Home - Piston.my

2021 Perodua Aruz gets updates without any Price increases

Every Perodua model is selling well, with models like the Ativa having a long waiting list of customers. The carmaker could probably get away with not making changes or improving the products and the demand would still be there. However, adhering to the Japanese philosophy of kaizen passed on from their partner, Daihatsu Motor, Perodua constantly improves its products.

So, for the Aruz, Malaysia’s best-selling 7-seater SUV, updating has taken place – but without any price changes. The Aruz X is still RM68,526, while the Aruz AV remains at RM73,226, excluding insurance and with full sales tax exemption (until June 30, 2021).

Making products incrementally better
“With well over 60,000 units sold since its 2019 birth, the Perodua Aruz was already the nation’s best-selling SUV in 2019 and 2020, but, true to the principles of kaizen, we believe there are always ways we can make our products incrementally better,” said Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO of Perodua.

“This incremental adaptation of the Aruz is in line with the Perodua Smart Build blueprint; another example of our symbiotic collaboration with our suppliers to customise our products to better suit Malaysian needs and wants, and through this, developing further the capabilities of our suppliers towards true self-reliance,” he said.

The improvements are in the form of additional features such as side steps below the door sills. With the extra ground clearance of the Aruz, the sill is a bit higher than in a passenger car so for some people, especially elderly folks or little ones, getting in and out may not be easy. The side steps will therefore help and make movement safer and more convenient.

*Custom-designed side-steps have been added below the door sills. They are thoughtfully designed with no gap that could trap feet, and two areas moulded with studs to make the surface less slippery.*

Added safety feature + new colour
An added safety feature for 2021 is automatic door-locking; when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 20 km/h, the doors will lock automatically. This is a safety precaution, especially for those who may forget to do so. In the event of a severe collision that sensors will detect, the locking system will automatically unlock all doors so that the occupants can get out or rescuers can open the doors to help extract them.

Those who like red cars will be happy to know that Perodua now offers this colour, known as Passion Red, exclusively for the Aruz AV. Other colours choices are Granite Grey, Electric Blue, Glittering Silver and Ivory White.

“Perodua expresses our gratitude to all our valued customers, whose feedback helped us tweak the Aruz to better satisfy the real needs and wants of the majority of Malaysians,” added Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Technical specs remain the same
Other specifications and features remain the same, with the continued use of the all-aluminium 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine and an electronically-controlled automatic transmission. With Eco Idle activated, the fuel consumption can be as good as 15.6 kms/litre, it is claimed.

The Aruz is also tops in safety as it has the maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. Six airbags and Vehicle Stability Control are standard, and the AV variant has Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 to help the driver avoid accidents.

To locate a showroom to check out the Aruz and other Perodua models, visit www.perodua.com.my.

Lower-priced childseat now offered by Perodua

No dining-in at highway R&Rs but you can pre-order to minimize interaction

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

Various versions of the Movement Control Order (MCO) are in effect with interstate and interdistrict travel being forbidden unless permission is given by the police. As there will still be many people permitted to travel long distances on highways, PLUS is ensuring that their needs are met safely when they are at the rest and service areas (R&R).

Last year, the first MCO saw all R&Rs shut down completely but this time round, many of the stalls are permitted to continue business, especially those which provide fresh food, drinks and snacks. PLUS urges the public to patronize these R&R businesses as the support will go a long way to enable the local business owners and their workers to sustain their livelihood during this period.

*Dine-in is not permitted at the food courts, and to minimize interaction, food or drinks can be pre-ordered using the PLUS app.*

More than 600 businesses operating
More than 600 businesses are open at the R&Rs at Dengkil (both sides), Rawang (Northbound), Sungai Buloh Overhead Bridge Restaurant, Seremban (both sides), Ulu Bernam (Southbound), Tapah (Southbound), Gunung Semanggol (both sides), Gurun (both sides), Juru Lay-by (Southbound), Pagoh (both sides), Machap (both sides), Kulai Lay-by (Southbound) and 3 R&Rs along the LPT2 highway to the East Coast. The three are at Ajil (Northbound), Paka (Northbound) and Perasing (Southbound).

Everyone has to observe the SOPs – temperature scanning, use of facemask, contact registration and social distancing – and for safety, PLUS has included a Pre-Order function in the PLUS App for contactless ordering, or through this link – or through orderdisini.plus.com.my/. They should keep a safe distance of at least 1 metre apart when lining up for food or when using any facilities.

Dine-in only allowed in CMCO areas
All businesses at R&Rs and lay-bys which are located in MCO states are still open from 6 am to 12 am for take-away only as the dining areas at the food courts are closed to prevent the convergence of crowds. For CMCO states, however, operating hours are from 6 am to 12 am and dine-in is allowed with strict physical distancing and compliance to the SOPs.

PLUS PUTRI — *PUTRI can provide answers to common questions faster, instead of waiting for someone from the Call Centre.*

Latest information on everything related to PLUS highways and facilities can be found at www.plus.com.my, with the PUTRI chatbot making interaction faster and easier.

F1/Round 4: Preview & Starting Grid for 2021 Spanish Grand Prix

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

Although last weekend’s race was held in Portugal, which is just next door to Spain, the journey from the circuit in Portimao to the Catalunya Circuit in Barcelona for this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix still covered 1,300 kms. While the event in Spain was revised to August last year (due to cancellations and postponements in the early part of the year), the Spanish Grand Prix is back in its usual period on the calendar for the third round of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship.

No information on track conditions
For the first time since 2014, the F1 teams did not have a pre-season test session at this circuit so the teams don’t have as much information as in previous years. According to Pirelli, the tyre-suppliers for F1, weather conditions are likely to be considerably cooler than last year, but the high-energy demands of the track remain. This is especially so for the very long Turn 3 right-hander, which puts considerable forces through the front-left tyre in particular. Turn 9 is also challenging for the tyres and as a result, the hardest compounds are still considered the most appropriate choice.

Track layout modified
The track layout has changed this year, with a modified profile to Turn 10 to improve safety. The result is a left-hander that is slightly wider than the previous version, which has allowed for a bigger run-off area and will shorten the braking zone, with a higher entry speed to the corner. The lap is also now 20 metres longer.

“Car balance in Spain can often be influenced by the wind, as it sometimes changes direction during the day. There is usually a tailwind on the main straight in the morning, producing a headwind into the high-speed corners. This provides good car stability. But the wind tends to rotate to the opposite direction later in the day, which gives drivers a tailwind into the fast corners and makes the balance trickier,” said Toto Wolff, the Mercedes-AMG team boss.

The well-known demands of the track make a one-stopper very challenging – although the likelihood of cooler weather should help this year. In 2020, the race was won by Mercedes-AMG driver Lewis Hamilton with a soft-medium-medium two-stopper, although Sergio Perez finished fifth after stopping only once from soft to medium, while Valtteri Bottas was on the podium using a three-stop strategy.

The Catalunya circuit is a track where it’s quite difficult to overtake for most of the lap, although the long downhill straight can give a power and DRS advantage to help line up a passing move. All this makes qualifying position and race strategy particularly important to gain track position. With a number of support races as well, the surface should evolve reasonably quickly with more rubber laid down, compared to some other F1 rounds this year where Formula 1 has been the only track action.

“It’s always tricky in Barcelona with the grip and tyre usage, so there’s lots for us to learn and understand. I think the new Turn 10 was interesting and, on our side, we have room for improvement there,” said Alpine F1 Team’s Esteban Ocon.

Championship is wide open
After three rounds, the championship remains wide open although Lewis Hamilton managed to increase the gap from Max Verstappen after winning last weekend. The pair have alternated first and second places since the championship started, with Verstappen fiercely determined to beat reigning champion Hamilton this year.

In the Constructors Championship, the two Mercedes-AMG drivers have been picking up lot of points to pass the 100 mark. This puts the team 18 points ahead of Red Bull Racing, with McLaren 30 points further back. So far, Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN, Haas F1 and Williams Racing have yet to score a single point.

F1/Round 3: Highlights & Provisional Results For 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix

Lower-priced childseat now offered by Perodua

If you have a chance to watch a video of what happens to the occupants during a severe frontal collision, you will see how a child at the back who is not retrained will fly through the air, forward into the front seat or up onto the ceiling. They use dummies in crash tests but imagine if it is a real child…serious injuries and even death could occur.

For this reason, authorities in many countries have made use of childseats a mandatory requirement and in Malaysia, the same applies. While carmakers are not in the business of making childseats, some do try to help their customers by offering such items – referred to as Child Restraint Systems (CRS) – as accessories.

Lower-priced models from Perodua
Perodua has been offering childseats for many years now and recently introduced its Care Seat, a lower-priced new childseat suitable for both infants and toddlers. Priced at RM680 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM695 in East Malaysia, the Care Seat is suitable for children of all ages up to 12 (or weighing up to 36 kgs), replacing Perodua’s previous GearUp Infant and Toddler seats, which cost RM785 and RM975, respectively.

Even when restrained in a childseat, the child can be subjected to violent forces during an accident (above) and if unrestrained, can literally fly about the cabin (below). Pictures from crash tests by EuroNCAP.

“The Perodua Care Seat forms part of our continuous drive for higher road safety as a caring, People First company, in line with the government’s aspirations,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“It bears repeating that all children should be properly secured in child seats in moving vehicles for their safety. In encouraging this, Perodua is bringing out a product that is durable, adaptable, comfortable, affordable and meets safety standards,” he added.

Meets international safety standards
The Care Seat complies with ECE R44/04 standards and can be rotated to face forward or backward (backwards is recommended by safety experts). It has 6 recline angles as well as a harness that self-adjusts according to headrest position.

It also has ISOFIX connectors which make it easy to install the seat and ensure it is secure. ISOFIX points are provided in the back seat area of all Perodua models.

*ISOFIX points are usually indicated by a tab or label on the rear seat. All Perodua models have ISOFIX points provided, including the Axia (below).*

“The Perodua Care Seat is more cost-effective as the same seat can be used for the child throughout, without needing to change from an infant to a toddler seat as the child gets older,” said Dato’ Zainal.

“Perodua will continue to spread awareness, educate and advocate the use of child seats amongst our customers. We hope the use of childseats in Malaysia will become commonplace one day – this would go a long way in reducing road injuries and fatalities, especially of our precious young ones,” he added.

Cost can be included H-P loan
Available in grey or blue, the Perodua Care Seat comes with a 1-year warranty which is double the warranty period of the outgoing GearUp Infant and Toddler seats. Parents who buy the Care Seat when purchasing their new Perodua vehicle can include it in the Hire-Purchase loan as it is an official accessory from the manufacturer.

Alternatively, if they wish to buy one separately, it is available at all authorised Perodua outlets nationwide. To locate an outlet near you, visit www.perodua.com.my.

‘Perodua Smart Build’ launched as carmaker’s first sustainable blueprint

Locally-assembled BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport in showrooms from this weekend

For those who still prefer a formal limousine instead of a SAV or SUV, BMW Malaysia offers a new 740Le xDrive M Sport which arrives in Malaysian showrooms this weekend together with the locally-assembled X7 XDrive40i Pure Excellence. Like the X7, the 740Le xDrive M Sport is also assembled in Malaysia at the BMW facility in Kedah, and is priced from RM591,503.05 (without insurance) until June 30, 2021.

The locally-assembled 740Le is differentiated from the CBU version with M Sport treatment. This is largely from the M Sport Aerodynamic Package which includes 19-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-Spoke style 647 M Bicolour, and M Sport brakes. A new striking rocker panel also underlines the sporty appeal of the BMW flagship.

Customers can choose from 4 classic colours for the exterior finish which has the Individual High-gloss Shadow Line. These colours are Mineral White, Carbon Black Metallic, Donington Grey, and Bernina Grey with Amber effect. Depending on the colour chosen, interior themes have Black or Cognac stitching for the exclusive Nappa leather upholstery.

From EfficientDynamics to Electromobility
BMW Group Malaysia has long been a promoter of electrification, a progression from its EfficientDynamics technology which has pursued sustainable mobility since 2007. It has been a leader of electromobility in the market, putting over 20,000 vehicles with hybrid and full electric powertrains on the road, and these include the 7-Series.

394 bhp/600 Nm… but goes 36 kms/litre
For the 740Le xDrive M Sport, the 3-litre in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine is paired with an electric motor which draws energy from a lithium-ion battery pack. The combustion engine produces 286 bhp/450 Nm while the electric motor can generate up to 83 kW (equivalent to 113 hp) with peak torque at 265 Nm.

The combined system output of 394 bhp/600 Nm gives the car a capability of going from standstill to 100 km/h within a claimed 5.1 seconds. The top speed is beyond 250 km/h, but BMW has decided to limit it to that speed.

Such performance, in the past, would have meant rather high consumption. However, with the hybrid powertrain and 8-speed Steptronic transmission delivering power to all four wheels, the claimed fuel consumption is as much as 36 kms/litre.

Interior appropriate for a flagship
As would be expected of a flagship model, the 740Le xDrive M Sport has an elegant interior which is appointed with ‘Fineline’ Fine Wood Trim in Black with High Gloss Metal Effect and the BMW Individual Alcantara Anthracite headliner. A Sky Lounge panorama glass roof is standard with roller sunblinds for the rear side windows to provide privacy.

While it is likely that the owner will spend travelling time mostly in the back, on the occasions when he does drive the car himself, he will find it has a sporty feel with the M-Sport steering wheel and a host of driver assistance systems to make driving safer and more enjoyable. Besides the comprehensive array of meters, there is also a Head-Up Display on the windscreen glass.

As with many BMW models, the 740Le’s ‘command centre’ is the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully-digital 12.3-inch Instrument Display. This is complemented by the BMW Navigation System Professional on a 10.25-inch Control Display. Voice commands and BMW Gesture Control help improve driving safety as the hands need not leave the steering wheel so often.

