Shell charity drive on the 1st to the 3rd of July 2016 - Every 1 litre of fuel pumped at a Shell station, 1 sen will be donated

This is some CSR news that would benefit children in need. In conjunction with this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Shell will donate 1 sen (RM0.01) for every 1 litre fuel pumped at any Shell fuel station nationwide on 1, 2 and 3 of July (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The funds collected will be channeled to help improve and transform the lives of disadvantaged children across the country. This is the second year Shell Malaysia is doing this and this year is also Shell's 125th anniversary in Malaysia. So it's a little more special. 

Sport Cars: Lotus 50th Anniversary celebrations - the 3-Eleven at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Lotus Elise Cup 250

Lotus Cars are a bit excited about their two latest cars. One is the Lotus 3-Eleven and the other, the Lotus Elise Cup 250. Both cars have just rolled off their respective production lines over in Hethel, UK. Just in time for the 50th anniversary celebrations of Lotus Cars.

Some tips from Ford on how to survive the holiday season in Malaysia.

Now here in this article are some handy tips from Ford that could be of help in the coming Hari Raya celebrations. Now since the tips are courtesy of Ford Malaysia, they say one should plan one's journey in advance, stop when you're tired and be gentle on the accelerator. However, the BIGGEST tip of them all is you should buy a Ford.

1990s Honda Impreza - Just found these photos from 2010 on my PC

This is a Honda Impreza. No joke. Neither Honda nor Subaru ever made these before. This is just the ingenuity of one of our fellow Malaysian. I actually had these pics taken from mudah.my in 2010 but I promptly forgot about this super modified Honda City who wanted so much to be a Subaru. Scoop, goalpost spoiler and all. It was hidden away somewhere and I managed to find them as I was looking through some older files from my hard drive. Boy. I'd like to give these people another A for effort. And another A for allowing the friendly neighbourhood fiberglass shop to make some money.

Supercars: Ferrari Owners from Japan and Southeast Asia in Northern Japan for the Ferrari Hokkaido Rally 2016

The Ferrari Hokkaido Rally 2016 took place over two separate weekends. The 2nd to the 5th of June 2016 for the Japanese customers and then on the 9th to the 12th of June 2016 for the South East Asian customers. The Ferrari Hokkaido Rally was created by Ferrari Far East as a driving platform for the region and also as part of the 50 Years of Ferrari in Japan Anniversary activities.

BHPetrol Infiniti 2X - Harmony in Performance

When it comes to filling up the cars I run I usually end up going the extra mile when it comes to the choice of fuel to put into the tank of my cars. This is maybe because as a petrolhead, every detail is important. Down to the type of petrol I pump. Aside from the obvious performance gains that you can find in certain brands of fuel, I also take into account whether the fuel used would give me additional mileage with every tankful I fill up. This simple benefit allows me to get added savings too. One such fuel or petrol is BHPetrol Infiniti 2x or just Infiniti for short. 

MotoringMY video: The Land Rover Defender's crawler gear in action - Short Video by Motoring-Malaysia on YouTube

Since this is the month of Ramadan things are a bit slow these days. Not many companies do product launches during this time and not many people like conducting business meetings too. So I have the time to give you a short video showing the capability of the recently discontinued Land Rover Defender. Production of the iconic 4x4 has since ceased since early this year ending a 25 year production run.

Honda will cease production of the HONDA CRZ - Not gonna miss it much actually.

One of the most disappointing Honda cars in recent history has recently been confirmed to be discontinued. According to some the Honda CRZ was being discontinued with the launch of the CRZ Final Label in Japan. Then we received word that Honda was officially ceasing production of this small hybrid sports car. So the CRZ Final Label is indeed the end of this hybrid sports car. The news mentioned that the CR-Z will be discontinued at the end of the year to make room for the Accord Hybrid and Clarity Fuel Cell cars. 

Ford engines throughout the years and how electronics make them better and more efficient

Ford are proud of their latest engine, the EcoBoost. This is especially for the 1.0liter version which has been named "Best Engine" in its class at the 2016 International Engine of the Year Awards. The three cylinder version of the turbocharged Ford engine won based on the drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology of the engine.

Truck News: Scania's Heavy Haulage Truck, the Scania R580 finds its first customer in Malaysia - Tiong Nam Heavy Transport and Lifting Sdn Bhd

Truck spotters in Malaysia take note. This is the first time someone has bought Scania's latest heavy haulage truck, the Scania R580, or to be really exact, the Scania R580 CA6X4 EHZ. A mouthful. But a very performance packed mouthful. Tiong Nam Heavy Transport and Lifting Sdn Bhd (TNHTL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of public-listed Tiong Nam Logistics Holdings Berhad, has received delivery of a R580 CA6X4 EHZ Torque Converter / Heavy Hauler truck from Scania Malaysia that will add a heavy boost to its logistic services.

Truck News: HINO updates the 300 Series with a facelift and better equipment

HINO is a commercial vehicle brand that is quite well known and reputable here in Malaysia as well as regionally. In order to maintain such a reputation and customer trust a company usually needs to keep ahead of things and keep customers happy. As such, HINO has now facelifted their bestseller, the HINO 300 Series of trucks with better safety features and other equipment. 

The new for 2016 HINO 300 series of Light Commercial Vehicles now comes with a newly designed front grille with new paint. HINO has also enhanced their 4.5 ton and 5 ton LCV models with door visor that can help to prevent the condensation of water vapour inside the truck windscreen. 

The most important upgrades are the 300 Series LCVs are now offered with tubeless tyres for added safety as well as better fuel economy (tubes make tyres extra heavy and increase rolling resistance) and are also offered with reverse sensors which are very important in any commercial vehicle due to a large blind spot. This would be very useful when reversing. 

Prices should remain the same as previously as nothing has been stated. These are value additions that would make driving this truck a whole lot easier. I like the reverse sensors. These would make delivery in urban environments easier.

Head to the nearest HINO’s dealer showroom to have a glimpse on the newly revamped Hino 300 Series truck. You small business could benefit from this newly updated model.

PRESS RELEASE

Another revolutionary for reputable brand in Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market

HINO Get Better with New Image

HINO safety features enhanced with new LCV ‘facelift’

►        HINO is the first to launch the Light Commercial Vehicle with tubeless tyre

►        Aiming for the safest truck among the LCV line-up

PETALING JAYA: HINO, a brand that aim for customer’s trust and confidence, has launched their HINO 300 Series with new image. Aiming for customer trust and confidence, HINO ‘retouch’ on their bestseller is produce on mission to be the safer light truck on the road and fuel-saving.

Government plan will adopt the target set by the Global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 by reducing the predicted road deaths in 2020 by 50%. A report by Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) shows that, in the absence of a comprehensive road safety program, there will be approximately 8,760 road fatalities in 2015. What is more worrying is they see the number hit 10,716 by 2020.

The concern on this issue also brought Hino to the improvement of their products to upgrade more on safety features, started with their best-selling LCV. So, what’s with product? It came with several upgraded features that could enhance HINO safety assurance yet, comfortable interior feeling to comply with happy and safe driving.

Tubeless Tyres

The new image of HINO 300 Series now gives customer more choice with another safety part as their preference which is the tubeless tyres which will guarantees a better safety and lesser chances of getting involved in an accident. The best part is it contributes to fuel efficiency that can give longer mileage and driving journey through lighter tyre and lower rolling resistance. On top of that, it promises longer lifespan because of the innovation that lower the heat generation. Soon, it will be the important standard item for all the LCV models.

Reverse Sensor

The facelift of Hino 300 Series is enhanced with the technology of reverse sensor which basically assist driver to park and manoeuvre the vehicle effortlessly in any situation and prevent accident during parking.  On top of that, it also help driver to avoid objects while moving in reverse so they can be aware of every objects that is out of their vision, hence, prevent any unnecessary crash and unwanted costs.

Interior Facelift

Giving the new LCV look fresh, it comes with new front grille with new paint.  Other than safety upgrade, Hino also enhance their 4.5 ton and 5 ton LCV model with door visor that can help to prevent the condensation of water vapour inside the truck windscreen.

These add-ons should give the HINO LCV an edge and as for now HINO are continuously improvise their product line-up with safety features. Just smile at the new image of HINO LCV because it is a safer truck on the road.

Visit your nearest HINO’s dealer showroom to have a glimpse on the new LCV retouch.

Volvo Car Malaysia introduces the Volvo V40 T5 with latest Drive-E powertrain - 2.0liter, 245hp & 350Nm

Volvo Car Malaysia have announced that the award-winning Drive-E powertrain is now available for the Volvo V40 T5 here in Malaysia. The V40 basically gets the latest engine that Volvo has to offer and in typical European fashion, the engine and transmission upgrades would come at any time during a model's life cycle. The introduction of the Drive-E engine to the Volvo V40 range completes Volvo’s new powertrain rollout in Malaysia.

PICTORIAL: 1990s Mercedes Benz S320 - Another one of those super duper condition classic Mercedes in Malaysia

Today is another one of those days where I am going to let some photographs do the talking. This is a 1990s W140 series Mercedes Benz S320. The mother of all over-engineered Mercedes Benz. The reason it is in here is because of the condition it is in. It is immaculate. Seriously immaculate but one that is still driven on a weekly basis.

The Proton Perdana is finally unveiled - Prices from RM113,888....

Yup. Finally. After months of speculating and waiting on when would Proton launch the new Perdana they finally have. And it was over at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre where the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak had the honours of unveiling the car. Let's just move on to the car shall we.

SHORT TEST DRIVE: NEW 2016 PROTON PERDANA 2.0 & 2.4 AT THE PROTON TEST TRACK

Prior to the launch of the new 2016 Proton Perdana (launch article is here), I had written earlier that I was invited to try out the new production ready 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 the photos here are the official press photos. This here is the short drive report for you to digest. The longest and most detailed you would see so far on how this car drives.

Spotted on the Streets: My mid-2000s Ssangyong Rexton has no resale value...what should I do with it?

This is a normal Ssangyong Rexton. It was sold in Malaysia is the mid 2000s. It is powered by a Mercedes Benz 2.7liter diesel engine and 5 speed automatic gearbox. It was quite hardy but it still cost somewhere in the RM138,000+ when it was brand new (circa 2007). And then you know its one of those funny named Korean cars...Ssangyong. So the resale value is pretty much rock bottom. These days you see people asking around RM20,000 for one. So what do you do with a Rexton that has no second hand value? You pimp it out of course.

But I never expected this to come out. 

TEST DRIVE: Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI Highline - There and Back Again....as well as a comparison!

Recently a bunch of Malaysian automotive journalists and I went up north to Penang recently courtesy of Volkswagen Malaysia. The reason for this trip was to try out the new Volkswagen Vento 1.2TSI. Now the Volkswagen Vento is actually the Volkswagen Polo Sedan. Volkswagen had decided the name needed to be changed for this facelift. According to them the reason for this was because they had done quite a bit of facelifting underneath the exterior of the car which gets a little bit more chrome trimming, new bumpers, new headlights, new taillights and new cosmetic bits inside (New, more upmarket looking steering wheel especially).

INDUSTRY NEWS: PROTON Officially opens its first 3S showroom in Chile

28th May 2016 marked the day when PROTON officially opened its doors (again) to customers in Chile. Proton had opened its new 3S showroom located in Irarrazaval, Santiago. The centre is located just 15 minutes away from the city centre and is managed by distributors Andes Motor. Andes Motor is a subsidiary of the Kaufmann Group which is a leading distributor of buses, Trucks and luxury cars in the South American country.

Project Kahn's Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 TD4 SE Black Label Edition - Some idea on how to soup up your local Disco Sport

The people at Project Kahn over in the UK have said that they have re-kitted one of the new Land Rover Discovery Sport into something gentlemanly. I think it looks brutish and all aggressive with those large wheels and black out exterior. 

ALL PROTON CARS, ACTUALLY ALL CARS, CAN BE JUMP STARTED LAH! R.T.F.M. OKAY?

Some of you Malaysians out there are so gullible and plain lazy. Let me tell you why. There have been stupid photos going around social media stating that you should not jump start certain Proton models as it will damage the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) of these cars. ALL PROTON CARS CAN BE JUMP STARTED.OKAY. So ignore the stupid notice you see below which I gotten off Facebook. The person who put this up is a moron. 

All New Honda Civic officially launched - Normally aspirated 1.8 and a turbocharged 1.5.

Honda has launched the tenth generation Honda Civic here in Malaysia. The Civic1.8L, 1.5L Turbo and 1.5L Turbo Premium are priced at RM110,726, RM124,376 and RM132,155. I think the prices are competitive, the 1.8 is priced very right and imagine that with only RM14,000 more you can go Turbo. 

NEWS: MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA LAUNCHES W213 E-CLASS & THE MERCEDES-BENZ SERVICES MALAYSIA W213 AGILITY FINANCING

The new W213 series Mercedes Benz E-Class has just been launched in Malaysia.  The variants are the E 200 Avantgarde, E 250 Avantgarde, E 250 Exclusive and E 300 AMG Line. All have the current Mercedes Benz 1991cc, (2.0liter) 4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine first seen in the facelifted W212 E-class. The engine makes 184ps, 211ps and 245ps respectively. 

First Ford Mustang delivered to a customer in Malaysia and its a 5.0 V8.

Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz (left), managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion presents the all-new Ford Mustang to Mr. Ganesan A/L Selvaraj (right), 

And there you have it. The chap who bought the first officially sold RHD Ford Mustang to be registered in Malaysia had bought the 5.0liter V8. Now we're talking. A big thumbs up. Then again, if the price of the car is already over RM450,000 for the entry level 2.3liter version, and the 5.0liter V8 is only a mere RM100,000 more.....the choice is quite easy actually. Congratulations is in order.

News: Volkswagen Malaysia's Hari Raya offers - Rebates and more

Now its time for Volkswagen Malaysia to announce their Hari Raya promotion. All Volkswagen models currently in stock get a RM2,000 'Duit Raya' rebate from now till 31st July 2016. And I think Volkswagen wants me to order kuih raya also, going by the background of the pics they provided. Or 'buka puasa' early. If you know what i mean.

SPOTTED FOR SALE: Citroen ZX 2.0 16Valve with a 6 speed manual gearbox upgrade

The Citroen ZX 2.0 16Valve 3 door hatchback was somewhat of a cult favourite among those of us who lived, breathed and dreamt cars in the 1990s. In those days the 152/167hp 2.0 16valve was one of the few European cars that had quite a good reputation against the numerous Honda Civic, Proton Wira (with a lot of Lancer Mods), GC8 Impreza and other cars from te Japanese brigade. Even the 1.9 and later 2.0 8 valve 5 door hatchbacks were also considered as the Euro to drive fast in.

1.0-Liter Ford EcoBoost Engine Wins Best Small Engine Award at the 2016 International Engine of the Year Awards event

The 2016 International Engine of the Year Awards saw the Prancing Horse taking overall engine of the year. But that is something most of us peasants could only dream of having. So if you're a down to earth sort of guy and like your engines small, tiny and still able to impress that geek in you then you need to know that Ford's 1.0liter EcoBoost engine won Best Small Engine of the year for the fifth year running.

ROAD SAFETY: HOW TO DRIVE AROUND TRUCKS, BUSES AND LONG TRAILERS - BEWARE OF THEIR BLIND SPOTS AND TURNING RADIUS!!!

The darker parts are the area in which a truck driver CANNOT see you.

A lot of people take driving around trucks, lorries or buses for granted. I think that since I have driven (and also ridden) almost everything there is to drive on Malaysian roads and the fact that the festive season is now upon us (again), I believe it is my duty to tell you a bit more about taking some precaution when you are around these large commercial vehicles. The first thing you must always remember is that these vehicles have A LOT OF BLIND SPOTS.

PROTON BALIK KAMPUNG RAYA PROMOTION HAS STARTED - REBATES, DISCOUNTS AND FREE SAFETY CHECKS

Alright folks, Proton has officially joined the Hari Raya promotions for this year. Customers interested to purchase new Protons during this Hari Raya Puasa festive season will get to enjoy savings of up to RM3,000 on selected 2016 Proton models. You can drive a new Proton Saga home and pay monthly instalments from as low as RM367. 

Latest Sales Campaign by Renault in Malaysia - Promotions, exclusive Renault Sport Formula One prizes and more

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the official franchise holder of Renault cars in Malaysia, has announced the ‘Renault – Motorsports Is in Our DNA’ campaign. This is to celebrate the brand’s over 115 years in motorsports and their return to Formula 1 as a full works team this year. So until 31 August 2016, this new promotional campaign offers attractive deals on selected Renault vehicles as well as the chance to win exclusive Renault Sport Formula One™ Team prizes including Grandstand passes and a Renault Garage Visit at the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix.

TEST DRIVE: The C7 AUDI A6 1.8TFSI - This is more KL Hilton than the Majestic Hotel

I was recently given a few days with the 2016 Malaysian Specced Audi A 1.8TFSI. This A6 is the updated A6 launched here sometime in August 2015 together with its larger engined sibling the A6 3.0TFSI. This A6 is the seventh generation (also called the C7 A6) of a long line of mid-sized premium Audi cars (this falls close to the D segment size of cars). It has been updated with better levels of equipment inside and has slightly refreshed bits and pieces for the exterior.

Shell V-Power’s new commercial highlights engine protection against gunk & corrosion

Shell V-Power (the Shell petrol brand) recently launched a new television commercial produced with state-of-the-art CGI and a car chase scene could entertain you readers out there for at least...err.. sixty seconds. Well, it IS an advertisement and not a two hour long action movie or melodrama. I just watched this advertisement and it is action packed. You have a BMW and a Transformers-like evil sentient robotic junk-like being. Very apt.

The importance of Child Safety Seats and where to get VERY affordable ones - Fabulous Mom Child Safety Seats

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is just right around the corner and this usually means a long journey back to our hometown for a lot of us. . It’s just natural that everyone is excited during this time but this excitement usually gives them the tendency to rush back to their hometown before the big day. However it is an undeniable fact that accident rates rise during these periods as there are more people on the roads during this time. The risk of someone having an accident is higher with the extra amount of vehicles on the roads

Ferrari’s turbo-charged V8 is the overall winner of the 2016 International Engine of the Year Awards

The 2016 International Engine of the Year Awards was held recently and the overall International Engine of the Year Award had gone to Ferrari for their 3.9liter bi-turbo V8 engine. This is the engine that you'll find inside the Ferrari 488 GTB, 488 Spider and the Ferrari California T (in a slightly different configuration).

Industry News (Regional): TUV sets up Independent Tyre Testing Lab in Indonesia - Progress in Indonesia's automotive sector

TUV Rheinland has opened the first independent tire testing laboratory in Indonesia . Located in Taman Tekno BSD, South Tangerang , the new 530 sq.m lab is fully certified by the Indonesia National Accreditation Body (KAN) and qualified to test passenger car, truck, bus and motorcycle tires to the latest national and international standards.

HYUNDAI SIME DARBY MOTORS offers FREE 12 Point Inspection for ALL CARS at participating Shell Stations in conjunction with Hari Raya celebrations

The Fasting Month is closing in and the Hari Raya will come soon enough.  In conjunction with the ‘balik kampung’ season this Hari Raya, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is organising its first road safety awareness campaign offering a free 12-point inspection for all cars regardless of brands at selected Shell petrol stations from 29 May to 17 July 2016. 

The Hap Seng Star Balakong Proven Exclusivity Centre launched - Here's the place to get your certified pre-owned Mercedes Benz cars & new ones too

 (From left) Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Vice President, Sales And Marketing, Passenger Cars, Mark Raine; with  Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad Group Chief Operating Officer and Hap Seng Star Chief Executive, Harald Behrend; with at the official launch. 

Mercedes Benz Malaysia and dealer Hap Seng Star have launched the Hap Seng Star Balakong Proven Exclusivity Centre yesterday. The Proven Exclusivity programme basically offers Malaysians a chance to  to own a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz Passenger car in a nearly new condition and at an attractive price compete with a proper Mercedes Benz quality assurances and the same level of customer-sales service that has no difference to that of buying brand new.

Shell Malaysia to introduce Chatime, llaollao and Gindaco outlets to various Shell Select stores

Shell Malaysia has decided to enter into a collaboration with Loob Holding, the Food & Beverage company that markets and sells  Chatime, llaollao and Gindaco in Malaysia. The products mentioned will be introduced at various Shell Select Fuel Stations soon. 

Ford Mustang quietly launched in Malaysia

This had actually sneaked pass most of our radars. Ford Malaysia via local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion launched the Ford Mustang earlier today. The launch was done without much fanfare.

INDUSTRY NEWS: Proton Cars and their Proton Preve gets launched in Chile

A few months ago when Tun Dr Mahathir was still Chairman of Proton he and the then CEO flagged off a cargo of Proton Preve cars that were destined for Chile. I was there at that historic (for Proton) event. Now, months later we now receive news of the official launch (and re-launch) of Proton Cars in Chile and the Proton Preve being the first model to be sold over there since 1998. 

SUPERCAR NEWS: The 458 MM Speciale - The latest in the series of one-off Ferrari cars

This is another reason why we need lots of money. Ferrari has revealed to us another of its one-off special order cars - the Ferrari 458 MM Speciale. Truly speciale.  Especially when viewed from the side as it looks like no other 458 out there.

INDUSTRY NEWS: 11th Batch of Apprentices Graduate from the Mercedes Benz Apprentice Training Centre's Automotive Mechatronic training programme

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently celebrated the graduation of the 11th batch of the Apprentice Training Centre (ATC)‘s Automotive Mechatronic training programme. Following three years of training, the ATC graduates are now qualified to provide world-class after sales services for Mercedes-Benz valued customers, and will be assigned to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s nationwide dealer network.

CKD VOLVO XC90 T8 Twin Engine launched - The first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) produced in Malaysia

(L to R) H.E. Mr Bengt G Carlsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia and Mr Lennart Stegland, MD Volvo Car Malaysia

Volvo Car Malaysia today launched the locally-assembled Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine – the first ever Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) assembled in Malaysia. In addition to that, Malaysia will be the first country outside of Sweden to produce the XC90 T8 Twin Engine, thanks to huge investments made by the company to improve current infrastructure and capabilities of the local plant to handle Volvo’s SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform. This special SUV will also be exported to Thailand, and Volvo is also looking to do the same to other countries in the ASEAN region 

PEUGEOT & NASIM Launch the All-New Peugeot 408 e-THP

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot in Malaysia has finally launched the all-new Peugeot 408 e-THP here in Kuala Lumpur. The 408 is the 4 door sedan variant of the Peugeot 308 hatchback which was launched sometime last year here in Malaysia. There will be only one variant equipped with the 1.6liter direct injection turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with a 6 speed automatic transmission. It will be priced at RM143,888 on the road with GST.

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.