The resumption of activities in the car industry seems to be bringing a flood of new models… as if these were all parked in the yards just waiting to be launched. Of course, during the two and a half months of shutdown, plants were not turning out cars so there must be a rush to complete assembly since permission was given to restart from mid-August.
Launched into the market today are the locally assembled versions of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan and GLA, both offered in Progressive Line (A 200 and GLA 200) and AMG Line (A 250 and GLA 250). Assembling locally at the plant in Pekan, Pahang, means that the entry-level models can be priced lower due to incentives offered by the government. Depending on the model, reductions (compared to the price if the model was imported as a CBU) are up to RM17,100 as the following chart shows:
If the cars are purchased before the end of 2021, there are additional savings from the exemption of sales and service tax which is significant at these pricing levels. And because the models are assembled locally, the exemption is 100%, rather than 50% for models that are not assembled locally. So if you are keen on one, you have about two months left to get it at a cheaper price. Units are immediately available so you won’t be made to wait past the exemption period.
Returning to the new models, both are already familiar to Malaysians, having been available earlier. In fact, the latest GLA was introduced late last year but where the imported CBU GLA 250 had 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the locally assembled one does not. The A-Class Sedan, in its current form, has been in the market since April 2019.
The A 200 and GLA 200 have a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine (above), while the A 250 and GLA 250 have a more powerful 2-litre engine (below).
Same platform and engines
Both models sit on the same platform with MFA2 (Modular Front-wheel drive Architecture 2) which makes it possible for the plant to assemble two different bodystyles. They also share 4-cylinder turbocharged powertrains – the A 200 and GLA 200 using the 1332 cc M282 unit with 163 ps/250 Nm, and the A 250 and GLA 250 powered by the 1991 cc M260 engine that produces 224 ps/350 Nm. The smaller engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission while the bigger one has an 8-speed DCT.
Though the A-Class began life as a hatchback over 20 years ago, the sedan version that was added in 2018 has gained greater popularity, especially in markets like Malaysia. The formal appearance seems to be more appealing to customers and though defined as a ‘compact’ model, it still has pretty good interior space and a generous boot volume.
The cabin has the modern, avant-garde look that characterizes the current generation of models with the 3-pointed star. A lot of attention has been given to the dashboard design and its integration with the interior architecture. The designers completely dispensed with a cowl and created a wing-shaped form that extends without visual discontinuity from door to door. The five air vents are also a highlight of the dashboard with their high-quality turbine look and meticulously designed air guidance vanes.
Intelligent and intuitive MBUX
Also present in all models is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The much-publicised MBUX system comes with standard features, but an owner can very quickly personalize the system with the wide range of options. The intelligent system keeps learning about the owner, enhancing personalization, and the software can also be updated periodically to provide new or improved features.
While the equipment of the Progressive Line is fairly comprehensive and includes extras like a Comfort-oriented suspension option, the AMG Line has sportier features that are in keeping with the high performance image of the sub-brand. These include the detailed grille and larger 19-inch AMG alloy wheels. Incidentally, all variants come with the same LED High Performance headlights as well.
Utility and variability
The GLA, being a SUV, offers more space inside and the occupants are also seated higher up. With ‘utility’ in the middle of its name, there is much utility value with flexibility to move people or cargo or both with variable layouts. The load floor is also height-adjustable and can be configured into a long, almost flat, space all the way to the front seats.
Both models come with many driving assistance systems which offer the driver cooperative support to avoid accidents. The systems can automatically activate the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver has taken no action to prevent it. In the GLA 250, Blind Spot Assist warns of vehicles, including bicycles, in the blind zone and also signal the driver with a visual warning in the exterior mirror if a vehicle is driving past if the door is about to be opened.
Initially a ‘secret project’ between Geely Holding Group and Volvo Cars, Lynk & Co was revealed to the world at an event in Germany exactly 5 years ago. Not only was it a new premium brand but it also adopted a new business model appropriate to the internet era of shared experience and connectivity. Interacting directly with its users, the brand’s products are sold directly online and delivered straight to their doors. New and varied solutions for vehicle and mobility accessibility are offered – from traditional ownership and leasing, to mobility-based membership and sharing.
Nearly 600,000 vehicle users
Users are provided with an ever-expanding range of connected technologies in the vehicles, all aimed at making life easier. In just 5 years, Lynk & Co has accumulated nearly 600,000 vehicle users, with app registrations reaching an even higher number of 1.57 million. Average active monthly users on the app exceed half a million whilst average daily users have reached 120,000.
01 – the first Lynk & Co model.
From the very beginning, all advanced modular architectures from Geely Holding and its subsidiaries have been developed from scratch to support electrification. As the first brand to utilize Geely Holding’s new generation of advanced modular architectures, electrified powertrain options are made available across Lynk & Co’s line-up.