Standard equipment includes the Rear-seat Entertainment Professional with 10-inch touchscreen monitors mounted on each headrest of the front seat. These monitors can provide personalised entertainment throughout the journey and can also mirror some of the displays from the dashboard panel.

Financing and booking
The 740Le xDrive M Sport can be purchased using one of the financial packages offered by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia and monthly instalment plans start from RM 6,558.00 (terms and conditions apply). Booking can be done with a deposit of RM5,000 via BMW Shop Online (from May 11, 2021, onwards).

Every owner of the 740Le xDrive M Sport is promised a complete premium ownership experience. This includes peace of mind with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline and the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card. BMW Service Online is available and there’s also a Free Scheduled Service Programme.

Locally-assembled BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence launched today, priced from RM673,323

Toyota and Lexus sales continue upwards with 12.7% increase in April

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) reported that it started off the second quarter of 2021 with strong sales of 9,280 vehicle for the Toyota and Lexus brands, a 12.7% increase over the number of vehicles delivered in March. The rising sales volume was largely driven by restored consumer purchasing confidence, with growing demand for the appealing new models such as the Corolla Cross and Harrier.

Furthermore, with the PENJANA sales tax exemption set to expire at the end of June this year, many are also not wasting the chance to save money.

Measures helping restore confidence
“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an extremely challenging year for both manufacturers and consumers, but measures put in place by the Government has successfully restored and strengthened consumer purchasing power,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

He also attributed the growth in sales to the timely introduction of numerous new models that have been able to firmly establish new benchmarks in the various vehicle segments by enhanced technological and safety features, styling and driving dynamics.

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross — *Latest Corolla Cross and Harrier (below) helped boost sales in April.*

Network expansion continues
Although business may seem slow for now due to the pandemic, UMWT is not sitting still and preparing for the future with continued commitment for expansion and the enhancement of its sales and aftersales service network. It has opened a new 2S Sales and Service Centre in Cheras (PDC Automobile) and two new 3S Sales, Service and Spare Parts Centres in Johor Bahru and Terengganu.

*New Toyota 3S dealership in Kemaman, Terengganu.*

“Additionally, we have also been paying close attention to customers’ inclinations for online connections as indicated by strong digital preferences and gains that we have received through online enquiries and bookings. We will continue our assertive pursuit on digitally-led avenues and serve our customers better on all platforms, moving forward,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri promotions
With the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period underway, UMWT has a Countless Rewards promotion which offers customers will continue savings that can be enhanced with Toyota Service Savers that lower maintenance cost for their vehicles. New car buyers can also opt to benefit from lower instalments (depending on model) with UMWT’s EZ Beli financing scheme.

Mr. Ravindran added that UMWT’s annual Hari Raya Festive Film titled ‘Umi Pembaris’ will be released this week. “It honours timeless lessons on family values, culture and tradition that we keep ever so closely to our hearts even in this age of change, transformation and modernization,” he said.

For more information on Toyota models available in Malaysia and the locations of showrooms nationwide, visit www.toyota.com.my.

After a difficult 2020, Toyota sales are stronger in 2021 with 62% increase year-on-year

Piston.my

Latest News

2021 Perodua Aruz gets updates without any Price increases

No dining-in at highway R&Rs but you can pre-order to minimize interaction

F1/Round 4: Preview & Starting Grid for 2021 Spanish Grand Prix

Lower-priced childseat now offered by Perodua

Locally-assembled BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport in showrooms from this weekend

Toyota and Lexus sales continue upwards with 12.7% increase in April

Porsche Taycan Recalled For Faulty Cells in Battery That Might Ignite

ATM Redefines Commercial Vehicles with Foton eAumark Electric Truck Launch

Malaysia to Become Volkswagen Export Hub for Electric and Conventional Vehicles

Proton S70 Flagship X and smart #1 Brabus win Awards at VOTY 2024

UMW Toyota Motor Reports Strong April 2024 Sales

Bentley Introduces Ultra Performance V8 Hybrid: A New Era of Power and Efficiency

Review: Nissan Leaf – Why Buy An EV When You Can Lease One?

Johor to Test QR Code Immigration Clearance System

Bentley Introduces the New Batur Convertible – Limited to 16 Units

New BMW M4 CS does 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds, 302km/h Top Speed

Archive

Mercedes-AMG Unveils E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ Saloon and Estate

SDAC-Ford Supports Orang Asli Empowerment with Global Peace Foundation Malaysia

Ford Unveils Special Edition Mustang to Celebrate 60th Anniversary

Tesla vs. Tesla Power India: Trademark Infringement

Gentari Partners with SEDC Energy for Sarawak Hydrogen Production Facility

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show