Some of it may seem boring – like seating position and how to hold the steering wheel – but these are important fundamentals that must become second nature. They can make crucial differences to how well the car is handled and how effectively a driver can respond to an emergency situation.

Mazda’s SKYACTIV vehicle technologies – like G-Vectoring Control (GVC) – contribute to better dynamic performance but many owners may not fully appreciate how this helps them when driving. At the course, they will be able to gain better understanding of this innovative technology that improves chassis performance by controlling the engine output. Since 2016, GVC has been improved and GVC Plus, available in some of the newer models, enhances vehicle smoothness and handling during cornering.

Such advanced courses also enable participants to experience things like skids and slides in a safe and controlled environment. Apart from knowing what these conditions feel like, they are also taught how to recover from them or to control the car on wet and slippery surfaces.

We’re not sure if this course will have it but usually, there will be a competition (like a slalom) at the end of the day and there may be prizes. Certainly, all participants would receive a certificate of participation when they complete the course.

If you’re interested in attending the course, these are the requirements and conditions:

For owners of Mazda vehicles (except Mazda BT-50 and MPVs models).
All participants have to use their own vehicle.
Participants must be 18 years old and above, and have a valid driving license.
There is a commitment/registration fee of RM100 per vehicle.
Each vehicle is limited to 1 participant only. First come, first served basis.
Each entry is valid for 1 day only. Participants can choose one of these dates: August 27 or August 28, 2022.
The course will be held at MAEPS in Serdang which is outside Kuala Lumpur (on the way to Putrajaya). It will be held from 8:30 am to 5 pm on both days.

Registration can be done online by clicking on this link.

UPDATE ON AUGUST 13 2022: All places for the two sessions have been taken. Look out for future courses.

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What if Porsche had built a Cayenne convertible?

The Cayenne was Porsche’s first SUV and has been extremely successful over the 20 years it has been on sale. The success of the Cayenne brought forth the smaller Macan, which has also been selling very well.

While the Cayenne has remained in its 5-door SUV form all this while, there was a period in the early years when other bodystyles were considered – a coupe, a version stretched by 20 cm with an additional row of seats, and even a convertible. And surprisingly, what might have appeared the least conventional option – a Cayenne-based convertible approximately 4.8-metres long – was not immediately discarded. In fact, it was even built.

Today, there is still a single example of the open-top Cayenne kept in storage at the Porsche Museum. It is not a roadgoing prototype, however, but what is known as a Package Function Model – or PFM for short. The designers had the roof removed, but dispensed with the body-stiffening measures necessary for a convertible. Incapable of providing a safe and stable drive, the vehicle is transported to its destination when required. Test drives were never planned, as the convertible PFM was only built to assess four criteria.

The criteria were: Is the seating comfortable throughout the vehicle when the roof tapers in a more coupé-like way towards the rear and when the windscreen and A-pillars are shortened? How practical is the Cayenne as a 2-door model with doors which are 20 cm longer? Is it possible to accommodate an elegant, high-quality soft top that can also be folded quickly? And how should the rear end be designed?

There was still disagreement on the final issue in 2002, and two different rear sections were designed for the Package Function Model. The left-hand tail light was set low on the rear of the car, while the right-hand one was noticeably higher.

Had the car reached production, a single rear design would, of course, have been settled on in the end, and the technical issues would undoubtedly have been resolved. A now-familiar soft-top mechanism was envisaged: the luggage compartment lid of the Cayenne-PFM was attached at the front and rear, allowing it to be opened in both directions. The roof would travel over the fixed roll-over bar and be ‘swallowed’ in the rear by the luggage compartment lid, which opened in the opposite direction, folding in a z-pattern.

It has worked in a very similar way to this on the 911 Targa since the 991-generation model. The mechanism never got past the computer simulation stage for the Cayenne convertible, however, and was never fully constructed. Today, the fabric top is stowed in the luggage compartment of the museum piece and must be fitted manually if required.

While the coupe idea of 2002 was later taken up again and implemented in 2019 in a production model, Porsche did not pursue the convertible idea further. Forecasts regarding profitability were not particularly promising and doubts remained as to whether the car would look as appealing as a Porsche should.

“An SUV as a convertible is a challenge both aesthetically and formally,” said Michael Mauer, who was not yet in office in 2002, looking at the concept today. “An SUV always has a large and heavy body. You combine this with a small top half and then cut off the roof – you get very strange shapes emerging from that!”

