The New Jetta 1.4 TSI launched - Three Variants and Prices start much lower than before - RM108,990.

New Jetta Highline

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today officially launched the new Volkswagen Jetta to the Malaysian market. The new Jetta is the first Volkswagen model to be launched by VPCM, since the company officially began operations in September. Taking over the sales and aftersales network from Volkswagen Group Malaysia who will concentrate on the assembly of Volkswagen cars in Pekan, Pahang and also Audi Malaysia. But today is the day of the new and improved Volkswagen Jetta.

Happenings: Ford Malaysia CSR Volunteer Projects for the Ford Global Caring Month 2016 - At the Lovely Nursing Centre in Petaling Jaya

Ford Motor Company kicks off the 11th annual Global Caring Month in September with Ford volunteers from more than three dozen countries around the world signing up for community projects, including a growing number of emerging markets from Cambodia to Laos, and Myanmar to Samoa. For Malaysia this year, Ford together with its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) continued its charitable giving at the Lovely Nursing Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Happenings: The 2016 SHELL RIMULA TECHNOLOGY FORUM AND GALA DINNER IN MIRI, SARAWAK

The recently held 2016 Shell Rimula Night was attended by more than 350 participants throughout Malaysia. It was held in Miri, Sarawak and a Shell Rimula Technology Forum was held together with it.

The All-New Proton Saga Teaser Video and photo stills

Here are some still photos of the all-new, and soon to be launched Proton Saga from the Proton Cars video posted on their Facebook page. I have also posted it down below for your viewing pleasure. We have already driven the car in a closed test session. The car will be launched mid this week and it is expected to cost between RM37,000 to RM45,000 and will come in 4 variants - 1.3manual Standard, 1.3CVT Standard, 1.3 Executive CVT and 1.3 Premium CVT . You can read about the initial drive impressions and see more teaser pics here if you're interested!

Opinion: And the ugliest car sold in Malaysia today is.......NOT the Nissan Almera

This afternoon I was having some drinks at the mamak over at Desa Sri Hartamas with some friends. And then the car in the picture above passed by. An Infiniti QX80. Then it hit me that the QX80 IS the ugliest car sold in the country right now. Actually, the world. Allow me to explain.

3rd Gen Proton Saga open for booking,Teaser Pics & SHORT TEST DRIVE of all variants

The Proton Saga. A Malaysian icon. Like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai and Fried Mamak Mee. A symbol of something affordable for the masses. It has been awhile since PROTON started selling the 2^nd generation Saga BLM and now they've come up with a replacement which will be prices from RM37,000 to RM45,000. The car is scheduled to be launched very soon and here you have some teaser pics of the car, some technical details, some other details and my very short test drive of ALL of the variants that would be on sale 

Ferrari reveals the new V8 powered Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T

Ferrari will launch the new Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T at the upcoming Paris Motor Show sometime mid next week. This Ferrari is the first four-seater in its history to sport a turbo-charged V8 engine and this actually brings a new Ferrari GT concept aimed at owners seeking a car that is sporty, practical and versatile, as well as perfect for driving on a daily basis. Something which are almost never done with a Ferrari. That engine, and the practical shooting brake styling makes it possible.

Commercial Vehicle, Truck, Bus News: PETRONAS URANIA with ViscGuard launched for the Malaysian market

PETRONAS Lubricants Malaysia recently launched PETRONAS Urania with ViscGuard™ here in Malaysia. The Urania is PETRONAS' commercial vehicle lubricant (CVL) formulated to effectively guard against engine deposits build-up. Malaysia is a key market for PETRONAS Lubricants and is crucial to growing its business in Asia.

An Update on the all-new Proton Persona - The media drive, CSR initiative in Jengka 19, Persona Sales figures and other aspects on the car

The CEO of Proton, Dato' Fuaad Kenali (right) with Ogawa San (left) flagging us off - Yes, I was inside this car number #1!

Last 19th and 20th of September members of the Media went on the Proton Persona Media drive. The entourage was flagged off from the Proton Centre of Excellence, Subang Jaya and there were 60 participants from the media and also from PROTON's Senior Management and staff. This 2 days 1 night event was basically a drive to  Kuantan, Pahang and back to Subang Jaya.

