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2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Elegance and R-Line 4MOTION

When the second generation of the Volkswagen Tiguan was launched around 6 years ago, there were two body versions – short wheelbase with 2-row seating and long wheelbase with 3-row seating. Initially, it was thought that the 3-row version was for China where extended bodies are preferred but it turned out that the longer Tiguan, known as the Tiguan Allspace, is offered globally as well.

The Tiguan Allspace has become a success story for Volkswagen as around 1.5 million units were sold worldwide, and this version accounts for 55% of all Tiguan production. With SUVs being popular, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) chose the model to add to its locally-assembled range with the completely knocked-down (CKD) kits coming from the global production hub in Mexico.

With the addition of the Allspace version, VPCM decided to stop assembling the 2-row version and now has two offerings – the Tiguan Allspace Elegance and R-Line 4MOTION. Both have been updated for 2022 with cosmetic changes and upgrades within. They are priced at RM174,745.68 and RM219,443.59, respectively, without insurance and with full exemption of sales tax (until June 30, 2022).

The overall form of the Tiguan Allspace remains recognizable but up front is a redesigned grille flanked by slimmer headlamps. The headlamps are LED units and said to have wider light distribution to better illuminate the sides of the road. The headlamps also include an all-weather light system and dynamic cornering function.

Like the front, the rear lights also use LEDs, with dynamic turn indicators typically found on premium models these days. The taillight cluster with a distinctive lighting signature puts on an interesting ‘show’ (Click-clack effect) when braking.

Other changes include redesigned bumpers and the signature LED illuminated light strip. Sharp-eyed observers will also notice that the brand logo is new, the result of what was said to be one of the world’s largest rebranding campaigns carried out in 2019 and 2020. The logo is reduced to its essential elements and has a new design that is flat and two-dimensional.

Plush and functional space for 7
Inside the new Tiguan Allspace is a plush and functional interior for 7 persons. Seats are all wrapped in Vienna leather with the addition of active climate 12-way adjustable seats at the front. The 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit has been improved and offers customizable displays on a TFT colour panel with resolution comparable to a premium smartphone.

The driver can operate and manage numerous functions from the multifunction sports steering wheel which has haptic-touch controls (needs a bit of getting used to). However, for more intuitive operation, there are upgrade knobs and buttons on the dashboard to adjust the air-conditioning systems. The shifter panel display has also been redesigned and gear positions are shown on the interface with illumination to highlight which gear is engaged.

Around the cabin, 30-colour ambient lighting is provided with light strips extending across the doors, creating a contemporary and personalised atmosphere to suit any driving modes, occasions, or moods. Newly added is the Easy Open and Easy Close feature that enables handsfree opening and delayed closing of the tailgate. The cargo volume can be expanded to 1,775 litres by folding down the rear backrests.

The infotainment system has also been upgraded to a new generation 9.2-inch Discover Pro unit. It now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and includes a navigation system as well as accepts voice commands. For the Tiguan Allspace R-Line, there is an additional Off-road display to provide information when this driving mode is selected. Also exclusively for the R-Line 4MOTION is the premium Harman Kardon 480W audio system with 10 speakers.

2-litre and 1.4-litre powertrains maintained
Technically, the powertrains are unchanged with the Elegance version having a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine and 6-speed DSG (150 ps/250 Nm) and only front-wheel drive, while the R-Line 4MOTION uses the 2-litre TSI turbocharged engine and 7-speed DSG (220 ps/350 Nm). Power is transferred to all four wheels via the all-wheel drive system.

*1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine for Tiguan Allspace Elegance*

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace — *2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine for Tiguan Allspace R-Line 4MOTION.*

The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system distributes power between front and rear axles on an infinitely variable basis. continuously adjusted to actual driving conditions. Mostly, it would be towards the front wheels but in slippery conditions, there will also be distribution towards the rear wheels for stability and grip.

The Tiguan comes with Dynamic Chassis Control for more personalised settings for driving behaviour, and there are 4 additional modes as part of the 4MOTION system – On-road, Off-road, Off-road Expert, and Snow. It is also fitted with progressive steering for sharper and more precise maneuvering.

Volkswagen pays a lot of attention to safety and would be right up there with other global brands. But unusually, the Tiguan doesn’t seem to have an integrated active system package that usually includes autonomous emergency braking. It does, however, come with a Lane Assist system which helps to keep the SUV within its lane. If it starts to move out of the lane, a gentle steering force will guide it back.

