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BIKES: MID-WEEK FEATURE – 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon Reviewed! Is This The Most ‘Complete’ Bike From Ducati?

It takes more than just a beautiful-looking machine with an impressive list of specifications to pull-off this feat that most folks would consider as ‘complete’. All the exact elements must blend in perfect harmony and this requires more than just fabricating machines and internal combustion engines when it comes to motorcycles. Ducati managed to pull off this feat by including spirit, joy, passion, people, lifestyle, and most important of all, satisfaction to the senses.

Our most recent trip to Bologna, Italy really showed us Ducati’s true colours not only in manufacturing some of the world’s most impressive high-performance motorcycles, but also showcasing how these bikes were born and bred to represent their lifestyle filled with fun, adventure, and the incarnation of the free-spirit.

The highlighted bike of the trip was none other than the 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon and with Tuscany placed as the heart of the entire showcase, the entire Ducati Scrambler team brought the event to a whole new level when it comes to their latest evolution and addition to the ‘Land of Joy’ line-up.

It did not take us very long to experience the ‘magic’ behind the new 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon. After 12 hours on two different aeroplanes, a 3-hour transit layover, and 2 hours on a bus from Borgo Panigale all the way to Borgo San Luigi, we had little time to prepare for what’s to come next.

It was only a short 10km ride up to Colle di Val d’Elsa for a short film showcasing the story behind the Ducati Scrambler and the new Icon but riding out from the hotel when the sun was setting with dust flying up from the gravel road couldn’t have been more epic. That perfect moment was more than enough to school me into believing that the Ducati Scrambler Icon is more than just a bike. It was a lifestyle meant to be experienced at its finest.

Two different riding routes were planned for us on the very next day where we tackled the winding hill road of the world famous Chianti Hills in the heart of Tuscany and an even more stunning panoramic route through Casole, Sovicille, and back up again through Monteriggioni.

Starting with the overall looks of the new Scrambler Icon, there’s not that much of a difference which can be seen which is what the Scrambler design theme had in mind. The previous was already impressive but it was lacking something that we couldn’t really comprehend at the time. This can be translated to a dash of ‘premium’ which is what the new Icon has at a level that is just right.

Upon inspection when compared side by side with the 2015 Scrambler Icon, all of us definitely noticed these said changes that not only elevated the machine but pulling off a timeless look but also maintained its modern classic appeal. Changes such as its new front headlamp with Daytime-Running Lights and a cool-looking ‘X’ feature really did set the tone for a good day of riding.

Other new external changes which add up to a more ‘premium’ package include:

Beefier aluminium side panels
LED indicators with auto turn-off feature
Styling updates for the wheels, exhaust headers, and muffler
New black gloss finishes for the engine cases

All these changes were welcomed with open arms as they brought a whole new look and feel to the Ducati Scrambler without sacrificing any of the elements that pay homage to the original spirit of the Ducati Scrambler. The true Italian spirit of adventure still resides in the new generation of Scrambler which will cater brilliantly to the masses.

As for the 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon’s overall riding experience, the team had their sights on making the already versatile bike even more comfortable. These include a flatter seat that offers better riding positioning, a hydraulic clutch for ease of use, and a wider flat handlebar which houses new ergonomic switches.

The display panel looks exactly like the one found on the previous model but it has been updated with two new features which we simply adore; a gear indicator and fuel gauge! These may be modern features but catering to the free-spirited riding community, the last thing bike owners would want to worry about is how much fuel is left by peeking into the tank and sloshing the bike around for signs of petrol.

A host of internal upgrades also gave the new Icon a great riding experience that offers comfort, fun, agility, as well as safety. The suspension package has been revised which seemed excellent to some media members but a bit on the softer end for some. After 140km of riding, it seemed almost impossible to find any fault with the brand new machine.

The safety aspect has been elevated as well as the bike is meant to tackle a variety of road condition such as city streets and minor off-road excursions. The addition of an six-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit) and Cornering ABS taken straight from the Ducati Panigale superbike series, the Scrambler Icon is now safer than ever.

The 2019 Icon still retains its 803cc L-Twin Desmodue Euro4-compliant engine offers smooth response and linear torque through the gears. Tackling the winding hill sections was great fun and worry-free as most of us only had to maintain it in third for some fun in the sun.

As for power and speed, the 803cc engine simply delivers without overwhelming the rider. Just kick it into fourth and fifth and you’ll easily find yourself flying at exciting speeds which was thoroughly enjoyed by the whole lot.

