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Save money while switching to a more active and adventurous lifestyle with the Ford Ranger XLT

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There’s a lot of diversity in the motor vehicle market with different types of vehicles for different needs and budgets. ‘One size fits all’ or more correctly, ‘one type fits all needs’ seems impossible. A passenger car offer comfort and enjoyable driving but you won’t think of taking it off the highway. A pick-up truck is robust and can take almost any sort of terrain but the perception is that such vehicles are uncomfortable.

But there is one model which can offer the best of both worlds and that’s the Ford Ranger. Designed and engineered from the outset to be a true dual-purpose vehicle, it has a passenger car-like cabin with all the same conveniences (and more), generous load-carrying capacity, a 4×4 system that can tackle even the toughest terrain and of course, it’s Built Ford Tough.

The line-up of Rangers in Malaysia is wide with the XLT versions of offering the best value for money. In fact, the Ranger XLT was considered so superior to other pick-up trucks in the Malaysian market that its XLT Plus version won the Cars of Malaysia Award for the Twin Cab Pick-Up Truck of the Year in January this year. It has also won other awards including the International Pick-up of the Year in Europe.

Save up to RM9,000
From March 1 until May 31 2020, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion is offering special deals on three Ford Ranger models – the Ranger XLT with savings of RM9,000; Ranger XLT Plus with savings of RM7,188; and XLT Special Edition with savings of RM8,000.

Ford has many decades of experience building pick-up trucks and its F-Series model has been one of the biggest-selling vehicles in the world for years. Drawing on those decades of experiences, it developed the Ranger in 1995 and has constantly improved the model with each generation. In the 21^st century, it’s all about connectivity and smart technologies and the Ranger is right up to date with these features.

Two powertrain choices
The capability of the Ranger XLT has also increased with the latest turbodiesel engine in its XLT Plus variant with displacements of 2 litres, with outputs of 180ps/420Nm, delivering higher performance levels without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

In addition to these technologically advanced engines is Ford’s class-leading 10-speed automatic transmission, with performance and durability proven in applications as diverse as the F-150 pick-up and the latest Mustang. With 10 speeds and High and Low ranges, the Ranger has more flexibility on the move and also enhanced fuel economy.

Besides the robust 4×4 system that can be switched from 2WD to 4WD without stopping the vehicle (Shift-on-the-Fly), the Ranger XLT also has the capability of crossing waterways or floods that are up to 800 mm deep. Combined with 237 mm of ground clearance, there are probably very few places that the Ranger XLT can’t get across.

The spacious cargo area at the back and the 1,000-kg payload that can be carried means you can transport a lot of durians or a few mountain bikes. And lifting up the tailgate no longer requires a lot of strength with the Easy-Lift feature that makes the operation as easy as raising the bootlid of a car.

Easy transition from a passenger car
If you’ve never owned a pick-up truck before, the Ranger XLT and XLT Plus are ideal to make the transition from a passenger car. Step inside and you will feel like you’re in a passenger car with the comfortable and spacious interior. It has all the convenience features you enjoyed in your passenger car plus additional features to support an active lifestyle (which you will develop if you do not already have one!).

Ford’s SYNC infotainment is like an ‘invisible co-driver’, assisting in activating certain features by responding to simple voice commands, or via an 8-inch touchscreen. Mobile devices can be interfaced with the system which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can get Waze from your smartphone on the big screen for easier viewing. Or select your favourite music from Spotify.

No discrimination in safety
While many manufacturers saw pick-up trucks as being for commercial applications and provided minimal safety features, Ford has never looked at such vehicles that way. It has given the Ranger comparable (or even higher) levels of occupant protection as its passenger cars. This means not only airbags and active safety systems like ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) but also driver assistance systems like Hill Descent Control and Hill Launch Assist as well as a Rear View Camera. Rollover Mitigation and Adaptive Load Control also help maintain stability for the tall vehicle.

So are you ready to make 2020 the year when your lifestyle changes to a more active and adventurous one by switching to the Ford Ranger XLT? It’s ready for the demands of the modern world – tough and capable enough for the rough stuff on weekends and also stylish enough to travel to work the rest of the week.

Visit [https://www.sdacford.com.my/whats-new/promotions/xlt-family-promo] for more information on the Ford Ranger XLT or head to an authorised Ford showroom for you to try one.

