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
Merriam-Webster defines the word flagship as “the finest, largest, or most important one of a group of things (such as products, stores, etc.)”. At least one of those fits the Proton X90 that Flagship is literally what P1 decided to call the highest variant of the 3-row SUV. The X90 represents some milestones for Proton though – it is the first mild-hybrid P1 model in the guise of a turbocharged 1.5-litre TGDI 3-cylinder engine (177 PS/255 Nm) with a 48V Electric Motor Synergy (EMS) starter-gene
Feb 11, 2024
One look at the Mazda CX-3 and you might think it was launched a few years ago. In actuality, the CX-3 is probably a lot closer to Jennifer Lopez than Jennifer Lawrence; it has been here for a decade. Mazda’s baby SUV made its global debut in 2014 and since then, the crossover market exploded and has become the golden goose segment for every carmaker. Every mainstream brand has one in their line-up, often ranking as the best-selling model in their respective companies. While the CX-3 is a dinosa
Feb 10, 2024
They say, sometimes you should never meet your heroes – the 2024 Honda Civic Type R (FL5) is every bit a hero, not because it’s a turbocharged hatchback with four doors and a boot; there are quite a few of those. It’s the fact that one of the most traditional aspects of driving is preserved with that metallic 6-speed shifter in the centre console. It stubbornly holds on to a bygone era of technology in the interest of excitement and the spirit of driving and proves the method by still being as f
Feb 10, 2024
Getting straight to the point, the Mazda 2 is an aging model, having debuted in 2014 and launched locally in 2015. While it has undergone several updates to stay fresh, its competitors, the Toyota Vios and Honda City, have undergone complete generational changes during this period, not to mention their facelifts in between. Overview: 2024 Mazda 2 facelift Price RM 108,670 Segment B-segment Engine 1.5L Transmission 6AT Power 114 PS @ 6,000 rpm Torque 149 Nm @ 4,000 rpm Origin CBU, Thailand 2024 M
Feb 8, 2024