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Unlike our Malaysian market, the Hyundai Creta has achieved a significant milestone in India, surpassing sales of 1,000,000 units since its launch in 2015. According to Hyundai Motor India, the Creta is selling at a remarkable rate of one unit every five minutes! Alongside its success in India, the Creta has also seen exports of 280,000 units from the country.

The Creta accounted for 26.1% of Hyundai’s annual domestic volume in 2023 and held a substantial 30.7% share of the mid-size SUV segment.

Currently in its second generation in India, the Creta received a mid-life update recently, resulting in over 60,000 bookings for the new model. With prices ranging from Rs 10,99,900 (RM63,445) to Rs 20,14,900 (RM116,225), the Creta competes with several prominent models in the market, including the Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and MG Astor.

The Hyundai Creta in India offers three engine options: a 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine producing 115PS and 144Nm, a 1.5-litre Kappa Turbo GDi petrol engine with 160PS and 253Nm, and a 1.5-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine delivering 116PS and 250Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, IVT automatic, 7-speed DCT automatic, and 6-speed AT.

Here in Malaysia, the Creta is powered by a Smartstream G1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 115PS at 6,300rpm and 144Nm of torque at 4,500rpm to the front wheels through a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). For Peninsular Malaysia, the Hyundai Creta costs RM149,888 on the open road before insurance.

The Golf, an iconic compact car, is celebrating its 50th birthday with the launch of the latest evolutionary stage of the bestseller in Europe. With more than 37 million units sold worldwide, the Golf has become one of the most successful cars globally since its debut in 1974. To mark this milestone, Volkswagen is introducing pre-sales of the new Golf and Golf Variant models, which feature numerous enhancements and a next-generation infotainment system.

The new Golf and Golf Variant models boast a modified front end with newly designed LED headlights, including the top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with an enhanced main beam. Additionally, the IQ.LIGHT 3D LED tail light clusters have received a new design. Inside, a brand new generation of infotainment system with a faster processor and a free-standing touchscreen (12.9 inches) is introduced. The interior also features illuminated touch sliders for temperature and volume control, the latest digital instruments (Digital Cockpit Pro), a multifunction steering wheel, and the IDA voice assistant, which now integrates ChatGPT for a wide range of conversational capabilities.

In terms of variants, the Golf and Golf Variant are initially available in five equipment and four drive system options. These include manual turbocharged petrol engines (TSI) with outputs of 115PS and 150PS, as well as 48 V mild hybrid turbocharged petrol engines (eTSI) with outputs of 115PS and 150PS, equipped with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). The special Golf Edition 50 model, based on the Golf Style, offers additional features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, an illuminated horizontal radiator grille strip, and Edition 50 logos in the interior. It also includes the new top-of-the-range “Discover” infotainment system, keyless start and locking system, driving profile selection, and more.

The Golf Edition 50 will be available with different drive versions, starting with the Golf Edition 50 1.5 TSI with 150PS and a manual gearbox, priced at 36,820 euros (RM189,891). An optional Plus package is also available, offering additional features such as a panoramic sunroof, IQ.LIGHT matrix LED headlights, and a head-up display.

Amalgam, renowned for its impeccable scale models, has unveiled its latest masterpiece: a meticulously detailed replica of the iconic 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 in 1:8 scale. This miniature marvel captures every aspect of the original car, from its scissor doors to its finely crafted interior and engine bay.

Priced at $19,995 (RM95,576), this miniature Countach doesn’t come cheap, costing more than a real Proton S70! However, for enthusiasts captivated by the allure of the Countach, the attention to detail is well worth the investment.

The replica features scissor doors that open vertically, revealing intricate details such as window cranks, door pockets, a detailed steering wheel, gauge cluster, gated manual shifter, stereo, speaker indents, and even an ashtray in the centre console. The front trunk houses meticulously recreated brake components and a spare tyre, while the headlights can be positioned up or down. At the rear, lifting the engine cover reveals a stunningly replicated 4.0-litre V12 engine, complete with red spark wires and throttle linkages.

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Porsche and Puma, known for their collaborative sneaker ventures primarily in the realms of lifestyle and racing, are now delving into the world of basketball footwear with their latest partnership.

