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Next-Gen Ford Ranger Delivers More Confidence With Advanced Safety Features And New Driver Assistance Technologies

To Ford, the lives of the occupants of a pick-up truck like the Ranger are no less valuable than those in a passenger car, and require the maximum level of protection that can be provided. For this reason, the next-gen Ford Ranger pick-up truck comes with some of the latest in crash protection features and driver assistance technologies.

Passive Safety systems and features include the tough vehicle structure, SRS airbags, and 3-point seatbelts while Active Safety systems include driver assistance technologies (XLT Plus and Wildtrak) to alert the driver and help him avoid accidents.

During the development phase, numerous computer-aided engineering (CAE) models were built to test various accident scenarios. These included full-frontal, frontal offset, pole test, rear offset crash tests, pedestrian impacts, roof crush tests, and more. Additionally, the team conducted hundreds of physical tests to ensure vehicle safety performance was met and to validate the CAE modelling.

As safety technology keeps advancing all the time, this new generation of the Ranger gets some of the latest systems that make motoring even safer. Here are some of the new safety technologies:

Post-Collision Braking
[Available on Ranger WildTrak/XLT Plus]
In the immediate moments following a collision, the vehicle may be headed in an unpredictable direction. It could hit another object – a lamp post or another vehicle. To reduce this risk, the next-gen Ranger has Ford’s post-collision braking system which automatically applies the brakes after a collision. The system automatically engages with moderate brake pressure when an initial collision has occurred, so the vehicle will come to a standstill and avoid a secondary collision.

Pre-Collision Assist
[Available on Ranger WildTrak/XLT Plus]
Pre-collision Assist uses both the new, wide-view windscreen-mounted camera and radar located near the front bumper to scan the road ahead to detect a potential collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist directly in front of the vehicle. If an imminent collision is detected, the system emits an audible and visual warning. If the driver’s response is not sufficient, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system will activate automatically.

The AEB system has been enhanced with cyclist and pedestrian detection capability as well as the ability to provide AEB support at an intersection in some instances, thanks to the addition of the new, wider camera coverage. Whenever a possible collision is detected and the fails to take corrective action, the vehicle will apply the brakes automatically.

Before the AEB activates, the driver will get a Forward Collision Warning, an audible tone which will be very evident because the audio system (if on) will be muted. If the driver does not respond correctly, ie slow down or brake, then AEB will activate.

Evasive Steer Assist
[Available on Ranger WildTrak]
A segment-first feature in the next-gen Ranger is Evasive Steer Assist which also helps prevent potential collisions. In the event a vehicle in front is too slow or has stopped, the Ranger driver can get additional assistance in the steering to steer around the hazard. This will be valuable when braking alone cannot fully avoid the collision. The advanced system is designed to operate at both urban and highway speeds and employs the same camera and radar used with the Pre-collision Assist feature.

Reverse Brake Assist
[Standard on Ranger WildTrak]
Reverse Brake Assist helps the driver to avoid or mitigate potential collisions while reversing. The system may detect moving vehicles or stationary pedestrians and objects behind the Ranger. While some other systems may only alert the driver, the system in the next-gen Ranger will automatically apply the brakes to briefly stop the vehicle, should the driver not react in time.

Cross Traffic Alert
[Available on Ranger WildTrak]
Tricky reversing situations are a little less stressful with the next-gen Ford Ranger’s Cross Traffic Alert system. When the driver shifts into Reverse, the system is active, and will alert the driver of a vehicle approaching from the sides, when reversing out of a driveway onto a street, or even from a busy supermarket parking spot.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
[Available on Ranger WildTrak]
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is more advanced than just cruise control. It is an intelligent feature that maintains a safe gap with a vehicle ahead whatever the cruising speed is set at. This is done by scanning the road ahead with the camera and radar and if there is a vehicle, the speed will be adjusted.

The system in the next-gen Ranger is even more advanced that many Adaptive Cruise Control systems as it operates down to standstill. With other systems, the cruise control will deactivate below a certain speed. The Ford system can slow the vehicle right down to standstill when necessary, and then resume forward movement when the vehicle ahead moves on.

BLIS
Available in many passenger cars today, this system is like having another ‘set of eyes’ when performing a lane change or joining a highway. If a faster-moving vehicle enters the Ranger’s blind spot zone, BLIS will alert the driver via a small light on the side mirror (left or right), so they know not to change lanes.

Next-Gen Ranger In East Malaysia
After journeying around Peninsular Malaysia on a series of previews before it has its official showroom launch, the next-gen Ranger will cross the South China Sea to East Malaysia.

