Month: April 2022

Tak nak kereta kena tunda? Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) memberi amaran terhadap orang ramai supaya meletakkan kenderaan di tempat dan kawasan yang betul ketika membeli-belah di ibu negara.

Memandangkan musim perayaan bakal tiba tidak lama lagi, beberapa lokasi tumpuan pengunjung semestinya akan dipenuhi dengan lautan manusia. Bila ramai orang, jangan pula anda meletakkan kereta sesuka hati di tepi jalan kalau tak mahu dikenakan tindakan oleh DBKL.

Antara kawasan tumpuan pengunjung yang disebutkan DBKL adalah:

Dataran Merdeka
Jalan TAR
Bukit Bintang

Peringatan DBKL

Usah meletakkan kenderaan sesuka hati seperti di tepi-tepi jalan

Letak kenderaan di lokasi betul yang disediakan

Jangan menyukarkan lalu lintas serta perjalanan orang lain

Boleh dikenakan tindakan penguatkuasaan termasuk ditunda

Peringatan itu dibuat ekoran tindakan orang ramai yang sering meletakkan kenderaan sesuka hati di tepi-tepi jalan sehingga menyusahkan pengguna lain dan menyebabkan kesesakan lalu lintas, terutama ketika musim perayaan ini.

Kepada yang gemar meletakkan kenderaan secara sesuka hati, ketahuilah bahawa terdapat banyak kawasan parkir swasta berhampiran kawasan tumpuan yang dinyatakan. Walaupun ianya perlu dibayar, namun ia lebih selamat dan tidak menyusahkan pengguna jalan raya lain.

Pesan DBKL, Raya tetap Raya namun peraturan tetap harus dipatuhi. Pihak mereka akan terus membuat pemantauan di kawasan tumpuan bagi memastikan peraturan dan undang-undang dipatuhi.

*Kredit foto: DBKL

Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri will include five non-compoundable offences meaning no saman and direct to court to settle!

When it comes to Hari Raya, one of its busiest travelling periods, the authorities only have one thing on their minds – ensuring that all Malaysians get back to their ‘kampung‘ or destinations in one piece.

To ensure that everyone is safe on the road, The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will initiate Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri, where no fines will be given for five types of traffic offences but will instead have to be settled in court.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said that the offences would have to be resolved in court instead of fines being issued. The non-compoundable offences are:

Driving in the emergency lane
The use of mobile phone while driving
Failure to observe the red light at the traffic light
Queue jumping
Speeding

“A total of 2,200 enforcement members of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) are involved in Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The main initiative of this operation is to reduce the rate of accidents on the road.”

“During the Ops, we will also go undercover as express bus passengers and enforce station monitoring at 14 major locations along highways,” said Ka Siong.

With the theme of “Pandu Cermat, Sampai Selamat”, the integrated operation involves government and private collaborations, between JPJ, Police Force (PDRM), Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), Ministry of Works (KKR), Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), Civil Defense Force (APM), Malaysia Highway Authority (LLM) and PLUS Expressways Berhad.

Ka Siong continued by saying that they will also carry out Pre-Hari Raya operations, where they will conduct express buses inspections throughout the country to ensure the roadworthiness of express buses.

The Hari Raya Aidilfitri pre-ops will take place between 25 to 28 April and will involve the inspection of express buses at 75 depots and 28 main bus terminals. 

Chinese EVs seem to be the answer to mass adoption of electric vehicles in Malaysia – but which models will be coming to Malaysia? 

Thanks to some government initiatives and tax breaks, the EV revolution in Malaysia is well and truly underway. With the likes of Porsche, BMW, and Volvo selling their EVs in our market, one wouldn’t be wrong to think that, for the moment, EVs are for those who have a bit more cushioning when it comes to their wallet – as many of them are priced above RM250,000. 

Well, what about us lot? You know, the ordinary people – don’t we deserve a slice of the electric vehicle pie? Of course, some might say that the offerings from Hyundai and Nissan are the ordinary people’s way into EV ownership, but saying that the cheapest EV you can buy from the aforementioned automakers is the base Kona Electric, the e-Lite coming in at RM150k.

While some might say that it is already quite affordable for an EV, it still doesn’t encourage mass adoption of EVs, which will truly change how EVs are perceived in our country.

Of course, when it comes to value, there’s just no way of beating the Chinese, and thanks to our acceptance of Chinese vehicles by way of Proton – perhaps Chinese EVs are the answer to bring EVs to many more Malaysian homes. 

