Piston.my

English

Honda has showcased the 2024 Honda Civic RS Prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon, providing a preview of a sporty trim for the hatchback featuring a manual gearbox. This variant aims to fill the gap between the standard versions and the high-performance Civic Type R, offering Japanese buyers a more engaging driving experience.

The Civic RS Prototype comes with a striking full-black livery, contributing to its stealthy and sporty appearance. The redesigned front bumper with sharper surfacing and slimmer side intakes stands out, complemented by red RS emblems on both ends for added contrast against the black paint. While maintaining the bodywork and alloy wheels from the standard Civic Hatchback, the visual enhancements give the new trim a softer, Type R-inspired look.

In the US market, the Honda Civic is already available with a six-speed manual gearbox, but Japanese customers are currently limited to the CVT automatic transmission. In our market, we have the 1.5L turbocharged RS with the CVT and the 2.0L e:HEV RS with an e-CVT. However, Honda has announced that the manual-equipped Civic RS will launch in Japan in the fall of 2024.

While the company has not provided details about the powertrain, it is likely to feature the non-electrified turbocharged 1.5-litre gasoline engine. Additionally, Honda has hinted at “further refinements to the joy of driving,” suggesting a revised chassis setup to complement the sportier aesthetics.

The Japanese-spec Civic RS is expected to align with the US-spec Civic Si in terms of performance features. The US model includes a limited-slip differential, rev-matching technology, stiffer springs, revised dampers, thicker stabiliser bars, larger brakes, and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 200hp. The introduction of the manual-equipped Civic RS in Japan reflects Honda’s commitment to offering diverse options for driving enthusiasts.

Lexus has introduced the RZ 450e F Sport Performance, a special edition electric crossover, at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon. Limited to 100 units for sale exclusively in Japan, this model brings a sporty aesthetic to the RZ lineup. While the F Sport Performance maintains the standard power figures of the RZ 450e, it focuses on improved handling, featuring track-tuned dampers and springs from Toyota’s Shimoyama Technical Centre.

The special edition boasts a distinctive appearance, with 17 new aero parts enhancing its aerodynamic profile. Notable additions include a dual carbon fibre wing setup, with one wing extending from the roof and a second attached to the raked rear hatch. A rear spoiler below the second wing adds a unique touch. The front end receives a carbon fibre splitter with blue accents, complemented by a vented hood. Additional aero elements around the wheels and a specific rear valance complete the exterior enhancements.

To set it apart, the F Sport Performance is finished in a new matte paint colour called Hakugin, described as “white-silver,” inspired by the silent silver world of light and shadow. Blue and black accents contrast against the matte paint, extending to the interior. The cabin features black Ultrasuede seats with blue stitching and various blue trim elements throughout the dashboard and interior.

Pricing for the RZ 450e F Sport Performance is approximately $82,000 (RM381k), and interested buyers in Japan must participate in a lottery system for a chance to purchase one of the 100 units produced. While this special edition is limited to the Japanese market, it showcases Lexus’s commitment to delivering unique and performance-focused models in the electric vehicle segment.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has announced a significant increase in rental rates for the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, effective April 1. The FIA grade one circuit, renowned for hosting events like the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, will witness rental hikes of up to 45%, emphasising the circuit’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards.

As reported by NST, under the new rate card, weekday day sessions will experience a 27% increase, rising from RM55,000 to RM70,000. Weekend rates for day sessions will see a 32% hike, moving from RM60,500 to RM80,000. Night sessions during weekdays will undergo a 41% increase, from RM55,000 to RM78,000, while weekend night sessions will face the highest surge at 45%, climbing from RM60,500 to RM88,000.

These rates include technical and medical officials, ambulance and fire car services, cleaners, security personnel, and access to relevant facilities. SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif highlighted that the price adjustment aims to ensure the continued operation of the circuit at the highest standards, supporting ongoing improvements for an enhanced customer experience.

The decision to raise rental rates comes after careful consideration of increasing operational and maintenance costs. SIC emphasises its commitment to facilitating a smooth transition for clients and stakeholders, providing advance notice for transparency and preparation. This adjustment marks the first increase in rental prices since 2013, reflecting the circuit’s dedication to sustaining quality facilities and services in the highly competitive racing environment.

Lexus has turned heads at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon by showcasing the LBX Morizo RR concept, a bold move that integrates the potent three-cylinder engine from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla into a premium crossover. Launched as a more upscale variant of the Yaris Cross, the LBX Morizo RR breaks free from conventional expectations by housing a turbocharged 1.6-litre G16E-GTS engine under its hood.

