To end the year on a positive note and in conjunction with the 2018 Year End Promotions happening nationwide, Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor for Haval SUV in Malaysia, is running the HAVAL 2018 Year End Sale Promotion on all Haval models.
The promotion is effective from 15 November until 31 December 2018 and offers new and existing HAVAL customers with savings worth up to RM6,300 with additional of HAVAL merchandises giveaways; exclusive for the Haval H2 model. Aside from the current promotion, the Company will be organising another HAVAL mall roadshow at IOI Citymall, Putrajaya from 29 November – 2 December as part of the ongoing Reimagine Campaign which began earlier this year. In addition, exclusive for Haval H2 customers who books the model during the roadshow would be entitled to 3 free services (which includes parts and labour) worth RM900.
“With our Year End Sale Promotion, we hope that Malaysians are definitely given the opportunity to be able to own SUVs at competitive prices – HAVAL ensures those demands and opportunities are met,” said Executive Director of Go Auto Group, Dato’ SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal. “In addition, our final HAVAL mall roadshow this year will be taking place at IOI Citymall end of November and I strongly encourage and invite everyone to see our SUVs and enjoy our current offerings in addition to the fun-filled activities we have prepared. In addition, we shall be launching our commercial Van – GO AUTO Higer Ace, our very first go auto brand for commercial vehicle on 28 November at the mall, a day before our roadshow begins,” Dato’ Azli added.
This is all someone else’s fault. Really. You see the problem with being the so-called resident old-skool classic car guy, is that friends (and the occasional total stranger) sometimes ask you to assist them in scoping out an old car that’s tickled their fancy. It happens to me a lot, and I’m actually considering starting a side-business on this…
Well, a good buddy of mine recently had his eye out for a 90’s BMW E30, a fine ‘drivers-car’ if there ever was one, born from the days when BMW were considered the “Ultimate Driving Machine”. As luck would have it, one came along through word-of-mouth (above) that had never been advertised. Having seen the photos and dutifully passing them on with what I’d learned about the car to the prospective buyer, there seemed to be interest, so the next logical step was to go see it in the metal. That photo above is how she looked the day I met her personally…
This is where things took a turn for the unexpected. Upon viewing the car up close, I further learned that not only was the car a ‘one-owner since new’ deal, it was also accident-free, and most importantly void of any after-market modifications to its powertrain, which was a modest 1.8-litre, 4-pot. Born in 1990, it was 28-years old, but only had 270,400kms on the odometer, which if my calculations were correct, amounted to less than 10,000km a year.
I further learned that the car was being used till earlier this year, when the owner decided that he needed an automatic. Yes, this E30 was an original MANUAL. 5-speed, 3 pedals. A drive around the block cemented my opinion that this was a gem. Its engine still purred, and apart from the usual signs of prolonged use on the outside, its interior was in remarkable condition for something almost three decades old.
It was at this point I was hoping that my friend would snap-up this car quickly, because I had a feeling I knew what was going to happen if he didn’t. As fate would have it, he ultimately declined, and I distinctly recall saying “Oh sh*t” out loud when he did. I couldn’t help but realise that this car ‘ticked’ all the right boxes for me; unmodified, original condition, accident-free, rust-free, well-maintained, papers all in order, driveable (not a tow-away). It didn’t take long before I was re-negotiating, but this time for myself instead. The deal was sealed in less than an hour.
Driving the car back (above), I remember having a weird grin on my face. This was the latest (and very likely last) in a long line of old-skool BMW ownership for me, which spanned the likes of the E21, E12, E23, E24 (2 of those) and E32. This was my first E30, despite having handled the sale of two units in the past. Well, actually one unit sold twice in 6 months…
One of the best things I’ve ever heard happened with this E30, when my mechanic friend remarked that whoever owned this car before me really took good care of it, “not much to do, all done before already” were his exact words I believe. I was stunned. Indeed, this was proving to be one of the best buys of my long and sordid affinity with old-skool cars.