2020 Honda BR-V gets updates in features and looks, to be launched before end of month

After 3 years in the Malaysian market, the Honda BR-V for 2020 gets a facelift to freshen its appearance with additional features for more convenience. Prices have not been announced but bookings for the model are now accepted at 100 Honda dealerships nationwide with deliveries to customers expected to begin before the end of this month.

Over 36,000 units have been sold nationwide which translated into a 45% market share in 2019, which helped the BR-V maintain its position as the leader in its non-national segment.

Honda BR-V World Premiere — *The BR-V was specially developed for ASEAN markets and had its world premiere in Indonesia.*

Honda Malaysia Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The BR-V was developed exclusively by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (HRAP) for the ASEAN market. It is also the first HRAP model in Malaysia. It caters to the increasing market demand for a 7-seater car that is spacious and versatile at the same time.”

“To continue offering high-quality products and meeting customer expectation, Honda Malaysia conducted market study and collected customer feedback that can help us understand our customers better. Armed with significant insight of the market, the New BR-V received exciting enhancements that are able to further captivate the hearts of Malaysians,” Mr. Ishiyama added.

The changes for 2020
The exterior of the BR-V has an updated front design with a new bumper, grille, lower bumper garnish and new front foglight garnish. There’s also a new rear lower bumper garnish, new shark fin antenna and the 16-inch alloy wheels have a new design as well.

For added convenience, the driver can now enjoy keyless entry and start/stop the engine with the push of a button. These are now standard features for both variants. New leather seat upholstery with a red accent is also introduced for a sporty touch.

No changes to the 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine are mentioned. This powerplant produces 120 ps/145 Nm, the highest output in its segment, giving the 7-seater BR-V brisk performance.

To locate an authorised Honda showroom in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.

Click here for other news and articles about Honda.

Renault MORPHOZ – the car that changes shape according to needs! (w/VIDEO)

The MORPHOZ concept is Renault’s vision of personal, shareable, electric mobility of the future. Drawing on the Alliance’s new modular CMF-EV 100% electric platform, it offers a number of different configurations for power, capacity and range, as well as user options and boot space.

The concept is faithful to the brand’s DNA embodying Renault’s Family Petal design strategy and heralds a new family of electric models over the coming years. It represents changes in technology, society, the environment and also human behaviour. The MORPHOZ also supports the carmaker’s strategy is to become a supplier of smart mobility solutions for the cities and regions of the future.

Dual use of batteries
Being an electric vehicle (EV), batteries are naturally at the core and with the MORPHOZ concept, Renault is now looking at a different area: the dual use of batteries. When not being used for driving, the batteries remain in the car but can power appliances in the house or the local area via smart charging devices and V2G (Vehicle to Grid) bi-directional technology.

Batteries used in the extended Travel mode are taken out of the vehicle and stored in a charging station for use in other vehicles or to power equipment such as self-service bicycle charging stations or street lighting.

With such a battery-sharing system, there is no need to produce batteries with a nominal 90 kWh capacity for every vehicle. Limiting production in this way is thus good for the carbon footprint and the environment.

The new neighbourhood ecosystem
The MORPHOZ embodies the Me/We concept which says that what is one person’s can be shared. It challenges the idea of the car as private and instead encourages shared use. It meets all the family’s requirements, meaning they don’t have to buy a second or even a third vehicle when it’s not necessary or need a larger vehicle for occasional reasons.

It meets the needs of new kinds of community that are developing around digital infrastructures, regenerative resources and social well-being. As a single vehicle which can also serve the communal well-being, it suits new patterns of living in these urban communities, such as the co-living trend in housing.

The sharing capabilities of the MORPHOZ are central to this philosophy, with the removal of keys and starting cards, for example. It also anticipates regulations which will soon insist on car-sharing for all cars. Everything is accessed using the smartphone, which works as a digital key. This makes sharing with other people easier without the need to swap keys; drivers instead receive an unlocking code which allows access and use of the vehicle for a pre-determined period.

Smart City ecosystem
As a symbol of Groupe Renault’s vision of electric mobility in the years after 2025, the MORPHOZ is a key part of the transformation to Smart Cities, where connected technologies, smart and open data, IoT devices, smart networks, new materials and clean energies can be used to design and build a positive future.

Its Level 3 driving autonomy enhances the safety of everyone by removing human error behind almost 90% of road accidents. Its sensors also detect pedestrians and cyclists, actively alerting the driver to them in manual mode, in order to avoid accidents.