Geely Group’s advanced architectures
The advanced architectures available have been the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture), BMA (B-Segment Modular Architecture) and SPA (Scalable Product Architecture). The 09 is SPA-based and as with the other models, it was designed in Gothenburg, Sweden and carries Lynk & Co’s ‘Megacity Contrast’ design concept. This concept is inspired by the lifestyle of youthful urbanites from megacities such as London, New York, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo, and offers users a bold and tech-laden mobility experience.
Brand’s first large SUV model
The 09 is the first large SUV from Lynk & Co and offers 6 or 7-seat accommodation. It is one of the first models to be available as a hybrid only – either with a mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid, both powertrains using a 2-litre turbocharged engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Full details are not available yet but the 09 can be considered technically related to the latest Volvo XC90 which also uses SPA.
Since rolling out its first vehicles in 2017, Lynk & Co has delivered nearly 600,000 units. While it uses direct selling in China (through 319 sales and experience centres), its approach in Europe has been to establish ‘Lynk & Co Clubs’ where members and users meet, hang out, and share experiences. The Clubs, which represent a new first in industry ‘Mobility Membership’ business model, are presently in Belgium, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, with plans to expand into Spain, France and other countries in the near future.
The brand will appear in the Gulf region in the fourth quarter of 2021 and will begin Asian market expansion thereafter.
A Lynk & Co Club in Europe.
“Our end users aren’t just satisfied with a good product experience; they also demand a sense of participation and recognition. The boundary between a brand and its users is being eroded each day and we at Lynk & Co must continue to have direct communications with end users – this communication must be two-way, allowing users to have a say on our R&D, design, production, sales and service. Ultimately, understanding the user’s needs, wants and desires is key to our success both in China, and in Europe,” said Geely Auto Group CEO, An Cong Hui.
It’s taken a while for the new Land Rover Defender to arrive in Malaysia but that’s understandable. The world has not been operating ‘normally’ since early 2020 which was just after the Land Rover’s new SUV was launched at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. With lockdowns in the UK and in Malaysia, goods were either unable to be shipped or took longer.
Anyway, the first shipment finally arrived in March this year and although Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) had plans to launch it, the imposition of the second long MCO meant that nothing could be done until now. Nevertheless, they were able to get the necessary approvals for the product done and it was a matter of waiting till the country reopened.
Today’s launch of the New Defender took place at the flagship showroom at Sime Darby Motors City in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, as well as online, saw two versions of the model being introduced. Both are the longer Defender 110 and available with either a 2-litre Ingenium 300 ps/400 Nm 4-cylinder engine or a 3-litre mild hybrid powertrain incorporating a 6-cylinder petrol engine generating a total of 400 ps/500 Nm. The latter also get a power boost from a 48V electric supercharger.
Intelligent and advanced 4×4 drivetrain
As with all Land Rovers past and present, all four wheels are powered. Unlike the early 4×4 systems, the permanent all-wheel drive system in the New Defender is also intelligent and optimum traction is provided on all surfaces. The Defender is also the first Land Rover to feature Configurable Terrain Response, which allows drivers to fine-tune a range of settings to suit the conditions more precisely than ever before. A new Wade program optimizes the vehicle for crossing water, with a world-class maximum wading depth of up to 900 mm.
One thing which the hardest of hardcore off-roaders may not be happy about is the departing from the traditional body-on-frame construction. With the New Defender, , Land Rover’s engineers designed the new D7x (for extreme) monocoque structure that is said to be the stiffest body structure the brand has ever produced. Furthermore, it uses aluminium to reduce weight, this material having been associated with Land Rovers from the beginning and contributing to their long lives.
The new body architecture also allows for ground clearance of 291 mm and a wheelbase of 3022 mm, which is 99 mm longer than a Discovery). The introduction of air suspension helps transform the 4×4’s on-road handling and supports its all-terrain capability, providing an off-road ride height lift of 75 mm and ride comfort across all surfaces. An additional 70 mm of lift means the air system can raise the body by a maximum of 145 mm when needed, while the Elegant Arrival mode automatically lowers the body by 40 mm to make getting in and out easier.
Land Rover design DNA
Though everything about the model is totally new (compared to the original Defender), the silhouette in profile has strong elements of the original iconic shape. Gerry McGovern, the Design head and Guardian of Land Rover DNA, made sure that the New Defender would be recognisable by incorporating many ‘trademarks’ of the original.
The design of the New Defender incorporates elements from the previous generation (below).
These include the purposeful upright stance, Alpine roof lights and a chamfered roofline. The tailgate is also side-hinged – not so common on SUVs these days – and the spare wheel is still mounted on the back door. The latter is something that gives authenticity to the model as a 4×4 SUV, something which designers of other models think is no longer necessary.
