Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Pictorial: The W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a Masterclass of Design - Featuring the Pre-facelift C200 AMG-Line


This is a short pictorial on the outgoing, pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class, featuring the C200 AMG-Line. 

Hyundai Launches the Facelifted Tucson for the Malaysian Market


Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors have launched the 2018 facelifted Tucson in Malaysia. Now available at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide, the new 2018 Tucson features new exterior and interior designs. The SUV is available in two variants - The 2.0L Elegance petrol and the 1.6L Turbo petrol which are respectively priced at RM123,888 and RM143,888 on the road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. It seems the turbodiesel has been dropped from the line-up.

Offers & Promos: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Now Offering Cash Rebates on Their Vehicles Till the End of December 2018


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) have started offering cash rebates on all their vehicles until end of December 2018. If you intend to get yourself a Mitsubishi, this could be the right time. This is like a continuation of the tax holiday Malaysians recently experienced. Book and register a new Mitsubishi during the period and get a fair bit off the pricetag.

Newly Upgraded Toyota 2S Centre Operated by Crestmax Auto in Sg Penchala is Now Open


UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the authorised distributor for Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the official opening of an upgraded Toyota 2S centre located in Sg Penchala, Kuala Lumpur. The new centre, operated by their dealers, Crestmax Auto (Services) Sdn Bhd (Crestmax Auto). 

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

First Drive Impressions: The New Ford Ranger WildTrak 2.0 4x2 Automatic Tested - Video & Highlights of the Drive to Ipoh and Back


Recently, I had the chance to try out the new Ford Ranger WildTrak 2.0 4x2 Automatic. This happened a few days ago right after the launch of the New Ford Ranger, a few of us automotive journos were sent off to various destinations around Peninsular Malaysia. I ended up on a trip to Ipoh, Perak with three others and two new Ford Rangers between the four of us. 

Monday, October 29, 2018

BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car to be Displayed at Bangsar Village II this Wednesday 31st October - Meet & Greet Session with MotoGP icon Loris Capirossi


The BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car will be displayed ahead of the Malaysian MotoGP over at Bangsar Village II and as part of a convoy throughout Kuala Lumpur folks! As a prelude to the upcoming races over at the Sepang Circuit, the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car with BMW M Performance Parts – will make appearances across Kuala Lumpur on a convoy with the BMW M5, BMW 530i M Sport, BMW S 1000 RR, and the BMW S 1000 RR Safety Bike. BMW bikes and cars galore.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Ford Launches the New Ranger Line-Up For Malaysia - A Variant For Everyone


Ford Motor Company, together with Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), their official distributor in Malaysia, have launched the new Ford Ranger. The New Ranger gets a slightly refreshed up exterior, more features inside and out and most variants also feature the new Ford 2.0liter turbodiesel engine and new 10 speed automatic gearbox. 

Proton Announces That They Have Received Over 10,000 Bookings For Upcoming X70 SUV - 2,000 From Their Online Site - Some Thoughts


The Proton X70 SUV hasn't been launched as yet but Proton have announced that they have collected over 10,000 bookings for their first ever SUV. Nearly 2,000 of those bookings came from their new online booking website and it seems to show that online bookings for Proton vehicles is promising.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Ford Gives Back to The National Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Malaysia – Rumah Ozanam and Pusat Jagaan Darul Sakinah


October is Ford Motor Company's Global Caring Month. This is the 13th annual Global Caring Month and thousands of Ford employee volunteers around the world give back to their communities and lend a helping hand to those in need. So last weekend, Ford volunteers from Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official distributor of Ford in Malaysia, worked together with the National Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Malaysia – Rumah Ozanam and Pusat Jagaan Darul Sakinah.

Trucks: Nationwide Express Courier Services Receives 29 Units of Isuzu Trucks


Isuzu Malaysia recently held a small handing over ceremony where they officially handed over 29 units of trucks to Nationwide Express Courier Services Berhad. The ceremony took place at the Nationwide Express HQ in Shah Alam where 26 units of Isuzu's Light duty truck and 3 units of their Medium duty truck were officially delivered. 

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Pump and Win Lots of Prizes from Now until November 30, 2018 - In Conjunction with Caltex Sponsoring Celebrity Car Wars Season 3 on HISTORY Asia


Chevron Malaysia Limited, which is better known here in Malaysia with the Caltex brand, has a new campaign in conjunction with the premiere of Celebrity Car Wars Season 3. This small screen automotive series currently airs on HISTORY Asia (ASTRO CH555 and CH575 HD) and Caltex is once again the presenting sponsor of the award-winning reality automotive competition series. The aim of their sponsorship is to showcase how Caltex petrol and diesel can help vehicles deliver under even more challenging driving scenarios.

Nasim Rolls Out The Facelifted Peugeot 308 THP at the Peugeot Motion & Emotion Roadshow at 1 Utama - Roadshow ongoing till 28 October 2018


There is currently a Peugeot roadshow over at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre and the new, facelifted Peugeot 308 THP is there on display. Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot vehicles here in Malaysia have decided to preview the New 308 THP at the Peugeot Motion & Emotion Roadshow at the shopping centre.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

EFKON Asia Sdn Bhd has launched its own branded E-TAG for SmartTAG users - This is SUPER GOOD NEWS for Road Users


EFKON Asia has launched their own SmartTAG compatible infra-red (IR) tag reader device earlier today. This ensures continued availability of IR reader devices for Malaysian road users to use at the SmartTAG lanes on those roads with tolls in Malaysia. We have to say that this is great news as somehow, the people who used to sell the SmartTAG reader, which is the people who operate the Touch 'n Go pre-paid card services had recently announced that they are halting sales of the reader.

Monday, October 22, 2018

The Volvo World Golf Challenge 2018 - Where Volvo Trucks Customers, Business Partners Play Golf, Have Fun and Donate to a Worthy Cause



The Volvo World Golf Challenge 2018 happened recently and it offered Volvo Trucks' customers, business partners and other invited guests participate in a friendly golf tournament and donate to a worthy cause at the same time. This year, the annual golf challenge offered Volvo Trucks golfing enthusiasts an opportunity to compete for the grand prize of a golf trip to Brisbane, Australia where they also get to attend the Brisbane Truck Show in May 2019. 

Avis Malaysia Celebrates 46 th Anniversary By 46 Percent Savings Off Published Car Rental Rates & a Contest


Avis, that internationally renown car rental agency celebrates 46 years of operations here in Malaysia. That's 46 long years of renting cars to people. So in conjunction with this glorious anniversary, Avis Malaysia is offering customers up to 46 percent savings on published rates for car rental bookings from 15 September to 31 October 2018 for the rental period from 15 september to 31 December 2018. That is a lot. 46 percent is nearly half the usual rates, which is quite awesome. Well, actually I can't wait how much you could save if it was their 50th anniversary which is in four years time!

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Video: Having Fun with the 2019 Toyota Rush at its Media Preview



Now before I start writing my first impressions review on the recently previewed, All-New 2019 Toyota Rush for the Malaysian market, here is a short video of us having some fun with the Rush SUV during the short media drive we managed to take part in.

Tata Motors Distributor in Malaysia, DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles Delivers Tata Super Ace Trucks to Lazada's LEL Express Contractors - Reza Sadon Enterprise and CFD 74 Enterprise



Recently, DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles (DHCV) the authorised distributor for Tata Motors commercial vehicles in Malaysia, officially handed over a unit respectively of the Tata Super Ace 1 ton truck to two driver contractors of LEL Express, the logistic arm of Lazada Malaysia. The two contractors are Reza Sadon Enterprise and CFD 74 Enterprise. 

Friday, October 19, 2018

The All-New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Gets Its Malaysian Launch - A200 & A250 Variants with Prices Starting at RM227,888 Onwards


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have introduced with the all-new fourth generation A-Class here. The W177, as it is internally called, will be sold here in two variants for the moment, the A 200 Progressive Line and the A 250 AMG Line. This new A-Class is what Mercedes-Benz calls the next generation of compact cars which while featuring a more mature looking styling on the exterior, still maintains its youthful and dynamic appeal while redefining luxury and technology on the inside.

The ALL-New Second Generation Toyota Rush Has Been Previewed - Sales to Start in Early 2019 with Estimated Prices from RM93,000


Yesterday, I attended the preview of the All-New Toyota Rush 7 seater SUV organised by the Malaysian distributors of Toyota vehicles, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd. This is the second generation of this affordable and practical 7 seater Sports Utility Vehicle which was specially developed for ASEAN markets. This time around, the Rush will be officially on sale early 2019 with local contract assembly of the vehicle by Perodua. 

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Bentley Kuala Lumpur Unveils the Bentayga V8 in Malaysia


Bentley's first SUV, the Bentley Bentayga can now be had with a V8 engine in Malaysia. The Bentley Bentayga has, since its introduction, has been offering Bentley customers and enthusiasts a different Grand Touring experience unrestricted by landscape or conditions, which is what a Sports Utility Vehicle is for. Prior to this, Bentley owners had to go elsewhere to get their SUV fix. 

