BMW is gearing up for a major shift with the launch of the fourth-generation 1 Series, including a new M Performance variant. Despite retaining its front-wheel-drive architecture, the new iteration brings a host of cosmetic and technological upgrades while hinting at a future shift in nomenclature by dropping the “i” from its petrol model names, starting with the M135.
M135 xDrive
Performance and Powertrain Options
The M135 will be available at launch, powered by the latest iteration of the B48 engine. This 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 296hp in regions with stricter emissions regulations and 312hp elsewhere. Torque is consistent at 400Nm, enabling the M135 to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h.
Other engine options include a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder mild-hybrid in the 120, producing 168hp and 280Nm of torque. This variant can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 225km/h.
For diesel enthusiasts, there’s the 120d with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, generating 161 horsepower and 280Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 222km/h. A more affordable 118d variant offers 148hp and 360Nm of torque, completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds and matching the 120d’s top speed.
Exterior and Design Evolution
The new 1 Series maintains its recognisable silhouette, but with sharper, more aggressive headlights and taillights reminiscent of the latest X2. The M Performance version, the M135, stands out with a quad exhaust system borrowed from the X1 M35i and X2 M35i, and the signature M-specific side mirror caps and kidney grille badge. The M135 also features plenty of glossy black trim and a sportier grille with horizontal slats.
The standard 1 Series models, whether equipped with the M Sport Package or not, sport a unique grille design with interlaced vertical and oblique lines. Notably, the new 1 Series is BMW’s first model to offer a contrasting roof finish in glossy black. Wheel sizes range from 17 inches up to 19 inches for the M135, which can also be equipped with optional compound brakes.
Interior Upgrades and Technological Enhancements
Inside, the 2025 1 Series offers a dramatic departure from its predecessor. It now features BMW’s latest iDrive 9 infotainment system with dual screens- a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch touchscreen. The interior design emphasises minimalism, evident from the removal of most conventional buttons and even the traditional iDrive rotary knob.
M135 xDrive
A new gear selector replaces the chunky gear lever, and the cabin boasts a fully vegan interior as standard. The M135 variant comes with additional sporty touches, including body-hugging front seats with an illuminated M logo and standard shift paddles for its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
BMW’s fourth-generation 1 Series introduces significant upgrades in both design and technology while maintaining the core attributes that have made it popular. The inclusion of a high-performance M135 variant and a range of efficient engines ensures there is a model to suit a variety of preferences. As BMW continues to evolve its lineup, the new 1 Series sets the stage for future innovations and improvements in their entry-level segment.
Malaysia is set to table a new consumer protection act, akin to the “Lemon Law” found in other countries, in the Dewan Rakyat in March. This move aims to enhance consumer rights, particularly for car buyers, by addressing issues related to defective vehicles.
According to NST, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced the initiative, revealing that legal experts have been appointed to conduct a legislative framework study starting this month. This study is expected to be completed by September.
The Lamborghini Urus SE has finally made its way into the Malaysian market. This is Lamborghini’s first Plug-in Hybrid version of the SUV.
The new model showcases a revamped daytime running light signature encircling the headlamp clusters, now equipped with advanced matrix LED technology. Both the front and rear bumpers have undergone subtle modifications, while the rear tailgate boasts a complete redesign. The addition of a spoiler, paired with a revised diffuser, delivers 35% more downforce at high speeds compared to the Urus S.
Aerodynamic improvements are not limited to the exterior. Underbody air vents and updated air ducts enhance cooling efficiency for mechanical and engine components by 15%. The newly designed front section also improves brake cooling by an impressive 30%.
Interior and Infotainment Upgrades
Inside the cabin, the Urus SE features dual 12.3-inch displays and an updated infotainment system, offering improved graphics akin to those in the Revuelto. While the rest of the interior remains familiar, Lamborghini continues to provide extensive customisation options, including wheels ranging from 21 to 23 inches.
Enhanced Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Urus SE retains its powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, producing 611hp and 800Nm of torque. The engine is now complemented by an electric motor delivering 189 hp and 483Nm, resulting in a combined system output of 800hp and 950Nm.
These power figures enable the Urus SE to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 312km/h. The plug-in hybrid version also offers up to 60km of electric-only range, powered by a 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery.
Advanced Drivetrain and Suspension
The Urus SE’s powertrain includes an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, featuring an integrated front differential and a rear electronic limited-slip differential. Air springs allow for adjustable ground clearance, ranging from 15mm in Corsa mode to 75mm when necessary. In addition to Corsa, the Urus SE offers various drive modes, including Strade, Sport, and Neve. PHEV-specific modes such as Hybrid, Recharge, and EV Drive are also available.
