In 2017, Bugatti set the land speed record for production cars with the Bugatti Chiron, achieving 0-400-0 km/h in a mind-boggling 42 seconds. Seemingly not satisfied with the achievement, the French coachbuilder decided to attempt the (previously) unimaginable – breaking the 300 mph (482.80 km/h) barrier. The record-breaking run was done in a pre-production version of a Chiron derivative – Chiron SuperSport perhaps? It was on Ehra-Lessien high-speed track where Le Mans winner and Bugatti test dr
Sep 3, 2019
When you buy a brand-new car, you have to go through a run-in (or break-in) period for the first 1,000 km. Unfortunately, you can’t just gun it right after taking delivery from the showroom. As such with our new Perodua Ativa, the first thing in order is to run it in. How to run in the car? Drive the car carefully without exceeding a certain rpm and speed limit. In every car’s owner manual, the instructions for the run-in period are explicitly stated. And for the case of our Perodua Ativa, the r
Mar 19, 2021
The Proton X50 is safer than a BMW X1? Yup, it’s true, and you can read it here. Part of why it gains that reputation is because it comes with Level 2 Autonomous driving. What's this 'levels of autonomous driving'? In short, this picture. Basically, Level 0/1 cars are most common right now, and Level 2 technologies are still creeping in. We're still a long ways away from Level 3, 4 and 5 autonomous driving. Who decides these? The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International. What makes it
Sep 30, 2020
Unexpected slide or skidding is not something the average driver would want to experience. Especially when there are 6 passengers in the car. The good news is the invention of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps mitigate skidding and the cheapest MPV to have this feature is the Proton Exora Premium at RM 66,800. If there’s anything worse than an unanticipated skid, it’s skidding with 7 person on board. While the professionals make it look easy to control a slide, the reality is that
Oct 21, 2019
The SUV segment in Malaysia is set to heat up in the near future, as MG is set to return to Malaysian shores real soon. Sightings of the MG HS have intensified recently, hinting that the company behind the iconic British brand is working hard to introduce the model before the year ends. What is the MG HS? The MG HS is a C-segment SUV that rivals the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Proton X70. First shown as a concept in 2018, it was then launched in Thailand back in September 2019. Pricing of the MG
Oct 7, 2020
Your car ownership experience isn’t complete without having at least one flat tyre incident. For this, manufacturers have given us full-sized spares, space-savers, run-flat tyres, and even tyre repair kits. What you have in your car has been pre-determined by the manufacturer. The question is, which is the best? The answer depends on the type of driver you are, the type of commute you do, and where you live. Each option offers its own pros and cons. 1. Full-sized spares A full-sized spare is ide
Jun 9, 2020
The only system in the class to offer Low-Speed Follow function Automatically follows the flow of traffic Zero pedal operation in traffic jams Taste in cars changes dramatically with times especially if a market disruptor shows up. In recent years, customers have come to expect Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to be featured on cars above RM 120k price point. Previously a feature reserved for cars in upper segment and price point, ADAS is now being offered as an option on a wider range
Sep 13, 2019
The Wankel rotary engine remains as one of the most mysterious creations of the automotive industry. Not that we don’t know how it works, is just that enthusiasts just can’t stop talking about it. No, Mazda RX-7 owners, your engines burn more oil than a flaming oil rig and keeps needing a rebuild. Stop wishing it back! And no, you don’t need to tell me how a rotary works. Even so, the rumour mill of a new rotary renaissance has never stopped spinning since the demise of the RX-8. Every other yea
Aug 29, 2020
The car is probably the greatest escape for most of us. It’s a mode of transport and a personal space. The great escape is surely not complete without some tunes blasting from your speakers. We all have that one track or playlist that makes us smile. Whether we’re stuck in a jam or even taking an easy cruise down our favourite route, nothing beats a great driving track. Then, there are the few of us who would like to swap out the standard speakers for something with more oomph. So, we would pay
Nov 7, 2020
The updated Perodua Axia 2019 is the third Perodua model to be fitted with the ASA (Advanced Safety Assist) feature. The first was the Myvi, followed by the seven-seater Aruz, which was the first to debut the newer ASA version 2.0 – the same version used by the new Perodua Axia 2019. More importantly, the new Perodua Axia 2019 is now the cheapest car in Malaysia to be equipped with such feature – at RM 43,910 for the highest specifications AV variant. Lower range variants misses out on ASA but e
Sep 20, 2019
