Month: March 2023

Who doesn’t love a supercar-killing hot hatch, which is why PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) has introduced the all-new RS 3 Sedan, priced from RM646,990 to RM655,990 with the Audi Assurance Package(duties and sales tax included).

Just like the third-generation Sportback and second-generation sedan (the sedan came later) the current RS3 models are powered by the latest generation of Audi’s 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine, which outputs 400hp and a whopping 500Nm of torque.

Paired with the award-winning engine is a 7-speed S tronic transmission, which helps the car get from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

No wonder its 2021’s fastest compact car on the Nurburgring 

A major highlight is the all-new RS Torque Splitter and specific RS 3 modes. The new Audi RS 3 is the first Audi model that comes standard-equipped with a torque splitter. It replaces the rear axle differential and the previous multiple disc clutch package on the rear axle.

Instead, an electronically controlled multiple-disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts. This ensures that the right amount of torque is optimally distributed along the rear axle. During more dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer.

Design – Performance meets luxury

The Audi RS 3 Sedan is a fusion of luxury and performance, combining a bold exterior and widened body. The broad, strikingly accentuated front wings and aggressive air vents make a powerful impression, accentuated with signature RS black Audi four rings, singleframe and honeycomb grille. 

Darkened Matrix LED headlights offer digital daytime running light signature and RS-specific coming home/leaving home and dynamic light sequences.

The car’s interior is impressive too and can be had in black, red or green trim and features stylish fine Nappa leather sport seats with RS honeycomb stitching and RS-exclusive steering wheel. 

Colour options

Six colour choices are available: Kyalami Green, Kemora Grey, Glacier White, Mythos Black, Python Yellow and Daytona Gray.

For more information on the RS 3 Sedan, visit the nearest Audi Centre or visit www.audi.com.my for full product specification and options, as well as further information on the Audi Assurance Program benefits which include extended warranty and maintenance.

Porsche really likes Thailand, and who can blame them. We’re often sorely tempted to take a drive north to enjoy the landscape, food and shoreline ourselves. However, Porsche, through its Exclusive Manufaktur arm, has chosen to celebrate this with a limited collection of 911s.

Called the 911 Carrera GTS 30 Years Porsche Thailand Edition, these cars certainly embody the country’s vibrant side and can be had in any of 7 iconic Paint to Sample (PTS) colours to match the colours assigned to the 7 days of the week in Sanskrit. They are:

Monday (Yellow) – Signalyellow
Tuesday (Pink) – Rubystar
Wednesday (Green) – Signalgreen
Thursday (Orange) – Pastelorange
Friday (Blue) – Rivierablue
Saturday (Purple) – Ultraviolet
Sunday (Red) – Firered

Porsche says the PTS colours requires a bunch more manual labour to achieve colour accuracy and a properly flawless finish.

“The values that make up the Porsche DNA – pioneering spirit through heritage and innovation in perfect harmony – are thoroughly aligned with the values of Thai people, honouring their rich history but at the cutting edge of modern technology,” said Mr. Hannes Ruoff, CEO of Porsche Asia Pacific on this remarkable collection.  

“With this Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 30 Years Porsche Thailand Edition, we pay tribute to this amazing country that has been so welcoming to our brand, and that keeps inspiring us with its vibrant culture and people that are truly driven by their dreams,” Mr. Ruoff continued.

Complementing the unique exterior are either Turbo S centre lock wheels in staggered sizes (20-inch front, 21-inch rear) that have also been given bespoke two-tone combo that corresponds the selected body colour.

Oddly, the automaker chose to finish the brake callipers in a nondescript – even stealthy – black, ostensibly to not clash with the rest of the car. Typically their cars sport either red or yellow callipers to denote the steel or carbon ceramic rotor options.

The colour coordination flows into the cabin as well with plenty of trim material finished in that glossy hue. Speaking of hues, Porsche even made a one-of-a-kind highlight car that features a body that combines all 7 colours.

It’s a little much for us, but to each their own.

From a purely mechanical perspective, Porsche has not mentioned any changes to the (992-gen) 911 GTS in these limited run technicolour examples, meaning its rear-mounted 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-6 remains with an output of 385PS and peak torque of 450Nm sent rearward through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK).