With that being said, let’s take a look at some of these Chinese EV offerings, especially ones that are already here or will be here shortly.

1. Changan Eado EV460

Local company Fieldman EV Sdn Bhd (FEV) will invest about RM1 Billion to bring in electric cars and build them in Malaysia (CKD), thanks to their plant in the Elkay Industrial area, Lipat Kajang, Jasin, Melaka.

The company has successfully secured the Southeast Asian exclusive distribution rights for China’s Changan Automobile Corporation, which should see the Eado EV460 built and sold on our shores soon. 

Why the Eado EV460? Well, this was the car that was presented to the Melaka state government during the introduction of FEV’s plans. According to Changan Automobile Corporation, the Eado EV460 is a fully electric sedan with a battery range of up to 550 km in continuous driving or 460 km in mixed conditions. Regular AC charging takes eight hours to get the battery full, while DC fast charging takes the car from 0% to 80% in about 50 minutes.

2. Chery EQ1

It’s no secret that Chery is making a comeback in Malaysia, and while they will be mainly concentrating on their SUVs, they have indicated that they will look into introducing their cute little EV, the EQ1.

An international spokesman for the company based in Wuhu, Anhui Province, told the media that they are keen to reap the benefits of tax incentives for electric vehicles under the 2022 Budget.

In China, the Chery EQ1 is known as the ‘little ant’ and is a champion in sales in the BEV micro-segment. The EQ1 is priced at 60,000 to 70,000 yuan (RM39,839 to RM46,479) in China.

This small two-door car offers four seats, a 55kW electric motor that can accelerate to 50km/h in 5 seconds, and a top speed of 120 km/h. EQ1 is offered in two variants, with one being able to do 301km and the other 408km.

3. Great Wall Motors Ora Good Cat

The sighting of the Ora Haomao or Good Cat in March 2021 in the Klang Valley begged the question of whether this premium-ish compact Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is destined for Malaysia.

Well, In December 2021, it was officially previewed at the Bumiputera Development Action 2030 convention, and as they say, the rest is history.

Due to be officially unveiled sometime this year (it was supposed to be unveiled in Q1, but we’ve just passed that), the Ora Good Cat will be distributed by Go Auto, the same people that brought you the Haval SUVs.

Based on the ‘GWM Lemon’ platform, the car features a front-wheel-drive layout with its single 145PS and 210Nm electric motor sitting above the front axle. Supplying charge is a lithium-ion battery, with capacities of either 47.8 kWh or 59.1 kWh depending on the market.

The latter can power the car for up to 500km in between recharging, even the smaller 47.8 kWh battery is claimed to offer a substantial 400km range. In addition to slower AC charging, a recharge time of 80% in under 30 minutes is claimed to be possible when plugged into a DC fast charger.

Besides that, the Good Cat offers a rather stylish and premium interior, which highlights a dual-screen infotainment and digital instrument cluster combo similar to the Mercedes-Benz MBUX system and a central rotary drive controller. The interior looks pretty plush too, with hints of premium-ish switchgear and upholstery detailing.

4. Seiyong S1

Around the same time as the first sighting of the Ora Good Cat, Ho Wah Genting Bhd announced that they planned to introduce their first full-electric vehicle from Seiyong Motor for the Malaysian market.

For those who don’t know, the Seiyong S1 was introduced for the first time in December 2019. Better known as the Little Bee, this EV is a hatchback capable of reaching 302 km on a single full charge.

Based on the specifications of this model in the Chinese market, this car is equipped with a 31.9 kWh lithium battery that only takes 40-50 minutes to reach a battery capacity of up to 80% using a fast charger. On the other hand, if you use a regular charger, you need 10 hours to reach full charge.

However, at this time, there is still no further information on the S1’s specifications for Malaysia, and things have gone a bit quiet regarding the vehicle. Apparently, Ho Wah Genting Bhd has some problems with one of its main investors, Malton. The developer famous for its Pavillion shopping malls has chosen not to elaborate on why it chose not to proceed with the investment. Still, it doesn’t mean that Ho Wah Genting Bhd is not continuing with the project, we’ll just have to wait and see.

   

Mungkin ada yang belum tahu bahawa Perodua Alza 2022 nanti dikatakan berkait rapat dengan Toyota Avanza dan Daihatsu Xenia kerana berkongsi pembangunan yang sama.