The Auto Bavaria Mega Event is on this 23rd to the 25th of September 2016 at Bukit Jalil - BMW cars, BMW bikes, MINI etc. etc. offers galore!

In case any of you are interested in BMW, their largest authorised dealer Auto Bavaria are having their Mega Event over at Bukit Jalil Sports Complex, Car Park B this coming weekend - 23 to the 25th of September 2016 from 9am to 9pm daily (the staff participating are sure to have sore everything after the event is over!). You could say that this could be the Karnival Jom Kaypoh of the car industry. But limited to only one brands lah.

New Volkswagen Jetta Open for Pre-Booking - Priced from RM110,000 to RM130,000

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now opening the order books for the new, enhanced Volkswagen Jetta. The estimated price for the new Jetta ranges between RM110,000 to RM130,000 and it is available in four colours - Candy White, Platinum Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black. There will be three variants - Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

The B9 Audi A4 is launched in Malaysia - 2.0 TFSI in Standard trim or S-Line and the option of a Technology Package (UPDATED with more pics)

Audi Malaysia have finally launched the all new B9 Audi A4. Looks handsomely familiar doesn't it? But it is about time as the previous B8 A4 has been around for quite a while already.

Spotted For Sale: 1985 Toyota Starlet 1.3 (m) - Another 1980s Toyota that had a following back in the day

This EP71 Toyota Starlet you see here was from a time when Toyota actually produced some nice to drive cars instead of just chasing profit margins. We had the AE86s as well as the Celica, Supra and also something called the Starlet Turbo. The Starlet was what Toyota had beneath the Corolla in the days prior to the Soluna/Vios. I think it was a nice name for a small little car. I do wonder why Toyota stopped using the moniker.

Ford Partnering with Global Cities on New Transport Solutions beginning with San Francisco - Ford Transit shuttle buses to play a key role

 

The Ford Motor Company is teaming up with major global cities, starting with San Francisco, in order to help solve congestion issues and help people move more easily now and for the future. Ford has decided to establish a new City Solutions team as part of its Ford Smart Mobility LLC to lead expanding mobility efforts with key cities worldwide. 

BMW issues a press release to tease another pic of the upcoming 5 Series sedan

BMW has basically issued a press release stating that the upcoming 7th generation, 'has it been that many already', BMW 5 Series will be produced over at the Dingdongfling plant in Lower Bavaria. I actually meant Bingoblingbliing. No, Dingolfling. 

It's D I N G O L F I N G.

I however think this is a clever way to tease another pic of the upcoming 5 series actually. 

ASEAN NCAP releases upcoming all-new Proton Saga crash test results - Do note that the car isn't launched yet!

Spy photo of the Proton Saga...put on the web a couple of months ago and now viraled everywhere!

ASEAN NCAP must be really excited. At the ASEAN Automobile Safety Forum, AASF, in Phnom Penh, ASEAN NCAP has released its latest test result for the 3rd Quarter of 2016 for the upcoming 3rd generation new Proton Saga (which was wrongly stated in the press release below as the 2nd generation Saga). Proton will be launching this new A segment sedan sometime very soon (by next month at the latest) and in the test, the all-new Proton Saga scored 13.33 out of 16.00 points in the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, which placed the model in the range of a 4-Star rating. 

Truck News: Trucker Zulkifli bin Saad makes history by being the first Malaysian to reach the Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge 2016 World Finals

Malaysian trucker, Zulkifli bin Saad made history when he was announced as one of the Top 5 finalists of the Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2016, sealing his entry into the World Finals which was held shortly after the event over at Varberg, Sweden. He basically made history twice actually. This was his first time participating in the Malaysian leg of the Fuelwatch Challenge and he managed to win it in one go. Then he managed to enter the world finals, challenging the best around the world!

DRB-HICOM and PROTON PRESENTS CARS TO MALAYSIAN OLYMPIC MEDALLISTS OF RIO 2016

 

Earlier today, DRB-HICOM and PROTON Holdings Bhd had presented a total of eight cars to the nation's Olympians who had succeeded in winning the medals at the recent Rio Olympic Games. Proton hopes that with the record achievement (our best performance at the Olympics to date) at the recent Rio 2016 Olympic Games, more talented Malaysians will be inspired to achieve greater heights and make our country proud. The cars are a big gesture of appreciation indeed and should be an incentive to those who want to reach greater heights.

Electric Vehicles: Renault-Nissan Alliance Hits Milestone of selling 350,000 Electric Vehicles and Maintains Position as Global EV Leader

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is ahead of everyone in terms of electric cars sold globally. They have announced that they have sold 350,000 electric vehicles since December 2010 when they first started selling the Nissan LEAF (pictured above). Now from that 350,000 vehicles,  It has now hit an important milestone as from January to August 2016, they've sold 100,000 EVs in total. Imagine that, 100,000 people bought EVs from either Renault or Nissan throughout the world. 

Opinion: Usually I see it as not a Car Problem but something else called the Owner Problem

Hello folks. I had to take a few days from writing as I believe I needed a short break away from writing stuff. I spent the long weekend doing everything else except sit at the computer. I think this is a good thing as it has refreshed me in some ways. And the fact that I think that there is more to life than just motoring per se. But I am back to tell you about what is actually happening to cars in Malaysia - the owner problem.

MALAYSIA AUTOSHOW 2016 organised by Malaysia Automotive Institute to be held from 10 to 13 November 2016 - EEV to be main focus

 

Another motor show is coming our way. The Malaysia Autoshow 2016 (formally known as the ASEAN Autoshow in 2015 will be held from 10 - 13 November 2016 at the MINES International Exhibition Convention Centre (MIECC). Car companies have lined up special deals only available at the show. These range from exclusive car deals and discounts offered only during these four days with attractive financial packages. And you can win a Kia Rio!

The Volvo S60 T6 is now accorded EEV status - Now 306hp costs RM238,888 instead of RM280,888!!!!!

The Energy Efficient Vehicle tax break status is a very good thing for us Malaysians. Recently we've heard the way the EEV status affects the pricing of premium European cars in ways that suddenly make them even more affordable than before. We've seen a few Volvo cars (which are locally assembled at one of the longest running assembly line in Malaysia) receiving the price reduction like the Volvo V40 T5 Drive-E, XC60 T5 & T6 and XC90 T8. Now the Volvo S60 T6 gets a price reduction. RM238,888 (OTR without insurance, making this car the fastest European sedan under RM250,000 that you can buy.

Honda Accord facelift launched in Malaysia - Enough tweaks to keep it fresh for awhile longer

After teasing the facelifted Honda Accord on their website, Honda Malaysia have launched the facelifted 9th Generation Honda Accord. Three variants like previously are offered. All have upgraded specs and some interior trim changes, which include redesigned front bumpers, 7 inch infotainment screen and the top of the line 2.0VTI-L and 2.4VTi-L get LED headlights to complement the LED Daytime Driving Lights.

INDUSTRY NEWS: PROTON RENEWS ITS AGREEMENTS WITH ITS WORKERS' UNIONS

PROTON Holdings Bhd has renewed its Collective Agreement with its workers' union members at a recent signing ceremony held at the PROTON Centre of Excellence here in Subang Jaya, Selangor. 

World’s First Genesis Studio Opens in Hanam, South Korea - Hyundai strengthens its new standalone luxury brand at home

 Hyundai is slowly making its Genesis luxury automotive brand into its own special standalone luxury brand. It will open its first dedicated "Genesis" brand space or studio as it is called, inside a newly built cultural complex called ‘Starfield’ in Hanam, 30km east of Seoul on September 9, 2016. 

