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MPV

In the 20th century, becoming a significant player in the auto industry required experience and staying power to withstand the cyclical nature of the industry. From the time of the world’s first car by Karl Benz, hundreds of individuals and companies have come and gone in their attempts to establish themselves, only the fittest and strongest making it through the decades to today.

But in the 21st century, the game has changed and long experience is not necessarily required. The products are changing and instead of ‘transport’, ‘mobility’ is the catchword today. Numerous start-ups have appeared in the industry in the past 20 years, offering a new generation of vehicles, mostly running on electricity. Though fragmented in one sense, they pose a challenge to the established brands which have resources but are hampered by their size when it comes to charting new courses forward.

Togg at CES 2022

The best example of these newcomers is Tesla, just 17 years old and, in 2021, Kantar BrandZ found it to be the most valuable and fastest growing auto brand on the planet, more than trebling its value from 2020. And its co-founder, Elon Musk, became the richest person in the world with a US$278 billion net worth at the end of 2021.

Others are obviously inspired by such success and in Turkey, M. Gurcan Karakas has started a company that is not a traditional automobile manufacturer but will enter the auto industry with differentiated approach as a technology brand focused on mobility. Introducing his 3-year old company, Togg, at CES 2022 this week, Gurcan Karakas said: “The transformation that occurred in the mobilephone industry in response to changing user expectations is occurring in the automotive industry today. More agile, creative, collaborative, user-centric organizations, not necessarily the big and established brands, will be the most successful in the near future. The race in this field is just beginning, and we are in this race. Moreover, we have a significant advantage because we were born into this world.”

Togg at CES 2022

Togg at CES 2022

Togg at CES 2022

Togg aims to serve as the backbone of the Turkish mobility ecosystem with 100% Turkish intellectual and industrial property. It will be Europe’s first non-classical born electric SUV manufacturer when it begins production in Gemlik later this year, rolling out electric and connected next-generation vehicles and a mobility ecosystem to support them. By the end of this decade, the company expects to be producing a million vehicles in 5 different segments.

Togg at CES 2022

“By the end of 2022, we will launch our first mass production vehicle,” said Gurkan Karakas. “Our first vehicle in the C-segment, an SUV, will be launched in the first quarter of 2023 following the completion of homologation tests. It will be the first electric SUV produced in continental Europe by a non-traditional manufacturer. A C-segment sedan and a C-segment hatchback will then enter production. With the addition of the B-SUV and C-MPV to the family in the coming years, our product range will be completed with 5 models sharing the same DNA and same platform.”

Referring to its model shown at CES 2022 as a ‘smart device’, the car has a dynamic fastback form that introduces Togg’s styling DNA. The basis of the car’s styling concept is the muscular rear design and the shoulderline that extends from the headlights to the rear, presenting a strong side profile.

Togg at CES 2022

Togg’s team sought to retain the company’s Turkish origins while creating a global brand. The car’s illuminated Togg logo is said to represent the unification of Eastern and Western cultures. “The two arrows in the logo design represent the fusion of East and West, forming a gemstone in the center. The duality theme in our logo encourages us to strive for a rational and emotional balance between East and West in both exterior and interior design. Additionally, our logo emphasizes that Togg is a technology company that connects technology and people at the juncture of today and tomorrow through its life-improving mobility solutions,” Gurkan Karakas explained.

Gemlik, the home of Togg located 128 kms south of Istanbul, is a world leader in olive production. By establishing what is claimed to be Europe’s cleanest production facility, Togg aims to ensure that the centuries-old olive trees in the city continue to thrive for thousands of years. This ambition was presented at CES by a real olive tree – with a lifespan of over 1,000 years – planted alongside a 3D-printed olive tree made from recycled plastic, created in 1001 hours.

Togg at CES 2022

Red and orange are traditionally the colours used for Chinese New Year celebrations as they signify luck, prosperity and happiness. To welcome the new Year of the Water Tiger, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is offering two of its popular Nissan models in the colours.