Model terbaharu Perodua Alza digembar-gemburkan bakal berkongsi casis yang sama dengan Avanza dan Xenia. Susulan pelancaran kedua-dua model itu di Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2021, orang ramai boleh mendapat gambaran jelas tentang reka bentuk Alza bagi masa akan datang.

Apa Yang Berbeza?

Saiz lebih besar

Berdasarkan daripada dimensi kereta, saiz badan Xenia ini lebih besar berbanding Perodua Alza generasi semasa di pasaran. 

Model
Daihatsu Xenia
Perodua Alza

Panjang
4,395 mm
4,270 mm

Lebar
1,730 mm
1,695 mm

Tinggi
1,690 mm
1,620 mm

Jarak Antara Roda
2,750 mm
2,750 mm

Berat
1,080 kg
1,160 mm

Exterior 

Muka hadapan baharu dengan lampu utama yang lebih nipis

Kemungkinan Alza bakal menerima lampu utama LED bagi kesemua varian seperti Myvi.

Kemasan bampar atau perumah lampu kabus kemungkinan akan diubah sedikit untuk menerima DNA Perodua. Sama seperti Rocky dan Ativa. 

Tiada lagi rekaan lampu belakang menegak. 

Interior

Memandangkan Alza sudah berbelas tahun di dalam pasaran, bahagian dalamannya dijangka akan mendapat perubahan maksimum seakan bahagian luarannya juga seperti:

Sistem infotaimen jenis terapung seperti Perodua Ativa.

Rekaan kluster meter Alza juga dipercayai akan diperbaharui, mungkin menggunakan gabungan kombinasi meter analog bersama paparan TFT ditengah-tengah.

Penambahan saiz pada Xenia berbanding Alza generasi sekarang akan memberikan sedikit ruang tambahan yang lebih luas. 

Ia turut hadir dengan fungsi mod sofa.

Terdapat juga corong penyaman udara yang disediakan di bahagian bumbung bagi penumpang belakang untuk menjimatkan ruang serta memberikan rupa moden pada interior kereta

Trenkuasa

Dari segi janaan kuasa, Daihatsu tampil dengan dua pilihan enjin yang yang sama seperti Toyota Avanza iaitu 1.3L 1NR-VE dan 1.5L 2NR-VE. Enjin 1.3L 1NR-VE menghasilkan 98 PS dan 121 Nm tork manakala enjin yang lebih besar, 1.5L 2NR-VE menghasilkan 106 PS dan 137 Nm tork.

Walau bagaimanapun, ketika ini hanya 1 pilihan enjin yang ditawarkan bagi Perodua Alza, iaitu enjin 1.5L yang menghasilkan 104 PS dan 136 Nm Tork. Angka itu tidaklah jauh berbeza dengan output yang ada pada Daihatsu Xenia buat masa ini. 

Jika teknologi yang ada pada Myvi dan Ativa diterapkan dalam kereta ini, besar kemungkinan ia akan menerima stereng seakan Myvi dan Ativa yang lengkap dengan butang Power Mode. 

Ciri Keselamatan 

Memandangkan Alza merupakan kereta lama, sudah pasti Alza baharu kelak akan lebih padat dengan ciri-ciri keselamatan aktif terkini yang ada pada Daihatsu Xenia seperti:

Kamera 360 darjah

Amaran Pra-Perlanggaran

Pedal Misoperation Control

Bantuan Mula Mendaki

Pengelap cermin dengan Penderia Kelajuan

Kawalan Kekal Lorong

Amaran Keluar Lorong

Kawalan Cengkaman

ABS, EBD

Harga

Harga jualan bagi Daihatsu Xenia 2022 ini bermula dari Rp 190,900,000 (RM55k) hingga Rp 244,200,000 (RM71k) bagi varian tertingginya. Walaupun model ini tidak memasuki Malaysia, namun kembarnya, Perodua Alza 2022 tetap akan dilancarkan di dalam pasaran negara ini tidak lama lagi.

Ketika ini, harga varian tertinggi semasa Alza hanya mencecah RM60,525. Jika Alza baharu ini dilancarkan di Malaysia, kemungkinan harganya akan dijual lebih mahal dalam lingkungan RM60k – RM75k. berdasarkan ciri-ciri tambahan yang ditawarkan. 

Bermaz Motor, local distributors for Mazda vehicles, have announced the arrival of the updated MX-5 RF for the 2022 model year.