Nevertheless, all the other usual active safety systems like ABS, and stability control which works with the advanced Electronic Differential Lock (XDS). 6 airbags are also installed in the front and sides of the cabin and ISOFIX childseat points are provided in the front passenger’s seat as well as the rear seats.

The new Tiguans are now in authorized Volkswagen showrooms which have specific test-drive events this weekend. For those who do buy one, there’s a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years as well as complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years.

“SUVs are increasingly popular among Malaysians, and we see an opportunity for us to fill the gap in providing premium SUVs for the discerning. What we have in the Tiguan Allspace is an all-rounder that has more to give – more space, more performance, more value,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.

To know more about the new Tiguan Allspace or to locate a showroom, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Review: 5 Reasons You Should Get The VW Tiguan Allspace R-Line

Aston Martin V12 Vantage ‘Final Edition’

15 years ago, Aston Martin revealed a new car built around the premise of fitting the most compact and driver-focussed model with the largest and most potent series production engine. It was the V12 Vantage RS Concept that would go into production and through successive version that have formed an iconic bloodline.

This lineage is now nearing its end and it ‘goes out on the highest of highs’, as Aston Martin’s CEO, Tobias Moers, says with the fastest, fiercest and most dynamically accomplished version of them all. While other manufacturers present ‘First Editions’ of their new models, Aston Martin is presenting the ‘Final Edition’ of the V12 Vantage. There will never be a car like it again.

Production of the V12 Vantage is strictly limited to 333 units, all of which have already been taken right after the new V12 Vantage was confirmed in December last year. As with many such limited editions, the number who want it exceeds the supply so there is a register of interest for hopefuls who wait for someone to change their mind. The first customers will get their cars before June this year.

The engine is the heart of every Aston Martin but never has it been more so than in this car which is the fastest and most powerful Vantage ever built. The quad-cam 60-degree 5.2-litre V12 develops 700 ps at 6,500 rpm and 753 Nm, fully available between 1,800 rpm and 6,000 rpm. That can send the V12 Vantage from standstill to almost 100 km/h in around 3.4 seconds, and on to a top speed claimed to be 320 km/h.

While the muscular engine provides the strong propulsion, extensive weight-saving measures have also brought the overall weight down so that it has a power-to-weight ratio of 390 ps per ton, or more than 20% compared to the V8-powered Vantage.

The power flows through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and mechanical Limited-Slip Differential mounted at the rear of the car. Unique transmission calibration enhances shift speeds and driver interaction, with learnings taken from the V12 Speedster and Vantage F1 Edition. This specially calibrated software delivers a level of shift refinement and usability which is beyond that seen on dual clutch gearboxes.

The weight-saving measures include a carbonfibre front bumper, clamshell bonnet, front fenders and side sills, composite rear bumper and decklid, and a special centre-mounted twin-exit exhaust system. Tuned to ensure the V12 Vantage has a voice to match its looks and performance, this new exhaust system is made from lightweight 1 mm stainless-steel, saving some 7.2 kgs compared with the system fitted to the Vantage. Even the battery is a specially sourced lightweight unit.

To complement the engine performance and character is the dynamic driving experience, improved in this last V12 Vantage. It comes with a new adaptive damping suspension system including new anti-roll bars, bushes, and spring and damper assemblies. Suspension spring rates have been increased by 50% at the front and 40% at the rear, combined with top mount stiffness increasing by 13% and new anti-roll bars are 5% stiffer at the front and 41% softer at the rear. To maintain comfort for the driver, a secondary tender spring has been introduced to the rear.

Body stiffness has also been increased with additional front and rear sheer panels, a rear suspension tower strut brace and fuel tank bracing, increasing body stiffness by 8% and lateral stiffness by 6.7%, giving the optimum platform stiffness for superior driving dynamics.

For stopping power, Aston Martin has installed its Carbon Ceramic Braking system as standard, saving 23 kgs in weight. This comes with 410 mm x 38 mm discs with 6-piston calipers at the front, and 360 mm x 32 mm discs paired with 4-piston calipers at the rear. The CCB discs maintain consistent braking performance at high temperatures and have been engineered to resist brake fade at very high temperatures.

