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Sime Darby Motors Launch DRIVECARE: One-Stop Service Centre

Sime Darby Motors (SDM) announced the launch of DRIVECARE, a new multi-franchise one-stop service centre designed to cater to the needs of car owners across all segments and brands. This initiative aims to offer customers competitive pricing, convenience and comfort backed by the expertise of SM’s highly trained technicians.

DRIVECARE is targeted for expansion across Southeast Asian markets, followed by a rollout throughout SM’s operations across the Asia Pacific region. This strategic expansion underscores SM’s unwavering commitment to offering accessible and reliable automotive services.

DRIVECARE was created to tackle common frustrations faced by customers at many vehicle service workshops, such as inadequate facilities and workmanship, subpar customer service and lack of comfortable waiting areas. By leveraging SDM’s extensive automotive expertise and advanced equipment, DRIVECARE promises an exceptional experience for car service and maintenance at competitive prices.

DRIVECARE customers can look forward to well-maintained facilities, organised workspaces and comfortable lounges. The state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment at DRIVECARE ensure that every vehicle receives the utmost care and attention from its team of experienced technicians.

Complementing DRIVECARE is Sime Darby Auto Selection, Sime Darby Motors’ trusted brand for pre-owned vehicles, offering a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new car. DRIVECARE operates within the Auto Selection facility, ensuring seamless service and support for pre-owned vehicle buyers.

Customers can visit DRIVECARE’s official service centres located at Lot 33 Glenmarie and at Chan Sow Lin, which are open and ready to cater to customers’ needs. To commemorate the launch, from June 26 to July 31, 2024, DRIVECARE is offering special promotions to invite customers to experience the services by DRIVECARE.

These include complimentary vehicle inspections, a 20% discount for parts and labour charges, and a complimentary set of wiper blades with every windshield replacement. To enhance the customer experience further, all services during the promotional period will also include a complimentary car wash and a free Liqui Moly product.

In addition, DRIVECARE is offering a limited-time promotion for customers servicing two vehicles. The first 100 customers who bring a second car for servicing will enjoy a 50% discount on engine oil, subject to terms and conditions. This offer is valid only for vehicles registered under the same owner. Visit www.drivecare.com.my for more information.

Audi Unveils Updated RS Q8 with New Performance Version – 631hp, 850Nm of Torque!

Audi has enhanced its RS Q8 lineup by introducing an updated version of the flagship SUV, including a new Performance variant. This addition follows the trend set by other RS-badged models like the RS4, RS5, RS6, and RS7 Performance, and brings significant power and performance enhancements.

Power and Performance

RS Q8 Performance:

Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
Power: 631hp
Torque: 850Nm
0-100km/h: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 305km/h

This power boost makes the RS Q8 Performance the most powerful Audi gas model, surpassing even the discontinued R8 with its V10 engine. The new Performance model has also set a new record at the Nürburgring, completing a lap in 7 minutes and 36.69 seconds, surpassing the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT by over two seconds.

Standard RS Q8:

Power: 591hp
Torque: 800Nm
0-100km/h: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: Electronically limited to 250km/h (optional increases to 280km/h or 305km/h)

Design and Features

Exterior:

Grille: New honeycomb design with extended pattern on the air intakes
Exhaust: Lighter system with reduced back pressure and deeper sound, optional RS sport exhaust system for enhanced noise
Lights: Matrix LED headlights with laser high-beam, OLED taillights with five customisable light signatures
Wheels: Optional matte gold 23-inch wheels with 295/35 tyres
Brakes: Ceramic brakes with 440-mm front and 370-mm rear discs
Paint Options: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red

Interior:

Seats: Perforated sport seats with honeycomb stitching
Steering Wheel: Wrapped in Alcantara
Materials: Microfiber from recycled bottles for gear selector and other areas
Suspension: Adaptive air suspension with adjustable ride height up to 3.5 inches
Technology: Electromechanical active roll stabilization, rear-wheel steering

Pricing and Availability

RS Q8: Starts at €141,900 (RM712,941) in Germany
RS Q8 Performance: Starts at €155,700 (RM782,316) in Germany
Order Books Open: June 27 in Europe

Audi’s update to the RS Q8, particularly with the new Performance variant, showcases the brand’s commitment to delivering high-performance luxury SUVs with cutting-edge technology and enhanced driving dynamics. The combination of increased power, advanced features, and refined styling positions the RS Q8 as a formidable contender in the performance SUV market.

RS Q8 Performance

RS Q8 Standard

BMW: First Carmaker to Receive Approval for a Combination of Level 2 and Level 3 Driving Assistance Systems

BMW has achieved a significant milestone in the field of automated driving by becoming the first carmaker to receive approval for a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 driving assistance systems within a single vehicle. The new BMW 7 Series offers the BMW Highway Assistant (Level 2) and BMW Personal Pilot L3 (Level 3), enhancing the driving experience by providing greater comfort and safety.