What makes this concept truly exciting is its power output – a robust 300hp and 399Nm of torque. This inline-three powertrain, derived from the GR Corolla Morizo Edition, promises an exhilarating driving experience, challenging the perception of what a crossover can deliver in terms of performance.

Unlike the GR Corolla, which exclusively offers a six-speed manual gearbox, the LBX Morizo RR takes a different approach with a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission. This torque-converter ‘box, making its debut in the 2024 GR Yaris, efficiently channels the engine’s prowess to all four wheels of this compact yet powerful crossover.

Named after Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, whose nickname is Morizo, the LBX Morizo RR adopts a lower stance with a stiffer suspension setup, giving it a more dynamic presence on the road. The widened body accommodates 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/45 R19 tyres, contributing to improved grip and stability.

A distinctive touch in homage to Akio Toyoda is the inclusion of yellow accents throughout the concept, reflecting his signature color. The visual cues, coupled with a MacPherson strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear, and disc brakes on all corners, underscore the concept’s performance-oriented design.

While the LBX Morizo RR concept doesn’t guarantee a production model, it serves as a compelling showcase of what Lexus can achieve by infusing a high-performance spirit into a crossover. The concept challenges the conventional perception of luxury crossovers, hinting at the potential for a thrilling and dynamic addition to Lexus’s lineup. As automotive enthusiasts eagerly await further details, the LBX Morizo RR stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining expectations in the pursuit of driving excitement.

NexV Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Careplus Group Berhad and GoAuto Group Sdn Bhd, is set to pioneer Malaysia’s first green technology facility dedicated to the manufacture and assembling of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), including electric vehicles (EVs). The groundbreaking ceremony, officiated by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Aminuddin bin Harun in the Chembong Industrial Area, Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, marks a significant step toward creating employment opportunities and driving investments in the region.

Scheduled to commence operations in Q1 2025, the plant will boast an annual capacity of 30,000 vehicles. A key highlight is the assembly of NETA models through the joint venture between Careplus and Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd, a GoAuto subsidiary. However, the plant won’t be limited to NETA vehicles; it will also offer opportunities for other New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brands interested in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly of passenger and commercial EVs or electric motorcycles.

(more…)

Japanese state-owned company, including East Japan Railway Co, have reportedly abandoned their plans to participate in the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project, citing concerns about financial risks without support from the Malaysian government.

The company had initially intended to use the Japanese Shinkansen bullet train system for the project. This decision is seen as an opportunity for Chinese firms to strengthen their presence in East Asian infrastructure projects, especially after their involvement in completing a high-speed rail project in Indonesia in 2023, with another project ongoing in Thailand.

According to sources, with the Japanese company’s withdrawal, local firms are now considering partnerships with Chinese and European companies to submit bids for the KL-Singapore HSR project. The Request for Information (RFI) process initiated by MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd to allow private sector proposals for the HSR project has extended its deadline to January 15, 2024.

The Malaysian government aims to re-implement the project through new financing mechanisms and implementation models to enhance rail transport infrastructure and stimulate the country’s economy.

The KL-Singapore HSR project, initially estimated at approximately RM110 billion, was terminated on January 1, 2021, as both Malaysia and Singapore failed to reach an agreement on proposed changes before the project agreement’s expiration on December 31, 2020. The termination led to Malaysia agreeing to pay SG$102.8 million to Singapore for the costs incurred during the HSR project development and related extension delays.

A video of a frustrated local resident taking matters into his own hands to address potholes in Taman Sentosa, Klang, has gone viral, drawing attention to the ongoing road condition issues in the area. In the 30-second video, the man can be seen painting over a recently tarred section of Jalan Hulubalang, expressing his dissatisfaction with the lack of action from the elected representative.

The video, posted by @NaratifRakyat two days ago on social media platform X, has garnered 264,000 views, sparking supportive comments from netizens praising the man’s initiative. Many residents shared their experiences of motorcyclists falling due to the poor road conditions.

The resident, frustrated with the unaddressed potholes, took it upon himself to use his own funds to fix the road, highlighting the urgency of the matter. In the video, he emphasises that the money used is from the public, not the elected representatives, to prevent any unwarranted claims.

@NaratifRakyat, who uploaded the video, pointed out that despite previous complaints to the local representative, no action was taken to repair the potholed road. The video prompted a discussion on the effectiveness of the local government in addressing residents’ concerns.

(more…)

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has revealed the evolved version of its iconic GR Yaris, reinforcing its commitment to the continuous improvement of motorsports-bred cars. The GR Yaris, symbolic of TGR’s dedication to excellence, has undergone rigorous testing and competition evolution since its launch in September 2020.