All that paint shouldn’t have hurt the car’s weight, so the 0-100km/h sprint should still be achieved in just 4.2 seconds.

Hyundai Motor Company has officially unveiled the design for its new 2023 Hyundai Sonata.

The facelifted eighth-generation midsize sedan model carries a lot more sporty features, particularly the exterior. Judging by the looks, does the Sonata have what it takes to convince the world that sedans are still very much cool compared to SUVs? We sure think so.

Looking at the front end of this new ‘facelifted’ 2023 Hyundai Sonata, the design evolution now consists of a more dynamic and low-slung proportion that’s also elegant yet futuristically aggressive. Its most outstanding feature has to be the ‘Seamless Horizon’ full-width daytime-running lights that can also be found on the spaceship-like Hyundai Staria MPV.

Other features from the facelifted Hyundai Sonata based on the ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design philosophy are N Line-based exterior with a long bonnet and fastback roof line, hidden headlamps, a wide ‘parametric jewel’-like grille, and other black garnishes to further accentuate the new Sonata’s aggressive appearance.

The side and rear profiles have been enhanced with a few more sporty additions like the 19-inch wheels for the N Line variant, sleek rear spoiler, twin exhaust tips, and of course, the new rear H-lights that also span across the rear to give the 2023 Sonata a low yet wide stance that shouts ‘high-performance’.

Step inside the cabin and you’ll notice that this new facelift for the Sonata offers a more driver-centric layout (a good match for its sporty facade). For the first time in a Hyundai, a panoramic curved display is equipped that combines the 12.3-inch driver display and a similarly-sized infotainment system. Just like the Kia EV6, eh?

This ‘floating’ theme is further enhanced with the column-type shift-by-wire controller that’s now behind the steering wheel and thanks to that, a very roomy and spacious centre console with an adjustable armrest, large-size cup holder, and tray.

The official launch will take place at the end of the month at the Seoul Mobility Show, where we will also get to see the full specs, trims, variants, and powertrains for the 2023 Hyundai Sonata. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming days.

 

After a lacklustre year since its local debut, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has decided to refresh the Golf GTI for the 2023 year, which now comes with IQ. Drive, their innovative Driver Assistance System (DAS).

For RM244,990, you also now get an updated interior in the CKD Golf GTI, featuring wireless charging and embroidered GTI logo on the driver and front passenger seats as well as electrically heated and adjustable folding mirrors and an additional centre airbag, giving the hot hatch 7 airbags in total. 

As for the exterior front, the only update given is the inclusion of fog lights, which now feature the iconic five-piece LEDS at each corner of the honeycomb grille.

Back to the IQ. Drive system because this inclusion actually really completes the car, and it should have been included in the CKD Golf GTI in the first place. 

The IQ. Drive system is designed to assist drivers in making their journeys safer and more comfortable. The advanced safety features consist of Travel Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which uses radar and various sensors to detect vehicles ahead, as well as Side Assist, a feature that acts as an active blind spot monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert which comes in handy to inform drivers of potential danger when the reverse gear is engaged.  

The Golf GTI also comes with Front Assist, which is basically an Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) feature that uses a radar sensor integrated into the front of the vehicle to continuously monitor the distance to the vehicles ahead. In addition to detecting vehicles, the latest version of Front Assist also detects pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road. 

The Lane Assist function on the other hand ensures that the driver stays in lane, using its camera-based lane-keeping assistant. If the vehicle deviates towards another lane when direction indicators are operated by the driver, the system automatically intervenes by steering back into line. In addition, there is also an Adaptive Lane Guidance function that keeps the car within its own lane on an ideal line learned from the driver’s driving characteristics.

Everything else is pretty much the same, including its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which produces an exhilirating 245PS and 370Nm of torque.

As usual, the Golf GTI is immediately recognisable with its signature honeycomb front grille and red GTI trims, 18” Richmond alloy wheels with red brake callipers, and full LED headlamps and taillights. 

With its iconic styling, the GTI is sure to turn heads wherever it goes, and now, it will also surely keep its occupants much safer through the major inclusion of IQ. Drive.

