English Archives

Piston.my

English

Recalled Honda vehicles being recalled again

Honda Malaysia is recalling 23,476 units of Honda vehicles to replace the Takata front airbag inflator modules as a preventive measure. According to a statement from the company this evening, these vehicles have been recalled before but the reason for being recalled again is not explained. But whatever the reason, this is a very serious matter so don’t delay in responding to it.

The affected models are shown below:
Models involved in recall for Takata front driver airbag inflator replacement
Civic: 2006 – 2007 & 2009 – 2011
CR-V: 2007 – 2008 & 2010 – 2011
Stream: 2010 & 2012
Insight: 2011 – 2012
City: 2009 – 2013
Jazz: 2012 – 2013

Models involved in recall for Takata front passenger airbag inflator replacement
Accord: 2003 & 2005 – 2006, 2008 – 2009 & 2011 – 2012
Stream: 2003 – 2005
CR-V: 2002 – 2009
Jazz: 2003 – 2007, 2009 & 2012
City: 2003 – 2009 Civic: 2003 – 2011

2011 Honda Insight — *2011/2012 Honda Insight Hybrid is also on the recall list.*

The company apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers once again. However, it stresses that this replacement is necessary as a precautionary action and urges affected customers to respond as soon as possible.

Honda Malaysia would like to emphasise that all its current selling models are not affected and the company will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls to ensure customer safety. Affected customers will receive notification letters from Honda Malaysia with the details of this recall and stock availability.

Takata stock — *File photo of Takata airbag inflator modules at the Honda Malaysia warehouse.*

The replacement of Takata front airbag inflator stock for these 23,476 units of Honda vehicles will be available in stages and Honda Malaysia is doing its ubest to ensure 100% stock availability in the shortest period of time. The replacement of the defective Takata front airbag inflators is free of charge and all related costs of the replacement will be borne by the company.

More than 249,000 modules replaced in Malaysia
This particular recall phase this year does not significantly change the total number of recalled vehicles as it involves replacement of inflators installed in vehicles previously subject to recall. As at October 1 2019, Honda Malaysia has completed more than 249,000 units of Takata front driver airbag inflator replacements, which translates to 91% completion ratio. The total number of Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements completed is at more than 537,000 units or 89% completion ratio.

Airbag centres — Honda Malaysia has been the most pro-active company in Malaysia where the Takata airbag inflator module recall has been concerned. It has used many different approached to get owners of affected vehicles to respond, making the process as convenient as possible. Personnel have even visited used car lots to locate affected vehicles and carried out the replacement.

Honda Malaysia appeals to owners of vehicle affected who have yet to have their Takata front airbag inflators replaced to do so urgently as it may deploy with excessive internal pressure when activated. The defective airbag inflator casing might rupture which may result in injury or fatality of the driver and passenger.

If you are not the original owner of the vehicle, Honda might not have your contact details and you may not receive a notification. If you believe that your vehicle is affected, you can check its recall status either by logging on to www.honda.com.my or www.productrecall.honda.com.my or by calling Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020. Authorised Honda dealers nationwide can also provide assistance to check.

Fuel Prices For October 5 – October 11, 2019

Global debut for two Mitsubishi Motors concept models at Tokyo Motorshow

Visitors to the Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) booth at the coming Tokyo Motorshow later this month will be shown two new concept cars that preview the carmaker’s future technologies: the MI-TECH Concept and the Super Height K-Wagon Concept.

MI-TECH Concept
The MI-TECH Concept is said to embody the values of MMC’s ‘Drive your Ambition’ brand message under the concept of “An electric SUV that delivers unparalleled driving pleasure and confidence over all terrain in light and wind”.

The concept car features a new, downsized and lighter plug-in hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, a 4-motor electric 4WD system and advanced driver assistance with active safety systems. The MI-TECH name is derived using the ‘M’ from Mitsubishi and the ‘I’ from ‘Intelligent, Ingenious and Inspired’, while the TECH is an abbreviation of Technology.