Central to this evolution is the introduction of a newly developed 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. This transmission, honed through motorsports testing and diverse road conditions, boasts optimised software for sporty driving, achieving world-class gear-shifting speeds and close-ratio gears for optimal power band utilisation. The RZ “High performance” trim is equipped with a Torsen LSD for enhanced driving force control.

The engine performance sees an increase in output from 272PS to 304PS and torque from 370Nm to 400Nm.

In terms of cockpit design, the control panel and display have been tilted 15 degrees towards the driver for improved visibility and operability. The driving posture has been enhanced, forward visibility expanded, and the shift lever position optimised. A 12.3-inch full-colour TFT gauge display, inspired by professional race drivers, offers crucial vehicle information.

The exterior design incorporates motorsports input with features like an upgraded lower grille, larger side lower grilles for improved cooling, and a rear lower garnish with an opening to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Chassis and body reinforcements include an increased number of bolts fastening the body to shock absorbers and additional spot welding points, resulting in improved handling stability. A “Cooling Package” enhances cooling performance with options like a sub-radiator, cool air intake, and intercooler sprayer.

The GR Yaris also introduces a standard drive mode selection function for both sporty and everyday driving. The optional vertical parking brake, influenced by motorsports, enhances operational efficiency in competitions. TGR plans to offer an upgrade service for the GRMN Yaris, incorporating lessons from the evolved GR Yaris and motorsports participation.

The GR Yaris RZ “High performance・Sébastien Ogier Edition” and GR Yaris RZ “High performance・Kalle Rovanperä Edition” concept models are set for sales launch, to be unveiled at Rallye Monte Carlo, marking the first round of the FIA World Rally Championship. TGR’s commitment to making ever-better motorsports-bred cars remains an ongoing pursuit, ensuring the GR Yaris continues to evolve through competition and driver feedback.

A fire that broke out on December 31 at an Electric Vehicle Charging Systems (EVCS) bay in Johor has prompted an investigation by the Energy Commission (ST), revealing that the company operating the EVCS was operating without the required licence.

The Energy Commission emphasised that according to the Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Act 447) and the Electricity Regulations 1994, any entity involved in energy supply activities must obtain a valid licence from the Energy Commission.

The incident occurred at a car showroom in Tampoi, Johor, where a Mercedes Benz EQB model caught fire while charging. As stated by reports, the fire caused significant damage, destroying approximately five per cent of the premises and 20 per cent of the EVCS bay. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

In response to the unlicensed operation, the Energy Commission stated that the responsible party and the company would be called to assist in the investigation. The commission aims to determine the true cause of the incident.

This revelation follows the commission’s earlier proposal, reported on December 16, 2022, urging Charging Point Operators involved in the development of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure to obtain a valid public distribution licence for EVCS installations. The directive applied to installations across the country, including those already in operation, with a deadline set for March 31 of the following year.

The investigation sheds light on the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and reliability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The Energy Commission remains committed to upholding standards in the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry in Malaysia.

The Proton X90 created quite a storm when it was introduced last year. Not only was it Proton’s first D-segment SUV, but it was also its first seven-seater SUV.

There were lots of expectations, especially in terms of price, and truth be told, we were quite surprised when Proton announced the price of the X90. Not because it was expensive, but because it was surprisingly affordable.

The starting price for the X90 is just RM123,800, which is the exact same price as the flagship X70. There is an overlap in pricing there, but it makes perfect sense for those seeking more space and a bigger car.

But is it worth it? After being loaned one for a week, attending a wedding with it with eight people in the car and all the accompanying ceremonies throughout the course of a few days, we are surprised that we don’t see more X90’s on the road.

The X90 sits in the same segment as the Kia Sorento, Toyota Fortuner, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and the Hyundai Santa Fe, among others of course. It does everything that the others can do, and it is a lot cheaper as well.

The X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue (also known as the Okavango in some markets) but it is not a simple rebadge job. Proton updated the design particularly around the bumpers and the grille to keep it in line with the overall Proton design language.

Besides the restyling, Proton said that it also updated the suspension of the X90 to ensure that it is better suited to Malaysian roads. During the launch of the X90, Proton said that its engineers tested the multi-link suspension over a course of a million kilometers on various roads in Malaysia.

You can be forgiven if you think that the suspension is a little bit on the softer side, but drive it for a few days and you will notice that it actually does really well at soaking up all the horrible things that Malaysian roads tend to have; pot holes, sudden inundations, overly aggressive speed bumps, etc.

In terms of design, the X90 is a big, long SUV that from certain angles has the proportions and even the silhouette of an MPV. In fact, there have been some fiery debates online about what the X90 actually is. But Proton refers to it as an SUV so that should end that unnecessary argument.