The BYD Dolphin EV has made waves in Thailand following its official launch and price tag.

With prices starting from 799,999 baht (around RM103k), the BYD Dolphin certainly has the potential to spread the EV gospel like wildfire thanks to its much more affordable price tag, but looking at the details, is that really the case?

For RM103k, the mid-range model BYD Dolphin EV in Thailand will only get you the variant that’s fitted with a single electric motor that produces 94hp and 180Nm of torque paired to a 44.9kWh battery pack. This gets you an NEDC range of up to 410km.

There’s going to be a cheaper version of this particular BYD Dolphin variant that’s fitted with a smaller 30.7kWh battery pack which offers an NEDC range of around 300km, but if it’s power you’re looking for, the BYD Dolphin also comes with a range-topping variant that churns out 174hp and 290Nm of torque.

Looking at the price differences between the BYD Atto 3 and Dolphin in other markets, we can safely assume that the Dolphin will be priced much closer to the RM100k mark (compared to the Atto 3’s RM150k starting price). With that being said, we will just have to wait for more updates as we head closer to the end of 2023 (when both the Dolphin and Seal will be launched here in Malaysia).

 

Zhejiang-based Hozon Auto is probably an automaker you’ve not heard of, which makes it less likely you’ll have heard of Neta, its sub-brand that’s now selling their EVs in Thailand and Vietnam. Rumour has it they’re keen on setting up shop in Malaysia too.

The good news is that they’re cars are being offered across a wide range of price points, focused on the Neta S, Neta U-II, and finally the Neta V which was also shown off last week at the Bangkok International Motor Show despite being officially on sale there since September 2022.

The V is the model slated to also arrive on our shores as the company’s newly set up Malaysian social media channels seem to indicate. The budget-oriented EV is a 5-seat hatchback that should be decently disruptive with its expected sub-RM100k price tag.

The car’s Thai price starts at just 549,000 baht, equivalent to around RM72,000 at the exchange rate at the time of writing.

As far as the Neta V’s specifications, the fully electric hatch boasts a single electric motor up front with 95hp and 150Nm juiced by a 38.5kWh lithium-ion battery that offers up to 384km of range on the NEDC test cycle – pretty respectable.

Neta also offers a larger 55kWh battery that boosts endurance past 400km on a single charge, but it’s unlikely this variant will be offered here from the outset. Given its petite dimensions and relatively light weight, the automaker claims the V is quite brisk with a 0-50km/h time of under 3.9 seconds, perfect for squirrelling around town.

The interior is predictably quite minimal given the trend of EVs with a large 14.6-inch central touchscreen dominating the centre stack but aided by a driver’s display tucked into the upper portion of the dashboard.

Its cabin promises an overall airer feel compared to combustion-powered cars given its EV-specific HPC 3.0 platform. The boot measures a very usable 335-litres that’s also expandable to 552-litres with the seats folded.

Unfortunately, the Neta V omits the fancier suite of active safety and drive assist features but does  feature the usual array of anti-lock brakes, stability control, airbags, and tyre pressure monitoring. Honestly, for the price its being peddled, perhaps that’s forgivable.

Just like it’s the end of the Touch ‘N Go monopoly, PUSPAKOM too will end its hold on a specific service in Malaysia, as starting next year, it will no longer be the sole provider of periodic vehicle inspection in the country.

The end of March 2023 will forever be memorable because not only has the government announced that it would virtually end Touch’ N Go’s monopoly, but they have also announced that PUSPAKOM will also get some competition soon.

According to a posting on Transport Minister, Anthony Loke’s official Facebook page, PUSPAKOM will no longer be the sole provider of vehicle inspection services for the road transport department starting from September 2024. PUSPAKOM’s concession actually ends on Aug 31, 2024.

The posting continued on by saying that the Cabinet of Ministers has decided that the inspection service of motor vehicles will be opened to any party who is qualified and meets the conditions set after the current concession to PUSPAKOM expires on 31 August 2024.

The process of inviting parties interested in the periodic inspection service of motor vehicles is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024 at the latest.

The decision is in line with the Government’s desire to create a competitive service environment and facilitate all Malaysians.

