Art of Speed Malaysia returns for its 8th year, bringing in the world of Old-Skool and Kustom Kulture to the masses in ways you can’t even imagine. For this year’s extravaganza happening on 27-28 July 2019, AOS 2019 promises to be bigger and better than ever before with tonnes of giveaways including a custom Suzuki Hayabusa-powered MINI! (more…)
The good folks from the Naza Group has generously contributed one unit of their very popular Kia Cerato to the Skills Training Institute of Youth and Sports (ILKBS) in support of Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and Malaysian contestant, Mohamad Ridzuan. (more…)
Although many carmakers had prototypes running with hybrid powertrains consisting of an electric motor and a small internal combustion engine, Honda was among the first to mass-produce such cars and popularize them. Its first model, launched in 1999, was the Insight, a futuristic-looking 2-seater model that showed how the hybrid powertrain could reduce fuel consumption as well as emissions.
From then on, Honda kept improving its hybrid technology as well as working hard to make hybrid cars more affordable. Moving hybrid powertrains into mainstream models would boost volumes, enabling economies of scale that would push costs down and make hybrid cars cheaper for even more people to buy. Today, after 20 years, that objective has been pretty much achieved and hybrid powertrains are no longer a novelty or add significantly to the cost (although the battery pack is still a high cost).
Civic Hybrid was first model introduced
In Malaysia, due to the high import duties for completely built-up (CBU) models, hybrid models were expensive. The early ones were estimated to cost close to RM200,000, which would be very unattractive for anyone to consider. However, in 2004, Honda Malaysia made a special effort to introduce the technology in Malaysia and managed to get the price down to RM118,888 for the Civic Hybrid after negotiations with the government. The company also donated two units of the model to the Malaysian police force.
8 years later, Honda Malaysia made the decision to assemble a hybrid model locally at its own factory in Melaka. The timing coincided with the government’s offer to exempt hybrids and electric vehicles from import tax and excise duties between 2011 and 2013. Honda Malaysia chose the Jazz Hybrid which became the first locally-assembled hybrid model to be sold in Malaysia when it was launched in 2012.
RM4,900 less than CBU model
The locally-assembled version of the Jazz Hybrid was priced at RM89,900, insurance included, which was RM4,900 less than the CBU model that had been sold a year earlier. Honda Malaysia’s CEO & MD at that time, Yoichiro Ueno, remarked that it was unusual for a hybrid variant to be cheaper than its conventional equivalent and this only occurred in Malaysia due to the tax exemption.
Yesterday, Honda Malaysia delivered its 10,000th locally-assembled hybrid model to a customer in Kuantan, Pahang. It was a white City Hybrid purchased from Macinda Auto Sdn. Bhd by Saddam Hassan Bin Abdul Salim.
Jazz Hybrid accounts for 60% of sales
According to Honda Malaysia, the Jazz Hybrid accounts for about 60% of the 10,000 units on the road, while the City Hybrid accounts for about 34%. The remaining numbers are made up by the HR-V Hybrid, a recent addition to the line-up.
“This year marks the 15th year since Honda introduced Hybrid technology in Malaysia. Starting with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology to the intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD), Honda continues to focus on introducing Next Generation Advanced Technology innovations to the Malaysian market,” said Honda Malaysia’s President & COO, Sarly Adle Sarkum.
“I am delighted to witness the positive acceptance of Malaysians towards Honda Hybrid vehicles. Our line-up of Hybrid models cater to the different needs and lifestyle of our customers. We are honoured to have reached this 10,000 units of Honda CKD Hybrid sales which is a significant achievement as we have not only offered advanced Japanese technology but also the fun-to-drive element while maintaining its affordability.” he added.
To locate a showroom in Malaysia to view or test-drive a Honda hybrid model, visit www.honda.com.my.
Click here for other PISTON.MY articles about Honda.
Lokatech Engineering together with EFKON has launched the LokaTAG built-in toll reader. This is Malaysia’s first aftermarket built-in infra-red electronic toll collection system which is 100% compatible with all SmartTAG lane here in Malaysia. (more…)
The Hyundai brand is quickly becoming a name to be considered amongst other major Continental giants of the motoring industry. Thanks to their constant strive to research and develop their models, we are beginning to see more and more of their vehicles on Malaysian roads. We had the opportunity to test out their latest 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe yesterday and here are our first impressions of it. (more…)
These days, in order to close the order books as early as possible – and get customers to pay deposits – carmakers are revealing future products in more detail before launch. That of course puts spy photographers out of business although it also takes the fun out of guessing what the production model will look like.
Yesterday, Aston Martin released a further glimpse of the final production exterior of its upcoming DBS GT Zagato model. Paired with the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation to complete the DBZ Centenary Collection – of which only 19 will be created and are priced at £6 million (about RM31 million) for the pair – these latest renders provide a fresh look at some of the model’s key design features.
The DBS GT Zagato is set for production in 2020, joining each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato cars set to be created at the Aston Martin Works the rest of this year.
Next evolution in design language
Taking Aston Martin’s most potent series production car – the acclaimed DBS Superleggera – as its starting point, the DBS GT Zagato embodies the next evolution in Aston Martin Zagato design language. Inspired by the voluptuous shapes that previously dressed the original DB4 GT Zagato, designers at the two companies have worked hard to conjure a similarly evocative design language.
At the car’s front, a newly created and unique ‘dynamic’ grille allows the car’s frontal area to transform its appearance. When stationary, each of the 108-individual diamond-shaped carbonfibre pieces remain flush with the car’s beautiful formed exterior. However, upon start-up DBS GT Zagato will appear to flutter into life, as each piece opens to allow the car’s twin-turbo V12 to breathe.
Drama in design
Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda said: “This is a car that is not only focused around beauty, but drama too. Our dynamic grille gives us an opportunity to provide the car with two very different identities. When parked, DBS GT Zagato will almost look like it’s resting, but with the rear of the car still appearing muscular and primed for action. Only on start-up will the car truly become alert and ready to perform, delivering both an aural and visual treat for onlookers”.
While the front end will be intricately finished, Aston Martin’s design studio has utilised a camera-operated rearview central mirror, to accommodate the previously shown full length carbonfibre roof. The latest images showcase the final design for this large, single piece of carbonfibre covering where the rear windscreen would typically be placed. Instead, DBS GT Zagato is treated to a pure and simple roofline without any compromises on practicality to the driver.
“Form and function are constantly in battle with one another, but this is a great example of where we have been able to utilise modern technologies to ensure no concession has been made on either side. It was important to me and our teams to deliver something as beautiful as the original DB4 GT Zagato and I feel that we have achieved that with this model and I can’t wait to see it in the metal,” Reichman added.
© Copyright – Piston.my 2024 Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved
