As the use of electrified vehicles grows, Toyota is prioritising the creation of a circular economy, particularly focusing on the batteries used in its vehicles. The company aims to establish a circular ecosystem for batteries, aligning with its broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Toyota’s approach includes developing resource-efficient and long-lasting batteries during their first phase of life, facilitating reuse in automotive or non-automotive applications during their second life, and ultimately recycling them in a sustainable manner.

Toyota is implementing the concept of “Battery 3R” – Reduce, Rebuilt/Reuse, and Recycle – to represent the circular path. The company is accelerating global efforts in collaboration with various partners and considering local battery production in each region. The goal is not only to support vehicle development but also to contribute to local communities.

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Recently, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia hosted a trip to Penang for members of the media to drive some of their SUVs. We were paired with the EQB350 4MATIC. Yes, this was a little bit worrisome due to the fact that this SUV does not boast a long range when it comes to interstate travelling.

Let’s begin with the specs before we go further ahead. With two motors, the EQB 350 produces a total of 292PS and 520Nm of torque. Its energy is contained within a 66.5kWh, 420-volt lithium-ion battery pack. It includes an 11kW charger by default, and it takes around five hours and 40 minutes to fully charge the battery using the 11kW three-phase charging outlet. The 10% to 80% charge using DC charging at 100kW will take about 30 minutes, and a 15-minute charge will add 140km to the range with the said DC charger.

Obviously, when we were first handed the keys to the EQB, it was fully charged with a range of 370km. The drive was from Terra Camp Cafe, Petaling Jaya to The Prestige Hotel, Penang, which is approximately 360km and takes around four hours to reach. Of course, when reviewing the time and travelling distance, we took into consideration the road and weather conditions.

To make things more interesting, we were paired with a member from another publication and had to swap drivers halfway. So with this, we also had to take into consideration driving styles.

In terms of size, the dimensions of the EQB 350 are 1,834mm in width, 1,667mm in height, 4,684mm in length, and 2,829mm in wheelbase. Which means it is roughly about the same size as the GLB. This seven-seater model has a luggage capacity of 465 to 1,620 litres with the seats folded, with an additional 190 litres of room available thanks to a second-row bench that slides 140mm. Now, since there were only two of us, there was no need for us to use that much luggage space. But we could have easily fit five to seven travel-sized suitcases if we wanted to.

The interior was a little bit of a letdown with its wobbly air conditioning vents and buttons/rollers on the steering wheel that did not feel all that smooth. However, it comes with Artico synthetic leather and Cupertino fabric, and the steering wheel is upholstered in Nappa leather. It does not scream luxury but it does the job of giving you the feel of sitting in a Mercedes-Benz.

With this being an electric vehicle (EV), you can expect the interior to be quiet. But it was not. Bear in mind that this was not built for speed because it maxes out at 160km/h. However, it has 520Nm of torque, and it accelerates really well and you won’t even realize that you’re already hitting the max speed.

But, it is because of this, that you get a lot of road noise leaking into the interior. But we didn’t mind it because we had our Apple CarPlay connected for us to vibe to great tunes and for easy navigation.

We also tested out the different driving modes which were Individual, Eco, Comfort, and Sports modes. As expected, Sports mode is a battery drainer. It allows you to steer more precisely and makes the car feel more alive. To us, Comfort mode was the best selection for this long journey. It still gave us enough torque to overtake other cars and especially lorries that were hogging the middle lane.

The suspension though was typically Mercedes-Benz, brilliantly comfortable to the point that we did not really feel much of the bumps and imperfect roads. It kept us in place so we were not bouncing around our seats when it came to driving over multiple rumble strips.

We had to make a pit stop at Tambun, Perak for a quick charge because we only had around 113km left in the EQB 350 and we had 160km of travelling left to do.

We departed PJ at 12:50 pm and reached Tambun at about 3:20 pm, which was not too bad but we could have done it a bit faster if we did not have to consider battery preservation.

We hooked it up to a 100kW DC charger for about 30 to 40 minutes, which gave us an additional 210km of range. So, in total, we had about 323km of range.

As soon as we left Tambun, it started pouring hard, to the point where we could barely see the roads, the traffic was heavier than ever, and it was flooded in some parts. This caused a huge delay in our arrival time. Those who drove the petrol SUVs reached at least an hour ahead of us.

Thankfully, the EQB  is equipped with a driving assistance package that includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Function, Active Brake Assist, and Extended Automatic Restart in traffic jams for added safety. Moreover, there is an anti-theft alarm system, an interior monitoring system, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and the Parking Package with a 360-degree camera configuration and Park Assist. This really assisted us throughout the entire journey and kept us away from disaster during the horrid weather.

Even on wet roads, it handled corners like a champ and we felt safe taking corners at high speeds, following the speed limit, of course.

Now, most people who aren’t well-versed in EV operations would probably say that the traffic jam will eat up your battery usage and lower the range. Actually, according to research, even when delayed in traffic with the air conditioning, music, and headlights on, electric cars can effectively maintain their battery power. Think of it as a smartphone on standby, it can go on and on with very little battery consumption. So, our range anxiety wore off because now we did not actually have to worry about the range.

Eventually, we reached our destination at 6:30 pm with 140km of range left. Which was not too bad at all. We could still drive around for some sightseeing. One thing is for sure, we were really comfortable throughout the whole drive and did not really feel fatigued. The comfort level in the EQB 350 is exceptional and is well-suited for long drives.