Regarding the current PUSPAKOM Concession Agreement, which was extended for 15 years in 2009, the Cabinet has agreed to extend the agreement for the same period, effective 1 Sept 2024, with the updated terms, which basically allows the market to be accessible to anyone else that is qualified.

Volkswagen has confirmed that the Volkswagen Passat sedan model will be discontinued in Europe.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen, announced that the next-generation model for the Passat will be marketed exclusively as a wagon. We’re not sure why this is the move from VW considering that the Passat was the best-selling car within its segment in Europe last year.

Anyway, the all-new Volkswagen Passat wagon will be launched sometime within the third quarter of 2023 followed by the targeted deliveries starting in September. Production-wise, the location has been moved out of Emden, Germany to Bratislava, Slovakia.

VW also mentioned that the next-generation Passat will be developed by Skoda, another great-selling brand under the Volkswagen Group umbrella thanks to its Superb model. The second-best-selling sedan in Europe will also join the next-gen Passat at the new assembly plant in Bratislava.

Moving towards the future of the very popular Volkswagen Passat, it’ll most likely make use of the MQB platform together with cleaner and more eco-friendly powertrains to meet the stricter Euro 7 emission regulations.

Next-gen PHEV tech has already been confirmed for the Skoda Superb, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if that is shared with the upcoming Passat wagon. For now, it is sad for us to say “Auf Wiedersehen” to the Passat sedan (we’re hopeful that it’ll make a return in the future).

 

Great Wall Motor displays the TANK 500 at the 2023 Bangkok International Motorshow – Will this be the TANK model to be launched here in Malaysia?

When Great Wall Motor officially entered the Malaysian market through their electric vehicle, the Ora Good Cat, they took the opportunity to announce that they would be launching nine models locally in the next three years.

With local assembly operations due to start this year, we can’t wait to see what GWM’s next vehicle will be. One of the confirmed sub-brands that will be making its way to our local market is TANK, which is basically vehicle designed with an off-road theme attached to them.

So when GWM decided to display a TANK at the ongoing Bangkok Motor Show, we couldn’t help but highlight it because, you never know, this vehicle might make its way into Malaysia.

Which TANK was displayed at the 2023 BIMS? The TANK 500 of course, the daddy of all TANKS.

The Tank 500, is a four-wheel-drive barge ready to offer consumers a cheaper and readily available alternative to the famous Toyota Land Cruiser (LC).

Tank 500 is the latest model to come out of Great Wall Motor’s new Tank four-wheel-drive brand, after the Tank 300, which in our opinion is their version of the Jeep Wrangler.

Coming in at 4,878mm long, 1,934mm wide and 1,905mm high and sitting on a 2,850mm wheelbase (identical to the LC300), the Tank 500 is nearly the same size as the latest Land Cruiser, the 300 (4,950L,1,980W,1,925H).

Just like the LC, the Tank 500 is built tough by utilising a body-on-frame platform borrowed from the Great Wall Motors family.

The off-road emphasis is once again emphasised on Great Wall Motor’s Tank website, where they reckon its “3.0T V6 + 9AT super powertrain with a maximum power of 260kW and a maximum torque of 500Nm meets the diverse needs of everyday use and outdoor off-road”. They also claim that the vehicle can go from 0-100 in 7.3 seconds and achieve a fuel consumption of 10.79l/100km.

But that’s the powertrain that debuted in the TANK when it was first introduced to the world last year. Recently however, GWM has introduced a road tax friendlier powertrain option, comprising of a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine.

The hybrid engine produces 346 PS and 615 Nm of torque and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all 4 wheels. That amount of power shout get it moving, but its 2.5-tonne weight will bog it down a little.

With customers worldwide having to wait nearly four years for the new Land Cruiser 300 (yes, the waiting is that long), perhaps the Tank 500 can fill in the gap left by the LC300?

The mega Chinese SUV is offered in three variants with prices ranging from RMB 335,000 (RM222k) to RMB 395,000 (RM261k). 

BMW Malaysia has debuted the XM, the first electrified plug-in hybrid SUV (or SAV – Sports Activity Vehicle – in this automaker’s parlance) to wear the badge of the M division and the newest entrant into their high performance family.