Its electric powertrain helps to improve air quality and means it can be used in areas that are out of bounds to vehicles with internal combustion engines. The shorter City version is ideal for city traffic, with a reduced footprint and less extensive vehicle facilities.

Connectivity and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) recognises the driver on approach, activating a light sequence on the doors to indicate recognition, and unlocks/opens the doors. The cabin is crossed by a raised centre console which represents the ‘brain’ of the MORPHOZ. There is a special holder for the driver’s smartphone, which is then drawn into the console’s wooden panel to serve as the main data source. The AI will then, if authorised, use data and information from the smartphone to perform its tasks.

The AI lets the driver see the surrounding area by processing real-time data from external sensors and images from the vehicle cameras, especially the set which replace the door mirrors. Light displays on the inner doors and windows signal the presence of a pedestrian or a cyclist in the blind spot.

The social role of the AI on board is clear by the shared screen located between the seats on the centre console. This is where passengers can scroll through the music library on one of their smartphones or where they can play video games against each other. This screen also lets the users control the comfort of the cabin through the MULTI SENSE settings.

Like the new ZOE’s seat fabric, the cabin in the MORPHOZ uses a selection of recycled materials: wood for the dashboard, plastic for the inner doors and fabric for the seats.

Dedicated and adaptable electric platform
Like the CMF-B platform launched last year on the all-new Clio and used on the latest Captur, the CMF-EV allows engineers to design, build, adjust, and fine-tune electric vehicles more efficiently. The innovative architecture features a long wheelbase, reduced overhangs and a flat floor. A streamlined battery pack means the vehicle can be designed closer to the ground and with a lower roof to deliver improvements to aerodynamic performance.

The configurable concept can transform into two different modes: from the shorter City form to the longer Travel version. It is fully adaptable to fit the needs of drivers and passengers, with City mode fitted with the right battery capacity for day-to-day commuting or shopping while in Travel, it is able to accommodate the added capacity needed for long-distance journeys. The Travel Extender battery pack offers an additional 50 kWh of power, for a total capacity of 90 kWh and a total range of up to 700 kms.

2020 Renault Megane unveiled, with plug-in hybrid variant available for the first time

Bermaz Motor accepting orders for 2020 Mazda2, MX-5 RF and CX-9

In conjunction with the 100^th anniversary of Mazda this year, a selection of updated models has been announced by Bermaz Motor for the Malaysian market. The 2020 models are the Mazda2, CX-9 and MX-5 RF. Bookings are now accepted at Bermaz branches and authorized dealerships.

All new Mazda vehicles registered from January 1, 2019 onwards have a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty + 5 years of free scheduled maintenance (except for the BT-50 pick-up truck). Both the warranty and free scheduled maintenance have a mileage limit of 100,000 kms which will be applied if it occurs earlier than 5 years.

MAZDA MX-5 RF – from RM266,154
The MX-5 holds the Guinness World Record holder for the best-selling 2-seater sportscar of all time with over one million units produced, and the MX-5 RF is the highly desirable variant in the range. It comes with a retractable fastback (that’s what the ‘RF’ stands for) which gives it a unique look compared to having a traditional soft top.

For 2020, the MX-5 RF maintains the necessary characteristics of a driver’s car: lightweight, nimble and fun-to-drive. Most importantly, jinba-ittai gives the driver a sense of being one with the car, the way a rider and horse act in unison.

New convenience features within include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means drivers have greatly expanded range of apps which can be accessed via the MAZDA CONNECT Infotainment display.

Aligned with the premium positioning path of brand, the 2020 MX-5 RF receives an updated Mazda badging and fonts design. It has more i-Activsense safety features that include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support and Driver Attention Alert as standard.

ISOFIX mounts for a childseat on the passenger side with airbag cut-off function are also provided so the little one can accompany daddy or mummy on the long drives.

Built in Japan, the MX-5 RF is powered by a SKYACTIV-G petrol engine that produces 181 ps/205 Nm from its 2-litre displacement. Transmission options are either a SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

MAZDA2 – from RM103,670
Imported from Thailand, the Mazda2 is the model that welcomes drivers to the Mazda brand. Unlike most entry-level models, however, it has been developed on the concept of ‘a premium personal car that enriches everyday life’. Furthermore, its high quality is not only in assembly and materials but also in the quality of driving.

