Set against an Alpine backdrop along the shores of Lake Wörth or Wörthersee as it is known in German, the tranquil town of Reifnitz transforms every May into a giant automobile playground to celebrate the Golf GTI. Since 1982, the town has hosted the “Wörthersee Treffen”, an annual gathering of GTI enthusiasts.
What began as a small gathering of GTI owners is now a full-fledged festival of modified, classic and vintage Volkswagen cars attracting over 100,000 fans around the world. This year marks the 37th year of the event, and it promises to be quite a show. Check out the video from last year!
For the first time ever, and in conjunction with the upcoming launch of the new Golf family, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering fans in Malaysia the chance to win the trip of a lifetime to the annual Wörthersee GTI Festival in Austria.
The contest is divided into two rounds. In Round One, participants are required to answer 10 Golf-related questions in the fastest time, and the top three fastest participant will advance to the Grand Finale. The Grand Finale promises to be a nail-biting experience, as the three finalists will be battling it out in a Live Quiz finale at the Volkswagen Tour happening in 1 Utama Shopping Centre on the 31st of March 2018.
The grand prize? An all-expense paid trip for two to join the thousands of GTI fans around the world in Austria!So rev up, and take on the ultimate Golf challenge!
This is how you get to Worthersee…
ROUND 1: · Participants are required to register and complete their personal details on Volkswagen Malaysia’s website (https://www.volkswagen.com.my/GTIWorthersee) · The contest will run from 20th March till27th March, at 11:59pm · Participants may take part in a practice round to familiarize themselves with the mechanics as many times, before they begin the Quiz. · Participants are required to answer a set of 10 multiple choice questions in the fastest amount of time. · Each participant may submit multiple entries during the contest period. · Three (3) finalists will be selected to compete in the Grand Finale.
ROUND 2 (GRAND FINALE): (Live Quiz Round, 1Utama Shopping Centre) · Three finalists will compete head-to-head in a live quiz hosted at the Volkswagen Tour in 1Utama Shopping Centre on the 31st March 2018. · The Winner will be selected based on the fastest time, the most number of correct answers, subject to the decision by the panel of judges and announced at the event.
This video has gone viral. In it you can clearly see that while the biker was just trying to get by a car in the right lane, the driver of the car ‘brake-checks’ him… more than once.
Was this really necessary? So maybe the biker shouldn’t have honked and revved his engine, but maybe the car should have just moved over. It takes two-hands to clap, but is it worth possibly killing someone over?
Here are my thoughts on the matter, and the general scene right now when it comes to cars and bikes….
Priced at RM320,800 (OTR without insurance) BMW Group Malaysia has just introduced the first-ever BMW X2, the newest member to the premium automaker’s portfolio of Sports Activity Coupes.
Created to transform the Compact Premium segment, the all new model from BMW features unmistakable sporty, dynamic and urban design cues which leaves a confident impression both in its class and within the BMW X model family. Here’s a closer 360-degree walk-around video of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi2KtXjg6io
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (below) said, “The BMW X models have long made its mark in Malaysia. Last year alone, we delivered over 4,200 BMW X Series vehicles, equating to 39.6% of BMW’s deliveries of 10,618 vehicles. Today, we’re proud to expand our BMW X portfolio here in Malaysia with the first-ever BMW X2.”
Hoelzl added that the new compact premium sports activity coupe promises unadulterated driving pleasure with the ideal balance between sporty driving dynamics and exceptional efficiency. It also offers the best-in-class cabin space.
BMW Malaysia is introducing the X2 in the BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport variant. The bold, uncompromising nature of the first-ever BMW X2 is evident at first sight and stands out from the crowd in any setting.
The new compact premium sports activity coupe makes a wholly distinctive impression by virtue of the car’s exterior design, while essentially combining the fast-moving body language and low-slung proportions of a coupe with the robust construction of a BMW X model.