BMW Highway Assistant (Level 2)

Key Features:

Enhanced Long-Distance Comfort: Operates at speeds up to 130km/h, designed for motorways with structurally separated carriageways.
Hands-Free Operation: Allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel for extended periods, provided they remain attentive to the road and can retake control if needed.
Active Lane Change Assistant: Enables lane changes without the driver touching the steering wheel. The system performs the necessary steering movements and adjusts vehicle speed when safe. Drivers can initiate lane changes by simply looking at the exterior mirror.

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Recent Vehicle Recalls by JPJ: Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Chery

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) of Malaysia has issued a series of recalls for several automotive brands, including Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Chery. Below are the details for each brand and model affected.

Toyota

Model: Toyota Corolla Cross
Affected Units: 2,739
Production Period: July 2023 – September 2023
Recall Status: Ongoing since March 2024
Action: Toyota will contact owners for vehicle inspections and necessary repairs.

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2025 Kia Carnival: Updated Design, Advanced Features and Hybrid Option

The 2025 Kia Carnival has received a significant update, blending bold exterior elements with a high-tech, sleek interior. Here’s a detailed look at the new features and enhancements:

Exterior Design

Front and Rear Styling: The Carnival sports a grand sculptural grille, intricately detailed cube-like headlights, and Kia’s signature Star Map lighting.
Wheels: Geometric designs range from 17-inch to 19-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels standard on EX trims and above.

Interior Features

Dashboard and Screens:
- Standard: A panel integrating a 4.2-inch TFT screen and a 12.3-inch display.
- EX Trims and Above: A full digital upgrade with a 12.3-inch cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment and navigation display on a curved panoramic panel.
Connectivity:
- Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Six USB-C ports distributed across all three rows.
- Two power outlets and two 115V inverters (SX and SX-P only).
Seating and Doors:
- “Slide-Flex” seating for 8-passenger versions with a sliding second row (except those with optional VIP Lounge Seats).
- Removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats.
- Dual power sliding doors with hands-free open standard, with EX trims and above adding family-friendly features like in-cabin camera, intercom, and Quiet Mode.
Voice Recognition: Standard system for commands such as window operation and climate control adjustment.
Driver Convenience: Available features include an 11-inch Head-Up Display, Full Display Mirror, and Ultrawide-based Digital Key 2.0.

Connected Technology

ccNC Operating System: The next-gen Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) allows over-the-air updates.
Rear Entertainment System: Available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) system with dual 14.6-inch monitors capable of streaming and future content updates.

Performance

Engines:
- Standard Engine: 3.5-litre V6 GDI with 287hp and 352Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Hybrid Option: 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid engine with a 54kW motor, producing a combined 242hp and 367Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Hybrid Exclusive Features: 17-inch aerodynamic wheels (standard on LXS trim), Active Air Flaps, and paddle regenerative braking.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA):
- Standard with enhancements including Junction Crossing (FCA-JC), Lane-change Oncoming (FCA-LO), Lane-change Side (FCA-LS), and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA) on SX models and above.
Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2):
- Standard on SX trims and above, designed to maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, keep within lane markers, and assist in lane changes on certain highways.

The 2025 Kia Carnival’s combination of advanced technology, enhanced performance, and bold design ensures it remains a top contender in the family vehicle segment, offering a compelling blend of comfort, convenience, and safety.

Batik Air Partners with Kia for Sustainable Private Terminal Transfer Service

Batik Air has introduced a new premium and sustainable private terminal transfer service for its passengers, starting from yesterday. This exclusive service is available to Batik Air Business Class and Flexi passengers and aims to enhance their travel experience amid the temporary suspension of the aerotrain service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Key Features of the New Service

Exclusive Offering: The service is exclusive to Batik Air Business Class and Flexi passengers.
Collaboration with Kia: In partnership with automaker Kia, through its sole distributor Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, Batik Air offers seamless and eco-friendly transfers.
Vehicle Fleet: Passengers will be chauffeured in the all-electric Kia EV9 and the latest model of the Kia Carnival.
Route: The service facilitates transfers between the main terminal and the satellite building of KLIA Terminal 1.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Sets New Record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N demonstrated its prowess at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, setting new benchmarks in the Electric Modified and Production SUV/Crossover categories. This event underscored Hyundai’s commitment to launching special electric vehicle (EV) models and participating in prestigious motorsport events.

Record-Setting Performance

Hyundai fielded two specially prepared Ioniq 5 N TA Spec (Time Attack) models and one production-spec Ioniq 5 N for the 20km climb. The specially prepared models showcased significantly enhanced performance compared to the stock version.

Ioniq 5 N TA Spec:
- Driver: Dani Sordo, a World Rally Championship (WRC) driver
- Performance: Completed the climb in 9:30.852, setting a new record in the Electric Modified class and winning the exhibition class.
Second Ioniq 5 N TA Spec:
- Driver: Randy Pobst
- Performance: Finished the climb in 9:55.551, trailing Sordo by 25 seconds.
Production-Spec Ioniq 5 N:
- Driver: Ron Zaras, a rookie driver
- Performance: Completed the climb in 10:49.267, making it the fastest electric production SUV/crossover at Pikes Peak.