With its enhanced design, superior performance, and advanced technology, the Lamborghini Urus SE sets a new benchmark in the luxury SUV segment. The combination of powerful hybrid capabilities and meticulous design updates ensures that the Urus SE remains at the forefront of automotive innovation.
The Lamborghini Urus SE is now open for booking in Malaysia through Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur, the authorised distributor, with a starting price of RM1,028,000 before taxes, duties and customisation.
In light of the recent Daihatsu safety testing scandal, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has extended its investigation into other domestic automakers dating back to 2014. This probe has uncovered fraudulent conduct in type approval applications by major players including Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Suzuki. Consequently, these companies have been compelled to suspend production, shipment, and sales of the affected models.
Toyota’s Safety Testing Misconduct
Toyota, Japan’s largest automaker, admitted to submitting falsified data in pedestrian and occupant safety tests for current models such as the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross. Additionally, internal audits revealed tampered crash tests for discontinued models including the Crown, Isis, Sienta, and Lexus RX. Despite these infractions, Toyota asserts that its internal checks have verified compliance with all safety regulations, indicating no immediate action is required from vehicle owners.
Mazda’s Engine and Crash Test Alterations
Mazda revealed that the engine control software of the MX-5 RF roadster and the Mazda2 subcompact hatchback had been altered during official output testing. Furthermore, improper modifications were made to crash test vehicles of the discontinued Atenza/Mazda6 and Axela models. Nevertheless, Mazda confirmed that these production models still meet safety standards.
The Proton X50 was launched in 2020 and since then has remained largely unchanged. Proton seems to have stuck to the age-old adage of “if it is not broken, don’t fix it”. But that doesn’t help a car maker sell cars or remain relevant.
Despite its age, the Proton X50 has remained hugely popular. However, the competition is heating up and while previously the X50 enjoyed a considerable advantage over its competitors, they have now caught up and are breathing down Proton’s neck, and our national car maker is starting to feel the heat.
To ensure that it keeps its edge over the rest, Proton has introduced a number of updates for the X50, but they do not warrant calling the update a “facelift” in the traditional sense. That is because from the outside, the new X50 looks identical to the previous models, there is literally no update as far as the exterior goes.
The update then is most around the interior and some of the creature comforts. The updates are:
1. Powered tailgate:
While previously the powered tailgate was reserved for the top end models only, now all variants of the X50 get an automatic tailgate.
2. Improved NVH levels:
We have driven the new X50 around Proton’s test track, and while Proton says the new X50 has more than 20 improvements to the NVH levels, a test track is not the best place to try that out. But the car did feel refined and wind noise was barely audible even at well over 100km/h.
3. Updated Infotainment Head Unit
No unfortunately fans of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will still have to wait a while as Proton says it is still finalizing licensing with the two automotive software providers. But there is a Spotify music app though for music fans. Besides that the system comes with a new dual quad-core processing unit with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage capacity.
Proton says that this update results in 3.3 times faster computing performance, 33% faster boot up speed and 55% faster loading time.
4. Updated 360 Camera
Malaysia is a unique country where a 360 camera can actually make or break a sale. When all things are equal, a good quality 360 camera is undeniably important, and Proton knows that. Hence why the company has updated its surround view camera that gives crystal clear images in low light conditions. They did it by adding 3.3 times more pixels that allows the driver to monitor blind spots with 3D live feed when switching lanes. We tried it and it works brilliantly. Check out our video below to believe it.
5. Proton Link App
Allows the user to remotely start the engine to keep it cool before driving off and also control the locking and unlocking functions.
The updates may not seem all that great, but they are designed to make owning and operating the X50 a more pleasant experience.
Besides that, everything remains the same for the Proton X50 and it comes with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage, 6-times free labour service, 5-year data package with 1GB/month, financing interest rates from 2.28%pa and Proton insurance programme.
The first 5,000 bookings (registration by 31 July 2024), will enjoy a cash discount of RM7,000, trade in overtrade support of RM1,500 and value added features worth RM6,000, bringing the total savings to RM14,500.
The Kuala Lumpur Police Department will commence its Law Compliance Operation (Op HUU) from this Tuesday through June 15. The initiative, announced by Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, aims to enhance road safety and enforce traffic regulations within the city.
The operation will focus on several key areas, including traffic obstruction, adherence to white lines, vehicle registration numbers, motorcycle regulations, driver education, illegal parking, red light violations, and mobile phone usage while driving.
According to Datuk Rusdi, over 200 officers and personnel from various departments and districts within the Kuala Lumpur Contingent will be involved in the operation. He emphasised the importance of road users complying with regulations and practising courteous driving to ensure the safety of all road users and to uphold Kuala Lumpur’s reputation as the city centre.