“On the road, it is evident that the BMW X2 has the poise of an athlete in peak condition” – BMW.
Above all, it is the BMW X2’s proportions which create its expressive, dynamic demeanour. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched, coupe-style roofline and slim window graphic. Many of the design details emphasise the BMW X2’s standalone nature while simultaneously and unequivocally signalling its membership of the BMW X family.
The time-honoured BMW kidney grille is just one example, turning the familiar trapezoidal shape on its head instead of widening from top to bottom. This is the first time this design detail has seen the light of day on a modern BMW.
The Sports Activity Coupe cuts a dashing figure on every journey, thanks to its peerless BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, a sophisticated powertrain.
Teaming up with the refined chassis to enable remarkable handling qualities, exceptional agility and feedback, all of which provides BMW X2’s unprecedented driving pleasure in this segment.
More on the new BMW X2: A distinctive character that departs from the BMW script…
The kidney grille has always been an identifying feature of a BMW. On the BMW X2, its outline is wider at its base than at its top. The BMW X2 is the first modern BMW to feature this design cue, and it gives the first-ever BMW X2 a broader, even more distinct and sporty appearance.
Below the grille, the hexagonal surface treatment in the bumper further reinforces this impression. The kidney grille provides a visual expression of the BMW X2’s classy appeal. The front to the grille bars in High-Gloss Black contrast with the grille’s chrome surround.
The design of the BMW X2’s headlights reinforce its striking, sporty looks. With the inner headlights being slightly narrower than the outer ones, the BMW X2 assumes a tangible air of concentration and dynamism. Besides LED fog lights, the first-ever BMW X2 comes with LED headlights with extended contents which come with daytime driving lights in 3D icon design.
The BMW X2 wears the BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow line, with the BMW emblem on the C-Pillars, paying homage to BMW’s tradition of creating premium sports coupes. The BMW M Aerodynamics package comes with this Sports Activity Coupe with wheel arch trim and claddings on doors in body colour. Besides the BMW M rear spoiler, the BMW X2 is designed with the BMW M Sport Suspension, lowering it by -10mm to ensure a comfortable drive.
One of the ways the BMW X2 expresses the inherent power of its BMW TwinPower Turbo engine is through the design of the tailpipes. At 90mm in diameter, the all-new BMW X2 comes with two-sided exhaust tailpipe in high-gloss chrome.
Moving to the top, the roofline of the BMW X2 has an almost coupe-like lightness, which gives the whole car the impression of surging forward like an athlete. Further accentuating the sporty look on the BMW X2 is the roof rails in Aluminium Satinated.
On the road, the BMW X2 has a poised stance thanks to the 19” M light alloy wheels, double-spoke style 715M with run-flat properties. The side skirts of the BMW X2 are among its signature features and contribute in no small part to its rugged and assured good looks.
The horizontal design lines of the BMW X2’s rear end tightens the visual distance between the car and the road, emphasising the car’s width and therefore its sporty character. These lines continue into the high-set rear lights.
Daring Interior Lighting Offering…
Inside, the new BMW X2 offers LED ambient lighting with bold choices of Orange, Lilac, Mint, Bronze, Blue and White colour settings to match the daring exterior expression of the vehicle as well as the mood of the driver.
Driving Dynamics…
The BMW X2 drivers think differently. They break with conventions and they lead the way. As such, the BMW X2 makes for their perfect car. This Sports Activity Coupe is powered by the multiple award winning 2-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine which combines twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, double VANOS and High Precision Injection, all of which generates a top speed of 227km/h.
With an overall system output of 192hp and 280Nm of torque, the first-ever BMW X2 sprints from 0-100km/h in just 7.7 seconds. This Sports Activity Coupe also comes with a 7-speed Steptronic Sport double-clutch transmission.
The car’s driving responses can be adapted with a simple push of the Driving Experience Control switch, which allows drivers to choose between COMFORT mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO PRO mode, and SPORT mode. It is also equipped with the Performance Control which allows engine control and brake intervention during cornering.
