Tune Motoring

We’ve finally entered the blessed month of Ramadhan and it won’t be long before Hari Raya Aidilfitri comes around. Wondering if you should prep the celebrations a bit earlier with a Hyundai for that ‘balik kampung’ trip?

Well, wonder no more, as the Hyundai Promise Pre-Owned Carnival is happening at Hyundai Ara Damansara from 15-17 March 2024, promising an unmissable weekend of exciting cars, engaging activities and irresistible deals.

Browse over 80 certified pre-owned Hyundai vehicles under one roof, offered at attractive prices, irresistible financing and low mileage! These include the adventurous Creta, the chic Kona, the space-age Staria as well as the back-to-back World Cars of the Year that are the sensational IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 EVs.

From Friday to Sunday, you can check out all of Hyundai’s exciting offers on pre-owned vehicles from 9am to 6pm. On Saturday (16 March 2024) from 7pm to 9pm, Hyundai Ara Damansara will also be hosting a Buka Puasa dinner as well!

Other highlights include:

Free coffee powered by IONIQ 6 for every test drive
Food trucks
Exclusive merchandise
Kids activities
Partner booths

Clear your schedule from 15-17 March 2024 and head on over to Hyundai Ara Damansara for the Hyundai Promise Pre-Owned Carnival. To register your interest, CLICK HERE.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) kicked off Ramadhan with the launch of the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line for the local market.

The third-generation model Touareg made its global debut back in 2018 and the one that is now available here in Malaysia is the facelifted version which is also locally-assembled here in Malaysia.

This is the first-ever Volkswagen Touareg to be assembled outside of VW’s factory in Slovakia, so that’s something worth mentioning regarding VPCM’s growing efforts here in the country.

Most of the updates can be seen on the exterior via its reshaped front grille paired with the IQ.Light HD Matrix headlamps with L-shaped daytime running lights, light bars for both front and rear, as well as a larger intake.

This resulted in a more sharp-looking premium SUV that dances between premium and rugged, all in one package. It’s all tied together via its 20-inch Braga alloy wheels and hiding behind those is the Touareg’s air suspension with Automatic Self-Levelling function fitted as standard.

Performance-wise, the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line packs a punch thanks to its 3.0-litre TSI V6 engine which outputs 340PS and 450Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission as well as the brand’s 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system.

Going back to the IQ.Light HD Matrix headlights, the 2024 Touareg R-Line is also the first VW model here in Malaysia to be fitted with Night Vision – a system comprising of infrared sensor in the camera to detect thermal signatures from humans and animals up to 130 meters away.

Other highlights that can be found within the cabin

Innovision Cockpit ‘one screen’ design
12.3-inch digital driver display
15-inch central touchscreen Discover Pro Max infotainment system
730W Dynaudio Consequence sound system (13 speakers + 1 subwoofer)
4-zone climate control + more

VPCM has priced the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line at RM469,990 (on the road excluding insurance). Customers can opt between 5 different colour options – Lapiz Blue, Silicon Gray, Grenadilla Black, Oryx White, and Dolomite Silver.

Ramadan is just around the corner and while the main focuses for Muslims are fasting, prayers, reflection, and our roles within the community, getting ready for Hari Raya Aidilfitri is also a part of all the festivities to come in the month of Syawal.

For big families, that ‘balik kampung’ trip to celebrate Hari Raya is always hyped up with happiness and love. So, why not elevate that even further with bigger style and comfort?

This is where the Kia Carnival 11-seater comes into play in more ways than one. Parents, listen up! You definitely need all this space and comfort to make beautiful memories together as a family, and here are the top reasons why you should consider this premium MPV.

Child-friendly conveniences

Catering up to 11, the Kia Carnival allows the whole family to enjoy dynamic seating arrangements with its 11-seater configuration consisting of four rows. Fans of captain seats for the rear occupants? You can have four of them! Just fold middle seats for the second and third rows and they’ll also have easy access within the cabin.

