Mercedes-Benz Malaysia together with authorised dealer, NZ Wheels, recently launched the Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus. Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang also features the first separate facility for a Mercedes-Benz Proven Exclusivity centre in Malaysia, a dedicated space for customers to view and test drive an extensive range of certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz cars located adjacent to the Autohaus.
“We congratulate our dealer partner NZ Wheels on the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus. This latest Autohaus demonstrates our continuous commitment to the Malaysian market, our customers and our fans. As we remain focused on providing our customers with the Best Products and Best Customer Experience, we will also continue expanding customer touchpoints nationwide, investing in developing key areas including talent, technology, production and services,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.
A total of RM6 million was invested in upgrading the Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus to now be compliant with the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) autohaus concept, the global Autohaus benchmark of customer experience, complete with the new Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI). The new Mercedes-Benz CI goes beyond merely serving as a design concept, it also improves orientation to the customer, supports consulting discussions and naturally underlines the values of the Mercedes-Benz brand as the No. 1 premium automotive brand in the world.
With a total land area of 320,000 sq. ft. supporting a built-up area of 32,000 sq. ft., the NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus has a total display capacity of 17 vehicles — three of which are Mercedes-AMG cars at the AMG Performance Centre. NZ Wheels Klang is managed by around 70 personnel across sales, technical services and spare parts functions. A full-fledged 3S centre, the Autohaus is equipped with 30 work bays, capable of servicing up to approximately 650 vehicles a month, providing general and specialised repair solutions.
Speaking at the official launch event, NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd Group Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Group, Dato’ Samson Anand George, said, “With the update of the NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus to the highest Mercedes-Benz standards and latest corporate identity, NZ Wheels reaffirms its presence as a steadfast and passionate Mercedes-Benz dealer. Having upgraded our sales and service facilities, we are confident that our customers in Klang and nearby areas will receive no less than the best care that is synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star.”
With customer comfort in mind, the i-Showroom in Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus includes digital touch screens for customers to gain a better understanding of Mercedes-Benz product features and sales processes. The Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus is also equipped with a private Star Lounge for a personalised and premium atmosphere. In addition, the latest upgrade now features Service Differentiation – an exclusive range of personalised after-sales services that offers flexibility and convenience which includes pick-up/drop-off of customer vehicles, after-hours drop-off and fast-lane service.
The Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus is one of seven authorised Mercedes-Benz Autohauses in Selangor, to support the increasing need for premium service and experience among Mercedes-Benz customers.
To date, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has 33 dedicated dealerships nationwide delivering the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience throughout the entire customer journey, maintaining the German marque’s position as the largest premium automotive dealer network in the country.
Established in 1994, NZ Wheels is the third largest Mercedes-Benz authorised dealership in the country. The Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus is located at Lot 1385, Wisma NAZA, Jalan Kapar, Batu 2, Kawasan 19, 41400 Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. For more information, call +603 – 3343 9270.
It’s been a few years now since this ‘all-new’ car from our first national carmaker Proton hit the streets, and during that time, it’s received very good response from those seeking a fuss-free compact daily commuter, until now…
It’s no big secret that the new Perodua MyVi is pretty much killing everything in the compact segment, with around 50,000 (yes, fiftythousand) bookings since it was launched mere months ago, and hardest hit would of course be the cars in this segment. The Iriz falls squarely in this segment.
In an effort to boost the appeal of the Iriz, Proton introduced this ‘premium’ variant, which boasts a lot of upgraded kit from the Persona, into this this Iriz 1.6 Premium. This aforementioned kit is normally found in cars from a higher segment. Here’s my first impression upon collecting the car…
ERRATUM: The Iriz 1.6 Premium doesn’t have an “Eco Driving Mode” as I mentioned in the video, it just tells you when you’re driving economically via a green-leaf that lights up in the instrument cluster, my bad, sorry! – CW.
Priced at RM56,950.37 on the road, the Iriz 1.6 Premuim has keyless entry, push start/stop button, MirrorLink for Android phones, reverse camera with proximity alert, multi-function steering, on-board computer, electronic stability control, ABS & EBD, hill-hold assist and 6-airbags.
Its 1,597cc 4-cyl, VVT engine pumps out 107bhp and 150Nm, which is decent for a compact car, and power goes to the front wheels via a CVT….and therein lies the Achilles-heel of this car… there’s no other way to put this, it’s a horrible gearbox, by Punch Powertrain.