SHELL ADVANCE Launches Limited Edition packs and the chance to win free Main Grandstand tickets to Shell Malaysia MotoGP 2016

Shell Advance has announced the introduction of specially designed limited edition packs for four variants of its Shell Advance motorcycle engine oils – Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology 10W-40 (1L) and 15W-50 (1L), Shell Advance AX7 10W-40 (1L) and Shell Advance AX5 Scooter 15W-40 (0.8L). Together with this, there is chance for 500 people to win Grandstand tickets for the upcoming 2016 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

THE MITSUBISHI TRITON IS LAUNCHED WITH A NEW MIVEC VGT TURBODIESEL ENGINE

The new Mitsubishi (L200) Triton pickup truck which was launched in 2015 has more power now. There is a new 2.4liter aluminium block 4 cylinder MIVEC variable geometry turbo (VGT) engine powering it. It makes 181ps and a whopping 430Nm torque from the engine and you get to drive it with a 6 speed automatic transmission as well as a manual. Quite marvellous tech has gone into the engine. Which is why I am writing about it. Usually I am not so bothered about a variant launch instead of a totally new car launch.

Opinion: My actual thoughts on the newly launched Honda City X and Jazz X Malaysian specced limited editions

Since the launch of the current City in 2014, 87,000 units have been sold. The current Jazz, launched here in 2014 has sold 34,000 units to date. But the last few months have been a very tough period for vehicle sales here in Malaysia. So in order to drum up sales in a weak market, Honda has launched  the limited edition Honda City X and Jazz X sometime last week. Honda claims that the 'X' supposedly means X-clusivity, X-citement and X-cel. 

Truck News: UD Trucks delivers several Quester 8L to their new owners in Johor Bahru

 Since its introduction in May this year, the UD Quester 8L has been receiving tremendous response from new and existing customers. The UD Quester truck is the first real heavy-duty Japanese truck designed with heavy duty chassis,heavy duty cab and associated heavy features but they are coupled with the Japanese reliability of its fuel-efficient engines and also of its build quality. 

Commercial Vehicle, Truck & Bus News: BF Goodrich tyres introduces the BFGoodrich Route Control and BFGoodrich Cross Control tyres

BFGoodrich tyres, the well known American tyre brand has now introduced their commercial vehicle and truck tyres, the BFGoodrich Route Control and BFGoodrich Cross Control. The commercial vehicle tyres follow in the footsteps of the passenger vehicle tyres which was launched earlier this year.

TEST DRIVE: VOLVO SC60 T6 & T5 - These two are the SUVs for you to consider

XC60 T5

The Volvo XC60, launched in 2008, is a compact crossover SUV that has been selling extremely well globally since 2009. It is the first Volvo that brought out the styling philosophy you see in the current V40 and the S60/V60 cars. The newer XC90 SUV has moved the goalposts for premium to luxury SUVs slightly further afield but it is curious to see how the XC60 drives. I managed a few days in the XC60 T6 2.0 FWD and the T5 2.0 FWD, the two XC60 variants that are sold here in Malaysia.

Perodua and the 59th Merdeka Day celebrations

 Perodua celebrated the Merdeka day this year by having its own mini parade on the eve of Merdeka and by taking part in actual National Day celebration in Dataran Merdeka on 31st August 2016. The two-day celebration was began with a 22 car parade comprising of all 11 old and current models produced by Perodua at the manufacturer's headquarters in Sungai Choh, Rawang. Perodua then participated in the Merdeka Day parade with the two Perodua Bezza (their 11th model) seen above.

September is Ford Malaysia's ‘Truck Month’ - Deals await customers

Ford has announced that September 2016 is ‘Ford Truck Month’. They are offering special deals that make September the best time for Malaysians or anyone who can buy a car in Malaysia to become an owner of a new Ford Ranger pickup truck, which in my opinion is one of the best you can buy here in Malaysia. Especially since it now comes equipped with a reverse camera (even the 2.2XLT - prior to this only the 3.2 Wildtrak had the pleasure of such an option).

All-New Renault Koleos Launched - At showrooms mid-October, available at an Introductory price of RM172,800+

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), who are the authorised distributors of Renault cars in Malaysia have launched the all-new Renault Koleos SUV. This is Renault's new flagship SUV and it looks pretty good in the flesh...or metal to be exact. 