Moving to the interior, the V12 Vantage retains the instantly recognisable layout of the current Vantage, whilst signifying its halo positioning with a Sports Plus Seat trimmed in full semi-aniline leather featuring ‘Wings’ quilt and perforation pattern as standard.

There is also a new carbonfibre performance seat with exposed twill carbonfibre shell and manual 6-way adjustment available as an option, offering a supportive seat design for those enhanced driving dynamics and a distinct design character. This is an Aston Martin patented design inspired by motorsport, optimised to save 7.3 kgs without compromising comfort.

Woven leather or Alcantara seat inserts, trim inlays and the anodised rotary dials found in the centre console can coloured in a way to match or contrast with the exterior body or graphic colour, providing a more subtle injection of colour inside the cabin. With so many design combinations available, it would not be a surprise to see no two cars the same.

Aston Martin provides F1 Safety and Medical Cars again for 12 races in 2022

A6 Avant e-tron concept previews Audi’s future electric stationwagon

Like many other carmakers, Audi too has firm plans on electrifying its range and within this decade, it will have a range of models running only on electric power. The models will come under the ‘e-tron’ umbrella which is the name Audi uses for its battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Some are already in the market, the first having been launched in 2018, and more are on the way.

Not just a design exercise
The A6 Avant e-tron concept shows what a future BEV stationwagon will be like and Audi says it is not just a simple design exercise. Its lines and proportions preview future Audi production models which Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform developed jointly with Porsche. The lines are a consistent development in Audi’s contemporary formal language, and significant elements like the closed Singleframe and the continuous strip of lights in the rear link it to the other e-tron Audis.

The concept car appears monolithic, as if from a single mould – particularly when viewed from the side. The gently backward sloping roof arch with the slanted D-pillar is a typical feature of Avant window design; the D-pillar rises from the stable base of the vehicle’s back end in an especially streamlined manner. The eye-catching quattro wheel arches effectively accentuate the width of the body and are simultaneously integrated organically into the side surfaces.

The wheel arches are connected by the specially sculpted battery area above the rocker panel, which is highlighted with a black inlay – a design element that is now a hallmark of the Audi’s fleet of BEVs. Also typical of e-tron models are the sleek, camera-based virtual exterior mirrors at the base of the A-pillar.

Advanced lighting units
The lighting units at the front and rear are technologically advanced. Digital Matrix LED and digital OLED technology make it possible to achieve maximum brightness and a wide range of features even with a minimal surface area while, at the same time, offering customizable light signatures.

Three small, high-resolution LED projectors are built into each side of the body, transforming the ground beneath them into a stage when the doors are opened – small, extended, dynamic lighting effects greet the occupants with messages in their own language. The projectors also display warning symbols on the ground to warn a bike rider that the car door is about to open, for example.

Another four high-resolution LED projectors – inconspicuously integrated into the corners of the vehicle – generate turn signal projections. The design of these projections can be modified to address different markets and approval regions as required.

The Digital Matrix LED front headlights deliver almost cinematic quality. If, for example, the car is parked in front of a wall during a break to recharge the battery, the driver and passengers can pass the time playing a video game projected onto it. Instead of on a small screen in the cockpit, they’ll see their current game’s virtual landscapes projected onto the wall in XXL format – and all this via the Digital Matrix LED headlights.

The rear end of the concept car features a new generation of digital OLED elements that, as a continuous strip of lights, act as a display for various digital light signatures and even dynamic lighting displays. The 3-dimensional architecture of the digital OLED elements – adapted to the shape of the body – makes it possible to perfectly integrate the night design into the overall look. This makes it possible to experience the dynamic light show not only in two dimensions – as was previously the case – but with an impressive, 3D spatial effect.

Cd of 0.22
Aerodynamics have always played a key role in Audi’s designs. The cd value of the 100 (C3) sedan at 0.30 was the lowest in its day back in the early 1980s. Now the electrically-powered Avant e-tron concept has a value of 0.22, said to be unprecedented in the electrified C-segment. This means greatly lowered aerodynamic drag, which initially translates into lower energy consumption to help extend range.

As this is a concept car, performance numbers quoted can be taken as targets: 700 kms of range with an 800V system, with 2 electric motors are capable of delivering 350 kW (469 ps) of total output and 800 Nm of torque to go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.

