ASEAN NCAP Q2 2016 results - Nissan X-Trail, Nissan Navara, Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki Ciaz, Kia Morning, Hyundai EON and Isuzu MU-X

ASEAN NCAP has released the results for another batch of vehicles sold in the ASEAN region. The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) announced the test results of seven car models that had been assessed in the second quarter of 2016. The models were Nissan X-Trail, Nissan Navara, Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki Ciaz, Kia Morning, Hyundai EON and Isuzu MU-X. In the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, two received 0-Star rating, four received 4- Star and one model received 5 Stars. 

Sports car news: Renault previews a CLIO R.S. 16 Concept car - This one gets the Megane R.S 275 engine and gearbox.

The Renault Clio RS 16 - Renault has come up with a Concept car as part of its Renault Sport’s 40th anniversary and their return to Formula 1. The Renault Sport Clio R.S.16 Concept grafts the Renault passenger car range’s highest-performing engine (found in the Renault Megane R.S 275) into a Renault Clio R.S. 

INDUSTRY NEWS: APOLLO Tyres now have an official presence in Malaysia

(Standing from L-R) Mr. Satish Sharma, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres and Mr. Shubhro Ghosh, Group Head - ASEAN, Middle East & Africa, Apollo Tyres

(front middle) Mr. Victor Siew, Divisional Head - Malaysia, Apollo Tyres

Apollo Tyres have officially set up shop in Malaysia. The tyre maker, Apollo Tyres Ltd is an international tyre manufacturer with manufacturing units in India and the Netherlands where it is more famous for the Vredestein brand. The company markets its products under its two global brands – Apollo and Vredestein. Apollo would be known to those who have bought the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 hatch and sedan (now Vento). Most of the Polo 1.6's had Apollo tyres fitted on them. This is because we basically received our CKD kits from Volkswagen's plants in India. 

Hari Raya Promo has begun at Ford with rebates, prizes and more

Hari Raya has already begun at Ford. From a promotion point of view that is. Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion has announced attractive cash rebates and monthly repayments for selected models nationwide. The monthly repayments after the rebates for new Fords are from as low as RM588 for Fiesta, RM908 for EcoSport and RM1,258 for Kuga.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia launches the facelifted Jaguar XJ series for Malaysia

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has launched the facelifted Jaguar XJ series luxury sedan in Malaysia. This latest model gets most of the latest tech upgrades like we have seen in the recently launched XF mid-sized luxury sedan. 

Editorial: When you buy a car, ensure you can afford to maintain it out of warranty regardless of anything

These days, nothing much surprises me in terms of car maintenance and repair costs. The figures I once thought to be reasonable for spare parts are actual figures that may have existed in the year 1975. In the days of GST, expensive tax and excise duties, high shipping costs and very high technology utilised in the parts (whether in the construction or in the materials used) have made spares cost a bomb. Which is why these days many owners end up maintaining their cars at the authorised service centers to ensure that their warranty is intact.

MOTORSPORT: BMW Motorsport and Akrapovič expand their long term commitment

Well known European performance exhaust manufacturer Akrapovič will continue to support BMW Motorsport as Official Partner, and will significantly expand its long-term commitment over the coming years. The company has been involved in BMW Motorsport’s DTM project since 2012 and will also be a prominent feature as Official Partner in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC), in which BMW Team RLL competes with two BMW M6 GTLMs, and at the iconic 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

MOTORSPORT: McLaren GT 650S GT3 previewed at the OD Racing Team Launch in preparation for the KL City Grand Prix 2016

The first of the upcoming Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix 2016 events have begun. OD Racing held their official launch party for the year 2016 at the Zouk Club Kuala Lumpur on the evening of 25th May 2016 where the guest of honour was Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja’afar (below). 

HAPPENINGS:Seven lucky bikers win all-expenses paid bike trip to Langkawi with Shell Advance

You buy some Shell lube for your motorcycle and you win something memorable. This was what happened to seven lucky Shell Advance customers who won an all expenses paid road trip to Langkawi recently. 

INDUSTRY NEWS: MY AUTO FEST 2016 nets about RM20 million worth of bookings.

 The recent My Auto Fest 2016 which was held over the weekend of 20th to the 22nd May 2016 was quite a success according to its organisers, the Malaysian Automotive Association. The sales driven auto show actually netted about RM20 million worth of bookings which I hope translates into actual sales after this. It was also the platform for various car manufacturers to preview their products. 