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) will hold previews at Vivacity Megamall in Kuching, on September 7 – 11, and at Suria Sabah Shopping Centre in Kota Kinabalu on October 5 – 9, 2022.

If you would like to attend either of these two events, sign up here for an exclusive invitation. Alternatively, you can visit www.sdacford.com.my for more information about the next-gen Ranger, or follow the Ford Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channels.

Continental Introduces UltraContact UC7 In Malaysia

Like any progressive manufacturer, Continental constantly improves its products. Not only is the upgrading only for current requirements and conditions but also with foreseeable changes in the market in future.

Following the success of its Generation 6 products, the tyremaker has now moved to Generation 7, with the first of this new generation in Malaysia being the UltraContact UC7. An all-round tyre, it prioritizes safety, with an emphasis on exceptional noise comfort and long drive life.

“The specific needs and driving habits of consumers are constantly evolving, and Continental Tyres is committed to bringing continuous innovations that meet those changing needs. We invest heavily in the development of every single product we bring to market, and the resulting UltraContact UC7 truly represents a next-generation upgrade,” said Dalibor Kalina, Head of BA Replacement Tires Asia Pacific.

Significant improvements
In comparison to the UltraContact UC6, the UltraContact UC7 has significant improvements in braking and control on wet ground, important with Malaysia’s tropical climate. Other performance aspects such as fuel efficiency, dry braking, and handling are also enhanced.

To offer the best driving experience to consumers, Continental has developed flagship technologies focusing on the unique consumer requirements for each segment. Specially tailored for the all-round segment, Confidence+ Technology combines the best of the brand’s compound technology and construction design features to create the ultimate tyre that does not compromise on any aspect of safety, comfort, handling, or mileage.

Extensive testing before launch
With on-road safety as the greatest priority, before every new tyre product goes into the market, it is subjected to test after test to ensure that its performance across all aspects meets Continental’s highest requirements.

“We take pride in our safety technologies that have been highly recognised for generations. With ‘Vision Zero’ as our top priority, we strive to achieve zero accidents, zero injuries, and zero fatalities on the road,” said Andrea Somorova, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia.

The development of the UltraContact UC7 was carried out by a worldwide team of around 25 engineers and material experts. They spent more than 9,500 hours designing, simulating, building, and testing all the prototypes with the target consumer always in mind.

During the development phase alone, Continental engineers conducted more than 850 tests under various conditions, with a combined distance that could circle the earth 12 times. As Bob Liu, Director of Continental R&D Asia Pacific, explained, “We put this tyre through rigorous rounds of testing to ensure we meet our own exacting standards and can deliver cutting-edge tyre technology to consumers. We will continue to do so as we further expand the portfolio to establish powerful, competitive offerings for the market.”

What makes it better?
Featuring the Continental ‘Diamond DNA’ – Diamond Compound, Noise Breaker 3.0 and Aqua Channel Advanced – the new UltraContact UC7’s superior wet performance is proven by a shorter braking distance and strong grip on wet slippery roads. This is due to the Aqua Channel Advanced surface sipes on the centre part of the pattern which efficiently evacuate water to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

Simultaneously, the innovative Noise Breaker 3.0 design with Flow X-celerator leverages the Venturi Effect principle to accelerate water flow through the groove, improving surface contact between rubber and road.

Thirdly, the Diamond Compound formulation enhances the transformation of kinetic energy into heat at optimum levels, resulting in shorter braking distances – even on wet roads.

The second advantage of the UltraContact UC7 is a quieter and more harmonic drive as a result of reduced noise levels and smooth vibrational frequency. As sound waves travel through the grooves, the Noise Breaker 3.0 interrupts the waves by disrupting the homogeneity of the grooves.

The sound waves are broken up and dissipated into smaller waves, preventing noise from building up and traveling into the cabin of the car. The Diamond Compound with whisper touch also contributes to reduced noise generation by absorbing impact from the road.

The third advantage is long drive life, allow the motorist a better return on his expenditure. The Diamond Compound’s optimised polymer network provides wear resistance for long-lasting tread life.

The UltraContact UC7 is available, in sizes from 15 inches to 18 inches. It is suitable for fitment on compact and mid-size cars, MPVs, and luxury sedans. Although launched, Continental Tyres has not released the prices for the new tyres.

Castrol Malaysia and Continental Tyres Malaysia to collaborate in offering products and services

Castrol Malaysia Kickstarts Exclusive EPL Contest, Launches New Superbike Engine Oil

Castrol, an automotive lubricant brand long favoured motorcyclists and motorists, recently commemorated an exciting phase in its history in Malaysia with a street festival. During the public event at Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, an innovative new engine oil for motorcycles was launched – Castrol’s POWER1 ULTIMATE SUPERBIKE 10W-50 engine oil.

The new engine oil is designed to provide powerful performance, smoother rides and ultimately memorable journeys. With a comprehensive 5-in-1 formula, POWER1 ULTIMATE SUPERBIKE 10W-50 provides maximum performance with efficient durability, stable temperature and a cooler oil gallery

The fully-synthetic oil focuses on exceptional performance across 5 key areas: excellent acceleration; excellent protection; smooth riding; and a cooler engine with enduring performance.

The 2-day event at the heart of Sentul also witnessed the launch of an exclusive WhatsApp contest to commemorate the historical Castrol-Premier League partnership with a Grand Prize of a 5D4N trip to the UK to watch a EPL match live.

*On the second day, the Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE SUPERBIKE preview was graced by a convoy of superbikes.*

The booths and games simulated the EPL environment in conjunction with Castrol’s partnership with EPL for the year. The games included soccer match table/foosball, carrom football board and ultimate free-kick. Consumers who purchased Castrol products at the event were entitled to participate in the games.

To join the contest, there are three simple steps which can win you amazing prizes. Firstly, purchase any Castrol POWER1/POWER1 ULTIMATE/POWER1 ULTIMATE SUPERBIKE range of products from participating Castrol Bike Point workshops. Then, via WhatsApp, answer a simple question. Finally, submit proof of purchase and required identification details.

From September to December 2022, there will be 88 monthly winners. All submitted entries will qualify for the Grand Prize draw, scheduled to take place at the end of the campaign.

Monthly prizes include Oppo RENO 6 smartphones, Casio G-Shock watches, exclusive merchandise and more. The Grand Prizes include a trip to the UK to watch a live PL match, a Yamaha R15M motorcycle, and an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

“This was an exciting event for Castrol Malaysia as we commemorated two key milestones for the year. With the Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE SUPERBIKE 10W-50 launch and the commencement of the Castrol-EPL partnership, Castrol is confident to continue creating history and to build on its presence in the advanced superbike oil engineering sector. We’re happy to have met our consumers who have been with us all along and the event also served as an opportunity for us to show our gratitude to them,” said Keow Mei-Shan, Marketing Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore.

Castrol Game Changers Contest offers you a chance to go to England to watch an EPL match!

Aston Martin DBX707 Makes ASEAN Debut In KL

Aston Martin’s DBX707 – the world’s most powerful luxury SUV – is now available in Malaysia, priced from RM1,098,000 (excluding taxes). While the DBX V8, the brand’s first SUV, was presented as a superlative product, the DBX707 pushes the performance envelope even further.

Aston Martin’s engineering team has extracted the full potential of the DBX’s 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant by making some changes like using ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to liberate more power and torque which are 707 ps and 900 Nm, respectively. These represent increases of 157 ps and 200 Nm over the DBX V8.

Also new is a 9-speed wet clutch automatic transmission designed to handle the much increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter automatic.

The new transmission has quicker shifts, giving more immediate and direct response. According to Aston Martin, launch capability is also improved, and the DBX707 can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 310 km/h.

As a responsible manufacturer, Aston Martin did not just boost the output without ensuring that other important elements are also beefed up. The DBX70 gets standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) with 6-piston calipers and there’s also a 40.5-kg reduction in unsprung weight.

Revisions to the brake system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune improve pedal feel and braking response for greater precision and driver confidence. Improved brake cooling has been achieved by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor, with high performance brake pads delivering excellent friction consistency across a wide temperature range.

There’s also a new version of the electronic limited slip rear differential (e-diff). Strengthened to handle the maximum output of torque, it is fitted with a revised final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the DBX V8. This helps to give stronger response in the lower gears as well as enhances in-gear response.

To underline the driver-focused credentials of the DBX707, the GT Sport and Sport+ driving modes now feature ‘Race Start’ to give drivers the full experience of the vehicle’s unrivalled off-the-line acceleration. Revised active logic in the all-wheel drive transfer case enhances control between the driveline and ESP system for a more natural, sports car-like driving experience.

Torque distribution front-to-rear is fully automatic, with the ability to send up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand. Careful calibration of the e-diff ensures the DBX707 has the cornering agility, sporting feel and dynamic character of a sportscar.

The DBX707’s air suspension system has the same basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX V8 but gains a dedicated chassis tune. New damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching has improved body control and steering response.

While the overall design is similar to the DBX V8, there are distinct differences for the DBX707. The front end treatment is unique with a larger grille and the DRLs are also different. Also new are the air intakes and brake cooling ducts, plus a new front splitter profile. The enlarged grille has double vanes, with the 6 horizontal bars now split to create more visual .

