At the Paris Motor Show, Groupe Renault unveiled EZ-ULTIMO, its robo-vehicle concept, an autonomous, electric, connected, and shared mobility service solution offering a premium travel experience. Available on-demand, for a single trip, for an hour or for a day, EZ-ULTIMO caters to people looking to enhance a special moment through a private trip in a city, a premium tourist experience or businesses looking to offer premium journey services to its clients. Here’s a short video of what it looks like while in service…
“As consumer trends change and people are enjoying ride-hailing services more and more, a new paradigm for mobility will emerge. Embodying this revolution, Renault EZ-ULTIMO offers a unique luxurious experience aboard a robo-vehicle that can be adapted depending on the service provider,” said Laurens van den Acker, SVP Corporate Design. “Inspired by contemporary architecture, and completely integrated in future smart cities, EZ-ULTIMO will provide an exclusive experience for all. With autonomous, electric and connected cars, we are entering a new exciting era in automotive design.”
Attractive and refined robo-vehicle, inspired by French style…
The EZ-ULTIMO concept opens-up new arenas for Renault design. Because it’s a robo-vehicle, the traveller can truly enjoy the journey in a space designed like a personal lounge, equipped with all the comfort and services needed to either relax or concentrate.
Through its design, EZ-ULTIMO embodies the EASY LIFE genes of the Renault brand. Welcoming and comfortable, it offers a wide automatic opening and a seat on a swivelling slide for easy passenger access. For an intimate journey, passengers are protected from outside view by slightly transparent facets on the upper part of the bodywork. The refined interior of EZ-ULTIMO reflects French elegance and is inspired by the world of living. Tailor-made, it is dressed in noble materials such as wood, marble and leather, allowing passengers to enjoy a top-of-the-range and relaxing living space.
Equipped with level 4 autonomous driving technology, EZ-ULTIMO covers a wide range of use cases. This robo-vehicle is connected to infrastructures, can adapt to an urban environment, to the motorway or to a shuttle service on dedicated roads.
Re-inventing Life on Board…
As mobility continues to evolve with connected and autonomous cars, Renault believes customers will seek more enriched on-board experiences, reinventing travel time, personally and professionally. To embrace this revolution, the Group has invested in Groupe Challenges and collaborated on a first concept: the Augmented Editorial Experience. AEX is a realist immersive experience which combines personalized premium content, multi-media experiences and mobility – so as to turn travel time into a learning experience for future EZ-ULTIMO passengers for instance.
The EZ concepts trilogy…
Following EZ-GO, with its vision of shared mobility, and EZ-PRO, a vehicle robot dedicated to last mile delivery, EZ-ULTIMO is the third concept from the same modular platform. Inspired by the ambition to offer sustainable mobility for all, this trilogy of electric, autonomous and connected concepts illustrates the Groupe Renault’s vision of tomorrow’s shared urban mobility.
The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class – it really is like a gadget on wheels and according to MBM happens to be “the most anticipated launch in the automobile industry for Malaysia in 2018”. Presented in two variants, the Mercedes-Benz A 200 and A 250 retains its urban hunter appeal with its intuitive digital user experience and an uncompromisingly dynamic design. Here’s the launch gambit plus walkaround video of the new A-Class!
“The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class marks a new episode on a revolutionary journey into the digital era of the automobile. This gadget-like car redefines functionalities with an intuitive approach and underlining the lifestyle element making it the ultimate must-have item,” said Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (below).
Connected. Intuitive. Digital.
The infotainment of the all new A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the new, state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). A unique feature of this multimedia system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. The system also recognizes and understands almost every sentence occurring in the infotainment functions and vehicle operation. MBUX can be individualized and adapts to suit each user individually. The touchscreen is part of the comprehensive MBUX touch-control concept – a triad consisting of the touchscreen, touchpad on the centre console and touch control buttons in the steering wheel.
To further provide its drivers a holistic user experience, MBUX is equipped with its intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension which can be activated by the words, “Hey Mercedes”. This intelligent language assistant supports numerous infotainment functions such as destination input, phone call, music selection, as well as climate control and lighting. The system is said to be intelligent as it recognizes and understands sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation.
