Prodrive, founded by former WRC co-driver David Richards, has lots of experience developing high-performance machines, especially for off-road use. A recent project was the Bahrain Raid Xtreme competition car driven by 9-time World Champion, Sebastien Loeb, in the Dakar Rally. Now using all its expertise and 40 years of successful off-road competition, it has developed the Hunter, a 600 bhp, 4-wheel drive all-terrain adventure vehicle with performance and capability to cross any landscape.
The rallycar used by Sebastien Loeb of the Bahrain Raid Xtreme team in the 2022 Dakar Rally.
Designed and intended for desert sand, dunes and rough mountain tracks, the Hunter is even more extreme than that driven by Loeb, with a 50% increase in power from the V6 engine and more suspension travel to absorb the harshest of terrain.
But while the car is even faster and more capable than the rallycar, it is also more refined. Ian Callum, who styled the exterior of the original competition car, returned to the project to create a new interior more in keeping with everyday use than rallying.
Aiming for Middle East markets
“There are numerous hypercars on the market; however, they all need good roads or even racetracks to show their performance. We identified that, in certain parts of the world, particularly the Middle East, there are vast expanses still to be explored that go way beyond the access provided by asphalt roads. Therefore, why not create a vehicle that gives the opportunity to explore these regions with performance way beyond that offered by any off-road vehicle before?” explained Richards.
The Hunter retains the Dakar competition car’s engine, drivetrain and suspension. To improve driveability, the manual sequential gearbox has been replaced by a 6-speeder with paddle shift, giving a smooth gear change in just milliseconds.
Higher power output
As the hypercar does not have to comply with strict competition regulations, the power output has been increased by more than 50%. The 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 has been refined and retuned to produce over 600 bhp and 700 Nm of torque while making its power delivery smoother and easier to drive.
Prodrive estimates that this would give it a 0 – 100 km/h time of less than 4 seconds and a top speed of nearly 300 km/h. The vehicle is fitted with bespoke 35-inch off-road tyres designed to optimise grip over rough terrain and sand, rather than on tarmac.
Hyper rallycar for the road
“We took the deliberate decision to keep the Hunter Hypercar as close to the original as possible. It’s about giving owners the opportunity to experience what it is like to drive Loeb’s Dakar car across the desert, but with all the comforts of a road car and the ability to drive it from your home, through a city, to any destination of your choice,” said Richards.
The whole car is built around a high-tensile steel spaceframe chassis, giving both a rigid platform to optimise the suspension geometry and performance and an FIA standard safety cage to protect the occupants. The all-round double wishbone suspension with twin adjustable dampers on each corner has 400 mm of travel – an increase from 350 mm on the competition car – to give a smoother ride and even greater ability to cross the roughest terrain at speeds unimaginable in any other vehicle.
The whole vehicle has been designed to minimise overall weight and optimise the weight distribution and centre of gravity. All the bodywork is made from lightweight carbon composite, which includes recycled materials produced by Prodrive Composites.
The first development Hunter is already going around the Middle East where potential customers are being offered the opportunity of driving it and confirming their personal specification for production vehicles, each priced from £1.25 million (about RM7.05 million) to be delivered later this year.
Volvo was the first company to assemble its cars in Malaysia in 1967 when the government began its localisation policy to accelerate industrialisation. 55 years later, the Swedish carmaker (part of China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group like Proton) is again a pioneer by being the first company to assemble a pure electric vehicle or battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Malaysia at the same plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.
The first car assembled in Malaysia in 1967 was a Volvo (above), and 55 years later, the first electric vehicle assembled in the country is also a Volvo (below).
Although it may seem like this move has come about because the government is allowing duty-free import and sale of BEVs now (and for the next few years), it is not the case. To plan for local assembly takes many years and it’s not as if Volvo Car Malaysia could send a message to Sweden to ask for CKD (completely knocked down) kits for assembly in 2022 when they can be imported duty-free. Furthermore, the plant would also have to be set up, especially with safety measures to handle the high-voltage systems of BEVs. Of course, Volvo Cars Manufacturing Malaysia (originally known as Swedish Motor Assemblies) already has experience with electrified vehicles since it has been assembling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models for some time.
Regional production hub
In line with Volvo’s plan to have 50% of its global sales volume to be made up of BEVs by 2025, it has been quickly switching focus to BEVs around the world. Malaysia, being its production hub in ASEAN, is naturally a part of this plan which will see the brand being fully electric by 2030. From the plant in Selangor, BEVs will be exported to other countries in the region and because they are assembled in Malaysia, they can also be imported duty-free (provided they have a minimum of 40% ASEAN-sourced content) as part of the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement.
The first model, which will be officially launched on April 4, is the XC40 Recharge which was also the first Volvo BEV when it made its debut in 2019. Recharge is the umbrella name given to models which are electrified and in the coming 5 years, Volvo Car Malaysia will be launching one new BEV each year.
The XC40 Recharge has a similar appearance as the XC40 with a combustion engine (below) but the grille is different. With no need for radiator cooling, the space can be closed off.
While the price has not been announced yet, the technical details are already known since it would be the same model as sold elsewhere. It has two electric motors that draw power from a 75 kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned between the front and rear axles. The system output is 300 kW (equivalent to 408 ps) with 660 Nm of torque, which gives a claimed 0 to 100 km/h capability of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h. A maximum range of 418 kms is claimed for a fully charged battery pack.
