A male victim was left in disbelief upon learning that his two-year-old car had been sold to a new owner located 100km away, just days after he surrendered the car to repossessors. What began as an attempt to recover his car turned into a distressing ordeal, as he faced challenges in obtaining police support.
According to NST, the victim stated that a group of five agents arrived at his house while he was asleep, claiming to be there to ‘repossess’ his car. They demanded a payment of RM3,770, despite his outstanding debt being around RM2,000. Concerned about potential blacklisting and dubious practices, he hesitated. The agents, purported representatives of the credit company, failed to provide any documentation verifying their identities.
The victim was taken to a police station, where one of the agents provided a statement to the officer at the counter. Without fully understanding the situation, the victim was asked to sign a report relinquishing his car to an unnamed person and absolving himself of all responsibilities associated with the car.
Nine days after his car was repossessed, he settled his outstanding dues and requested the return of his car. However, the situation escalated when the agents demanded an additional RM3,000 for the car’s return. Later, he discovered that his car had been sold to a third party, who demanded RM5,000 for its return.
In the dynamic realm of electric vehicles (EVs), China’s automotive prowess takes centre stage with the unveiling of the HiPhi A. While brands like Rimac and Tesla have set the pace for high-performance EVs, the HiPhi A promises a spectacle that eclipses its counterparts. Let’s be honest here, the HiPhi A is definitely one of the best-looking EV supercars, besides the Rimac Nevera.
Building upon the foundation laid by the HiPhi Z liftback sedan revealed by Human Horizons the previous year, the HiPhi A not only retains its predecessor’s structural essence but amplifies both power and visual impact. Transformed into a tri-motor powerhouse, the HiPhi A boasts a staggering 1,287hp, distributing its formidable might among all four wheels – a leap that nearly doubles the power of the dual-motor Z.
The HiPhi A, equipped with a single rear motor and dual fronts, achieves the 0 to 100km/h sprint in just over 2 seconds. This not only positions the A as a formidable contender but also challenges the acceleration prowess of the Tesla Model S Plaid, which claims a 1.99-second dash to 100km/h. While the Plaid boasts a higher top speed at 320km/h compared to the A’s 300km/h, such velocities are often beyond the reach of everyday driving scenarios.
In collaboration with WESAIL New Energy Automotive, HiPhi elevates the A’s performance further with features like rear-wheel steering, adaptive damping, and torque-vectoring capabilities. The result is a 15 per cent improvement in cornering performance and a 10 per cent boost in braking efficiency compared to its less extreme counterpart, the Z. The already striking exterior of the HiPhi A receives additional enhancements, including a prominent rear wing, broader wheels and tires, matte paint, and generous use of carbon fibre trim.
While details regarding pricing and the model’s potential availability remain undisclosed, prospective buyers can anticipate a premium cost comparable to that of the Porsche Taycan when the HiPhi A hits the market. The arrival of this electrifying powerhouse is sure to make waves and reshape expectations in the competitive landscape of high-performance electric vehicles.
As the use of electrified vehicles grows, Toyota is prioritising the creation of a circular economy, particularly focusing on the batteries used in its vehicles. The company aims to establish a circular ecosystem for batteries, aligning with its broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Toyota’s approach includes developing resource-efficient and long-lasting batteries during their first phase of life, facilitating reuse in automotive or non-automotive applications during their second life, and ultimately recycling them in a sustainable manner.
Toyota is implementing the concept of “Battery 3R” – Reduce, Rebuilt/Reuse, and Recycle – to represent the circular path. The company is accelerating global efforts in collaboration with various partners and considering local battery production in each region. The goal is not only to support vehicle development but also to contribute to local communities.
Recently, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia hosted a trip to Penang for members of the media to drive some of their SUVs. We were paired with the EQB350 4MATIC. Yes, this was a little bit worrisome due to the fact that this SUV does not boast a long range when it comes to interstate travelling.
Let’s begin with the specs before we go further ahead. With two motors, the EQB 350 produces a total of 292PS and 520Nm of torque. Its energy is contained within a 66.5kWh, 420-volt lithium-ion battery pack. It includes an 11kW charger by default, and it takes around five hours and 40 minutes to fully charge the battery using the 11kW three-phase charging outlet. The 10% to 80% charge using DC charging at 100kW will take about 30 minutes, and a 15-minute charge will add 140km to the range with the said DC charger.
Obviously, when we were first handed the keys to the EQB, it was fully charged with a range of 370km. The drive was from Terra Camp Cafe, Petaling Jaya to The Prestige Hotel, Penang, which is approximately 360km and takes around four hours to reach. Of course, when reviewing the time and travelling distance, we took into consideration the road and weather conditions.
To make things more interesting, we were paired with a member from another publication and had to swap drivers halfway. So with this, we also had to take into consideration driving styles.
In terms of size, the dimensions of the EQB 350 are 1,834mm in width, 1,667mm in height, 4,684mm in length, and 2,829mm in wheelbase. Which means it is roughly about the same size as the GLB. This seven-seater model has a luggage capacity of 465 to 1,620 litres with the seats folded, with an additional 190 litres of room available thanks to a second-row bench that slides 140mm. Now, since there were only two of us, there was no need for us to use that much luggage space. But we could have easily fit five to seven travel-sized suitcases if we wanted to.
The interior was a little bit of a letdown with its wobbly air conditioning vents and buttons/rollers on the steering wheel that did not feel all that smooth. However, it comes with Artico synthetic leather and Cupertino fabric, and the steering wheel is upholstered in Nappa leather. It does not scream luxury but it does the job of giving you the feel of sitting in a Mercedes-Benz.