Subaru has announced the nearing end of production for the 2024 model year (MY) BRZ in Japan, prompting enthusiasts to take notice. However, this development doesn’t spell the end for BRZ availability in other markets. Current stock will still be accessible through local dealerships, offering potential buyers a window of opportunity.
Not leaving BRZ fans in the lurch, Subaru plans to unveil a mildly updated version as early as July 2024. The refreshed 2025 model year BRZ for the domestic market will focus on new features rather than significant design changes.
One notable update for the six-speed manual version is the inclusion of a Sport mode, previously exclusive to automatic models. This mode, inspired by the Super Taikyu racing series, offers adjusted throttle settings. Additionally, Active Sound Control will now adapt automatically based on the selected drive mode, mirroring functionality found in automatic transmission models.
To say that Malaysians are familiar with the Haval brand would be an understatement. The brand has been in Malaysia for well over a decade and at one time offered what was considered as one of the best value for money small SUV’s you could buy, the Haval H1.
This was well over 10 years ago, and back when the Great Wall Motors (GWM) brand was in the hands of an independent custodian for the Malaysian market.
These days the brand is officially present in Malaysia with a full-fledged team with links to the headquarters in China. Not only that but the company is about to go full steam ahead with a local assembly programme as well.
GWM Malaysia has come a long way, but it still has a mountain to climb.
The recent spate of incidents involving some other Chinese manufacturers do no help GWM in building confidence for its brand among buyers. Though there have been no incidents involving GWM vehicles but sweeping statements from netizens regarding the quality of Chinese car brands tend to leave a flicker of doubt at the backs of consumers’ minds. Guilty by association, as some like to put it.
GWM Malaysia though has charted a very different path as compared to some of its competitors. It has taken its time in building its presence here, and since 2022, has only offered the Ora Good Cat as a sole product under its portfolio. The company seems to have preferred to take slow but solid steps in rebuilding its presence and brand in Malaysia.
Other Chinese companies have taken a vastly different approach, betting all their chips at once by offering a diverse product portfolio and then banking on members of the automotive media fraternity as well as influencers to help them build their brand locally. This strategy has worked for some brands, but not all. And members of the media and those influencers have been slayed on the internet for coming out in defence of the guilty brands.
GWM’s strategy though seems to have worked in its favour. After two years of researching and building, the company has now increased its product portfolio to two models – the aforementioned Good Cat – and now the 07, which has been in the Malaysian market for well over two months now.
But 2024 is going to be an interesting year for GWM Malaysia as it solidifies its presence locally with a more diverse portfolio.
At the recently concluded Malaysia Auto Show, GWM Malaysia took the wraps off its future models, the hardcore Tank 300 and the Haval H6 Hybrid. We drove both during a trip to the Beijing Auto Show well over a month ago, and while it was not an extensive test drive since China does not allow foreigners to drive on their roads, it was good enough for us to tell you what to expect.
The GWM Tank 300 is a vehicle that sits in a class of its own and is something that no other Chinese car maker based in Malaysia has an answer to. The Tank 300 stands alone in its segment, and though no official price announcement has been made, GWM Malaysia has teased locals by saying it will be priced at around the RM250,000 region. That has been good enough for over 150 individuals to put down a booking. Such is the appeal of the Tank 300.
The Haval H6 Hybrid though is a very different car. It sits in the C-Segment so it has some rather fierce competition from the likes of the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and even the mighty but dated Proton X70. So when introduced, the Haval H6 Hybrid will be GWM Malaysia’s toughest test yet.
But the Haval H6 has its own unique appeal. While a lot of Chinese car makers sometime steal designs from other, more established car makers such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, the Haval H6 has its own unique design.
The front of the car is distinguished by a unique grille style called the “Star Matrix” grille. It undoubtedly looks good especially the way it merges into the front bumper and the slim Matrix LED headlights.
The rear of the car is a little more conventional with a LED light strip that stretches across the width of the car and connects both taillights. The LED light strip seems to be all the rage these days with almost every car maker having their own interpretation of it. Who can blame them though when it looks this good?
The photos may not do it much justice but the H6 Hybrid is a big SUV. While it may sit in the same size category as its competitors, it is slightly longer than the Honda, Proton and the Mazda, but that does not necessarily mean more leg room. Besides, it will be very difficult to beat the masters of interior packaging, Honda, at their own game. We will have to put together a proper wheel-to-wheel test to answer that question later on, but from what we experience, the interior of the H6 Hybrid is a comfortable place to be in.