With the mechanical and electrical bits all sorted, it was time for some much-needed cosmetic work. I learned that while the car had been parked under a porch most its life, its back end was usually stuck out in the open, and as such the rear bumper had degraded to a point where it was breaking off in pieces. The front bumper had fared no better, having been the subject of one too many minor bumps and ‘oops’ moments over the last 10,220 days since it rolled off the factory floor.
Opting for a set of M-Tech II front and rear bumpers instead of the original type, I realised a little too late (actually I realised this as they were being fitted) that the fitment of these new bumpers would lead me down a path to a few other things that would need to be done; in a nutshell, the (non-original) wheels looked horrendously out of place with the new bumpers, and the new bumpers required a set of side-skirts to match, and the car needed to be painted immediately because the new bumpers were WHITE. So much for doing things slowly…
Also, there was no way to revert back to the original 14-inch wheels (yes, fourteen inch wheels!) with the new bumpers and skirts, so I had to upgrade to 16’s. I already knew that if I was going to go with 16-inch wheels, I would need a set of BBS‘basket weave’ alloys (above). And I was amazed just how hard those were to find for this car. I finally sourced and procured a set in Sg.Dua, near Ulu Yam! But the hunt was worth it…
The new wheels came with tyres that were well past their prime, and as such a new set of 16-inch rubber in all four-corners was required too. So this is what I mean about one thing leading to another and there’s no turning back once you set down a particular path. Had I gone for the original ‘look’, I’d be a few grand richer today. But I’m not complaining, I love the way the car looks now. I had a vision in my mind (spiced by countless Google images of E30 across the globe) of how I wanted the car to eventually look, and I’d managed to achieve exactly that. In less than 2 months.
In terms of total expenditure, I did the math recently, and apart from the cost of buying the car, I was quite pleased to learn that I’ve still managed to spend less than RM5,000 (my usual expenditure cap) to bring the car up to this level, the level and look that I was targeting. Here’s the most recent video of how she looks now….
Now it’s time to enjoy the car, to drive it. There are no monthly instalments to worry about, the car is insured and road taxed, and everything I spend from today onward will only make the car better. It’s been a good run, but I think I’ll be stopping here in terms of my car buying habits. I’ve still got the old Mercedes-Benz W126 for long haul trips, and now I have this BMW E30 for daily-drives and Sunday drives with the boys. I reckon I’m done… for now. Really. – Chris Wee.
Hyundai has revealed that the NEXO has cleaned more than 900kg (918.75kg) of air on London roads during Clean Driving™ Month. That is the same amount of air that 1 adult breathes in 60 days or 1,455 adults breathe in one hour. The brand-new next generation hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle took to the streets of London across 31 days culminating in a weekend where the public had the opportunity to get behind the wheel.
With a total of 350 miles driven overall, the car – which actually cleans the air as it drives – was driven along London’s dirtiest driving route throughout the month. The route was mapped in partnership with University College London who reviewed open source data from a King’s College London pollution study to look at Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels and Particulate Matter (PM) levels with particularly congested roads including Marylebone Road and Park Lane.
The NEXO, which is available next year and emits nothing but water, has an advanced air purification system which filters 99.9% of very fine dust (PM2.5) which is then retained in the NEXO and not expelled back into the air.
NEXO’s air filtration system uses three stages of filtering. Firstly, outside air passes through an advanced air filter where 97% of ultrafine particulates alongside harmful gases such as Sulphur dioxide and Nitrous dioxide are filtered and retained. Remaining particulates are then absorbed on the surface of the humidifier in stage two and finally the air reaches the Gas Diffusion Layer within the fuel cell stack. This layer is made of carbon fibre paper with a microspore structure allowing for further filtration – the resulting air released has over 99.9% of ultra-fine particles and toxic gases filtered out.
Sylvie Childs, Hyundai’s Senior Product Manager for NEXO (above) says: “We are all concerned about air quality and what affects it. At Hyundai, we are committed to improving the efficiency and environmental performance of all our vehicles and have been investing billions in bringing a full range of low and zero emission vehicles to the marketplace. We believe that the availability of alternatives, like the NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle, will bring the UK closer to its zero emissions future.”
