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Average Monthly orders for New Isuzu D-MAX are 100% higher than for previous generation

Despite the difficult market conditions that affect the auto industry, demand for new vehicles continues although perhaps not as strongly as usual at the moment. However, for Isuzu Malaysia, the D-MAX has been showing strong demand with orders for the pick-up truck rising by over 100%. This mirrors the situation in other markets where the vastly-improved model has been launched.

Since being launched in April this year, the third generation of the D-MAX has seen average monthly bookings of over 1,200 units. With the previous generation, Isuzu Malaysia received around 500 bookings each month. According to Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Masayuki Suzuki, this trend is identical in such markets as Australia, New Zealand and Thailand where sales growth have also multiplied. Many buyers have been impressed by the sporty and versatile vehicle which has a fresh design, enhanced ergonomics and improved engineering.

“This all-new D-MAX phenomenon that has swept the various markets has been somewhat overwhelming. Needless to say, the attractive design, new and improved features and proven Isuzu reputation contributed significantly towards convincing customers to switch or upgrade to this all-new D-MAX model with its excellent value and a generous suite of features,” he said.

Lower roadtax with 1.9-litre engine size
The 1.9-litre D-MAX Premium with automatic transmission has been the most popular choice, accounting for close to 36% percent of the bookings. Although its 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine, fully compatible with Malaysia biodiesel, has a displacement which is the lowest in the market yet, the actual output is comparable to bigger engines. The engine size also makes the D-MAX popular especially to those in Peninsular Malaysia as the annual roadtax is significantly lower. In fact, 61% of overall sales have been in Peninsular Malaysia, a reverse of the traditional 60:40 balance where East Malaysia absorbed a bigger share of the vehicles.

*Two turbodiesel engine choices for the latest D-MAX. The engines have been tuned to run efficiently on biodiesel sold throughout Malaysia.*

D-MAX X-Terrain – the flagship truck
The new flagship model – the X-Terrain – powered by an improved 3-litre turbodiesel engine that offers significantly more refinement and performance. It accounts for some 17% of the total D-MAX and, despite the higher roadtax applicable, more than half of all the X-Terrain sales have come from Peninsular Malaysia.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems include Rear Cross Traffic Alert which is useful when reversing out of a parking bay as vehicle approaching from either side can be detected even though the driver’s view may be obstructed.

Passenger car features in comfortable cabin
Part of the reason, apart from having comparable features to a passenger car, is the comfort and refinement in the cabin. The superior handling both on and off road also make it particularly popular with lifestyle buyers. And safety too is not forgotten as Isuzu has provided Advanced Driving Assistance Systems to help the driver avoid accidents or reduce the effects of collisions if they cannot be avoided.

While the all-new Isuzu D-Max has made inroads into the lifestyle segment with its appealing new design and ergonomics, 81% of new owners have stated that they would utilize their trucks for both work too, underlining the inherently robust nature of Isuzu products.

“The response to this new model has been extremely positive considering the limited opportunities `prospects have had to fully experience the new model due to the strict movement controls and safety protocols. Our current aim is to ensure the smooth, safe and timely delivery of vehicles to our customers despite the various administrative and logistical concerns faced domestically and globally,” said Mr. Suzuki.

To find out more about why the latest D-MAX is a true game-changer and the variety of variants available to suit different requirements and budgets, visit the Isuzu D-MAX website at pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my or their Facebook page.

F1/Round 9: Highlights & Provisional Results For 2021 Austrian Grand Prix

As the cars lined up on the starting grid, Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel did not take the eighth position he qualified in as he was given a 3-place penalty due to obstruction to Alpine’s Fernando Alonso during qualifying. This moved him down to 11th place.

Spectators were allowed into the Red Bull Ring, a big contrast from last year when the stands were empty. A large contingent of Dutch fans were cheering for Max Verstappen, who started from pole position.

As the lights turned green, the Red Bull driver got off to a great start up the slope, as McLaren’s Lando Norris dived in behind. However, Turn 3 saw Esteban Ocon caught between Haas F1’s Michael Schumacher and Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi, which resulted in his suspension being damaged and disabling his car.

Out came the Safety Car to convoy the racers as crews worked to get the Alpine out of the way, the first non-finisher of the race. Pirelli said the early Safety Car would favour the soft tyre runners by reducing wear and degradation at a crucial point in the race, when the cars were full of fuel.