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival & the Toyota Vios Challenge Continues at MAEPS, Serdang 20-21 October 2018 - All-New Toyota Rush to be Previewed


I haven't had time to write about this year's Toyota's Gazoo Racing Festival and the Toyota Vios Challenge series that is the center of the event. I have been quite busy with so many things that I have not had the time to keep track on this quite interesting event which features some nice amateur racing. It is now the second round of the Vios Challenge and the second venue for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival. 

GoCar is Now Available at 100 Shell Stations Across the Klang Valley, Johor & Penang


Shell Malaysia has added another value added service to 100 Shell Stations located in and around the Klang Valley, Johor and Penang. Malaysian car-sharing company GoCar and Shell have collaborated and you can now pick up a GoCar rental car from there. 

Proton's Online Booking Platform is Now Operational - You Can Book the Upcoming Proton X70 SUV There Now - Initial Promo includes Low RM99 Booking Fee!


Alright folks, Proton's online booking platform for their vehicles is now online at at 10am today. You can access it via Proton's website or via www.proton.com/ProtonX70 which is the direct link to the first car you can book through it - the upcoming Proton X70 SUV. 

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Win Passes to the Moto GP 2018 in Sepang Courtesy of Ducati Malaysia



Ducati Malaysia is offering Ducati and motorcycle enthusiasts a chance to win free Grandstand and Hillstand passes to the 2018 Moto GP which will be held in Sepang from the 2nd to the 4th November 2018. There will be a total of 80 Moto GP 2018 passes to be won from this easy to enter (and win) contest which will be ongoing from now until 31st October 2018.

Monday, October 15, 2018

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) Launches the “Volkswagen Cares” Customer Loyalty Program - Ever Improving Volkswagen's After Sales Experience in Malaysia


Recently Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) launched the “Volkswagen Cares” customer loyalty program. The launch was held at the recent Volkswagen Fest 2018, which saw a whole lot of Volkswagen fans attend the festival over a three day period. This loyalty program actually shows how serious VPCM is in nurturing and uplifting the Volkswagen brand here in Malaysia. 

The First UnManned Shell Select Station Powered by BingoBox Retail Technology Opens in Kuala Lumpur


Shell Malaysia recently launched the first Shell Select station that is unmanned. Yes, no human beings are involved and it is open 24 hours with cashless payment as the method of choice. This is suitable for introverts and / or extremely shy technology savvy people! 

Four Toyota Sienta MPVs To Be Won In Toyota Malaysia’s All About The Drive Bonanza - From Now Till 31st December 2018


Purchase any new Toyota from now until the 31st December 2018 and stand a chance to win lots of prizes inclulding four new Toyota Sienta compact MPV as the grand prizes. The 'All About The Drive Bonanza'  is the latest sales campaign by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the authorised distributors of Toyota here in Malaysia.According to them,  customers can participate in three contests prior to becoming a Toyota owner. 

Saturday, October 13, 2018

The New Porsche 911 GT3 RS & the New Porsche Cayenne Turbo Makes Their Malaysian Debut


Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, had recently unveiled the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo. 

Highlights of the Volkswagen Fest 2018 - It's Still Ongoing Till Tomorrow, 14th October 2018 - Offers, Promos, Test Drive, Food, Entertainment, Etc.


The Volkswagen Fest 2018 is on till tomorrow, the 14th of October 2018. This is the second year running that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia have held the event that celebrates Volskwagen, old and new and in every shape and size. Here are some of the highlights of the festival as photographed by Yours Truly on Friday, the day it opened its doors to the public. 

Friday, October 12, 2018

Ford Malaysia, via Sime Darby Auto Connexion Launches the 2018 Improved Ford Everest SUV in Trend & Titanium Variants


Ford's authorised distributor here in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) recently launched a the latest version of the Ford Everest mid-size SUV. The new 2018 Everest gets better equipment and a slightly different grille. It features upgraded driver assistance, equipment levels and improved vehicle dynamics (suspension tuning) that allows it perform better on and off-road. 

Volkswagen Malaysia Launches the Limited Production JOIN Range of Volkswagen Polo, Vento, Tiguan and Passat at Volkswagen Fest 2018 - You Can Also Book Through Lazada

(L to R) Christophe Lejeune, CEO of Lazada Malaysia and Erik Winter, MD of VPCM.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) launched the ‘JOIN’ range of models at the opening day of the Volkswagen Fest 2018 at Setia City Convention Centre earlier today. The Volkswagen Join series of cars are special edition models are for those that want something a little more for their Volkswagen cars. The ‘JOIN’ range consists of cars which have an accessory package fitted on Volkswagen’s core models, the Polo, Vento Comfortline and Highline, Tiguan Highline and Passat Comfortline. 