As with other BEVs, the XC40 Recharge can be recharged in various ways although DC fast-charging would have the shortest time. From one report we have read, the battery pack can be recharged to 80% of its capacity within 33 minutes when a fast-charger is used. Of course, this assumes that the level is very low and in practice, it may be that people recharge whenever they can and ‘top up’ so the time spent charging might not be as long.
Similar appearance to XC40
The external appearance of the XC40 Recharge is similar to that of the XC40 SUV but you can immediately tell that the model is the BEV version from the front end. With no need to cool a radiator, there is no real need for the traditional grille so that space is closed off. That’s better for aerodynamics too, which need to be as efficient as possible to minimise wind resistance.
The equipment for the locally-assembled model may differ a bit from those sold in other countries but would still be high as Volvo wants to position itself as a premium luxury brand. With the emphasis on sustainability and recycling, a large percentage of materials would also be eco-friendly.
Android-powered?
The Volvo Car Group is the first company to team up with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android so it is likely that this will be available. The infotainment system is fully integrated with Volvo On Call, the company’s digital connected services platform, and includes Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store built-in. The new system also offers full integration of Android Automotive OS, Google’s open-source Android platform, with real-time updates to services and automotive apps created by the global developer community.
New Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
This being a Volvo, it does without saying that safety has a very high priority in every area. In terms of active safety systems, the XC40 Recharge has an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) platform with an array of radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. This gives it a broad range of capabilities to scan its surroundings and identify potential hazards, enabling a degree of autonomous motoring.
To help keep passengers safe and the battery intact in the event of a collision, there is a new and unique safety structure for passengers and battery alike in the XC40 Recharge. The battery is protected by a safety cage which consists of a frame of extruded aluminium and is embedded in the middle of the car’s body structure, creating a built-in crumple zone around the battery. The battery’s placement in the floor of the car also has the benefit of lowering the centre of gravity of the car, for better protection against roll-overs.
Additionally, the car’s body structure has not just been reinforced in the front but also at the rear. Here, the electric powertrain has been integrated in the body structure for better distribution of collision forces away from the cabin and reduce the strain on people inside the car.
First deliveries will start towards the end of April and buyers will get a charging cable, service package, 5-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, 8-year battery pack warranty and 5 years of complimentary Roadside assistance.
Human Horizons, the young Chinese technology company (established just 4 years ago), has released details of two more versions of its HiPhi X Super SUV range. The new versions are the 6-seater Creative Extended Range Edition and Intelligent Extended Range Edition which are said to be premium products.
Meeting more differing customer needs
Since being unveiled in mid-May 2021, the HiPhi X has been selling well across China and the development team has been looking at providing vehicles for more differing needs of consumers. Both the Creative Extended Range Edition and Intelligent Extended Range Edition are outfitted as luxury versions, with features such as a 17-speaker Meridian audio system, 19.9-inch entertainment screen for passengers, customizable smart fragrance system by Givaudan, interior light panels, a HEPA biochemical filter, and a driver physical monitoring system.
The HiPhi X has a number of world and industry firsts among mass-produced passenger vehicles, especially in the EV segment. These include smart PML programmable headlights, smart ISD interactive lamps and lighting system, and the intuitive AI-powered HiPhi Play interactive visual display.
Internet-of-Things technology
The model is also equipped with the world’s first fully-integrated open smart HiPhi service-oriented architecture (H-SOA) for use in a mass-produced vehicle. This utilizes the latest in Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology to connect, control, and monitor the operation of the vehicle. The open architecture acts as an open piece of hardware that third-party developers and regular users can program to create innovative visual displays according to their mood. For this reason, Human Horizons refers to the HiPhi X as the world’s ‘first evolvable super SUV’.
Having been conceived as an EV right from the start, the designers had no constraints as they could develop a layout fully optimised for EVs. Measuring 5.2 metres long, its lightweight hybrid aluminium construction will complement the concept of sustainability with the adoption of vegan leather and the use of recyclable materials.
There are two drivetrain versions of the HiPhi X – single motor/rear-wheel drive and dual motor/all-wheel drive. The battery pack has a 96 kWh capacity and is said to be able to provide a cruising range of up to 650 kms. It also has 4-wheel steering for easier manoeuvring, while 562 sensors feed real-time data to 4 domain controllers and 6 computing platforms to allow autonomous motoring and even parking.
Growing popularity
To date, over 5,000 HiPhi X vehicles have been delivered in China. The company claims it is the first Chinese brand to top the sales charts for premium luxury cars valued at more than 600,000 RMB (about RM398,000) for any given month. Human Horizons continues to work on expanding the charging network by supplying coverage from over 270,000 charging points across 500 cities throughout China.
HiPhi Z, to make its debut this year, will be the second model from Human Horizons.
Mercedes-EQ which started in 2016 as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz dedicated to fully electric vehicles (EVs) was introduced to Malaysians in mid-2019. But apart from previewing the first model the new brand, which was the EQC, not much happened and instead, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) focussed on the EQ-Power range which covered the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.
But the planning was going on behind the scenes and we were always told that EQ would be coming, and that day has arrived with the launch of the EQA 250 today. Although the EQC was the first model in the EQ range to be launched (in 2019), MBM has chosen to start off at the entry level with the EQA, the third EQ model which was launched in Europe last year.
EQC was the first model of the Mercedes-EQ range and appeared in Malaysia in 2019 to introduce the new all-electric range.
Decisions are made years ahead in the car industry and at the time MBM was planning, they would not have expected the government to offer full exemption of import duties and even roadtax for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). So the pricing of the EQA 250 would probably have been expected to be higher although incentives would have been expected.
