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Mercedes-Benz CLA and two Teslas were ANCAP’s best performers in 2019

The top performing vehicles tested by ANCAP, Australasia’s independent vehicle safety authority, in 2019 were the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, Tesla Model X and Tesla Model 3. The Mercedes-Benz achieved an overall weighted score of 90.2%, a 5-star rating, and performed exceptionally well in the areas of Child Occupant Protection (92%) and Vulnerable Road User Protection (91%) where it achieved the highest scores of all vehicles rated during the year.

Following a close second for the year was the Tesla Model X, a large SUV, with an overall score of 89.6%. The Model X received a record-equalling high score of 98% for Adult Occupant Protection, with full points awarded for the protection of the driver in all four of the full-scale crash tests – frontal offset, full-width, side impact, and oblique pole.

Rounding out the Top 3 for 2019 was the Tesla Model 3 with an overall score of 89.4%. Both the Model 3 and Model X achieved the highest Safety Assist scores recorded to date at 94% – well ahead of all others rated in 2019.

Worthy of a notable mention is the latest Toyota Hiace – the first commercial van to be assessed and perform exceptionally well against the stringent 2019 criteria. It achieved scores of 94% for Adult Occupant Protection, 88% for Child Occupant Protection, 84% for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 77% for Safety Assist.

2019 Toyota Hiace — *The latest Toyota Hiace sold in the Australian market.*

Of the 40 ANCAP safety ratings issued throughout 2019, 33 (83%) achieved the market-driven 5-star result which is the maximum score. It should be noted that all the vehicles tested by ANCAP were models sold in the Australian market with specifications and features that meet legal and safety requirements there. They may not be the same as models sold in other countries.

Top performers by vehicle category:
LIGHT CAR: Audi A1 (86.6%)
SMALL CAR: Mazda 3 (88.4%)
MEDIUM CAR: Mercedes-Benz CLA (90.2%)
LARGE CAR: Audi A7 (86.0%)
SMALL SUV: Lexus UX (89.0%)
MEDIUM SUV: Toyota RAV4 (88.6%)
LARGE SUV: Tesla Model X (89.6%)
UTILITY: Toyota Hilux (89.0%)
VAN: Toyota HiAce (87.4%)
PEOPLE-MOVER: Toyota Granvia (87.8%)

ANCAP is among the New Car Assessment Programs (NCAPs), or test programs established around the world to promote safer vehicle choices for consumers. Other test programs are located in, and cover the markets of Europe, the USA, Japan, Korea, China, Latin America, India, with ASEAN NCAP focussing on models sold in South East Asia.

Porsche unveils the Belgian Legend Edition

Even beyond the realms of Porsche, Jacky Ickx is one of the greatest sportscar drivers to have ever lived. But to the close-knit community of engineers and racers who worked with him in the carmaker’s facility in Weissach, Germany, for the best part of a decade, he is a true icon.

To celebrate the Belgian maestro’s 75th birthday, and his invaluable contribution to Porsche’s sporting success through the 1970s and 1980s, the decision was taken to create a limited edition 911 in Ickx’s honour. The initiative for this came from the Belgian Porsche importer ‘D’ieteren’.

The Belgian Legend Edition is strictly limited to just 75 units, one for each year since Ickx’s birth, and will only be available in Belgium.

First special edition of the new 992
The idea took shape in 2018 with the arrival of the all-new 992. This would be the first special edition of the new model, turning to the talents of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur to produce a unique creation that paid fitting homage to one of sportscar racing’s greatest talents. Experts from Style Porsche and the Belgian Porsche importer D’Ieteren also played a role in designing the latest Legend Edition.

2020 Porsche Belgian Legend Edition 992 — *Jacky Ickx, one of sportscar racing’s greatest talents, and the 2020 Porsche Belgian Legend Edition created to honour him.*

The decision was made to base the design around Ickx’s trademark blue and white helmet. The car, a 911 Carrera 4S, was therefore finished in a bespoke ‘X Blue’, making this the first 992 to receive Porsche’s coveted Paint To Sample. A badge showing the Belgian flag and Jacky Ickx’s signature on the driver-side B-pillar takes the driver designation already famous in the world of motorsport.