Although we had to make a stop to get it charged up, we still enjoyed the comfortable journey. But it’s not every day that you drive up to 400km, so if you’re thinking about getting an EV SUV that can host your family for below RM400,000, this would be a good choice. You just have to do some proper planning for those interstate journeys.

In a bid to wrap up the year on a high note, Honda Malaysia has rolled out an enticing year-end sale for its popular Honda City. Adding an extra layer of exclusivity, the company is offering a special promotion exclusively for government servants, providing an excellent opportunity for public sector employees to drive home their dream car at a remarkable price.

The focus of this exclusive promotion is on the City E and V variants, which are now available with an additional RM1,800 discount. While this may seem modest at first glance, the real value becomes apparent when you factor in the ongoing November 2023 promotion. For both the City E and V variants, customers can enjoy a discount of RM4,000, coupled with a complimentary Ecotint window film valued at RM2,200. This combination results in a substantial total discount and added feature value of RM8,000.

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Hyundai has unveiled its all-new 2025 Ioniq 5 N electrified sports car at a pre-show event for AutoMobility LA, showcasing the N brand’s foray into electrification. The Ioniq 5 N is the first all-electric model for the Hyundai N brand, utilising the award-winning Hyundai E-GMP platform for high-performance electric vehicles.

Combining the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N motorsport technologies, the Ioniq 5 N aims to deliver a thrilling driving experience. It adheres to the three N performance pillars: ‘Corner Rascal,’ ‘Racetrack Capability,’ and ‘Everyday Sportscar.’

The Corner Rascal capabilities of the Ioniq 5 N include structural enhancements to the body-in-white, reinforced motor and battery mounting, and front and rear subframe improvements for lateral rigidity. World Rally Championship-inspired integrated drive axles (IDA) are utilised, and the steering system is strengthened for improved rigidity.

A unique feature is the N Pedal, designed to address the challenges of electric powertrain weight. This intelligent software function provides instant turn-in behavior and enhanced throttle sensitivity, prioritising dynamic cornering over energy efficiency.

The Ioniq 5 N’s electric propulsion system has been improved, featuring an estimated 641hp with N Grin Boost engaged. The thermal management system is designed to resist heat-induced power degradation, and the N Brake Regen enhances braking performance for endurance on the track.

State-of-the-art technology, including N e-shift and N Active Sound+, delivers an engaging shift feeling and immersive driving experience. The exterior design includes performance-enhancing elements, such as contrasting black trim, a wing-type rear spoiler, and aerodynamically tuned features. The available colours are Performance Blue Matte, Abyss Black Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Matte (late availability), Atlas White, and Soultronic Orange Pearl.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 N features N-branded elements, a redesigned N steering wheel, optimised center console for track driving, and N bucket seats with reinforced bolsters. Sustainable materials, including recyclable components and eco-processed leather, contribute to the car’s environmentally conscious design. The interior comes in black with Performance Blue accents.

The Ioniq 5 N represents Hyundai’s commitment to providing electric performance vehicles, with future electrified N models anticipated to follow. The model aims to cater to performance enthusiasts seeking a blend of cutting-edge technology, exhilarating driving dynamics, and everyday usability.

Geely’s latest addition to its electric vehicle lineup, the Zeekr 007 electric mid-size sedan, has made an early appearance, sparking significant interest ahead of its official unveiling at the Guangzhou Auto Show. This sneak peek into the Zeekr 007 offers a comprehensive view of its unique and futuristic design elements.

The standout feature is undoubtedly the “ZEEKR STARGATE” interactive headlights, allowing users to project customised images or text—an innovative and personalised touch. The sedan’s exterior is characterised by a front bumper with a distinctive honeycomb pattern air intake and a sleek, aerodynamically enhanced bonnet.

One of the striking design choices is the absence of traditional door handles. Instead, the Zeekr 007 employs buttons on the B- and C-pillars for a modern and minimalist entry experience. The sedan rides on R20 wheels with 255/40 Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, blending style with performance.

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In response to a persistent concern involving VANOS housing bolts, BMW has announced a recall affecting 155,627 vehicles. This issue harks back to a recall in January 2014, addressing problems with aluminium bolts in the variable valve timing system housing. While the initial recall provided new bolts and an extended warranty, recent developments have prompted BMW to revisit the matter.

Despite the corrective measures taken in 2014, some models that underwent the original recall have experienced a recurrence of problems related to loose or broken VANOS housing bolts. Since April 2023, BMW has been investigating the situation, noting an uptick in warranty claims and consumer complaints. Issues reported by affected models ranged from a no-start condition to emergency mode or stalling.

BMW of North America has processed 620 warranty claims from the extended warranty period but has opted to address the problem with new housing bolts without offering an additional extended warranty this time. The affected lineup includes models such as the Z4 sDrive30i roadster, 328i and 328xi in F30 sedan and F31 wagon configurations, 128i coupe and convertible, and X3 and X5 in xDrive28i and xDrive30i versions.

Owners of the affected models will benefit from a no-cost replacement of the housing bolts, with BMW dealers undertaking the necessary procedures. To ensure transparency and awareness, BMW will send interim and final notification letters to affected owners, outlining the safety risk and the steps involved in the remedy process.