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Review: Malaysian Made Porsche Cayenne Is A Sports Car For The Family

The automotive world stood still when Porsche took the covers off the first Cayenne at the Geneva Motor Show in 2002. Mouths agape, the world’s automotive media would later go into a frenzy calling it everything from ugly to outright blasphemous.

Porsche would lose many of its loyal fans who thought the company had lost its direction with the Cayenne. Most of them would later return when the Cayenne turned out to be Porsche’s savior.

The Cayenne would go on to be Porsche’s best-selling model for many years, until the Macan arrived but that’s a different story. A lot has been written about the Cayenne since then, but crucially the success of the Cayenne provided much needed cash flow for Porsche to continue building cars it was well known for, like the Turbo, the GT3 and the GT2. Not to mention all the RS variants that have since come along.

“I first saw the first-generation Cayenne testing around the streets of Stuttgart before the launch as I was there for a meeting,” said a former dealer recently in an exclusive but private interview.

“Just like everyone else, I didn’t think much of the design, but then I drove the car and was blown away. I have had the good fortune to own several Porsches and even race them, and the Cayenne is still very much a Porsche at heart. And I have owned every generation since the launch and still drive a Cayenne today,” said the person who we must keep anonymous due to a watertight non-disclosure agreement.

And therein lies the appeal of the Cayenne. Despite its size, its clumsy looks and weight, it is still very much a Porsche underneath. Call it a wolf in sheep’s clothing but the Cayenne probably single-handedly put the word Sport in Sport Utility Vehicle. And almost every automaker who builds a high-performance SUV must thank Porsche for the major risk it took when introducing the Cayenne.

We can go on and on about how successful the Cayenne is and how it has won several races and even explored roads where a SUV is not meant to go. But there is so much out there already that all it takes is a simple Google search.

We are here though to talk about how proud Malaysians should be for the fact that Malaysia is the only country outside of Europe where a Cayenne is built.

Since 2019, the Cayenne has been assembled in Kulim, Kedah through a joint venture between Sime Darby and Porsche AG. This has not only made the Cayenne more accessible to more Malaysians but it has also created high-skill jobs for Malaysians.

Not only that, Porsche has ensured that the Cayenne looks and feels exactly the same as its European made siblings. Step inside a locally-made Cayenne and it does not only look and feel the same but it also smells the same. It makes one wonder, if Audi has its legendary nose team that ensures all Audis smell the same, does Porsche have its own nose team as well? That is a question for a separate interview.

Now in its third-generation, the Cayenne is as popular as ever with Porsche selling 100,000 units worldwide in 2022 alone. With 2023 coming to a close soon, we are expecting the Cayenne to have found even more homes. Why? Because Porsche introduced the facelifted version of the third-generation Cayenne earlier this year, and it builds on the strengths of the already very capable model it is based upon.

Porsche Malaysia introduced the facelifted Cayenne for the Malaysian market in early October of this year, becoming the second locally assembled Cayenne. And just like the first one, it too looks and feels like it was made in Europe. And Porsche deserves credit for that since consistency in the automotive business is always difficult to emulate.

While the underpinnings may be the same, the face-lifted Cayenne is distinguished by an updated design. The front features arches at the side of the new bonnet that is also taller by a few millimeters, giving the new Cayenne a more commanding presence.

The front is also distinguished by new Matrix LED headlights that now only look great but are also quite smart. The headlights determine illumination levels by analysing data from the SUV’s speed, camera and navigation systems to ensure the driver has maximum visibility in low light conditions.

The side of the Cayenne is largely the same but the rear gets a new three-dimension taillights as well as a new light strip that runs across the width of the car and connects both the taillights. It gives the rear of the car a cleaner design.

Porsche Malaysia also provides customisation options for those who want their Cayenne to stand out. Take the wheels for example, the standard wheels measure in at 20-inches and feature quite a lot of rubber that is great to maximise comfort but look somewhat boring. For the adventurous (and with deep pockets), there’s also the choice of 21-inch wheels that look great but will set you back RM45,000. Or if that is still too small for you, there are 22-inch wheels that look amazing and cost an eye-watering RM49,000.