The  X-Trail 2.0L Mid version will come with Monarch Orange, while the Serena S-Hybrid will be available in a distinctive Radiant Red finish with a ‘floating‘ black roof.

Priced from RM139,643 (without insurance and sales tax) the X-Trail Mid version comes with an Aero kit with RM5,000. It is equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technologies for safer motoring. These active safety technologies include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist.

The 5+2-seater SUV is powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine which develops 106 ps/200 Nm, delivered to the front wheels through a 7-speed X-TRONIC CVT. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 13.4 kms/litre so the 60-litre fuel tank should give a range of around 800 kms.

The version of the Serena S-Hybrid with the special Radiant Red colour is the Premium Highway Star, priced from RM140,226 (excluding insurance and sale tax). The 7-seater MPV’s proven 2-litre MR20DD powerplant is highly fuel efficient, with 14.2 kms per litre claimed for fuel consumption. Brisk performance is provided by the output of 150 ps/200 Nm and XTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control.

Safety and convenience features include a Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, 7 USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection, and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Those who are planning on buying a new vehicle to celebrate Chinese New Year can enjoy a low 1.88% p.a. interest rate for financing of selected Nissan models. This offer period will be on until February 28, 2022, and customers who purchase and register a vehicle can participate and win Lazada Vouchers up to RM50,000.

Additionally, customers who test drive the latest Almera Turbo (shown below) during the campaign period are also eligible to win a RM500 Watsons voucher.

More information is available at any authorised Nissan showroom nationwide. To locate a showroom or find out more, visit www.nissan.com.my or call the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838.

Growing popularity for the Mitsubishi Triton and XPANDER saw the total sales volume of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) increasing in 2021. The company today announced that 17,489 vehicles from January to December 2021, a 91% increase compared to the same period in 2020.

With 7,397 units delivered nationwide, the XPANDER MPV had its best sales performance since being launched. This volume also made it the best-selling 7-seater Japanese crossover in Malaysia. The model is assembled locally at the DRB-HICOM manufacturing complex in Pekan, Pahang.

“We are pleased that XPANDER has enjoyed strong sales performance thanks to the extension of the tax-free incentive period. This decision by the Malaysian government has certainly helped the industry to sustain itself during this challenging phase. At Mitsubishi Motors, we have now progressed to increase our production volume for XPANDER, to cater for higher production capacity, and to fulfill all booking demands,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

The Triton, currently in its fifth generation, also continued to be among the more popular pick-up trucks in the country. In spite of the challenging market conditions, MMM’s dealers delivered 9,268 units in Peninsular and East Malaysia in 2021, 34% more than in 2020.

“The continued growth of Mitsubishi Motors market compared to last year is a sign that we are steadily moving towards recovery. As we look forward to advancing and progressing into 2022, we have heard every customer’s feedback regarding our products and services, and we will continue to improve for an ownership experience of the highest standard,” he added.

Owners of flood-damaged vehicles can obtain assistance from authorised Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia dealers nationwide.

Support for Mitsubishi owners
Mr. Ikeda also said that MMM is offering support to Mitsubishi owners whose vehicles were damaged by the floods. “We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt sympathy to all who were affected by the recent flood incidents. We are here to support them, and they can get assistance by contacting our Customer Careline,” he said.

MMM is offering  a 30% discount on Mitsubishi genuine spare parts and a 50% discount on labour costs (for flood-damaged vehicles serviced at authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealerships) until January 20, 2022. In addition, the company will also support owners by offering free towing service. All customers need to do is to contact Mitsubishi Assist 24Hrs customer careline (MA24) at 1-800-88-2166 to request for this service. Mitsubishi owners who arrange for their vehicle towing, without the assistance of MA24 and insurance coverage, are also entitled to rebates worth up to RM300.

To locate an authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealer in Malaysia, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

The Kia Carens, first introduced in 1999, was one of the early MPV models from the Korean carmaker, along with the Carnival launched into the market a year earlier. It was a compact size suitable for developing and emerging markets. In Malaysia, Naza even adapted it to sell under its own brand as the Citra in 2005.