Progressive. Sporty. Avantgarde.
The design of the new A-Class is a combination of uncompromisingly dynamic design and an intuitive operating concept. The purist, surface-accentuating design of the new A-Class is the next step in the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of Sensual Purity. The exterior of the new A-Class stands for sportiness, dynamism and emotion. The progressive front design with a low bonnet, flat LED headlamps with chrome elements and torch-like daytime driving lamps ensures an emotionally appealing and alluring appearance. All these gives the new A-Class a shark-nose like look.
Modern. Exclusive. Contemporary.
The interior design of the new A-Class is, on the other hand, a revolution from within. It is completely redefined with its modern, avantgarde look, revolutionising the compact class from the inside with a new feeling of spaciousness. Both, the Mercedes-Benz A 200 and A 250 also come with high-resolution Widescreen Cockpit with touchscreen control, setting new standards in the segment. It is featured with an all-digital instrument display which can be switched to different styles from “Classic”, “Understated” or “Sport” mode complementing the turbine-look air-vents and leather multifunction sports steering wheel.
Unrivalled. Innovative. Intelligent.
For the first time, the A-Class also comes standard with the KEYLESS-GO function, enhancing the convenience and comfort in its daily use. Underlining its sporty look, the LED high performance headlamps with its unmistakable, distinctive look provide now even more safety at night and illuminates the road ahead better than conventional headlamps and provide a daylight-like light colour which is easy on the eyes and illuminate the road ahead precisely and brightly.
The new A-Class also comes with a class-leading safety and assistance systems such as the Active Parking Assist which assist the driver when searching for a parking space and when entering or leaving a parallel or end-on parking spaces. It manoeuvres the vehicle into the selected parking space and back out again.
With the generation change, the new A-Class now comes with 64 colors for the ambient lighting. Besides the increase in color variety, the ambient lighting colors are composed into ten color worlds, allowing an avant-garde lighting display with spectacular color changes. The color worlds can be matched to the different styles of the widescreen display when required, creating a harmonious overall impression.
Redefined. Dynamics. Performance.
Besides its good looks, the new A-Class models are powered by new efficient and powerful engines. The A 200 Progressive Line is also equipped with a 1.3-litre inline turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine rated at 120 kW/163 hp with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. The A 250 AMG Line, on the other hand, is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine rated at 165 kW/224 hp with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both, the A 200 and A 250 is also equipped with the four DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes “Eco”, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Individual”.
“The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a revolution, offering a level of quality and luxury never seen in this class before. It will be the forerunner of the compact car range, rejuvenating our brand as the most desirable luxury lifestyle brand. This progressive A-Class reinterprates our definition of Modern Luxury with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience which is activated by the command, “Hey Mercedes”,” concluded Mark.
The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class range and data at a glance:
Model
A 200 Progressive Line
A 250 AMG Line
Number of cyl./
arrangement
4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder
4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement (cc)
1332
1991
Rated output
(kW/hp at rpm)
120/163 at 5,500
165/224 at 5,500
Rated torque
(Nm at rpm)
250/1620 – 4000
350/1800 – 4000
Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)
5.6 – 5.2 litres / 100km
6.5 – 6.2 litres / 100km
Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km)
128 – 120 g/km
149 – 141 g/km
Acceleration
0-100 km/h (s)
8.0
6.2
Top speed (km/h)
225
250
Price (OTR w/o Insurance)
*Price is with 10% SST
RM 227,888.00
RM 263,888.00
The New A-Class. Just Like You.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduces with the new A-Class, the next generation of compact cars. Retaining its youthful and dynamic character, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class redefines modern luxury and revolutionises the interior design.
The all-new and state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) elevates the connection between car and driver to a personal level. The cockpit with a high-resolution media display with touchscreen control, digital instrument cluster, intelligent voice control and natural speech recognition as well as the touchpad in the center console is a revolutionary journey into the digital era of the automobile.