Functional cabin, 21st century technology
The original Defender’s cabin essentially evolved from the early models. It was thus purely functional and even the last versions still maintained that simplicity which was appreciated by adventurers who did not need unnecessary fitments.
For the New Defender, the interior designers were mindful of this and have cleverly blended the original features – like exposed elements – with 21st century technologies. This approach might even be welcome by those hardcore enthusiasts who used to appreciate simplicity and functionality without complaining about comfort. Today, they are older and it is likely that they too would not complain about not having wind-down windows or manually adjusted seats.
The New Defender is packed with convenience features that every modern premium vehicle has. For example, the advanced Pivi Pro infotainment system is coupled with a Meridian Sound System and the next-generation touchscreen requires fewer inputs to perform frequently used tasks. In addition, Software-Over-The-Air technology, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates, ensures that Defender owners can always have the latest software, wherever they are in the world.
There’s also a Head-Up Display to complement the digital instrument panel. And besides being able to see all round with the 3D Surround Camera system, there is also ClearSight Ground View which makes it seem like the vehicle’s bonnet is ‘transparent’. Thanks to external cameras, the driver can see ‘through’ it and observe the vehicle’s underside and wheels – a great asset on unknown and uneven terrain.
The ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror offers both a conventional reflected image as well as a real-time digital image captured by a small camera on the roof. The digital image can be switched on when needed, eg if the rear view is blocked by passengers’ heads or tall cargo.
In standard configuration, the New Defender is a 5-seater with two rows of seats. Customers can also specify 5+2 seating if they feel that they will carry more people often. The Click and Go System integrated base unit allows for the integration of additional accessories should there be a need.
The cargo area can be expanded varied between 1,075 litres and 2,380-litres with a maximum payload of up to 900 kgs. As the rear door is side-hinged, loading is easy even when the vehicle is close to a wall or tree as the door can be opened a bit and items slipped in.
First shipment already sold out
The New Defender 2.0 is priced from RM798,000 while the 3-litre version starts from RM998,800 (prices exclude roadtax, registration and insurance as well as 50% of sales tax). However, as the entre first shipment has already been taken, those who order one will not be able to enjoy the sales tax exemption given by the government (very unlikely they will extend again) because the next deliveries will only be in 2022.
JLRM provides each Land Rover vehicle sold with the Land Rover Care programme which has a 5-year warranty, 5 years of free scheduled service and 3 years of complimentary roadside assistance. Customers who receive their vehicles in 2021 also get a Land Rover Heritage Watch in celebration of Sime Darby and Land Rover’s 40th Anniversary of partnership (while stocks last).
“The New Defender is now fully equipped with the latest innovations and vast improvements. It remains Land Rover’s toughest and most capable vehicle built for adventure and exploration of the rugged outdoors. By incorporating the latest innovations, the New Defender is ideal not only for 4×4 adventures but also for daily city driving. The upgrades reflect the times and the changing needs of the current generation of drivers,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia.
For more information and to find the location of the closest Land Rover showroom to you, visit www.landrover.com.my.
Mention ‘Land Rover’ and the first image that would usually come to anyone’s mind would be the iconic shape of the original model that the British 4×4 specialist started with in 1948. It was known simply as the ‘Series 1’ and as it was the only model offered, it became synonymous with the brand name. The name itself explained what the vehicle could do – rove the land, regardless of conditions.
The Series 1 was influenced by the American Willy’s Jeep, another equally iconic 4×4 vehicle, extensively used during World II. As the designers of the Land Rover model considered how they would improve on the Jeep’s all-purpose concept, they saw that with the war over, more consideration should be given to comfort for civilian use. This led to the provision of a cabin (although open versions were also available) which gave protection from the elements.
At the same time, however, a rugged go-anywhere capability was still required to make the vehicle useful, especially as it was to be aimed at users in the agricultural and industrial sectors. It also needed to be tough as it would be sold in overseas markets, many of which were just developing in the 1950s.
The Land Rover DNA
Like Sir Alec Issigonis with his Mini, the bodywork was kept as simple as possible for easy assembly. Many parts were flat and straight, which also kept production costs lower. More significantly, due to shortage of steel after the war, the body panels were made of aluminium alloy. Not only did it help to keep the weight lower, especially with the tough steel chassis but would help with better resistance to corrosion, giving longevity to the vehicles. This approach of using the material would remain to this day as a distinguishing feature of Land Rovers
And of course, it had a system to power all the wheels, essential for off-road driving. For this, the engineers developed a transfer case that could send power to the front wheels when required, otherwise all power went to the rear wheels. The system would be improved over time and Land Rover would build up experience in 4×4 systems that would make it a leader in the field.