This unique colour has also made its way onto the 20/21-inch Carrera Classic wheels. Offset by subtle white accents, they provide another reference to Ickx’s helmet, which traditionally features a fine white line around the visor. This detail required the use of advanced laser engraving by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

Unique interior features
The cabin is trimmed in black leather with Pebble Grey cross stitching on the dashboard, door panel and rear trim, all of which was painstakingly finished by hand. The ‘X’ shape of the stitching was chosen as another subtle reference to the man of the moment.

Other unique interior features include Pebble Grey piping on the 18-way Sports seats and ‘911’ lettering on the headrests, something that is not available on standard Carrera 4S models. The seat backs are also finished in leather – another unique detail of this new Legend Edition.

Special design elements include a leather central armrest embossed with Ickx’s autograph and the ‘Belgian Legend Edition’ moniker on the car’s carbon door sill guards. Leaving no stone unturned, even the colour-matched key fob features the 6-time Le Mans winner’s signature.

Visit www.porsche.com.my for information on new and pre-owned models available in Malaysia.

First pictures of new Genesis GV80 SUV released, launching in Korea this month

Genesis, Hyundai Motor’s luxury division, used the first day of the new year to share the first official images of the GV80, its first SUV. It will become the fourth model in the Genesis line-up, joining the G70, G80 and G90 sedans. Sales will commence in South Korea this month and progressive launched will take place in other markets during 2020.

Like its sedan siblings, the 3-row GV80 will have a rear-wheel drive platform unique to the Genesis brand; all-wheel drive will be optional. The ‘V’ in the GV80 designation will appear on SUV models, denoting ‘versatility’.

“Over the last 4 years, Genesis has established itself as a respected luxury brand with superior vehicle quality and a line-up of class-leading sedans with charismatic and discriminating style,” said William Lee, Executive Vice-President and Global Head of the Genesis Brand. “With the launch of GV80, Genesis will elevate expectations for excellence within the luxury SUV market.”

The first images of long-rumoured GV80 provide a complete picture of the first SUV created by Genesis Design. The interior and exterior styling are based on the GV80 Concept displayed at the 2017 New York Auto Show, which was a collaboration between Genesis Design studios located in South Korea, the USA and Germany.

2017 Genesis GV80 Concept — *The GV80 Concept displayed at the 2017 New York Auto Show.*

“GV80 allows us to expand our definition of Athletic Elegance design language to a new typology, while retaining sublime proportionality and sophistication of form,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President, Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group.

Signature Genesis design elements
Signature Genesis design elements are immediately visible on the GV80. Surrounded by the high-tech Quad Lamps, the Crest Grille emphasizes gravitas consistent with the positioning of model. The Parabolic Line runs smoothly along the side with precise execution, accentuated by ‘power lines’ above each wheel emphasizing stance and presence.

“The Quad Lamp, our design signature, introduces an unmistakable visual impression completely unique to Genesis,” explained Sang Yup Lee, Senior Vice-President, Head of Genesis Design. He added that the G-Matrix pattern that appears in light fixtures throughout the exterior, as well the design of the wheels, is inspired by beautiful orchids seen when diamonds are illuminated by light.

South Korean architectural aesthetic interior
The interior focuses on the beauty of open space, characteristic of the elegant South Korean architectural aesthetic. Minimalism is in the details, with a commanding driving position surrounded by high mounted control surfaces. The slim air vents stretch across the front to highlight the width of the cabin featuring minimal physical buttons with the new touch screen climate control. The centre console is equipped with a jewel-like, rotating electronic gear selector, providing an exquisite balance of simplicity and glamour.