Speaking of easy access, parents and kids alike will absolutely adore the Carnival’s Smart Power Sliding Doors and Smart Power Tailgate. With a push of a button, even the driver can just sit in comfort to operate them with ease. You would be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to enter and exit the Kia Carnival thanks to its Smart Power Sliding Doors. You won’t get this with traditional SUVs, folks.

For smaller children or babies, sometimes that extra bit of comfort and privacy can make a huge difference. Readily available ISOFIX mounts ensure safety for your children’s car seats and if the sun is shining bright during nap times, just ‘engage’ the rear sunshades available for the second and third-row seats.

Dynamic seating arrangements (2-3-3-3)

Here’s the ultimate beauty of the 11-seater Kia Carnival – seating! You and your family can easily travel with all the luggage and cargo thanks to the fourth-row seats that can be folded flat and stowed away into the boot to offer prime cabin real estate for all your belongings.

Plan to visit relatives nearby? Why travel with multiple cars when you can ferry up to 11 people in one go! This is when those extra seats will come in pretty handy, especially for those short and quick drives. The more, the merrier!

Worried about charging everyone’s devices while on the road? Parents won’t have to buy super long charging cables for their kids to charge their devices at the back as the Kia Carnival comes with seven USB ports. Everyone gets their own charging port, how convenient!

At the end of the day, the Kia Carnival triumphs in terms of style and comfort. Parents who are particularly on vehicle safety can also be at ease with the Carnival’s safety features such as seven SRS airbags, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist, and more.

And you won’t be short on power to drive around fully loaded thanks to its Smartstream 2.2L turbodiesel inline-four-cylinder engine with 199hp and 440Nm of torque. Head over to the nearest authorised dealer to find out more.

Or, you may also make your way to the Kia Roadshow which will be taking place from 27-31 March 2024 at 1Utama, GF LUXE. Block those dates on your calendars now and don’t miss out on some very amazing Raya promos.

Drive safe and have a blessed Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

In a recent show of gratitude and acknowledgment, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, has gifted five Segment-D Proton X90 SUVs to five government officials.

The ceremony occurred on March 8th and was officiated by YBhg Dato’ Zailani Hashim, the Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja Istana Negara.

The recipients of these Proton X90 vehicles include notable figures such as Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, the Chief of Police; Dato’ Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini, Datuk Paduka Maharaja Lela Istana Negara; Dato’ Munir Md Salleh, the Religious Officer of Istana Negara; Mejar Jeneral Dato’ Indera Zahari Mohd Ariffin, former Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja Istana Negara; and Kolonel (B) Dato’ Nazim Mohd Alim.

According to an official announcement on Sultan Ibrahim’s social media, this isn’t the first time he has bestowed vehicles upon government officials. Previously, he has granted various vehicles to officers of the Johor State Government, district officers, medical doctors, and nurses who have demonstrated outstanding dedication in their duties.

For example, in 2010, Sultan Ibrahim generously provided 11 cars and eight large motorcycles to the Royal Malaysia Police Force (PDRM). In 2018, he extended the gesture by gifting Proton Suprima cars to all District Officers in Johor.

Sultan Ibrahim has also shown appreciation for the medical community. In September 2020, he awarded 10 Perodua Myvi cars to nurses working at the Royal Ward of Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) Johor Bahru. Additionally, in 2021, he recognised the service of three doctors in the medical team at the Johor Palace by presenting them with Proton X70 SUVs.

These acts of benevolence underscore Sultan Ibrahim’s dedication to recognising and valuing the contributions of government officials and healthcare professionals who serve the nation with distinction and commitment. Such gestures not only acknowledge individual endeavours but also serve as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence in their respective fields.

The 2024 Honda CR-V made its way into the Malaysian market with four variants to choose from.

If you have anywhere between RM157,900 to RM195,900 and you’re looking for a formidable Japanese SUV with a pinch of Continental flair, it’s hard to knock the sixth-generation Honda CR-V off that list.

Honda Malaysia recently organised a media drive to Penang where a bunch of press members were given the opportunity to test out the top two variants of the 2024 Honda CR-V, the turbocharged V and the hybrid e:HEV RS.