So it must have been a pleasant surprise last October to be told that the EQA 250 could be sold duty-free in 2022 and for the next few years (longer if assembled locally). This has enabled the retail price, without insurance, to be RM278,201.25, and that also includes 50% exemption in sales tax allowed for CBU models. For now, the EQA 250 is offered with the AMG Line package that adds a sporty touch to the SUV.
The EQA 250 is related to the GLA (below) but its platform and architecture have been optimised for a BEV.
The EQA is related to the GLA and in fact, shares the same MFA2 platform which has been adapted for a BEV layout. So it’s not fully optimized for BEVs and to give the EQA 250 the efficiency it needs to maximise performance, it has been given a large battery pack and much attention has been given to aerodynamics.
Lots of wind tunnel and simulation work brought the Cd value down to 0.28, and the bodywork has been made as smooth as possible. Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section; the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons; a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underside; specially optimised Aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.
The EQA shows that cars of the future will still look like the cars were drive today, rather than the bubbles or bullet-shaped vehicles that were imagined to be on the roads in the 21st century. As mentioned earlier, it is like a BEV derivative of the GLA (but is really more than that). Its front end has the EQ design elements with a black panel radiator grille and central star. With the AMG Line package, the EQA 250 gets the sporty genes of the Mercedes-AMG brand. It reinterprets the twin-blade design of the grille and features a diffuser-look AMG rear apron.
A design feature is the continuous fibreoptic light strip across the front and rear, providing a distinctive visual signature. Mercedes-Benz has chosen blue for as its ‘electric theme’ so the headlights have a blue colour within. At the back, the LED units merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip to emphasise width.
The doors reach over the sills, keeping the frames (and thus also the occupants’ trousers) free of dirt and improving impact protection in the event of a side collision. All-round protective cladding adds ruggedness and structure to the overall proportions, hinting at the SUV’s off-road character, as does the simulated underride guard at the front and rear.
The EQA 250 has a straightforward electric powertrain consisting of a single motor driving the front wheels. The electric motor, a fixed-ratio transmission with a differential, the cooling system and the electronics form a highly integrated, very compact powertrain (eATS).The motor, which has an output of 140 kW/190 ps and 370 Nm of torque, is powered by a ‘double-decker’ lithium-ion battery pack with a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh.
The claimed acceleration time is 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h with a top speed of 160 km/h. The fuel consumption in petrol and diesel engines, the distance you can travel is dependent on many factors – even how you drive – and it’s the same for BEVs. Push the vehicle hard and you get less range but unlike combustion engines, low speeds are not necessarily inefficient. So MBM provides a range of 402 – 496 kms on a fully charged battery pack which would be good enough for regular motoring.
When it comes to recharging, there are various ways the owner can get it done and each one takes a different length of time. The shortest time is with a DC 100 kW fast-charger which can ‘refuel’ from 10% to 80% within around 30 minutes. The on-board charger can handle charging from AC power outlets at the home or in public locations but will take at last 5 hours 45 minutes from 10% to 100%. That pretty much means leaving the vehicle parked overnight so if you switch to a BEV, it will have to be part of your routine. Of course, if you ‘top up’ periodically, then you may not have to wait so long. Incidentally, if you want to charge at home, you will need a wallbox which will be additional cost for installation.
‘Fuel pump’ of the future – refuelling will be with electricity, not petrol or diesel.
For the convenience of its customers, MBM is setting up 13 DC fast-chargers installed in strategic dealer locations around the country. With the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus network quite extensive, this means that EQA owners will be able to travel quite far and be assured of quick charging. Until the end of 2023, using the charging stations will be free of charge.
Additionally, EQ customers will enjoy an exclusive 1-year subscription with JomCharge, where they will enjoy unlimited charging at a 50% discount at all JomCharge charging stations for the first 1,000 customers. The JomCharge locations are at Petronas stations and the petroleum company has said that it plans to install the fast-chargers along the North-South Expressway and part of the East-Coast Expressway.
Like most other companies selling BEVs, MBM offers a warranty of 8 years or up to 160,000 kms for the battery pack so first (and even second) owners should have no concerns about replacement cost. In time, there will be an increasing number of used battery packs and the issue of how to recycle them will become important. MBM is aware of this future issue and will prepare for it but says it is something that the industry will have to work together on as well.
The EQA 250 may be forerunner of the future of motoring but the cabin remains recognisable as other cars of today, albeit with a lot of digital technologies in the displays, including the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system with extended functions. The Mercedes-EQ tile in the media display is used to call up menus relating to charging options, electrical consumption and energy flow. The individual, transparent sections of the surface are illuminated from behind with the aid of fibreoptics. The right-hand display within the instrument cluster is a wattmeter rather than a tachometer, with the upper section showing the percentage of power used and the lower section indicating the recuperation.
The left-side meter can be used to show whether the destination can be reached without an interim charging stop. The colours change according to the driving situation: During a boost process, for example, the display changes to white. Depending on mood, or to match the particular interior, the user has a choice of four different styles and 64 ambient colours. There is also a head-up display projected on the windscreen.
The battery pack is situated underneath the middle section of the cabin, so it does not reduce the volume of the boot area, unlike earlier electrified vehicles which had battery packs in the boot. Thus there is a usable width of 1.3 metres and depth of up to 1.4 metres, for a volume of 340 litres. The 40:20:40 division of the rear backrest allows variability in the layout to accommodate longer or more items. Incidentally, the EQA 250 comes with an EASY-PACK tailgate which is just a fancy term for electrically-operated tailgate (which would be expected of a car costing this much) but doesn’t have the handsfree feature.