HAPPENINGS: Mercedes Benz Malaysia announces their 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Campaign

(From left) Driven Communications representative, En Hafriz Shah; Monfort Boys Town Chief Administration Officer, Mr Arulanandam S.; Teach For Malaysia External Relations Director, Madam Prabha Sundram; Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre founders, Dato’ Faridah Merican and Joseph Hasham; with Moki, Mercedes-Benz's MobileKids mascot.

Today Mercedes Benz Malaysia announced their 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign. Their CSR campaign is guided by four core subject matters - road safety, the arts and culture, investing in knowledge and corporate volunteering. And at a special event earlier this morning, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today announced contributions of over RM200,000 for initiatives that support the growth and development of Malaysian society. Recipients of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia 2016 sponsorship are, Driven Communications, for its initiative of promoting safe road travels; the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac); as well as education NGO and institution, Teach for Malaysia; and Monfort Boys Town.

Industry News: Lotus Elise wins Readers' Champion Award

The Lotus Elise has been announced as the Readers' Champion at the Autocar Awards. Most of you are aware that Autocar magazine UK is world renowned and is the benchmark in automobile test reviews. Heck. I grew up reading Autocar ever since I could read and picked up my father's Autocar magazine in the 1970s.

HAVAL MALAYSIA LAUNCHES THE HAVAL H2 SUV - 1.5L Turbocharged SUV from RM89,950 onwards

Go Auto, the distributor for Haval cars in Malaysia has launched the Haval H2 SUV. The larger, C segment sized H2 now complements the surprisingly popular B segment sized M4 crossover SUV in the Haval line-up here in Malaysia. Haval now have a better two car lineup and now caters to a slightly wider audience than the single vehicle in its lineup. Prior to this, the Haval brand was called Great Wall Motors and they also sold the Wingle pick-up truck as well as a turbo diesel power SUV. 

INDUSTRY NEWS: Hyundai recruits former design head of Bentley Motors

Hyundai Motor announced that the world-renowned designer SangYup Lee, former Head of Exterior and Advanced Design at Bentley, will become the Vice President of Styling at Hyundai Design Center starting from this June 2016. I believe this shows Hyundai's commitment to build better looking cars. And maybe add more pizzazz to the Hyundai design. 

Driven: Pre-production Proton Perdana 2.0 & 2.4 driven at the Proton Test Track - No Photos yet, but opinions and more details.

The other day I was invited with a the new Proton Perdana 2.0 and 2.4liter variants at the Proton semi-high speed oval track. This was another one of those hush-hush sessions where we were not allowed to take any photos. So there are no photos here. Just the drive report. But anyway, most of you who are on social media would have already seen leaked photos of the car floating around here and there. So it basically looks like what you have already seen in the photographs.

PROTON ANNOUNCES RECALLS FOR THE INSPIRA AND SELECTED EXORA CPS 1.6 MODELS

Proton has announced recalls for the Proton Inspira and selected Proton Exora CPS 1.6 models. The Inspira, a rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer is part of a global Mitsubishi vehicle recall and the Proton Exora CPS, a Proton in-house design is also recalled.

Old and New: Mercedes Benz SLK230K R170 & SLK200 R172

We have here two Mercedes Benz SLK roadsters for your viewing pleasure folks. The older one is a Mercedes Benz SLK230 Kompressor with a full AMG Line bodykit and wheels. The almost new SLK200 AMG Line shows off the marked differences a few decades have done in terms of car design. But honestly, both are actually as desirable as one another.

HAVAL H2 Scheduled for Launch on the 25th of May - We've been in one already actually.

The HAVAL H2 is about to be officially launched in Malaysia. It will be launched on the 25th of May 2016 at their One Utama roadshow scheduled for this 25th to the 29th of May 2016 (as stated above).  This are the photos of the preview done at the Great Wall / HAVAL display sometime November 2015 at the MAI-MST Autoshow. As a recap, or to those that missed the earlier article which was part of the show highlights, I had sat inside the white one you see in the photo below and got the friendly guy from GO AUTO Malaysia to start up this new SUV that will be launched very soon. 

More MY Auto Fest 2016 deals: BMW, FORD, DAIHATSU, PERODUA, NISSAN, JAGUAR LAND ROVER, SUBARU VOLVO, MERCEDES BENZ

The My Auto Fest 2016 is on from the 20th to the 22nd of May 2016. There you will find many deals, food, merchandise and test drive of many models outside the event hall (photo below). No. This isn't some huge, mega motor show. At least we have quite a proper one with new car previews - the new Honda Civic was properly previewed, Peugeot had a 408 e-THP, Proton teased the Perdana, Hyundai brought out the IONIQ Hybrid. Something different. There even was a Tesla outside courtesy of GreenTech. And you can win a Nissan Almera if you book a car there. It is on till tomorrow. 

