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8th generation Volkswagen Golf GTI launched – and it’s assembled in Malaysia

As far back as July last year, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) had already confirmed that the new Golf 8 would be coming to Malaysia. That was good news but the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic and then the global microchip shortages must have delayed the plans although what had not been mentioned also was that the new 8^th generation model would be assembled in Malaysia. That too would have added a bit more time as all previous generations came from Germany completely built-up (CBU) and ready for delivery.

And it’s not just the Golf model being assembled here again but it is the GTI – the original hot hatch – which is something special because there are only two other places in the world where it is made: Germany and China. Malaysia’s market size being tiny compared to China makes it a significant development although having started assembly of MQB platform models (the first being the Tiguan) has made this easier.

The last time the Golf was assembled in Malaysia was in the mid-1970s when the Mark 1 was introduced as the successor to the Beetle. However, due to changes of distributor and also Volkswagen’s strategy for the region, successive models were not assembled and while Auto Dunia (the distributor from 1984 through to the end of the 1990s) did sell some Golfs, most were imported by independent dealers who focussed on the GTI version that was the most popular.

It was only when Volkswagen Malaysia was established in the mid-2000s that a serious effort was made to market Volkswagens in the country. Of the different models imported, the GTI was the bestseller, accounting for 50% of sales at one stage. Since then, every generation of the GTI has occupied a strong position in the range sold in Malaysia and now, with the 8^th generation, local assembly means it can sell in bigger numbers as the incentives that the government offers help offset the production costs to bring the price down to RM211,689 (without insurance and sales tax).

*Coming soon: the new Golf R-Line with a 1.4-litre TSI engine, to be priced between RM155,000 and RM165,000.*

*With 320 ps/400 Nm, this is the most powerful Golf R to be produced. Imported CBU, it is priced at RM356,412 and the limited number of units available are almost sold out.*

The GTI isn’t the only version that is being assembled locally as there is also the lower-priced Golf R-Line which will be priced within the range of RM155,000 to RM165,000, but will only go on sale a bit later (although you can book one now). The price is certainly lower than the last listed price for the CBU Golf R-Line of the 7^th generation (well, 7.5 to be more correct).

This is not to be mistaken for the very powerful Golf R which is also available in limited numbers as a CBU import, priced from RM356,412 (without insurance). That’s a lot more money than the GTI but according to the VPCM people, they are almost running out of stocks of the Golf R.

With a model as iconic and legendary as the Golf, especially the GTI, the designers have to be very careful how they shape it. While having to modernise in keeping with the latest trends, there is also a need to retain the heritage so the Mark 8 has evolutionary change from its predecessor and incorporates the signature elements like the honeycomb front grille and red pinstripe trim. But because it has the same basic form as the other versions, it is a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’.

The standard LED headlights are positioned low down and dominate the striking front end in conjunction with the radiator grille. A narrow edge below the bonnet, red in colour, reaches across the entire front. This creates the new face which is also in line with the current new models of the brand.

18-inch Richmond alloy wheels (with 225/40 tyres) with red brake calipers are at each corner while at the rear end, LED tail light units provide a distinct visual signature. There is, of course, the mandatory spoiler on the edge of the roof and under the bumper, individual tailpipes on either side.

Like an increasing number of new models today, the brand or model name is larger on the rear panel and in this case, the ‘GTI’ letters below the VW logo can be spotted from some distance (for the R-Line, ‘GOLF’ is used).

*The original hot hatch – the first Golf GTI launched in 1975.*

Under the bonnet is a familiar power unit, the EA888, which is a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct-injection. With the latest version of the engine, output has improved to 245 ps/370 Nm (15 ps/20 Nm more than the previous GTI 7.5). That’s more than double the power and torque of the original 1.6-litre engine in the Mark 1 which was 110 ps/137 Nm. The proven 7-speed wet-clutch DSG continues to be used to deliver power to the front wheels.

Further along the driveline, there’s an XDS+ Electronic Differential Lock that was initially developed for the Golf GTI (an earlier generation) which enhances handling to be more precise and more neutral. It is an extension of the electronic differential lock (EDS) integrated in the ESP system. It uses the ESP hydraulic system to apply braking forces to the relevant wheel to achieve optimum traction. Thus, the XDS acts like a limited-slip differential to compensate for the understeer typical of FWD cars during fast cornering.

The Golf GTI also comes with a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) with Dynamic Chassis Control that has up to 15 settings. The driver can choose pre-set modes for economy or sporty driving, or even customise specific aspects such as the steering, drivetrain and even engine sound. Using a new software application, the VDM intelligently manages the electromechanical running gear systems to provide the driver with an even higher level of control than before.