High degree of variability inside
The Avant concept has the high degree of variability that has been a hallmark of this line of models since 1977. ‘Avant’ is a term derived from avant-garde and a 1995 Audi ad slogan. Measuring almost 5 metres in length and almost 2 metres in width, the A6 Avant e-tron is certainly a large and long car. It will not only provide comfortable accommodation but also take lots of cargo, just like the other Avant models past and present.

Audi grandsphere concept shows Audi’s future electric flagship and technology

Brembo develops new brake systems for new 2022 F1 cars (w/VIDEO)

This weekend sees the start of the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship in Bahrain, and it will be a bit different from previous seasons. The cars will be new, not just upgraded from the previous year, to meet the biggest technical changes in F1 regulations in some four decades. The changes made include a switch from 13-inch wheels to 18-inch wheels, which has also meant new custom brake systems.

As before, Brembo is the main supplier of the brake systems, and the engineers are starting off the season on a circuit known to be one of the most demanding for brakes. On a difficulty index scale of 1 to 5, it is a 4 – exactly the same as legendary tracks like Monza and Spa-Francorchamps, albeit with very different characteristics than these.

The Bahrain GP will be a test bench for the new systems, partly because of an asphalt that is usually extremely abrasive, with the sand clearing off lap after lap and where the wind often plays a determining role. Furthermore, the race will start after sunset, so temperatures will change as well However, this year the presence of lenticular wheel covers, also brand new, will keep spectators from enjoying the view of the incandescent carbonfibre discs during braking at the end of the straights.

Disc size and hole size change
The increase in wheel diameter from 13 inches to 18 inches provides more space in the wheel corner for the carbonfibre disc. This has allowed their diameter to increase from 278 mm to 328 mm for the front and from 266 mm to 280 mm for the rear.

The thickness of the discs is now identical for both axles, 32 mm, compared to last year when the rear discs did not exceed 28 mm. However, the architecture of the discs has also changed because the new technical regulations impose a minimum diameter of 3 mm (0.12 in.) for the ventilation holes whereas, in the past, Brembo pushed the envelope as far as 2.5 mm.

Brembo has researched the shape of the ventilation chamber in brakes for over a quarter of a century. The use of thermo fluid dynamic calculations allowed the best choice between traditional fins and pillar ventilation for each disc type. The latter, ideal when there is not a constant airflow within the disc, are arranged on three circumferences along the braking band with geometry designed to ensure the best performance for fluid dynamics. In these conditions, the pillars increase resistance to thermal cracking by up to 30%, ensuring longer life for the discs which can reach 1,200°C in the racing cars.

4 hard braking sections
On each lap of the Bahrain track, the drivers use the brakes 8 times for a total of 16.5 seconds, although a large part of this time is spent on the 4 hardest braking sections which require the braking system to work for just under 2.9 seconds on average. On the other hand, on 3 turns, the braking time is less than 1.5 seconds and the braking distance is 90 metres.

The twisty nature of the circuit is best represented by the fact that there is only one point where speeds reach well above 300 km/h. Nevertheless, there are 6 braking sections with maximum deceleration of almost 4g, with a peak of 4.6g on the first turn.

131 metres to decelerate 248 km/h
Of the 8 braking sections at the Bahrain GP, 3 are classified as very demanding on the brakes, 4 are of medium difficulty, and the remaining one is light. The most difficult time for the brake system is at the first turn because the cars are coming off a 1.1 km straight. The drivers will hit the brakes at 328 km/h and the speed must drop to 80 km/h in just 131 metre (429.8 feet). To achieve this, the drivers brake for 2.95 seconds and experience a 4.6g deceleration.

A tip for videogames
Tackling Turn 1 on the Bahrain International Circuit in the Formula 1 videogame only takes a few things: you have to start braking with the wheels straight at the end of the section where you can use the DRS, using the 100-metre sign as your point of reference. You should reduce the pressure on the pedal progressively and then move to the right, but without touching the curb in order to avoid being unbalanced, which would make you lose power.

February new vehicle sales uncharacteristic with higher Total Industry Volume than January

*Source: Monthly reports of Malaysian Automotive Association.*

Historically, February is a ‘low’ month as it has the least working days of the year and often, there are also major festive periods during the month, further reducing the number of selling days. However, February in 2022 bucks the trend and saw an 8% increase over January sales to close at 43,722 units. Compared to 2021, the Total Industry Volume (TIV) was quite close, with a difference of 274 units.