Three generations have passed and it has just gone into a fourth generation, with India being the debut market (and where it will also be made). The new model has moved from being a MPV to something more recreational, a sort of crossover with undertones of an SUV.

2022 Kia Carens 4th Generation

First generation of the Carens was also made by Naza for the Malaysian market and sold as the Citra (Rondo versions shown).

Why India as a launch market? “India is diverse, and the people here have different preferences. I believe this is the most exciting insight we tried to unlock while developing the Carens. It’s safe, feature-rich, has artistry in its design, and is comfortable and classy; it packs everything a modern Indian family would want in their vehicle,” said Tae-Jin Park, Managing Director & CEO of Kia India.

Like other recent new models, the new Carens uses ‘Opposites United’, the carmaker’s latest design philosophy. It has gained edgy character lines with a bold side profile. Kia designers believe the modern and high-tech design will appeal to millennials.

2022 Kia Carens 4th Generation

Still present is another interpretation of the ‘Tiger Nose Grille’ which Peter Schreyer introduced to the brand in 2006 when he was its new design head. It has been a signature element of all models and is complemented by horizontal chrome garnish in the upper grille and the frame-type chrome garnish in the lower bumper.

Attention is drawn to the new signature lighting concept – The Star Map. This is made up of LED DRLs and Crown Jewel LED headlamps to give a futuristic appearance.

The car looks sleek and dynamic with its slim daylight opening graphic along the sides. At the rear, the combination lamp on the robust sections makes the Carens look wide and strong, and the lighting units also have the Star Map LEDs.

2022 Kia Carens 4th Generation

Using an extended Seltos platforn, the Carens is said to have the longest wheelbase in its class (2780 mm), while its body dimensions measure 4540 mm in length and 1800 mm in width. That makes it slightly larger than a Mitsubishi XPANDER but noticeably shorter than a Toyota Innova. The ground clearance is quite generous at 195 mm.

The MPV will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines – 1.4 litres with turbocharger and 1.5 litres, with outputs of 140 bhp/242 Nm and 115 bhp/144 Nm, respectively. There’s also a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel which produces 115 bhp/250 Nm. A 6-speed manual transmission is fitted to the base version, with a 7-speed, dual-clutch and 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions also available.

While India is a big car market, the products being sold in the high-volume segments have been criticised for inadequate safety levels. Crash tests have resulted in poor ratings, and the manufacturers are beginning to realise that they cannot have differences in safety in different markets.

2022 Kia Carens 4th Generation

With the new Carens, Kia has made an effort to provide safety features that are already commonplace in other markets, including Malaysia. Its Hi-Secure Safety Package is a first in India and installed as standard in all versions are 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System, Tyre Pressure Monitor and disc brakes on all 4 wheels. The better safety measures will certainly be important in protecting the occupants on 3 rows of seats.

Extensive research was undertaken by Kia on the lifestyle and requirements of Indian families and the findings have resulted in a generous list of equipment. There are ventilated front seats, a Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection (very important in these times), Skylight sunroof and a BOSE Premium Sound System with 8 speakers. Surround Ambient Mood Lighting is also provided with a choice of 64 colours.

2022 Kia Carens 4th Generation

2022 Kia Carens 4th Generation

The infotainment (including navigation uses a High-Definition touchscreen display which is linked to Next Generation Kia Connect. This replaces the previous UVO system and allows for enhancement of OTA (Over the Air) Map and System Updates. This means owners can now update software without visiting the Kia service centre.

The Carens will come equipped with 60+ connected car features and what is more exciting is that the AVNT of the vehicle now supports ten native languages.

2022 Kia Carens 4th Generation

The Toyota IMV (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) range which has been in the market since 2005 has continuously received updates over the two generations produced. The range consists of the Hilux pick-up, Fortuner SUV and Innova MPV, all conceived within the same development programme although the platforms differ due to the different operating requirements.