The 2020 Mazda2 has styling updates to freshen its looks, notably a new front grille design that has a similar styling concept as the grille on the some of the newer 7th generation products such as the Mazda3 and CX-30.

The front LEDs have new signature styling and on each corner are newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels with an enhanced texture and high-brightness paint. Like the MX-5 RF, the latest Mazda2 receives updated Mazda badging and fonts as part of the brand’s path to premium.

The interior offers a comfortable space with a new blue gray interior trim to create a sense of balanced quality and playfulness. The materials used have been carefully selected and are of a high quality.

The 2020 Mazda2 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard as well, so many of your smartphone apps (Waze, Google Maps, Spotify, etc) can be transferred onto the dashboard. The MAZDA CONNECT Infotainment display provides management and access to the apps with seamless connectivity.

As for driving dynamics, the G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system brings more advancements to the original G-Vectoring Control. This technology, first in the SKYACTIV-Vehicle Dynamics series, was the world’s first control system to vary engine torque in response to steering inputs. It helps to smoothen the car’s motion and uses the brakes to add direct yaw moment control for further enhanced handling stability. With GVC Plus, the driver can have a reassuring feeling of control when changing lanes on the highway or when driving on slippery surfaces.

Driving comfort has also been enhanced with a retuned suspension system for smoother movement. New structured front seats improve the driver’s sense of balance, contributing to the sense of unity with the car and making driving easier.

The SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission with Manual Shift mode transmission has been tuned for smoother acceleration which minimizes the head and body movements of passengers. As before, the Mazda2 uses a SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre engine that produces 114 ps/149 Nm.

MAZDA CX-9 – from RM319,610
The CX-9 is the flagship of the range and for 2020, it receives a few updates that focus on elevating the premium Mazda ownership experience. On the outside, the Mazda badging and fonts design are new and there’s a new gray metallic finish for the 20-inch aluminium wheels.

Inside the 3-row cabin, black leather seats with a new silver stitching finish give a rich feeling and premium ambience. Other standard features include an updated 9-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, Autohold function as well as i-Stop function, seatbelt reminders for 2nd and 3rd row passengers, and two extra USB charging ports at the third row.

The powerful turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T petrol engine produces 228 ps/420 Nm which is transferred to the wheels via a quick-shifting 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. Customers can choose to have 2-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The AWD variant has i-Activ all-wheel drive and the 2020 CX-9 is the first Mazda vehicle offered with the all-new Off-road Traction Assist feature. Replacing the traction control button, this feature can potentially help the driver when driving on uneven terrain. When the diagonal wheels lose traction, off-road traction assist will stop reducing the engine torque and increase the brake force on the wheels without traction. This transfers power to the wheels still on the ground to help allow the vehicle to regain traction and continue the drive.

G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) is also present as standard to improve steering response and complements the advanced safety technologies available. These are integrated in the i-ACTIVSENSE suite which includes Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist. The Smart City Brake Support is now updated with pedestrian detection support.

Visit www.mazda.com.my to locate a showroom in Malaysia to find out more or to make your booking.

Mazda starts 100th anniversary celebrations in Hiroshima

Shell launches new fully synthetic oil for compact car engines

Compact cars have always been popular in Malaysia and with the increasing volume of traffic on the roads and congestion in cities, they are certainly even more in demand. Furthermore, small cars are usually more affordable and economical to run.

However, the small engines in compact cars have to work quite hard too. Thankfully, with modern technologies, they are able to generate fairly high outputs which, with their lighter weight, gives brisk performance.

To ensure that these hardworking engines are well protected, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has launched a new low-viscosity, fully synthetic engine oil which is recommended for engines with capacities below 1200 cc.

The new Shell Helix ECO 0W-20 engine oil is specifically developed for small cars where the engines are often subjected to high stress, stop-start driving conditions in the city. It promises better fuel economy and superior protection for engine parts against wear and friction. It also features a low evaporation formula that always helps keep the engine well lubricated and protected.

“The new Shell Helix ECO, with its lower viscosity, can help lower fuel consumption and ensure a smoother ride. Car owners will now be able to enjoy savings from lower maintenance costs as it is a premium fully synthetic engine oil that is able to cleanse your engine as well as provide optimal engine protection until your next oil change,” said May Tan, General Manager, Shell Lubricants Marketing.

