Wapcar Morning Insiders (Sep. 27, 2019)

Today is Friday, Sep. 27

 Local News 

Future locally assembled Proton-Geely models will use Petronas engine oil

According to a Proton official who is familiar with the matter, Petronas was working on research and development for its lubricants to ensure that it offers the optimum performance and protection for the TGDi powerplant. The lead time on the R&D efforts was too short notice to make it on time for the local debut of the X70 in December 2018.

As a result, Proton had to make do with the Shell engine oils for the time being until Petronas is ready with a compatible product.

 Wapcar Talks 

New 2019 Isuzu D-Max, now with 1.9L BluePower Ddi engine

First launched in 2011, the current generation Isuzu D-Max is the oldest pick-up truck in the segment.

To keep it current, Isuzu Malaysia has given the D-Max yet another mid-life update. For 2019, the new Isuzu D-Max now comes with a smaller capacity (but more powerful) 1.9L BluePower Ddi 150 PS engine.

More importantly, the new D-Max is a few thousand Ringgit cheaper thanks to EEV tax incentives. There’s a shocking total of 11 variants to choose from, with prices ranging from RM 85,799 to RM 120,838, available in single- or double-cab, and two engine options – 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre.

Unless you stay in Sabah/Sarawak, or a better choice for you is...

Continue reading now by clicking HERE!

 International News 

 Tokyo 2019  Honda to debut all-new Jazz

Honda will debut the all-new fourth-generation Jazz at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, alongside the tenth-generation Accord and the electric-powered Honda e.

Similarly, we expect the Jazz to be offered as a hybrid-only when it goes on sale in Japan, but markets like North America and the rest of Asia are expected to be offered with regular internal combustion engine variants, as well as the hybrid.

The Geely Binyue/Proton “X50” in Philippines

Geely is looking to re-enter the Philippines market with the introduction of the popular Binyue SUV, which is now sold there as the Coolray. The Binyue has been immensely popular in the Chinese domestic market. Geely has already sold a record 100,000 units in just 8 months since its introduction. 

The Coolray is powered by a 1.5L Turbo Direct Injection engine that produces 177ps and 255Nm of torque. The 1.5L engine is paired with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox specially developed by Geely themselves.

Trailer 2019 Audi RS Q3 and Audi RS Q3 Sportback

Audi just released the trailer for the new RS Q3 Sportback along with the normal Audi RS Q3 on Facebook. The high-performance SUVs offer an athletic design and maximum everyday usability.

Being the cream of the crop in the Q3 lineup, the RS models come as standard with LED headlights and taillights, while Sportback will get fancy matrix LED headlights with turn signals.

Both RS Q3s is the legendary turbocharged five-cylinder engine making the same amount of power as in the TT RS and the RS3 Sportback: 394 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque.

2020 Nissan Titan Unveiled

The Japanese company continue to manifest its full-size pickup formula by pulling the wraps off the 2020 Titan at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

The new Nissan Titan comes in two cab styles - the smaller king cab and the larger crew cab. The new model gains a new lower fascia and employs '“Powerful Warrior" styling exterior.

Accompanying the Titan’s updated exterior and interior design are a handful of powertrain improvements. Notably, the truck’s standard 5.6 litres V8 engine now produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque – 10 more horses and 19 extra pound-feet of twist than before. 

No more drivers for Thailand’s iconic tuk-tuks' soon

Tuk-tuk is Thailand's noisy, colourful three-wheeled taxi that has been belching exhaust fumes on local roads for almost a century. According to Scmp, the taxi is getting a cutting-edge makeover to help carry the local auto industry into the future.

The first self-driving tuk-tuk will be tested in November to nudge Thailand toward the forefront of developing autonomous-vehicle technology in Southeast Asia. Tuk-tuk was chosen as a test vehicle because it is more energy-efficient and cheaper than a car. It is also more suitable for the country’s hot weather.