Another round of updates has taken place and the latest models have been announced with the following prices (without insurance):
Toyota Hilux (5 variants) – from RM92,880
Toyota Fortuner (3 variants) – from RM169,167
Toyota Innova (3 variants) – from RM115,553

Orders are now being accepted at all authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide and while the Hilux pick-up is readily available, deliveries of the Fortuner SUV and Innova will commence only in January 2022. With the extension given by the government, customers can still enjoy the full sales tax exemption next year for the Fortuner and Innova but the Hilux, being a light commercial vehicle, does not qualify for the exemption. All the models are assembled locally at the ASSB plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.

The engines have been retuned to meet stricter exhaust emission standards that will be introduced in Malaysia next year.

The updates  improve convenience and comfort, with the petrol engines tuned to meet stricter emission control standards in advance of implementation of the Euro4 standards in 2022.

“The IMV range of products has been a great success in Malaysia and other markets around the  world, providing durable and reliable mobility for thousands. The Hilux, in particular, has been the  best-selling pick-up in Malaysia for many years and even today, we see demand exceeding supply.  Rest assured that our assembly plant is rushing to fulfil outstanding orders but as always, without  sacrificing quality,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.

New Hilux
Malaysia’s best-selling pick-up truck is available in 5 with a choice of 2 turbodiesel 4-cylinder engines with 2.4-litre and 2.8- litre displacements. Both engines are fuel-efficient and extra fuel-saving can be achieved with the use of an ECO mode.

2021 Toyota Hilux

The passenger-oriented double cab variants – Hilux 2.8 Rogue, 2.4 V and 2.4 E – have 6-speed  automatic transmissions and a dual-range 4×4 system. The other variants – Hilux Double Cab 2.4 G and Single Cab 2.4 – are equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions but both also have 4×4  drivetrains. These are intended more for customers who require vehicles for heavy-duty work.

The Hilux is well equipped with a wide range of features and equipment for convenience and safety. For the latest Hilux 2.8 Rogue and 2.4 V, the front air-conditioning system is upgraded to a dual zone type in place of the single-zone type. With the dual-zone feature, the driver and front  passenger can set their preferred temperatures separately.

New Fortuner
The Fortuner is a 3-row 7-seater SUV which took over the role of the Land Cruiser in ASEAN markets, The medium-sized SUV is available in three variants – Fortuner 2.8 VRZ, Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and  Fortuner 2.4. Responding to market demand, the Fortuner 2.4 is now made available throughout  Malaysia, together with Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ.

2011 Toyota Fortuner

Like the Hilux, the front air-conditioner of the latest Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ  have a  dual-zone feature to allow separate temperature settings for the driver and front passenger. A  wireless charger pad for compatible smartphones is now standard for all variants. The rear USB  port for the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ has also been changed to the newer Type-C port, making it more  convenient to recharge for those with the newer generation of smartphones.

The same proven and reliable powertrains are used with 6-speed electronic automatic  transmissions and dual-range 4×4 systems. The 2.7-litre petrol engine has been retuned so that it can meet stricter emission control standards, upgrading to Euro4 from Euro2 standards.

New Innova
The Innova offers seating for 8 persons with generous storage space.  Currently in its second generation, this Toyota MPV is available in three variants – Innova  2.0X, 2.0G and 2.0E. While all three variants have the same 3-row cabin, the Innova 2.0X comes with generously sized Captain’s Seats in the middle (so the occupancy is reduced by one person).

For those who have compatible smartphones, a wireless charging pad is now standard in every variant. This makes it simpler to recharge a compatible phone as no cables are needed. Multiple USB ports are also available around the cabin, making it  easier to charge phones and tablets.

The fuel-efficient and reliable 2-litre 16-valve petrol engine for all three variants has also been upgraded  to meet the stricter Euro4 emission control standards.