The clearing operation was quick and by lap 4, the Safety Car was back in, and racing resumed. Verstappen shot off, and Norris found Sergio Perez, who had closed in while in convoy, starting to pressure him for the position. But the McLaren driver held his place tight and Perez had no choice but to go wide – into the gravel – and dropped down the field to around tenth. His departure allowed Lewis Hamilton to slot into third place.

The incident between Norris and Perez attracted the attention of the Stewards who discussed it and decided that the McLaren driver would receive a 5-second penalty. The news probably distracted Norris and additional bad news was that Hamilton had managed to sneak past him as well. As Hamilton took over second place, his team mate Valtteri Bottas started to close in on Norris as well, aiming to move him another place down.

Verstappen was 10 seconds away from Hamilton and was nearing the back markers, so things would get tricky.

On lap 31, Norris and Bottas came into the pits together. With the time penalty Norris had to serve, Bottas was able to get off ahead of the McLaren back onto the track. Verstappen also came in for hard tyres.

At the halfway mark, only two drivers – Carlos Sainz and Kimi Raikkonen – had yet to come into the pits. Both had started on hard tyres. All the other drivers had come in and returned, and Verstappen had a lead of 15 seconds.

The duel for seventh was a close fight between McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo, Perez and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. As the Ferrari driver tried to get past Perez, contact occurred and Leclerc got bumped off into the gravel. Commentators expected that Perez would – or should – get the same penalty as Norris as the incident was largely similar.

On lap 47, Leclerc had caught up with Perez and tried again to get past – and the same departure from the track occurred! Perez was simply refusing to give up his sixth position.

As for Hamilton, damage to the rear end of the car was affecting his progress and the 20-second gap from Verstappen was way too big. Bottas was right behind and was asked not to hassle his team mate. In the end, the team decided that Nottas would go after Verstappen and Hamilton would try to prevent Norris from getting past.

But on lap 54, Norris slipped past Hamilton and that brought Hamilton in to switch to hard tyres. The pit stop didn’t lose him the fourth place but extended the gap to 21 seconds.

Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda Tsunoda was having a bad day. After one 5-second penalty for a pit lane infringement, he was again given a second one on lap 57 as he left the pit lane incorrectly.

With a 26-second lead, Verstappen could even come back in for another set of hard tyres to be on the safe side, and kept his position as 10 laps remained.

Leclerc’s forced excursions into the gravel had let Ricciardo grab sixth position and he was desperately fighting to move up as Perez kept moving further away.

As 4 laps remained and Verstappen’s win was almost assured, attention was on Williams’ George Russell who was performing impressively to move up to tenth, but Alonso was aiming to displace him. Alonso, the old driver had the experience but Russell was showing a lot of determination too. But on lap 68, the Alpine driver outsmarted him at Turn 4 and got by, denying the British driver of the points position.

In the closing stages of the race, as attention was focussed at the front, there was drama at the back as Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen collided, with both cars heading off into the gravel.

The Dutchman took the chequered flag again, making it four wins and though his race was fairly easy, he still set the fastest lap to claim and extra point.

Updated MINI John Cooper Works 3-Door and Countryman

Updated versions of the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) 3-Door and John Cooper Works Countryman are now available in Malaysia. Both high-performance models have the same cosmetic changes in the latest MINI range introduced earlier. The new prices (excluding insurance) are RM311,259.49 for the JCW 3-Door and RM383,463.07 for the JCW Countryman.

New frontal appearance
The new cars gain design accents with a reduced surface design at the front incorporating a new radiator grille. Now larger, it has the form of a single unbroken hexagon which extends low to the road. Within the hexagon, the safety bar assimilates seamlessly with the body colour, bringing attention to the red crossbar that runs across the front.

Befitting its motorsport association, the JCW 3-Door also features enlarged cooling openings for more airflow to cool the drive and brake systems, especially when used hard. The rear apron has a distinctive diffuser to optimise airflow in the rear area as it departs from the underside of the car. A redesign allows the two tailpipes of the sports exhaust system to be framed perfectly.

Black treatment around bodywork
Piano Black is used on exterior trim, with the door handles, the MINI logo, and model badges receiving a high-gloss black treatment. New Adaptive LED headlamps with variable light distribution and matrix function for the high beam lights also come standard for both new models. The headlights are now enclosed in a new black inner housing – a design that is seen also in the taillights.

JCW-developed powertrains
The powertrains for both cars have been developed with the racing expertise of John Cooper, the company founded in 2002 by the son of John Cooper, the racing car maker and tuner responsible for the original Mini Cooper. The BMW Group bought over the company in 2008 and continues to draw on the heritage behind the JCW name.

For the JCW 3-Door, the 2-litre 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine is used, this having an output of 231 bhp/320 Nm. With an 8-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission, the claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 246 km/h.

The JCW Countryman, with its bigger body, has the most powerful engine ever used in a MINI. This is also a 2-litre 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine but tuned to generate up to 306 bhp/450 Nm. All that power goes through an 8-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission and the intelligently controlled ALL4 system to reach all four wheels.

The claimed acceleration is 5.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and if you are willing to break speed limits, you can take it all the way up to a maximum speed of 250 km/h. If you drive it sensibly, you should be able to get up to 13.2 kms a litre.

Brembo brakes
Developed in cooperation with specialist manufacturer Brembo, the brake system of the JCW 3-Door is employs 4-piston calipers with internally ventilated discs and red calipers bearing the John Cooper Works logo.

Additional handling enhancement is provided by the new improved Adaptive Suspension. This has frequency selective dampening technology, ensuring an optimised balance between sportiness and ride comfort.

Agility is a hallmark feature of MINI, along with high steering precision and handling. This is possible thanks to the high-rigidity chassis, suspension and damping features refined with racing expertise.

New displays
There are also updates within the cars, the JCW 3-Door having a new steering wheel with horizontal spokes and a new design, buttons integrated on an even surface with Piano Black finish, along with the JCW logo on the lower spoke. Lined with the New MINI Yours Aluminium Interior Surface, the cockpit presents a horizontal appearance stretched through enlarged decor parts with new designs.

A notable change is the redesigned centre instrument panel with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display in black panel design. This runs on a new operating system with a modernised graphic display. As a result, the selection and control of vehicle functions, audio, navigation, communication and apps are now more intuitive. For the first time, the Live Widget feature is also available via swiping motion on the touchscreen. Also utilising black panel technology is the new 5.0-inch Digital Instrument Cluster display

Interior Colour Worlds
Another addition is ‘Interior Colour Worlds’ – Lounge and Sports – a feature tied to the display surfaces to set the mood of the drive. In Lounge mode, the display surfaces appear in relaxing shades of blue and turquoise, whereas switching to Sports mode alters the screen backgrounds to glow in red and anthracite.

An interesting feature is that the Colour Worlds of the displays can be synchronised with the MINI Driving Modes that come standard in MINI John Cooper Works models. This allows for colour changes to occur in tandem with the accelerator pedal, steering characteristics and, optionally, the damper and gearshift characteristics. The result of this is an overall driving experience that is heightened by vivid visual sensations.

The JCW Countryman’s interior has also been modernised in a similar manner as the 3-Door with new displays and a new steering wheel design. Other premium equipment (also for the 3-Dor) includes Dinamica Leather John Cooper Works Sport Seats, Head-Up Display, Comfort Access system, MINI Driving Modes, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and Panoramic Sunroof. Exclusively for the Countryman is the MINI Yours Illuminated Interior Surface in Piano Black.

Advanced assistance systems and Connectivity
The two cars now have the Driving Assistant as standard, consisting of the digital high-beam assistant, speed limit information, person warning with light city braking function and approach control warning with light city braking function. There is also a Parking Assistant (a first for the 3-Door) coupled with the Lane Departure Warning.

Advanced connectivity features are also now available as standard on the new models. These include Teleservices, MINI Online, Intelligent Emergency Call, Remote Services, telephony with wireless charging, Concierge Services, MINI Navigation, and Apple CarPlay.

While the new MINI models are available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide, it is not possible to view them for the time being due to MCO restrictions requiring showrooms to be closed. However, information can be found at the MINI Malaysia website and online bookings are accepted via the MINI Shop Online.

MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW is the new Formula E Safety Car

F1/Round 9: Preview & Starting Grid For 2021 Austrian Grand Prix

Race starts at 3 pm in Austria/9 pm in Malaysia

As in 2020, when the Formula 1 World Championship calendar had to be revised and compressed into a 6-month period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Bull Ring in Austria is holding two rounds back to back. However, this year, the Styrian Grand Prix last Sunday was the first round and this weekend will see the Austrian Grand Prix as the second round.

Last week’s Styrian Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen beating Lewis Hamilton again, extending his lead in the Drivers Championship as well as his Red Bull Racing Team’s against the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Team. The Dutchman now has 156 points, 18 points ahead of the reigning World Champion. Red Bull Racing, with 252 points, has a 40-point lead.

*Max Verstappen winning at the Styrian Grand Prix at the same track last Sunday.*

A second race at the hillside circuit should see the small margins between rivals becoming even tighter. The teams have lots of data from last week and the weather conditions look likely to be similar, so strategies will be refined for the 71-lap race.

Made up of just 10 corners, the 4.318-km Red Bull Ring’s compact configuration and sequence of high-speed straights accents power delivery and traction ouf of the low-speed corners that link the three straights.

Different tyre offerings from Pirelli
A factor in the quest for that traction is Pirelli’s switch from the C2-C4 compounds used last Sunday, to a C3-C5 hard to soft spread for this weekend. Track temperatures though will certainly influence the tyre life – especially on the softs – and therefore the strategy.

“As expected with the softer compounds, we had some graining on the soft tyre in particular, which suggests that we might see some quite different strategies compared to last weekend: the whole idea behind changing the nomination for the second race weekend here,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Head of F1 and Car Racing.

History of Austrian Grand Prix
Unlike the Styrian Grand Prix, which is only in its second year in 2021, the Austrian Grand Prix has been run 34 times as a F1 event, having started in 1964. In its first year, it was run at a disused airfield, and the moved to Osterreichring in 1970. Between 1997 and 2003, it was run at the A1-Ring and then moved to the Red Bull Ring in 2014.

Alain Prost has been the most successful driver in the event, having won 3 times – one with Renault and two with McLaren. Past winners who will be on the starting grid this Sunday will be Max Verstappen (2018 and 2019), Valtteri Bottas (2017) and Lewis Hamilton (2016).

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

Fully electric Skoda RE-X1 Kreisel rallycar homologated for Austrian Rally Championship

Complementing its electrification plans, Skoda is also starting development of a fully electric rallycar which will be used in FIA-sanctioned events. Based on a Fabia Rally2 evo bodyshell, the rallycar has been homologated by the Austrian Motorsport Federation which allows it to enter the Austrian Rally Championship from this month.

In partnership with Kreisel Electric
The project was initiated when Kreisel Electric, supplier of the mandatory hybrid technology of the generation 2022 World Rally Cars for the World Rally Championship (WRC), looked for partners to develop a fully electric rallycar. Skoda Motorsport saw this as an interesting opportunity, especially as it has the most successful car of the Rally2 category with more than 400 units sold.

*Skoda Fabia Rally 2 evo rallycar in action at the Monte Carlo Rally earlier this year.*

Mechanical elements similar to the Faboa Rally2 evo
The electric rallycar known as the RE-X1 Kreisel sits on an updated a FABIA Rally2 evo chassis fitted with Kreisel’s electric powertrain and innovative battery technology. The Kreisel Electric engineered e-motor delivers peak power of 260 kW (191 ps) and 600 Nm, compared to 157 ps/425 Nm of the current Fabia Rally2 evo with a standard 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The other mechanical elements are largely similar to the Fabia Rally2 evo rallycar with some modifications.

Some of the modifications include alterations to the suspension and to engineer the bodyshell floor to install the battery pack. The Kreisel high-performance lithium-ion 860V battery pack has a capacity of 52.5 kWh. For optimum performance, the battery block is mounted as low as possible in the chassis and liquid-cooled by Shell E-Fluids.

*Kreisel lithium-ion battery pack architecture.*

“The Skoda RE-X1 Kreisel is an exciting combination of traditional and future-orientated technology. We provided our best experience, based on developing already three generations of the rally-going Skoda Fabia,” said Michal Hrabanek, Head of Skoda Motorsport. “The rallycar offers all the set-up possibilities of the latest generation Skoda FABIA Rally2 evo, but with a fully electric powertrain and I really believe rally fans will find such a combination truly interesting.”

Development with FIA-sanctioned events in mind
The first chassis built by Skoda Motorsport is in asphalt spec. But Baumschlager Rallye & Racing, the project’s partner for the testing program and future competition activities, has already started to put the RE-X1 Kreisel through its paces on gravel as well.

Skoda Motorsport intends to develop the rallycar to be ready for future entries into FIA-sanctioned rallies. It is closely involved with Kreisel Electric, providing further know-how and technical consultation during the ongoing development process.

Classic Skoda models reimagined for the 21st century

Concept Recharge – a manifesto for the next generation of all-electric Volvos

Since the 1970s, Volvo Cars has displayed many concept cars and design studies. Many have been just studies while a handful, like the ECC of 1992 and the XC60 Concept of 2007, have been previews of near-term production models. In many cases, if you look at the new models that come out, there will be elements of concept cars in their design even if the concept car’s looks do not become a reality.

New paradigm in car design
With the Volvo Concept Recharge, the Swedish carmaker is giving a preview of its new paradigm in car design, a manifesto for the next generation of all-electric Volvos to be led by the next XC90 SUV to be launched next year.

True to the heritage of Scandinavian design, the Concept Recharge has the mantra of ‘less but better’ at its core. For example, with an electric powertrain removing the complexity of the internal combustion engine, the designers have been able to evolve the car’s proportions to increase interior space while also improving aerodynamic efficiency.

Architecture purely for electric powertrains
This isn’t Volvo’s first range of electric cars but before this, the designers have had to utilise architecture developed with combustion engine-powered cars in mind. That meant that the full benefits of an electric powertrain were not exploited as there was a need for a balance in proportions and space to be able to accommodate both a battery pack and an internal combustion engine.

The Concept Recharge breaks free of this association, using a completely new electric-only technology base. By removing the engine and replacing it with a full battery pack under the flat floor, the designers have extended the wheelbase and the wheel size of the car. The result is shorter overhangs, as well as a lot more interior space including a large storage area between the front seats.

In the Concept Recharge, these advancements have led designers to reposition the seats, optimise the roof profile and lower the bonnet of the car, while retaining the high eye point beloved by drivers of SUVs. This approach creates efficiency gains in aerodynamics compared to a typical SUV, which improves range.

New Volvo design language
This concept car also introduces a new Volvo design language. Continuing the theme of ‘less but better’, all unnecessary elements have been removed and what remains is treated with a high-precision, flush execution.

The traditional grille has been replaced with a shield-like structure; there is no longer the need for openings in the nose to let air in to help in cooling the radiator and engine. At either corner is a new interpretation of Volvo Cars’ Thor’s Hammer headlight design. These lighting units include the latest HD technology-enabled pure graphic which open at night to reveal the main lamp units.

The rear view also shows signature slim vertical rear lamps which first appeared on the 850 Wagon in the late 1990s. A visual connection to the brand’s strong design heritage, they have been reimagined with a set of wings that extend at higher cruising speeds to further improve overall aerodynamics.

“Our Concept Recharge represents a manifesto for the all-electric future of Volvo Cars, as well as a new type of vehicle,” said Robin Page, head of design. “It displays new and modern proportions that go hand-in-hand with increased versatility and shows what technology can enable in terms of design.”

New user experience inside
The Volvo design language also takes a new form inside. The flat floor provides more space and a better seating position for all those inside the car. A large, 15-inch standing touchscreen is the centre of the user experience for the company’s next-generation connected infotainment system.

“Inside the Concept Recharge, we create a truly Scandinavian living room feeling,” said Page. “The interior integrates our latest user experience technology with beautiful, sustainable and natural materials. Each part of the interior is like a piece of art and could stand alone as individual furniture in a room. We use the latest technologies but not for their own sake. We always focus on the benefits that technologies can bring.”

It doesn’t need to be said that the Concept Recharge also reflects Volvo Cars’ safety ambitions in coming years. A LiDAR sensor, built by technology company Luminar and a critical part of Volvo Cars’ plan for forthcoming safe autonomous drive technology, is placed in an optimal position on the roof to collect data on the environment around the car.

Next Volvo XC90 to have LiDAR technology and AI-driven supercomputer as standard

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