The latest version of the famous roadster, albeit in Retractable Fastback flavour, has been given a minor spec bump and will start from RM264,029 for the variant with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Opting for a 6-speed automatic version of what is an otherwise identical car, will cost RM265,964 – or an additional RM1,935. Mind you, this is factoring in the ongoing 50% SST discount for new fully imported cars.

Also worth noting is that it’s now RM21k pricier than when it was first launched in Malaysia around this time in 2017. In terms of specific changes coming for 2022, there honestly isn’t much to speak of. Then again, why fix what wasn’t broken.

Kinematic Posture Control (KPC)

Visually, they’re indistinguishable from its previous update, bearing the 17-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, and folding metal roof that defined it before. Inside, the cozy cockpit is accessed via keyless entry (and start) and features leather upholstery, cruise control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that uses the older MZD Connect interface, unfortunately.  

Its main highlight is the addition of Kinematic Posture Control (KPC). Ignoring the name that sounds like it was invented by chiropractors, it’s a feature that Mazda first brought to light in late 2021 that is essentially an evolution of the G-Vectoring Control Plus technology that seeks to improve handling and dynamic responsiveness.

Unlike GVC+, however, it’s better suited to enhance more spirited driving and inputs, hence its presence in the MX-5. This is achieved through applying light braking force on the inner rear wheel in high-G situations to keep body roll in check and deliver a more uniform steering feel.

The main advantage with this is the ability to do without the stiffer suspension components – springs, shocks, anti-roll bars – while reaping identical or very similar improvements without compromising ride comfort or refinement.

Honestly, besides this, the spec sheet for this RF (2022) reads exactly like the car that preceded it – unless we’re missing something.

2022 Mazda MX-5 RF Specifications

The car continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol that outputs 181hp @ 7,000rpm and 205Nm of torque @ 4,000rpm which, for a car that has a kerb weight of just 1,111kg (manual), is a pretty generous helping.

We’ve not encountered any pain points with this same unit in other Mazda models but they’ve fitted it with idle stop-start and their i-ELOOP brake-energy recovery system to further improve fuel economy.

Mazda has also given the MX-5 RF Smart City Brake Support (SCBS, also known as AEB, front and rear), Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, and Driver Attention Alert to go along with its more passive safety kit such as 6 airbags and anti-lock brakes.

Just as before, exterior colour options include:

Deep Crystal Blue 
Jet Black
Machine Gray
Polymetal Gray
Snowflake White Pearl
Soul Red Crystal

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 RF will also come with a 5-year or 100,000km manufacturer’s warranty with 5 years (or 100,000km) free maintenance.

Menurut Menteri Pengangkutan, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, satu peraturan kecil berhubung penggunaan e-skuter akan diputuskan, termasuk pelaksanaan lesen terhadap e-skuter.

Susulan tular video yang memaparkan para pengguna e-skuter yang menggunakan jalan raya tanpa menghirau keselamatan diri dan pengguna jalan raya lain di Cyberjaya, Kementerian Pengangkutan dilaporkan sedang memperhalusi satu peraturan kecil berhubung penggunaan skuter elektrik, termasuk pelaksanaan lesen.

*Kredit foto: The Star

Lesen e-Skuter

Ketika ini, Kementerian Pengangkutan sedang memperhalusi beberapa dasar dan peraturan kecil bagi memastikan kenderaan mobiliti mikro itu dikawal penggunaannya. Kemungkinan, pelaksanaan lesen akan dikenakan kepada:

Pengguna e-skuter
Pembekal e-skuter

Menurut Wee, pembekal skuter elektrik perlu melalui pengendali lesen dan cukai kerana spesifikasi e-skuter tersebut perlu disemak terlebih dahulu.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

Peraturan Kecil e-Skuter Bakal Diputuskan

Meskipun ada sesetegah e-skuter yang digelar e-bicycle, namun kelajuannya seakan sebuah motosikal membuatkan Kementerian Pengangkutan tidak boleh melihat berpandukan nama sahaja.

Bagi Wee Ka Siong, kenderaan mikro mobiliti terlalu banyak menggunakan nama berbeza, jadi ia memerlukan satu definisi jelas yang akan dibuat melalui peraturan kecil itu.

Tambahnya lagi, penggunaan e-skuter semakin menjadi trend dalam kalangan masyarakat yang memerlukan penyelesaian sewajarnya untuk mengelakkan pengguna terdedah kepada risiko nahas yang lebih teruk.