The Genesis name was originally used for a flagship Hyundai model between 2007 and 2016. It was then used as the name for a division which would focus on luxury models, just as Toyota has Lexus and Nissan has Infiniti. As the company has indicated that South Korea, the Middle East, USA, China, and Europe are its target markets, it would unlikely have right-hand drive variants.

The carmaker recruited a number of experienced designers from European companies who work with Peter Schreyer, a company President responsible for design management of all brands in the group.

5th generation BMW eDrive technology to debut in iX3 next year

In 202, BMW’s first purely electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) – the iX3 – introduces BMW eDrive technology of the fifth generation and, starting in 2021, the technology will also be available in the i4 and the iNEXT. Production of the iX3 will commence in 2020 for the world market by the joint-venture company, BMW Brilliance Automotive, in China.

The iX3 is a further milestone in the consistent realisation of the BMW Group’s electrification strategy. In 2020, the new SAV will become the brand’s first model available both with conventional petrol and diesel engines as well as plug-in hybrid and purely electric drive. With this ‘power of choice’ offer, the company is taking into account the various different requirements and needs of their customers worldwide as well as maximum effectiveness in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology is the result of consistent development work within the framework of BMW EfficientDynamics and the experience gained by the BMW Group in the field of electric mobility spanning more than 10 years. All powertrain components were developed solely by the BMW Group.

Moreover, the electric motor and the high-voltage batteries are produced in corporately owned manufacturing facilities. In this way, the BMW Group ensures it has a decisive influence on the product properties and the quality of each component. Furthermore, the drive unit and the high-voltage battery unit are flexibly scalable in terms of power and energy content and can thus be used in various different vehicle concepts and segments.

EfficientDynamics at its best
In the iX3, EfficientDynamics reaches a new level. The new technology comprises a drive unit in which electric motor, system electronics and transmission are brought together into a central housing. As a result, the required installation space of the drive technology and its weight are considerably reduced. The ratio between motor output and weight of the drive system improves around 30% compared to the previous generation.

BMW — *The iX3 will be the first model with 5th generation eDrive technology, followed by the i4 and the iNEXT in 2021.*

The electric motor installed in the iX3 delivers a maximum power output of 210 kW/286 hp. The torque of 400 Nm allows for high initial acceleration and keeps a high level even at the upper motor speeds because of exclusive BMW design measures. A further special feature of the electric motor being deployed in the iX3 for the first time is a construction method that eliminates the need for rare earth materials.

The electric motor transfers power to the rear wheels. This enables a further increase in drive system efficiency. Moreover, the range of the BMW iX3 benefits from the drive design conveying the traditional BMW rear-wheel drive experience.

BMW electrified models — *BMW’s electrified models in 2019*

Batteries with significant higher energy density
The high-voltage battery unit is based on the latest evolution in NMC-811 technology in BMW typical prismatic design. The BMW Group has outstanding development capabilities in this field. This know-how flows into precise specifications with regard to the use of materials and battery design, according to which the battery cells are produced. Consistent R&D work not only raises energy density but also constantly improves all battery cell characteristics, in particular also durability and safety.

Greater range because of high efficiency
With a net energy content of 74 kWh, the high-voltage battery pack achieves a range of more than 440 kms in the legislative WLTP test cycle. Within its segment, the iX3 boasts not only a unique low power consumption of less than 20 kWh/100 kms (accordingly to the WLTP test cycle) but also stands for a novel ratio between battery size and range.

Thanks to the favourable efficiency rating of the drive components and the high energy density of the high-voltage battery unit, the iX3 achieves a range that is only possible for common electric vehicles with larger and thus heavier batteries.

Final tribute to the Beetle in the US market (w/VIDEO)

A year after officially announcing the end of its production, Volkswagen has produced a final tribute to the iconic Beetle. Taking the celebration of life to the world stage, the ‘People’s Car” is honoured in an animated short film entitled ‘The Last Mile’. It will debut during ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020’ on an American TV station.