The new synthetic oil is available in a 3.5-litre pack which is the usual volume for a small car engine’s oil change. The pack has recommended retail prices of RM143.50 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM144.20 in Sabah and Sarawak. Besides Shell stations, it is also available at authorised Shell Helix workshops nationwide.

In conjunction with the launch of Helix ECO 0W-20 in Malaysia, every 3.5-litre pack comes with a free sunshade. This offer is valid from March 1 2020, while stocks last.

Shell Helix ECO 0W20 — *Official genuine Shell Helix products have the ‘Untuk Pasaran Malaysia’ label for assurance that they are formulated for Malaysian driving conditions.*

Customers who purchase genuine ‘Untuk Pasaran Malaysia’ Shell Helix from authorised Shell Helix workshops are entitled to participate in the unique Shell Advantage and Rewards (SHARE) programme. SHARE members are entitled to one pack of FREE Shell Helix engine oil for every 4 packs purchased from authorised retail outlets.

More information and related terms and conditions for promotions can be found at www.shell.com.my/helix.

Click here for other news and articles about Shell.

DS Techeetah dominates in Marrakesh round of Formula E

DS Techeetah driver and race winner Antonio Felix da Costa and his teammate Jean-Eric Vergne pulled off a double podium for DS in Marrakesh. Splitting the pair in second was BMW i Andretti Motorsport’s Max Guenther after a manic race in Marrakesh. Here’s how it all happened.

Poleman and DS Techeetah driver Antonio Felix da Costa led the way into the 2020 Marrakesh E-Prix, followed closely by the man who replaced him at BMW i Andretti Motorsport Max Guenther in second and Mercedes-Benz EQ’s Nyck de Vries in third.

Starting from 11th, reigning champion and DS Techeetah driver Jean-Eric Vergne moved up the order to seventh, desperate to kickstart his third championship title campaign. At the same time, Mercedes’ Nyck de Vries dropped from third to the back while serving a drive-through penalty for being overpowered while regenerating energy.

Moving into third, TAG Heuer Porsche’s Andre Lotterer moved up into third with 28 minutes left on the clock. With Da Costa still leading the way, Guenther followed close behind in second. Still climbing up the order, Vergne moved into third, slipping past his former teammate Andre Lotterer who moved down into fourth. Despite missing the first Practice session, the reigning champion was in a potentially facing a podium finish after starting outside the top ten.

Battling hard for the lead, BMW’s Max Guenther and da Costa once again found themselves engaged in close-combat, wheel-to-wheel racing. Reminiscent of the race in Santiago only a few weeks before, the pair went side by side through the turn 11.

ATTACK MODE used
With 19 minutes remaining, Guenther slipped into the lead before da Costa went through the ATTACK MODE activation zone, reclaiming his lead with the added 35 kW. Further down the order, Rokit Venturi Racing’s Edoardo Mortara and Porsche’s Andre Lotterer battled for fourth and fifth, both in ATTACK MODE.

Still climbing his way up the order, Vergne (in third) went for Guenther (in second), taking the German driver on the inside of Turn 1 and moving into second behind his teammate da Costa with six minutes and one lap left of the race. Gunther, now down in third sat ahead of Lotterer in fourth, while the two German drivers jostled for a place on the podium.

Despite starting from the back of the grid, Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver and championship leader Mitch Evans had managed to climb 18 places by the final moments of the race. The Kiwi driver failed to set a time in Qualifying but more than made up for the rough start with a sensational, clean drive through the pack.

With the two DS Techeetah’s up front, Vergne fended off a number of attacks from Guenther in third, costing him precious energy, before letting the BMW driver past. Still well ahead, da Costa took the chequered flag, claiming DS Techeetah’s debut win in the 2019/20 season. Despite being depleted of all energy, Gunether made it over the line in second with Vergne close on his tail in third.

Can the next round be held in Italy?
The sixth round of the Formula E championship is to be held in Rome on April 4. However, with the increasing seriousness of the COVID-19 epidemic, especially in Italy, it is almost likely that the venue will not be suitable.

So far, the FIA has not made further moves to postpone or cancel championship rounds other than the F1 GP in China. Formula E has 13 rounds, with 8 rounds remaining between now and July. If the epidemic gets worse, countries may have travel or entry restrictions or, like the Swiss government has done, forbid events with large crowds. Teams may also be reluctant to travel if there is a health risk to their personnel.