5-year warranty
All three models come with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage for the Fortuner and Innova,  and a maximum of 150,000 kms for the Hilux (terms and conditions apply). UMW Toyota Motor also offers a wide range of financing plans, including subscription plans, to suit different needs. There are also financing and leasing programs for those who are purchasing vehicles for  commercial use.

For more information, visit www.toyota.com.my.

MPVs evolved from window vans and were initially simple people-movers. Over the years, some manufacturers have found growing demand for more luxurious versions of such vehicles, with models like the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire being very popular.

To capture a slice of this growing market, Hyundai has also come out with a luxury MPV called the Staria and it is now available in Malaysia through Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM). Available in the 7-seat Premium version, the Staria is priced from RM358,888 (without insurance and with partial sales tax exemption). The price varies depending on the warranty period the customer wants. The base price comes with a 2-year or maximum of 50,000 km warranty. For another RM10,000 more, HSDM will provide a warranty of 5 years or maximum of 300,000 kms, plus 3 years (or maximum of 50,000 kms) free scheduled service.

Unique spaceship design theme
The Staria has a unique appearance which certainly makes it stand out anywhere. While MPVs typically have a cubic form which allows for the most efficient interior space, Hyundai’s designers have given it a design that is said to be like a spaceship. It’s a sleek streamlined form that is said to be like the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.

From any angle, the Staria’s styling draws attention. For instance, the front is embellished with horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, complemented by a bold, wide radiator grille with a unique pattern.

2021 Hyundai Staria

The same body colour for all frontal parts is used and gives a monolithic look that is modern and even futuristic. To highlight certain elements and give a premium look, brass chrome treatment is applied to the emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors and door handles.

The Staria’s 5253 mm long body  sits on a 3273-mm wheelbase and has a 1997 mm. The beltline is low, allowing the side windows to be large and panoramic, which suggests a spacious interior – which is the case. The cruise ship-inspired interior has an open and unique atmosphere through its innovative design architecture which follows traditional Korean ‘hanok’ architecture.

2021 Hyundai Staria

Premium Relaxation Seats
The sense of spaciousness allows passengers to feel as if the outside scenes are an extension of the vehicle interior. Premium Relaxation Seats are provided in the second row and these have power recline as well as slide along the floor to vary cargo space. A one-touch relaxation mode makes the seats recline automatically to a posture that comfortably disperses the passenger’s weight and improves overall body balance. Even when the seats are reclined by this mode, there is enough room for an adult passenger to sit comfortably in the third row.

The cargo space available varies depending on the arrangement of the seating configurations. While the 7-seat configuration may have reduced cargo volume, the 2 and 3-seater versions which can be optimized for business use have maximum cargo space of almost 5,000 litres.

2021 Hyundai Staria

2021 Hyundai Staria MPV

Futuristic dashboard theme
The futuristic theme of the exterior is also adopted on the dashboard with an advanced 10.25-inch front touchscreen and a button-type electronic shift lever. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard while the smart infotainment system includes a display from a wide-angle camera for the driver to view rear passengers.

To have the right atmosphere, there is a 64-colour ambient mood lamp. Its direct and indirect lighting can selectively illuminate the cockpit, console, doors and cargo areas. The premium ambience is enhanced by the Bose sound system which comes standard and is optimised for the large cabin volume.

2021 Hyundai Staria MPV

Turbodiesel with shift-by-wire transmission
HSDM is still one of those companies that offers diesel-powered models and the Staria comes with a familiar 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel with an output of 177 ps/431 Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission operated by a simple electronic shift-by-wire system. With the high-efficiency, air-cooled turbocharger that has an improved compressor and turbine wheel performance, low speed performance is stronger and peak torque is available from 1,500 rpm. HSDM doesn’t mention fuel compatibility although they would have done extensive testing with local biodiesel to ensure there are no issues.

As it can carry up to 7 people, the Staria would need the highest level of vehicle safety. It is equipped with a full suite of Hyundai Smartsense active safety and driving assistance technologies. With its large size, especially the long body, the Blind-spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist systems would be of very useful.