Other aspects of the Icon have been retained from the previous generation in which the Ducati design team figured that the new updates are capable of bringing out the best of the hardware already on offer in the recent years. The Icon was never meant to be a full-fledged off-road machine but thanks to specs like the Pirelli MT60 rubbers and more, the latest-generation Scrambler will not be able to stop those with the heart to explore and venture into slightly rougher terrains.

All in all, the new Ducati Scrambler Icon is the true representation of the Italian culture, spirit, and adventurous lifestyle for those who seek something exciting and bold yet youthful. Having met the people and explored the wonderful roads of Tuscany, we finally understand how the Scrambler Icon is not just a bike but a true statement of passion and joy in a culture that demands to be free.

As for pricing, the current generation is priced at RM55,900 (recommended retail price sans road tax & insurance) and we expect a slight hike for the 2019 model considering all the extra bits fitted onto it like the Cornering ABS plus more.

The new 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon is without a doubt Ducati’s ultimate bike when it comes to evoking the true sense of emotions, pleasure, and culture of the true Italian spirit that is the Land of Joy. While the brand is widely-known for some of the world’s most impressive motorcycles ever made like the Ducati Panigale V4, the true form of #Joyvolution is represented the most in the Ducati Scrambler range. – Sep Irran, Editor @ MotoMalaya.net

Bentley Bentayga V8 Debuts In Malaysia!

Since its introduction, the Bentley Bentayga has defined a new sector and set the luxury SUV benchmark, offering customers the ultimate Grand Touring experience unrestricted by landscape or conditions. The award-winning Bentley model is now available in Malaysia in its most sporting guise to date – the Bentayga V8.

“The Bentayga V8 is the ultimate luxury SUV that delivers an uncompromising Bentley experience on- and off-road. We know this new model will be highly sought after by our customers thanks to its sleek, sporty look, immense power and acceleration,” explained Jerry Lee, Managing Director of Wearnes Quest.

At the heart of the latest Bentayga model is a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency. The addition of a characteristic V8 burble, stylish twin-quad exhaust pipes and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, reveals more of the luxury SUV’s sporting character. Sitting at the core of the Bentayga range, the new V8 model fuses exquisite luxury with power, usability and extensive sporting ability. Its responsive performance is fully customisable on demand by the driver through Bentley’s Drive Dynamics system, from limousine-like refinement to sporting precision.

In a nutshell…

• Power, luxury, usability and sportiness
• 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine develops 542 bhp
(550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque
• 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds); top speed of
180 mph (290 km/h)
• Unmistakable V8 engine burble adds to emotional allure
• Optional carbon-ceramic brakes – world’s largest front brake system

To read more about the Bentley Bentayga V8, download this FULL press release: 01 Press Information – Bentayga V8 Debuts in Malaysia

For the FULL specifications, download this: 02 Bentley Vehicle Technical Specifications – Bentayga V8

Proton In 2018 – Part 18: Online Booking For Proton X70 Now Open!

In our last report on the new Proton X70 SUV here, we mentioned that online bookings would commence soon, and well folks today they have!

From Proton: Booking a brand new SUV from PROTON has become easier than ever with the launch of the Company’s online booking platform. Accessed via PROTON’s corporate website, the new platform went live at 10am today 17 October to allow customers to book the Proton X70 from anywhere using any device with Internet access.

Visiting a virtual showroom

Following the preview of its connectivity and technology features to the media on 11 October, the Proton X70 set another benchmark by being the first Proton model that can be booked online. With an embedded eSIM card, Wi-Fi connectivity, preloaded apps offering services like online radio, online music, navigation and weather forecasts as well as advanced voice recognition software, Proton’s first SUV is perfectly suited to launch the service.

Customers who want to book a unit are required to provide their personal details, preferred model and colour choice as well as the city and state where they wish to collect their car. Following payment of the booking fee, also done online, a system-generated receipt will be sent to the customer’s email. PROTON then assigns a sales advisor to handle the order who contacts the customer within seven days to process the booking. As with bookings made at any PROTON outlet, a full refund is given should a customer change their mind.

In conjunction with the launch of the online booking portal PROTON will also feature full details of the Proton X70 on its website, including full specifications for each model variant. The information helps customers to make a decision, especially with regards to variant and colour choice, and is akin to visiting a showroom and viewing a full sales presentation.

As this is a new sales tool for the Company, PROTON is holding a ‘flash sale’ from 17-19 October to promote the use of its new platform. During the three-day promotional period, customers who book the Proton X70 via the platform only need to pay a booking fee of RM99.