I’ve never been a huge fan of CVTs that’s no secret, and driving the Iriz 1.6 Premium has only strengthened my loathing of them. It feels gutless and whiny, not to mention noisy too. It reminds me of the Subaru XV actually, which has a lovely spirited engine, totally let down by a gearbox from hell. And like I mentioned in that XV article (linked above), it feels like the engine was made for one car and the gearbox for another.
I actually spoke to someone in Proton about this, asking if there was a 5-speed manual variant available, but unfortunately there isn’t (anymore – there used to be). The thing is though, the Iriz 1.6 Premium doesn’t even have paddle-shifts to help with adding a bit of fun to the drive, or just for the times you need a bit more instantaneous grunt.
The only way is to floor the accelerator pedal, and while the engine is willing, the lethargic gearbox will protest, loudly. That CVT whine really needs to be looked at pronto, and a quick fix would be to add a bit more sound-deadening material in the transmission area, as well as the fire-wall.
Apart from that though, everything else about the Iriz 1.6 Premium is really quite good. It has excellent NVH properties, and an abundance of active and safety features, as well as top-notch ride and handling. Speaking of that aforementioned R&H, Proton really got it right with this car.
I love the way it ‘feels’, whether its just normal driving, or the spirited kind, the Iriz’s ride and handling offers excellent feedback, especially from the steering, as well as an amazingly sure-footed ride. Maybe it has to do with the four wheels being so close to all the corners, but this car tackles twisty roads very well.
Its suspension has also obviously been tuned for our less-than-perfect roads, seeing as how the Iriz is able to soak-up bumps and undulations easily. Interior wise, this Premium model comes with semi-leather seats with actual red stitching, and an unintended ‘Martini Racing’ coloured seat pattern on the fabric part that looks very cool.
As I’ve been saying, this car would be almost perfect if it had a better gearbox, and despite the lack of demand for manual gearboxes (according to Proton) I can only imagine how good it would be with one of those instead. All in all, it’s a good effort from our first national carmaker, and while there’s still room for improvement, this Iriz 1.6 Premium is a definite worthy alternative to anything in this class. – Chris Wee.
Incredible. Simply incredible. In 1904, a pioneering motorist, brilliant entrepreneur and an intrepid engineer were united by a desire to succeed. Three years later, this success was recognised by the world’s media. An unfathomable challenge unprecedented of its time and legendary to this day, was completed by the Hon. Charles Rolls and Claude Johnson in Sir Henry Royce’s ‘Silver Ghost’.
The car achieved a non-stop long distance endurance record of 14,371 miles. This challenge was to shape automotive and luxury history, creating a world-renowned benchmark for excellence in the process. Check out the video…
In celebration of this extraordinary feat of engineering excellence, a special collection of model year 2018 Bespoke Ghosts will be created at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. Thirty-five patrons of the marque will delight in a contemporary masterpiece of automotive history, as the Bespoke Collective of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars envisions the ‘Silver Ghost Collection’.
Speaking from the Home of Rolls-Royce, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “The extraordinary accomplishments of our marque’s founding fathers are honoured by the creation of this elegant ‘Silver Ghost Collection’. The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective masterfully weave the rich narrative of the original ‘Silver Ghost’ into just 35 motor cars, creating a contemporary homage to the original motor car. Today, our craftspeople and master artisans continue this legacy of excellence, creating unique motor cars that define luxury.”
The FULL Details on the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Collection…
A collection of 35 Bespoke Ghosts to be created in homage to the 1907 ‘Silver Ghost’
British Assay Office specially produced AX201 and ‘RR’ Hallmarks to authenticate lineage of the collection
100% Pure Silver particles are infused into the hand-painted coachline
Copper detailing redolent of the ‘Silver Ghost’ engine bay is featured on the collar of the Spirit of Ecstasy
One motor car changed the course of automotive history. Today, the legend is re-told as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly announces the creation of a collection of 35 model year 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghosts, created in homage to the original Silver Ghost’s achievement.
In 1904, a pioneering motorist, a brilliant entrepreneur and an intrepid engineer were united by a desire to succeed. Three years later, this success was recognised by the world’s media. An unfathomable challenge unprecedented of its time and legendary to this day, was completed by The Hon. Charles Rolls and Claude Johnson in Sir Henry Royce’s ‘Silver Ghost’. The car achieved a non-stop long distance endurance record of 14,371 miles. This challenge was to shape automotive and luxury history, creating a world-renowned benchmark for excellence in the process.
