Short Test Drive: The Jaguar XE 2.0 Prestige & XE 2.0 R-Sport

R-Sport on the left, Prestige on the right

Today I wanted to start off this article with something witty and anecdotal but I somehow cannot find anything interesting to say. Well actually I have a lot to say, but then we'd never get to the car that is supposed to be featured in this article.

XE Prestige 2.0 20T 

BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2 Coupé.- I think the 'M' stands more for Marketing than Motorsports

Sometimes I fail to understand stuff. You go out and buy the ultimate BMW 2 Series called the BMW M2 Coupe. It is obvious this car isn't as cheap as a Proton Saga SV. This means that it should have the volume button for the car's looks, styling, performance, handling and more to be up to level Maximum when you sign the dotted line. 

Motorsports: Ford participates in this year's Le Mans - 50 Years on from their Historic Victory in 1966

Ford will run four Ford GT cars in the Le Mans this year. This is an anniversary of sorts for Ford. The cars will compete at the Le Mans 50 years on from their historical 1, 2 and 3 finish in 1966. All four GTs will be running with team Ford Chip Ganassi Racing and will compete for GTE Pro class glory at the world’s greatest motor race, which takes place on June 18-19.

Used Car Tips: Best Affordable 5 year old Used Car in Malaysia - Circa 2016

In 2014 I wrote about what's the best 5 year old car you could buy then. One and a half years have passed and I have been requested to do another one for this year. So let's see what we can get for about five or so years old with a budget of under RM20,000 circa February 2016.

Can You Afford To Maintain It? 1998-2005 Mercedes Benz S-Class (W220)

Early last year (2015) I was asked by a reader whether it was alright for him to buy a first generation Porsche Cayenne. As you folks know, the Cayenne is a luxury SUV that was made by Porsche to save Porsche from an early death. It sold by the bulk carrier loads and you can see them in every large city in Malaysia. But after doing some research, by doing a lot of reading, calling up friends who have or had such a vehicle the reply (which is here) was that you could, if you have money. Lots and lots of money. Really lots of money. Anyway, this time I'd like to talk about the best car in the world, circa 1998 to 2005 – the Mercedes Benz W220 series S-Class.

Happenings: Volkswagen Malaysia CNY Lion Dance Blessing Ceremony

Bless you, my car!!!

It really is that time of the year again. The time of the Lion Dance in conjunction with the Chinese New Year. But do note that the Lion dance isn't 100% exclusive to the new year celebrations,  it may also be performed at important occasions such as business opening events, special celebrations or wedding ceremonies, or may be used to honour special guests by the Chinese communities. One such occasion was last weekend when Volkswagen Malaysia hosted a Lion Dance Car Blessing ceremony for its customers. 

Motorsports: Renault launches a complete motorsports programme

 Groupe Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn (second from right) with drivers (from right) Kevin Magnussen, Jolyon Palmer and Esteban Ocon and, in front of Renault R.S. 16 Formula 1

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Group Renault, has announced Renault's new motorsport strategy. Two pillars form its basis - Renault Sport Racing and Renault Sport Cars. This is something most of us would say as a Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday part of a car maker's marketing plan. 

 2016 Renault R.S. 16 Formula 1

Renault Sport Racing takes responsibility for Renault’s extensive racing activities, including the newly-created Renault Sport Formula One Team and Renault e.dams (electric racing car team for the Formula E series) as well as the current Formula Renault 2.0, Renault Sport R.S.01 Trophy, plus further customer racing and rallying programmes.

Automotive Corporate Social Responsibility: Ford Expands ‘Driving Skills for Life’ Programme to More Students

DSFL Participants from Taylor’s University

Ford Motor Company has continued its efforts to raise road safety awareness in Malaysia through its global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme, expanding the programme to two more higher education institutions – German Malaysian Institute and Taylor’s University.

FREE SAFETY CHECKS BY PROTON THIS CHINESE NEW YEAR AT PETRONAS STATIONS

After some slightly depressing mood as regards the increase of Proton car prices after the 15th of February, here is some good news for Proton owners. They can get free 30 point safety inspection at selected PETRONAS stations. Free. The key word here is 'FREE'.

Some light reading for you folks - Ferrari 2015 Financial Results

I've decided to post this 2015 Ferrari Financial Results for you folks. It looks like very good reading especially when you need something to read just before going to bed. This is the nitty gritty details of a car company. Underneath all that glamour and red paint, there are numbers. Lots of numbers. So many numbers. Hello, wake up!

