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Renault 5 E-Tech Electric: A Modern Twist on an Iconic Supermini

The star of this year’s Geneva Motor Show undoubtedly is the all-new Renault 5, marking the return of the iconic supermini to European roads, albeit with a twist—it’s now entirely electric.

Originally discontinued in 1996, the reimagined Renault 5, now dubbed the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, is poised to navigate the urban landscape with eco-friendliness in mind. Retaining much of the charm of its predecessor, the electric supermini boasts a retro-futuristic design, seamlessly blending nostalgia with modernity.

The exterior design pays homage to its heritage with cute headlights, vertical taillights, and prominent wheel arches reminiscent of its predecessor. Notably, the rear door handles are cleverly integrated into the C-pillars, creating the illusion of a three-door layout reminiscent of the original Renault 5. While past iterations offered both three and five-door variants, the new model opts exclusively for a five-door configuration, albeit with red body accents paying homage to the iconic R5 Turbo. Additionally, enthusiasts can anticipate a hot hatch variant in the form of the Alpine A290 slated for release later in 2024.

Inside, the Renault 5 features vertical stitching on the dashboard and rectangular air vents, evoking memories of the original model. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment display, available in either 7.0 or 10.0 inches, further enhance the retro-modern theme.

Despite its petite stature, the 2024 Renault 5 boasts ample cargo space, measuring 325 litres, and rides on large 18-inch wheels with 195/55 R18 tyres. Utilising the AmpR Small platform (formerly CMF-B EV), it strikes a balance between compact dimensions and practicality.

The Renault 5 packs either a 40.0-kilowatt-hour or 52.0-kWh battery, powering a front-mounted motor delivering between 95 to 150hp, depending on the chosen configuration. Range varies between 300 to 400km, with fast-charging capabilities allowing for quick replenishment.

Unique to its segment, the Renault 5 boasts a multi-link rear independent suspension, along with bidirectional charging, a heat pump, and brake energy recuperation technology for enhanced efficiency. Notably, the oversized 5 logo on the hood doubles as a battery charge indicator light—a clever touch.

With an entry price around €25,000 (RM129,659), the Renault 5 combines affordability with eco-consciousness, signalling a promising future for electric mobility. Produced in France, it sets the stage for the return of other iconic Renault models, including the R4 and the next-generation Twingo, both slated for electric reincarnations in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Off The Grid 2024 presented by Art of Speed Malaysia

The inaugural Off The Grid (OTG) event, held at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS) from February 23 to 25, 2024, proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 30,000 outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. Organised by the Art of Speed team, the event celebrated all things related to outdoor living, attracting a diverse crowd of visitors eager to explore the latest trends and offerings in the outdoor lifestyle scene.

The success of OTG was made possible through the support of various vendors, including well-known names such as Montanic Adventure Store, Anbot Store, CampGuru, Eiger Adventure, Pahlawan Store, and Outside Malaysia, among others. These vendors contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the event, offering a wide range of products and experiences tailored to outdoor enthusiasts’ interests.

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Sime Darby Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi Moving To New 4s Dealership In Balakong

Sime Darby Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi, a stalwart in the automotive industry, is gearing up for a transition as it prepares to relocate to its new 4S dealership in Balakong this March. With a remarkable 27-year tenure from 1997 to 2024, it stands as one of the oldest Auto Bavaria dealerships in Malaysia.

Throughout its illustrious history, this dealership has proudly represented the BMW brand, steadfast in its dedication to delivering automotive excellence and elevating customer satisfaction. Its unwavering commitment to the highest standards has earned it numerous accolades, including the prestigious BMW Excellence Club Award from BMW Group Malaysia.

To commemorate this milestone and celebrate the success of the dealership, former and current managing directors, dealer principals, sales, and administrative personnel from Auto Bavaria will gather at Sungai Besi to bid farewell to a legacy and herald the beginning of a new chapter.

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Tesla Expands Its Charging Network to Penang

Tesla has announced the expansion of its charging network to Penang, Malaysia, with the installation of two Destination Charging stations. Situated at The Ship Campus in Batu Kawan and All Seasons Place, these new stations mark a significant step in enhancing charging coverage across the country.