The Land Rover Series I evolved into new series as the years went by, with the Series II being launched in 1948, followed by the Series III in 1971. By then, the single model had many different various versions to suit different needs. There were two wheelbase lengths and open versions as well as closed versions. Even in those early years, Land Rover saw a market for more comfortable vehicles and developed a Station Wagon version. Before long, even the Queen of England would become a fan of the vehicles, and remains so up till this today.
After the Series III came a new model line, now designated Land Rover 110 and Land Rover 90. The numbers referred to the wheelbase of 110 inches (2,800 mm) and 93 inches (2,362 mm), respectively, with a Land Rover 127 (3,226 mm) coming later on as well.
Continued evolution of the series
This new series, launched in 1983, had a similar silhouette as the Series III and only enthusiasts would spot the cosmetic differences. However, there were significant technical changes that improved the vehicle in many areas. Coil springs were used for the suspension which made the ride better and allowed for better axle articulation. The part-time 4×4 system was replaced by a permanent 4-wheel-drive system (similar to the Range Rover’s) with a 2-speed transfer case and a centre differential that could be locked. This extended the capabilities of the vehicle, especially in very difficult conditions.
The interior was modernized but continued to have its own character that was dictated by the need to be able to cope with rough usage conditions. The new generation of 4×4 vehicles began appearing in the early 1980s, offering more ‘civilized’ cabins with passenger cars features. However, Land Rover stuck with the more functional approach although by then, marketing of such vehicles had started to orient towards being dual-purpose vehicles that could be used like alternative passenger cars. Land Rovers stood out for their ruggedness and capabilities, remaining a popular choice for serious off-road drivers.
In 1970, Land Rover had added a second model to its range which was the pioneer of the luxury SUVs that would come two decades later. While it had a more upmarket image (and appointments), the Range Rover also had superior capability in all conditions. In fact, as the flagship model, it would pioneer many new 4×4 technologies as well. Adventurers would prove this with journeys into the remotest areas of the planet, sometimes accompanied by the original Land Rovers.
As the popularity of the new breed of 4×4 vehicles grew during the 1980s, a team at Land Rover saw the potential for a premium model below the Range Rover. It would have all the well known attributes of Land Rovers but also a stylish design with an interior designed by a specialist firm. It was to be called the Discovery and surprised the world when it was launched in 1989.
The birth of the Defender
The addition of the Discovery to the range meant that the ‘Land Rover’ name could no longer have the dual function of being a product name. Having wheelbase dimensions as model ‘names’ was also not attractive any longer, especially now that there was the Discovery. So the decision was made to rename the existing range and, in 1990, the 90 and 110 models became the Defender 90 and Defender 100, while the 127 became the Defender 130.
The Defender would continue to symbolize Land Rover because of its design, and it would have the longest production run – 26 years – before ending in 2016. After the Discovery, Land Rover had become part of the BMW Group and then the Ford Group. This began an era of broadening its range as well as moving forward with greater technological advancements. New and more modern models were developed and each was to be at the top of its segment.
The Defender remained unique in the range because of its traditional design. Where the new models from the Discovery onwards had as much emphasis on design as capability, the Defender was the rugged reliable workhorse that even armed forces appreciated.
Throughout the production life of the Defender, safety and emission regulations became stricter and for a vehicle that was essentially developed in the 1980s, meeting the regulations became more challenging for the engineers. As the 21st century began, it became clear that it would not be practical to keep trying to engineer the Defender to meet new demands by regulators, even if the public didn’t mind. Furthermore, as a more ‘hardcore’ model, the sales volume was smaller than for other Land Rover models.
Last Defender leaving the line at Solihull in England, marking the end of 68 years of production.
And so, after more than two million vehicles being produced (including the original Series models) since 1948, Land Rover’s owner, Tata Motors, made the decision to end production. It was estimated that more than 70 percent of all the vehicles produced were still in use somewhere in the world .
The New Defender
Land Rover understood that a successor was expected but the world had changed in the past six decades. Consumers wanted comfort and stylishness but being a Land Rover also meant that the renowned all-terrain capabilities had to be present – even if 98% of owners never drove far off the road. By 2019, the new design was confirmed and presented to the world in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was recognizable as a Land Rover and yet could also satisfy the tastes of the new generation of buyers who had many choices of vehicles in the segment now called ‘SUVs’ (Sport Utility Vehicles). The icon was reinvented without ever losing the character and authenticity of the original.
The New Defender is ready to continue the legacy of the model.
“The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it. A distinctive silhouette makes the New Defender instantly recognizable,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer at Land Rover and ‘Guardian of Land Rover DNA’. “This is a New Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”
Land Rover in Malaysia
Land Rover’s presence in Malaysia began almost as soon as exports started in the late 1940s. The Malayan Emergency was declared in 1948 and as British troops carried out operations in the jungles, the Series I Land Rovers proved their capabilities and established the beginnings of the legendary 4×4 vehicles.