Another production-spec Ioniq 5 N, driven by stunt driver Paul Dallenbach, was also set to compete. However, Dallenbach sustained injuries during practice and could not participate in the race. Despite this, he achieved a certified time of 10:33.86 in pre-race testing, setting high expectations.

Enhancements

The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec featured several modifications to boost its performance:

Increased Power Output: Enhanced compared to the stock version.
New Shocks: Improved handling and stability.
Slick Tires: Provided superior grip and performance.
Motorsport-Derived Brakes: Enhanced stopping power for the demanding climb.

Future of Hyundai EV Motorsports

Hyundai confirmed its intentions to continue developing and launching special specification models, such as the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car racer and the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec. This aligns with Hyundai’s strategy to expand its presence in EV motorsports and showcase the high performance of its mass-produced vehicles.

Hyundai’s success at Pikes Peak not only highlights the capabilities of the Ioniq 5 N but also sets the stage for further advancements in EV technology and motorsport achievements.

Used Toyota Vios Breaks Down A Week After Purchase – Key Steps in Buying a Secondhand Car

A recent case involved a single mother who was scammed when her used Toyota Vios broke down a week after purchase. Here’s what went wrong and how to avoid similar issues:

Misrepresentation: The car was claimed to be a 2014 model but was actually a 2013 model. Always verify the vehicle’s year of manufacture.
Lack of Warranty: The seller refused responsibility after the sale. Always ensure you have a written warranty.
High Fees and Interest Rates: The seller imposed exorbitant fees and a high-interest rate. Verify and negotiate all fees and financing terms before signing.

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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Launches New GLB 200 and GLB 250 4MATIC Variants

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduces two new variants of the Mercedes-Benz GLB compact SUV: the GLB 200 and GLB 250 4MATIC. With its powerful proportions and numerous innovations, the redesigned GLB is poised to attract even more customers.

Exterior Features

Design Updates: The GLB 200 features a redesigned front bumper with visual underbody protection, an SUV radiator grille with four horizontal louvres, and a Progressive Line exterior. The GLB 250 4MATIC sports an AMG Line exterior with a radiator grille that has single louvres and chrome inserts, an AMG front apron with a front splitter, and an AMG rear apron with visible tailpipe trim in high-gloss black.
Night Package: Available for both variants, this package includes high-gloss black trim parts, including the radiator shell louvres, front and rear apron trim elements, roof railing, exterior mirror housing, beltline and window line trim strips, and simulated underguard.
Lighting: The GLB features new full-LED headlights and rear lights, with Adaptive Highbeam Assist included in the LED High Performance headlamps.
Wheels: The GLB 200 comes with 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, while the GLB 250 4MATIC has 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Colour Options: The range of exterior colors has been expanded to include a new Spectral Blue Metallic paint.

Interior Features

Seating and Space: The GLB can accommodate up to seven occupants, offering high practicality and variability. The GLB 200 features ARTICO man-made leather upholstery, while the GLB 250 4MATIC offers a combination of ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT microfibre.
Displays and Infotainment: Both variants come with freestanding 10.25-inch wide-screen displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia screens. The latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Design Elements: The interior includes round air vents in a turbine look, a new multifunction sports steering wheel (leather in GLB 200, Nappa leather in GLB 250 4MATIC), and a Star-pattern trim (backlit in GLB 250 4MATIC) that interacts with ambient lighting.
Comfort and Convenience: Additional USB-C ports, increased USB charging power, illuminated USB ports, comfort seats, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control enhance the interior experience.

Safety and Technology

Safety Features: Both variants come equipped with Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Active Brake Assist, and a Parking Package with a reverse camera. The KEYLESS-GO Comfort package, EASY-PACK tailgate, and GUARD 360° Vehicle protection are also included.
Exclusive GLB 250 Features: The GLB 250 4MATIC includes 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an additional 48-volt electrical system for the belt-driven starter generator. This system provides an additional 10kW of power for faster acceleration, low-vibration and low-noise engine starting, coasting with the engine off, and energy recuperation during braking and acceleration.

Pricing

Mercedes-Benz GLB 200: RM290,888 (on the road without insurance, with 10% Sales Tax for Peninsular Malaysia).
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC: RM341,888 (on the road without insurance, with 10% Sales Tax for Peninsular Malaysia).

Tesla Model Y Traps Toddler Due to Dead Battery, Requiring Firefighter Rescue

A toddler was trapped inside a Tesla Model Y in Scottsdale, Arizona, this week when the car’s 12-volt battery died, rendering the vehicle’s electronic systems and locks inoperable. With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, Renee Sanchez and her 20-month-old granddaughter found themselves in a perilous situation on their way to the Phoenix Zoo.

Incident Details

Situation: After securing her granddaughter in the child seat and closing the door, Sanchez discovered that her Tesla wouldn’t open, neither with her phone key nor card key.
Response: Sanchez tried all possible methods to open the car but eventually had to call 911.

Firefighter Involvement

Initial Response: Firefighters initially expressed concern about gaining access to the Tesla, known for its electronic locks and unique emergency release mechanisms.
Action Taken: Firefighters used an axe to break the window, taping it first to prevent glass from scattering, and rescued the child, who was understandably distressed by the commotion.

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