While the suspension layout is similar to the previous generation’s, there has been some reconfiguration of the front struts and the front axle spring rate is said to be 5% higher than before. The use of a new aluminium subframe also takes away a bit over 3 kgs while maximising rigidity. For the multi-link rear axle, the engineers designed a new wheel mount and increased the spring rate by 15% while also upgrading the damping characteristics.

‘Digital’ and ‘connected’ are the two words that are dominant in the description of the new Golf. The clearest demonstration of this is the new Digital Cockpit, which is part of what Volkswagen calls the Driver’s Workspace. Though looking traditional at a glance, the dashboard is actually revolutionary and presents information in a clearer, neater way. Virtually all of the displays and controls are digital with two display screens – a 10.25-inch TFT panel for the meters and a 10-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Because the instrument panel is digital and graphic, the display can be personalised with different colour themes and views, including a GTI-specific skin.

The 10-inch panel towards the middle of the dashboard displays 3D navigation and has connectivity options that include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to put smartphone apps on the screen and use them. Intuitive operation in the Golf GTI can also be supported by new, natural voice control on request. The system is simply activated by saying ‘Hello Volkswagen’ or pressing the voice button on the steering wheel. The Golf reacts to intuitive voice commands such as ‘Play some music’ or ‘I’m too cold’, activating or adjusting systems as necessary.

The sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel also deserves highlighting with its multifunction haptic controls. This is new technology so for some (maybe computer gamers will be familiar with it), it may need getting used to. Your fingers don’t need to be ultra sensitive as the feedback is strong enough that you will eventually get used to it.

Ambient lighting around the cabin is the in-thing these days as it can create a more pleasant ambience for greater motoring pleasure. Volkswagen’s interior designers have installed accents of indirect lighting in various places and there are 30 colour choices to personalise from, or you can just pick one of the 5 preset themes (Infinity, Eternity, Desire, Euphoria, Vitality).

The sports front seats are upholstered in Vienna leather and for the feet, there are brushed stainless steel pedals. 3-zone climate control provides more personalised comfort to each front occupant as well as the rear occupants, while 4 USB ports (two of which are USB-C type) allow almost everyone to be able to recharge their devices while on the move.

Given the high performance of the Golf GTI, it would be expected that the levels of occupant protection would also be very high. Apart from the very rigid structure, the occupants are also protected by 6 airbags on the front and sides of the cabin. Active safety systems help the driver to maintain control or stabilise the car and if there is a major collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System activates to prevent the car from ‘bouncing’ about and crashing again.

Like other locally-assembled Volkswagen models, the new Golf GTI comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years, plus complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years.

To locate a showroom in Malaysia to view and test-drive the new Golf GTI, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

New VW Golf 8 production takes less time than previous generations

Fuel Price Updates For February 17 – February 23, 2022

New variants for locally-assembled BMW X3 and X4

BMW Malaysia, a strong supporter of local assembly of its products, has added new variants for the BMW X3 as well as the new X4 xDrive30i M Sport. The latest X3 variants are the sDrive20i and xDrive30i, which have combustion engines, and the xDrive30e, which has a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Retail prices of the new variants are as follow:
X3 sDrive20i M Sport – RM315,800
X3 xDrive30i M Sport – RM358,800
X3 xDrive30e M Sport – RM356,800
X4 xDrive30i M Sport – RM398,800
The prices exclude insurance but include Sales and Service Tax (which is exempted until June 30, 2022) as well as BMW Service and Repair Inclusive. The vehicles are also covered by a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme and owners have access to the BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.

Having undergone visual updates, the new SAVs (Sport Activity Vehicles, as BMW prefers to call its SUVs) present a sporty appearance with larger kidney grilles linked by a central bridge. There’s also a new front apron design with vertical air intakes, new bumper profile, and full LED headlights that are 10 mm slimmer.

Full LED lighting is also provided at the rear which has new and larger tailpipes with free-form tips. For the alloy wheels, the size is up to 20 inches for the new range.

The new X4 retains the coupe-like roofline and now has vertically positioned reflectors as well as a rear bumper with new inserts.

The M Sport Package on both models comes with noticeably upgraded equipment levels such as larger air intakes and M-specific front aprons, along with new colour offerings, rims, and interior trim finishers.

The colour choices for the X3 are Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Phytonic Blue or Carbon Black for the exterior, and Leather Vernasca Black with Blue Stitching on the inside. However, customers are also offer a Leather Vernasca Mokka interior with the Alpine White and Carbon Black exterior finish.

As for the X4, the choices for the bodywork are Alpine White, Piemont Red, Phytonic Blue and Carbon Black, and Leather Vernasca Black with Contrast Stitching within. There is also the option of Leather Vernasca Tacora Red with the Alpine White and Carbon Black exterior.