Electric vehicles are no different from other road vehicles where safety for the occupants is concerned. Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive safety, has used its long experience to ensure that the occupants of the EQA 250 will be well protected if an accident occurs and has also given thought to other road-users in view of the quietness of its running. It has an acoustic ambient protection alert so pedestrians and cyclists will be aware of its presence. The acoustic presence indicator generates specific Mercedes-Benz sounds outside of the vehicle up to a speed of 20 km/h and it differentiates between driving forward and reversing.
Due to the battery pack, the EQA is heavier than a GLA and more energy needs to be absorbed in the event of a crash. The supporting structures at the front and rear were adapted to accommodate this requirement by the use of thicker materials. And as it carries a battery pack and other high-voltage equipment, more stringent safety measures have to be incorporated.
An aluminium housing as well as the body structure of the vehicle itself protect the battery pack from potentially touching the ground and against loose chippings. The housing is part of the vehicle structure and thus an integral part of the crash concept. The ground clearance of more than 200 mm is a further advantage and the lowest point of the vehicle is not the battery pack but the side skirts.
If the EQA 250 crashes, the high-voltage system can automatically switch off, reversibly or irreversibly depending on the accident severity. This is particularly important for rescuers who may have to touch the vehicle in order to help the occupants to get out. Mercedes-Benz works with rescue services to train them to safely approach an electric vehicle and the EQA is fitted with a special disconnection point which can be used by the rescuers to switch off the high-voltage system. If an impact is detected while the vehicle is hit when it is being charged, the charging process will also be stopped immediately.
Mazda’s SUV range (discounting the Mazda Tribute which was jointly developed with Ford’s first Escape) started off with single-digit numbers – CX-3, CX-5, CX-7 and CX-9 (the CX-30 being an exception) – and last year, the carmaker announced that its new generation of SUVs would have double-digit designations. And these would be more premium, in line with Mazda’s aspirations to move further upmarket.
We were told that from 2021 to 2024, there will be no less than 5 new SUV models and their designations were even revealed: CX-50, CX-60, CX-70 and CX-90. The CX-50, not intended as an immediate replacement for the CX-5, appeared last November and is intended primarily for the North American market where it is now being built as well.
Now comes the CX-60 which is Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and aimed largely at Europe. It’s not the company’s first hybrid as there has been a Mazda3 with a SKYACTIV HEV engine sold in Japan for many years. That hybrid drew on Toyota’s hybrid technology and with the association deepening in recent times, it is likely that this new PHEV may have been developed with some of Toyota’s long experience.
Most powerful Mazda production model to date
The PHEV powertrain has a SKYACTIV 2.5-litre petrol engine and a 100 kW electric motor powered by a 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery pack. With an output of 327 ps/500 Nm, it is the most powerful powertrain Mazda has offered in a production vehicle for sale to the public. Claimed 0 to 100 km/h performance is 5.8 seconds, with a range of up to 68 kms on just electricity in city driving conditions.
A new 8-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system delivers power to all four wheels, with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offering 5 different drive modes. Recharging is said to be within 4 hours using an ordinary power outlet.
Later, the CX-60 will also be available with two new engines for the PHEV powertrain – a new generation straight-six 3-litre e-SKYACTIV X petrol unit and a 3.3-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel. Together with the new engines and 48V technology, Mazda will also introduce a RWD version of the SUV. A bigger 3-row model, the CX-80, will be added to the range within the next two years.
Typically high standard of vehicle dynamics
With its emphasis on jinba-ittai (the unity between a horse and its rider) for all its models. It would be surprising to find the CX-60 also having impressive vehicle dynamics. Compatible with the CX-60’s longitudinal front-engine rear-wheel drive mechanical layout, Mazda’s SKYACTIV Scalable Architecture is matched to high bodyshell rigidity and a double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension set-up.
Additionally, the CX-60 also has Mazda’s Kinetic Posture Control technology which further stabilises vehicle posture when cornering by braking the inside rear wheel to mitigate roll and the draw the car body downwards, while positioning the high-voltage battery between the front and rear axles and as low as possible, further helps the CX-60’s centre of gravity and stability. This is probably an evolution of the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) chassis technologies developed some years back and used in many models today.
KODO design maintained
The appearance of the CX-60 seems to have a bit of the CX-5, which is not unusual since the KODO design language is still being used. The grille has the familiar shape seen on other Mazdas but differs in detailing, while the body surfacing is masterfully done to exploit the flow of light across the body.
Besides design, Mazdas has always given craftsmanship a top priority in its products and for the CX-60, the very highest standards of craftmanship combined with new technologies and human-centric ergonomics to deliver a premium interior rooted in Japanese heritage.
The elegant, premium quality interior design introduces the ideas of Kaichou – an element of disruption which mixes different materials and textures. With the flagship Takumi version, materials such as maple wood, nappa leather combine with uniquely worked Japanese textiles and chrome details, and Musubu – the art of binding which was the inspiration for a specially detailed instrument panel stitching.
The treatment of the maple wood trim reflects the Japanese aesthetic of Hacho – asymmetrical balance, or intentional unevenness. The woven fabrics’ diverse patterns and yarns respond sensitively to changes in light, and a Japanese stitching technique called Kakenui creates ‘hanging stitching’ seams with spaces between the trim fabrics revealing a glimpse of the material beneath.
An innovative feature for some variants is the Mazda Driver Personalisation System> This can recognise the occupant of the driver’s seat via facial recognition and automatically make adjustments – seat position, steering wheel, mirrors, Head-up Display, even the sound and climate control settings – to fit their physique as well as their personal preferences. Whether this is a practical approach remains to be seen as there are some people who have unusual ways of sitting!