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Mitsubishi Outlander Sports Edition Launched in Malaysia - Limited to 120 Units Only /



Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has launched the Mitsubishi Outlander Sports Edition. This special edition of the Outlander Crossover is only limited to 120 units here in Malaysia. It is based on the Outlander 2.0-litre and sports (no pun intended) a two-tone sporty black roof with red metallic paint on the outside and a dual DVD entertainment system as well as red accented carpet mats on the inside.

Site Update - Motoring Malaysia Makes Another Best Auto Blog List - 70 Best on PartCatalog.Com


This is a nice surprise for Motoring Malaysia...and obviously Yours Truly. We've made it on another Best Auto Blog list on the internet! This time PartCatalog.com, a online car and (pick-up) truck accessories located in Austin, Texas over in America, have graciously put us on their list of 70 Best Auto Blogs to Follow in 2018. Now while this is a means of cross marketing for them, it still is an honour as PartCatalog does not ship to Malaysia where we are based! 

PROTON Will Offer an Online Booking Option For Their Cars Starting With the Upcoming X70 SUV Begining 17 October 2018 - Book the X70 & Receive a Special Gift


PROTON will be activating an online booking option on its website on 17 October 2018 in conjunction with the upcoming launch of their first SUV. Those who are interested to place a booking for the Proton X70 SUV will be able to book and pay a deposit for their car through the internet. According to the folks at PROTON, this is in line with the equipment and connected technology installed in the X70.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) and Proton Enter into a MoU for Vendor Development - Proton CEO Names Underperforming Vendors During the Event




The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and PROTON yesterday entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of which will further optimise shared resources between them which will be applied in developing PROTON’s parts and components suppliers (i.e their suppliers and vendors for their car's parts). This is to ensure they are able to meet global standards in all aspects from cost to efficiency.

Tuesday, October 09, 2018

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Previews the Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan and E53 Coupe - RM740k & RM764k (Est) Respectively


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also took the opportunity to preview the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupé at the recent media briefing of the company's 3rd quarter 2018 performance and highlights. So we got to view the cars and take some pics for you readers out there!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Posts Record Number of Cars Sold & Serviced and Improvements in Customer Experience in the 3rd Quarter of 2018


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) announced yesterday that the premium marque had achieved a personal best in terms of sales performance as well as in after sales, finance and customer experience. Their record-breaking third quarter performance in 2018 (3Q2018) had resulted in them delivering 10,143 to their customers since the start of  2018. They have also serviced over 109,927 cars in the same period which is an amazing feat as their customer satisfaction index is also at a record high throughout Southeast Asia.

Monday, October 08, 2018

Upcoming Events: The Volkswagen Fest 2018 is Happening This 12th - 14th October 2018 at Setia City Convention Centre



The Volkswagen Fest is back for a second year running! Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be hosting its second Volkswagen Fest 2018 which will be happening from 12th till 14th October 2018 at Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam. 

Motorcycle News: BMW Motorrad Malaysia Launches the New BMW F 850 GS For the Malaysian Market


The New BMW F 850 GS was recently previewed at the fifth edition of the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel event held at Puteri Harbour Front, Johor. The F850 GS is the newest addition to the mid-ranged GS family in the Motorrad line-up and it will soon be available here in Malaysia. 

Ford Malaysia Will Launch the New Ranger XL, XLT, Wildtrak AND Most Importantly, the Ford Ranger Raptor at the end of October 2018!


Recently, Ford Malaysia, via their authorised distributors Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC),  announced that the newly refreshed Ford Ranger is scheduled for launch in Malaysia at the end of this month. The line-up will consist of the Ranger XL, XLT, Wildtrak, and the eagerly awaited Ford Ranger Raptor. 

Saturday, October 06, 2018

First Test Drive: 2018 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design - Fabulous First Impression by the Smallest Volvo SUV to Date


Here are the First Drive Impressions of the very recently launched Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design here in Malaysia. Both in video which you see right below and also what I have written here also. Initially I thought of just covering the launch event but luckily me I was offered a short try of Volvo's newest compact to mid-sized SUV in and around the launch venue at Genting Highlands. 