Penggunaan kenderaan elektrik seperti e-skuter adalah termaktub dalam pindaan Akta 333 Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987 pindaan 2020. Pindaan itu merangkumi semua aspek kenderaan yang digolongkan di bawah kenderaan mikro mobiliti yang mempunyai peraturan kecil mengenai spesifikasi kenderaan tersebut.

 “Kita kena perhalusi setiap satu kenderaan itu dan pendekatan sudah dibuat berkali-kali kerana jumlah mikro mobiliti ini amat banyak,” jelas Wee Ka Siong. Pengumuman lanjut berhubung isu ini akan diumumkan tidak lama lagi.

Boleh Ke Bawa e-Skuter Di Jalan Raya?

Bermula 1 Januari 2021, penggunaan skuter elektrik di atas jalan raya atau kawasan selain yang digazetkan di ibu negara adalah dilarang.

Orang ramai dinasihati supaya tidak menyewa dan menaiki skuter di atas jalan raya kerana ia merupakan satu kesalahan di bawah Seksyen 54 Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987.

Penunggang skuter elektrik yang didapati bergerak di atas jalan raya akan dikenakan denda RM300 untuk kesalahan pertama, maksimum RM1,000 untuk kesalahan seterusnya atau penjara tiga bulan.

Kat Mana Boleh Bawa Skuter Elektrik?

Taman permainan
Kawasan pejalan kaki
Kawasan sekitar pusat beli belah di ibu negara
Kawasan yang terasing dari jalan raya

Kenapa kita kena guna RFID? Di antara RFID, SmartTAG atau kad Touch ‘n Go, mana satu yang paling berbaloi nak guna?

Bagi mereka yang masih berkira-kira sama ada ingin beralih ke RFID atau teruskan sahaja menggunakan SmartTAG/ kad fizikal Touch ‘n Go, ini adalah antara kelebihan menggunakan RFID menurut PLUS.

Kenapa Perlu Guna RFID?

Perlaksanaan RFID selaras dengan hasrat kerajaan untuk beralih kepada Sistem Pengangkutan Pintar seperti Sistem Aliran Bebas Pelbagai Lorong (MLFF) atau lebih tepat, plaza tol tanpa palang. 

RFID sebagai ujian rintis awam dan bertujuan untuk menyelesaikan isu-isu seperti penguatkuasaan, pilihan pembayaran, kemudahan pelanggan dan banyak lagi.

PLUS akan terus berusaha untuk menambah baik RFID supaya lebih lancar di masa hadapan melalui proses pembelajaran, penyesuaian, membaiki dan meningkatkan kecekapan secara berterusan.
 
Kerajaan telah meneroka pelbagai pilihan teknologi dan merumuskan bahawa RFID adalah pilihan yang paling berpatutan untuk kebanyakan pengguna lebuh raya di Malaysia.
 
Menurut PLUS, plaza tol mereka setanding dengan industri antarabangsa. Semua pembaca gantri mereka mematuhi piawaian pensijilan ISO IEC180000-6C untuk melangkah kearah MLFF. 

Kelebihan Guna RFID

Pilihan tambahan kepada pengguna lebuh raya untuk membayar tol dan mengurangkan kesesakan. Pengguna bebas memilih lorong mana yang paling lancar.
Urusan tambah nilai lebih mudah melalui eWallet sahaja, tak perlu ke stesen minyak atau kedai untuk tambah nilai kad.
Tidak perlu menggunakan/ menukar bateri seperti SmartTAG.
Perjalanan lebih lancar tanpa perlu berhenti untuk membayar tol dengan kelajuan dibawah 30 km/j.
Transaksi tol tanpa sentuh membantu mengurangkan jangkitan Covid-19.
Boleh jejak semula segala perbelanjaan tol setiap bulan dengan mudah.

Apa Rancangan Untuk Tambah Baik RFID?

Pengumpulan data melalui AI Machine Learning, penyesuaian dan penambahbaikan sistem untuk menjadikan perjalanan lebih lancar.
Bakal memperkenalkan RFID bagi penggunaan kenderaan berat seperti lori dan bas.
Potensi intergrasi bagi mana-mana teknologi baharu yang dilaksanakan.

Harga RFID Mahal?

Susulan harga tag RFID yang dianggap mahal kerana dijual pada harga RM35, kerajaan telah berunding dengan TNG untuk mengurangkan harga jualan tag itu.