News & Opinion: Proton Cars to increase prices for all models effective 15th February 2016

As expected, Proton car prices will see a marginal increase of RM312 to a maximum of RM2,021 depending on model variants, effective 15 February 2016. This comes after an earlier announcement at the end of last year that they would do so.

Spotted For Sale: 2015 "Ferrari FF 3.0 (A)"

Seriously folks...how the heck did this go through in the car sales section of mudah.my?

Volkswagen Malaysia and Swire Motors officially open the Volkswagen Puchong 4S Centre

Another Volkswagen 4S Centre is officially open for business. Volkswagen Malaysia and Swire Motors is pleased to announce the launch of the latest addition to the Volkswagen network – the Volkswagen Puchong 4S Centre. This outlet is also the country’s third Volkswagen Technical Service Centre.

INDUSTRY & TRUCK NEWS: FIRST BATCH OF IKBN STUDENTS COMPLETE TRAINING AT MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA’S APPRENTICE TRAINING CENTRE

Celebrating the graduation of National Youth Skill Institute (IKBN) students from the FUSO Training Program, a collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. (sixth from left) Secretary General, Ministry of Youth And Sports Malaysia, Datuk Jamil Bin Salleh; (seventh from left) Minister of Youth And Sports Malaysia YB Encik Khairy Jamaluddin; (eighth from left) Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner; and (ninth from left) Vice President, Commercial Vehicles, Mr Albert Yee, with the graduates.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) today awarded eleven students from the National Youth Skills Training Institute (IKBN) with a certification of completion following a successful training stint of the Mercedes Benz Malaysia-IKBN FUSO Training Program at its Apprentice Training Centre in Shah Alam. The event held earlier today in Kuala Lumpur was attended by  Minister of Youth And Sports Malaysia YB Encik Khairy Jamaluddin, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO Dr Claus Weidner as well as the senior management of Mercedes Benz Malaysia, officials from  the  Youth and Sports Ministry of Malaysia and those from IKBN.

Caltex Rewards the First 46 Lucky Winners from the ‘Big Fuel Giveaway’ Promotion - Just in time for the Chinese New Year

Chevron Malaysia Limited (“Chevron”), which carries the retail brand Caltex, announced the first 46 lucky winners of the Caltex Big Fuel Giveaway promotion, which kicked off on 1 December, 2015.

SHORT TEST DRIVE: MERCEDES BENZ GLC 250 4MATIC

A few weeks ago I was invited to try out the Mercedes Benz GLC 250 4Matic SUV at Cycle & Carriage's Mercedes Benz showroom located along Jalan Tun Razak (incidently my favourite Mecedes Benz showroom to visit - free plug here peeps!). The Mercedes Benz GLC-Class is Mercedes Benz's answer to the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. It is a long time coming as prior to this, Mercedes Benz had no direct competitor, locally or in right hand drive markets. Before the GLC existed, which was sometime 2015, Mercedes Benz only had something called the GLK for left hand drive markets. This was actually a huge mistake and if you noticed, there are lots of Audi Q5s and BMW X3s around. Of course, now with the launch of the GLC in Malaysia, things are bound to change.

All-new Elantra and All-new Tucson Win the Prestigious iF Design Award

It has been over 60 years since the first German iF Design Awards were held.  The design awards have been recognized across the world as a symbol of design and styling excellence across various fields including automobile design. Organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH, the awards recognize outstanding design across various disciplines and categories. The jury awarded the sought-after prize to Hyundai Motor’s All-new Elantra and All-New Tucson following a rigorous judging process, involving almost 5,000 entries from 53 countries Both cars  won the  iF Design Award 2016 in “Product” discipline, under “Automobiles / Vehicles / Bikes”.

TRUCK NEWS: A bit on the recent large order of MAN TGS Trucks to the LTS Group

Hartmut Mueller, Managing Director of MAN Truck and Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (3rd from right) presenting a mock key to Lee Kah Chye, CEO of  the Lee Ting San (LTS) Group of Companies (3rd from left) to mark the handover of 70 units of MAN TGS prime mover to LTS. Witnessing the handover is Mohd Azharuddin Bin Mat Sah, CEO of Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (SPAD) (2nd from right) and other board members of LTS.

I have to say that this must have been a coup for MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MTBM). One of the larger  transportation service provider in Malaysia, Lee Ting San Group of Companies (LTS Group), had recently purchased seventy MAN TGS 19.360, 4×2 prime mover intended for long-haul transport. MAN TGS will make up one third of the logistic specialist’s existing fleet of prime movers. 