LaMelo Ball MB.03

The first offering in this collaboration is the LaMelo Ball MB.03, the third signature sneaker for the Charlotte Hornets star. Drawing inspiration from Porsche’s iconic 930 Turbo, it features a striking black and yellow colourway reminiscent of the car’s factory gold paint job, complete with the Porsche logo adorning the heel.

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Nissan has introduced updates to the Juke for 2024, aiming to enhance its competitiveness in the crowded small SUV segment. While the exterior design remains largely unchanged, significant improvements have been made to the interior, including a larger infotainment display and enhanced fit and finish. Additionally, Nissan has introduced a new flagship trim called N-Sport and reintroduced a yellow colour option.

The Juke N-Sport trim represents the pinnacle of the lineup, featuring black accents on the roof, pillars, wheels, wheel arches, mirrors, and grille, which contrast with the new yellow exterior colour. Inside, the N-Sport trim boasts yellow stitching, dashboard trim, and inserts made from recycled Alcantara, along with Juke emblems embossed on the seats.

The most notable change inside the cabin is the introduction of a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display, positioned atop a slightly redesigned dashboard with a driver-centric incline. This upgraded display comes standard and can be paired with a new 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster. The improved infotainment system now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and features an enhanced voice recognition system.

Nissan has also made several other interior enhancements, including smoother leather-style material on the steering wheel, a larger glovebox, new seats across most trims, and a redesigned centre armrest for improved support. Additionally, the Juke now comes equipped with an electric handbrake, wireless charging pad, and USB-A / USB-C outlets for all passengers, aligning it with modern standards for 2024.

Exterior updates are minor, with revisions to the colour options and the introduction of new wheel designs, some of which are up to 19 inches in diameter. The highlight is the return of the yellow colour option, which was highly requested by customers and is now slightly paler compared to the previous iteration. Nissan’s colour and trim department has also refined the formulas for the pearl white and metallic black shades to enhance their appeal.

Lane Departure Warning is now integrated as standard equipment with the Juke update. While standard from the Tekna grade onward, emergency lane keep is an option.

The rear-view camera’s quality has also been raised from 0.3 to 1.3 megapixels to better utilise the high-definition centre screen. This means that movements including reversing can be executed even more confidently because of a sharper vision, particularly in low light. All Juke grades now come equipped with a rear-view camera as standard equipment. N-Connecta grade up and higher models can also order the Around-View Monitor, which combines images from four cameras around the car to provide a “bird’s-eye view” of the car’s position for parking manoeuvres.

The Juke offers two powertrain choices. The first is the Juke Hybrid, featuring a Nissan internal combustion engine optimised for hybrid use, delivering 94hp and 148Nm of torque. On the electric side, the primary electric motor generates 49hp and 205Nm of torque, supplemented by a 15kW high voltage starter/generator connected to a 1.2kWh liquid-cooled battery via an inverter. This configuration yields a power output 25% higher than the current petrol engine option, along with fuel consumption reductions of up to 40% in urban settings and up to 20% overall.

Alternatively, the non-electrified engine option for the Juke houses a compact and lightweight 1.0-litre three-cylinder DIG-T turbocharged petrol engine. Delivering 117PS and 180Nm of torque. Drivers can select between a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) paddle-shift transmission, along with a driving mode selector (Eco, Standard, Sport) to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

The upcoming Geneva Motor Show on February 26 will feature the YangWang U8 from BYD, among other models from the Chinese brand.

BYD intends to use the Geneva Motor Show to gauge public reaction to the YangWang U8 before potentially launching the luxury brand in Europe. While it aims to position the U8 as a competitor to vehicles like the Land Rover Defender 130, pricing details for the European market have not been disclosed yet.

Underneath its striking exterior, the YangWang U8 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine serving as a range extender for its 49.05 kWh battery pack. Propulsion is provided by four electric motors delivering a combined output of 1,184hp, offering nearly double the power of a Lamborghini Urus. BYD will also showcase key technologies of the YangWang brand, including the advanced DiSus Intelligent Body Control System and the e⁴ platform that forms the basis of the SUV.