Why these two? It seems that Honda dealers across the country managed to collect over 6,500 bookings for the new CR-V in just a couple of months, which is months ahead of its initial target.

The most popular variant has been the CR-V 1.5L V at 45% of the total bookings so far, followed by the more affordable E variant at 30%, e:HEV RS at 14%, and finally, the base S variant at 11%.

Going back to the Honda CR-V V variant, it’s the only one in the line-up with all-wheel-drive. The others? Only front-wheel-drive. So, how does the most popular CR-V compare to the range-topping e:HEV RS variant? Today’s theme is “Turbo vs Hybrid” and here’s our experience driving both of these cars from KL to Penang and back.

The drive took us through a slightly different route rather than a straight line to Penang. We took some B-roads along the way, stopped a few times to change drivers, and a quick lunch plus vehicle switch in Ipoh.

Our first go was with the 2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS. Getting through KL’s morning traffic was done with ease and comfort with no drama whatsoever. Working the throttle took just a bit of time to get used to as the new generation e:HEV powertrain offers a more direct feeling while accelerating.

Despite being a larger SUV, the electric traction motor does punch above its weight with 184PS and 335Nm of torque on tap. In other words, the CR-V e:HEV RS can still pull away easily even when the car is fully loaded with occupants and cargo.

On winding roads, the CR-V’s EV mode switched up to Hybrid drive where it felt like the engine was the one doing a lot more work, but it’s actually running the e:HEV’s generator motor to charge the battery and sending that power to the traction motor to power the wheels.

Only when we’re cruising on the highway, its 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine kicked in via a clutch to directly drive the front wheels with 148PS and 184Nm of torque for optimum efficiency as low as 5.0L/100km on paper.

While our drive up to Penang consisted of several stops and even switching to the CR-V 1.5L V for the second leg of the journey to let another group drive the e:HEV RS, it was a bit off from the ‘real world’ driving scenario, but the hybrid CR-V still recorded a very acceptable 6.06L/100km.

And most of us were really giving it the beans, punching at the accelerator more than usual (to test the powertrain, of course). We conclude that the CR-V e:HEV can definitely hit the 5.0L/100km mark (or 20km/L) with ease if we were a bit more relaxed and ‘less spirited’ in our driving.

Aside from the powertrain, the back seats of the CR-V were a lot more comfortable than the previous-gen as it can recline up to 10.5 degrees (or 8 levels) and move forward or rearward to provide more legroom. It’s certainly spacious and those with longer legs will indeed appreciate the new CR-V’s rear seats.

Depending on how much you move the rear seats, you can also modulate the CR-V’s boot storage capacity. Rated at 598 litres across all variants, it’s certainly a huge step up compared to the 522 litres available in the previous-gen model.

But, what about the turbo variant?

Well, the 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L V certainly carries a different exterior vibe thanks to its black lower garnishes on the front and rear bumpers as well as the side skirts and wheel arches.

This gives all of the turbocharged CR-V variants a more contemporary Japanese SUV look and feel while the same parts on the range-topping CR-V e:HEV RS follow the same colour as the body, which gave it a more ‘Continental’ vibe (that and its 18-inch black alloy rims).

Moving towards power, the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine produces 193PS and 243Nm of torque mated to a CVT transmission to power all four wheels. While its 0-100km/h time might be a second slower than the hybrid CR-V, it makes up with a slightly faster top speed of 200km/h (13km/h more than the CR-V e:HEV RS).

However, the feeling is a bit more subdued but slightly more manageable when handling that power on winding roads. The all-wheel-drive system played a bigger role here in providing a better sense of stability and driving dynamics compared to the CR-V e:HEV as the top variant required a bit more effort to carry an extra 67kg and doing so with just its front wheels.

In short, the 2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS felt quite balanced in driving dynamics, but the slightly more affordable V variant is a bit more refined in this particular matter.

Yes, it’s riding with a CVT and yes, it does whine a bit when you slam your foot on the accelerator, but that’s not really the case in the real world and when driven normally, the turbocharged CR-V with its CVT gearbox is actually a darling to drive.

