Tune Motoring

It was only a couple of days ago when the whole automotive media was ecstatic to report that Zeekr premium EV brand is coming to Malaysia.

This information came to be following our Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and his visit to the Zeekr factory in China earlier this week.

Looking at his social media posts as well as one particular FB post from smart Malaysia, it’s easy to ‘confuse’ the news with all of the Zeekr photos and name-dropping. According to DRB-HICOM, this is not really the case.

After conducting a buka puasa event for media members, DRB-HICOM’s Head of group strategic communications, Mahmood Razak Bahman, clarified that the MITI Minister was merely interested in the Zeekr 001 he test-drove and said that all the statements and reports on the brand coming to Malaysia basically ‘inaccurate’ for now.

In other words, they’re interested but nothing is set in stone just yet. Owning 51.1% of Proton, DRB-HICOM cleared the matter on Zeekr but did specify that the relationship between Geely and Proton remains to be a positive one as they move forward into the NEV market.

With that being said, Proton’s entry into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment still follows the timeline of smart’s official arrival in Q4 this year, as well as the official launch of the brand’s first-ever mild-hybrid model possibly in May, the 2023 Proton X90.

 

The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has officially announced that the age limit for taxis and e-hailing vehicles has been increased or extended to 15 years.

It’s indeed a good move from the previous 10-year limit to ensure that both the taxi and e-hailing industries can be sustained in a bid to improve the country’s public transportation system.

This new age ceiling for taxi and e-hailing vehicles will be applicable to those operating in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan. However, there are a few conditions to follow.

One is that the car’s previous maximum age limit of 10 has been reached starting 1 January 2023 and of course, complying with all the mandatory safety inspections and vehicle maintenance to ensure high levels of safety not only for the driver and occupants but also other road users as well.

 

Apparently we could have had a 5-cylinder turbocharger Audi R8 that had more torque than the V10.

The Audi R8 was designed to be a true supercar, with sleek lines, aggressive styling, and an overall aesthetic that turned heads wherever it went.

Its engine options were supercar worthy too, initially debuting with a 4.2-litre V8 engine that produces up to 420 horsepower and later on the legendary 5.2-litre V10, which was shared with Lamborghini.

Apparently the Audi R8 nearly had a third engine option, a similar formula used by Ford for their Mustang, where they had a smaller engine to make their sportscar more accessible.

According to Thesupercarblog.com, Marcos Marques, Project Manager of Porsche eFuels, Audi had developed an R8 with a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine from the RS3, paired with a manual transmission.

Picture credit: Autospies.com

The story gets even better, because apparently that 5-cylinder turbocharged engine was able to kick out some serious performance with just a few modifications – even surpassing the V10’s torque figures.

Despite having a winning formula, Audi decided not to complete the turbo 5-cylinder R8 project, and apparently, this was all down to the fact it would have ruined the image of the R8, as it was designed to compete with supercar heavyweights like Lamborghini and Ferrari and having a small engine would have been a mistake from a supercar point of view.

Apparently we could have had a 5-cylinder turbocharger Audi R8 that had more torque than the V10.

The Audi R8 was designed to be a true supercar, with sleek lines, aggressive styling, and an overall aesthetic that turned heads wherever it went.

Its engine options were supercar worthy too, initially debuting with a 4.2-litre V8 engine that produces up to 420 horsepower and later on the legendary 5.2-litre V10, which was shared with Lamborghini.

Apparently the Audi R8 nearly had a third engine option, a similar formula used by Ford for their Mustang, where they had a smaller engine to make their sportscar more accessible.

According to Thesupercarblog.com, Marcos Marques, Project Manager of Porsche eFuels, Audi had developed an R8 with a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine from the RS3, paired with a manual transmission.

Picture credit: Autospies.com

The story gets even better, because apparently that 5-cylinder turbocharged engine was able to kick out some serious performance with just a few modifications – even surpassing the V10’s torque figures.

Despite having a winning formula, Audi decided not to complete the turbo 5-cylinder R8 project, and apparently, this was all down to the fact it would have ruined the image of the R8, as it was designed to compete with supercar heavyweights like Lamborghini and Ferrari and having a small engine would have been a mistake from a supercar point of view.

 

Whether it’s internationally or locally, BYD’s ATTO 3 is quickly making its way across many homes, and if you’re just like the many motorists who is curious about the car, then this weekend’s BYD World is probably your best chance to get up close and personal with one of the world’s hottest electric vehicles.

 

If you still need to get on the bandwagon, here are some of the key reasons why the BYD ATTO 3 is starting to become the EV for those who are budget conscious but also have an eye for style and modern technology.

The BYD ATTO 3 is an electric vehicle that uses advanced battery and motor technology to provide a smooth and efficient driving experience. BYD’s Blade Battery technology refers to a unique design approach by BYD, which results in higher energy density and longer range for electric vehicles.