The addition of these charging stations enables Tesla owners to enjoy seamless cross-country charging experiences, spanning from Singapore to Johor and now Penang. Tesla’s Destination Charging stations offer convenient and reliable charging options for Tesla vehicle owners. With the simple act of plugging in, owners can benefit from free charging services. Moreover, the Tesla app allows users to monitor the charging status and receive notifications when their vehicles are fully charged and ready for use.

The newly installed Destination Charging Station at The Ship Campus boasts 8 Destination Chargers, while the station at All Seasons Place provides 4 Destination Chargers. This brings the total number of Destination Chargers in Penang to 12, offering ample charging opportunities for Tesla owners in the region.

Currently, Malaysia is equipped with 6 Supercharging stations and 8 Destination Charging stations, featuring a total of 30 Superchargers and 37 Destination Chargers across major cities. Tesla remains committed to further expanding its charging infrastructure in Penang and throughout Malaysia, ensuring comprehensive charging coverage for Tesla owners nationwide.

Gentari Partners with SEDC Energy for Sarawak Hydrogen Production Facility

Clean energy solutions provider Gentari Sdn Bhd, through its subsidiary Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd, has taken a significant step towards advancing Sarawak’s new energy ecosystem with the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCE). The agreement paves the way for the joint development of the Sarawak H2 Hub, a centralised hydrogen production facility located in Bintulu.

The ceremony, held at the Borneo Energy Transition Conference (BETC2024) in Kuching, was graced by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg. SEDCE, a subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, has been entrusted with spearheading the initiative, aligning with the state government’s commitment to promoting the adoption of new and cleaner energy sources.

The Sarawak H2 Hub, envisioned to be a global-scale hydrogen production hub, aims to serve as the primary supplier of green hydrogen for downstream facilities in the Bintulu division. A joint venture company formed by Gentari and SEDCE will oversee the management of the hub and optimise hydrogen production projects within the region.

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BYD YANGWANG U9 Officially Launched – 1,300hp, 0-100km/h in 2.36 Seconds

BYD, a renowned pioneer in new energy vehicles and power batteries, presents the debut of its first pure electric supercar model, the U9, under its high-end sub-brand, YANGWANG. Priced at 1.68 million RMB (RM1,114,756), the U9 is slated to commence deliveries starting this June.

Embodying the signature “Time Gate” design language, the YANGWANG U9 showcases a distinct aesthetic characterised by unique proportions, tension, and power, affirming its status as a true pure electric supercar.

Powered by two cutting-edge technologies – the e4 platform and the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System – the YANGWANG U9 redefines the pure electric supercar segment by seamlessly integrating track performance, street adaptability, and playful features.

The e4 Platform serves as the powerhouse, boasting four independent electric motors for agile and precise four-wheel torque output control. With a staggering 1,300hp and a maximum torque of 1680Nm, the U9 ensures the ultimate in safety, performance, and driving experience.

The BYD DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System marks another groundbreaking advancement, enabling the U9 to achieve unmatched adjustability with a maximum suspension travel of up to 75mm. Its rapid lifting capabilities, reaching up to 500mm/s, deliver unparalleled agility and comfort across various driving scenarios.

In performance tests, the YANGWANG U9 achieved remarkable feats, including a top speed of 309.19km/h and a blistering 0-100km/h acceleration in just 2.36 seconds. With rigorous track testing, the U9’s thermal management system has been optimised to withstand high temperatures, doubling the maximum cooling capacity.

Equipped with advanced aerodynamic packages, the U9 boasts a Super Carbon-fibre Cabin structure and next-generation Cell to Body (CTB) technology, ensuring unmatched torsional stiffness and comprehensive travel safety.

Inside the cockpit, the YANGWANG U9 features two 14-way adjustable seats for an enhanced driving experience, complemented by the Dynaudio Evidence Series high-end audio system, offering an immersive auditory journey. The 127-color ambient lighting system complements the twin dashboard, which gives passengers a cockpit-like feeling. A 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen with mini-LEDs that is not rotatable operates the infotainment system, while a 10.25-inch mini-LED digital instrument display faces the driver.

With its unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, YANGWANG sets a new benchmark in the supercar realm with its cutting-edge technologies and superior performance, promising uncompromising safety and an unparalleled driving experience for enthusiasts.