At RM 43,190, the Perodua Axia Advance is the cheapest car to come equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Most of us have been there, maybe something caught our attention away from the road momentarily, or we mispressed the accelerator pedal, or maybe we were too busy on *coughs* Facebook. A split second later and bam! But one feature that won’t be distracted or too busy is AEB. It is a system that detects an impending collision ahead and warns the driver. If the driver does not respo
Oct 29, 2019
At the media test drive event today, Proton has confirmed that the 2020 Proton X50 will feature Auto Park Assist. This is part of the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), which is classified as level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Auto Park Assist feature is able to assist drivers in manoeuvring the car into perpendicular parking (shown as vertical parking in the photo) spots and parallel parking spots. It also helps in exiting parallel parking spots. The system actively controls the steer
Sep 30, 2020
BMW is pushing ahead its ‘Power of Choice’ agenda as the next-generation BMW 5 Series and BMW X1 will feature an all-electric powertrain. Like the 2020 BMW iX3, BMW will offer four powertrain options for these next-gen models, including the BMW 7 Series: conventional petrol and diesel engines, both with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, plus a plug-in hybrid and a pure-electric drivetrain. By the time these models arrive, BMW would have already rolled out the iNext electric SUV, i4 electric sedan
Jul 28, 2020
Malaysia is now into its sixth week of the Movement Control Order (MCO) triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. This also means that many cars have been left parked for an extended period of time. To be clear, leaving a car parked for an extended period of time won’t damage your car. It’s not unusual for new cars to be parked at a dealer’s lot for months before it is sold. My own 36-year old classic is driven only about once a month but it starts at the first crank every single time. The difference
Apr 28, 2020
Surprising as it may sound, selected variants of the Daihatsu Rocky are actually more expensive than the Toyota Raize in Japan. Prices start from JPY 1.705 million for the entry-level Daihatsu Rocky 1.0 L variant, JPY 26,000 more than the equivalent (entry-level) Raize 1.0 X variant, which is priced from JPY 1.679 million. The key difference between the entry-level Rocky and Raize is the fitment of Daihatsu’s Smart Assist ADAS suite on the Rocky – something that the entry-level Raize lacks. The
Jul 2, 2020
Dr. Håkan Sandquist holds a Ph.D. in internal combustion engines from Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology, which is located in Gothenburg, basically Volvo town. He has spent 20 years working on automotive engines, 10 of which are related to electrified drivetrains – hybrids and plug-in hybrids. He currently works as Director of Powertrain Strategy at CEVT, a joint venture company between Volvo Cars and Geely, focusing on powertrain. However, even someone like Dr. Sandquist is no match aga
Nov 14, 2020
Apabila anda membeli kereta yang serba baru, anda perlu menjalankan sesi ‘run-in’ bagi 1,000 km pertamanya. Pemilik disarankan untuk tidak ‘melenjan’ atau pandu dengan kasar sejurus selepas kereta diambil dari bilik pameran. Sama juga dengan Perodua Ativa baharu kami – kami jalankan sesi ‘run-in’ terlebih dahulu. Bagaimana caranya nak ‘run-in’ kereta? Pandu kereta dengan lembut dan berhati-hati dan jangan langkaui kadar rpm serta hadlaju yang tertentu. Di dalam setiap buku panduan pemilik kereta
Mar 23, 2021
Just recently, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) introduced the new 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete. It is priced at RM 141,500, on-the-road, without insurance. At RM 141,500, the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is priced right smack in the price range of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Question is, what’s the minimum salary you need before you can apply for a loan? Also Read: Priced from RM 141k, the 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete could run rings around the Hilux Rogue How much do I need to make? The
Apr 14, 2021
When Lotus—who makes one of the most focused driver’s cars—says that they will be moving on from internal combustion engine, it’s clear where the automotive industry is headed. In an interview with Automotive News Europe, CEO Phil Popham said that the new model is destined to be the company’s last combustion engine model. He adds that it will be priced between £55,000 (≈RM 296k) and £100,000 (≈RM 539k) in the UK. It is also said that the new model will have enough interior space to be compatible
Apr 26, 2020
UMW Toyota Motor has just announced the official prices of the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift in Malaysia. Prices start from RM 111,622 for the entry-level Innova 2.0 E variant and tops out at RM 129,667 for the Innova 2.0 X variant. Although there is a slight increase in prices across the board for the updated Innova, it is justifiable as UMWT has improved the safety and features of its people mover. Now, you might be thinking what’s the minimum salary needed in order to apply for a loan. Well, yo