Harga RM35 itu merangkumi kos:

tag RFID
pemasangan tag
sistem dan pengoperasian

Berdasarkan situasi semasa, nampaknya rundingan masih berjalan memandangkan tag RFID masih dijual pada harga sama. 

Walaupun RFID bertindak sebagai pilihan tambahan untuk membayar tol, namun pengguna diingatkan untuk sentiasa menggunakan lorong pembayaran yang sama untuk masuk dan keluar dari lebuh raya. 

Peralihan ke arah MLFF merupakan usaha yang sedang dijalankan oleh kerajaan ketika ini. Walau bagaimanapun, teknologi masa depan ke arah mencapai MLFF masih dalam kajian dan perkembangan selanjutnya akan diumumkan kerajaan.  

 

How do you export a vehicle into Malaysia with an AP? We list down how to do it! 

So, you have all the necessary paperwork and have put aside funds for tax and duties – which means you’re about 50% ready to export your vehicle back to Malaysia with you AP. 

The other 50% is about physically getting your car here, which means it’s time to look for companies to handle the shipment.

Vehicle exporting agent

First of all, you should find a car export agent who is familiar with AP regulations and the Malaysian import system to facilitate all related matters. You can usually find them through Malaysian communities abroad, which can provide good recommendations on which agents you can trust.

An experienced agent who has handled AP imports before, familiar with Malaysia’s export-import procedure will likely get things done more accurately and quickly.

Sending the vehicle to the port

Once you’ve identified an agent to handle your AP import and have gone through the necessary payment and paperwork, it’s time to drop off your car at the designated port warehouse, where it will be stored till the day it is ready to be shipped back to Malaysia. 

The agent will set the vehicle’s delivery date at the port warehouse before sailing to Malaysia.

As soon as you have dropped off your vehicle, it’s a good idea to inspect and take photos of the vehicle for reference in case anything happens to the vehicle later on. Good shipping companies will probably ask you to do so anyway. Make sure to have copies of your AP documentation plus all other documents safely stored someplace. 

This is where you will see your vehicle for the last time in at least two months, as it will be at sea sailing to Malaysia.

What happens when the vehicle arrives in Malaysia?

When your vehicle arrives, your agent will handle all the AP paperwork with the Malaysian authorities. The next phone call you get from your agent will be painful, as they will inform you how much taxes and duties you will have to pay.

Once payment is made, the car will be released from customs, where your agent will take it through Puspakom, to get it certified and road legal. After that, the rest is as usual, as you will have to pay insurance and road tax to complete the legal journey. 

Finally, a good agent will usually deliver the car straight to your home and your new number plates already placed on your car. AP process done! 

Word of caution! 

Our word of advice is to keep some extra funds around as you never know how much you will have to pay when it comes to taxes and duties as the final AP calculation only happens when your vehicle is at the port in Malaysia. 

Don’t just have the exact amount needed to pay as you never know what’s going to happen. You might not need it, but it’s good to have some extra on standby nevertheless. 

Baru-baru ini, telah tular sebuah video yang menunjukkan sebuah Mercedes AMG C43 telah membiarkan dua penumpang kanak-kanak mengeluarkan kepala melalui sunroof ketika kereta sedang dipandu.

Video tersebut telah mengundang pelbagai reaksi orang ramai yang rata-rata menyelar tindakan berbahaya itu memandangkan kereta sedang dipandu di atas lebuh raya.

*Kredit video: Asrul Ali

Selain membiarkan penumpang kanak-kanak berada dalam situasi berbahaya, kereta terbabit telah menerima kecaman hebat di media sosial kerana turut melakukan kesalahan lain seperti:

Memotong dari arah kiri
Tidak memberikan signal
Memandu secara berbahaya (zig-zag)
Membahayakan nyawa penumpang

Kita ketepikan dahulu kesalahan memandunya. Persoalannya, boleh ke keluarkan kepala di sunroof ketika kereta sedang bergerak mengikut undang-undang Malaysia?

Boleh Ke Keluarkan Kepala Di Sunroof?

Berdasarkan pertanyaan kami kepada pihak polis, ketika ini masih belum ada tindakan yang dikenakan terhadap mana-mana pemandu yang membenarkan penumpang untuk berdiri dan mengeluarkan kepada melalui sunroof ketika kereta sedang bergerak.