With an exciting and progressive new design like the shark nose-like look on the front and turbine-look air-vents, the new A-Class has redefined its modern, exclusive and contemporary look.
With highlights like the 64-colors ambient lighting, Intelligent Drive features as well as the KEYLESS GO function and multifunction sports steering wheel, the new Mercedes-Benz A Class is available as the A 200 Progressive Line and A 250 AMG Line, respectively for RM227,888 and RM263,888.
“We designed the Plan A. Just for you” – Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
The new A-Class redefines modern luxury in the compact class and ushers in new era in technological connectivity. So does the financing, discover the Plan A financing by Mercedes-Benz Financial – the all-in-one financing plan that offers financing, insurance and service packages. Enjoy lower monthly instalments, guaranteed future value of your car, flexible end of agreement options, and a wide range of insurance products plus meticulous service packages that are conducted by trained and experienced technicians using genuine spare parts.
The Plan A financing starts from RM1988* and comes with a variety of packages. Just choose a financing package that suits your need and we will take care of the rest. Now for a limited time, all Plan A financing contract comes with a complimentary 1st year Tyre and Rim Insurance. Perfect for individuals who seeks value with unrivalled benefits and peace of mind. Campaign ends on December 31, 2018.
Monthly instalment above is calculated based on a 3 years tenure and downpayment of approximately 22%. The A+ Package MB genuine accessories comes with spoilers, side skirting and alloy wheels. For more details call 1-800-88-1133. Terms and conditions apply.
Mercedes-Benz Financial – A Daimler Financial Services Brand. The financial services provided by Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd are regulated by the provisions of the Financial Services Act 2013. Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia’s operations are not within the regulatory purview of Bank Negara Malaysia.
Set to debut in January 2019 and priced below RM100,000, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMWT) today introduced the All-new 7-seater Toyota Rush, the second generation of the SUV model developed especially for ASEAN markets. The All-new Toyota Rush has been on sale for some 10 years, with over 18,000 units sold throughout Malaysia. Engineered for robustness and designed for practicality, the All-new Toyota Rush has received regular updates to meet the changing needs of customers. Here’s the video of its maiden debut a few hours ago…
With the new second generation, the All-new Toyota Rush retains the image of an Urban SUV for Rugged-Active Lifestyles, despite only having 2-wheel drive (rear wheel drive), combining the comfort of a passenger car with spaciousness, high seating position, and greater ground clearance of an SUV. The All-new Toyota Rush also introduces 360-T, a new Toyota approach to provide the best package for customers that will be used in all its upcoming models. 360-T is all about Trust and Technology by Toyota, giving customers a complete suite of innovations, designed to protect and provide total advantage on the road. With that said, here’s the first-impression video of our brief test-drive of the new Toyota Rush immediately following the launch…
Three elements make up the 360-T: Safe-T Plus with the latest safety features and systems as a standard feature; Connectivi-T which provides latest technology for connectivity, entertainment and safety; and Guaran-T for total peace of mind throughout the ownership of the vehicle. The design of the All-new Toyota Rush is an indication of the dynamism that can be expected from upcoming Toyota models. Departing from the conventional form of the first generation, the styling has sharp character lines which give an advanced unique design that is known as ‘R-BLADE’. The ‘R’ stands for ‘Rush’ and the ‘blade’ refers to Metal, Sharp and Edge, while a dual tone theme on the bodywork adds visual impact.
The new image of the All-new Toyota Rush has also been elevated to be more advanced with a premium look and feel that comes with high value-added features, making it even better value for money. The All-new Toyota Rush is powered by the latest Toyota 16-valve DOHC 1.5-litre engine which has a maximum output of 105 ps at 6,000 rpm with 136 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. With a proven and reliable 4-speed automatic transmission that comes with Automatic Stop-Start system, fuel consumption is better and can be as good as 15.6 kms per litre. This qualifies it as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) under the current Malaysian National Automotive Policy.