Friday, October 05, 2018

Volvo Car Malaysia Launches the Volvo XC40 - The XC40 T5 R-Design will be Available from RM255,888 onwards


Volvo Car Malaysia has just launched the eagerly awaited Volvo XC40 here. The premium compact SUV will be sold here in the XC40 T5 R-Design variant for the moment. Yes, one variant for the moment and it will be sold in fully imported form as you see here until locally assembled models be made available at the end of the year.

Offers / Promos: Naza Will Be Having Promos at the Naza Automall in Petaling Jaya - The Weekend of the 6th & 7th October 2018

Naza Motor Trading is organising a weekend-long ‘Autoberfest’ event this 6 th and 7 th October 2018 at the Naza Automall Petaling Jaya. No beer but over 300 new arrivals of various makes and models are on offer. The Automall should have something for everyone with brands like Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, MINI, Mercedes-Benz and many more from MPVs to luxury sedans as well as sports cars (and motorcycles too actually).

Thursday, October 04, 2018

Trucks / Buses: Alternative Fuel Solutions from a 100% Diesel Free IVECO Display at the Recent IAA 2018 Exhibition


IVECO is one of those brands which we do not hear a lot of in Malaysia. The last time the Italian company was officially here was sometime until mid-2017 or there abouts when the company pulled out of the Malaysian market after entering it in an official capacity in early 2015. The reasons for leaving is quite simply the lack of demand due to IVECO and their Malaysian distributors failing to be competitive in terms of pricing. Quite obvious, as they had not started local assembly to capitalise on the lower taxes and excise duties. So the lesson for selling vehicles in Malaysia is - local assembly for competitive pricing. But we've not going to talk about that for now but we are going to show you what the company is up to over at the IAA 2018 Commercial Vehicles Exhibition.

Wednesday, October 03, 2018

Spotted: An Alfa Romeo Giulia in the Malaysian Wilderness


Now that Alfa Romeo has no official distributor in Malaysia it is actually tough to spot a current model Alfa Romeo in the wild. Yet we managed to see this today - the Alfa Romeo Giulia. 

Shell 2018 MotoGP Limited Edition Biker Value Pack Now Available for Purchase - Shell Advance Engine Oil, Fuel Voucher, T-shirt and even a MotoGP Ticket


The Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) 2018 is back and will be on from the 2nd of November to the 4th of November 2018. Shell is also back as the title sponsor for the ninth year. So in conjunction with this momentous event and as a sign of recognition to all Malaysian motorcyclists, Shell Malaysia had launched these limited-edition Shell Biker Value Packs. These packs have a lot of stuff packed into it aside from a pack of Shell Advance Motorcycle Oil.

The All-New BMW 3 Series (G20) Has Been Unveiled - First Deliveries From March 2019 Onward In Major Markets


The Seventh generation of what BMW calls their premium midsize car has been launched - the all New BMW 3 Series. According to BMW, the New BMW 3 Series Sedan (internally known as the G20 3 Series) gets a little more sporting prowess, a new design language, extensive refinements to its premium ambiance and trailblazing driver assistance, control & operation and connectivity technology. It was also first unveiled a few days ago at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris and is scheduled to hit most markets from 9 March 2019 onwards.

Tuesday, October 02, 2018

PROTON After Sales Service Competition 2018 Finals Completed - Six Winners Get a Chance to Visit Geely in China


The PROTON After Sales Service Competition 2018 was officially concluded earlier today. The finals were held at the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST) Shah Alam from 29 September to 2 October 2018 and marks an end to the skills competiton which began on the 20th of July 2018. The competition is also deemed to be part of the continuous training for Proton's after sales personnel in preparation for the launch of the Proton X70 SUV. 

Happenings: Winners of the Castrol Asia Pacific Cars Super Mechanic Contest 2018 Experiences Formula 1 With the Renault F1 Pit Crew


Recently, three Malaysian Castrol mechanics which formed, Team Malaysia during Castrol's Asia Pacific Cars Super Contest 2018 came out as the winners in this regional mechanics competition organised by Castrol. Team Malaysia had managed to come up on top after competition with other top mechanics from India, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. Aside from the usual trophy, some prize money and bragging rights, the win also gave them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the Renault F1 pit crew at the Singapore Grand Prix 2018.

Upcoming Events: BMW Motorrad Nightfuel in Johor - Saturday, 6th October 2018 Puteri Harbour Front Carpark,


BMW Motorrad Malaysia's BMW Motorrad Nightfuel will happen this saturday, the 6th of October 2018 at the Puteri Harbour Front car park area in Johor. The special BMW Motorrad owners and motorcycle gathering  will feature a lot of activities for motorcycling enthusiasts and BMW Motorrad owners.