Under the bonnet is a 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine tuned to deliver 184 ps/300 Nm for the X3 sDrive20i and 252 ps/350 Nm for the X3/X4 xDrive30i. The sDrive20i is fitted with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission while the xDrive30i uses an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

As a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the X3 xDrive30e (above) has both a 4-cylinder combustion engine and electric motor, the latter powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a gross capacity of 12 kWh. It can run with both engine and/or motor and on just the motor alone, the range is claimed to be up to 50 kms.

All-wheel drive is standard for the X3 xDrive30i and X3 xDrive30e, while the X3 sDrive20i has rear-wheel drive. The M Sport suspension for the X3 has specific sprint and damper tuning for more dynamic handling, while the X4 xDrive30i is equipped with adaptive suspension.

The interiors of both models now have a larger 10.25-inch Control Display with touchscreen functionality, zinc-plated elements in the air vents, and new control elements beneath the display in the centre console. The new models are also fitted with sports seats that have pronounced side bolsters for better support, along with sophisticated leather upholstery for added premium appeal.

*For the X3 xDrive30e, the electrified credentials of the model are subtly expressed with details in BMW i Blue.*

The features of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant have been significantly expanded, now allowing the user to open windows and adjust the air-conditioning system using voice commands. BMW Maps, a cloud-based navigation system, is also new, combining increased precision with simplified destination entry points and even more comprehensive traffic updates.

“The BMW X portfolio has long been revered across the globe, and especially so in Malaysia for producing some of the most coveted premium Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV). Last year, the BMW X portfolio recorded over 3,200 deliveries in Malaysia – contributing to just over 38% of total deliveries from the BMW brand. This success of the BMW X portfolio signals a strong market within the country, in turn affirming our confidence in expanding and revolutionising the automotive industry here with more local assembly facilities and infrastructure,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

“As we move into a year full of electrification possibilities, BMW Group Malaysia is also thrilled to electrify our locally-assembled BMW X3 for the very first time, while offering different powertrain options for those who prefer different driving experiences. This is reflective of our promise to offer the ‘Power of Choice’ through our extensive range of petrol, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric vehicles in Malaysia,” he added.

Petron makes sure its toilets are always clean and operational – and that is certainly important!

Petrol stations are ‘life-savers’ on outstation trips, not just for their convenience stores where you can buy food and drink (and even get money from the ATM) but also for their toilets. With some 3,700 stations nationwide, there’s always one somewhere along the way when you have an ‘emergency’. While the smaller ones have basic toilets (usually at the back of the building), the bigger and more modern ones have spacious facilities.

However, when it comes to cleanliness, standards vary greatly and there are places where you go on and have to hold your breath or the floor is flooded. For Petron, customers should not have such unpleasant experiences and as far back as 2018, the petroleum company initiated a ‘Tandas Kita Bersih’ programme with the tagline ‘Jom Singgah Petron’.

Since then, the ‘Tandas Kita Bersih’ programme has evolved from being a campaign to becoming a full-fledged system that sets the standards and guidelines for all Petron stations. The programme was developed in consultation with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

Clean, dry and operational toilets
The Clean Toilet campaign was initiated under its Fuel Happy program to ensure all its service stations are clean, dry, and operational, and has proven to be successful. This is evident as, over the years, Petron service stations have won awards for from KPKT for their clean toilets under KPKT. In particular, top placings in the National Best Toilet Award under the Service Station category have been won by Petron stations in Batu Burok, Terengganu; Tongkang Pecah, Johor; and Senawang 2, Negeri Sembilan.

Additionally, 113 Petron service stations in 8 states – Johor, Penang, Pahang, Terengganu, Perak, Kedah, Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan – have received a 5-star rating from local state councils.

Supporting a UN Sustainable Development Goal
The ’Tandas Kita Bersih’ programme also supports Petron’s sustainability aspiration of promoting a culture of good sanitisation at all its service stations. This is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which ensures access to clean water and good sanitisation for all.

“These ratings acknowledge our commitment to customer service excellence. Our customers’ needs and expectations are important to us, and we want them to have a positive experience each time they visit a Petron service station. Our goal is to make our stations the preferred pit-stop for everyone,” said Choong Kum Choy, Petron Head of Retail & Commercial Business.

“We applaud our dealers for stepping up to the challenge to achieve and maintain the highest standards of service for our customers. Having clean toilets shows that we care about every aspect of our customers’ experience at our stations,” added Mr. Choong.

BMW M2 CS Racing Is Official Safety Car of 2022 MotoGP

Since 1999, BMW M has been a partner of MotoGP and that commitment continues in 2022 with a new Official Car. It is a first in the BMW M safety car fleet as the M2 CS Racing is the first thoroughbred racing car to be used as the lead car in the series. It heads the fleet of powerful BMW M safety cars in the 2022 season which begins on March 6 with the Grand Prix of Qatar.