The All-new Toyota Rush continue with rear-wheel drive for a greater variety of terrain conditions, offering better traction for uphill climbs when carrying heavier loads. Other features include Electric Power Steering (EPS) which contributes to the good fuel efficiency, and tyres with the largest diameter in its class. Despite the large tyre size, the All-new Toyota Rush still has an agile turning radius of 5.2 metres.
The seating layout is 2-3-2 over three rows, with easy access to the third row. The cargo capacity is 217 litres but when required, the volume can be expanded to 514 litres by folding the rear seats. Additionally, for those who may have long or large objects (not exceeding 50 kgs); the edges of the roof have integrated low profile rails which the cargo can be placed on.
The new DVD-AVX audio system has a large 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and the unit can be linked to a compatible smartphone to ‘mirror’ the smartphone’s screen onto the audio display. This allows GPS navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze to be used and viewed from the display screen. Other standard features include 13 cupholders, a Multi-Info Display, Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) for a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle, and a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). A Toyota AutoTag is also installed for electronic payment of toll while the Smart Entry system locks/unlocks the doors with just a touch of the button located on the outside door handles.
Toyota places top priority on safety and has developed many new Active Safety systems which can help the driver avoid accidents. The combination of advanced safety systems plus computer-aided engineering and design has enabled the All-new Toyota Rush to score the highest overall rating of 5-stars from ASEAN NCAP (for both Adult & Child Occupant Protection categories).
A new standard active safety feature is the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). BSM helps the driver to be more aware of other road-users in the vehicle’s blind spot, reducing the risk of a collision, while the RCTA is able to warn the driver of approaching vehicles as the vehicle is reversing out of a parking bay.
Also new is the Pre-Collision System (PCS) which helps to reduce low to medium speed accidents due to inattentive driving (only available on the Rush 1.5S). The system, which uses a stereo camera, has four features: Pre-collision Warning, Pre-collision Braking, Front Departure Alert, and Pedal Misoperation Control. The system is designed as a driver assistance feature but gives priority to driver inputs which will override its functions.
The All-new Toyota Rush comes with a 5-year full warranty with unlimited mileage. UMWT expects to sell around 3,600 units in 2019 and in anticipation of high demand, the new model will be assembled under contract at Perodua’s manufacturing plant. The estimated price of the All-new Toyota Rush is RM98,000 for the S variant and RM93,000 for the G variant. The model comes with 5 exterior colours choices – White, Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Blue Metallic and Dark Green Metallic. Bookings for the two variants are accepted at all authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide from today.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, is expanding its footprint to the southern region with the upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Bahru. With an estimated investment of RM 48 million, the new Porsche Centre Johor Bahru will occupy an estimated build-up area of 58,311 sq ft on 74,052 sq ft of land. The state-of-the-art centre is yet another prominent addition to the development of the Porsche brand in Malaysia following the recent launch of Porsche Centre Penang in 2017.
“SDAP has been the sole importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia since 2010 and has continuously invested into the Porsche brand, with special dedication to state-of-the-art facilities and highly-skilled employees. We see a huge potential in the southern market, with the upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, it marks another milestone for Porsche in Malaysia,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance. “I strongly believe in the long-term potential for Porsche in Malaysia and I am convinced that this latest addition will support our growth whilst assuring an outstanding experience for our customers,” he added.
A first for Porsche in Malaysia, the new 4S Porsche Centre will be equipped with a sales showroom, service workshop, spare parts warehouse, and a state-of-the-art body and paint centre. In assuring the same high standards of performance, SDAP sets the standard for both technical and ecological to be in accordance to Porsche AG requirements. The facility will be equipped with the latest Porsche technology, trained professionals, and the use of genuine Porsche parts, materials, tools and equipment.
“After Sales has proven to be the key differentiator in the luxury car business. As a customer-centric brand, peace-of-mind ownership experience is a pivotal element in our approach. With the inauguration of the latest facility, SDAP aims to fulfil growing customer requirements and enhance our After Sales competencies,” Christopher added. Construction work is expected to commence in end of 2018 and operations are set to begin in first quarter of 2020.
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
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