Fuel consumption is also quite reasonable rated at 7.5L/100km on paper. During our slightly more spirited drive back to KL in the turbocharged CR-V (and a long escapade to exit Penang island itself), we clocked in a reasonable fuel consumption figure of around 8.3L/100km (about 12km/L).

The CR-V V-spec’s rating of 7L/100km is indeed very possible if we weren’t in a rush. Our conclusion? Honda is right on the money when it comes to the fuel consumption stats that they’ve provided against real-world driving scenarios (or in our case, slightly more spirited and heavier left foot on the pedal).

At the end of the day, the range-topping 2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS ticks all the right boxes in terms of looks, performance, and fuel consumption. Those with a slightly lower budget won’t miss out on any of the fun and style with the other turbocharged variants of the CR-V as well, particularly the V variant and its exclusive all-wheel-drive system for enhanced stability and comfort.

Volvo Car Malaysia organised its inaugural Safety Driving Experience as the culmination of its For Life campaign at the historic KL Base, Sungai Besi in the heart of the city now more recently known as Bandar Malaysia.

Taking place over the first weekend of March, the event engaged 240 participants, including Volvo enthusiasts and owners as well as members of the media, in learning crucial defensive driving techniques like braking, steering, avoidance manoeuvres, swift lane changes, all while exploring the impressive capabilities and advanced technologies of Volvo’s passenger vehicles.

Attendees also had the chance to test the cars’ acceleration and agility on a slalom course set up on the 1.8km-long runway, featuring Volvo’s advanced safety technologies such as cross-traffic alert and pilot assist.

Furthermore, the event also served as a platform to showcase Volvo’s lineup of fully electric and plug-in hybrid models, spanning from the XC90 and XC60 SUVs to the S90 and S60 sedans, the V60 estate, and the compact XC40 available with fully electric or mild-hybrid powertrains.

The star attraction was the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric crossover SUV in the new Vapour Grey colour option, boasting enhancements for the 2024 model year including extended electric range, faster DC charging, and pixel headlight technology.

“The Volvo Safety Driving Experience perfectly sums up the ethos of our For Life campaign – When you feel safe, you can be truly free,” said Patricia Yaw, Head of Marketing & PR of Volvo Car Malaysia. “We want to empower Volvo drivers with the proper mindset and knowledge for safety on the road, learning life-saving skills with confidence in the latest Volvo cars equipped with cutting-edge advanced driver assistance systems and safety innovations acting as an additional safety net.”

Generali, the official insurance partner, Pirelli, the official tire sponsor, IKEA, providing catering and the Småland children’s activity area, and PURAS, offering a hands-on sensory experience with premium essential oils, all contributed to the success of the event.

 

MINI has introduced the Countryman facelift into Malaysia, featuring the exclusive John Cooper Works Trim at RM253,233, as a special edition Cooper S variant marking the last hoorah of the second-gen F60 in the country.

Limited to a mere 168 units, this final edition boasts a John Cooper Works (JCW) aerodynamic kit, including a front apron with integrated air ducts and a rear bumper with a diffuser. Additionally, it showcases MINI JCW door sill finishers, a sleek rear spoiler, and 19-inch JCW Circuit spoke wheels fitted with run-flat tyres.

Stepping inside, the MINI Cooper S Countryman JCW Trim is characterised by anthracite sun visors, dome light housing, and anthracite-coloured pillars. Available in four exterior colours—British Racing Green, Chilli Red, Nanuq White, and Sage Green.

Being merely a trim upgrade, there are no mechanical changes. Under the bonnet, it’s powered by a B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 192PS between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm and 280Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,600 rpm.

Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Performance-wise, the car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 226 km/h.

An optional RM10,400 extended warranty and service package can be added, but those uninterested in the JCW enhancements, the standard Cooper S Countryman remains available at RM250,388.

 

Hari Raya is just around the corner and those looking to upgrade their rides can head on over to the year’s first CARSOME AutoFair happening at CARSOME PJ Automall from 8-10 March 2024.

To register your interest, CLICK HERE.