“Hyundai is expanding its offerings to include more premium vehicles that offer innovative features for a unique in-car experience. The Staria Premium aims to offer unique value propositions for customers seeking a luxurious experience in an MPV,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Retail and Distribution, Sime Darby Motors.

While the Staria is launched today, units are not immediately available. Understandably, given the price, it is new territory for HSDM and remembering the times when they have sold high-priced models, they probably want to avoid having too many stocks in hand waiting to be sold. Customers have to specify what colour they want from the choice of five (white and mostly greyish or silver shades). Then depending on production slots, it could take 3 to 6 months before the vehicle gets to Malaysia for delivery.

2021 Hyundai Staria MPV

Almost everyone has a handphone nowadays so if you are unfortunate to have an accident, you can call for help from anywhere. But what if you are injured and cannot make the call? If you have a Hyundai Grand Starex from Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the vehicle will make that emergency call for you, thanks to the Telematics System which HSDM has installed as standard in every Grand Starex sold after May 1, 2021. The Telematics System comes with 6 services – Automatic eCall, Manual eCall, Breakdown Assistance, Service Assist, Connected Security Features/Stolen Vehicle Tracking.

eCall will bring emergency assistance
The Automatic eCall system, which has been required in all vehicles sold in Europe since 2018, is activated when a severe impact is detected by sensors, indicating that the vehicle has been involved in an accident. A SOS call goes on to the Secure Operating Centre (SOC) which will then attempt to contact the owner of the vehicle to check on the situation. Should there be no response, rescue services and the police will be notified to go to the location shown on the tracking device in the vehicle.

If the driver is not hurt, he or she can use the Manual eCall by just pressing the SOS button mounted on the console of the Grand Starex. Once this done, there will be a call from the SOC to find out the nature of the emergency and what sort of assistance is required.

Hyundai Grand Starex with Telematics
How an eCall system works (image courtesy of Bosch).

The bCall service will bring breakdown support to where the vehicle is located and if the vehicle is stolen or lost, its location can be identified with the tracking system. Once the location is known, the SOC will coordinate with police and other personnel to recover the vehicle.

Vehicle location and tracking
The Telematics System also comes with a Mobile App that can activate a smart alarm to locate the vehicle with the sound of the horn and signal indicators. This is useful if you are in a large carpark and forgot where you parked the vehicle. If you do not have such a feature, here’s a tip: use your phone to take a picture of a sign nearby which shows the location. This will help you to find the spot or the carpark people will be able to take you there.

The Service Assist feature tracks the vehicle’s mileage via GPS and then sends a note to an authorised Hyundai service centre which will then offer an appointment to the vehicle owner (if a scheduled service is due). The concierge service also includes reminders for the renewal of insurance and roadtax.

Hyundai Grand Starex with Telematics

Complimentary for 3 years
The Telematics System service is complimentary for the first 3 years. After this period ends, vehicle owners can opt to renew the service for RM380 per year.  “Existing Grand Starex owners who are keen to have this system installed in their vehicles can approach any authorised Hyundai service centre to get the Telematics System installed at RM1,998,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.

The 11-seater Grand Starex MPV is available in two variants, both with 2.5-litre turbodiesel engines and 5-speed automatic transmission. Prices start from RM165,888.00 (excluding insurance) in Peninsula Malaysia) and financing plans offered by HSDM have monthly instalments that start from RM1,348 (terms and conditions apply).

Hyundai Grand Starex with Telematics

StayAtHome

The bestselling van in history, with over 12 million units sold worldwide, is the Volkswagen Transporter. While the earliest version which began in 1950 was on a Beetle platform, the model later gained its own ‘T platform’ from the 1990s for a variety of versions including minibuses, pick-ups and campervans.

From T platform to MQB platform
The current generation is the T6 Transporter with its people-mover variant known as the Caravelle. With the new T7 generation, the Transporter will leave the T platform behind in what will be the creation of a new model line named Multivan, while the current T6 is likely to continue as a commercial van for some time.