Thanks to this technology, the BYD ATTO 3 can deliver a fantastic driving range of up to 480km and an exhilarating experience, as the SUV can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 7.3 seconds.

When not on the move, the BYD ATTO 3’s battery pack can also be used to charge other devices via the vehicle’s onboard outlets. It’s equipped with a 220V AC outlet, which can be particularly useful in situations where power is needed but not readily available, such as during a power outage or while camping. 

It can also be convenient for those who need to work remotely or for families travelling long distances who need to keep their devices charged.

 

If all of this sounds appealing, why not visit the BYD World extravaganza at the Bukit Jalil Stadium this weekend? Not only will you get to know the BYD ATTO 3 better by having all of your questions answered by the many informative sales personnel, but you can also snap up some excellent arrangements this weekend, as there will be exclusive deals to be had at the BYD World sales event.

Some of the exclusive deals include:

Attractive price starting from RM149,800

6 years or 150,000km vehicle warranty

8 years or 160,000km High Voltage Blade Battery Warranty

8 years or 150,000km Drive Unit Warranty (everything from motor to ECU)

Savings up to RM1,450 for home chargers, complimentary of installation and technical inspection

Exclusive Thule offers on any purchase of their roof box

Complimentary 1 year car camping slot with any purchase of Thule rooftop tent

For more information on BYD World or the BYD ATTO 3, visit https://byd.simedarbymotors.my/byd-world

 

Whether it’s internationally or locally, BYD’s ATTO 3 is quickly making its way across many homes, and if you’re just like the many motorists who is curious about the car, then this weekend’s BYD World is probably your best chance to get up close and personal with one of the world’s hottest electric vehicles.

 

If you still need to get on the bandwagon, here are some of the key reasons why the BYD ATTO 3 is starting to become the EV for those who are budget conscious but also have an eye for style and modern technology.

The BYD ATTO 3 is an electric vehicle that uses advanced battery and motor technology to provide a smooth and efficient driving experience. BYD’s Blade Battery technology refers to a unique design approach by BYD, which results in higher energy density and longer range for electric vehicles.

Thanks to this technology, the BYD ATTO 3 can deliver a fantastic driving range of up to 480km and an exhilarating experience, as the SUV can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 7.3 seconds.

When not on the move, the BYD ATTO 3’s battery pack can also be used to charge other devices via the vehicle’s onboard outlets. It’s equipped with a 220V AC outlet, which can be particularly useful in situations where power is needed but not readily available, such as during a power outage or while camping. 

It can also be convenient for those who need to work remotely or for families travelling long distances who need to keep their devices charged.

 

If all of this sounds appealing, why not visit the BYD World extravaganza at the Bukit Jalil Stadium this weekend? Not only will you get to know the BYD ATTO 3 better by having all of your questions answered by the many informative sales personnel, but you can also snap up some excellent arrangements this weekend, as there will be exclusive deals to be had at the BYD World sales event.

Some of the exclusive deals include:

Attractive price starting from RM149,800

6 years or 150,000km vehicle warranty

8 years or 160,000km High Voltage Blade Battery Warranty

8 years or 150,000km Drive Unit Warranty (everything from motor to ECU)

Savings up to RM1,450 for home chargers, complimentary of installation and technical inspection

Exclusive Thule offers on any purchase of their roof box

Complimentary 1 year car camping slot with any purchase of Thule rooftop tent

For more information on BYD World or the BYD ATTO 3, visit https://byd.simedarbymotors.my/byd-world

UMW Toyota Motor has just had their highest-ever sales registered for a first quarter, with a total year-to-date sales for March 2023 standing at 25,219 units compared to 22,447 units for year-to-date sales in March 2022. 

This is a 12% increase compared to the previous year, spurred on by the unveiling and launching of the 4th generation Toyota Vios. The new-gen Vios is locally assembled in Bukit Raja and is offered in 2 variants priced from RM89,600 for the 1.5E and RM95,500 for the more highly specified 1.5G. The Vios is keen to take the shine out of its arch-nemesis, the Honda City

According to Toyota, the popular subcompact sedan has been a bestseller in the Malaysian non-national car market since its introduction in 2003.

UMW Toyota Motor President Datuk Ravindran K. said “The All-New Toyota Vios represents our commitment to provide our customers with the best vehicles and ownership experience. The  All-New Toyota Vios is definitely a model that we are proud to put on the road and we hope many  Malaysians will be able to enjoy driving the Vios”. 

To celebrate the Ramadan season, UMW Toyota Motors has announced a promotion on selected models worth up to RM 8,000*, 100% loan financing* and a Toyota Service Savers  promotion with monthly instalments from as low as RM22. 

Toyota owners can also expect a  seamless car ownership journey with the Extra Mile after-sale services that promises Malaysians  an exceptional car ownership experience. 

For more information, visit toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line at 1-800-8- TOYOTA  (869682). 

 

What if you have parents who are constantly pressuring you to buy a new Honda car despite only having a monthly salary of RM1,500?