“M stands for Motorsport – something we are underlining with the new BMW M2 CS Racing MotoGP Safety Car,” said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “BMW M GmbH combines high-performance production automobiles and motorsport under one roof. It is for this reason that we selected a race car from our BMW M Motorsport range to be the new MotoGP Safety Car – an appropriate choice to mark the 50th anniversary.”

“The BMW M2 CS Racing has been successful in a wide range of championships – and, as a thoroughbred race car, is perfectly suited to leading the field as the safety car in the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. We are looking forward to our 24th season as ‘Official Car of MotoGP’ and to seeing the BMW M2 CS Racing in action as a safety car for the first time in Qatar,” he added.

The M2 CS Racing is part of BMW M Motorsport’s extensive range of racing cars. It is successful in championships around the world, and there are also multiple international and national one-make cups featuring the car. BMW M Motorsport drivers and teams also score points towards the BMW Sports Trophy on their outings with the M2 CS Racing.

As well as an engine generating up to 450 ps (depending on the version), the racing car also has motorsport-specific driving aids like ABS and DSC, a mechanical limited-slip differential with pre-load and separate cooling, as well as specially manufactured drive shafts and a carbonfibre roof.

For its role as the MotoGP Safety Car, the M2 CS Racing only required modifications in a few areas, including the addition of light bars and front lights. The livery of the new safety car is a reference to the 50th anniversary and based on the anniversary logo of BMW M GmbH.

Completing the BMW M fleet for the 2022 MotoGP season are the M3 Competition Safety Car, the M4 Competition Safety Car, the M5 CS Safety Car, the M8 Competition Gran Coupe Safety Car, the X5 M Competition Medical Car, and two M 1000 RR Safety Bikes. The fully-electric i4 M50 Safety Car will also lead the field in the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, the electric motorcycle series held on the MotoGP support programme.

BMW M to unveil i4 M50 as new Safety Car for MotoE World Cup

Lexus releases pictures of electric sportscar on the track as well as other future BEV models (w/video)

In 2020, Toyota (or more specifically, its President, Akio Toyoda) expressed reluctance to make a bigger push towards fully electric vehicles (battery electric vehicles or BEVs) and even felt that it was not the right move in pursuit of carbon neutrality. While the other major carmakers were outlining their EV plans and even previewing models to come, it seemed that Toyota was not going to join the crowd if it meant leaving some customers behind. And being the world’s largest carmaker, that certainly has implications.

However, just a year later, the Toyota President went in front of the cameras and announced to the world that the company would be spending a total of 8 trillion yen (1 trillion yen = around RM37.2 billion) over a period of 9 years from 2022. Of this gigantic amount, 50% would be for the development of BEVs (inclusive of battery development).

And while other carmakers might show a handful of prototype models that will be in showrooms in coming years, Toyoda had no less than 17 models of the Toyota and Lexus brands assembled in the hall. They represented virtually all the segments that the two brands are in, including pick-ups, a segment that the American manufacturers already have fully electric models about the enter the market. And as long as Akio Toyoda is still the boss, we will certainly also get sportscars, even if they no longer run on combustion engines.

The BEVs to come
Only a couple of models among the 17 shown last December are to go on sale this year or in 2023 and, presumably, the others are just having the development programmes started. From Lexus, the closest one to production is the SUV known as the RZ450e but there was also interest in some of the other models that were visible, including a sportscar.

It is likely that top management has signed off on the designs and Lexus can now give a preview of the 3 BEVs that will follow the RZ450e. The three will slot into the segments the brand is now in – sedan, SUV and sportscar – and are associated collectively as the ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision. The brand aims to accelerate sales of electrified models from 2025.

Of the three, Lexus has provided three bits of information about the sportscar which it says revives the spirit of the LFA. Its targets are a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time in the low 2-second range, a cruising distance of over 700 kms, and it will possibly use solid-state batteries.

Charging stations for all
On the issue of charging stations for BEV owners, Toyoda said that this is an area where different parties must collaborate and cooperate. Some of the companies may establish the infrastructure on their own, but that infrastructure should be accessible to all other customers who drive vehicles of other brands.

“Toyota would like to urge related parties to realize that. When it comes to infrastructure, there’s a limit to what each OEM (company) can do to realize the sufficient convenience for customers. Of course, we will try to do what we can do. Regarding the regions where Lexus aims to achieve 100% BEV sales, in North America, there are 1,800 dealers, 2,900 in Europe, 1,700 in China, and 5,000 in Japan. I believe it is important to utilize these locations, and make such infrastructure open and available to non-Toyota [and non-Lexus] owners,” he said during the press conference last year.