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Hyundai Motor Malaysia has offered an exciting first glimpse of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, a bold and boxy SUV that stands out with its commanding presence and premium design touches. The rugged silhouette, complemented by a wide stance and high hood, marks a significant shift in styling for Hyundai’s flagship D/E-segment SUV. Featuring bold fenders, a distinctive H-light LED signature, a dark chrome-finished grille, and a hidden rear wiper, the new Santa Fe looks every bit the adventurer it promises to be.

But this SUV isn’t just about striking looks. Practicality is clearly at the heart of the design too. One of the standout features is the wider tailgate opening, which makes loading and unloading cargo easier than ever, perfect for families or road-trippers who pack heavy.

Under the hood, the new Santa Fe comes in three distinct variants for the Malaysian market. The Prime and Prestige trims are both hybrids, each powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. These variants produce a respectable 235PS at 5,500 rpm and 367Nm of torque from just 1,000 to 4,000 rpm—more than enough for smooth city driving and confident highway cruising.

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Hyundai Motor Company has officially launched Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMM), transitioning from third-party distribution to full-fledged direct operations. This shift signals Hyundai’s ambition to take greater control over its brand, sales, and service experience in the region.

To strengthen this move, Hyundai Motor Malaysia provided us with a preview of three new models: the new Tucson, STARIA, and the all-new Santa Fe.

So what’s new for the Tucson?

Hyundai has given its popular Tucson a bold refresh, and it’s not just a facelift—it’s a full-on statement. With a sleek new look, a high-tech interior, and the introduction of a hybrid variant, the updated Tucson is clearly out to shake up the C-segment SUV market. Whether you’re after style, performance, or a bit of both, the new Tucson delivers in spades.

One of the first things that’ll grab your attention is the panoramic curved 12.3-inch HD display that stretches across the dashboard. It blends beautifully into a redesigned interior that’s all about modern comfort and connectivity. Gloss black and alloy-effect accents add a premium touch, and the revamped centre console, steering wheel, and door panels round out the upscale cabin. Higher-spec variants, like the Prime and Prestige, come with leather seats, a wireless charging pad, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror—little details that really elevate the day-to-day driving experience.

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As the automotive world accelerates towards electrification, Lamborghini remains committed to preserving the essence of internal combustion, with synthetic fuel emerging as a potential saviour. According to CarExpert, the Italian marque’s Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, has emphasised the importance of maintaining the emotional core of performance vehicles while acknowledging that the era of electric parity is rapidly approaching.

Mohr highlighted the capabilities of Lamborghini’s latest hybrid powertrain, which debuts in the upcoming Temerario supercar. The new system combines a twin-turbocharged V8 with three electric motors, generating an impressive 908hp and 730Nm of torque. Beyond raw numbers, the drivetrain has been engineered to sustain the visceral driving experience synonymous with the Lamborghini name. Critically, the system is also capable of running on synthetic fuel, ensuring relevance even as emissions regulations tighten worldwide.

While acknowledging that synthetic fuel may not outperform conventional petrol in all respects, Mohr regards it as a vital bridge to keeping combustion technology viable. The new engine has been developed for peak efficiency and performance regardless of whether it runs on fossil or synthetic fuels, providing a degree of futureproofing rare among performance engines.

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Hold onto your seats because Lexus is taking the IS500 Ultimate Edition to new… heights. Introducing the Climax Edition, a name that’s either a bold JDM homage or proof that car marketers know exactly what they’re doing.

Yes, you read that right, your luxury sports sedan now comes with a badge that’ll make you giggle like a teenager every time you glance at the centre console. Is it a cheeky nod to performance ecstasy? Or did someone at Lexus just have a really good day at work? Either way, this isn’t just a car—it’s a mood. And if you forget, don’t worry: the name’s plastered right in the digital cluster, because nothing says ‘premium experience’ like a not-so-subtle double entendre.

With the model having remained largely unchanged for over a decade, the Climax Edition arrives as a right-hand-drive version of the previously released IS500 Ultimate Edition, aimed exclusively at the Japanese market.

Despite its unusual name, the Climax Edition represents a celebration of what enthusiasts value most in the IS500—its raw, undiluted performance. The sedan retains its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, a rarity in today’s era of downsized and turbocharged powertrains. The 2UR-GSE engine delivers 472hp and 535Nm of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, preserving the engaging driving dynamics that have defined the IS lineage.

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Land Rover has introduced a new chapter in its legacy of exploration with the debut of the 2026 Defender Trophy Edition, an expedition-ready variant of the Defender 110 SUV that celebrates the British marque’s historic ties to global off-road challenges. Designed to meet the demands of serious adventurers, the latest Trophy Edition is inspired by the brand’s storied past while looking firmly to the future of purposeful travel and environmental stewardship.