The NEXO is Hyundai’s technological flagship, a stylish SUV packed full of the latest innovation in Advanced Drivers Assistance Systems and a driving range of up to 414 miles (WLTP). The hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle emits nothing but water and can be refuelled in less than 5 minutes – similar to the time it takes to refuel a conventional diesel or petrol car.
As well as being a zero emissions vehicle, NEXO also features an adjustable regenerative braking system that recuperates additional energy when possible and significantly reduces other pollutants like brake dust. From 2019, the new NEXO will be available to consumers and via selected lease companies.
To celebrate 70 years of adventure, Land Rover is bringing the Above and Beyond Tour to Malaysia. This year’s tour was recently held in Penang, and now it comes to Kuala Lumpur this weekend, 17th & 18th November 2018, providing participants with the unique opportunity to experience first-hand the signature capability and composure that is at the heart of the Land Rover’s DNA.
This year’s Above and Beyond Tour will see participants take on a series of custom-made obstacles that have been designed to simulate the challenging terrain of the great outdoors. Under the expert guidance of Land Rover Experience instructors, participants will be able to drive either the Range Rover Velar or the Discovery Sport through a wading pool, side slope and a bumpy course section. Spanning 15-metre-long and 600mm deep, the wading pool replicates the difficulty of navigating a flooded road or forging across a shallow river.
Nonetheless, the Range Rover Velar and Discovery Sport’s class-leading wading depth will enable participants to overcome this challenge with ease before taking on the bumpy course. Designed to simulate a deeply rutted or rock strewn ground, the bumpy course will allow participants to appreciate first-hand Land Rover’s Terrain Response® system and remarkably rigid chassis, which enables the vehicle to conquer the most difficult of terrain. The off-road driving experience climaxes on a sideway tilt on the side slope course. At almost a 45° angle, participants will be treated to an unforgettably thrilling experience while witnessing the unsurpassed off-road capability of Land Rover vehicles.
In addition to the simulated off-road experience, participants will also have the opportunity to take on three fun challenges that could win them a once-in-a-lifetime driving adventure on the Above and Beyond Tour Grand Finale in New Zealand. The first of these is the Ring Fenced challenge, where participants have three minutes to drive into an enclosed circular space, make a complete 180° turn and exit the course. The second is the Auto Test challenge, which consists of a narrow ‘L’-shaped bend; participants will have three minutes to navigate the course, before having to reverse and return to their initial starting position. The last, entitled “What’s Wrong with My Car”, challenges participants to identify missing parts or non-functioning features on a Land Rover display vehicle. The participant with the best score from both the Penang and Kuala Lumpur events will be the overall winner from Malaysia.
The Above and Beyond Tour is by invitation or registration only. Members of public interested in participating in the Above and Beyond Tour are invited to visit the official event page at www.landrover.com.my/abtfor information on how to register. Successful registrants will be contacted via email. Slots on the Above and Beyond Tour are limited. Interested individuals are encouraged to register as early as possible.
Guidelines for the A&B Tour:
Participants must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license.
Above and Beyond Tour Kuala Lumpur takes place at The International Gallery at ALYA Kuala Lumpur
Date: 17 and 18 November 2018
Time: 9am to 5pm
Address: No. 2A, Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has announced the ‘Renault Test Drive Challenge’ offering participants the chance to win an Apple iPhone XS and other attractive prizes. On top of that, customers who purchase a Renault during the campaign period will walk away with an additional year-end free gift of Raytech Solar and Security tint worth up to RM1,800. The sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia is also extending fantastic promotions on limited units of the Renault Koleos premium SUV and Captur urban crossover.
Through the ‘Renault Test Drive Challenge’, participants who test drive any Renault model at a Renault showroom is automatically in the running to win one of the 85 prizes available. A total of five Apple iPhones XS, 50 petrol gift cards worth RM100 each and 30 exclusive Renault gift packs are up for grabs. The ‘Renault Test Drive Challenge’ runs from 7 November to 31 December 2018 and is open to all residents in Malaysia aged 18 and above with a valid driving license. All participants will receive a special gift upon completion of the test drive while stocks last, however, each participant is only entitled to one contest entry for the challenge.