Speaking of the interior, it features rose gold accents around the steering wheel, door panels and across the dashboard. There is too much of gold trimming for this writer’s eyes, but it understandably might appeal to some. Besides, we hear there may be two variants for Malaysians to pick from one with a more conventional black-and-white interior while the rose gold will be reserved for the flagship variant.
But besides that, the interior of the H6 Hybrid is an impressive one. In typical modern day fashion, there are twin digital screens that greet you when you step inside. A 10.25-inch digital meter panel lays directly ahead of you and provides you with all the usual information such as speed, battery state and such data.
Towards the left of that sits a mega 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is connected to an eight-speaker sound system. The seats deserve a special mention as they are not only comfortable but look great as well. Both front seats are electronically adjustable while “boss switches” located on the shoulder of the area of the front passenger seat allows rear passengers to adjust the front passenger seat for more legroom, making it an ideal car to be driven in as well.
Powering the H6 Hybrid is a 1.5-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine making 150PS and 230Nm of torque. Being a hybrid, there is also an electric motor that works in conjunction with the internal combustion engine as well, and that electric motor puts out an impressive 177PS and 300Nm of torque, effectively giving the H6 Hybrid a combined system output of 243PS and 530Nm of torque.
That is gargantuan power for an SUV of this category. But as we found out during our drive, the way it delivers its mammoth power is smooth and composed rather than the outright brutish shove in the back that is typical of such immense power outputs.
GWM says that the powertrain has been configured for efficiency rather than all out power, with a claimed fuel consumption figure of just 5.2-litres per 100km. So theoretically, you will need to spend just about RM20 on fuel for a 200km trip to Ipoh, which is super cheap. Till the fuel subsidies are removed but that is a different story altogether.
So when will the Haval H6 Hybrid be officially introduced to Malaysians? There are plans to assemble the SUV locally and according to reports, GWM Malaysia is not too far away from launching its assembly plant. And according to sources, the H6 Hybrid is slated for an official launch this year. And with it being assembled locally, expect prices to be competitive.
Specifications:
Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged with electric motor
Power: 243PS (Combined with electric motor)
Torque: 530Nm (Combined with electric motor)
Transmission: Two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission
Fuel consumption: 5.2-litres / 100km
Price: Not available
We like: Size, good looks, comfortable
We don’t like: Too much rose gold around the interior
The new GTI Clubsport, an enhanced variant of the facelifted GTI, introduces several key updates from the regular Grand Touring Injection (GTI) models from Wolfsburg. This more powerful version features distinctive design elements, including a unique front bumper, a prominent rear spoiler, and larger Quadrifoglio-style wheels, available in 18-inch as standard with an optional 19-inch set.
With the launch of the Mk8.5 models, the power difference between the standard GTI and the Clubsport has narrowed. The standard GTI now produces an additional 20hp, increasing its total to 261hp. In contrast, the Clubsport maintains its 296hp, preserving a 35hp advantage. Additionally, the Clubsport benefits from an extra 30Nm of torque, bringing its total to 400Nm.
Both models are equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG), marking a departure from the previous Mk7 generation, where the Clubsport was available with a manual gearbox. In terms of performance, the standard GTI accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the Clubsport does so in 5.6 seconds. Both models are electronically limited to a top speed of 250km/h. However, the Clubsport offers an optional Race Package that boosts the top speed to 268km/h and includes a robust Akrapovič exhaust system. This package also upgrades the Clubsport with chunkier brakes and a special mode within the Sport driving profile to further enhance performance.
Standard features for both models include a limited-slip differential and progressive steering, with optional adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) for improved handling. Inside, both the GTI and the Clubsport are equipped with an enlarged 12.9-inch touchscreen for the upgraded infotainment system. Notably, the touch sliders in these models are now illuminated, and the steering wheel has been updated to feature traditional buttons instead of capacitive touch keys, addressing previous usability concerns.
The new GTI Clubsport combines enhanced performance, distinctive styling, and improved technology, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a track-ready version of the iconic GTI.
Proton New Energy Technology (PRO-NET) has announced a partnership with ChargeSini to expand its EV charging network. This collaboration underscores PRO-NET’s dedication to enhancing the EV infrastructure in Malaysia, aiming to provide a seamless and comprehensive charging ecosystem for its customers.
The agreement with ChargeSini focuses on increasing the accessibility of public EV charging infrastructure nationwide. ChargeSini’s network, which includes a substantial number of DC fast chargers at strategic locations such as hotels, supermarkets, and shopping malls, will be integrated into PRO-NET’s existing network. This integration, accessible via the Hello smart app, will elevate PRO-NET’s public charging points coverage from 70% to over 75% nationwide.