The First Volkswagen Stand-Alone Body & Paint Centre Launched in Balakong

Volkswagen via their dealer Win Hin Autohaus Sdn Bhd has opened the first stand alone Body and Paint centre. This center is located close to the Win Hin 3S centre in Balakong, Selangor.  this centre covers services such as minor and major body repairs, chassis realignment, genuine parts, windscreen replacements, body spray and paintjobs while also assisting Volkswagen owners with their insurance claims. 

TEST DRIVE: Volvo V40 T5 Cross Country 2.0 - Probably the most refined premium hatchback in the market

Volvo cars have a long history in Malaysian motoring. They were one of the first European cars warmly embraced by the Malaysian car buying public. In the 1970s, 1980s and up to the 1990s you could see many of them plying our cities, towns and even villages. People who could afford a large sedan bought them for their size and safety. They were box shaped cars that many of those born in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s would remember as the car that their father, uncle, grandfather had and those were sweet memories of being in something safe and secure.

The Lotus Evora 400 is finally introduced to the Malaysian Market

First evora 400 customer key. From left - Head of Lotus Cars Malaysia YM Tengku Djan Tengku Mahaleel, Director of Group Lotus PLC and CEO of PROTON, Dato' Abdul Harith Abdullah, First Owner of Lotus Evora 400 in Malaysia, Mr Patrick Tam, and Chairman of Group Lotus PLC and PROTON, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Lotus Evora 400 has finally made it to our shores. A year after its unveiling at the Geneva Motorshow. Lotus Cars Malaysia introduced the Evora 400 at their showroom along Jalan Damansara. This car is the latest Evora with lots of improvements. Present at the launch was Chairman of Group Lotus PLC and PROTON, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. Also significant at the launch was the handing over of the key to the first owner of the Evora 400, Mr Patrick Tam and that Tun Mahathir himself drove off in a red Evora 400 (a replacement for the original one he had).

Essential Tips to Stay Safe this Festive Season by FORD Malaysia and from Yours Truly

Ford Malaysia has sent me some tips for those of you who will be on the road this Chinese New Year season. I believe it is my duty to share the tips stated below. I also want to add these two tips:

1. PLEASE USE YOUR INDICATORS WHEN YOU WANT TO MAKE A TURN OR OVERTAKE. 

JAGUAR XE SPORTS SEDAN LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA

Earlier today Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia officially launched the all new Jaguar XE sedan for the Malaysian market. This is the smallest, lightest and stiffest Jaguar sedan ever built to date and it is packed with many ground-breaking features. 

The most eye opening feature of this car is the aluminium intensive monocoque chassis. No other compact premium sedan is built this way for the time being. What this means is that the car is one of the lightest in its class and this in turn usually translates to great fuel economy and a car that is light on its feet, i.e it should handle well.

Truck & Bus News: Volvo Trucks Officially Opens its Largest Dealership to date in Port Klang

I attended the official launch of Volvo Trucks' latest and currently largest dealership in Malaysia on Tuesday, 26th of January. The event was launched by Mr. Bengt Carlsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia and attended by senior management of Volvo Group and Volvo Malaysia, customers, business partners and the media. I did write about this dealership a month or so ago but that was because that was to announce that the dealership was already open for business. It was only on that day that the facility was officially launched in a very grand way.

From left: Bengt Carlsson, Swedish Ambassador, Christophe Martin, President Asia Oceania, Volvo Group Trucks (in the middle) and Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia getting ready to launch the opening of Port Klang flagship dealership

Porsche unveils the Four Cylinder Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

PORSCHE have introduced the latest generation of their Boxster. Codenamed Porsche 718, the new Boxster and Boxster S is essentially the current Boxster/Cayman floorpan with some exterior upgrades, suspension upgrades and most importantly, smaller flat four engines which replace the flat sixes. Downsizing is again the order of the day.

Ferrari California T gets a handling upgrade option - HS for Handling Speciale

There are those that think that the Ferrari California T isn't a Ferrari that is sporty. Which is one reason why you don't see many around here in Malaysia. When it was first launched I suppose I would agree. These days, after Ferrari did a thorough revision and started calling it the California T, the car looks much better and drove better. Which is usually the case why someone buys a Ferrari in these parts most of the time. Now, the improved Cali is available with a more focused Handling Speciale (HS) option. 