TRUCK NEWS: TATA Trucks at My Auto Fest 2016

One of the surprises at the Malaysian Automotive Association's My Auto Fest 2016 is the appearance of TATA. It was surprising as they mainly sell commercial vehicles and it wasn't actually a Truck and Bus show. But I was glad there was something more than just cars, MPVs and SUVs there. TATA showcased their fairly new to Malaysia Prima 4038.S 4X2 Prime Mover truck and the smaller TATA 512 short wheelbase. 

Toyota, Volkswagen & Jeep at the My Auto Fest 2016

Toyota

Toyota had decided to set up quite a display with the newly launched Hilux (above) and Fortuner (below) at My Auto Fest 2016. You can see that this time Toyota spent a little bit more money in differentiating the two models. The dashboard of the Hilux, whilst so much more improved than the previous model is similar to the Fortuner but lacks more premium touches like the real stitched leather covering the top of the instrument binnacle and it also lacks the digital air conditioning controls. There is more effort spent on the vehicles. 

NOTICE: There is an infringement of the contents of MOTORING-MALAYSIA.BLOGSPOT by another website called JCarReview

The title says it all. There is a copyright infringement of the contents of MOTORING-MALAYSIA.BLOGSPOT. I have not given any permission to the blog called http://jcarreview.blogspot.my/ who have decided to take the content of this blogspot site and posted it on their site without prior approval or any sort of permission from me.  The photos, articles over there are all mine and this crook has decided to make a profit from plagiarizing my work.

It is frustrating to see when others infringe and just take someone else's efforts and use it for their own. 

Hyundai at the My Auto Fest 2016: The IONIQ Hybrid is displayed and promo details

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors had decided that My Auto Fest 2016 would be an appropriate time to preview their latest hybrid car in Malaysia. The Hyundai IONIQ is the company's first full hybrid plaftorm that comes in three forms - the IONIQ Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and the Full Electric. They had the IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid on display for all to see.

My Auto Fest 2016: Peugeot previews the new 408 e-THP sedan at the NAZA Group display with other Peugeot, Kia and Citroen cars

Naza Group had a strong presence at MY Auto Fest 2016. They brought Peugeot, Kia and Citroen this time around with the soon to be launched all-new Peugeot 408 e-THP sedan (above) sitting quietly in the middle of the cars that were displayed. 

Proton Suprima Crossover Concept displayed at My Auto Fest 2016, the Proton Perdana teased and other deals

Proton has displayed something new at the My Auto Fest 2016 auto show at Mines International Exhibition and Convention Center. It is a Proton Suprima Active crossover concept car. Like the Proton Iriz Crossover concept before this (also displayed), the Suprima Crossover gets slightly taller profile tyres and a slightly raised ride height (it looks taller from the front and rear instead of from the side). There are also roof rails and more plastic cladding front, side and rear. 

Tenth Generation Honda Civic previewed at the MY AUTO FEST 2016 - My Opinion and the other Honda deals there

Honda Malaysia has decided to preview the all new tenth generation Honda Civic. This cannot happen sooner actually as I cannot wait for Honda to stop selling the current model and start selling this new one. This new Civic was swarmed with people when they lifted the black cloth covering the car. Everyone was super excited and wanted to view the car and had their camera and camera phones out.

THE ASEAN NCAP RESULT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR VOLKSWAGEN VENTO

In case you were wondering on the ASEAN NCAP results for the newly launched Volkswagen Vento we now present to you the official press release from ASEAN NCAP. You can see the test results and also what the people who tested the car thought about it. 

Industry News: ASIA ADVANCED DRIVING ACADEMY (AADA) and Its Founder Kenvin Low receive international certifications

Mark Atkins, Chief Examiner (International) for DIAmond Advanced Motorist, UK (third from left) and Kenvin Low, Founder and CEO of Asia Advanced Driving Academy (fourth from left) flanked by the skilled trainers of AADA.

Asia Advanced Driving Academy (AADA) and Kenvin Low, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of AADA, received four internationally acclaimed certifications from DIAmond Advanced Motorists and International Association of Driver Education (IVV), today. DIAmond Advanced Motorist is the largest professional membership body for drivers and rider trainers in the United Kingdom (UK) and has been an accrediting body across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia's C-Class Coupé Financing introduced after the launch of the car today

Mercedes Benz Malaysia launched the C205 Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe at Sepang earlier today. I wasn't there because I was at the Volkswagen Vento event and I then drove a UD Truck in Serdang. Too many events on one day and I don't have a teleporter. Anyway, the C200 Coupe, C250 Coupe and C300 Coupe was launched today and you can have the option to finance their C-Class Coupé alone or together with a comprehensive motor insurance* solution through Mercedes Benz Services Malaysia. 