A recent Tweet by ConfessTweetMY showed a young man’s feelings towards his parents pushing him to buy a brand new Honda car. Why? According to the young man, owning a Honda seems to be a dream for his parents despite not having any income source of their own.

Ibu dan ayah kerap bertanya bila nak beli kereta Honda walhal gaji confessor RM1,500 sebulan.

Sedih hidupnya dibandingkan dgn kejayaan anak orang lain. pic.twitter.com/wWZu1B9tdk

— Emosi (@ConfessTweetMY) March 31, 2023

Despite the young man knowing that he can’t possibly afford a brand new Honda car with his current salary and making it known, his parents are still adamant about their dreams and continued with questions like when will their dreams come true of when their child will finally find a job that’ll earn enough to buy a brand new Honda.

Looking at the most affordable Honda model right now, it has to be the very enticing Honda City 1.5 S sedan priced at RM77,600 (OTR excluding insurance). With a 10% downpayment of RM7,760 and a nine-year term loan, you’re looking at a monthly payment of RM821 and that doesn’t include insurance, road tax, fuel, and maintenance.

It might be a good figure for some folks here in Malaysia but without proper income planning, one can easily take the wrong step and end up with a much bigger financial burden. Always live within your means and never, ever, give into temptations and pressure from others, even if it comes from your parents. Stay smart and always do the right thing.

We understand all too well with similar stories being heard from friends and families echoing the same sentiment. For this particular young man, voicing his feelings on Twitter might’ve been a necessary move instead of keeping it all locked up and messing with his mental and emotional states. We feel you, bro.

 

What if you have parents who are constantly pressuring you to buy a new Honda car despite only having a monthly salary of RM1,500?

A recent Tweet by ConfessTweetMY showed a young man’s feelings towards his parents pushing him to buy a brand new Honda car. Why? According to the young man, owning a Honda seems to be a dream for his parents despite not having any income source of their own.

Ibu dan ayah kerap bertanya bila nak beli kereta Honda walhal gaji confessor RM1,500 sebulan.

Sedih hidupnya dibandingkan dgn kejayaan anak orang lain. pic.twitter.com/wWZu1B9tdk

— Emosi (@ConfessTweetMY) March 31, 2023

Despite the young man knowing that he can’t possibly afford a brand new Honda car with his current salary and making it known, his parents are still adamant about their dreams and continued with questions like when will their dreams come true of when their child will finally find a job that’ll earn enough to buy a brand new Honda.

Looking at the most affordable Honda model right now, it has to be the very enticing Honda City 1.5 S sedan priced at RM77,600 (OTR excluding insurance). With a 10% downpayment of RM7,760 and a nine-year term loan, you’re looking at a monthly payment of RM821 and that doesn’t include insurance, road tax, fuel, and maintenance.

It might be a good figure for some folks here in Malaysia but without proper income planning, one can easily take the wrong step and end up with a much bigger financial burden. Always live within your means and never, ever, give into temptations and pressure from others, even if it comes from your parents. Stay smart and always do the right thing.

We understand all too well with similar stories being heard from friends and families echoing the same sentiment. For this particular young man, voicing his feelings on Twitter might’ve been a necessary move instead of keeping it all locked up and messing with his mental and emotional states. We feel you, bro.

 

What if you have parents who are constantly pressuring you to buy a new Honda car despite only having a monthly salary of RM1,500?

A recent Tweet by ConfessTweetMY showed a young man’s feelings towards his parents pushing him to buy a brand new Honda car. Why? According to the young man, owning a Honda seems to be a dream for his parents despite not having any income source of their own.

Ibu dan ayah kerap bertanya bila nak beli kereta Honda walhal gaji confessor RM1,500 sebulan.

Sedih hidupnya dibandingkan dgn kejayaan anak orang lain. pic.twitter.com/wWZu1B9tdk

— Emosi (@ConfessTweetMY) March 31, 2023

Despite the young man knowing that he can’t possibly afford a brand new Honda car with his current salary and making it known, his parents are still adamant about their dreams and continued with questions like when will their dreams come true of when their child will finally find a job that’ll earn enough to buy a brand new Honda.

Looking at the most affordable Honda model right now, it has to be the very enticing Honda City 1.5 S sedan priced at RM77,600 (OTR excluding insurance). With a 10% downpayment of RM7,760 and a nine-year term loan, you’re looking at a monthly payment of RM821 and that doesn’t include insurance, road tax, fuel, and maintenance.

It might be a good figure for some folks here in Malaysia but without proper income planning, one can easily take the wrong step and end up with a much bigger financial burden. Always live within your means and never, ever, give into temptations and pressure from others, even if it comes from your parents. Stay smart and always do the right thing.

We understand all too well with similar stories being heard from friends and families echoing the same sentiment. For this particular young man, voicing his feelings on Twitter might’ve been a necessary move instead of keeping it all locked up and messing with his mental and emotional states. We feel you, bro.