Spotted for Sale: 2006 Mahindra Scorpio 2.0 (M) - Now you can act out your Inspector Sahab dreams properly

This made in India Mahindra is actually pretty cool for the price asked - RM11,000. You get to act out your dream to be a Tamil movie policeman with one of these. Well, it's either you're Inspector Sahab or you're the evil rich landlord with a lot of henchmen that always seem to arrive in a few of these. Do you also realise that every Inspector in the Tamil movie is named Inspector Sahab? Of course lah, 'Sahab' actually means 'Sir'. A polite way to address a ranked police officer.

Proton's "It's In The Drive" Campaign - Test Drive & Win a Suprima S and other prizes

Alright folks. Proton Edar Sdn Bhd, distributor of Proton cars have launched their latest sales campaign. The 'It's in the drive' campaign begins today until the 31st of March 2016. 

This is a roadshow and also a test drive campaign. Malaysians with a valid IC and driving license are eligible to participate in the “Test Drive & Win” contest. This contest will be divided into two eligibility criteria. Customers can head over to any PROTON showrooms nationwide and test drive any Proton models, fill in the test drive form, answer several simple questions and participants will then stand a chance to win a weekly prize. To be eligible to win the Grand Prize, customers who have successfully booked their car during this campaign can stand a chance to win the Suprima S.Selected winners for the contest will have a chance to win weekly prizes which include a 42” LCD TV, electronic gadgets such as mobile phones and iPad minis worth about RM150,000 in total. At the end of the contest, a selected winner will win the Proton Suprima S premium variant for the grand prize.

TRUCK & BUS: Which is more fun to drive? A truck or a bus - Featuring the Scania G460 Truck & Scania Marcopolo Coach

Today I shall try to answer the very important question of whether a prime mover truck complete with a trailer or a bus is a better drive. I am sure this is one question that would never pop into the mind of most Malaysians. But just in case you happen to come into circumstances where the only means of transport is either a bus or a truck, this would answer your question.

A few months ago I was given the opportunity to try both by Scania at their Driver Competitions 2014/2015 at the Sepang Circuit. One was a Scania G460 truck and the bus was a Scania Marcopolo. I have to say that I truly love what I do and the opportunities I get. I mean, who gets to try trucks and buses at race tracks. This was my second excursion in a prime mover truck after I tried a Volvo FM series complete with a tanker load of 10 tons. On a race track in Thailand. Life is pretty interesting sometimes.

What? Ford's seat fabrics used for clothing in Hong Kong fashion show.

Errr...in something that showcases the versatility of Ford's seat fabrics, the Ford Motor Company made its debut on the HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week runway today as part of The EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 grand finale show. Five outfits featured in the show were made entirely from the up-cycling of Ford’s sustainable seat fabrics, which are made from recycled plastic bottles.

"Manchester United For Life” Contest is Back with Chevrolet’s 2016 CNY Campaign

Good news! If you missed on the chance to win stuff in Chevrolet's 'Manchester United for Life' contest held last year you can try again. Chevrolet's authorised distributor, NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd is in a good mood due to the great response of last year’s Chevrolet “Manchester United For Life” contest. So even though the previous contest winner was just announced last December, the 2016 installment is back and a NEW lucky winner will be heading to watch the Manchester United vs. Everton game at Old Trafford on April 2, 2016.

Truck News: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles post sales of 2,623 units for 2015

 Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles post sales of 2,623 units, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Vice President, Commercial Vehicles Albert Yee with the Mercedes-Benz Actros and FUSO FE83PG

Now a bit on some trucking news here in Malaysia. Mercedes Benz Commercial Vehicles, like their passenger vehicle arm, has done well in Malaysia for 2015. As the distributor of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles and FUSO trucks, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia delivered to customers a respective total of 193 units and 2,430 units. In doing so, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has effectively increased its market share in Malaysia for both European and Asian truck segments. The 2,623 units sold represented a 5.5% increase in their overall sales over 2014.

Spotted For Sale: ANOTHER "Toyota AE86" that you never, ever wanted A.K.A ISWARUENO

Yup. This is another one of those 'AE86' that you never ever want. Like the previous one here, this is not a Toyota but it is another Proton Saga like the one I posted last time. It is actually bad enough that we see old two door KE70 Corolla Liftbacks with the Panda colour scheme and the words Trueno plastered on them but this, is exceptional. Ever heard of a ISWARUENO? Now you have.

The fella over in Kedah is trying to sell this 1992 Proton Iswara as a Proton Iswara 1.3 (M) AE86 Initial D. Fuiyoh. 