The animated film details the story of a boy whose major life events—from childhood to elderly age—are shaped and influenced by the presence of a Beetle. Fans of the classic-bodied car may recognize details of past advertising campaigns as well as pop culture references such as cameos from Kevin Bacon’s character in ‘Footloose’ and artist Andy Warhol.

A rendition of ‘Let it Be’, the 1970 Beatles song, performed by the Pro Musica Youth Chorus serves as the soundtrack throughout the animation. The film ends with a not-so-subtle wink and nod to Volkswagen’s electrified future.

“The Beetle is easily one of the most recognizable cars in the history of automobiles,” said Saad Chehab, Senior Vice-President, VW brand Marketing. “Honouring it properly required a medium with just as much versatility and universal appeal as the car itself. While we chose the classic Beetle as the star of the animation, additional campaign components in Times Square honour the latter two generations of cars and their place and presence in American culture. We are proud of our past but our eye is on the future – hence our choice of New Year’s Eve to hint at our upcoming long-range EV and the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport.”

The Atlas Sport SUV and the new Volkswagen brand logo.

Complementing the film’s debut during New Year’s Eve festivities in the USA, Volkswagen will adorn New York City’s Times Square with a celebration of films, messages, and hints at its future brand design, including the more modern Volkswagen logo. Utilizing multiple billboards and digital spaces, the future of the brand’s Drive Bigger messaging and images of the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport will be on full display as the clock ticks down to 2020.

10 PLUS toll plazas ready to accept payments via Touch ‘n Go’s RFID tag from Wednesday

PLUS is ready to accept toll payments using Touch ‘n Go’s RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system from this Wednesday, January 1, 2020. However, the electronic transaction will only be available at its toll plazas which have an Open System. These are for highways where a fixed rate is paid instead of the Closed System which charges by the distance travelled.

Only Class 1 privately-registered vehicles (light vehicles with 2 axles and 3 or 4 wheels except taxis) will be able to use their RFID tag at these toll plazas on PLUS-operated highways:

Jitra (North-South Expressway)
Lunas (Butterworth-Kulim Expressway)
Kubang Semang (Butterworth-Kulim Expressway)
Penang Bridge
Mambau (Seremban-Port Dickson Highway)
Lukut (Seremban-Port Dickson Highway)
Kempas (North-South Expressway)
Perling (Linkedua highway)
Lima Kedai (Linkedua highway)
Tanjung Kupang (Linkedua highway)

*Toll payment by RFID tags can also be made at the Penang Bridge from Wednesday.*

“The Touch ‘n Go RFID system, which uses an RFID-fitted sticker connected to the Touch ‘n Go eWallet, is the latest payment option that is currently being offered. It enables highway customers to perform online top-ups, eliminating the need to top-up at the designated reload centres,” said PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi.

Existing payment options still available
He added that more payment options are being developed via debit and credit cards as well as other eWallets. “Soon highway customers will have the option to switch to more payment modes when these features become available in the very near future,” said Encik Zakaria while giving assurance that the existing toll payment modes via Touch ‘n Go card or SmartTAG are still available on PLUS highways.

Toll transactions using the RFID tag can be done at the remaining 83 toll plazas with the Closed System from April 1, 2020.

He also clarified that the current RFID system at the Sultan Iskandar Building Toll Plaza (JB Causeway) can only be used for Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) payments for Singapore-registered vehicles.

Whichever payment mode is used, highway travellers are reminded to ensure that the balance in their TnG tollcard or eWallet is sufficient to cover the toll charges. Besides the PLUS website, Waze also now provides information on the amount of toll that will be incurred on a chosen or recommended route.

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Latest News

Mercedes-Benz CLA and two Teslas were ANCAP’s best performers in 2019

Porsche unveils the Belgian Legend Edition

First pictures of new Genesis GV80 SUV released, launching in Korea this month

5th generation BMW eDrive technology to debut in iX3 next year

Final tribute to the Beetle in the US market (w/VIDEO)

10 PLUS toll plazas ready to accept payments via Touch ‘n Go’s RFID tag from Wednesday

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