Looks like the folks from Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival’s Toyota Vios Challenge are still pumped up with racing passion as they will be taking part in the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K) this weekend at the glorious Sepang International Circuit. (more…)
When the KAI concept was displayed at the Mazda stand during the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, it was already known to be a preview of the new Mazda3 generation. Besides showing the promise of more advanced SKYACTIV technologies – including the sophisticated SKYACTIV-X engine – the KAI concept was already generating a lot of positive anticipation for the new Mazda3 that was launched in 2018.
The expectations were not disappointed and the Mazda3 has impressed in every market where it has been launched. As it is the time of the year when ‘Car of the Year’ awards are handed out, the Mazda3 has already collected a few with two awards in the space of one week in two difference countries. Earlier, the Mazda model was also picked as 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year by a panel which consisted only women.
This week, the Thai Automotive Journalists Association announced it as their Car of the Year, the second time a Mazda has been voted ‘Thailand Car of the Year’, after the Mazda CX-3 in 2016. The model, which is manufactured in Thailand, went on sale in May this year.
Today, it was also announced as the ‘China Car of the Year 2020‘, the first time a Mazda has won the award. The Mazda3 received the most votes from a panel of 38 judges who considered 10 nominees from 194 models that were launched in mainland China.
Apart from the appeal of the matured Kodo design language, the latest Mazda3 adopts the new SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture which enhances vehicle dynamics while also giving a more natural sense of balance. Based on its philosophy of designing the car around the human being, Mazda has dramatically enhanced the model’s fundamental driving attributes to make accelerating, turning and braking feel completely natural.
For the Malaysian market, Bermaz Motor offers both the sedan and hatchback versions with two different SKYACTIV-G petrol engine options – 1.5 litres (118 ps/153 Nm) and 2.0 litres (162 ps/213 Nm). Prices range from RM139,620 to RM160,059.
To find out yourself why this new Mazda is winning awards, visit www.mazda.com.my to locate a showroom in Malaysia for a test-drive.
Hyundai Motor Company has dropped one of the best news bombs we’ve heard in a long while and it has something to do with putting a mid-engine sports car into production. The RM19 Racing Midship Sports Car was officially unveiled at the 2019 AutoMobility LA and it looks simply breath-taking. (more…)
It’s been a busy month for Lexus on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. At the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, the brand unveiled the LC500 Convertible and today, at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China, it is presenting its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the UX 300e. The new model is scheduled to go on sale in the Chinese and European markets next year, and in Japan early in 2021.
Electrified vehicles are not new to Lexus though as the company offered a hybrid variant of the RX400 in 2005. It is now making a bigger leap in electrification in tandem with the Toyota Group’s direction with its global electrification strategy called ‘Lexus Electrified’.
The technology of Lexus Electrified
In particular, the technology of Lexus Electrified enables integrated control of powertrain, steering, suspension, and brakes, realizing the ultimate potential of the motor control technology cultivated in hybrid vehicles. With this technology, there can be control of the driving force to provide ideal vehicle posture according to each driving situation. The high-performance level of the GA-C platform is enhanced with additional braces and optimization of the shock absorbers’ damping force to match the dynamic changes of electrification.
As the first production model under the Lexus Electrified banner, the all-electric UX 300e was developed for excellent on-road performance. Lexus engineers kept the distinctive design and the utility characteristics of the UX crossover intact, and focused on the opportunities to build on the performance advantages unique to EVs.
The Drive Mode Select function lets drivers enjoy smooth acceleration and deceleration according to their situation. There is powerful acceleration and instant torque of the electric powertrain with 4 levels of deceleration regeneration during braking.
400-km range with zero emissions
The UX 300e’s high-output motor, which generates 150 ps/300 Nm, provides a natural-yet-brisk acceleration character, and the high-capacity battery pack located directly underneath the floor of the cabin delivers a low centre of gravity with the promise of a 400-km driving range.
While BEVs are naturally quiet, the UX 300e adds insulation beyond just the battery and suppresses outside noises such as wind or pebbles which would be otherwise noticeable in the absence of an engine and transmission. It is said to have one of the quietest cabins in its class, as befits the sound management heritage of the Lexus DNA.
At the same time, the engineers also focused on sound while driving to provide a natural feeling. Active Sound Control (ASC) transmits natural ambient sounds to allow for understanding of driving conditions, while providing a natural ambience for the cabin’s occupants.
Connected to the max
The Lexus engineering team also adopted the latest connectivity technology to maximize everyday usability and the functionality with smartphones. By linking to a smartphone using a dedicated app, drivers can check the battery state of charge and driving range. Charging controls are also included such as timer function to inform the owner when the vehicle will be fully charged or to schedule the charging according to when the vehicle is expected to be driven next. The app also allows the owner to remotely control various convenience functions such as the air-conditioner, seat heaters, and window defrosters.
For more information on Lexus models in Malaysia, visit www.lexus.com.my.
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The seventh concept car of the Volkswagen ID. family has just been unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show and it’s called the Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion. As the name intended, the vehicle defines a completely new segment by combining aerodynamic properties of a Gran Turismo with the ample space commonly associated with SUVs. (more…)
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