Jan 10, 2021
With the launch happening sooner than later, Perodua has just opened bookings for the highly-anticipated 2021 Perodua D55L. While full specifications of the Perodua D55L remains under wraps, Perodua did tease us with the highlights of the D55L, including its brand-new ASA 3.0 ADAS suite that encompasses features never seen before on a Perodua, such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). Also Read: 2021 Perodua D55L to be launched soon, when and how much? What will i
Feb 19, 2021
Earlier, we've compared the maintenance costs between two of Malaysia’s cheapest sedans, the Proton Saga and Perodua Bezza. Perodua Bezza gallery Now, let’s throw periodic maintenance, road tax, and insurance into the mix and see which entry-level sedan is cheaper to run and maintain. Proton Saga gallery From the table compiled, it is clear that over a period of 5 years, the Proton Saga is RM 910.64 cheaper than the Perodua Bezza, but that is not the full story. It is worth noting that Proton ha
May 6, 2020
If you’re eyeing for the 2020 Mazda CX-5, you’d be looking at no less than 5 variants of the model, from the 2.0G 2WD Mid all the way to the 2.5G 4WD High T/C. Mazda CX-5 As the saying goes, buy what you can afford. But there’s usually a pick of the range, the sweet spot if you will, for any car. And we think the Mazda CX-5’s sweet spot is the 2.0G 2WD High variant, here's why. Powertrain - Do you really need the extra power? The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated (NA) engine makes 162 PS/213 Nm and
Nov 11, 2020
In 2018, it was estimated by BP that global oil reserves were at 1.73 trillion barrels – enough to last the world about 50 years at current production and consumption rate. Does that mean earth runs dry by 2070 then? Well, not quite. You see, it makes more economic sense that when oil supply starts to diminish, prices go up and when that happens, people are expected to buy less of it. Eventually prices will be sky-high it becomes a niche product purchased by very few while others will have found
Apr 19, 2020
The Malaysian government is drafting a proposal to tighten requirements to qualify for excise tax deductions under the Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) program. EEV is a tax incentive package for fuel efficient, locally-assembled cars. Not to be confused with EV (electric vehicles), EEV is technology-neutral and encompasses all types of powertrain. Currently, EEV incentives are decided on a case by case basis, based on several factors including (but not limited to) the value of project and econom
Dec 17, 2020
All pick-up trucks sold in Malaysia run on what’s called a part-time 4WD system, meaning that the driver needs to manually engage/disengage 4WD, depending on driving conditions, unless you are driving a Mitsubishi Triton. All other pick-up trucks’ Part-Time 4WD transmission have just three modes – 2WD High (2H), 4WD High (4H), and 4WD Low (4L). When driving on normal tarred roads, only 2H should be used, even if it’s raining. Using any other modes on high traction surfaces like tarred roads will
Oct 22, 2019
Just like a smartphone, smart Key Fob is something we can't do without. It's almost a magic until it ran out of power someday. Fun Fact: Every automaker makes provision for owners whose key fob battery is running out of juice. You can either check out the owner's manual or google the backup method according to the model. Here's one simple hack that can free you from flipping through the tedious owner manual and start the engine at the same time. 1st Step: Open the door A tried-and-true way to un
Aug 30, 2019
BMW Malaysia recently added the 2020 BMW 330e M Sport into the 3 Series range, priced at RM 264,413 (without SST). Meanwhile, the 2020 Volvo S60 T8 R-Design goes for RM 282,540 (without SST). We’ve yet to get our hands on the 2020 BMW 330e, so we won’t get into driving impressions. Instead, we’ll walk through the spec sheets of the 2020 BMW 330e M Sport and the Volvo S60 T8 R-Design. Performance - Volvo S60 T8 takes the cake Performance Comparison BMW 330e Volvo S60 T8 Engine 2.0L 4-cylinder 2.0
Dec 30, 2020
Decades from now, students and researchers will look into the timeline of human civilization not just in terms of BC (Before Christ), AD (Anno Domini), but also AC (After Covid). The world will never be the same again, not even after mass vaccination. If we were to be optimistic and try to see the good in this difficult time, it will be acceleration in adoption of digital technology. Several car brands have introduced virtual showroom, mobile apps for online service booking, even online car sale
Feb 18, 2021
The current W213 generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class finally gets a much needed update. Although it is still a fairly new model (launched in 2017), the E-Class is one of the weaker links in Mercedes-Benz’s model line-up and conversely, it’s the one model where archrival BMW 5 Series has a clear lead over it. The new updated model will address many of the previous car’s weakness. The previous car was criticized for its bland design that’s lacking in its own identity, looking too much like a C-Class.
Mar 4, 2020
Honda HR-V
Perodua Alza
Honda City
Honda City Hatchback
Toyota Yaris