Powering the Cayenne is the same 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine found in the previous model. However, power has been hiked by 13PS and 50Nm for a total of 353PS and 500Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox while top speed is rated at 248km/h. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h on the other hand is marked at impressive 5.7-seconds.

The interior of the Cayenne is where the new truly distinguishes itself from the old. The new Cayenne receives a full digital instrumentation cluster, which is a first for the Cayenne. This revolves around the new digital instrument cluster that measures in at 12.6-inches. In true Porsche fashion, an RPM dial still dominates the centre of the panel, just like it always has since the first Porsche back in 1949.

The centre of the dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that offers Spotify and Apple Music as native apps. That means you do not need to plug in your phone to listen to either applications, but there is also Apple Carplay and Android Auto for those who need more.

The overall design of the interior is cleaner than before with fewer buttons and discreet air-conditioning vents that look like they have been merged into the dashboard. Even the traditional gear lever that used to be at the centre console has been repositioned to the left side of the steering wheel and is now a toggle-like switch rather than a lever, which we first saw in the Taycan.

However, Porsche didn’t go full Tesla with the digitalization of the interior. There still are some buttons and knobs such as the volume dial and tactile buttons for the climate control system.

And Porsche has also retained the grip handles located on the centre console, just as they always have been since the first-generation Cayenne. Most importantly, unlike a Volvo XC90 nothing rattles or buzzes when in motion.

The overall size of the interior remains the same with enough room for five people to get more than comfortable. And in case the rear passengers need to be entertained, you can opt for the Porsche Tequipment option that gives you two 10.1-inch touchscreen displays placed at the back of the front seats. This gives access to a variety of options such as Youtube and Netflix.

From behind the driver’s seat, the new Cayenne is still very much a Porsche at heart, just like it always has. The air-suspension does a brilliant job at isolating the cabin from the rumble and tumble of the road underneath. But when you want to have some fun, the suspension stiffens and gives you maximum control of the two-ton SUV.

The best part of the new Cayenne is its jekyll and hyde like character – soft and supple for maximum comfort at one moment, and it all changes at the press of the steering mounted button. Select Sport and the powertrain immediately comes alive and responds to every twitch of the accelerator pedal. The suspension stiffens to reduce body roll, but not to the point of being trashy. The passengers may not even feel the suspension stiffening if you do not mention it, such is its compliance.

At RM599,999 (RM662,499 with all the options), there really is little doubt why the new Porsche Cayenne is as popular as it is. While its competitors like the Volvo XC90, BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE focus on being efficient and comfortable, the Cayenne takes a different approach.

The Cayenne focuses on driving pleasure without compromising on comfort. It is still very much a Porsche at heart, and that can only mean one thing – uncompromised performance. Except in the Cayenne, you can share the joy of driving with five other people.

Specifications:
Engine: 3.0-litre, Turbocharged, V6
Power: 353PS @ 5,300rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,340rpm
Transmission, 8-speed Tiptronic S
Top speed: 248km/h
Acceleration (0-100kmh): 5.7 seconds

We like: Performance, Comfort
We don’t like: We prefer the previous design

Sony and Honda’s Afeela Unveils Electric Sedan, Plans for Future SUV Model

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.

New Honda BR-V N7X Edition: Looks Great But Will Malaysians Ever Be Able To Buy One?

As Honda fans across Southeast Asia buzz with excitement over the launch of the Honda BR-V N7X Edition at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2024, Malaysian car aficionados are left wondering; could this special edition model make its way to Malaysian roads?

The reality and the bitter truth is that it is unlikely that the new BR-V will be offered here, since the BR-V was discontinued in the Malaysian market last year, and was instead replaced by the WR-V.

According to Yujiro Sugino, Executive Coordinator for Honda Malaysia, the BR-V was discontinued because the SUV class had a larger market potential, especially in the gap below the HR-V.

But let’s take a look at the specifications of the newly launched Honda BR-V N7X.