The MI-TECH’s advanced PHEV system is optimised with a light and compact unit for this small size SUV, using a gas turbine engine generator instead of a petrol engine generator. This allows the driver to use pure-electric driving mode and series hybrid modes, delivering the smooth and powerful performance characteristics inherent to electrified vehicles.

Its 4-motor 4WD system called Quad Motor with Dual Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) has two motors for both the front and rear axles. This allows optimum torque to be delivered to all the wheels, bringing confidence to the driver with precise handling for the daily use and also enhanced performance for adventuring off-road.

Inside, a human-machine interface (HMI) projects a variety of information, detected by using advanced optical sensing technology, onto the windscreen of the vehicle. While the MI-PILOT driver assistance system not only alerts the driver in potential collision situations, it also supports the operation of the steering wheel and brakes.

In addition, active safety systems support the driver in avoiding collisions and mitigating any collision damage. All these systems work together to deliver a reassuring, safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Super Height K-Wagon Concept
The new-generation Super Height K-Wagon Concept answers the wishes of those drivers looking to expand their list of destinations and going further towards to the horizon. This concept features the roomy interior space as is standard of the genre while delivering the performance and functionality expected in this category, with a SUV touch.

Few details are available but MMC says it delivers nimble handling and brisk performance while maximizing interior space. It also offers reassurance and safety to all occupants with MI-PILOT driver assistance technology, Forward Collision Mitigation, mis-acceleration mitigation and other advanced active safety systems which earn it SAPO CAR (Safety Support Car) S Wide classification from the Japanese government.

*The Engelberg Tourer concept SUV, unveiled earlier, will also be on display.*

Click here for other news and articles about Mitsubishi Motors in PISTON.MY

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about models you can buy today.

Ford’s Driving Skills for Life Programme Goes to Sabah for the first time

Driving Skills For Life (DSFL) is Ford’s flagship global Corporate Social Responsibility programme which has been run in Asia for the past 12 years (and longer in other regions). The programme, offered free-of-charge, has provided training for licensed drivers of all ages in Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

In Malaysia, Ford has been working with its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) to raise road safety awareness using DSFL. The programme offers hands-on training that covers hazard recognition, dealing with unexpected situations, vehicle handling, speed/space management, and distraction awareness. The importance of the use of ensuring childseats is also included in the sessions.

First time in Sabah
This November, for the first time, SDAC will bring the DSFL programme to Sabah. As with the programmes held in Peninsular Malaysia, there will be a mix of classroom and practical training workshops with trained driving instructors. The half-day two-part workshop consists of a theory course which will be held at the Ford Kota Kinabalu showroom, while the practical driving course will be conducted at Stadium Likas.

During the DSFL sessions, participants will also learn about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. They can experience the feeling by wearing specially designed gear that helps simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired.

Open to all Malaysian licensed drivers, each half-day session caters up to 30 participants and will feature Ford Ranger-based models to teach drivers safe driving practices when driving a pick-up truck. The vehicle choice is particularly appropriate for Sabah where a large number of Rangers are sold.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register their interest personally at the Ford Kota Kinabalu showroom to secure their spot as seats are limited or call 088-425 355 for more information. There will be four sessions as shown below:

Click here to know more information about the Ford DSFL programme in Malaysia.

Click here for other news and articles about Ford in PISTON.MY

Team Proton R3 takes Malaysian Championship Series title

Team Proton R3 (R3) drivers Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali have clinched the M-Production Class Championship for the 2019 Malaysia Championship Series (MCS). Driving a Proton Iriz, the pair finished second in Round 5, a gruelling 300-km race offering double points to those who finished in the Top 10.

For Fariqe, the 2019 title is his second MCS championship as he also won it in 2015 while driving for R3. His co-driver Syafiq, a 3-time Sepang 1000km (S1K) winner, collected his first MCS title to add to the impressive list of racing accolades he has already won.

Aiming for S1K win
After winning the MCS championship, R3 is aiming for a S1K win in November. By winning the MCS championship, R3 have achieved one of their main goals for 2019 and can now focus on defending their S1K title to deliver Proton a record-breaking fifth title in the race. They have a good chance of doing so as the team will be fielding cars with proven track records.

Aside from the Iriz, R3 will race two units of the 2019 Proton Saga, the newest car in their stable. During Round 5 of the MCS, the veteran driven pairing of Admi Shahrul and Faidzil Alang defended their title chasing teammates from attacks by other cars but still managed to drive their Saga to a third-place finish. It was the second podium for the Saga in the last three MCS races, which bodes well for the S1K.

The second Proton Saga will be piloted by drivers selected from the MSF-R3 Lady Racers Search. The initiative offers an opportunity to lady racers to undergo a development programme with R3, culminating in a race seat in the 2019 S1K race.

Competent road cars add competitiveness on track
“R3 set out to win the MCS in 2019 and we won 6 consecutive races to go into Round 5 as championship leaders. Having racked up 5 wins, the Iriz was carrying 60 kgs of success ballast so our competitors had an advantage during the race. Still, we tried our best to overcome the weight penalty and win the race but, in the end, we finished with two podium places in second and third. The results worked out well for us though and thanks to the skill of our drivers and the handling and reliability of our cars we easily clinched the MCS championship,” said Gary Lee, Team Principal of Proton R3.

“The team is using the newest versions of the Iriz and Saga and both have proven to be very competitive, thanks to the excellent handling capabilities of road-going versions of all Proton cars. This provides R3 with a good base from which to build a racing machine and as the season has progressed our development programme has managed to deliver two cars with race-winning potential,” he added.

Click here for other news and articles about Proton in PISTON.MY

Click here to find out more about accessories available from Proton R3

Bermaz Motor announces confirmed prices for new Mazda CX-5 – from RM137,379

Bookings for the new Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV were accepted from September 12 and from what we heard from the Bermaz Motor people, response was good even though the prices were not finalised. It goes to show that when a brand is strong and trusted, people have no problem putting their money down first if they want to be early buyers.

This evening, the Mazda distributor has released the confirmed prices which are shown in the chart below. As mentioned earlier, there are 5 locally-assembled variants available with only the top one having AWD and a turbocharged 2.5-litre SKYACTIV petrol engine.

Click here for other news on Mazda and Bermaz Motor in PISTON.MY

Visit www.mazda.com.my to locate a showroom to view and test-drive the new CX-5

Special edition to celebrate Porsche Panamera’s 10th anniversary

The Porsche Panamera arrived on the scene in 2009, offering sportscar performance one with the versatility of a touring sedan. It has shaped the brand over the course of the last 10 years as a technology platform for innovations that were transferred to other Porsche models.

Over 250,000 units have been delivered worldwide to date and to celebrate the model’s 10^th anniversary, Porsche has prepared a special edition model series. The 2020 Panamera 10 Year Edition models feature upgraded standard equipment and exclusive design highlights. The special edition is available for the Panamera, Panamera 4 and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid versions.

The special standard equipment list includes 21-inch Panamera Sport Design wheels in satin-gloss White Gold Metallic and ‘Panamera10’ logos on the front doors, also in White Gold Metallic. The anniversary logo can also be found in the interior on the front passenger trim panel and on the door entry guards. The interior is black with deviated stitching in White Gold.

Additional standard equipment
The Panamera 10 Year Edition models come as standard with a host of additional comfort and safety features. ParkAssist including Surround View, LED matrix design headlights including PDLS Plus, Lane Change Assist and Lane Keep Assist are part of the extended standard equipment, as are heated 14-way comfort seats with Porsche crest on the headrests, soft-close doors, and a BOSE Surround Sound system.

With standard adaptive 3-chamber air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Power Steering Plus, the Panamera10 models are also ideally equipped for outstanding driving dynamics.

The hybrid version comes with the otherwise optional 7.2-kW on-board charger rather than the 3.6-kW charger that is included in a standard Panamera 4 E-Hybrid model.

The Panamera 10 Year Edition and Panamera 4 10 Year Edition both use a mono-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine generating 330 ps, while the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid 10 Year Edition has a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor that generate a combined 457 ps.

A Porsche for four
Looking back at the company’s history of over 70 years, the idea of offering a Porsche for four was considered from time to time. However, prototypes such as the Type 530 based on the 356, lengthened variants of the 928 or the 4-door coupe Type 989 did not make it into production.