Available in two classic colour finishes—Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green—the Defender Trophy Edition evokes the aesthetics of vintage Land Rover expeditions. This distinctive model comes equipped with a suite of expedition-specific enhancements, establishing it as a formidable companion for off-road exploration.

Under the bonnet lies the 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel engine, producing 346hp and incorporating mild-hybrid technology. The vehicle rides on gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, while exterior additions such as gloss black wheel arch protection, a dark rear scuff plate and a black front undershield contribute both to aesthetics and functionality.

Subtle but telling design flourishes mark the Trophy Edition’s unique identity. Trophy decals adorn the bonnet and C-pillars, with dedicated rear badging completing the exterior branding. The interior features illuminated ‘Trophy’ treadplates and Ebony Windsor leather seats, adding a refined touch. A colour-coordinated cross-car beam, finished with laser-etched Trophy badging on the end caps, reinforces the edition’s bespoke character.

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The serene shores of Pahang’s southern coastline came alive with energy and engines as camping aficionados, 4×4 adventurers, and motorcycle enthusiasts converged for the Rompin Beach Bash 2025. Held from 13 to 15 June on the picturesque grounds of Villea Rompin Resort & Golf, the event offered a thrilling weekend of outdoor festivities against the backdrop of the South China Sea.

Hosted by By The Billions, the event attracted a diverse mix of participants, including international travellers and local off-road communities, united by their shared passion for the outdoors. Attendees from Singapore, Vietnam, and as far as the Netherlands joined Malaysian drivers to enjoy a packed itinerary of competitions, demonstrations, and social gatherings that celebrated both the thrill of adventure and the warmth of Malaysian hospitality.

The gathering was supported by an impressive roster of sponsors, including Grantt Lubricants, Michelin, Red Springs, Ironman 4×4, Tough Dog, AMP Tires, Saber Offroad, Firemaple, and others, with over RM40,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. Local off-road groups such as Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Malaysia and Santai Drive added to the atmosphere with their strong presence, reflecting the deep camaraderie embedded within the enthusiast community.

Excitement began long before the campsite, as a convoy of modified 4×4 vehicles from Klang Valley assembled at Ironman 4×4’s headquarters in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur. The journey to Rompin grew in scale as drivers from Seremban, Melaka, and Kuantan joined en route, culminating in a dramatic 3km drive across beach sand to the final destination.

With tents pitched and friendships rekindled, participants began settling into their seaside weekend. Stories were exchanged over coffee, barriers of language and nationality effortlessly broken. The event embodied a sense of unity rarely seen, blending families and adrenaline-seekers into one thriving community.

Saturday’s programme commenced with the roar of engines as custom motorcycles and 4x4s rolled onto the beach. More than 90 off-road vehicles, 50 motorcycles, a few campervans and over 300 attendees gathered for a full day of competitions and interactive experiences. The Outdoor Cooking Challenge kickstarted the day, with participants competing to impress judges using Mexican and Asian flavours. Winners walked away with high-performance camp cookware, courtesy of Firemaple.

By midday, the beach transformed into an open-air classroom as M4TREC instructors demonstrated fundamental 4×4 recovery techniques. Participants were invited not only to observe but to engage hands-on with real-world off-road problem solving, reinforcing safety and skill development.

Later, 32 vehicles took on the 4×4 Sand Challenge. Drivers tackled a purpose-built track set among beachside forest trails and abandoned resort buildings. After a competitive time-trial session, Khairuddin, a coffee shop owner from Pontian, Johor, emerged victorious in his new Suzuki Jimny, earning a full set of AMP Tires donated by Red Springs in addition to well-earned bragging rights.

Adrenaline surged into the evening as over 50 custom motorcycles lined up for the Beach Drag competition, backed by Michelin. Riders pushed their machines to the limit across the sand, with the top performers receiving Michelin tyres and a cash prize pool totalling RM6,000.

The success of the Rompin Beach Bash was underscored by the enthusiastic response from attendees. Afiq Feisal, representing By The Billions, highlighted the spirit of inclusivity that defined the event. He noted that participants from across the globe had gathered not just to compete, but to camp, cook and celebrate their passion for exploration and adventure together.

More than just a weekend getaway, Rompin Beach Bash proved to be a meaningful platform for forging connections across communities and brands. By creating a space where camping newcomers, overland veterans, motorcycle hobbyists, and major industry players could mingle freely, the event showcased the enduring power of the outdoors to bring people together, no matter where they come from or what they drive.

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