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Sime Darby Motors (SDM) announced the launch of DRIVECARE, a new multi-franchise one-stop service centre designed to cater to the needs of car owners across all segments and brands. This initiative aims to offer customers competitive pricing, convenience and comfort backed by the expertise of SM’s highly trained technicians.

DRIVECARE is targeted for expansion across Southeast Asian markets, followed by a rollout throughout SM’s operations across the Asia Pacific region. This strategic expansion underscores SM’s unwavering commitment to offering accessible and reliable automotive services.

DRIVECARE was created to tackle common frustrations faced by customers at many vehicle service workshops, such as inadequate facilities and workmanship, subpar customer service and lack of comfortable waiting areas. By leveraging SDM’s extensive automotive expertise and advanced equipment, DRIVECARE promises an exceptional experience for car service and maintenance at competitive prices.

DRIVECARE customers can look forward to well-maintained facilities, organised workspaces and comfortable lounges. The state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment at DRIVECARE ensure that every vehicle receives the utmost care and attention from its team of experienced technicians.

Complementing DRIVECARE is Sime Darby Auto Selection, Sime Darby Motors’ trusted brand for pre-owned vehicles, offering a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new car. DRIVECARE operates within the Auto Selection facility, ensuring seamless service and support for pre-owned vehicle buyers.

Customers can visit DRIVECARE’s official service centres located at Lot 33 Glenmarie and at Chan Sow Lin, which are open and ready to cater to customers’ needs. To commemorate the launch, from June 26 to July 31, 2024, DRIVECARE is offering special promotions to invite customers to experience the services by DRIVECARE.

These include complimentary vehicle inspections, a 20% discount for parts and labour charges, and a complimentary set of wiper blades with every windshield replacement. To enhance the customer experience further, all services during the promotional period will also include a complimentary car wash and a free Liqui Moly product.

In addition, DRIVECARE is offering a limited-time promotion for customers servicing two vehicles. The first 100 customers who bring a second car for servicing will enjoy a 50% discount on engine oil, subject to terms and conditions. This offer is valid only for vehicles registered under the same owner. Visit www.drivecare.com.my for more information.

Audi has enhanced its RS Q8 lineup by introducing an updated version of the flagship SUV, including a new Performance variant. This addition follows the trend set by other RS-badged models like the RS4, RS5, RS6, and RS7 Performance, and brings significant power and performance enhancements.

Power and Performance

Performance

RS Q8 Performance:

  • Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 631hp
  • Torque: 850Nm
  • 0-100km/h: 3.6 seconds
  • Top Speed: 305km/h

This power boost makes the RS Q8 Performance the most powerful Audi gas model, surpassing even the discontinued R8 with its V10 engine. The new Performance model has also set a new record at the Nürburgring, completing a lap in 7 minutes and 36.69 seconds, surpassing the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT by over two seconds.

Standard

Standard RS Q8:

  • Power: 591hp
  • Torque: 800Nm
  • 0-100km/h: 3.8 seconds
  • Top Speed: Electronically limited to 250km/h (optional increases to 280km/h or 305km/h)

Design and Features

Exterior:

  • Grille: New honeycomb design with extended pattern on the air intakes
  • Exhaust: Lighter system with reduced back pressure and deeper sound, optional RS sport exhaust system for enhanced noise
  • Lights: Matrix LED headlights with laser high-beam, OLED taillights with five customisable light signatures
  • Wheels: Optional matte gold 23-inch wheels with 295/35 tyres
  • Brakes: Ceramic brakes with 440-mm front and 370-mm rear discs
  • Paint Options: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red

Interior:

  • Seats: Perforated sport seats with honeycomb stitching
  • Steering Wheel: Wrapped in Alcantara
  • Materials: Microfiber from recycled bottles for gear selector and other areas
  • Suspension: Adaptive air suspension with adjustable ride height up to 3.5 inches
  • Technology: Electromechanical active roll stabilization, rear-wheel steering
Performance

Pricing and Availability

  • RS Q8: Starts at €141,900 (RM712,941) in Germany
  • RS Q8 Performance: Starts at €155,700 (RM782,316) in Germany
  • Order Books Open: June 27 in Europe

Audi’s update to the RS Q8, particularly with the new Performance variant, showcases the brand’s commitment to delivering high-performance luxury SUVs with cutting-edge technology and enhanced driving dynamics. The combination of increased power, advanced features, and refined styling positions the RS Q8 as a formidable contender in the performance SUV market.