2021 Volkswagen Multivan

A trio of vans
The new Multivan (1941 mm wide, 4973 mm long) will ride on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform which should give it more versatility. It will be a less commercially-oriented product and is likely to become a significant MPV model range as well. In fact, Volkswagen has already indicated that the Multivan will be one of three members of a multi-purpose vehicle line-up that will include the T6 Transporter and all-electric ID. Buzz.

The exterior looks of the Multivan adopt the latest design language seen on the new Golf and Polo, and also pays homage to its predecessors, dating back to the 1985 Transporter T3. The front air intakes, painted in the same colour as the vehicle, have been reduced, paying tribute to the heritage of the rear air-cooled engines of the first three generations.

2021 Volkswagen Multivan

The colour scheme in the press photos goes with the cubic theme of the design which has clean surfaces and large glass panels all round. Also available is a panoramic glass roof with LowE laminated safety glass to reduce incoming thermal radiation by 44%.

PHEV for the first time
Volkswagen has a large number of markets and so its powertrain choices for the Multivan will need to take into consideration the less developed countries which will still want combustion engines. At the same time, for the markets where electrification is moving forward, there is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)variant – the first time in this Volkswagen segment.

The Multivan PHEV will have a 1.4-litre TSI 150 ps petrol engine and an electric motor powered by a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The total system output is 218 ps with instantaneous torque which will provide brisk performance. Volkswagen does not give any numbers yet other that that, with a 6-speed DSG transmission, ‘short, urban trips’ are possible on pure electric power.

The combustion engine powertrains that will be available will be two 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines – 136 ps 1.5 TSI and 204 ps 2.0 TSI – and a 150 ps 4-cylinder turbodiesel. All the engines will deliver their power through a 7-speed DSG to the front wheels.

Semi-autonomous capability
The Multivan will have a lot of new and advanced tech, with more than 34 driver assist systems. Besides the ones that provide autonomous braking, lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, there is also IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist which allows semi-autonomous driving by combining the predictive Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist to make long-distance journeys safer and easier. It can be used up to 210 km/h.

Other new systems include Car2X – allowing local communication with other vehicles and the highways infrastructure in order to provide warnings of any danger ahead.

2021 Volkswagen Multivan

2021 Volkswagen Multivan

More flexible and spacious within
Inside, the new Volkswagen Multivan is more flexible and spacious than ever, with a new modular, lightweight seating system and innovative table. Seating layouts can be for 2 to 7 persons with removable seats and swivelling features.

2021 Volkswagen Multivan

2021 Volkswagen Multivan

The innovative multi-function table has been designed specially for the Multivan. Using the central track, it can be moved between any of the seating rows and also used as a centre console between the front seats. The table, which is completely removable, has adjustable height, three cupholders, and a storage bin.

The maximum cargo capacity with all rear seats removed is up to 4053 litres (depending on variant) with the longer 5173 mm version.

2021 Volkswagen Multivan

The new Multivan will go on sale later this year and while there will be a righthand drive version, it is hard to say whether it will be imported to Malaysia. The last time the model was sold (as the Caravelle) was in the 1990s when a small volume was assembled locally by Auto Dunia, which was then handling the Volkswagen brand.

While official industry sales data for April 2021 has not been released by the Malaysia Automotive Association, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) believes that its strong sales performance during the month would put it among the top 3 positions in the non-national brand rankings for the fourth consecutive month.

The brand’s sales have been on an upward trajectory since the year began and April saw a historical high with 1,872 vehicles sold. The major contributor was the XPANDER MPV which accounted for 52% of the total sales volume. Since being launched in the Malaysian market, MMM has collected more than 10,000 bookings for the model which is assembled in Pekan, Pahang.