How a sportscar maker designed a SUV which it never had experience with

Final battles of 2022 Toyota GR Velocity E-sports Championship take place this weekend

Besides the successful and popular Toyota Vios Challenge one-make series, UMW Toyota Motor has also been running another motorsport series – in the virtual world. This is the Toyota GR Velocity E-sports Championship which is in its fifth year in 2022. The most lucrative local online racing series in the country offering cash prizes, it is also the first and only E-sports motorsports-racing event promoted by a Malaysia car company.

First held in 2018, the number of participants in the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship has grown exponentially, with the event drawing more than 1 million online spectators per season. “2022 marks the fifth season of not only the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship, but also the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge race series. It used to be that virtual racing and real racing are two very different entities, but we are honoured to have witnessed first-hand how both disciplines are contributing immensely towards producing Malaysia’s next generation of competitive racing drivers,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.

He noted that the company has successfully pioneered the transition of 4 young simulator drivers into saloon car racing over the last 2 years. One of those drivers is Nabil Azlan, who finished third in last year’s GR Velocity Esports Championship and is today not only competing in saloon car racing but is also one of the championship frontrunners in the Rookie Class of the Vios Challenge race series.

Fighting for RM70,000 price purse

This weekend will see the final showdown of the season at the 1Utama Shopping Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. With 11 races in 4 distinctive racing cars. this year’s winner will emerge from the 20 best online racers competing against each other for a total prize pool of RM70,000 and a ticket to represent Malaysia on the international arena.

The 20 racers have come up from an initial group of more than 500 contestants who had participated in a gruelling qualifying round held between July 9 and 17. This weekend’s Grand Finale will see 2 rounds of semi-final races being held to decide the top 10 drivers for the final.

The semi-finals will see racers battling it out on two circuits: the 4.265-km Brands Hatch and 3.8-km Goodwood circuits in the United Kingdom. The racers will drive the Toyota SFR Racing concept and a Toyota 86 Group B rally car, respectively.

For the final races, the battle will take place on Brazil’s 4.309-km Autodromo Interlagos behind the wheel of a 591 bhp Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept, and also a 1,000 bhp Toyota TS050 Hybrid at the 7.004-km Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

Past winners return

Among the favourites returning this weekend are 2-time defending champion Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira, and the 2020 runner-up and third place winners Muhammad Iqbal Ahmad Suji and Mior Hafiz, as well as 2018 winner Muhammad Uzair. All 4 racers have had the opportunity to go on to the Regional Finals and will be hoping that 2022 will be the year which sees the first Malaysian driver going on to represent Asia in the Global Finals.

Exhibition races

There will also be 4 exhibition races during the weekend event, involving drivers and celebrities competing in the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge. Members of the media, invited gamers and young drivers in the Vios Challenge rookie class will also be invited to join in.

2020 Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship

The celebrity line-up includes actors Zizan Razak and Shukri Yahaya; television hosts Nabil Ahmad, Ain Edruce and Ahirine Ahirudin; and singers Khai Bahar, Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali. The Vios Challenge rookies will be 4 young drivers – Adele Liew, Nabil Azlan, Sharique Zulqarnain and Muizz Musyaffa.

Besides watching the event live at 1Utama, the races will also be broadcast live on Astro’s eGG Channel, as well as the Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia Facebook and YouTube pages.

Seven Great Things about the Next-Generation Ford Ranger

There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in different ways. The situation has now become endemic, meaning we have to live with COVID-19 being around, but life can progress to some degree of normalcy.

For many, the pandemic and what was experienced with lock-downs and the fear of being infected would have brought on a re-evaluation of priorities. The quality of life would become even more important and with it, the need to have a true balance of work, family and play.

For driving enthusiasts, that balance would include doing more and going further with whatever vehicle is owned. It can be at work, going off the beaten track on an adventure, or on a leisurely weekend outing with family and other like-minded individuals, or even doing community service.

The next-generation Ford Ranger can be an ideal vehicle for all these activities. It is the smartest, most versatile and capable Ranger yet, an inspiration for a new generation of owners to make their own routes in life and Live the Ranger Life to the fullest.

Here’s a quick overview of the most important things about the next-generation Ford Ranger:

1. A trusted partner for the Ranger way of life

The Ranger was a pioneer in the pick-up segment in Malaysia, transforming what was a basic workhorse machine into an all-round lifestyle vehicle. And as its numbers grew, the community of Ranger owners also grew with shared values and the enthusiasm for life and all that it offers.

