2019 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Highline Short Test Drive - A Look at This Pre-Facelift D Segment Sedan Before the Facelift Variant is Launched (Details of This Here Also)

This is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Highline. This Passat B8, its model code name, was first launched over in Europe sometime in 2014 and it has been sold here in Malaysia since the end of 2016. We had a go at it when it was launched and recently, we had another go at it courtesy of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia. This to me is a recap to this outgoing model as you can already see plastered on the Volkswagen Malaysia homepage, the teaser pages of the very soon to be launched, 2020 Volkswagen Passat Facelift.

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings

Merry Christmas and a happy new year folks! I've been busy relaxing and just doing stuff that I like to do aside from automotive related stuff.

The Last Overland Expedition Makes it Back to the UK - Covering 23 countries from Singapore to London

The Last Overland Expedition, an expedition taking after the original one from 1955-1956, has finally completed its journey. A 19,000 km road journey from Singapore to London, which could be said as a reprise of the original expedition which did London to Singapore (i.e vice versa route). It journeyed through 23 countries and it will be documented into a TV documentary series scheduled for release sometime in 2020. 

BMW Dealers Tian Siang Premium Auto and the Gurney Paragon Mall Introduce New BMW i Charging Facilities in Penang.

Tian Siang Premium Auto, dealers for BMW over in Butterworth, Penang (and also in Ipoh, Perak), and the management of Gurney Paragon Mall have announced  BMW i Charging Facilities at the Gurney Paragon Mall over on Penang Island. The new charging station adds to the expanding network of charging facilities operated by the BMW brand here in Malaysia.

Teacher wins the Volkswagen “Win the Icon” Contest and Gets to Drive Away With a Beetle

The “Win the Icon” contest has ended. After two months, Mr. Muhamad Rizal bin Sadiman, a high school teacher from Perak has won a brand-new Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI. The contest which ran from 1st October to the 30th of November 2019 had over 800 posts and submissions of photos and videos of Malaysians trying out their favourite Volkswagen models and documenting them. The best one with the hashtag #BetterExperiencedThanExplained got a brand new Beetle for their hard work. 

BMW Group Malaysia Celebrates the Joy of Giving at the Bangsar Shopping Centre - From Now Until 26th December 2019

BMW Group Malaysia is currently celebrating the season of giving, or Christmas at the Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) from now until 26 th December 2019. You can celebrate this festive season with BMW and also get a chance to win exclusive BMW merchandise via lucky draw contests, test drives of their dream BMW models. The initiatives happening at this event are also in support of fulfilling the Christmas wish lists of the children from Shelter making these less fortunate kids celebrate a better Christmas than usual.

Proton Officially Announces the Roll-Out of the First Proton X70 SUV at its New Plant Extension in Tanjung Malim

About a year since the Proton X70 SUV was launched in Malaysia, PROTON has announced the official roll out of the first X70 to be built at its new RM1.2 billion plant extension in Tanjung Malim.  The roll-out ceremony was attended by the Honourable Datuk Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON, Mr An Conghui, President and CEO of Geely Auto Group as well as senior management members of PROTON.

New Limited Run Ford Ranger XLT Special Edition Launched For The Malaysian Market

There is now a New Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Special Edition offered exclusively for customers in Malaysia. According to Sime Darby Auto Connexion, authorised distributors for Ford in Malaysia, there will be limited units will be available for sale from now onwards. The New Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Special Edition comes in Arctic White and Absolute Black colour options as well as some other notable extras like fender flares, a rear view camera and a functional tonneau cover.

Proton X70 Selected as Official Vehicles for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020

The Proton X70 SUV has been selected as one of the official vehicles of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020 or MyAPEC 2020. Currently Malaysia's most popular C segment SUV, the X70 will be used as one of the official vehicles in the year long forum that is intended to promote economic cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

New Mitsubishi Triton Knight Launched - Limited to 120 Units Variant Based on the Top Specification Triton Adventure X Variant

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just introduced the new Mitsubishi Triton Knight. This is a new, limited to 120 units only Triton pickup truck based on the highest specification Mitsubishi Triton sold here in Malaysia, the Triton Adventure X variant. It is priced the same as the Triton Adventure X at RM137,900 (OTR before insurance) but adds more accessories into it.