“After studying consumer preferences and market trends, PROTON believes the time is right to offer an online booking facility to our customers. The platform allows bookings to be made from anywhere a customer is as long as there is an Internet connection available. The Company has also decided to reward those who make a booking prior to the launch of the Proton X70. This will come in the form of special gifts for all early birds regardless of whether they booked their unit online or at our outlets,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

Customer previews continue to East Malaysia

The Proton X70 customer previews have now crossed the South China Sea to East Malaysia with sessions held in Kuching on 15-16 October. Following on from the second media preview, the events focussed on the connectivity and technology functions offered by the SUV while also explaining about the styling elements used for the exterior and interior. The previews will continue in Kuantan and Ipoh with the final session due to be held in Kota Kinabalu.

“The customer response to the Proton X70 has been overwhelming. Attendance at our preview sessions has been very high with the majority of attendees saying they are impressed by the quality and specification offered on the first model to be jointly developed by PROTON and Geely. It will be a game changer for PROTON and customers acknowledge this, judging by the strong pre-launch booking numbers. Therefore we are working hard to ensure the cars delivered meet the heightened expectations of our customers,” added Abdul Rashid.

Please visit www.proton.com for more information.

Porsche Global – Vehicle deliveries In 2018: A Clear Increase After Nine Months! [+New Macan Video]

Positive development over the course of the year: Porsche AG increased its vehicle deliveries by six percent to 196,562 vehicles in the first nine months of 2018. The performance of the Sports Car manufacturer was particularly strong in Europe: the growth here was 9% to 66,551 units. In Germany alone, deliveries increased by 13 percent to 24,709 vehicles. Growth in China, the largest single market of Porsche, was also four percent with 56,254 vehicles delivered. In the model ranges, the Panamera showed the largest percentage increase: up to the end of September, deliveries of the four-door Sports Car increased by 60 percent. The 911 also saw double-digit growth with a plus of 19 percent. The highest-volume model ranges remain the Macan (see below) with 68,050 delivered vehicles and the Cayenne with 49,715 units.

“In Germany and Europe overall, our attractive product range meant that we were very well positioned to meet the strong demand for our Sports Cars in the first nine months,” says Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing. “We are also extremely satisfied with our growth rates in the USA and China. There are a number of significant challenges that await us in the fourth quarter, and we will take proactive steps to ensure that we face up to them successfully. This includes the changeover to the new WLTP test cycle and petrol particulate filters and the farewell to diesel engines,” says von Platen.

The new emissions legislation has been in force in Europe since 1st September. The launch of new models will be staggered after the changeover. At Porsche, this will start with models from the two-door 911 and 718 Sports Car series as well as the new Macan (above & below), which was presented at the Paris Motor Show last week. Porsche has not had any diesel models in its product range since the middle of February 2018. At the end of September, the Executive Board took the final decision to no longer offer any diesel-powered vehicles in future.

At the same time, Porsche is experiencing a great increase in customer interest in hybrid models. For example, more than 60 percent of vehicles from the Panamera model range were delivered with plug-in hybrid drive in Europe. In spite of the challenges, Detlev von Platen, the Member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales, assumes that Porsche will again achieve the record of last year when 246,375 vehicles were delivered to customers.

PORSCHE AG Vehicle deliveries	January – September
PORSCHE AG Vehicle deliveries	2017	2018	Difference (%)
World	185,898	196,562	+6%
Europe	60,838	66,551	+9%
Germany	21,880	24,709	+13%
America	50,386	52,417	+4%
USA	41,237	42,626	+3%
Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East	74,674	77,594	+4%
China	54,090	56,254	+4%

VIDEO on the new Porsche Macan…

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces The Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially launched the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupé to join the E-Class range, the Masterpiece of Intelligence in the premium executive segment alongside the Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line, which was introduced earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde, E 250 Avantgarde, E 250 Exclusive, and the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S.

“With the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé, Mercedes-Benz is further consolidating the premium executive limousine segment. The pair offer considerably sharpened designs with elegantly sporty looks. Besides its good looks, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé are both powered by the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo engine with EQ boost starter-alternator characterised by top performance and intelligent electrification,” said Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

More agility, neutral cornering performance and greater traction come courtesy of the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension developed in Affalterbach. The multi-chamber air suspension with particularly sporty damper set-up and continuously adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) combine outstanding driving dynamics with high ride comfort. A harder spring rate, for example, when cornering and braking, effectively reduces body roll. The damping characteristics can also be preselected in three modes, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”, allowing a significantly more noticeable differentiation between excellent long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics.

The now fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive combines optimal traction for dynamic driving fun with a high level of driving safety in all conditions. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa is seamless, because the intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture. Both, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé are equipped with enhanced MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, with each headlamp equipped with 84 individually activated high-performance LEDs that makes it exceptionally bright and precise. The performance sedan and elegant coupé comes with 20-inch AMG alloy wheels.

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé also feature the exciting AMG Track Pace function. It is the ideal system which transforms COMAND Online into a personal race engineer whereby each drive is analysed in detail, using more than 80 items of vehicle-specific data. Burmester^® surround sound system is also available for superior listening pleasure, along with a host of features which complement the high position of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 range.

The locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E-Class range, data & price at a glance:

Model	E 53 4MATIC+ Sedan	E 53 4MATIC+ Coupé
Number of cyl./arrangement	6/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder	6/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement (cc)	2999	2999
Rated output (kW/hp at rpm)	320/435 at 6,100	320/435 at 6,100
Rated torque (Nm at rpm)	520/1800 – 5800	520/1800 – 5800
Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)	8.7-8.6	8.7-8.6
Combined CO₂ emissions from (g/km)	200-197	200-197
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	4.5	4.5
Top speed (km/h)	250	250
Price (OTR w/o Insurance) *Estimated Price	RM 740,000	RM 764,000

Ownership and care for your Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia offers the AgilityPlus 360° finance package that comes with great value-added benefits for both, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 and E 53 Coupé. Discover packages that lets you pay less and enjoy more of the ultimate convenience of combining financing, protection, service and insurance all in one.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Performance and Personality… the E 53

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia re-interprets performance art with the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupé, expanding the Masterpiece of Intelligence by Mercedes-Benz’s portfolio with a combination of sporty design, performance and efficiency with the performance sedan and elegant coupé.
Priced from an estimated RM740,000 and RM 764,000 respectively, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and Mercedes-AMG 53 Coupé combine a powerful 320 kW (435 hp) output with sports styling and driving performance.
Both the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and Mercedes-AMG 53 Coupé comes with an integrated starter generator which enhances the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Honda City Remains Top-Seller In B-Segment!

Honda Malaysia recently celebrated a milestone for its best-selling model, which is also the No.1 model in the B-segment, the City, with the sales of its 300,000^th unit in Malaysia. The City’s popularity in Malaysia is undeniable. The 2^nd Generation City which was launched in 2001 sold more than 61,000 units while the 3^rd Generation City brought the legacy a step higher with more than 85,000 units sold. The current 4^th Generation City recorded more than 155,300 units since its launch in 2014. When the newly enhanced and refreshed 4^th Generation City was launched in March 2017, it continued to be well accepted, with more than 48,900 units sold since then till August 2018.

Between January to August 2018, sales of the City contributed 30% to the overall sales for Honda Malaysia, and captured 51% of the market share in the B-segment. During the same period, sales showed an increase of 16% compared to the same period in 2017. These positive numbers resulted in Honda Malaysia maintaining its No.1 position in the Non-National segment and No.2 position in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) to-date. Throughout the period of January to August 2018, the E variant emerged as the top selling variant with a sales contribution of 44% while the V variant contributed 33%. Sales from the Central region was the highest contributor at 49%, followed by Southern region and Northern region at 20% and 19% respectively.

Commenting on the milestone achieved by the City, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Office, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “We are delighted to mark this milestone of surpassing the 300,000 unit sales for the City within a span of 17 years since it was first introduced in Malaysia. This has proven the success of the City in Malaysia. The 4^th Generation City is the best-selling model in Honda and the model continues to lead in the B-segment. This outstanding record achievement would not have been possible without the support from our customers. I would like to extend our sincere appreciation and thankfulness to Malaysians for their support and belief in our brand, and for making City their vehicle of choice.”

The City is powered by Honda’s 1.5L i-VTEC engine combined with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Paired with a fun and responsive paddle shift, the City provides the Joy of Driving through a perfect combination of performance and fuel economy. Further elevating its sleek and stylish design, the City comes with LED Headlights* with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and LED Front Fog Lights*. Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels are equipped as well to provide a stylish appearance.

The interior of the City is developed under Honda’s ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ concept, designed to maximize the space for driver, passengers and goods. The stunning 4^th Generation City is a model with an interior that is comparable with D-segment space in a B-segment size, providing ultimate comfort. Trunk space in the City remains the biggest in its class at 536L, making it the perfect sedan that is extremely convenient for road trips with ample room for luggage, baby strollers and even foldable bicycles.

Reinforcing its safety features, the City is equipped with 6 airbags* from the dual front, side and side curtain that ensures a safe journey for the driver and passengers. The standard active safety features made available are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). The City is available for viewing and test drive at any of Honda’s 97 authorized dealers nationwide. Customers can call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my for more information.

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BIKES: MID-WEEK FEATURE – 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon Reviewed! Is This The Most ‘Complete’ Bike From Ducati?

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