TRUCK NEWS: UD QUESTER 8L launched to complement the Quester 11L - I manage to try one too

Tan Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE), UD Trucks’ sole distributor in Malaysia, today introduced the new Quester 8L (litre) to the Malaysian market. With this new addition, UD Trucks now offers the widest range of affordable trucks to meet all kinds of business operations ranging from long haul, mining and distribution to construction work and regional transportation.

VOLKSWAGEN VENTO LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA - THREE VARIANTS, PRICES START AT RM79,888 ONWARDS

 Vento Highline

Volkswagen Malaysia has officially launched the new Volkswagen Vento sedan in Malaysia. The word 'Vento' means 'wind' in Italian and Portuguese.  The locally-assembled Vento is available in three variants; the Trendline , Comfortline and Highline. Prices are from RM79,888 onwards. There is an early bird discount of RM2,000 if you place a booking now. Stocks are limited for this offer. 

Two engine options actually!!! Bringing prospective buyers more variety and choice.

MOTORSPORTS: Malaysian Drift Queen Leona Chin does us proud again with double podium finishes in the Renault Clio Cup China Series

Our local lady drifter, now race car driver has scored another good result in the Renault Clio Cup China Series. Fresh from her first podium finish ever in Zhuhai last March, she had now scored a back to back 2nd position finish at the 2nd leg of the Renault Clio Cup China Series which was held at the Korea International Circuit on the 14th and 15th of May 2016.

HYUNDAI’S IONIQ TO BE DISPLAYED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MALAYSIA AT MY AUTO FEST 2016

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has officially announced that they will be displaying their new plug-in hybrid car at MY Auto Fest 2016 at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) on the 20th to the 22nd of May 2016.  The Hyundai IONIQ is the world’s first model to offer three electrified powertrains on a single, dedicated vehicle platform namely the IONIQ Hybrid, IONIQ Electric and IONIQ Plug-in. 

The hot Volvo S60 T6 officially on sale in Malaysia and we get a SHORT TEST DRIVE in one

 Volvo Car Malaysia launched the S60 T6 variant of their premium compact sports sedan with a very engaging presentation by Managing Director, Mr Lennart Stegland (pictured above - right and below). This event marks his first official engagement with the Malaysian media and he basically explained to us Volvo Car's Powertrain Strategy. This was partly due to the fact that the path of future Volvo Cars has been chartered for at least ten or so years with their Drive-E philosophy taking center stage. 

Latest India NCAP tests show zero rating results for the cars tested.

The latest Indian NCAP results for crash tests have been released. The Renault Kwid (an A segment crossover hatchback thingy), Maruti Suzuki Celerio (an A segment hatch), Maruti Suzuki Eeco (essentially a minivan), Mahindra Scorpio (the infamous 'Inspector Sahab' jeep) and Hyundai Eon (another A segment hatch) all showed low levels of adult occupant protection with a zero star rating. So 'low levels' of adult occupant protection is actually an understatement. 

TEST DRIVE: The 2015/2016 Peugeot 508SW THP - Station Wagons are cool to have actually

What are the French good at? Quite a lot actually. They gave us a whole lot of good food like croissants, baguettes, foie gras, escargots, the macaron but not French fries. They gave us great engineering architecture like the Eiffel Tower, the Versailles and the Arc Du Triumph. They gave us haute couture or high fashion and a lot of words that the English language uses - like abattoir, banquet and cabriolet . But to us motorheads, they gave us cars. Like this Peugeot 508 THP SW I had been driving around for a few days.

The current State of the Commuting for Malaysians is bleak, Ford Survey Shows

I quite admire Ford Motor Company and Ford Malaysia actually. They've actually paid money and commissioned a new survey surrounding the state of commuters in the Asia Pacific Region. And this basically means data about us Malaysians when it comes to commuting by car or by road transport. 

Come to the MY AUTOFEST 2016 at Mines and you may get to see a new Honda you've been waiting for.

The MY AUTOFEST 2016 will take place this weekend - from the 20th to the 22nd of May 2016. It is a sales oriented auto show but as it is organised by the Malaysian Automotive Association most of the better known manufacturers are there. I also heard that Honda Malaysia have a surprise for us if all goes well.