Over 1,800 units of CARSOME Certified and CARSOME Value cars are up for sale with added discounts and promotions taking place this weekend. CARSOME AutoFair’s partner, RHB Bank, will be bringing in some deals with financing rates as low as 2.88% p.a. as well (flat rate or equivalent).

For cars priced under RM50,000, enjoy RM500 off in discounts and double that to RM1,000 for cars above RM50,000. Planning to trade in and upgrade? Get rewarded up to RM2,000 plus 2x free service at CARSOME Service Center when you trade-in your current ride and buy a new one during the CARSOME AutoFair!

Looking for a new ride but you’re still studying or just entered the working world? Or perhaps you’re a staff member at any local public university? RHB Bank has got your back as its via its CARSOME AutoFair exclusive promotion with financing rates as low as 2.88% per annum (flat rate equivalent).

For any financing amount at RM30,000 and above, you’ll also be rewarded with a complimentary RM50 Petronas gift card as well, courtesy of RHB Vehicle Financing-i!

Other rewards that are waiting for you at the CARSOME AutoFair are:

Kamatto car mat sets Lucky Draws + discount vouchers
Azdome M330 dash cam Lucky Draws + discount vouchers
Trapo car wipers
Flavoursome drinks from Wild Kombucha
Neta V EV test drives + many more!

With monthly installments starting as low as RM520 a month, you can be sure that there will be a car that’s just right for you at the CARSOME AutoFair with over 1,800 choices from a multitude of automotive brands, all under one roof.

And it’s all truly under one roof from pre-purchase consultations all the way to after-sales solutions!

Clear your schedules from 8-10 March 2024 and make your way to the CARSOME PJ Automall to reap the massive rewards only available at the CARSOME AutoFair. To RSVP for the mega event, CLICK HERE.

Terms and conditions apply.

GWM has shown off their second ORA model to hit Malaysia, which now open for booking, called the 07, the car will be joining the smaller and more city-oriented Good Cat as part of their all-electric line up.

If you’ve not heard of the 07 yet, that might be because the car was known for much of its time following its international debut as the Lightning Cat, a moniker it has kept in other markets. However, and thankfully, the automaker figures our market would respond better to the simple name – a correct assertion, in our view.

Pricing, of course, will be revealed closer to its launch date slated for some time later in March 2024. However, we do know a fair bit of its initial specification as the car had already made its market debut in other ASEAN countries such as Thailand.

Mencius Meng, GWM’s brand director, said: “The GWM ORA 07 is a visual and technological marvel that epitomises the future of electric driving.”

It might share more than a few obvious cues with the first-generation Porsche Panamera (even down to its retractable rear spoiler), for better or worse. It’s a stylish little number, and ORA’s overall design language remains a bit of an acquired taste in our opinion, but the shape is extremely aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of just 0.22.

Measuring 4,871mm in length, 1,862mm in width, and a nicely rounded 1,500mm in height, the 07 is an obvious rival to the sleek and sportier four-door EV sedan (with a coupe-like roofline) market dominated by the Tesla Model 3 and the recently launched BYD Seal.

GWM will be offering the ORA 07 in both Long Range and Performance variants, both sharing an 83.5kWh ternary lithium battery. While the Long Range variant, advertised as 640km, essentially shares the same front-mounted electric motor as the Good Cat GT (in the Thai market), outputting 204PS and 340Nm of torque.

Meanwhile, the Performance variant receives dual electric motors enabling all-wheel drive and a combined output of 408PS and 680Nm, but brings the range down to a still quite respectable 550km. GWM claim it’ll reach 100km/h from a standstill in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 180km/h.

Its interior, with its T-shaped dashboard and frameless windows, is designed to look very minimal but simultaneously luxurious with a choice of either black or brown synthetic leather upholstery throughout.

Cabin include its a very large (1.7m) glass roof, support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a premium sound system from Infinity. There’s a plethora of active safety features, as you’d expect, including all the ADAS features you can list down.

In addition to the included manufacturer’s warranty, each ORA 07 will be offered with 5-years free maintenance. We’ll have more on the car as it inches closer to showrooms nationwide, but until then, it’ll be interesting to speculate how this will stack up against the BYD and Tesla.