How will Mazda’s CX range evolve?
How the Mazda range will look by the end of the decade can’t be determined yet. The company has often said that it wants to move upmarket and has progressively given its products a noticeably more premium image. Having the new double-digit range of more premium models sold together with the existing single-digit models may be a way to see whether they can move into – and stay – in the upper level of the market.
But for sure, they will eventually rationalise their range one way or another because, as one senior executive explained some years ago, Mazda is not very big and its volumes do not allow it to have too much variety. It has been careful to choose models and segments to compete in, avoiding fragmentation that is inefficient. And it has done that well so far…
Visit www.mazda.com.my to know more about Mazda models available in Malaysia
Chery was the first carmaker to begin exporting passenger vehicles from China and not surprisingly, it has remained the country’s top passenger car exporter for 19 consecutive years. Its vehicles are now sold in more than 80 countries and regions, and it has also set up 10 factories outside China.
Like the early years of the Japanese brands venturing overseas, the quality and reliability of cars from China has also been raised by customers. There’s certainly no doubt that since the auto industry in China began accelerating its activities and development from the 1980s, the products have constantly improved with new technologies and more advanced manufacturing processes.
To show its confidence in the reliability of its latest products, Chery has launched the new Tiggo 8 Pro in South Africa with an engine warranty that is 10 years long or up to 1 million kms (whichever comes first). This warranty complements the vehicle warranty which is 5 years or a maximum of 150,000 kms and this warranty is transferable (if still valid when the vehicle is sold to another person).
The 1 million km engine warranty is impressive but not new as Hyundai has been offering a warranty of a million miles (1.6 million kms) in America for some time. Like Chery’s warranty, it is only for the powertrain but is for up to 20 years.
Long warranties are reassuring for owners and may seem to be a long-term risk for carmakers that offer them. However, it should be noted that such warranties usually apply only to the first owner and subsequent owners will not enjoy the same length coverage. In markets like the USA, ownership of a car is for a few years and then the owner gets a new one, so in reality, the risk to the carmaker is not much different from that of warranties of 5 years.
Anyway, it’s still a good way to convince customers who wonder about quality, which was one of the reasons why Hyundai offered it in America. Back in the 1980s, when the brand first entered the market, its products had poor quality and damaged the image. The Koreans worked hard to improve quality and when they were confident they could offer better products, they backed up their claims with longer warranties.
The engine is a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol unit, one of Chery’s powerplants which has won awards in China for its high efficiency. The TGDI engine produces 197 ps/290 Nm.
The new Tiggo 8 Pro is a flagship of the range and South Africa is the first country on the continent to get it. It uses ‘Movement Design’, Chery’s next-generation design language which has a galaxy-inspired 3-dimensional grille flanked by automatic matrix-LED headlamps with dual daytime running lamps, establishing a strong visual signature. Satin chrome is used for the lower air intake (which doubles as a skidplate), foglamps, grille, window frames and lower doors.
Inside, all major controls have been digitised in 3 separate screens – a horizontal 12.3-inch instrument panel, an 8-inch climate control screen, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen ‘floating’ in the centre of the dashboard. The centre screen, which also displays the rearview image from a camera, operates the infotainment system which is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto ready.
The fully automatic climate control system has dual-zone circulation and, in consideration of increased concerns about air quality today, there is an N95-grade air purifying system as standard. For the Executive variant, rear occupants receive more cool air with an additional air-conditioning system for the rearmost seats. All variants offer wireless charging, intelligent voice control and eight surround speakers by Sony. Leather upholstery is standard, with the driver’s seat having 6-way power-adjustment.
According to Chery Malaysia, the Tiggo range will be offered in Malaysia soon. There are also plans to do local assembly with a partner that has not been revealed. Chery first appeared in Malaysia in the early 2000s with the QQ minicar and then assembled a few models at the former Oriental Assemblers plant in Johor (now owned by Berjaya).
When Chery first came to Malaysia in the early 2000s, it offered models such as the QQ minicar (blue and green cars) and the A160, as well as the first generation of the Tiggo. 20 years later, the carmaker has greatly advanced its design and engineering capabilities and now offers models like the new OMODA 5 (below) which will soon be available in Malaysia along with the new Tiggo.
Along with the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (Z223), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is also bringing in the GLS 600 4MATIC SUV, the only other model in the ultra-exclusive sub-brand above the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Like the Z223, the GLS 600 costs considerably more than the model from which it was adapted (from RM1.89 million before adding insurance) and as we wondered, why would someone pay so much more when it would be possible to personalize a Mercedes-Benz GLS with additional luxury fittings and probably spend less? Well, we’re not in that segment of customers who can afford such cars so it’s hard to understand but it may be that there are some who want exclusivity as well as the assurance of the product being made by the same manufacturer, and not an independent outside party.
Where the differences are
Unless the S-Class, the GLS 600 has a closer resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz version, even size-wise. It has Maybach-specific styling elements but, at a glance, it would be hard to see the difference although the extra chrome trim does offer a clue. Where the Mercedes-Benz GLS sports a large star between two horizontal louvres in the radiator grille, the Mercedes-Maybach grille has a fine, elegant line of vertical chrome. At the lower level are ‘oar-blades’ at each side, with a classy mesh grille over them.