The surge in sales (or more correctly deliveries) was due to the big backlog of orders being fulfilled as much as possible. The severe floods in December had caused shortages in the supply chain as some parts suppliers had to suspend operations due to their factories being flooded. This resulted in the TIV for January being lower than it should have been and as supplies resumed, the plants quickly rushed to complete vehicles, and send them to dealers.

The resumption of regular production was reflected in the high output of vehicles from plant in February – 51,291 units, which was 13% more than for the same month in 2021. 92% of the output was passenger vehicles. There are still constraints to production due to the global shortage of microchips and the backlog continues as it is beyond control of assemblers and suppliers.

The upward trend is expected to continue through March which has more working days. The companies still have many outstanding orders to fulfill, while new models are being launched every month. March is also the final month of the financial year for some companies, so they will be pushing hard to finish off with their best possible numbers.

As for cumulative TIV, this year looks like it will be a better year if the performance – in spite of shortages – is any indicator. Within just the first two months, the TIV for sales is 10% higher than the same period in 2021, while the TIV for production is 11% higher. Sales of commercial vehicles (including pick-up trucks) is 33% higher, suggesting that companies are confident enough to expand or update their fleets in anticipation of improving business.

Perodua to surge forward in 2022 with RM1.326 billion investment

2023 Lotus Emira First Edition V6 and 4-cylinder AMG M139 versions

Lotus will enter the electric era on March 29, 2022 when its Type 132 debuts. There will be no more combustion-engined sportscars from the company and the last one is the Emira which has been seeing increased interest following overwhelmingly positive global coverage of prototype ‘first drives’.

First Editions with V6 or 4-cylinder engines
The company has confirmed full details on the price and spec of the Emira First Edition which will be fully loaded with ‘desirable’ technology, infotainment and comfort features, plus unique badging. There will be a V6 version as well as an entry-level 4-cylinder version.

The 4-cylinder Emira is powered by AMG’s M139 direct injection engine, manufactured specifically for the car with hardware changes to suit mid-mounted placement and new software to give it a true Lotus character.

World’s most powerful 4-cylinder engine
First introduced in 2019, the M139 is still the world’s most powerful 4-cylinder engine homologated for road use (up to 208 bhp/litre) and is used in the Mercedes-AMG A45, along with the CLA45 and GLA45. Its twin-scroll turbocharger with roller bearings is optimized for fast spool-up and minimum lag, while the exhaust system has been designed by Lotus exclusively for the Emira.

*The Mercedes-AMG M139 4-cylinder engine supplied to Lotus for the Emira.*

The engine is coupled to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with paddle-shifter – a first for Lotus. “It’s a bespoke rear-wheel drive variant of the transmission developed by Lotus in collaboration with AMG. On top of that, the gearshift strategy has been defined by the Lotus team as part of the car’s performance attributes. It is unique to the Emira and optimized for the best blend of outstanding driving engagement and performance, fuel consumption and emissions,” revealed Gavan Kershaw, Director, Vehicle Attributes at Lotus.

The 360 bhp engine comes with a unique engine bay cover and C-pillar badging. As with the Emira V6 First Edition, this version offers a high level of standard equipment and is available with a variety of ‘no-cost’ optional finishes and materials to enable customers to personalize the car to their own style.

The car rides on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels, diamond-cut to create a premium 2-tone finish. Two-piece brake discs – with branded calipers in either red, black, yellow or silver – are part of the First Edition spec, plus a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System so the driver doesn’t have to make physical checks.

Additional features
Exterior details include LED lights all round, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors. The Lower Black Pack is fitted as standard, which means the front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser are all in finished in gloss black.

The Emira First Edition with the 4-cylinder engine costs £59,995 (about RM330,000), while the First Edition with the V6 costs £71,995 (about RM396,000). Deliveries of the V6 start towards the end of this year but the entry-level 4-cylinder version will only be available in 2023.

Lotus to offer competition-spec GT4 version of Emira

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Latest News

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February new vehicle sales uncharacteristic with higher Total Industry Volume than January

2023 Lotus Emira First Edition V6 and 4-cylinder AMG M139 versions

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