Contemporary Ambiance with Premium Flair…
The interior of the BMW X2 blends signature BMW elements, such as a pronounced driver focus and dynamic lines, with the understated ruggedness of a BMW X model. From multi-function buttons on the steering wheel to the exterior and interior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, including fold-in function, the high quality of the BMW X2 and its impressive level of equipment are both instantly apparent.
The first-ever BMW X2 offers a generous helping of everyday practicality. On top of the Comfort Access System with contactless opening of the tailgate, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 470 litres, and up to 1,355 litres with the 40/20/40 split folding down rear seat backrests.
Passengers are also prioritised in the designing of the BMW X2 as the automatic air-conditioning comes in two-zone while passengers behind get to enjoy rear air-conditioning. Both front passenger and driver are treated to electric seat adjustment, with the addition of memory function for the driver.
As far as BMW is concerned, there is one thing that always comes first in a connected vehicle: the task of driving. For this reason, all the BMW Connected elements in the new BMW X2 have once again been designed to assist, inform and entertain the driver at the appropriate time using just the right services, including Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Concierge Services, BMW Online and BMW Remote Services.
Still the only premium automaker with such an offering in the industry, the integration of BMW Connected services and comfort-enhancing functions enable BMW X2 drivers to organise their daily routines as efficiently as possible.
The BMW Head-Up Display in full colour projects driver-relevant information to offer a first-class customer experience in this vehicle segment. Besides connecting via USB devices, the BMW X2 also comes with the Extended Smartphone Connectivity which enables owners to connect Bluetooth-compatible mobile phone to the BMW X2 and the hands-free kit. This Sports Activity Coupe offers Navigation Plus with 8.8” touch display which also enables split-view. The Radio Media comes with 4 speakers and 2 woofers base speakers.
The BMW X2 also offers drivers a wide selection of Driver Assistance systems. Besides cruise control with brake function, the Park Assistant helps parallel parking manoeuvres. The Park Distance Control and the rear-view camera also make precise and comfortable manoeuvring that much easier.
In terms of external colour offering, the first-ever BMW X2 offers new and bold colours of Galvanic Gold Metallic, Misano Blue Metallic and Sunset Orange Metallic with Black Interior Colour with contrasting Grey seams.
Specifically with the Black Sapphire metallic model offering, the new compact premium Sports Activity Coupe offers a new interior option of Magma Red interior with contrasting Grey seams. Here’s another walk-around video from the launch today thanks to EVO Aurizn…
The first-ever BMW X2 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Wednesday, 21st March 2018.
Millennium Welt and BMW Motorrad Malaysia opened doors to its first-ever BMW Motorrad showroom in Seremban and the State of Negeri Sembilan recently.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt said, “We at Millenium Welt have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with BMW and MINI over the years, representing the premium automaker here in Seremban as well as in Batu Pahat and in Kuantan. It was only natural for us to also grow with BMW in their two-wheeled division here in Seremban to offer to premium motorcycle enthusiasts here the opportunity to discover the BMW Motorrad brand.”
Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, meanwhile said, “2017 was another record breaking year for BMW Motorrad in Malaysia. In addition to our successful sales performance, we also added five new premium motorcycles to our portfolio. In 2018, we will continue on this positive growth and it begins with the opening of the New Milennium BMW Motorrad dealership here in the State of Negeri Sembilan.”
Last year, the sales across the BMW Motorrad range increased by 13.2% across the globe last year, with a total of 164,153 units delivered worldwide. In Malaysia alone, 1,052 units of its motorcycles were delivered, charting a 5% increase in sales performance as compared to the previous year.
The new showroom can display up to 10 BMW Motorrad motorcycles and is located along Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail in Seremban. The facility is the 11th BMW Motorrad dealership in the country.