Perodua Tweckbot Offers Free Vehicle inspections in Kota Kinabalu in Conjunction With Christmas & New Year Celebrations

Tweckbot is Perodua’s long-running complimentary vehicle inspection service programme. The latest edition of this free inspection programme will be making its final road safety push for the year in Kota Kinabalu next weekend. The Perodua Tweckbot will be stationed at ITCC Mall, Penampang on 21 and 22 December 2019 from 10am to 5pm on both days to offer free inspections for Perodua vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Launches the Facelifted GLC-Series with the GLC 200, GLC 300 4MATIC and the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has launched the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class of SUVs. These newly upgraded model combines outstanding on and off-road driving characteristics with spaciousness, practicality, comfort and advanced pioneering technologies, connectivity and state-of- the-art infotainment is now in Malaysia. Locally assembled, the facelifted GLCs are now equipped with MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system as well as the MMC (Mercedes me connect) feature. This is basically the one that you can now give it voice commands.

Buy a Volkswagen Polo JOIN or a Volkswagen Beetle on Volkswagen Malaysia's Instagram Shop @Volkswagenmalaysia on 12.12.2019 - Limited to 12 Units Each

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) having its first-of-its-kind Instagram-exclusive sale for one day only (24 hours), 12 units of the Volkswagen Polo Hatchback with the JOIN accessories package and 12 units of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle with free spoiler and VW Tint. Both will be sold on Volkswagen Malaysia’s Instagram shop (@volkswagenmalaysia) at a special discount of RM12,000. This is quite a lot, yes?

Happenings: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Bring Christmas Early with its 10th Edition of Christmas in a Shoebox - 40 Children From Yayasan Sunbeams Home Get Treats and Activities at KLPAC

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), brought an early Christmas celebration to the folks at Yayasan Sunbeams Home through its annual social initiative; ‘Christmas in a Shoebox’. Employees, senior management from MBM and Datuk Nicol David, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s brand ambassador, made 40 children of Yayasan Sunbeams Home happier than usual with goodies, festive treats and enjoyable activities organised with the help of The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC).

Hino Motor Sales Malaysia Holds the Hino Total Support Contest For The 6th Time

Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Hino Malaysia) recently held the sixth edition of the Hino ‘Total Support Contest’ (TS Contest). The contest which is an initiative to inculcate better technical and customer servicing skill and knowledge among its dealers was held at its head-quarters in Petaling Jaya, last Saturday. This time, 130 contestants from 36 Hino authorized dealerships took part.

Goodyear Malaysia Launches the New Range of Eagle F1 tyres - The Supersport RS, Supersport R, Supersport, Asymetric 5 and the Asymetric 3 SUV

Goodyear Malaysia earlier today unveiled the latest additions to the Eagle F1 range of tyres- the SuperSport RS, SuperSport R, SuperSport, Asymmetric 5 and the Asymmetric 3 SUV. The launch of these Eagle F1 tyres has basically happened after Goodyear’s recent sponsorship of three participating teams in the World Endurance Championship (widely known as the Le Mans). The three teams are Jota Sport, Jackie Chan DC Racing and High Class Racing. They are bringing back the brand into high profile Motorsport racing again.

Happenings: Shell Malaysia Wins Award for its Next Generation Lubricant Solutions at the First Ever Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards

The Shell Malaysia team with Singapore Business Review Editor-in-Chief Tim Charlton (3rd from right) at the 2019 Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards presentation ceremony.

Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has won an award in the Digital - Energy Category at the inaugural Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2019. The energy producing company was awarded the recognition for introducing next-generation lubricant solutions for its business-to-business (B2B) customers that incorporated artificial intelligence (AI), mobile applications and wearable technology. This Technology Excellence Awards event was organised by Charlton Media Group of Singapore 

Happenings: Bermaz Motor Hosts the 7th Mazda Charity Golf Tournament

Bermaz Motor, the authorised distributor for Mazda vehicles here in Malaysia, had hosted its 7th Mazda Charity Golf Tournament for the Mazda Medicare Fund (MMF) on the 1st of December 2019. The golf tournament was organised with the aim to provide humanitarian aid and medical relief to under privileged people in Malaysia. Bermaz Motor organises events like these to actively support charitable communities with financial aid such as old folk’s homes and orphanages. This is how Bermaz, and Mazda gives back to the community here in Malaysia.

GVE Asia Group Takes Over Operations of Volkswagen Sg Besi from Wearnes Automotive Malaysia

It looks like the landscape for Volkswagen dealerships have changed slightly again. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) have announced that effective  2nd December 2019, Volkswagen Sg. Besi will be operated by a new dealer partner, GVE Asia Group. The new dealer has taken over the dealership from Wearnes Automotive Malaysia.

SOCAR is Now Available at Over 52 PETRONAS Stations Around Malaysia

SOCAR Malaysia, the car-sharing network company is now available at more than 52 PETRONAS stations in the Klang Valley, Johor and Penang. This makes it a little more convenient for users to pick-up and drop-off vehicles as there are now more SOCAR locations available. 