It was the twelfth 40/50hp chassis, completed with a Barker & Co 4/5 seater touring body, commissioned by Claude Johnson, then Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Limited that was quickly recognised for its ability to demonstrate the marque’s prowess. The ethereally quiet running of this extraordinary automobile and the silver paint with silver fittings, led Johnson to select this very car for high-profile competitive trials, bestowing the name, ‘Silver Ghost’ upon it.
In celebration of this extraordinary feat of engineering excellence, a special collection of model year 2018 Bespoke Ghosts will be created at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. Thirty-five patrons of the marque will delight in a contemporary masterpiece of automotive history, as the Bespoke Collective of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars envisions the ‘Silver Ghost Collection’.
Speaking from the Home of Rolls-Royce, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “The extraordinary accomplishments of our marque’s founding fathers are honoured by the creation of this elegant ‘Silver Ghost Collection’. The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective masterfully weave the rich narrative of the original ‘Silver Ghost’ into just 35 motor cars, creating a contemporary homage to the original motor car. Today, our craftspeople and master artisans continue this legacy of excellence, creating unique motor cars that define luxury.”
The Rolls-Royce ‘Silver Ghost Collection’
Today, a Rolls-Royce motor car is the ultimate luxury, steeped in narrative, veiled in rarity. A Rolls-Royce Collection Car showcases the extraordinary talents of the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design team; they are born collectables. These are future classics, destined for the lawns of the great international Concours d’Élégance.
Careful consideration has been paid to the defining features of this collection. References extoling the past are skilfully hand-crafted into Ghost’s interior and exterior, creating a contemporary homage which speaks as much of today’s great brand as the ‘Silver Ghost’ does of its day.
A solid sterling-silver Spirit of Ecstasy, the muse that has guided motor cars created by the marque since 1911, will hint at the pioneering heritage of this motor car’s forebear. A specially created Hallmark of AX201, the registration plate of the original ‘Silver Ghost’, will be marked on the base of each muse by the British Assay office, an honour reserved for few. Alongside the AX201 Hallmark, the Metal Fineness marks and the Assay Office town mark, a second unique ‘RR’ Hallmark, the eponymous badge of the marque, will act as the Sponsor’s Mark and authenticate its heritage.
A black-gold-plated collar enshrouds the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy, itself bearing the unique identity of this collection. An insert is crafted from hammered copper, in tribute to the copper extensively used in the engine bay of the original ‘Silver Ghost’. The copper, shaped, beaten and textured is engraved with the newly designed AX201 Hallmark.
Cassiopeia Silver, a complex Bespoke silver paint that incorporates both warm and cool tones, bathes the exterior of Ghost in a hue that echoes the silver paint of the original motor car. A Bespoke hand-painted coachline, applied by Rolls-Royce’s master coachline painter and taking eight hours to apply, is imbued with fine particles of 100% pure silver, adding to the provenance of this collection.
The face of the Model Year 2018 motor car is instantly recognisable as one of 35 in this collection. Black painted grille veins mimic the distinctive black grille of the ‘Silver Ghost’, while the fully-polished wheel centres encircled with ‘SILVER GHOST – SINCE 1907’ engraved on a Cassiopeia Silver backing, echo the fine details of the original car.
On opening the coach doors, accents of a specially created ‘Forest Green’ leather provide a nod to the original interior colour scheme. A newly designed silver tipped leather makes its Rolls-Royce debut, being incorporated onto the front and rear door panniers. Additionally, a silver onlay has been set into the open pore wood of the fascia and door cappings, flanking a solid silver ingot, hallmarked to allow reflection of this motor car’s great lineage.
Further reference to the ‘Silver Ghost’ is made via the collection’s clock, styled as an ingot of silver, engraved with ‘Silver Ghost Since 1907’ and once again marked with the distinguishing hallmarks of this collection. A peened solid silver encasement provides a decorative surface, reminiscent of the original dials of the ‘Silver Ghost’.
The tread plates proudly authenticate each motor car, engraved with the words ‘Silver Ghost Collection – One of Thirty-Five’, while the Rolls-Royce umbrellas, stowed in the doors of each motor car, are edged in a silver-coloured binding and have an open-pore Tudor Oak handle, with the end of the handle engraved to demonstrate its unique origins.
A Bespoke central console allows the patron to convey personal accoutrements, accommodating contemporary touring. A time-piece, sunglasses and accessories case is presented alongside a ‘Silver Ghost’ pen, shaped as the speedform of the car; clean, modern and streamlined.
As a finishing touch and to complete the collection, a rare and collectable Silver Ghost Hamper will continue Rolls-Royce’s romantic notion of the pinnacle in al fresco dining, proudly displaying a fusion of Bespoke Design with the finest craftsmanship.