The car brought here is technically a pre-production ‘prototype’ XM, but is pretty much identical save for a few minor alterations. Two variants are available, or more accurately trim levels: Shadow Line or Night Gold Line – both are officially advertised with an on-the-road price of RM1,398,000 inclusive of the extended warranty package (up to 5 years) and service package.

However, without the service package and with the standard 2-year warranty left unextended, the XM is priced at RM1,316,450.

Following this, the vehicle itself is set to arrive for prompt deliveries this June to select customers that managed to get their names on the books quickly enough. Considering that series production for the XM only began in December 2022, it highlights the importance of the Malaysian market to the brand. This preview also coincides with the XM’s first-ever Thai presence at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show.

Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, expresses, “We are beyond thrilled to introduce the First-Ever BMW XM to Malaysia. This exclusive Sports Activity Vehicle is the first-ever BMW M GmbH high-performing car to feature an M HYBRID drive system, thus extending the realm of e-mobility within the high-performance car segment in Malaysia,”

“It is an electrifying reinvention of automotive ideals and the extreme performance characteristics will make every drive a luxurious experience for our Malaysian customers and supporters.”

We won’t get into its looks too much other than to say that it’s divisive to say the least and definitely anything but subtle. If that snout with those unapologetic kidney grilles weren’t enough, you’ll be delighted to know they’re also illuminated.

The XM is also very large, considerably more so than any other BWM to wear the M badge, measuring at just over 5 metres in length (5,110mm), 1,755mm in height, and is 2,004mm wide. Compared even to the fully electric iX, the XM is larger by every dimension as well as heavier with a kerb weight of 2.7 tonnes.

With a full load of passengers and their luggage, you’re probably going to tip the scales north of 3 tonnes, nearing the limits (3,500kg) of what the JPJ deems legal to operate with a Competent Driving License, CDL.

By contrast the, XM does have a very M car-like 490hp twin-turbo V8 petrol engine (S68) up front. However, it’s aided by a 196PS electric motor housed within its 8-speed automatic gearbox to send a total of 653PS and 800Nm to the driveline.

Its M xDrive permanent 4-wheel drive system very clever as well in managing power deliver to each corner, and even boasts a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.3 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, is electronically capped at 250km/h.

The M HYBRID system is fed by a pretty massive (for a hybrid) 25.7kWh battery that contributes to its lower than usual centre of gravity, even for a vehicle as high off the ground as this. Without evoking the engine or using a drop of petrol, the XM can manage an 88km journey on battery power alone. AC charging tops out at just 7.4kWh with a complete recharge taking 4 hours and 15 minutes.

To keep everything in check from a dynamic perspective, Adaptive M Suspension Professional is fitted as standard, as are electronically controlled dampers and Active Roll Stabilisation that reduces lateral body movements. Besides that, Integral Active Steering is another component of the chassis design – by turning the rear wheels in tandem with the front wheel at higher speeds. Conversely, the rear wheels instead steer in the opposite direction of the front wheels at lower speeds for better manoeuvrability.

Inside, the XM defines its cabin as an M Lounge – yes, seriously. There’s Alcantara, leather, and carbon fibre trim finishes as well as the BMW Curved Display (a 12.3-inch Information Display, which works in tandem with the 14.9-inch Control Display) that showcases the latest iDrive interface and infotainment features.

Other than this, there’s 4-zone climate control, active seat ventilation, massaging seats for the front passengers, ambient lighting and a premium Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

Exterior colour offerings for the First-Ever BMW XM include Cape York Green, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Dravit Grey. As for interior upholstery, available offerings include Leather Merino Deep Lagoon with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Silverstone with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Black and Leather Merino Sakhir Orange.

Equipped as standard is the Driving Assistant Professional, which includes features such as Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Change Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, Front/Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Emergency Stop Assistant and Evasion Assistant.

On the other hand, the standard Parking Assistant Plus includes Reversing Assist, Lateral Parking Aid, Active Park Distance Control, and Surround View system. Other safety features include the Attentiveness Assistant, Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians and Active Protection.