Mitsubishi XPANDER

Increased XPANDER production
“We are very pleased that the Mitsubishi XPANDER sales remain healthy and its demand is ahead of the number of units supplied. Despite the challenges we are facing with the recently announced Movement Control Order (MCO) or even with the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) prior to MCO, we are continuing our best efforts to meet with the strong demand for the XPANDER by increasing our production capacity while maintaining a high level of product quality,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.

Triton maintains strong position
The Triton pick-up truck is the other strong seller in the range locally, maintaining a market share close to 20%. The company delivered 680 units in April. including 142 units of the new Triton Athlete.

The Triton Athlete was launched in early April as the flagship of the pick-up range, taking over from the Adventure X variant. It is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine which produces 181 ps/430 Nm. Priced from RM141,500 (without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia), it comes with a factory warranty of 5 years, or maximum of 200,000 kms after registration.

“Although there was a decline in many economic sectors and the environmental sentiments starts to take a toll on people caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are relieved to see our sales remain optimistic and constantly moving towards a positive direction. We are aware that a large number of our customers aim to purchase their cars before the SST exemption expires by end of June. Despite the challenges of supply constraints, Mitsubishi Motors is working our best to meet the expectation of our customers on the delivery preference,” Mr. Shinnishi added.

Besides the XPANDER and Triton, MMM also sells the Outlander SUV which is also assembled locally at the Tan Chong plant in Kuala Lumpur. It is available in two variants with a choice of 2-litre of 2.5-litre engines.

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about Xpander and other Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia.

StayAtHome

Honda today gave the world its first look at the next generation of the BR-V, presented as the N7X Concept. The original BR-V had its world debut in Indonesia in August 2015, and now, for the first time, Honda is unveiling a concept car in the country. The reason is that the BR-V is a model that was developed primarily with the Indonesia market in mind, although it is also sold in some other countries, including Malaysia.

For the second generation, the 7-seater cabin is maintained, this being an important point for customers in Indonesia. Honda understands that a car is ‘not just a car’, and considering how much time people spend in it, the vehicle is also a ‘second home’. This led the design team at Honda Asia Pacific to combine the best features of a MPV and the advantages of a SUV for the N7X Concept that will be the basis for the forthcoming new BR-V.

2021 Honda N7X Concept

2021 Honda N7X Concept

Designed with Gen X in mind
The exterior design is sleeker than the current BR-V and the overall size appears larger. There are some styling elements from other models, such as the CR-V, with the high ground clearance being a necessity in Indonesia and also other parts of ASEAN.

Honda product planners conducted extensive studies, primarily in Indonesia, to find out what customers expect and aimed to exceed the expectations. They focussed especially on the Generation X family, which has a lifestyle that is balanced between personal activities and family togetherness.

Details of the interior are not available other than from brief views during the presentation. With words like ‘premium’ being used, it is likely that Honda will offer the new BR-V with a higher quality than before, the same way that the City evolved upwards. Of course, with the emphasis on safety, we may see better safety systems installed, probably including an autonomous braking capability.

2021 Honda N7X Concept

2021 Honda N7X Concept

2021 Honda N7X Concept

Honda’s idea of a 7-seater
“The N7X is our concept of what a 7-seater car should be, which not only offers pleasant driving performance but also the serenity and comfort of a premium car for all occupants. We are very proud to make Indonesia the first in the world to introduce the N7X Concept, a concept that will redefine the categories of cars and driving pleasure,” said Takehiro Watanabe, President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor, during the world premiere online.

The current BR-V was launched at the Indonesia International Auto Show in 2015 but given the current pandemic, the future of such public events remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Honda Indonesia is displaying the N7X Concept at a shopping mall in Jakarta this week, and will probably do an online launch of the production model sometime during the second half of this year.

2021 Honda N7X Concept
2019 BR-V (the model received some updates last year). Prices start from RM86,726.

The BR-V arrived in Malaysia about 2 years after its debut in Indonesia, though this second generation might not take as long. Anyway, if you prefer the current one and want to get one before it runs out, visit any authorized Honda dealer and their locations can be found at www.honda.com.my.

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