Inside, the X90 is mighty impressive. Quality is surprisingly good, in fact, we will go so far as to say that quality of the X90 is the best amongst any Protons, past and present.

We drove the Flagship variant, which is one of four variants on offer. The standard is priced at RM123,800, the Executive at RM130,800, the Premium has a RM144,800 price tag while the top-of-the-line variant you see here is priced at RM152,800.

Just for reference, the cheapest Kia Sorento is priced at just under RM212,000 while the entry-level Toyota Fortuner costs RM195,880. In fact, the only competitor that remotely gets close to the X90 in terms of pricing is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro that costs RM159,800.

The X90 Flagship model is also the only model that comes as a six-seater, the rest are seven-seaters. The Flagship model offers two individual seats in the second row, which some call captain seats, and just about everything is wrapped in fine Nappa leather.

Now depending on how many people you ferry around or even if you like being driven around, the six-seater variant is not a bad deal despite lacking sitting space. As we found out, children appreciate their individual space as much as older people do. And if you don’t have too many people to ferry, this is a great way to go around.

There is also a full panoramic roof that adds to the sense of occasion as well as separate climate control for the second-row passengers. This is great but quite normal, what is not normal though is that the air-conditioning vents are located on the roof of the car rather than at the bottom of the centre console. This is ingenious as it blows cool air directly to your face rather than to your knee. If that still does not cut it, the X90 even offers ventilated seats for the first and second row seats. Several car makers, who charge a lot more for their cars, should take a cue from the X90.

The third-row passengers too will appreciate having their own vents as well as their own USB ports and cup holders, making the X90 perfectly suited for family escapades.

There is plenty of tech too, for starters the X90 runs on a mild-hybrid powertrain. The core is a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged GDI engine that is similar to the X50 Flagship as well as the new X70 models. It is mated to Proton’s regular seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox that sends power exclusively to the front wheels.

But that’s not all, being a “mild-hybrid”, there is a battery and a converter that works to provide more power while improving overall efficiency. It does this by utilizing six components that form the entire hybrid system – a DC-DC converter, a belt-starter generator (BSG), a lithium-ion battery, a battery management system, energy recovering braking system and a hybrid module control system.

Working in unison with the standard powertrain, the X90 offers 190PS and 300Nm of torque. Just for reference, that is 13PS and 45Nm more than other cars that run on the same powertrain but without the hybrid system. Aside from more power, the X90 also has 10% better acceleration and 13% lower emissions.

The X90 may be comfortable to drive or to be driven in, but when it is fully loaded, it does tend to feel a little underpowered. Despite it being up on power as compared to its siblings with same engine, it is also heavier and sits more people, so when all seats are occupied, it feels like it needs about 20PS and 50Nm more.

The trick though is to use one of the three driving modes (Sport, Normal and Comfort), particularly Sport mode. This is when the SUV feels more nippy and eager to downshift, giving you quicker access to power when you need it the most.

Despite that, the powertrain is undoubtedly smooth, but we have a gripe, not with the engine nor the gearbox or the hybrid system, but the gear selector. In regular selectors, you either move the lever once to move from P to D or vice versa.

However, in the X90, you have to pull the lever down twice. First to move from P to N and then again to D, which is quite weird. But to select P, you only have to press the P button. This is not something that will put buyers off, but it is quite awkward.

Continuing with the topic of tech, the meter panel is fully digitalized with a 10-inch LCD panel offering all the essentials such as speed, rpm and gear position.

At the centre of the rather large dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that gives you access to music and navigation. However, we still loathe the fact that the X90 does not come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Great news though, some Protons executives have said that the carmaker will soon be offering those two systems, and even existing owners will be able to access it through a hardware update.

It also offers a host of features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, intelligent high beam control, 360 camera and one system that we were particularly impressed by – the door opening warning system. This lets you know when there is a cyclist or a motorcyclist that is approaching the car and warns you so you don’t accidentally open the door. The downside to this is it also works in traffic, and in Malaysia where motorcyclists are incessantly zooming past a car, the system is constantly beeping. And that can be annoying.

But then again, tech is not always perfect but the Proton X90 still has a lot to offer, such as impressive refinement, quality and tech that can put more expensive cars to shame. And at its price, there is simply no arguing against it.

Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged, mild-hybrid
Power: 190PS @ 5500rpm
Torque: 255Nm @ 1500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch with manual mode
Suspension: MacPherson Strut (Front) / Multi-link with Stabiliser (Rear)
Price as tested: RM152,800

We like: Refinement, quality, price
We don’t like: Safety systems can be intrusive

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube