Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the car you're fond of is owned by someone you don't particularly like? It's an odd scenario, somehow making you reluctant to desire the car because of the association. It's a bit like my feelings towards Tesla – not that I'm particularly fond of it, but the fanatics can be off-putting. Overview: Tesla Model 3 Highland SR RWD Price RM 189,000 Segment Compact executive Powertrain Single-motor RWD Battery capacity 57.5 kWh Charging 11 kW AC, 170 kW
Apr 12, 2024
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has a reputation for being a capable all-rounder, carefully balancing practicality, performance, driving enjoyment, and prestige in good measure. But at a price of around RM 380k - which is a lot - does it also stand out as a great SUV for the family? To find out, I took the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 on a real-world test during a recent family trip to Penang, carrying 3 adults and 2 restless children, no less. As with any other family car buyer, I needed a safe, practical,
Mar 23, 2024
The concept of having multiple protagonists is something not a lot of literature attempts all too often, but damn if it isn't memorable when the best writers nail it. That it opens up wider possibilities to expand the characters and the tales they tell is another benefit. Overview: 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5 V turbo Price RM 181,900.00 Segment C-segment SUV Engine 1.5L turbo 4-cyl Transmission CVT Power & torque 193 PS/243 Nm (combined system output) Claimed fuel economy 7.0 - 7.5L/100 km Origin CKD, P
Mar 21, 2024
Let’s say you're in the market for a new car, perhaps an additional car for your garage and you're drawn to the Mazda brand. With a budget of just over RM 100k, your options narrow down to either the 2024 Mazda 2 facelift or the 2024 Mazda CX-3 1.5L. Priced closely at RM 108,670 for the Mazda 2 (sedan and hatchback) and RM 115,720 for the Mazda CX-3 1.5L, these models offer similar driving experiences and near-identical interiors, yet there are notable differences that may sway your decision. He
Mar 20, 2024
For some time now, there's been talk of Mazda embracing a more upscale direction, termed as "Mazda Premium." However, Mazda is careful not to align itself directly with the heavyweight players in the premium segment such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. Vinesh Bhindi, Mazda Australia’s managing director, clarified the company's stance to the Australian publication Wheels, highlighting their commitment to remain within the mainstream market. He said that while Mazda aims to elevate its offerings in te
Mar 18, 2024
We’ve said it before, as technologically laden as they are, EVs rarely allow for the characteristic DNA of a manufacturer to be imprinted in its driving experience. All EVs are generally smooth, efficient, and quiet. So, once you get past the top-line figures, it’s a matter of splitting hairs over charging rates, drivetrain calibration and the artificial sci-fi sounds each one makes when you stomp on the go-pedal. There are a few exceptions, but let’s say, if we could hypothetically take the bod
Mar 10, 2024
There’s an urban legend in automotive lore that the Honda CR-V was called the ‘Comfort Runabout Vehicle’ simply because Honda had to make a name up for a car that didn’t quite fit in any pre-existing mould – but the market was calling. Overview: 2024 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV Price RM 195,900 Segment C-segment SUV Engine 2.0L NA, hybrid Transmission e-CVT Power & torque 184 PS/335 Nm (combined system output) Claimed fuel economy 5L/100 km Origin CKD, Pegoh Trends show people were asking for vehicles t
Mar 7, 2024
My first few moments with the Smart #1 Brabus were filled with laughter. My two driving companions were bemused as I was cackling non-stop throughout our lap around the Pinnacle Kart circuit in Subang Jaya. While the Smart #1 Brabus has as much pin-up potential as a picture of a pitted prune, its acceleration figures are deemed worthy among posterized supercars that plastered the bedroom walls of our younger days. Smart claims it can go from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and though I didn’t reach th
Feb 24, 2024
The Jaguar I-Pace made its debut in 2018 and was one of the earliest electric vehicles (EVs) by mainstream (I try to avoid the term “legacy” as it makes them sound obsolete) manufacturers that was designed as one from the ground up – not based on a combustion engine model, which then has its innards converted to electric bits. If you’ve perused my review of EVs like the BMW i4, you'll understand my reservations about converted models, which often suffer from compromised interior space due to str
Feb 16, 2024
If there's one thing that's remained a constant with Lexus, it's consistency. The air of curated conventionality their line-up possesses is a fresh breath in a time where carmakers are equally concerned about trying to redefine words as they are with the business of car-making. Coupé certainly doesn't mean what it did 30, 40 years ago... Overview: 2023 Lexus RX500h Price RM 508,888 Segment Luxury SUV Engine 2.4L turbo-hybrid Transmission 6AT Power 371 PS combined Torque 550 Nm combined Origin CB
Feb 12, 2024