With its captivating design elements inspired by the futuristic N7X concept model, the BR-V N7X Edition is already turning heads. From the striking chrome accents adorning the grille to the sleek glossy black accents and 17-inch black alloy wheels, every detail exudes sophistication and style.

Furthermore, the introduction of the BR-V N7X Edition in a new sand khaki pearl colour adds a touch of elegance to this already eye-catching vehicle, setting it apart from its predecessors.

Under the hood, the BR-V N7X Edition retains the reliable 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, delivering a robust performance of up to 121PS and 145Nm of torque, coupled with a CVT transmission. The Indonesian market continues to offer a six-speed manual gearbox variant as well.

Safety remains a top priority, with advanced features such as Honda SENSING, including Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Support (AHB), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Honda LaneWatch, available for the highest variant. This underscores Honda’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology that enhances both convenience and safety on the road.

The question is, will the BR-V N7X Edition be priced competitively in the Malaysian market if it were ever to be offered here again? The starting price in Indonesia ranges from Rp 319,400,000 to Rp 363,400,000, equivalent to approximately RM97,639 to RM111,090. With competitors like the Perodua Alza, Toyota Veloz, Mitsubishi Xpander and of course, the Proton X50 already offering hard-to-beat prices, we imagine that the BR-V would not do well here. So perhaps Honda Malaysia was right to focus on the small SUV segment with the WRV instead, in which there is only the Perodua Ativa to worry about.

A Century Of Design: Engineering Marvel of the Bugatti Type 35

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.

BMW Malaysia Unveils the Refreshed iX xDrive50 Sport and BMW iX M60

BMW Malaysia has introduced two new models, the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60, showcasing the latest in charging technology and exemplifying their commitment to providing premium electric driving experiences in Malaysia.

The BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 come with updated features, including new charging capabilities and dual-axle suspension integration, setting new standards for electrified mobility in the local market. These models now come equipped with AC Charging Professional as standard, reducing charging times significantly with newly equipped 22 kW charging capabilities.

Furthermore, both models continue to offer high-power charging of up to 195 kW, allowing for rapid charging from 0% to 80% in just 35 minutes. Additionally, they feature an 11 kW AC Wallbox Charger, enabling full charging from 0% to 100% in 11 hours.

Owners of the BMW iX can access over 1,700 charging facilities nationwide through partnerships with major local EV charging providers. These collaborations ensure a seamless charging experience for BMW customers, aligning with the evolving landscape of electric mobility in Malaysia.

The BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 boast impressive performance figures, with the xDrive50 Sport offering a maximum output of 523hp and an electric range of up to 630km (WLTP), while the iX M60 features a combined output of 619hp and an electric range of up to 561km (WLTP). Both models offer exhilarating acceleration and a smooth driving experience, enhanced by the dual-axle air suspension and BMW Iconic Sounds Electric.

In terms of design and technology, the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 feature Comfort Access with BMW Digital Key Plus, Interior Design Atelier with Sensatec accents, Harman Kardon 18-speaker surround sound system, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, and BMW iDrive with the new BMW Operating System 8.5.

The models come in a range of exterior and interior colour options, allowing customers to personalise their driving experience. The exterior colour options for the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 are Alpine White, Mineral White Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sophisto Grey Metallic with Brilliant Effect, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Oxide Grey
Metallic and Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic. With an additional charge of RM6,200, owners may choose from Aventurine Red Metallic or Individual Storm Bay Metallic. Colour offering for the interior upholstery include the Interior Design Atelier in Mocha or Black, while an additional charge of RM17,300 allows for an option of the Interior Design Suite in Amido or Castanea.

Additionally, BMW offers flexible financial plans to make ownership more accessible, including the Easy Drive Financing Plan and the Straight-Line Financing Plan.

Owners of the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and BMW iX M60 will benefit from the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience, including a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, an 8-Year / 160,000km Battery Warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, and BMW Service Online.

The retail pricing for the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport is RM465,800.00, while the BMW iX M60 is priced at RM579,800.00. Additionally, BMW offers the BMW Service & Repair Inclusive package for RM33,200.00, which includes a 5-Year Extended Warranty and Service Package.