Along the sides is another classy feature – aluminium retractable side steps. The GLS 600 isn’t the only one with it but it is nevertheless something that will impress since you don’t see it often. The 2.06-metre long custom-designed steps, with extra width towards the rear half, fold out from underneath when a door is opened (and the vehicle is also lower slightly). Closing the door will reverse the action and the steps fit flush against the underside so there is no loss of ground clearance. This feature is exclusive to the Mercedes-Benz Maybach version.
The 23-inch wheels were developed exclusively for this model and have the pinstripe theme of the brand. The tailpipe trim elements with a small cross rib emphasise the model’s identity as a Mercedes-Maybach. The same applies to the brand emblem, which is positioned at various points such as on the D-pillar.
Extra money gets you this 2-tone paint finish with a dividing line which is applied by hand, adding another level of exclusivity.
First-class cabin
It’s on the inside that much of the reason for the higher price is evident. Needless to say, the character of the interior is reflected in the high-grade materials and the high level of craftsmanship. Where the Mercedes-Benz GLS has 3 rows for up to 7 persons, the Mercedes-Maybach version has only two rows and the back one is for just two persons. The seats look like they came from the first-class cabin of an airliner with power everything and a generous reclining angle.
Between the seats is a wide console and at its rear end is a lid which opens into a refrigerated compartment. The refrigerator is an option but for the Malaysian market, it comes as a standard fitment. It has a large volume but that also means that it sticks into the boot area and takes away a bit of space.
From their elevated seating position, thanks to electrically operated roller sunblinds on the two rear side windows, the passengers can decide for themselves how much of their surroundings they want to see. Overhead is an electrically opening panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof with an opaque roller blind which will certainly be needed with our burning sunshine.
While a SUV is often regarded as a more leisure-oriented vehicles, the GLS 600 can also be used as a mobile office for those who cannot (or don’t want to) disconnect from their business. There are multiple options with WLAN/Bluetooth to enable the occupants to stay connected to the rest of the world and folding tables and a 115/230 V socket can be installed. The MBUX Rear Tablet with a 7-inch screen acts as a control centre for all the comfort features and can also be removed and used as an Android tablet. The MBUX infotainment system with Rear Seat Entertainment System uses two 11.6-inch touchscreens and each screen can display the content selected by the individual user.
Better air quality and enhanced wellness
In this age of greater concern for air quality, the AIR-BALANCE helps to improve the quality with two particularly clever features. One is active fragrancing of the interior with technology that ensures the fragrance actually evaporates after system deactivation and air exchange so no perfume droplets stick to clothing or the occupants.
The AIR-BALANCE Package also has air ionisation using a high-voltage ioniser in the air duct. The ioniser generates negative ions and owing to the magnetic attraction, they form heavier agglomerations and fall to the floor. In this way, certain viruses, bacteria and spores can be deactivated while the air will be fresher.
The suspension is based on that of the Mercedes-Benz GLS with AIRMATIC air suspension and Adaptive Damping System Plus (ADS+). The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension based on the 48V on-board electrical system, an innovation in suspension technology, is standard. A special Maybach drive program has been developed to provide class-leading ride comfort.
Hybrid powertrain with cylinder-cut
For power, the M177 engine is used and this is a new, electrified variant of the V8 petrol engine with a displacement of 3982 cc and has a 48V on-board electrical system with integrated starter-alternator (ISG). The ISG is responsible for hybrid functions such as EQ Boost or energy recovery, allowing fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology.
The output of the bi-turbo engine is 558 ps/730 Nm, and can be boosted by 250 Nm/22 ps momentarily. For fuel-savings, the variable valve control system CAMTRONIC can shut down 4 cylinders when demands are low. The transition between on 4 and 8 cylinders is seamless an absorber reduces vibrations that come from running on less cylinders.
Mercedes-Benz has had lots of experience in all-wheel drive, not only when it developed its first SUV in 1997 but even before that with the G-Wagen. For the GLS 600, the power flows through a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission to a transfer case that can vary torque from 0 – 100% between the front and rear axles.
Sophisticated PRE-SAFE systems
The tallness of a SUV has always been a challenge for engineers as there is a higher risk of roll-over. The PRE-SAFE system has active systems that can lower this risk significantly, but accidents can still happen. This is where the additional airbags installed in the rear seats help to give better protection to the passengers while Impulse Side, which is part of the Driving Assistance package Plus, uses the close-range radar sensors to detect an impending side-on collision and can prompt the driver or front passenger to move further away from the danger zone.
An interesting feature is the use of hearing, an area that often gets forgotten. If a probable impact is detected, the PRE-SAFE Sound system transmits a noise signal through the sound system of the vehicle which can trigger a reflex. It causes the stapedius muscle in the inner ear to contract and thus muffles the noise level of a major collision. This small action could help reduce the disorientation caused to the passenger by the impact and enable him or her to get out quickly.
Following the reveal of the new Ford Ranger last year, Ford has now finally given the new Everest SUV its global debut. While the press materials don’t mention the Ranger, it’s no secret that the two models are essentially shared products, with the Everest being a SUV version of the pick-up. The connection has been important, particularly in Thailand, where it is advantageous to be a truck-based SUV.
Ford design DNA For the new Everest, which starts its third generation, the chassis has wider tracks and a longer wheelbase. The styling is that of a modern SUV with the same ‘C-clamp’ headlamps and strong horizontal upper grille bar at the front, now the signature look of Ford’s trucks and SUVs. For the Everest, the front end also has a mix of horizontal and vertical elements. The wider tracks add a muscular image to the vehicle with a more dramatic swell over the wheels.