Mungkin ada sesetengah pemandu yang teruja dan mahu memberikan pengalaman baharu kepada anak-anak dengan membenarkan mereka menjenguk di sunroof. Walau bagaimanapun, tindakan tersebut mungkin tiada masalah dilakukan di kawasan perumahan atau kawasan tertutup yang tidak sesak dengan kenderaan lain.

Walau bagaimanapun, tindakan mengeluarkan kepada melalui sunroof boleh mendatangkan bahaya kepada penumpang terutama ketika berada di atas lebuh raya atau jalan besar kerana dikhuatiri boleh menyebabkan kemalangan dan kecederaan.

Mengikut undang-undang Seksyen 336 Kanun Keseksaan, segala perbuatan cuai sehingga membahayakan nyawa manusia, atau keselamatan orang lain boleh dihukum penjara selama tempoh tidak melebihi 3 bulan atau denda tidak melebihi RM500 atau kedua-duanya.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

Sebelum ini, pihak polis telah menahan pemandu Perodua Alza mengikut Seksyen 336 Kanun Keseksaan kerana disyaki memandu kereta dan membenarkan tiga penumpang kanak-kanak mengeluarkan separuh badan di tingkap penumpang ketika kenderaan sedang bergerak.

Jika nak dibandingkan risiko mengeluarkan kepala di sunroof atau tingkap kereta, kedua-duanya sama sahaja iaitu mendatangkan bahaya. Jika mendatangkan bahaya dan berisiko untuk kemalangan, anda boleh disaman.

Peranan Ibu Bapa

Mengawal dan memantau keselamatan penumpang kanak-kanak
Jangan benarkan kanak-kanak berdiri semasa kereta bergerak
Lebih tegas dalam mendidik
Kunci tingkap dan pintu penumpang ketika kereta sedang bergerak
Pastikan penumpang menggunakan tali pinggang keledar
Memastikan anak berada di dalam babyseat atau booster seat mengikut umur

Meskipun perkara ini dianggap remeh, namun keselamatan nyawa itu yang paling penting. Motif kewujudan sunroof pada kereta bukanlah untuk digunakan sebagai viewing deck kereta anda ketika sedang bergerak. Beringatlah sebelum terkena kerana sesungguhnya nyawa tidak boleh dibeli dengan wang ringgit.   

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, launched in late March 2022, and the incoming Kia EV6 are set to rock the EV scene in Malaysia just as they have abroad. But which is the better car?

Being derived from the shared E-GMP (Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform) architecture and developed alongside each other, it’s natural to expect them to be quite similar. At some fundamental levels they clearly are but also plain is the divergent paths Kia and Hyundai took to make the best EV they could.

Kia EV6 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5

Make no mistake, these are highly impressive machines that almost seem like quantum leaps in technology, design, and engineering if your reference point was either of these South Korean brands’ cars from 10 or even 15 years ago.

Unquestionably, the EV6 and the IONIQ 5 are two of the most interesting and impressive electric vehicles launched recently, sweeping numerous award wins including European Car of the Year (Kia).

Despite both Hyundai and Kia offering fully electric versions of multiple models for the better part of the past decade, it’s these two cars that have caused the tidal shift of perception toward the sister automakers.

Suddenly, it’s no longer the Teslas or the Volkswagens or Mercedes-Benzes of the world that people realise they should be paying attention to with the future of vehicles. Instead, the biggest splashes have now been stirred by the South Koreans.

Price – EV6 to mirror IONIQ 5?

The fact that the IONIQ 5, distributed by Hyundai Sime Darby Motors, has made its Malaysian debut relatively quickly since the car was revealed to the world is quite encouraging. Obviously, the implementation of the new policy to encourage EV adoption has had a big impact, driving prices down significantly and launching market demand upward.

The IONIQ 5 Lite kicks things off at RM199,888, but this can go up to RM259,888 for the range-topping Max variant with the main variable being battery capacity (which equates to range) and electric motor configuration.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Lite: RM199,888
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Plus: RM229,888
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Max: RM259,888

In the other corner, coming from new Kia distributors Bermaz, the EV6 is expected to make landfall in the second half of 2022. HSDM’s first strike came as little surprise but now should directly inform how its sister car needs to be positioned.

In most other countries, the Kia emerged with a slightly higher base price but this gap became more and more slight depending on how they were configured. Malaysia-spec cars are notoriously absent of these more granular options, unfortunately, but it would be surprising if the EV6 did not follow the IONIQ 5’s local pricing pretty closely.