With this being an electric vehicle (EV), you can expect the interior to be quiet. But it was not. Bear in mind that this was not built for speed because it maxes out at 160km/h. However, it has 520Nm of torque, and it accelerates really well and you won’t even realize that you’re already hitting the max speed.
But, it is because of this, that you get a lot of road noise leaking into the interior. But we didn’t mind it because we had our Apple CarPlay connected for us to vibe to great tunes and for easy navigation.
We also tested out the different driving modes which were Individual, Eco, Comfort, and Sports modes. As expected, Sports mode is a battery drainer. It allows you to steer more precisely and makes the car feel more alive. To us, Comfort mode was the best selection for this long journey. It still gave us enough torque to overtake other cars and especially lorries that were hogging the middle lane.
The suspension though was typically Mercedes-Benz, brilliantly comfortable to the point that we did not really feel much of the bumps and imperfect roads. It kept us in place so we were not bouncing around our seats when it came to driving over multiple rumble strips.
We had to make a pit stop at Tambun, Perak for a quick charge because we only had around 113km left in the EQB 350 and we had 160km of travelling left to do.
We departed PJ at 12:50 pm and reached Tambun at about 3:20 pm, which was not too bad but we could have done it a bit faster if we did not have to consider battery preservation.
We hooked it up to a 100kW DC charger for about 30 to 40 minutes, which gave us an additional 210km of range. So, in total, we had about 323km of range.
As soon as we left Tambun, it startedpouring hard, to the point where we could barely see the roads, the traffic was heavier than ever, and it was flooded in some parts. This caused a huge delay in our arrival time. Those who drove the petrol SUVs reached at least an hour ahead of us.
Thankfully, the EQB is equipped with a driving assistance package that includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Function, Active Brake Assist, and Extended Automatic Restart in traffic jams for added safety. Moreover, there is an anti-theft alarm system, an interior monitoring system, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and the Parking Package with a 360-degree camera configuration and Park Assist. This really assisted us throughout the entire journey and kept us away from disaster during the horrid weather.
Even on wet roads, it handled corners like a champ and we felt safe taking corners at high speeds, following the speed limit, of course.
Now, most people who aren’t well-versed in EV operations would probably say that the traffic jam will eat up your battery usage and lower the range. Actually, according to research, even when delayed in traffic with the air conditioning, music, and headlights on, electric cars can effectively maintain their battery power. Think of it as a smartphone on standby, it can go on and on with very little battery consumption. So, our range anxiety wore off because now we did not actually have to worry about the range.
Eventually, we reached our destination at 6:30 pm with 140km of range left. Which was not too bad at all. We could still drive around for some sightseeing. One thing is for sure, we were really comfortable throughout the whole drive and did not really feel fatigued. The comfort level in the EQB 350 is exceptional and is well-suited for long drives.
Although we had to make a stop to get it charged up, we still enjoyed the comfortable journey. But it’s not every day that you drive up to 400km, so if you’re thinking about getting an EV SUV that can host your family for below RM400,000, this would be a good choice. You just have to do some proper planning for those interstate journeys.
Lamborghini introduces the Huracán STO SC 10° Anniversario, a spectacular Lamborghini Ad Personam Opera Unica commemorating a decade of Squadra Corse excellence and the intrinsic link between Lamborghini’s road range and the motorsport world. This special edition features a unique performance kit and a dedicated livery inspired by the Lamborghini SC63, a hybrid prototype set to grace prestigious endurance races in the 2024 season.
The two-tone livery, blending Verde Mantis (green) and Nero Noctis (black), adorned with a tricolor band spanning the “cofango” and roof, pays homage to Lamborghini’s upcoming Hypercar/GTP class contender. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Squadra Corse, both doors proudly display the “Squadra Corse 10° Anniversario” logo, highlighting the Motorsport division’s remarkable achievements.
Enhancing the Huracán STO SC 10° Anniversario’s aesthetics is a full carbon fibre package with a striking Rosso Mars (red) stripe, providing a dynamic and sporty appearance. The interior, tailored for track use, boasts Nero Ade (black) Alcantara sport seats with Verde Fauns (green) stitching, four-point seat belts, and an aluminum roll bar for enhanced safety. The cabin features a carbon fibre floor covering and an exclusive plaque certifying the car’s uniqueness.
Setting a new standard for road-legal vehicles, Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse engineers have crafted a performance kit, drawing from a decade of track expertise. Aerodynamic enhancements include front carbon fibre flicks on the bonnet and a rear wing with an increased angle, significantly boosting downforce at both ends. The car’s mechanical grip is elevated with four-way adjustable racing-derived shock absorbers, providing precise control over rebound and compression at various frequencies.
Collaborating with Bridgestone, Lamborghini has developed bespoke tires with a new compound, ensuring optimal performance and durability lap after lap. Completing the package is the Akrapovic titanium exhaust, amplifying the symphony of the Sant’Agata Bolognese V10 engine. The Huracán STO SC 10° Anniversario stands as a testament to Lamborghini’s commitment to innovation, performance, and the enduring legacy of Squadra Corse.
In a bid to wrap up the year on a high note, Honda Malaysia has rolled out an enticing year-end sale for its popular Honda City. Adding an extra layer of exclusivity, the company is offering a special promotion exclusively for government servants, providing an excellent opportunity for public sector employees to drive home their dream car at a remarkable price.
The focus of this exclusive promotion is on the City E and V variants, which are now available with an additional RM1,800 discount. While this may seem modest at first glance, the real value becomes apparent when you factor in the ongoing November 2023 promotion. For both the City E and V variants, customers can enjoy a discount of RM4,000, coupled with a complimentary Ecotint window film valued at RM2,200. This combination results in a substantial total discount and added feature value of RM8,000.