The new integrated or stand-off roof rails are more than just a design detail as the Everest roof can now support static loads of up to 350 kgs and dynamic loads of up to 100 kgs. This means owners can carry bikes, canoes, a cargo pod or roof-top tent. A universal mounting system allows for addition of a range of accessories.
“We showed customers the Everest at several points during the design process, and their feedback was consistent: They loved the exterior with the strong and rugged design, but they also thought it was sleek and modern,” said Max Wolff, Design Director for China and Ford’s International Markets Group. “They said that the Everest would give them the confidence to go off-road; it looks like a proper SUV.”
Three engine options Depending on the market, the Everest will be available with turbodiesel and petrol engines. There is a new 3-litre turbodiesel V6 and the proven 2-litre turbodiesel, and from 2023, a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. The present generation sold in Malaysia has a 2-litre bi-turbo diesel engine and this is likely to be maintained while the petrol engine would probably also be offered. Ford’s 10-speed SelectShift automatic will continue to be available as well as a 6-speeder.
Besides the 50 mm increase in the track for a more controlled ride on-road, revisions have been made to the damper settings ‘to inject more fun and control’ into the Everest’s ride, on and off-road. There will be two 4×4 drive systems – a 2-speed electronic type (also known as a part-time 4×4) and an advanced, permanent 4-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled on-demand 2-speed electromechanical transfer case with selectable drive modes.
A rear locking differential is fitted and, in some markets, the Everest will also be available with 2-wheel drive. As with the current Ranger and Everest, the vehicle can move through water up to 800 mm deep.
‘Sanctuary’ in the cabin While customers told the Ford people that they wanted toughness and capability on the outside and underneath, for the Inside, they wanted a ‘sanctuary’. So the designers put a lot of thought into the function and feel of the interior, taking inspiration from modern homes and bringing in plush materials, premium finishes and ambient lighting all in areas where customers can appreciate them the best.
The sense of spaciousness is amplified by the full-width dashboard. Access to the third-row seats is much easier, thanks to second-row seats that slide further forward than before. Additionally, all occupants now have places to store their things and depending on the model, charge their devices with power outlets in all three rows (some variants will have wireless charging pads).
Ford’s interior designers prioritised flexible seating in the new Everest so the second-row slides with a 60:40 split seatback and the 50:50 split third row in the 7-seater configuration can be folded at the touch of a button. Importantly, both the second and third-row seats have been designed to fold flat to allow for long loads to be carried safely.
To stop items falling out of the back opening when the tailgate is up, there is a small lip, affectionately known as the ‘apple catcher valley’, at the rear of the cargo area. The team also created an underfloor compartment for storing small items.
“One of the first things you’ll notice when you get into a new Everest is how quiet it is,” said Wolff. “We’ve all been in vehicles with multiple rows of seats, where you have to twist your head around and almost shout to be heard by passengers in the second or third rows. That’s an issue we wanted to solve for the Everest, so the interior would be a quiet place in which you can easily talk to your family or friends and enjoy the journey together.”
Customer-focused technology In addition to a more refined and comfortable interior, Ford focused on incorporating the latest connectivity and technology features. 8-inch or 12.4-inch digital instrument panels replace the traditional analogue clusters so it’s a ‘glass cockpit’ now. Additionally, in the middle of the dashboard is a high-resolution touchscreen in either 10.1-inch or 12-inch sizes, running Ford’s latest infotainment system known as SYNC 4A.
The portrait-orientated screen also is linked to a 360-degree camera with split-view display to make parking easier in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain. In addition, the driver can control the new exterior zone lighting system via the touchscreen which means they don’t have to park, work, camp or do anything in the dark.
Where available, the Everest’s dedicated off-road screen displays vehicle information and a front camera view of the terrain ahead, with predictive overlay guidelines designed to help the driver negotiate obstacles. With a single button press, the driver can view their driveline and diff-lock indicators, steering angle and guides, and vehicle roll and pitch angles. The camera views also help the driver guide the SUV into position to connect a trailer.
Driver-assist technologies Ford has always treated its SUVs and pick-up trucks the same way where safety is concerned, giving just as much safety technology as its passenger cars. For the Everest, there are new and enhanced driver assist technologies and safety features to take the stress out of driving and help drivers to remain focused.
A new far-side airbag positioned between the driver and front passenger provides additional protection in the event of a side impact. Depending on the variant and the market, the addition of the far-side airbag and dual knee airbags brings the number of airbags up to 9, which cover all 3 rows.
With Active Park Assist 2.0, the new Everest can help the driver fit safely in tight spaces at the press of a button. The system takes care of the steering, gearshifts, acceleration and braking to manoeuvre into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. It will also steer itself out of a parallel parking spot when prompted.
The Everest is primarily made in Thailand, along with the Ranger, and is expected to go on sale later this year. As Sime Darby Auto ConneXion has been selling the Everest, it would likely continue with the new generation, perhaps in 2023. If you’re interested in getting the current model, there should be some stocks available. Visit www.sdacford.com.my to locate a showroom for more information.
Over the past decade, the auto industry has probably seen more new companies starting up than at any other time except in the earliest years over 100 years ago. And where those early companies saw new business opportunities with the motorized carriage invented by Karl Benz in 1886, the new companies of the 21st century see great opportunities in electrically-powered ‘carriages’ – electric vehicles (EVs). And not having the legacy of decades of investment in vehicles with combustion engines, these new companies can be on the starting line alongside the established players in the new race.