Quill Automobiles, Ingress Auto and Wheelcorp Premium to Host BMW Year-End Expo 2019 at KLCC Convention Centre - 6th - 8th December 2019

Quill Automobiles, Ingress Auto and Wheelcorp Premium,  three dealerships representing the BMW and MINI brand in the Klang Valley will transform The Marquee at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre into what could be the largest BMW and MINI (temporary) dealership in the City Centre this weekend, 6th to the 8th of December 2019. This event is the BMW Year-End Expo 2019.

Christmas Celebrations at all Lexus Malaysia Centres this Weekend -7 December 2019 for most Showrooms with Ipoh on 14 December 2019

Lexus is celebrating Christmas with the ‘Unwrap Amazing’, event happening at all Lexus showrooms throughout Malaysia. The Upwrap Amazing event will be held from 10am to 4pm this weekend (December 7 2019), except Lexus Centre Ipoh which have theirs on December 14 2019. There will be lots of stuff to do regarding Lexus and it is a good time to try out a Lexus as there are other things to do for the loved ones or friends you bring along.

Ford and Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Brings their Road Safety Workshop - Ford Driving Skills For Life - Over to Sabah

Ford and its Malaysian distributors, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), recently launched Ford’s flagship safe driver training programme, Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) for the first time ever over in Sabah, East Malaysia. They had over 80 customers and invited guests participate in a half day workshop where they learnt safe driving behavior and more as part of Ford's initiative to promote road safety in Malaysia.

New Hyundai 3S Centre Operated by Dealer CS Euro Officially Opens in Butterworth, Penang

Pulau Pinang, or Penang has a new Hyundai 3S (Sales, Services & Spares) Centre located at Prai. The new centre is operated by dealer CS Euro is fully done up in Hyundai's new Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) corporate identity and is strategically located in Butterworth and should cater for the neighbouring areas like Bukit Mertajam, Kulim, Prai and Nibong Tebal.

Happenings: Scania Malaysia's Master Sustainability Fund Contributes to the First Sustainability Gallery in Sarawak

Scania Malaysia via its Master Sustainability fund has contributed to the first Sustainability Gallery at Sekolah Kebangsaan (National School) Nanga Ajau in Betong, Sarawak. This shows Scania Malaysia’s commitment towards inculcating all walks of life, especially the students of the school, the importance of sustainability for the betterment of our future.

End-2019 & Upcoming Festivities Promotion From SDAC-Ford - Rebates and Free Maintenance for Ranger WildTrak & Ranger Raptor and Service Promotions

The official distributors of Ford in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) have announced its year-end sales and service promotion. This is also in conjunction with upcoming festivities like Christmas and Chinese New Year early 2020. The promotion will run from 1 December 2019 to 31 January 2020 and covers a sales promotion for the Ford Ranger WildTrak and Ranger Raptor as well as a Service Promotion for selected Ford models.

BMW Malaysia, Safe ‘n Sound and Childline Foundation Open Registration for Subsidised Infant Carrier Car Seats - Register and Be Eligible To Buy The Seat At RM100 - Limited to 150 Units Only

Good news! BMW Malaysia is promoting the quick adoption of child car seats through a subsidy programme that is part of the BMW Safety 360° initiative. This time the initiative is held together with Childline Foundation and Safe ‘n Sound where 150 Units of infant carrier car seats will be available at a subsidised price of RM100 each only. The move is in line with the Malaysian Transport Ministry's move to enforce the use of child seats starting January 2020 (with warnings given out for the first six months for any one caught doing so).This is less than a month down the road. 

Trucks: LTS Group Takes Delivery of 38 units of Volvo FM Prime Mover Heavy Duty Trucks

Volvo Trucks recently delivered 38 units of the Volvo FM370 4x2T RAS prime mover to the Lee Ting San Group of Companies (LTS Group),  who are one of the largest logistics companies that provides transportation, container haulage, warehousing and maintenance services here in Peninsular Malaysia.  The LTS Group supports nationwide and cross- border transportation services and have been around since 1974.

Trucks: Khairul Nafsha Ishak Wins the Malaysian Edition of the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge 4th Edition

The 4 th edition of the Malaysian UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge (UDEMC) concluded recently and Khairul Nafsha Bin Ishak, a truck driver with Setia Maju Jaya Logistik Sdn Bhd. has won the competition. This is the second year in a row that a driver from Setia Maju Jaya Logistik Sdn Bhd has managed to win the UDEMC competition here. Khairul will now represent Malaysia at the UDEMC Global Final competition in Japan next year.