Design – Retro IONIQ 5 vs Sporty EV6

Immediately there are very apparent visual differences to the point that they might have been deliberately contrasting. While the Kia is somewhat more conventional with its more flowing lines and sub-SUV proportions, the Hyundai is unashamedly angular, almost geometric.

Both are 5-door vehicles with a clear bonnet at the front despite having no ‘engine’ in the conventional sense.

One looks sleek with a shape that is clearly aerodynamically informed, the other is bolder, harder-edged, even retro – the IONIQ 5’s look is mainly a callback to the Hyundai Pony, the first mass-produced South Korean car.

In pictures, the EV6’s proportions can make it look like the larger vehicle overall but in reality, the IONIQ 5’s small hatchback silhouette masks its size. The Hyundai boasts a longer wheelbase as well as being taller though the Kia is longer overall.

 

Wheelbase

Height

Width

Overall Length

Hyundai IONIQ 5

3,000mm

1,605mm

1,890mm

4,635mm

Kia EV6

2,900mm

1,550mm

1,890mm

4,680mm

Powertrain – 800-volt Electrical Architecture

Here’s where the E-GMP platform DNA is most apparent since the EV6 and IONIQ 5 have an identical 800-volt electrical architecture with support for single or multiple electric motors, bi-directional charging (V2L), and up to 350kW DC charging as well.

Both cars start with a single motor rear-drive configuration with an electric motor at the rear, supplied by a 58kWh battery. In the yet-to-be-launched EV6 (locally), this is represented as being equivalent to the IONIQ 5 Lite, however, in certain markets such as Australia, this smaller battery pack is not offered.

In the Hyundai, this is capable of 384km (WLTP) on a single charge while that sole motor delivers 170PS and 350Nm for a 0-100km/h sprint of 8.5 seconds. Stepping up to the IONIQ 5 Max, and this should be mirrored or very similar to the top-spec EV6, it’s equipped with all-wheel drive via dual electric motors with a combined output of 305PS and 605Nm, trimming that sprint time to 5.2 seconds.

Here, the car’s larger (Long Range) battery option comes as standard with 72.6kWh, leading to a rated range of 430km. A slightly larger 77.4kWh (Extra Long Range) battery also exists in other markets, so the ball is in Kia’s (Bermaz’s) court to bring it to Malaysia.

In terms of performance, the EV6 in peak GT trim has the capacity to decisively stomp the IONIQ 5 with the 77.4kWh battery able to be paired with a 580PS, 740Nm dual-motor setup, capable of launching it to 100km/h in a supercar-beating 3.5 seconds.

Perhaps due to its slippery shape, the EV6 is also capable of breaching a claimed 510km on a single charge if the largest battery is paired to the single motor drive unit. However, without any official confirmation of local specifications, it’s impossible to know how they would stack up in a Malaysian context.

Variant

Battery Capacity

Layout

Power

Torque

Range

IONIQ 5 Lite

58kWh

RWD

170PS

350Nm

384km

IONIQ 5 Plus

58kWh

RWD

170PS

350Nm

384km

IONIQ 5 Max

72.6kWh

AWD

305PS

605Nm

430km

Our best guess would be to say that, upon launch, Kia will at least offer a direct and equivalent variant of the EV6 to the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Tech & Features – Welcome To The Future

If plugged into a DC charger that’s able to match the maximum 350kW charging rate that the IONIQ 5 supports, a 10% to 80% top-up can be achieved in just 18 minutes, and the same will apply to the EV6.

Using more conventional 11kW public stations or a home-installed wallbox via the onboard AC charger will of course take much longer with Hyundai stating 5 hours with the 58kWh battery and 6.1 hours for the 72.6kWh battery.

In addition to the ‘wow factor’ elements of the unique user interfaces offered by both models, all of which are presented on twin 12.3-inch displays, though the EV6’s does resemble a more typical layout, all variants of the Hyundai and Kia will come with class-leading levels of the advanced suite of driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Included in all variants of the IONIQ 5, for example, is Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Active Cruise Control, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Driver Attention Warning. There’s no reason to suppose that the EV6, upon its launch, will offer anything less comprehensive.

Continuing from the mention of the bi-directional charging built into the E-GMP platform, a key feature offered in both cars is V2X (capabilities that enable stored energy in the batteries, via the on-board inverter, to act as an independent power supply).

We look forward to welcoming the Kia EV6 to Malaysia!