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Merdeka Spirit Shines Bright at MSPAE’s ‘Fun Drive with Gurpuri Kids’

The run-up to Malaysia’s 68th Independence Day received a spirited and high-octane boost as the Malaysia Singapore Punjabi Automotive Enthusiasts (MSPAE) hosted their charity event, Fun Drive with Gurpuri Kids, at SSU Kelab Aman.

The gathering, held just a week before Hari Merdeka, brought together more than 30 children from the Gurpuri Foundation for a day filled with speed, excitement, and camaraderie. Staying true to its motto of Unity Through Motoring, MSPAE created an atmosphere that mirrored the national theme of unity, showcasing a fleet of cars and bikes that ranged from sleek modern supercars to cherished classics. For the children, many of whom had only dreamt of stepping inside such machines, the experience of being driven in them was nothing short of magical.

Beyond the thrill rides, the event also fulfilled a greater purpose, raising RM5,000 for the Gurpuri Foundation. The funds will go towards the foundation’s mission of providing shelter, education, and care to underprivileged children.

The programme began with a grand arrival and welcoming speeches, before moving into an afternoon of lively activities. The young guests took part in football and netball matches, a Hockey Shoot-Out, and various telematch games that kept the energy levels soaring. Adding to the day’s inspiration were appearances from two distinguished figures. National rally legend and multiple Malaysian Rally Champion, Karamjit Singh – affectionately known as the Flying Sikh – spoke to the children about perseverance and the pursuit of speed, while Dr Ranmeet Jassal, Miss Universe Malaysia Finalist, shared an empowering message that encouraged them to embrace independence and chase their ambitions.

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Chery Malaysia Opens Early Registration for the New Chery O5

Chery Malaysia is preparing to unveil the new Chery O5, inviting the public to register their interest ahead of its official reveal later this month. As one of the brand’s most recognisable global models, the O5 has already built a strong following thanks to its futuristic styling, dynamic performance, and advanced safety features. The latest version aims to elevate the experience even further with a bolder design, refined driving dynamics, and a suite of new technologies.

Visually, the new Chery O5 makes a strong impression with its redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels that add a sharper edge to its stance. Beneath the surface, a multi-link rear suspension has been introduced to ensure improved comfort and a smoother ride, particularly over Malaysian roads.

Step inside, and the cabin combines sophistication with practicality. Faux leather seats with front ventilation provide comfort, while the interior’s centrepiece is a striking 20.5-inch integrated dual screen. The system comes seamlessly connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supported by a wireless charger and dual-zone automatic climate control, ensuring that both driver and passengers remain connected and comfortable.

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Hyundai Motor Group Pushes Boundaries with Animal-Free Leather Innovation

Hyundai CRADLE, the global open innovation hub of Hyundai Motor Group, has embarked on a new partnership with biomaterials specialist UNCAGED Innovations to introduce a next-generation leather alternative for automotive interiors. The collaboration marks a significant step in the Group’s ongoing commitment to material innovation and environmental responsibility, further reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable mobility.

The joint effort is focused on co-developing bio-based leather substitutes designed to meet the high demands of the automotive industry. This breakthrough material offers a sustainable solution that not only rivals the feel and quality of traditional animal leather but also drastically reduces its environmental footprint. According to Hyundai, the new product consumes 95 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, requires 89 per cent less water, and uses 71 per cent less energy compared to conventional leather production, all while maintaining durability, texture, and a sense of luxury.

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Audi Concept Car Leak Hints at Bold New Design Language and Future EV Sports Car

Audi’s upcoming concept car, set for its public unveiling next week in Milan and at the Munich Motor Show, has surfaced online ahead of schedule after a leak revealed the model in full. The image, which briefly appeared as the cover photo on Audi Canada’s official Facebook page before being removed, was swiftly reposted on Instagram by automotive insider Wilco Blok, giving enthusiasts an early look at the coupe.

The still-unnamed concept adopts a sharp, blocky silhouette complemented by slim lighting elements at both ends. Its narrow headlights carry a resemblance to those on the E5 from Audi’s Chinese-market sub-brand, while the rear incorporates thin tail-lights and, uniquely, louvres in place of a conventional windscreen – a detail teased in a video released by Audi over the weekend.

The brand has been promoting the upcoming car under the slogan “Strive for clarity”, referencing some of its design icons including the original TT, the 1991 Avus Quattro concept, and the legendary Auto Union Type C and D Grand Prix racers of the 1930s. These nods to heritage appear intended to highlight the philosophy behind Audi’s next era of design, which will debut with this concept.

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Volvo XC70 Debuts as Brand’s First Long-Range Plug-in Hybrid with Over 200km EV Range

Volvo Cars has introduced the all-new XC70, its first long-range plug-in hybrid SUV, and the model arrives with a milestone: an all-electric driving range of more than 200km under the CLTC cycle. This marks the longest zero-emissions capability of any Volvo plug-in hybrid to date, signalling the brand’s next step towards a more sustainable product portfolio.

The XC70 is underpinned by Volvo’s new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) platform, engineered specifically for long-range plug-in hybrids. The model has been designed to meet growing customer demand for extended-range electrified vehicles, particularly in China where pre-orders have already begun. Volvo Cars has confirmed that Europe will follow later, bringing the SUV to a wider audience in due course.

Fast charging is one of the car’s defining features, allowing the battery to be replenished from 0 to 80 per cent in just 23 minutes. The SUV also supports bi-directional charging, meaning the onboard battery can serve as a portable power bank for devices and appliances, particularly useful for outdoor activities and camping. With its efficient hybrid system, the XC70 is capable of covering more than 1,200km when combining its electric drive with the combustion engine, offering both flexibility and peace of mind for longer journeys.

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Review: Chery Tiggo Cross – Small In Size, Big On Value!

If you don’t understand the automotive segments, don’t fret, it took me a while too. I have been reviewing cars and motorcycles for the better half of 20 years and sometimes I still get it wrong.

So just as a quick refresher, the A-segment generally refers to small cars such as the Perodua Axia. After that is the B-segment which are for sub-compact cars such as the Honda City and Toyota Vios.

Then there is the C-segment with more spacious interiors, better-equipped interiors and include cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and the Mazda 3.

The D-segment are for larger sedans such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Past that is the E-segment for luxury sedans and of course it goes up to the F-segment.

But these days it is not as straightforward as it seems. You have the SUVs that are also defined by their segments and crossovers just muddy everything.

And then there are cars like the Chery Tiggo Cross, which sit in between segments because of its size and specifications. It is technically a B-segment SUV, but some argue that it could even nudge into the C-segment thanks to its features and generous size.

It’s not difficult to understand why some may say that because it really does have a list of features that more expensive cars struggle to match.

But let’s follow the rules and position it as a B-segment SUV, and it has its work cut out for it as the segment includes such heavyweights as the Perodua Ativa, Honda WR-V, Honda HR-V, and the new Proton X50.

We recently drove it to Terengganu and back.

The Chery Tiggo Cross is available in two variants – the Turbo and the Hybrid. And we drove both of them. We drove the Turbo to Tanjung Jara in Terengganu, and the Hybrid back to KL. The distance good enough to properly have a feel for what the Tiggo Cross has to offer.

For some context, the Tiggo Cross Turbo is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged aluminium engine producing 147PS and 210Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The official fuel consumption figure for the Turbo is rated at 6.3-litres per 100km. (more…)