All-New Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe Malaysian launch soon. Prices & Specs are out.

Mercedes Benz Malaysia will be launching the new C-Class Coupe very, very soon. I have just received the price list sent by two or three of their sales personnel from various branches (they're very excited). Three models, all in CBU form - the 184hp Mercedes Benz C200 Coupe AMG-Line - comes with 18inch wheels, the 211hp C250 Coupe AMG-Line - 19inch wheels and the 245hp C300 Coupe AMG-Line.

Spotted on the streets: Toyota Sports 800 - Classic Japanese sports cars way before JDM was cool

This is a rare car that has been spotted by long time reader Siva Bhakta. It is a Toyota Sports 800 from 1965 or thereabouts. He managed to chat up the owner who also mentioned that there was at least fifteen or so of this car in Malaysia. That is quite a number as according to sources like Wikipedia, 3,131 units were made and about 10% have survived to this day (with most in Japan).

Spotted over the weeked: My Precious..or the area is a total crimezone.

This was spotted by a friend over the weekend. Note the steering wheel chained with a huge padlock and a steel bar that connects to the pedals. I think the bar was what was left of a pedal lock and the owner had improvised with what he had. 

Thoughts on Urban SUVs and Pickup Trucks since a massive jam caused by flash floods had hit KL again this evening

The photos you see herein are supposedly taken earlier this evening. It was forwarded to me by a friend who got it from a friend who may have got them from his friend and so on. Two different locations. The one above looks like it is the entrance to University Malaya near Jalan Pantai Dalam and the other looks like somewhere along Jalan Bangsar or Jalan Tun Sambanthan. Both hit by flash floods caused by the heavy rain this evening. Local dailies have stated that up to 15 cars have been submerged and hundreds trapped due to rising waters.

Nissan Agrees to buy 34% in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation - With some thoughts on the matter

buys..eat...gobbles....takes over...conquers...purchases..

This was taken from Reuters. The whole article is also posted below but this is the gist of it with my comments following thereafter:

"1.Nissan Motor Co has agreed to buy a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corp, taking de facto control with a $2.2 billion bet that bails out its smaller, scandal-hit rival.

Mercedes Benz Malaysia & Hap Seng Star Launches City Service Center in Kuala Lumpur

Mercedes Benz Malaysia (MBM) together with authorised dealer Hap Seng Star (HSS) has officially launched the first Mercedes Benz City Service center located along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (Jalan Ipoh). This center is a full fledged 3S center right smack in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. This is the first of this sort of facility in a downtown KL location where usually it is just a sales center instead of providing a one stop shop for everything Mercedes Benz. 

Volkswagen launches a new 3S Center in Alor Setar

Volkswagen Malaysia and Lee Motors Autohaus Sdn Bhd have launched the Volkswagen Alor Setar 3S Centre. This is the first Volkswagen 3S centre and the only authorized Volkswagen dealers in Alor Setar, or Aloq Setaq to the locals.

FORD RANGER SOLD IN MALAYSIA GETS EXTENDED WARRANTY PROMO AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE RANGER XLT GETS REAR VIEW CAMERA

The Ford Ranger sold in Malaysia is now offered with a five (5) year warranty as a special offer from now through 30th June 2016. This applies to both the Ford Ranger 2.2L XLT and the Ranger 3.2L XLT. The warranty package is split into a manufacturer's warranty of three (3) years or 100,000km and an additional two (2) years or another 100,000km whichever comes first. 

SHELL LUBRICANTS VIA THE SHELL HELIX BRAND LAUNCHES MALAYSIA’S FIRST-EVER ENGINE WARRANTY PROGRAMME

Shell Lubricants has unveiled Malaysia’s first engine warranty programme that is linked with engine oil, the Shell Helix Engine Warranty (S.H.E.W). Vehicle owners who service their vehicles with Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology, Shell’s most advanced motor oil, can benefit from a warranty against lubricant-caused engine failures for up to 12 years or 200,000 km from the vehicle’s manufacturing date, whichever comes first.  The free warranty also applies to purchase of Shell Helix HX7.

Volkswagen Malaysia teases the upcoming Volkswagen Vento sedan

Volkswagen Malaysia is now accepting bookings for the soon to be launched Volkswagen Vento. It will be priced somewhere between RM80,000 to RM90,000 and will be powered by a 1.2L turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine with an output of 105PS and a maximum torque of 175Nm. The power goes through the front wheels via 7-speed dual-clutch or direct-shift gearbox (DSG). Three variants will be available.