Can you believe it? We’re already in the third month of 2018, almost into the second quarter, and thus far, our first national carmaker has been keeping rather quiet insofar as launches are concerned, so what are they up to? Well, this for starters…
Apart from that, believe it or not, there’s really not much going to happen car-launch wise until the ‘big event’ in the fourth quarter of this year, when Proton unveils its new SUV based on the Geely Boyue. Sources have speculated that buyers will have all the space, performance and kit of a Honda CR-V, but at a HR-V price. That’s pretty good I’d say. Here’s a look at the Boyue in action (dialogue in Chinese):
But February 2018 apparently was a busy month for Proton as the company concentrated on activities aimed at having a successful year ahead. Initiatives for Sales, Marketing and Quality Improvement were put in place, while testing for its first above-mentioned SUV developed together with Geely continue. Here’s some of the local media testing it in China last year (dialogue in Bahasa Malaysia):
These initiatives will carry on in March and beyond, with specific models and areas targeted for improvement, namely:
Global Horizon…
On the international scene the Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Li Shufu, announced he had acquired a 9.69% stake in German company Daimler thus making him the single largest shareholder of Mercedes-Benz and Daimler trucks. PROTON could gain from it via its partnership with Geely who currently owns 49.9% of the total shares of Proton.
The ongoing quality journey…
Ever since the tie-up with Geely was announced, PROTON has undergone a quality improvement programme with its partner by using an assessment system that is based on Volvo’s global scoring criteria. In December 2017, an audit was performed by Geely and showed a remarkable threefold improvement, which is testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing work between the two companies.
Further improvements are gradually being introduced and with the next audit scheduled to take place in March 2018, PROTON is confident of achieving a further improvement of its audit score. These improvements are vital as preparations get underway for the launch of PROTON’s first SUV, currently scheduled for the end of 2018.
Iriz in focus…
Despite the advent of the new MyVi and the runaway success story it has become, for February 2018, PROTON achieved sales that were equivalent to a 9.6% share of the overall Malaysian automotive market. The majority of sales was accounted for by the Saga, Persona, Exora and in particular Iriz, which “continues to attract strong interest due to their design, technology and value for money proposition” (source: Proton). Here’s our video take on the Iriz Premium 1.6:
In March 2018, PROTON’s ‘My Style, My Drive’ campaign hits sales galleries nationwide and for this month, it focuses on the Proton Iriz. Customers are invited to rediscover the award-winning compact hatchback by taking a comprehensive test drive to appreciate the new features that were introduced in the updated model in 2017. You can read our full review with videos on it here.
At the same time, PROTON staff will also engage customers to offer advice on how to best use the various smart features of the car while select showrooms are equipped with a safety corner to demonstrate the safety aspects of PROTON’s 5-star ASEAN NCAP rated hatchback. Here’s my final say on the car…
This roadshow is still on-going so head over to your nearest Proton showroom to check it out.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced its return to the 2018 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTDL) as the official automotive partner. Volkswagen’s previous involvement with LTDL was in 2016.
For this year’s LTDL, VPCM will be providing a total of 180 units of Volkswagen cars from its current model line-up, comprising of the Polo, Vento Highline, Passat Trendline, Passat Highline and the Tiguan Highline. The vehicles will be used throughout the race by riders, safety marshals and officials. You can see some of them in this short video leading the LeTour cyclists…
As the official automotive partner, VPCM is also will be presenting the White Jersey to the competition’s Asian Champion. Commenting on the partnership, Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that Volkswagen is honoured to once again be part of Asia’s most prestigious cycling event.
“We are delighted to be able to support the race with our range of Volkswagen models, and we look forward to the amazing display of endurance, agility and strengths from the world-class riders taking part. On behalf of Volkswagen, we wish the participants all the very best,” he added.
Held since 1996, the Le Tour de Langkawi is a multiple stage bicycle race that has gained multiple accolades and is now recognised as a highlight in the global competitive cycling calendar, attracting the world’s top riders.