Winners of the ‘Renault Test Drive Challenge’ will be determined in a draw after the contest ends and results will be announced by 31 January 2019. “As 2018 draws to a close, it’s time to start gearing up for the new year. In the spirit of this outlook, we dare all of you to step out of your comfort zones and away from the familiar to take the ‘Renault Test Drive Challenge’ and be in the running to win yourselves some cool prizes,” said Tiffany Tan, General Manager, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.
More…
Great year-end deals on limited units!
TCEC is also offering incredible deals on limited units of the Renault Koleos and Captur models. Limited units of the Renault Captur pre-facelift for model year 2018 are on offer at RM89,999[1] while the facelifted version for model year 2018 is available at RM98,9991. For additional value and customer peace-of-mind, both models also come with a free five-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) service package, inclusive of parts and labour.
Limited units of the Renault Koleos 2WD for model year 2018 are available at the promotional price of RM169,8401 while the Signature 2WD for model year 2018 is selling at RM184,8881. Under this promotion, the Koleos also comes with a free five-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) service package, inclusive of parts and labour. Customers who book within the campaign period will enjoy an additional year-end free gift of Raytech Solar and Security tint worth up to RM1,800.
The year-end campaign is valid for vehicles registered from 7 November through 31 December 2018, while stocks last. All prices stated are on-the-road, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration only. All Renault core models also come with a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage.
Experience a Renault Captur with GoCar
Building on TCEC’s partnership with car-sharing platform GoCar Malaysia, the ‘Renault Test Drive Challenge’ is also extended to any customer who books and drives a Renault Captur from the GoCar fleet during the campaign period. To further sweeten the deal, the Renault Captur under GoCar is available at a promotional rate of RM109 per day (normal price is RM189 per day) for the duration of the contest. For more information about Renault in Malaysia, please visit www.renault.com.my or www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia.
[1]Limited units are available at tax holiday rates, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia announced its participation in this year’s Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 which will take place from 23 November 2018 until 2 December 2018 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). The show will see the official launch of Ford’s most anticipated vehicle of the year, the Ranger Raptor – the first and only factory-built, high-speed off-road performance truck. Combining the Ranger’s ‘Built Ford Tough’ character with Ford Performance DNA, the Ranger Raptor sets a new benchmark in off-road capability and opens up a new premium pickup segment.
Alongside the Ranger Raptor (below), Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) will also unveil the New Mustang (above) exclusively to visitors, the only unit flown into Malaysia on air freight, and will be showcased specifically for the 10-day show.
The SDAC-Ford stand will focus on delivering an immersive customer experience journey through interactive technology. It will enable visitors to engage with the brand through socially shareable content. Interactive experiences include the Virtual Reality Test Drive which educates visitors on Ford’s safety technologies, while the Augmented Reality Experience transports drivers to the various terrains the Raptor is able to overcome through its Terrain Management System (TMS).
Another highlight will be the Self-Guide Audio Tour, where visitors will be able to tour the stand at their own pace with a fully narrated audio guide headset. This “personal tour guide” will inform visitors on the stand’s design concept, educate visitors on the vehicles on display and promotions and happenings.
Visitors who make a vehicle booking of the New Ranger and New Mustang at the 10-day show will stand a chance to grab cash vouchers in a wind tunnel machine. The first 888 customers who register their new Ford Ranger will each receive an electrical goods voucher worth RM1,0001. Customers who purchase any new Ford Ranger variant will also be in the running to win a Ranger Raptor under the ‘Buy A New Ford Ranger, Win A Ranger Raptor’ Contest1. On top of that, Sime Darby Auto Connexion will be offering new Ranger including New Ranger Raptor customers up to 2 years free maintenance or up to 40,000km for customers who successfully register their vehicle before 31 January 2019, whichever comes first1.
The SDAC-Ford stand (No.1009) is located at Hall 2, Level 1 of the MITEC and is open to the public from 10am to 10pm on weekends, and 11am to 10pm on weekdays from November 23 until December 2. For more information and ticketing info, visit www.klims.com.my.