A new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing which reduces lift and increases high speed stability. A pair of large-diameter tailpipes projects at each side of the significantly enlarged twin rear diffuser.

Seated in the cabin of the DBX707 after shutting the soft-close doors, the Aston Martin DNA is immediately evident with the standard sport seats and sleek, dark chrome switchgear complementing the satin black appointments of the exterior.

Customers have three choices of interior and if those packaged and proposed by the interior designers are not appealing enough, Q by Aston Martin offers bespoke personalisation. While James Bond’s ‘Q’ can provide cars with sophisticated weapons, these are not available for obviously reasons from Aston’s Martin’s Q. But almost anything else can be provided – limited only by the customer’s imagination.

*Some of the options available to customers who want to customise their Aston Martin.*

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur says that they already have a few reservations for the DBX707 (which is not a limited edition). For customers who intend to keep their DBX707 for a considerable length of time, there is now an option of an extended warranty up to 20 years (subject to terms and conditions).

Aston Martin V12 Vantage ‘Final Edition’

‘Sunday Bois’ Streetwear Created From Isuzu D-MAX x Super Sunday Collaboration

Pick-up trucks and fashion can go together, as Isuzu Malaysia showed recently at the KL Fashion Week 2022 (KLFW 2022). Besides being presented as the epitome of the modern truck, its D-MAX X-Terrain was also Official Ultimate Lifestyle Vehicle of the annual event.

Additionally, Isuzu Malaysia also teamed up with Super Sunday, a homegrown streetwear brand, to introduce a super sleek collection called ‘Sunday Bois’ during KLFW 2022.

Well known for its streetwear having a mixture and display of fashion, music and other popular street culture, namely skateboarding and graffiti, the latest ‘Sunday Bois’ line showed how the brand has gone through several evolutions while still maintaining its core design DNA.

The new creations were also inspired by the D-MAX X-Terrain which Super Sunday’s founder, Zulkifli Salleh aka Bob aka Mr Kioue, travelled in. Bob established a multi-level store for independent artists from humble beginnings in 2007.

“For Sunday Bois, the collection still maintains its house codes and creative polymath. However, it feels elevated and boosted in various ways. While its core skate roots and unmistakably innovative take on the hooded sweatshirts will no doubt ensure it retains a strong following among the cool set, this collection seems to go parallel with the brand’s growth, not just in aesthetics but in business,” said Bob.

“The collaboration with Isuzu D-MAX, Hikari, Homebois/Daddyhood, VANS and SSST – brands that have created a big impact globally – is important, both creatively and as a strategic business proposition,” he added.

Commenting on their involvement in KLFW 2022, Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo, said: “With its cutting-edge design, superlative features and extraordinary go-anywhere, do-anything capabilities, the Isuzu D-MAX is all about challenging the norm and allowing you to forge your fondest memories. Together with the KLFW, we aim to bring forward novel, imaginative and inspiring designs to share with the Malaysian audience.”

Fuel Price Updates For September 1 – September 7, 2022

No change in fuel prices for coming 7 days.

Service the engine regularly: Engine parts wear out or get dirty over time and reduce the operating efficiency of the engine. Regular servicing ensures that adjustments are set correctly and periodically, parts like filters or sparkplugs need to be replaced.

Right tyre pressures: Under-inflated tyres will cause more rolling resistance (not to mention faster wear) which will worsen fuel consumption. Be sure they are inflated to the minimum recommended by the manufacturer and a bit more might also be better.

Plan trips: If you have different places to go on a single journey, spend a few minutes to think about the route so that you avoid congested areas. You may have to travel a few extra kilometres using a less congested route but you will actually use less fuel because the car won’t be stuck in a jam burning fuel going nowhere. Plus you will probably be less stressed out when you reach your destination.

Slow and steady: You don’t have to drive at a crawl to save fuel but if you just drive more frequently at 80/90 km/h instead of 100/110 km/h, you could save 10 to 15% in fuel. Keeping a steady speed rather than ‘pumping‘ the pedal will also save on fuel.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight: The less weight your car has to move, the less hard the engine has to work. So whatever you do not need to keep in the boot should be taken out. This includes those golfbags.

Switch off the engine more: Many motorists do not fully realize that the engine is burning fuel every second it is running. They will keep the engine running for long periods while waiting for someone to buy things or waiting for their children to come out from school. This is very wasteful and running the air-conditioner at the same time wastes more fuel. Switch off the engine when you are going to be stationary for more than 5 minutes and you’ll find your fuel consumption improving.

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Latest News

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