Porsche Type 530 — *Type 530 of the 1950s*

At the start of the new century, the decision was made to develop a 4-door hatchback sedan. The requirements included outstanding driving dynamics, generous interior space and a quintessentially Porsche appearance. The first Panamera made its public debut on April 19, 2009 on the 94th floor of the World Financial Centre in Shanghai, and set standards in its class thanks to the wide spread between sportiness and comfort. It was packed with innovations: for the first time, a luxury-class production model was offered with a dual-clutch transmission and start-stop system. The flagship Panamera Turbo also introduced air suspension with adjustable air volume, as well as an adjustable, multi-dimensionally extendable rear spoiler.

In 2011, the Panamera set the stage for a new age of electromobility: as the first parallel full hybrid in the premium sedan segment, the Panamera S Hybrid was the most economical Porsche to date despite a power output of 380 ps. Two years later, the Panamera S E-Hybrid once again led the way in the segment as the world’s first plug-in hybrid.

With the second generation, introduced in 2016, Porsche embraced electric performance . The boost strategy adopted from the 918 Spyder allows sportscar-like performance in combination with high efficiency. The top model is the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid with a system power of 680 ps.

Click here for other news and articles about Porsche in PISTON.MY

This is the ultimate Mazda3 TCR race machine

Mazda Motorsports has announced their latest addition to its motorsports program in the form of the all-new Mazda3 TCR race machine and it looks dope as hell. This supremely beautiful Mazda3 will be taking part in the 2020 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, starting with a four-hour endurance challenge. (more…)

New Audi Centre launched in Setia Alam

There’s a new Audi Centre in town and it is located in Setia Alam, Selangor. Catering to the ever-growing Audi owners here in the central region, the new Audi 4S facility focuses on everything from sales, services, spare parts, body and paint shop for all of your Audi needs. (more…)

Proton starts off final quarter of 2019 with 9-month sales volume higher than for whole of 2018!

We’re into the month of October, starting off the final quarter of the year. It’s a period when car companies will be looking at how to clear their stocks before the year ends and prepare for new challenges in 2020.

For Proton, there must be a very upbeat mood running through the company as sales have been on an upswing. Another major milestone was achieved at the end of September when the company exceeded its total sales volume for 2018 within the first three quarters of 2019. With 70,330 units (including exported units) delivered so far this year, the sales volume is 8.6% higher compared to the 64,744 units delivered for the whole of last year. And there are still 3 months of sales to go…

Highest market share in 66 months
With 8,934 units (inclusive of exports) delivered in September 2019, Proton achieved a growth rate of 97% over the 4,524 units in the same month last year. By the company’s own estimation (pending official data from the Malaysian Automotive Association), it would have a market share of 20.2%, which suggests stronger sales growth that rival brands. The figure is a 66-month high for the brand and helps to increase its year-to-date market share to an estimated 15.8%.

Proton Saga leads in A-segment sedan class
The Saga used to be Malaysia’s bestselling sedan and being displaced was something Proton did not take lightly. Major revisions were made for the 2019 model – including a change in the automatic transmission type – and it’s clear that the buying public likes what has been done as over 20,000 bookings have been received since it was launched.

Click here for driving impressions of the 2019 Proton Saga

Proton reports that, during the month of September, it delivered 3,994 units nationwide and that’s the highest number of monthly deliveries for a Proton model in 2019. The company believes the number places the Saga at the top in the A-segment sedan category in Malaysia. The last time the Saga was No. 1 in this category was around 3 years back.

Extras for X70 customers in October
Based on its estimation, the X70 SUV has also maintained its position as the leading SUV in its class. To celebrate its performance this year, Proton is offering additional benefits to customers who purchase a unit in October. On top of the standard 5-year free labour service, 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5-year Internet data packages already included with every unit, there will also be a subsidised insurance package and overtrade incentive worth up to RM2,000.

Click here for other news and articles about Proton in PISTON.MY

Visit www.proton.com to locate a showroom in Malaysia to view/test-drive/buy a new Proton