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FEATURE: Petron Blaze RON95 TriAction Advantage Put To The Test @ Petron Media Roadtrip 2018!

Another day, another roadtrip! Following closely on the heels of the one recently organised by BHP (<–link), Petron Malaysia recently organized an exclusive media drive to demonstrate its advanced additive formulation performance, TriAction Advantage in its best-selling and popular everyday fuel, Petron Blaze 95. Yup, you read that right, only Petron’s RON95 would be used for this run.

Dubbed the Petron TriAction Advantage Performance Run Media Road Trip, 14 of us motoring media, including yours truly, travelled approximately 280 kilometers on a 7-hour journey starting from the Petron MRR2 Selayang service station in Kuala Lumpur (near Batu Caves), with stopovers at Kuala Gandah and Temerloh before concluding the trip at Gambang, Pahang. And thanks to the use of B-roads, we had the chance to really experience Petron Blaze 95 formulated with TriAction Advantage.

That being said, I did mention to the good people at Petron that in order to really feel any difference, it would have been better to use our own cars, because the Honda CR-V that I drove (Car 4, below) was just epically good on this drive, so I’m not sure if it was because of the Blaze RON95 petrol, or the fact that the new CR-V is just so damn good! Petron said they would consider my suggestion for 2019, so fingers-crossed.

“We are thrilled to have our annual media road trip for the participants to experience our most popular everyday fuel Blaze 95 and our advanced fuel additive technology, TriAction Advantage. This will be our fifth consecutive road trip with the media as part of our fuel happy promotion of our innovative fuels and the first-rate customer service at our stations,” said Choong Kum Choy, Head of Retail Business.

One of the key messages imparted by Petron during this event was the fact that all its grades of fuel, be it Blaze RON 95, 97 or 100 (photo below) all have the TriAction Advantage formula, which includes a Synthetic Detergent that cleans and keeps the engine clean within 2 full tanks, a Friction Modifier that reduces the friction between the piston and cylinder wall, and a Combustion Enhancer that results in a cleaner, more complete and more efficient burn.

Here’s what Petron had to say about the drive….

The 2-day TriAction Advantage Performance Run Media Road Trip was only powered by Petron Blaze 95 while the participants’ rides were furnished exclusively by well-known car companies Euromobil Sdn Bhd, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd. Driving through the ‘backbone’ of the central Peninsula, the convoy cruised at a comfortable speed of 60-110 km/h (Hahaha! No we didn’t! especially the Myvi… – CW) in their Audi A6 and Q3, Honda CRV and Perodua Myvi. Changing from two-way to single-lane roads and maneuvering between winding mountainside roads, the media had the opportunity to test the power and efficiency of Petron Blaze 95 with TriAction Advantage.

Stopping at Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary for a quick break, the road trippers continued their journey until Temerloh for the authentic traditional Patin Tempoyak meal. The vehicles refueled at Petron KM 3.5 Mile Jalan Gambang. “The media road trip highlights Petron’s superior Blaze 95 RON fuel which is powered with our advanced additive technology, TriAction Advantage that gives better engine protection, better mileage, and better power,” said Choong.

UTM gets involved…

To highlight the efficiency of Blaze 95, Petron collaborated with the Automotive Development Centre from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Engineering Faculty to measure and validate (above) the fuel performance and consumption of each participating car. In a product sharing session, participants were introduced to the Petron Technical Service team headed by Chew Choy, who shared product information of Petron products, namely Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4M, Petron 97 Euro 4M, Petron Blaze 95 and the TriAction Advantage formulation. You can see the official results below, tabulated from Petron Selayang to Petron Gambang 3.5 stations.

(Please note that Car 4: Honda CR-V that I drove is in second most fuel-efficient place! – CW)

“The TriAction Advantage formulation provides better power, better mileage, and better engine protection as it comes from the combined action of the detergent, friction modifier and organic combustion enhancer additives in the fuel,” said Chew Choy, Senior Technical Service Advisor at Petron. The detergent in TriAction Advantage helps clean up and keep the engine inlet system clean, enabling the vehicle’s engine to operate at maximum efficiency. Vehicles can experience better power and fuel consumption with TriAction Advantage’s friction modifier which helps reduce friction between the piston and cylinder wall.

Chew further mentioned that aftermarket bottled ‘additives’ are not required if you use Petron Blaze, because all the additives you’d need are already in the fuel.

TriAction Advantage also contains an organic combustion enhancer, a metal free and ashless organic compound to improve the combustion of gasoline fuel. It creates a catalytic reaction, which breaks down long molecular chains, enabling more oxygen to combine with the carbon molecules, thus resulting in the fuel to burn completely, giving better mileage and less harmful emissions.

Choong added, “Petron’s Blaze 95 reaffirms our goal to provide innovative products to enhance our customers’ driving experience. Our fuels provide better protection, better economy, and reduced harmful emissions to the environment. We want to continue delivering world class fuels and services to all of our customers.” The annual Petron Road Trip event is a fun and enjoyable long-distance journey for exclusive press members to experience the world-class products and personalized services offered only at Petron service stations.

While testing the performance of the fuel, guests will be taken on exhilarating highway and cross-country drives with stop-overs at some of the country’s best places to visit. The first Petron Road Trip was in 2015 held in line with the introduction of the Petron Blaze 97 Euro-4M gasoline nationwide. To-date there are 620 Petron stations nationwide.

#dropthetop: Ferrari SP3JC – A One-Off Offering Exclusive Open-Top V12 Motoring!

The latest Ferrari one-off project, the SP3JC, has been officially consigned to its owner. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the SP3JC was commissioned by a Ferrari client and collector whose brief set out to create a pure, uncompromising roadster using the chassis and running gear of the F12tdf.

The sole one-off car to be commissioned on this limited-series special, the SP3JC is the maximum expression of open-air motoring, harking back to Ferrari’s epic V12-engined spiders of the 1950s and ‘60s. The striking one-off makes an important and individual styling statement and represents the outcome of over two years of intense work, with close involvement from the client throughout the process.

The SP3JC features a very muscular stance with dynamic sculpturing on the flanks designed to emphasise the front-engine layout, a distinctive air intake outline at the front, and a dramatic rear fascia with horizontal slashes contributing to a wider stance. The client’s passion for Pop Art is reflected in the strong graphics, and the unique combination of the Azzurro Met and Giallo Modena livery over the main Bianco Italia colour scheme underlines the car’s sensual volumes.

The sporting theme is reinforced by specific detailing such as split glass inserts on the bonnet to show off the 780cv V12 engine, a flying bridge between the fairings of the integral carbon-fibre roll hoops and a brushed aluminium external fuel filler cap. The seats are trimmed in blue leather with a white insert. The blue leather extends to the lower dashboard and the colour is picked up in the contrasting stitching to the rest of the interior trim.

Isuzu Delivers 141 Units Of LCV to City-Link Express Sdn. Bhd.

Isuzu Malaysia recently delivered a total of 141 units of their commercial trucks to City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd, during an official handover ceremony held at City-Link Express’ ‘Super Hub’ facility in Bandar Saujana Putra, Selangor. The handover comprised of 128 units of the ELF 4-wheeler (NLR77UEE) model, eight units of the ELF 6-wheeler (NPR81UKH) model and five units of the GIGA (GXR) model.

The recent handover is in continuity of the mutual trust and longstanding relationship between both companies, since its first fleet deal made back in 2011. The latest purchase has further strengthen City-Link Express’ existing fleet of vehicles, in line with plans of branch expansions throughout the country, while providing fast delivery and customer satisfaction.

The handover also saw City-Link Express’ first purchase of the Isuzu GIGA Prime Mover Trucks as part of their expansion growth. These container trucks are targeted for long distance deliveries and long haul usages, in addition to its high rigidity chassis design and aerodynamic cabin design. The GIGA truck offers outstanding engine output and torque, ensuring high fuel efficiency, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking cost-effective transportation.

Due to both companies’ established partnership, Isuzu Malaysia will carry out training sessions for the drivers on product knowledge and basic maintenance of the GIGA GXR model. These sessions are expected to provide attendees with vital knowledge and understanding of the key features of the GXR model, while achieving economic and safety driving. For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my.

Ford Volunteers Help Build Stronger Communities In Malaysia During Global Caring Month 2018

The Ford Motor Company recently hosted its 13^th Annual Global Caring Month where thousands of Ford employee volunteers around the world venture out into their communities and lend a helping hand to those in need. Ford volunteers from Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, joined hands with the National Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Malaysia – Rumah Ozanam and Pusat Jagaan Darul Sakinah, to provide service and moral support, as well as to organise a series of activities to create equal opportunities for orphaned and underprivileged children. The activities included a trip to Kidzania, purchase of school uniforms and distribution of household supply vouchers.

Ford Global Caring Month is the signature annual event of the employee-driven Ford Volunteer Corps. Since its launch in 2005 by Executive Chairman Bill Ford, Ford Volunteer Corps members have contributed more than 1.5 million hours of community service in 50 countries, representing more than $40 million of in-kind community investments.

“We are proud to be part of the Ford Global Caring Month, and are truly inspired by all the work that Ford employees, dealers and local partners are doing across the globe,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (above). “Together with Ford, we are committed to moving forward and improving the quality of life for people in our communities where we live and work.”

In Asia Pacific, thousands of Ford volunteers will participate in various projects in China, India, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, as well as in eleven countries in Ford’s Emerging Markets business unit. In addition to the volunteer activities in Malaysia, Ford Global Caring Month projects in the Emerging Markets include:

Cambodia – Renovating playgrounds in a local school
Guam – Providing financial support to public hospital and cleaning patient wards
Hong Kong – Organising activities to raise awareness of cleft lip and cleft palate conditions
Laos – Providing education on basic personal hygiene best practices for students
Mongolia – Providing teaching aids and computer equipment for a local school
Nepal – Organising activities at a rural school to improve basic sanitation knowledge
New Caledonia – Tree planting programme to promote awareness on preventing deforestation
Sri Lanka – Renovating a local school
Vanuatu – Construction work at a local education facility
Myanmar – Taking care of injured and sick animals at a local animal shelter

In September 2018, the Ford Volunteer Corps tackled hundreds of projects in cities, towns and villages on six continents. The Ford Fund – the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company – has contributed more than $700,000 in grants to purchase tools and supplies for many of the global projects.

4×4: 28th Annual Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge Comes To A Close [+Videos]

In the 4×4 world, there are a few events that garner anyone who’s ever participated instant respect from off-road enthusiasts; The Dakar Rally and The Camel Trophy are two of the most infamous overseas events, while here at home, the Rainforest Challenge and the Borneo Safari are two local 4×4 events that aren’t to be taken lightly. Only the skilled need apply, and oft-times, experience alone doesn’t guarantee success. It’s very much man & machine versus the elements, and here’s the official (un-edited) news from Isuzu Malaysia, reproduced as received, who were once again sponsors of the event…

KOTA KINABALU, 16 NOVEMBER 2018 – The 28^th annual Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge organized by Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) has just completed with Isuzu as the Diamond Sponsor for 12^th consecutive years. This year Isuzu sent in three units of off-road capable Isuzu D-Max to meet the challenge.

In this installment of Borneo Safari, the organizer has prepared two routes namely Super Hardcore and Hardcore over the 8 days challenge. All three units of Isuzu D-Max Monster stormed into super hardcore section without a second thought and emerge from this extreme terrain track after 5 days.

The terrain conditions inside super hardcore track consists of numerous obstacles including “bungee jump”, uphill driving, V-Gulley as well as rough rocky terrain, condition worsens with the constant rain. Certain terrain consists of few obstacles with steep descend and hill climb that required winching for safety reason.

All three unit of modified Isuzu D-Max has conquered Super Hardcore section of Borneo Safari, Malaysia largest and most renowned extreme off-road 4×4 challenges. The challenges were completed without any modification to the standard 2.5L and 3.0L engines.

Out of the 3 units of D-Max, two of them was built in 2013 and has completed Borneo Safari challenges for six straight years. It is a testament indeed for Isuzu’s core values for outstanding durability and reliability. In a speech during the closing dinner, Isuzu Malaysia Light Commercial Vehicle Chief Operating Officer Mr Masayuki Suzuki expresses his gratitude for the strong relationship has been built between Isuzu and SFWDA:

“Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge is the best platform to showcase the toughness and durability of off-road vehicles. Our Isuzu D-Max has proven to withstand extreme terrains in the past Borneo Safari Challenge.”

A total of 399 vehicles have participated in 28^th Borneo Safari International Off Road Challenge 2018, which consist of 1030 of participants and 27 competitors. This is also first time in Borneo Safari has a participating team from Russia. Other competing teams came from Japan, Indonesia, Ireland, Philippine, Vietnam and Brunei as well as local teams in Malaysia.

This 8 days 4×4 off road expedition covered 400KM distance between Kota Kinabalu, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud area, both sealed and gravel road, giving participants a very memorable and unforgettable experience. For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my/pickup/. – ENDS –

Here’s a bunch of 2018 Borneo Safari videos from Beng Lim of EVO LTN Aurizn (above, centre) who actually participated in the whole event this year! Well done Beng! – Chris Wee.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5 2018 Borneo Safari Photo Gallery (Photos courtesy of Isuzu Malaysia)

FEATURE: Exclusive – The Peugeot 508 SportWagon Is Gorgeous, And It’s Coming Soon! [+Video]

In July this year, Piston.my was invited to Monte Carlo, Monaco to review the all-new Peugeot 508 (below), which in itself is one of the most remarkable D-segment cars ever, and destined to be launched in Malaysia in Q1 2019. You can read more about, view photos and videos of the 508 sedan here.

Now one really good thing about attending the Bangkok International Motorshow (<—link) as part of the international media contingent is getting to meet fellow motoring scribes from around the globe, and having kept in touch with all of them, yesterday I discovered that my friend Alfonso Rizzo from Ruote In Pista (<–link) Italy, was out reviewing the sibling of the 508, the Sport Wagon, in both First-Edition and GT guise!

I’d only managed to catch a glimpse of the Sport Wagon (SW) during the media presentation of the 508 sedan fleetingly, the slide showing what was to come in the near future was flashed up for no more than 10sec; the organisers probably didn’t want us asking too much about the SW, preferring that we concentrate on the sedan that we were there to review instead.

Despite the briefness of the slide being presented though, the image got stuck in my head, because it really is one of the most stunning wagons I’d ever seen, and thanks to Al – who is actually driving the 508 SW right now – you too get to see just how spectacular it is! He just sent me this short video clip below from Cascais, Portugal. I’d messaged him saying I wish I was him… and he responded with this, freaking hysterical!

Thanks Al, you lucky devil! Now the best news of all…. it seems that Nasim, the official importers and Peugeot brand custodians in Malaysia, are indeed going to bring the 508 Sport Wagon GT into the country! We can’t wait, seriously. Nice one Peugeot, and thanks again Al! – Chris Wee.

Peugeot 508 Sport Wagon Photo Gallery (Photos courtesy of Alfonso Rizzo @ Ruote in Pista)