Additionally, BYD will present other products at the Geneva Motor Show, such as the new Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV and the seven-seat, battery-electric BYD Tang. The Seal U DM-i is expected to be significant for BYD, particularly in markets where EV infrastructure is still developing, as it offers a compromise-free range for drivers.

Afeela, the joint venture between Sony and Honda, showcased an updated version of its first product, an electric sedan, at CES 2024. The sedan, which remains unnamed, features a revised design and more specific powertrain details. It will feature an all-wheel drive with a 241hp electric motor on each axle and a 91.0-kWh battery capable of charging up to 150 kW.

Afeela plans to launch the sedan in the U.S. in 2026, following its debut in 2025. While orders for the sedan will open in 2025, actual sales are expected to commence the following year.

In addition to the sedan, Afeela intends to introduce two more electric vehicles in the coming years. In 2027, an electric SUV closely related to the sedan will be introduced, followed by a more affordable compact model in 2028. These models will share a platform to reduce costs and development time.

The compact model, roughly the size of a Toyota Corolla, will likely share parts with Honda’s lineup of EVs. To keep costs down, certain equipment and functions may be omitted from the compact model.

Reports indicate that the Afeela sedan will be priced at over 10 million yen in Japan, approximately RM318,189.

The Bugatti Type 35 is not just a car; it’s a testament to the visionary genius of its creator, Ettore Arco Isidoro Bugatti. Born into a family steeped in creativity and the arts, Bugatti’s unconventional approach to automotive engineering revolutionised the industry with the Type 35.

Debuting in 1924, the Type 35 shattered conventions with its groundbreaking design and technical innovations. Unlike its contemporaries, it featured a low and sleek body, cast alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass, and encapsulated rear suspension for improved aerodynamics.

Underneath its elegant exterior, the Type 35 boasted a pioneering 2.0-litre inline eight-cylinder engine with thin-wall construction and 24 valves. With an aluminium crankshaft and meticulous attention to weight reduction, Bugatti achieved a class-leading performance of 90PS while keeping the car’s weight to just 750kg.

Bugatti’s commitment to lightweight engineering extended to every component, including a new hollow front axle and a unique rear axle configuration. These innovations, combined with precision steering and a lightweight chassis, delivered unparalleled agility and driving pleasure on both road and track.

The Type 35’s engineering excellence was further evidenced by its beautifully balanced drum brakes and pressurised petrol tank, enabling drivers to push the limits of performance with confidence.

Even a century after its launch, the Bugatti Type 35 remains a symbol of automotive innovation and excellence. Its legacy lives on in every Bugatti vehicle, carrying forward the design and engineering values established by Ettore Bugatti himself. As Luigi Galli aptly concludes, the Type 35 is an integral part of Bugatti’s DNA, alongside other iconic models like the Bugatti Atlantic and the Bugatti Royale.

It’s a bittersweet moment for Alfa Romeo enthusiasts in North America as the Italian automaker announces the end of sales for its high-performance Quadrifoglio models, scheduled to cease production in June of this year.

Larry Dominique, Alfa Romeo’s senior vice president for North America, shared this news on LinkedIn, advising interested buyers to place their orders soon to acquire a Giulia or Stelvio Quadrifoglio before they’re no longer available in their current form.

Dominique emphasised that this isn’t the end of the story for Alfa Romeo, hinting at the brand’s transition to an electrified future. The final opportunity to order a 2024 Giulia or Stelvio Quadrifoglio will close at the end of April 2024, with the last internal-combustion-powered Quadrifoglio models for the U.S. and Canada exiting the Cassino plant in June 2024.

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In response to shifting consumer demands, particularly towards electric vehicles, Continental, a major German auto supplier, has announced plans to reduce its global workforce by 7,150 jobs by 2025.

The job cuts, affecting various areas of the company, will see 1,750 positions eliminated from research and development, with an additional 5,400 job cuts as part of a previously announced cost-cutting program.

Philipp von Hirschheydt, Continental’s automotive chief, emphasised that the restructuring aims to prioritise investments in future technologies for software-defined vehicles. The company remains committed to supporting affected employees by seeking suitable solutions.

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