The country was also moving towards independence and with it came much development of infrastructure where again, the Land Rovers proved valuable. They were often the first vehicles into newly opened sites in the jungle where roads and new settlements were being created. Public service agencies, like the armed forces, found they could use the vehicles for a variety of purposes and the simplicity of the design meant that maintenance was also easy. It was those early Land Rovers seen on roads and in jungles all over Malaysia that established the brand as the 4×4 leader.
A fleet of Defenders used by the Malaysian armed forces.
When the Malaysian government urged manufacturers to assemble their products locally to help promote industrialization, Land Rover was happy to do so. Champion Motors had a new factory in Shah Alam, Selangor, which could assemble the vehicles and the company also handled distribution, sales and aftersales.
In the early 1980s, when the Defender was introduced, the Land Rover franchise had passed on to the PERNAS-Sime Darby Group which established Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. In 1981. This began a new phase of growth for the brand, supported not only by the large number of orders from the armed forces but also the increasing demand from many other sectors.
Although the Land Rover range gradually widened, the Defender was always present. It had its own following that preferred the traditional features of the model and its truly go-anywhere capability. With the aluminium bodywork, the older vehicles remained in use for a long time, many finding homes in the vegetable farms on the hills of Cameron Highlands.
Just as its principal was unified as Jaguar Land Rover in the UK, so too was the business in Malaysia with the establishment of Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. This joint venture between SISMA Auto and Sime Darby Motors has been the exclusive importer for Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles in Malaysia since 2014. It has seen even greater growth with the opening of purpose-built brand centres around the country to offer the modern range of Land Rovers, including the New Defender.
Given the price of petrol these days, the biggest SUVs only appeal to customers in places like the Middle East and USA where big engines are still acceptable. So for the all-new Lexus LX 600, the Middle East was chosen as the location from which the new flagship of the brand’s SUV range was revealed to the world.
It’s an all-new model but it is also no secret that the LX 600 is a model Lexus shares with Toyota’s latest Land Cruiser. This has been the case since the mid-1990s when the Land Cruiser was first ‘Lexified’ to enable Lexus to quickly have a fully-fledged SUV (before they came out with the game-changing RX in 1997).
Latest Toyota Land Cruiser
New GA-F platform shared with Toyota Land Cruiser
Like the Land Cruiser, the LX has been developed on core attributes such as reliability, durability, and rough-road driving performance. The fourth generation continues with a body-on-frame construction and rides on the new GA-F platform which is 20% more rigid. Thanks to the new structure and weight-saving approaches like aluminium doors, the new LX 600 is 200 kgs lighter than its predecessor. This has helped to improve driving dynamics, with predictability and balance during turning, acceleration and deceleration maneuvers, as well as improved stability when driving off-road.
Lexus Driving Signature
Though much will be the same as the Land Cruiser, Lexus engineers have always contended that a Lexus will have a difference in dynamics and other aspects. In this case, the engineers have made sure that the new LX 600 has the Lexus Driving Signature.
The suspension is classic SUV with front high-mounted double wishbones that are fitted with dampers having 100 mm of bound and 145 mm of rebound, important factors for off-road driving performance. At the rear is a 4-link axle-type suspension with rear lateral control arms carried over from the previous model.
The rear shock absorbers are placed outside of the lower control arm, and the shock absorber mounting angle has been adjusted to match the angle at which the axle moves. This makes it easier for the shock absorbers to follow the vertical movement of the wheels, increasing their damping effect and, thus, better absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road surface to provide very good vehicle stability.
To have capable off-road performance as well as the sort of comfort Lexus owners expect, a lot of work went into the suspension with the inclusion of variable ride height and adding a spring rate switching device for front and rear wheels. The ride height can be automatically adjusted or manual selected and not only adjusts the vehicle height but also responds to changes in vehicle posture to enhance stability.
The springs are softened to help provide a comfortable ride when overcoming bumps during in-town driving and are stiffened to help ensure a flat and stable ride when going around curves. When at a total standstill, the suspension automatically lowers for easier passenger entry or exit.
The power steering is assisted by an electric motor while the Electronically Controlled Brake system employs a sensor to detect the degree of brake pedal depression and creates braking force with the hydraulic brakes for more linear braking characteristics.
3.5 litre V6 in place of 5.7-litre V8
The new LX 600 will be offered with a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine which replaces the naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V8 used before. Though having smaller displacement, its output is higher with turbocharging, with 415 ps/650 Nm. This goes through a 10-speed direct-shift automatic transmission with a transfer case for high and low ranges, the latter for off-road use. Having 10 ratios means that performance can be optimized when starting as well as when cruising at higher speeds. The wide spread also allows for smoother transitions between gears.