Motor Image launches the facelifted 2016MY Subaru XV in Malaysia

(from left) Jun Yong, Emcee of the day; Andrew Lee, General Manager, Motor Image Malaysia; Reza Mutalib, Executive Director, TC Subaru Sdn Bhd; Monika Sta Maria, 2015 Asia's Next Top Model runner up and Subaru Brand Ambassador

Motor Image, the authorised distributor of Subaru in Malaysia launched the facelifted Subaru XV sometime around brunch time today (that's breakfast and lunch time to you folks out there).  The MY16 or model year 2016 Subaru XV features the following improvements that I've laid down below.

New by MINI - The MINI Clubman ALL4

We have a new XL sized MINI variant out. Based on the MINI Clubman but it now has all-wheel drive.  Now we can attack wet mountain roads the way we would use an Audi RS3, Mitsubishi EVO or a Subaru WRX in a MINI. The petrol powered COOPER S Clubman ALL4 version gets a 2.0liter turbocharged with  192hp / 280Nm with either a 6 speed manual or 8 speed steptronic automatic transmission. Needs more power if one wants to chase after the Audi, Mitsu, Scooby mentioned above though. A JCW version should obviously follow soon yes?

TEST DRIVE: 1,000km in a Volkswagen Polo 1.6 Hatchback (Polo Trophy Limited Edition spec)

Long ago, but not too long ago, about early March or April 2014 actually, I was handed the key to the locally assembled Volkswagen Polo 1.6 Hatchback which I promptly tested and reviewed. It was a very accomplished hatchback. I did enjoy its well though out simplicity and I thought that it was one of the most pleasant sub RM90,000 car that Malaysian Ringgit could buy at that time. This time, that same model has now been around for a while and many are seen plying the Malaysian roads.

The Mk 6 Polo has been in its current form since 2008. Of course, by now Volkswagen had face lifted the car as it has been around for a while. Malaysia got the face lift sometime mid last year. And this face lifted Polo Trophy Limited Edition was what I managed to get my hands on. The face lift adds some redesigned bumpers (front more noticeable than the rear), a new Blaupunkt touch screen infotainment unit (which looks better than the one with the tiny LCD readout with a few lines on it) and a new steering wheel (that looks like the one used in the current Golf TSI). 

Proton Test Fired Their New Euro 6 Compliant Engine - Scheduled for production end 2017

Earlier this evening Proton had announced what they have been doing in terms of drivetrain research. They also had the first firing of its latest engine (seen somewhere below, in the jumble of wires and stuff), a 1.5liter Turbocharged Gasoline (Petrol) Direct Injection engine that can produce 180hp and 250Nm torque (this is what is tested and can safely make. What is on the final cars have yet to be specified). Nice figures considering that it is also Euro6 compliant. 

Ford Malaysia announces their new promotion offers in line with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations

Now is quite a good time to buy a new car. Manufacturers are getting into the mood of giving as Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) today announced the ‘Ford CNY Promo’ to kick off Chinese New Year celebrations.

Volkswagen Sri Hartamas 3S Centre opens for business

Earlier today, Volkswagen Malaysia through FA Wagen Sdn Bhd officially opened their latest service centre located in Sri Hartamas. The centre, spanning over 30,000 square feet over three floors has a showroom on the top two floors and a service centre on the lower ground that has 8 work bays to handle most after sales matters for Volkswagen vehicles. 

Twenty Nine 3S & 4 S SUZUKI dealership outlets are now converted as PROTON Edar outlets. - With Analysis

In line with the Proton and Suzuki MoU and License Agreement that was signed last 15th of June 2015, All the twenty nine (29) Suzuki 3S and 4S outlets will be outlets which will have both the PROTON and SUZUKI logos. This was made official after the signing ceromony where most of the outlet operators entered into this new arrangement with Proton.

Proton Chairman Tun Dr Mahathir flags off the cars bound for the new Proton Suzuki 3S/4S Centers.

Shell Helix Motor Oil promotion for the Chinese New Year - Ang Pow galore

For the Chinese New Year, Shell Helix motor oils have a promotion running from now till 29th February 2016 (It's a leap year this year). With every purchase of a 4 liter pack of Shell Helix Ultra, Shell Helix HX7 or a 4liter / 3 liter pack of Shell Helix HX5 passenger car motor oil you can get instant rewards in the form of Lucky Ang Pows containing cash vouchers or free fuel vouchers. 

Motorists can receive these Lucky Ang Pows in two ways.