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is Official Distributor of Volkswagen Cars in Malaysia - Announces 5 year Manufacturer Warranty for all Volkswagen Cars

Volkswagen Group Malaysia have officially announced that the European automotive retail specialist Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) will become the official distributor of Volkswagen cars, under the new company name of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). VPCM is managed by European automotive retail specialist, Porsche Holding Salzburg, is the largest and most successful automotive distributor in Europe. The Salzburg, Germany-based company was founded in 1947, and operates today in 26 markets in Western- and South-eastern Europe, China, and in Columbia and Chile in South America.

Analysis: Why the Automobile Association of Malaysia has hit rock bottom

The middle of August 2016 will go down in Malaysian Automotive history as a black spot. We have Suzuki closing its motorcycle assembly plant here in Malaysia and the Automobile Association of Malaysia's (AAM) operations crashing to a halt. Suzuki states that there is weak local demand for their small CKD products and AAM have not paid their employees over the past 4 months with a lot of their offices closed. These two are just a few changes happening to our Malaysian economy as a whole.

Perodua delivers its 10,000th Bezza, total bookings since launch is now at 25,000 units

 Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dr Zahari Husin (right) hands over the mock key to the lucky Pn Zetty Aswani Fazwin Mahrol Puthil (second from left) as a symbolic of 10,000th Bezza delivery.

It looks like the Perodua Bezza A segment sedan is a runaway success for Perodua. It has delivered its 10,000th Bezza to Puan Zetty Aswani Fazwin Mahrol Puthil, 28 of Shah Alam. The lady must have been surprised as Perodua held quite a grand event for the handover of her Bezza. It was even attended by Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh.

My Auto Fest 2016's “Buy a car, Win a car” contest winner drives home a Nissan Almera 1.5VL worth RM82,000

Today was a very wet and gloomy Tuesday morning for most parts of the Klang Valley. But over at the Edaran Tan Chong Nissan Showroom in Glenmarie it was all bright and happy as someone was handed over the key to a brand new Nissan Almera 1.5VL with a NISMO Aerokit. Mohd Shafiq Saipollah, who visited the My Auto Fest show to get the best deal on a pick–up truck got more than he bargained for when he emerged as the winner in the “Buy a Car, Win a Car” grand prize lucky draw.

Renault Koleos feature - Design, Powertrain and more

Here is a feature article about Renault's new Koleos SUV. It will be launched this September 2016. I have to say that this is reasonably priced for a European SUV and I am looking forward to viewing it personally as it has nice styling (it looks like one of those SUVs from those German carmakers from some angles). Well, I believe that if you want to spend money on a car, it has to look decently good and then drive decently well too.  The kit count is also good too. Which means you have a lot of toys inside.

Ford's survey says that 8 out of 10 Malaysians look for fuel efficiency in a new car and other stuff

What do Malaysians want in a new car? This was recently answered in a survey recently conducted by Ford where approximately 8 out of every 10 surveyed in Malaysia (or 83%) said that  fuel efficiency is more important when purchasing a new car. That is just one conclusion of a survey of more than 9,500 drivers in 11 markets across the Asia Pacific region conducted on behalf of Ford Motor Company in June 2016.

MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience (MPSE) will be back at Sepang International F1 Circuit this year!

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience (MPSE) will be back at the Sepang International F1 Circuit in Malaysia this year. It will deliver more than 25 days of motorsport related excitement and sheer driving pleasure through a slew of track activities in August and September 2016.

Sunday Lite: The Austin 152 aka Morris Commercial J4 Van - I used to go to Kindergarten in one.

One of the sad things about commercial vehicles especially passenger vans is that they end up becoming extinct faster than any passenger cars that are on sale. Most do not stop to think what has happened to any of them long after they've been scrapped or destroyed or re-exported out of the country. These days we have a lot of Japanese passenger vans plying our roads as well as some Chinese ones too. Favoured brands include the Toyota HiAce, the Westar LDVs, the Ford Transits and some funny Chinese ones like the LingLong or the JoyLong. No. I am not making this up.