RS Q8 Performance

RS Q8 Standard

BMW has achieved a significant milestone in the field of automated driving by becoming the first carmaker to receive approval for a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 driving assistance systems within a single vehicle. The new BMW 7 Series offers the BMW Highway Assistant (Level 2) and BMW Personal Pilot L3 (Level 3), enhancing the driving experience by providing greater comfort and safety.

BMW Highway Assistant (Level 2)

Key Features:

  • Enhanced Long-Distance Comfort: Operates at speeds up to 130km/h, designed for motorways with structurally separated carriageways.
  • Hands-Free Operation: Allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel for extended periods, provided they remain attentive to the road and can retake control if needed.
  • Active Lane Change Assistant: Enables lane changes without the driver touching the steering wheel. The system performs the necessary steering movements and adjusts vehicle speed when safe. Drivers can initiate lane changes by simply looking at the exterior mirror.

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The Road Transport Department (JPJ) of Malaysia has issued a series of recalls for several automotive brands, including Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Chery. Below are the details for each brand and model affected.

Toyota

Model: Toyota Corolla Cross
Affected Units: 2,739
Production Period: July 2023 – September 2023
Recall Status: Ongoing since March 2024
Action: Toyota will contact owners for vehicle inspections and necessary repairs.

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The 2025 Kia Carnival has received a significant update, blending bold exterior elements with a high-tech, sleek interior. Here’s a detailed look at the new features and enhancements:

Exterior Design

  • Front and Rear Styling: The Carnival sports a grand sculptural grille, intricately detailed cube-like headlights, and Kia’s signature Star Map lighting.
  • Wheels: Geometric designs range from 17-inch to 19-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels standard on EX trims and above.

Interior Features

  • Dashboard and Screens:
    • Standard: A panel integrating a 4.2-inch TFT screen and a 12.3-inch display.
    • EX Trims and Above: A full digital upgrade with a 12.3-inch cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment and navigation display on a curved panoramic panel.
  • Connectivity:
    • Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
    • Six USB-C ports distributed across all three rows.
    • Two power outlets and two 115V inverters (SX and SX-P only).
  • Seating and Doors:
    • “Slide-Flex” seating for 8-passenger versions with a sliding second row (except those with optional VIP Lounge Seats).
    • Removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats.
    • Dual power sliding doors with hands-free open standard, with EX trims and above adding family-friendly features like in-cabin camera, intercom, and Quiet Mode.
  • Voice Recognition: Standard system for commands such as window operation and climate control adjustment.
  • Driver Convenience: Available features include an 11-inch Head-Up Display, Full Display Mirror, and Ultrawide-based Digital Key 2.0.

Connected Technology

  • ccNC Operating System: The next-gen Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) allows over-the-air updates.
  • Rear Entertainment System: Available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) system with dual 14.6-inch monitors capable of streaming and future content updates.

Performance

  • Engines:
    • Standard Engine: 3.5-litre V6 GDI with 287hp and 352Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
    • Hybrid Option: 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid engine with a 54kW motor, producing a combined 242hp and 367Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
    • Hybrid Exclusive Features: 17-inch aerodynamic wheels (standard on LXS trim), Active Air Flaps, and paddle regenerative braking.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA):
    • Standard with enhancements including Junction Crossing (FCA-JC), Lane-change Oncoming (FCA-LO), Lane-change Side (FCA-LS), and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA) on SX models and above.
  • Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2):
    • Standard on SX trims and above, designed to maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, keep within lane markers, and assist in lane changes on certain highways.

The 2025 Kia Carnival’s combination of advanced technology, enhanced performance, and bold design ensures it remains a top contender in the family vehicle segment, offering a compelling blend of comfort, convenience, and safety.

Batik Air has introduced a new premium and sustainable private terminal transfer service for its passengers, starting from yesterday. This exclusive service is available to Batik Air Business Class and Flexi passengers and aims to enhance their travel experience amid the temporary suspension of the aerotrain service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Key Features of the New Service

  • Exclusive Offering: The service is exclusive to Batik Air Business Class and Flexi passengers.
  • Collaboration with Kia: In partnership with automaker Kia, through its sole distributor Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, Batik Air offers seamless and eco-friendly transfers.
  • Vehicle Fleet: Passengers will be chauffeured in the all-electric Kia EV9 and the latest model of the Kia Carnival.
  • Route: The service facilitates transfers between the main terminal and the satellite building of KLIA Terminal 1.

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