The Ranger’s versatility makes it a trusted partner not just for work but also for family and play. It is a single vehicle that can do more – and do it well. When it’s not used for work, it can provide shared experiences through the exclusive Ford Ranger Getaways community and experiential platform.

2. Large infotainment screen with 360^o camera view

From the first generation, the Ranger has led with the technology it offers and the next-generation Ranger continues this. Apart from its high-level of well-integrated technology is a multitude of features that include a connective experience with the large first-in-class 12-inch/10,1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The large space on the screen means bigger displays of maps and information, while there’s enough room left at the bottom of the screen for other menus such as climate and entertainment controls. The infotainment system is powered by Ford’s cutting-edge SYNC 4A communication and entertainment system.

Additionally, with the 360^o camera on the WildTrak, parking the next-generation Ranger is ‘no sweat’. Whether it’s tight urban spaces, navigating tricky terrain or manoeuvring through narrow streets, the driver can easily see the situation on every side.

3. Digital instrument cluster

The next-generation Ranger has done away with the analogue instrument panel and all information is now presented on a digital display. This not only enhances clarity but also allows for personalisation of information preferred by the driver. Graphics featuring realistic bodystyle avatars are available to suit different moods on each journey.

4. Next-gen safety

Safety is paramount to Ford, whatever type of vehicle it is. The Ranger nameplate has always been a leader in the segment with an array of safety features and advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) that has expanded and become more advanced.

With the next-generation Ranger, there are more of the latest crash protection features and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System). The ADAS features include Evasive Steer Assist, Lane Change Warning and Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and High Beam Assist. This will make the driver feel more secure and confident in every driving situation and enjoy the drive.

5. New interior – like being in a premium SUV

The Ranger changed people’s perception of a truck because it had the same comfort and convenience as a passenger car. With the next-generation Ranger’s redesigned interior and soft-touch materials as well as a more comfortable and spacious cabin than previous models, this is now elevated to give the feeling of being in a premium SUV. Except, of course, you can do more and enjoy more with the capabilities of the ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger.

6. Stand out with a bold new exterior

The Ranger has always appealed as a stylish looking truck. It continues this attribute in the next-generation Ranger which has a commanding presence and athletic exterior design. From the pronounced wheel arches and strong horizontal upper grille bar to the unique new C-clamp matrix LED headlights (on selected variants), the next-generation Ranger once again leads in looks.

7. Power and performance

Though looking stylish, the next-generation Ranger has all the capabilities that Ford trucks have been known for. It can work as hard as it plays and for those who use it for work, Ford’s proven 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine is the ideal powertrain to get work done.

There’s also the more sophisticated Bi-Turbo engine with its muscular character that provides maximum power of 210 ps and a whopping 500 Nm of torque. And though it is powerful, it’s also efficient which means good fuel economy as well. A proven 10-speed automatic transmission gives the wide spread of ratios to have a gear for every kind of situation.

Nationwide debut tour

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) will be organising a nationwide debut tour for the next-generation Ranger ahead of the showroom launch. For an exclusive invitation to a debut event at a city near you, sign up here. You’ll also receive regular updates to keep you informed.

For more information about the next-generation Ranger and full launch schedule, follow the Ford Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channel or visit www.sdacford.com.my.

Perodua Ativa customers can be ‘test-drivers’ for Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid

Although its vehicles are very fuel-efficient, Perodua will also be starting on an electrification journey with hybrid powertrains. This will begin with a fleet of 300 Daihatsu Rocky Hybrids that have been imported for the purpose of testing in local conditions. The Rocky is the Daihatsu equivalent of the Perodua Ativa, while Toyota’s version is called the Raize.

Rather than conducting the testing itself (which it will also do), the carmaker will be offering the model to interested customers under a subscription program. The customers who will be offered the chance to participate will be existing customers who have booked an Ativa but have not received it.

5-year program
Under the program, they will pay an upfront fee of RM2,150 and a monthly fee of RM500. The costs relating to insurance coverage, roadtax and scheduled maintenance will be covered by Perodua. The period of subscription will last for 5 years and customers will be required to allows tracking of their vehicle movements (using a GPS device) so that data on their driving and usage can be collected.