Happenings: Shell Malaysia's 2016 Charity Drive Raises RM 735,000 for Underprivileged Children

Shell has raised a total of RM 735,000 for underprivileged children during its recent Raya Charity Campaign 2016. After being able to do so, the company has now visited its beneficiaries at Persatuan Dyslexia Malaysia (PDM) for a cheque presentation. The children of PDM (who suffer from are amongst the many children nationwide who will benefit from development programmes, supported by the funds raised.

BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid launched - Let's just throw some figures and comparison into the picture for the fun of it.....

Photo: Autoworld.com.my

Today BMW launched the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid. It costs RM248,000 less insurance. It is cheaper than something with a 330i badge because it gets the EEV tax incentives. So you save over a hundred thousand ringgit if you buy one. 

Spotted for Sale: Rosak Spec - The best specification Toyota Camry in...the WORLD

Yup. We've heard sellers putting up notices of the car - 'Full Spec' 'Premium Spec' Luxury Spec' but never have I heard anyone selling a car as 'ROSAK SPEC'. Rosak means 'not working'. So now's the chance for someone to buy a Toyota Camry 2.0 (a) that isn't running for RM18,990. His life would be complete after this buying this.

Volvo Car Malaysia and Federal Auto officially open their new Showroom in Menara MBMR, Kuala Lumpur

Today, Volvo Car Malaysia and Federal Auto Holdings Berhad launched their new Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) showroom in Menara MBMR which is located close to the original showroom located beside the Federal Highway. This brand spanking new centre replaces the iconic original Federal Auto Volvo showroom which would be sorely missed. But this is actually part of what I believe to be the Volvo revival here (the first was the stupendous XC90 T8) and this is the shape of Volvo showrooms to come here in Malaysia.

Happenings: A batch of 17 students graduate from the Perodua Youth Training Programme (PYTP)

 President & CEO, YBhg Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh hands over a certificate of Best Student Award to Mohammad Khairul Anwar Jusob witnessed by Puan Mariam Ibrahim, Senior General Manager, Perodua Human Capital Division and Mr Suresh Kumar, Senior General Manager Perodua Finance & Account Department.

Compact car manufacturer Perodua’s longest running Corporate Responsibility (CSR) Programme, the Perodua Youth Training Programme (PYTP),  recently saw its 25th Convocation with 17 graduates receiving the Malaysia Skill Certificate Grade II. With this certificate, the graduates are recognised as assistant mechanics by the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources. It has given them skills and a chance to move ahead in life

New 14 seater Ford Transit Window Van Launched in Malaysia

Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has launched the new Transit window van in Malaysia. The Transit, is an iconic model for Ford. It is a range of light commercial vehicles produced by Ford since 1965. Sold primarily as a cargo van, the Transit is also built as a passenger van, minibus, cutaway van chassis, and as a pickup truck. 

TEST DRIVE: Ford Focus 1.5L Ecoboost Trend - Is the entry level Focus good enough?

The C-segment car. This used to be the go-to segment of car that most people bought. It is a mid-sized compact car so they say. Engine size usually between 1.6liters to about 2.0liters. This is where cars like the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and the Toyota Corolla sit and these cars were the ones that everyone drove. I somehow think that the C-segment is a perfect balance when it comes to size, space utilisation, refinement and performance for the regular Joe. I still do. But these days, with prices of the cars in this category going higher, nudging into the larger full sized D segment cars and the growing popularity of the smaller more affordable B segment cars like the Honda City as well as the growing SUV and MPV market, the C-segment car has somehow been a little lost.

Volvo Trucks at the inaugural LaFarge Malaysia Berhad Truck Driving Competition - "Know Your Blind Spots" and "Stop, Look & Wave" initiatives

 A Volvo Trucks Malaysia representative teaching the children to wave to the truck driver for his attention, to tell him to be mindful of their presence

Volvo Trucks is continuously reinforcing their long-term commitment to national road safety by promoting their "Know Your Blind Spots" and "S top, Look & Wave" initiatives with the aim of creating awareness for Malaysians as well as truck drivers on ways to keep safe when driving or when facing large trucks on the road. Volvo Trucks recently showcased these initiatives to participants and spectators at the inaugural Lafarge Malaysia Berhad's Truck Driving Competition (which is part of their 12th Drivers Safety Day).