2018 a new vintage year for Ghost
In addition to the beautiful Bespoke features enumerated above, the ‘Silver Ghost Collection’ also benefits from the several enhancements of the 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost.
The most immediate of these is the bolder and more sculptured face of Ghost, reinforcing the decisive and dynamic character of Ghost. The grille frame is pushed further forward, producing a stronger sweep back into the front wings, to give the front of the car a more decisive character. More deeply set grille vanes underline the perception of power and dynamism, while the redesigned front bumper now features strongly horizontal lines. The perceived dynamism of the 2018 Ghost’s exterior is also enhanced by two completely new 21” wheel designs.
The owner’s enjoyment of Ghost’s cabin has also been enhanced through a suite of technological upgrades and acoustic advancements. Inspired by the acoustic engineering undertaken to make New Phantom ‘the most silent motor-car in the world’, the 2018 Ghost benefits from Rolls-Royce’s mantra to “take the best and make it better”, as it constantly strives for even the smallest improvements.
Additional sound dampening materials have been added to the doors, rear wings and luggage compartment. Working in combination with a new acoustic film fitted between the glass layers in the side and rear windows to further reduce noise entering the cabin, the results are most impressive.
A quieter cabin sets the stage for the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce multimedia entertainment system. A totally new multimedia interface and larger screens for the rear passengers are only the start of the entertainment upgrades offered by Ghost this year. To add to the effortless experience, the new system now responds to natural speech rather than predetermined commands, whilst navigation is improved by the Real Time Traffic Information for 32 countries.
In 1968, almost a half-century ago, the first Audi 100 was unveiled in Ingolstadt, Germany. As Audi’s first entry into the line of full-size business sedans, the Audi 100 was a successful model and the flagship of the brand at that time, providing a solid foundation for Audi’s premium positioning. Over the years, the Audi 100 would evolve into the Audi A6 (since midway through the fourth-generation), becoming one of the most successful Audi vehicle models and the leading character of the business class. Here’s a look at the new car, while paying homage to the original!
Now in its eighth-generation, the all-new Audi A6 continues to push and redefine the limits of what is possibly the most competitive segment; the Business Class.
With a stunning arsenal of modern technology set to revolutionise every aspect of the vehicle, whether it’s the dynamic all-wheel steering with mild-hybrid engine, all-digital MMI touch response system with Audi connect and a wider array of driver assistance systems, this is the future of business mobility.
The new Audi A6 is due to roll-off the assembly line at the Audi Neckarsulm site and will launch on the German market in June 2018. The basic price as the Audi A6 Sedan 50 TDI Quattro is 58,050Euros (approx RM280,000 before taxes).
It’s here! The latest and coolest retro-sport motorcycle has just hit town in the form of the all-new Kawasaki Z900RS (Retro Sport), launched by Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd at a gala dinner event to celebrate CNY recently.
Looking very much like the successor to the Kawa Zephyr 750 & 1100, the Z900 pays homage to the bike that pushed Kawasaki into the limelight in the 70’s, the legendary Z1. Here’s the promo video…
Priced at RM67,900 for the standard Matte Green and RM69,900 for the Special Two-tone Edition (below), the Z900RS is CBU from Kawasaki Japan.
The Z900 features Kawasaki’s first-ever ‘tuned exhaust note’. “While Kawasaki in-line four cylinder engines have been historically known for their great-sounding exhausts, this is the first time that Kawasaki has used sound research to craft the model’s ideal exhaust note. Sound tuning on the Z900RS‘s engine was focused on the initial roar to life, idling, and low-speed riding where the rider is best able to enjoy the exhaust’s deep growl” – Kawasaki.
Here’s the launch video:
For the FULL details on the Z900RS, click this: 2018-Z900RS
We’re on the official test drive of the new Kia Picanto today, and here’s a quick first-impression video!
Gotta say it’s been pretty impressive so far, its little 1.2-litre Kappa n/a engine is good for 84Ps and 121.6Nm, which may not seem like much, but for a car this small, it’s more than adequate. Nippy and frugal!
Speaking of size, the Picanto seems to have blurred the line between an A- and B-segment car just a bit, because while it may look diminutive on the outside, there’s a very decent amount of room on the inside…
Thus far the most impressive thing about it is its NVH levels, as well as its ride and handling and interior fit & finish. Priced at RM49,888 its superb value for money. Stay tuned for more coming soon!