Exclusive to F SPORT, a Torsen LSD is employed to help ensure traction performance of the rear tyres. When accelerating during a turn, it optimally distributes the driving force according to the load on the rear left and right wheels to achieve a high level of control performance. In straight-line driving, it responds to changes in road conditions, contributing to stability.
Ultra Luxury 4-seater version
Like the LM 350 MPV, the new LX 600 also has a version with just 2 seats for the rear section of the spacious cabin that normally has 3 rows of seats for 7 persons. Available in the Ultra Luxury grade, it offers rear occupants up to 1.1 metres of maximum leg space. The seats have exclusive curved headrests, seatbacks and cushions that gently wrap around the head, hips and lower body. They should offer the ultimate in seating comfort as they are said to be crafted to help offset any lateral G-forces and shocks from irregular road surfaces – even in off-road driving conditions.
At the front is the North American-developed Lexus Interface multimedia system. This has a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen with a 7-inch lower touchscreen. The screen’s new Human Machine Interface (HMI) enhances user interaction through sight, touch and voice, while balancing accessibility needs.
Lexus Interface incorporates a new Voice Assistant developed with a human-centered approach. The Voice Assistant is intended to be the primary way the occupants interact with the new multimedia system. Designed with dual microphones with speaker location capability and enhanced noise-cancellation, the system enables a voice-first approach allowing front seat occupants an expanded and interactive experience to access navigation, media, phone and other vehicle control settings.
If the 4-seater Ultra Luxury version is not specified, the LX 600 will have 3 rows of seating for up to 7 occupants.
When off-road, the driver has the Multi-Terrain Monitor to see around the vehicle. Four cameras capture images to allow the driver to check road conditions, which are often in the blind spots. By switching to the Back Underfloor View, images of the foreground taken in advance are provided to the driver as transparent-underfloor images. By superimposing the vehicle and wheel position over this image, the driver can check underfloor conditions and front-wheel position. In another view, the vehicle is made transparent, and an image showing the area around the rear wheels is magnified. This can enable the driver to ascertain conditions around the rear wheels and estimate distances to obstacles.
Pricing for the new LX 600 is not available yet and deliveries will only begin in the first quarter of 2022. As it has for the past 26 years, the new LX will continue to be a luxurious long-range cruiser with proven off-road capabilities.
The LX 600 F SPORT version is the first-ever F SPORT in the LX range. It has exclusive sportier styling which includes a F mesh design spindle grille and sports tuning.for the suspension.
Honda Malaysia today announced the availability of a limited number of Honda HR-V Special Edition models with enhanced safety features. The limited edition SE version comes with Blind Spot Detection (BSD) to detect and alert the driver of vehicles or motorcyclists coming up in the blind spot behind and along the sides.
While Honda has installed the camera-based LaneWatch blindspot system in many models, the BSD for the HR-V SE is a simpler system using proximity sensors in the bodywork. When another vehicle is detected, the driver will be alerted so that he or she will not make a turn or change lanes and cause an accident.
Other active safety features
Additional safety features using the same sensors in the bodywork include Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which monitors the traffic situation on either side as the vehicle is reversing out of a parking bay. This is especially useful as the driver often cannot see the road on either side because the view is blocked by other vehicles. RCTA sends out signals on both sides from the bumper sensors and if a vehicle is approaching, the driver will receive a warning and can then stop the vehicle’s movement.
The sensors that are used for BSD are also used for the Door Opening Warning system, a feature that has appeared in recent years. It may not be a very common accident but people still do open doors without checking behind and can cause an accident. If the sensors pick up an approaching object – like a cyclist – the occupant will be warned just before opening the door.
There is also Lane Change Assist (LCA) which will make it safer for the driver when intending to move into another lane. This should not be mistaken for the Lane Keeping Assist which is one of the technologies in the Honda SENSING driver assistance suite. From what we can gather, LCA is an extension of BSD and helps the driver change lanes when it is safe to do so.
Extra equipment
Apart from the enhancements in safety, the HR-V SE doesn’t have any other technical differences from the 1.8-litre versions. However, a Digital Video Recorder (more commonly referred to as a dashcam), boot tray and boot organiser are included in the HR-V SE. The price of RM105,363.95 excludes insurance and sales tax (until the end of 2021) and includes a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty as well as free labour services (terms and conditions apply).
Visit www.honda.com.my or any authorised Honda showroom in Malaysia for more information.
The Defender name has a long history in Malaysia, having been introduced as part of the Land Rover range in the early 1980s. Its shape followed the original iconic design that is recognisable all over the world and to this day, it is still highly regarded for its capabilities and toughness.
The Defender ceased production 4 years ago but Land Rover was working on a successor and launched it in 2019. With the COVID-19 pandemic having disrupted activities all over the world and even shutting down factories, exports of the New Defender have been slower than usual but it will be launched in Malaysia very soon.
Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has confirmed that the launch will take place on the morning of October 21 online as well as at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara, Selangor. To view online, visit Land Rover Malaysia’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/landrovermalaysia.
Long wheelbase, 2 engine choices
The company has confirmed that the New Defender – which won the 2021 World Car Design of the Year as well as the Women’s World Car of the Year awards – will be offered in the Defender 110 version which is the longer of the two available. This is a 5-door bodystyle and will come with a choice of two powertrains – 2-litres with 300 ps and 2-litres with 400 ps, the latter with a mild hybrid system. Needless to say, as with all Land Rovers, there is permanent 4-wheel drive, while the transmission will be automatic.
The New Defender has Land Rover’s purpose-engineered D7x (‘x’ for extreme) architecture which uses lightweight aluminium monocoque construction. Aluminium has been a key feature of Land Rovers since the start in 1948 and with new technology, the body structure is also the stiffest to date – and very corrosion-resistant, of course.
High-tech features
JLRM has included many advanced features with the vehicle such as a 3D Surround Camera which includes the innovative ClearSight Ground View that provides the driver with a view of the ground ahead. The Electronic Air Suspension also has Adaptive Dynamics that can optimise performance, especially offroad, as the adaptive dampers monitor body movements up to 500 times per second.
Being a SUV, the New Defender should have not problems crossing difficult terrain as well as water. It can cross flooded stretches that are up to 900 mm deep and has a Wade Program that raises the vehicle. Wade Sensing uses ultrasonic sensors in the door mirrors to alert the driver visually and audibly if water approaches the vehicle’s maximum wading depth.
More information and pricing will be provided at launch time but interested parties can visit Jaguar Land Rover showrooms nationwide to place bookings. The locations of showrooms can be found at www.landrover.com.my.
You will be able to see the New Defender in action in the latest James Bond movie, ‘No Time to Die’.
Mazda Motor Corporation will be expanding its SUV line-up from 2022 onwards. While the popular CX-5 will remain one of the core models globally, alongside with models such as the CX-30, the company has finalised development of additional models in the Large Product Group.
These models, including two new ones – the CX-60 and CX-80 – will be aimed at European and American markets, together with the new wide-bodied CX-70 and CX-90. The new models will be introduced throughout Europe during the next two years.
Featuring 2-row and 3-row seating, respectively, the CX-60 and CX-80 will also spearhead the European introduction of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models that use 4-cylinder petrol engines combined with an electric motor. There will also be the new generation straight-six SKYACTIV-X petrol engine and SKYACTIV-D turbodiesel engine incorporating a 48V mild hybrid system. These engines will have high output while also achieving excellent environmental performance.
Fully electric MX-30.
The new CX-60 and CX-80 are expected to create positive business growth over the medium to long term. They will make full use of Mazda’s Building Block development and production strategy. This strategy enables the carmaker to efficiently develop and deploy superior technologies by building up a set of fundamental technologies as ‘blocks’. Some of the technologies are already familiar – like SKYACTIV technology – with bundled planning and flexible production.
In addition, during the first half of 2022, a new version of Mazda’s first mass-production EV, the MX-30, will be introduced. This model incorporates multiple electrification technologies that use Mazda’s famed rotary engine as a generator.
From around 2025, the company will introduce a number of new products on a new EV-dedicated platform. With the introduction of these models, Mazda is on track to complete the electrification of its complete range by 2030.
CX-30 and CX-5, two of the Mazda SUVs available in Malaysia.
To know more about Mazda models available in Malaysia, visit www.mazda.com.my.
Michelin, as a leader with a long history in the tyre industry, offers tyres for all types of vehicles… even spacecraft. With over 130 years of experience in making tyres, the company has built up its technological knowledge to develop the best tyres for each sector.
For the growing SUV sector, Michelin Malaysia has recently introduced the Michelin LTX Trail tyre, specifically designed for SUVs and also applicable for use on pick-up trucks. This new tyre has extended lifespan, with excellent wet braking performance – even when worn – for long-lasting safety. It is suitable for highway use as well as on unpaved roads and unlike many such tyres, it also generates lower noise levels for a more comfortable ride.
The extended lifespan can provide up to 41% longer mileage, thanks to the RallyForce2 Tread Compound. This makes the tyre more durable so it can give maximum service life, even with off-road use. The new tread design is also a contributory factor with the Biting Shoulder that wraps from the tread down the sidewall. This results in better protection against sidewall aggression and ensures greater off-road performance and traction.
Variable Thickness Sipes (those small slits in tyres) provide improved contact patch that enhances handling and grip. Braking performance is also better, even on wet roads. When compared to its premium competitors, the LTX Trail has been able to stop 3.1 metres shorter when new, and 4.6 metres shorter when worn. On dry roads, when new, it stops 3.8 metres shorter. The sipes are deep so even the tyre is worn, the performance remains consistent and high.
Quietness is not always a strong point of tyres for SUVs and pick-up trucks. However, factory tests show that the LTX Trail has 19.8% lower sound pressure level. This is thanks to Duo-Harmony Blocks featuring two different block shapes in the tread’s centre that spread the noise generated across a wider spectrum.
The Michelin LTX tyres are suitable for SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner (above) and pick-up trucks like the Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-MAX and Ford Ranger (below).
“At Michelin, we are constantly innovating to enable people to move around more freely, safely; and to live a better life in motion. The new Michelin LTX Trail is a great match for the increasing popularity of SUVs, which is projected to grow 5.6% year-on-year, from 2021 to 2026. Perfect for consumers who own 4×2 and 4×4 high-rise pickups, as well as SUVs – such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, and Nissan Navara – these tyres also cater to those whose lifestyle demands the ability to reach on- and off-road destinations, for work or pleasure,” said Oliver Biggart, Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
“We are confident that the new MICHELIN LTX Trail gives drivers in Malaysia a safe and comfortable ride on the road, across a variety of terrain – ranging from city commuting, wet road, highway driving, to light and moderate off-road,” added Mr. Biggart.
For the Malaysia market, the LTX Trail is offered in 9 sizes to fit with rim dimensions ranging between 15 and 18 inches. It is available at Michelin’s authorized tyre dealers nationwide. For more information on the Michelin tyre range and location of dealers, visit the Michelin Malaysia website.
Following the Suzuki Swift Sport that marked the return of the Suzuki car brand to Malaysia, Naza Eastern Motors (NEM), the official distributor, has now begun importing the Jimny compact SUV. Equally iconic as the Swift, the Jimny has a long history and its first generation predecessor was on sale in Malaysia as far back as the 1970s.
The first generation Jimny was truly a mini SUV, measuring about 3.2 metres long and 1.4 metres wide. With an 800 cc engine, its kerb weight was only 787 kgs which was advantageous on soft ground. Contractors loved it as it was ideal for going around construction sites and could even take rough terrain with its simple 4×4 system.
An advertisement in the 1970s for the first generation
Later versions of the first generation with various bodystyles, including a high roof, broadened the popularity of the model. However, by the third generation, the price had jumped significantly and although it was available, the numbers sold were very small.
The latest 4th generation has been around for about 3 years and when it was launched, many saw its appearance to be like a mini G-Wagen (the Mercedes-Benz SUV). In fact, there are aftermarket accessories to make it look like the German SUV. The price went up even more and NEM is offering it at RM168,900 (excluding sales tax) and for those who wonder, the price of the first generation was around RM17,500.
Of course, the Jimny has come a long way technically and has many modern technologies. It no longer uses a kei-class engine but a K15B 1.5-litre petrol engine. NEM is importing on the version with a 4-speed automatic transmission but you do get 4×4. And like the traditional SUVs, there’s even a transfer case with 2WD/4WD high range and 4×4 low range that enables very low speeds in difficult terrain.
The construction also follows traditional SUVs with a body-on-chassis (BOC) frame. Suzuki could probably have used a monocoque approach but may have used the BOC method for ‘traditional’ reasons. There’s nothing wrong with the BOC structure which is better for heavy loads though it may be slightly less comfortable. The coil spring suspension is a simple layout with a3-link rigid axle layout.
The size of the latest Jimny, which has only 2 side doors, has grown to 3.6 metres long and 1.6 metres wide. It has generous ground clearance of 210 mm, with good clearance angles for better off-road capability. It has also become heavier, with a kerb weight in the region of 1,095 kgs.
The original Jimny was a pretty bare vehicle with uncovered metal panels around the cabin. Today’s Jimny is, however, as comfortable and well equipped as a passenger car (which partly accounts for why its costs so much more). The 4-seater space is snug but has air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and a touchscreen infotainment system which supports Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, handsfree telephony and audio functions.
Like all SUVs, there are practical storage spaces but the compact external dimensions will already indicate that you can’t have a lot of cargo space. Nevertheless, the rear seats can be folded to 830 provide up to 820 litres of volume.
The Suzuki designers chose to retain the side-hinged rear door as well as spare wheel mounted on the door, two elements which follow the classic 4×4 SUV look. Over the past 15 years, as SUVs evolved into more passenger-like vehicles, the styling changed and designers switched to a top-hinged door (partly also for safety reasons) and decided that there was no need to add engineering complexity with the spare wheel hung on the door.
The Jimny also has all the safety systems expected of a vehicle today. Electronic Stability Control will be helpful in slippery conditions and of course, there’s ABS and also hill-descent control, the latter letting the computer safely control the vehicle as it moves down a slope. Parents with small children will appreciate the ISOFIX points behind for ease of installing compatible childseats.