More than just cars
But it’s not just transport vehicles which these newcomers are developing as they also look at providing mobility in a broader sense and as a service, rather than just selling the product. One such company is Faraday Future (FF), an American company originally founded by a Chinese businessman in 2014, which describes itself as a ‘shared intelligent mobility ecosystem company’. After some financial difficulties, the company was able to get substantial funding and went public on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in New York City and proceeded to set up its manufacturing facility in California.
FF ZERO 1 concept
Its first concept car was the futuristic FF ZERO 1 which was shown in 2016 at CES and some other events, more to draw attention to the new company than as a preview of the EV it would build. That came a year later in the form of the FF 91 which remains as the designation for the production model.
SUV bodystyle for flagship
The FF 91, to be the flagship model, is designed to be highly modular. It is built with the company’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA) that includes the FF Echelon Inverter, the first patent of Faraday Future. It’s a large car – overall length of 5255 mm and width of 1986 mm – sitting on a wheelbase of 3.2 metres, which is comparable to a BMW X7.
The mono-volume is a SUV bodystyle which has design features not constrained by traditional engineering approaches. Unlike early EVs which used architecture based on vehicles with combustion engines and mechanical drivetrains, the new generation of EVs are essentially clean-sheet designs that are optimized for electrical components, systems and layouts. Everything is incorporated on a skateboard platform for ease of manufacturing and simplicity.
3 motors, 1,050 ps, AWD
While details of the powertrain are not given at this time, FF does provide some performance claims. There will be 3 electric motors powered by a 120 kWh battery pack with patented submerged liquid cooling technology. The system output will be 1,050 ps and the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time is claimed to be less than 2.4 seconds. A fully charged lithium-ion battery pack is expected to provide up to 700 kms of range.
All four wheels will be powered with AWD and there will also be all-wheel steer with rear-wheel torque-vectoring. Before full-scale production starts, real-world testing will be carried out in America and most likely in China as well.
It’s not been mentioned what level of autonomous capability the FF 91 will have though it would surely be above Level 2. It will be fitted with a LiDAR sensor and use cameras for the door mirrors and inside rearview mirror.
High-tech interior
The FF 91 will have the ability to memorize different user profiles in FFIDs so each driver’s preferences and even content choices can be set upon entry. Information and entertainment will be displayed on 11 different displays around the cabin with a total of over 2.5 metres of high-resolution viewing area. The rear occupants will also get a state-of-the-art Mobile Movie Theatre screen on the ceiling which can be used for entertainment or even video conferencing.
The rear seats have a zero-gravity concept inspired by NASA and we’re not sure if this is similar to those which are found in some Nissan models (also called Zero-Gravity seats) but it sounds similar. In zero gravity, the human body naturally assumes what NASA scientists call the ‘Neutral Body Posture’ and using the posture data, the rear seats are designed to enable the ideal distribution of the body’s weight. The seats can also recline up to 60 degrees, which is industry-leading.
First 300 units booked
FF began accepting orders last July for two versions of the FF 91 – the Futurist Alliance and the Futurist. The Futurist Alliance will be a limited edition of only 300 units and exclusive colours and wheels. Apparently, all 300 units have already been booked by customers who received special invitations.
The first pre-production unit left the factory earlier this week and with volume production starting from the middle of this year, deliveries are expected to start during the final quarter of the year.
Exclusivity is always desired, especially in the upper end of the car market and this was evident last year when Auto Bavaria offered a limited edition of BMW X5 xDrive 45e with M Performance Parts. Only 30 units were available, assembled at the BMW facility within the Inokom plant in Kedah, and all found owners within a week.
Only 22 units available this time
The response to that limited edition encouraged Auto Bavaria to place an order for a second batch but this time, only 22 units are available. “We are now able to once again offer our esteem customers a second opportunity to own this extremely premium vehicle. Auto Bavaria brand has become synonymous with top-notch quality for both sales and service, which is why we are the preferred BMW dealership,” said Vi Thim Juan, Managing Director of Auto Bavaria.
Each Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), priced from RM480,000 (excluding insurance) comes with M Performance parts which not only give sportier looks but actually improve aerodynamics.
Specifically, the parts (which are worth RM36,500) are a gloss black front grille, carbonfibre housings for the door mirrors and Star Spoke 748M 20-inch light alloy wheels. Each tyre is linked to the Tyre Pressure monitoring system which will alert the driver if the pressure is abnormal.
Complimentary gifts worth RM22,000
This time round, those who buy the X5 also get complimentary gifts worth RM22,000. These are a luxury suitcase, BMW umbrella, BMW Leather Care Set with UV protection, BMW Brake Pad & Brake Disc Voucher, and STTOKE Classic Insulated Ceramic Reusable Cup.
Bestselling SAV of the range
The X5 is the bestselling model of BMW’s SAV range worldwide. It was the company’s first SAV and the current generation is the fourth one since 1999. Powering the X5 xDrive45e M Sport is a 3-litre 6-cylinder engine with BMW eDrive technology. With a combined maximum output of 394 bhp/600 Nm, the SAV is claimed to have a top speed of 235 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h capability of 5.6 seconds.
Running with just the electric motor, the claimed range can be up to 77 kms on a fully charged lithium-ion battery pack, with a maximum speed of 135 km/h. With the hybrid powertrain optimizing fuel efficiency, the fuel consumption is said to be up to 40 kms/litre.
All X5s have all-wheel drive which is provided by BMW’s proven xDrive system. Power delivery first goes through an 8-speed Steptronic transmission with enhanced shift dynamics and then to all four wheels with torque distribution according to grip and surface conditions.
If you missed the opportunity to get on last May, you now have a second chance but you should hurry to an Auto Bavaria showroom quickly.