Buses: Perdana Express Buys 31 New Scania K410 Buses & Enters into New Maintenance Contracts For Their Scania Buses

The folks who use Perdana Express buses will be riding in some brand new Scania express buses after this. Perdana Express has received 31 new Scania buses to bolster its services between the East Coast to the Central Region of Peninsular Malaysia. The bus company and Scania Malaysia held a handover ceremony as well as a service and maintenance agreement signing at the  Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Bandar Tasik Selatan in Kuala Lumpur.

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors Finally Launches the Hyundai i30N - Limited to Only 20 Units Via Lazada Chup Dulu and Only in the 275HP N Performance Variant

Finally, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has launched the Hyundai i30 N 5-door hot hatch here after previewing it late last year at the KL Motor Show. It has taken them a WHOLE year to finally offer it for sale. Unfortunately, or fortunately since it is finally on sale here, it will be offered for sale exclusively on Lazada Malaysia during its 12.12 Grand Year End Sale. Only 20 units of the i30 N will be available for pre-order from 2 December 2019, through Lazada’s Chup Dulu pre-order feature. 

Happenings: Ekin Kee Charles.Wins The BMW Shorties 2019 Grand Prize With His Short Film 'PACE'

The BMW Shorties has named the short film, ‘PACE’ by Ekin Kee Charles as its its Grand Prize winner for the 2019 BMW Shorties. This is the thirteenth edition of what is the most prestigious and longest running short film contest for Malaysian filmmakers and videographers. The Grand Prize worth RM80,000 in production grant was presented at the BMW Shorties Awards Night 2019, held in conjunction with Urbanscapes 2019 recently.

Hankook Ventus Prime 3 (K125) Ultra High Performance Tyre Launched in Malaysia

Hankook Tire has launched their latest ultra high performance (UHP) tyre, the Ventus Prime 3 (K125) in Malaysia. Hankook says that the new Ventus Prime 3 tyre is an ultra high-performance tire for passenger cars and it has been designed to have as close to as perfect a balance between performance, comfort and safety. 

Motorsport: Team PROTON R3 Finishes 1st and 2nd at the Sepang 1000KM Race

Team Proton R3 (R3) has won the Sepang 1000km (S1K) race for a third consecutive time. The 2019 Proton Iriz driven by Mitchell Cheah and Fariqe Hairuman took the first place and the 2019 Proton Saga driven by Syafiq Ali and Admi Shahrul came second making it a memorable one-two finish. It was a challenging race as there was a safety car period and then some bad weather making the 1000km race of 181 laps cut short to around 9 hours worth of racing instead of much longer.

Arus Jaya, MARii and Perodua Will Establish a Digital Showroom and Co-Develop Smart Sales & Service Solutions

The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), Arus Jaya Automotive Sdn. Bhd. and Perodua will develop Smart Sales and Service solutions together with a focus towards the state of Sabah. This was announced at a ground breaking ceremony recently held at the Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel for the establishment of the first ever Digital Showroom. The Digital Showroom will be the first of its kind here and developed in order to transition towards enhancing digitalisation of the aftermarket sector.

Maserati Development Prototype Hits The Streets of Modena - Expect an All-New, Most Likely, Mid-Engined Maserati by May 2020

Maserati has previewed photos of the first “mule” for the development of the new Maserati engine. The prototype mule was driven out of Maserati's Viale Ciro Menotti gates, in Modena on the 20th of November 2019. The test cars, or mules of an all new Maserati have special livery that echoes the 'Save the Date' teaser sent out ahead of the event scheduled for May 2020, which could be the first unveiling of what could be a new chapter in Maserati's saga - a return to mid-engine performance coupes by the luxury brand or the replacement of the outgoing Gran Turismo.

Jun Hong Trading Receives the First Ever UD Kuzer Delivered in Malaysia

Recently, the folks at UD Trucks and their sole distributor partner Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE) delivered the first ever unit of the all-new light-duty UD Kuzer to Jun Hong Trading Sdn Bhd. While it may only be a sole unit, the event is significant as it can been seen as a start for UD Trucks' return into the light duty truck segment here in Malaysia.

Volvo Buses host Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Conference together with Technology Depository Agency (TDA) and Prasarana / Some Thoughts After Listening to the Conference

Volvo Buses hosted the very first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia on November 19 th 2019. The event was held together with the Technology Depository Agency (TDA) and Prasarana government agencies related to technology and public transport. It was also supported by the Malaysian Government, The Swedish Embassy and Business Sweden with the intention to  bring together key stakeholders from across Malaysia to build a shared vision that will make Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) work successfully in Malaysia.

Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 Adventure Event in Linear Park, Johor Bahru This Weekend - 23 & 24 November 2019 with Lots of Prizes to be Won

If you are in and around Johor Bahru, you can go experience a 4x4 adventure of sorts courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). They are organising the Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 Adventure over at Linear Park, Desa Tebrau, Johor Bahru from 10.00am to 8.00pm this weekend, the 23 & 24 November 2019. Admission is FREE so if you have no plans, you could go try out a 4x4 test circuit with the Triton pickup truck.

Off-Roading: The Newly Launched Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Turbodiesel Completes the 2019 Borneo Safari

The newly launched (for the Malaysian market) 2019 Isuzu D-Max 1.9liter pickup truck has managed to conquer one of the toughest off-road events in the region, the Borneo Safari. Nicknamed the 'Blue Monster', the latest Isuzu D-Max with its Blue Power 1.9liter turbodiesel engine managed to complete the seven day event which started and ended in the jungles near Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

The Scania XT is Now Used by Sara Transport and Logistic Services (STLS) Group to Tackle Tougher Than Usual Conditions

Scania XT heavy duty prime mover trucks are part of Scania's newly launched New Truck Generation range of trucks here. The Scania XT variant has a more robust design than the usual Scania NTG trucks where all cabs and engines have been designed to take on harsh working conditions in particular, the construction and mining industries. Now, the XT makes an appearance in the Malaysian construction industry with Sara Transport and Logistic Services Group (STLS Group) receiving their first Scania XT trucks.

Editorial: New 2020 Nissan Almera Launches in Thailand - This Will Make Buying Compact Nissan Cars Good Again

The all-new Nissan Almera has been recently launched in Thailand. This is also called the Nissan Versa and Nissan Sunny over in the United States of America and in the Middle East respectively. This is one car which Nissan Malaysia must be itching their hand on as the current Almera (shown below), while still netting some sales is a distant third (or fourth) in terms of Japanese B-segment here. 

Volvo Car Malaysia introduces refreshed Volvo XC90 SUV - Improving On Something Which Is Already So Good

Volvo Car Malaysia has announced that the refreshed 2019 onwards Volvo XC90 full-sized SUV is now available in Malaysia for viewing at all Volvo showrooms.The Volvo XC90 is the Swedish carmaker's top-of-the-line flagship, that marks the company's foray into an electrification strategy. The refreshed XC90 features subtle upgrades to the exterior for the T5 variant, additional performance for the T8 and some with more equipment inside.

New Mitsubishi Triton Quest Launched - More Equipment for the Base Spec Triton

The New Mitsubishi Triton Quest has been launched by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). According to MMM, the new Triton Quest is a reliable yet powerful pickup truc, packed with features and that uniquely aggressive and stylish design with a ‘sedan’ outlook. It's the 'sedan' outlook which is different here. Most likely to cater for the on-road only crowd that also loves buying pickup trucks.

The 11.11.19 Booking Through Lazada Malaysia Only Ford Ranger Splash Limited Edition Has Sold Out Ahead of The 11.11.19 Date

People seem to really like the Ford Ranger. Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, had announced that all 19 units of the Limited Edition Ford Ranger Splash had been pre-booked ahead of the Lazada 11.11 Shopping Festival on the Ford Official store on LazMall. It also shows that people are willing to book their new cars through an online portal too.

Volvo Car Malaysia and Dealer-Partner iRoll Ipoh Sdn Bhd Officially Open Their New 3S Centre in Ipoh

Volvo Car Malaysia, has officially opened a new showroom in Ipoh, Perak. The new 3S centre adds more customer touch points for the now premium Swedish carmaker. The new centre is operated by their dealer-partner, iRoll Ipoh Sdn Bhd. Located close to the Ipoh airport and the Ipoh City & Country Club, the showroom adds to Volvo’s growing dealership network here in Malaysia.

Offers & Promotions: Deals by Peugeot Malaysia for the 3008 and 5008 SUV Plus

Nasim Sdn Bhd,who distribute Peugeot vehicles here in Malaysia, have a end of the year promotion on the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUV Plus. From now until 31 st December 2019, customers can trade in their cars and get up to RM 10,000 extra from their current vehicle’s appraised value. These SUVs also come with a 3-year free maintenance service which includes parts and labour charges. Customers can also inquire for a special ownership financing with Affin Bank that allows them to own the SUVs from as low as RM 1,300 per month.