They will also have to provide feedback regularly and report on any technical issues they face. Within a year, the data from 300 SUVs should provide Perodua with a lot of information on the running conditions of the hybrid powertrain which they can use in developing their future powertrain for a later model. Whether it will be for the Ativa or another model remains to be seen.

The e-SMART HYBRID system
Daihatsu has worked on hybrid powertrains for a long time, with the first prototype shown as far back as 1981. The latest hybrid powertrain in the Rocky Hybrid is an e-SMART HYBRID which has the capability of running purely on electric power. It uses a 1.2-litre engine and a transaxle specially developed for hybrid electric vehicles.

The transaxle, which efficiently transmits the motor output to the wheels, consists of a motor generator that drives and generates power, a speed reduction mechanism, and a differential mechanism. The two motors are optimally arranged to achieve compactness so that they can be installed in compact vehicles.

The Rocky HYBRID also has a Smart Pedal (S-PDL) which can adjust the vehicle’s speed just by stepping on or releasing the accelerator pedal. When using the S-PDL, the amount of regeneration increases due to the reduced deceleration caused by the brake pedal, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.

Second time having CBU vehicles
This would be the second time that Perodua is importing completely built-up (CBU) Daihatsu vehicles. Back in 2008, the company brought in a batch of Daihatsu Terios SUVs from Indonesia. These were to be badged as the Perodua Nautica, the successor to the Kembara. However, the plan was scrapped after a year and Perodua did not have a SUV until the Aruz was introduced in 2019.

New Perodua Ativa awarded maximum of 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP assessment

Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain is Official Ultimate Lifestyle Vehicle of 2022 KL Fashion Week

There was a time when the pick-up truck was seen as just a workhorse, a vehicle that was used in rough conditions and the important requirement was durability, not style. The manufacturers therefore made it simple, focussing on the engineering to make it lasting, and capable for tough tasks.

That image gradually changed and in Malaysia, it changed in the late 1990s when the law changed to permit ownership of pick-up trucks for personal use rather than business use. Overnight, a new segment was created and because of the go-anywhere capability of the pick-up truck, it became a popular choice for those who had an adventurous lifestyle.

And being a lifestyle vehicle also meant that it had to be stylish. Isuzu responded to this trend and today, its latest D-Max X-Terrain combines style with the ruggedness expected of such vehicles. No longer would be it embarrassing to drive a pick-up truck to a hotel lobby or have to park it some distance and walk to an event. Today’s trucks like the D-MAX makes a statement for their owners.

It’s therefore not surprising that Isuzu Malaysia has chosen to be associated with the KL Fashion Week (KLFW), now in its 10^th year in 2022. The company is supplying the D-MAX X-Terrain as the Official Vehicle of the event which has the theme ‘The Bigger, The Better’ (which also seems appropriately related to the D-MAX).

*Isuzu Malaysia’s COO, Kenkichi Sogo (right) with Andrew Tan, founder of the KL Fashion Week.*

Commenting on their involvement in the 2022 KL Fashion Week, Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo, said: “With its cutting-edge design, superlative features and extraordinary go-anywhere, do-anything capabilities, the Isuzu D-Max is all about challenging the norm and allowing you to forge your fondest memories. Together with the KLFW, we aim to bring forward novel, imaginative and inspiring designs to share with the Malaysian audience.”

As the event’s Official Ultimate Lifestyle Vehicle sponsor, the D-MAX X-Terrain showcases a fresh dimension to its identity, one that hinges on its appeal as an urban vehicle and not one purely focused on its talents as a capable cargo-mover and dependable off-roader.

Being the flagship of the range, the D-MAX X-Terrain has a premium look and feel within, with high-quality materials used throughout. It also has a passenger car-like environment which offers comfort that would be expected of a lifestyle vehicle.

Standard are high-tech features like a 360˚ Around View Monitor and wireless charging for compatible smartphones as well as Android Auto and wireless Apple Carplay connectivity. The driver also has a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to make driving safer as well as less tiring.

The D-MAX X-Terrain will be featured prominently at the KL Fashion Week which will be on from August 15 to August 21 at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Bintang. Three units will be showcased – a Valencia Orange unit that depicts the truck’s fun and adventure nature; an Onyx Black version that highlights its stylish and premium side; and a Silky Pearl White unit which presents a sophisticated and intelligent character.

To know more about the D-MAX and where to test-drive one, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my. For information on the 2022 KL Fashion Week, visit klfashionweek.website.