It was just a year ago that Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) introduced Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar, the Taycan, and now comes a variant, the Taycan Cross Turismo. As the ‘cross’ in the name suggests, this is a SUV although Porsche calls it a Cross Utility Vehicle (CUV).
SDAP is importing three variants with the following prices (without insurance):
Taycan 4 Cross Turismo – from RM645,209
Taycan 4S Cross Turismo – from RM728,727
Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo – from RM968,928
Design elements for the off-road image
With ‘utility’ in its function, the Taycan Cross Turismo has design elements that emphasise an off-road image. These include wheelarch trim, unique front and rear lower aprons, and side sills. Customers can also add the optional Off-road Design package which comes with special flaps at the corners of the front and rear bumpers and at the ends of the sills. These not only enhance the appearance but also help to give added protection from stone impacts.
Like the Taycan, the Taycan Cross Turismo rides on a high-tech chassis and all variants have all-wheel drive (AWD) as well as adaptive air suspension. Its off-road capability is enabled by higher ground clearance compared to the Taycan. With the Off-road Design package, ground clearance is increased by up to 30 mm.
Extra mode for off-road use
When driving over loose ground – with no emissions to spoil the environment – the driver can activate the new ‘Gravel’ mode exclusive to the Cross Turismo. This new feature manages torque distribution through traction-optimised shifting and other chassis settings, increasing grip and stability on surfaces with poor quality.
Inside, there’s 47 mm more headroom for rear passengers and more than 1,200 litres of load capacity (with rear seatbacks folded down). The large, automatically-opening tailgate makes loading and unloading easy.
Different output levels for each variant
All variants have the Performance Battery Plus, which has a total capacity of 93.4 kWh, but the output varies depending on the variant. The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo’s powertrain generates 280 kW (380 ps), with overboost power for Launch Control pushing it to 350 kW (476 ps). The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo has 360 kW (490 ps), with overboost power with Launch Control of 420 kW (571 ps), while the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo produces 460 kW (625 ps), and overboost power with Launch Control of 500 kW (680 ps).
The first shipment is already in Malaysia and those who are interested can contact SDAP to arrange an appointment to view the car by clicking here.
The pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide in various ways, and Malaysians have not escaped either. Jobs have been lost, businesses have had to shut down and for many, incomes have fallen drastically. So almost everyone would like to find ways to save whatever money they earn or have.
Etiqa, the insurance people, offer help in this effort by introducing their usage-based ‘Drive Less, Save More’ motor insurance and takaful add-on that offers drivers rebates of up to 30% on their premiums or contribution based on vehicle mileage clocked.
As many motorists are travelling less nowadays because they work from home or prefer not to go out too much to avoid crowds, their vehicles have less mileage. This can benefit them not only in saving fuel but also in their insurance costs with companies like Etiqa.
This optional add-on is free, with rebates paid whenever a claim is made at a customer’s convenience, subject to a minimum of 10 days between each upload. The add-on is available to all customers who take Private Car Comprehensive insurance coverage.
This new offering is especially good for those working from home, the ‘new normal’ brought on by the pandemic’s restriction on movements. And while they drive less, they can still have the same peace of mind as the coverage is the same, including compensation for loss of the vehicle in the event it is stolen.
Cash rebates will be calculated on a daily basis, as a percentage of a customer’s basic premium or contribution (minus No Claim Discount) as per the table below:
The ‘Drive Less Save More’ add-on is available when purchasing new or renewing motor insurance or takaful. To qualify for the rebates, customers just need to submit a picture of their vehicle numberplate as well as of the car odometer (the one which shows the mileage) via the Etiqa Smile mobile app.
Subsequently, during the policy or certificate period, customers will need to upload an image of their odometer reading as often as they like, with a minimum gap of 10 days between uploads in order to obtain their rebates. The images will be used to confirm the mileage driven and to calculate the corresponding rebate amount.
To qualify for the rebates, policyholders must periodically send an image of the odometer to verify the mileage travelled.
In a joint statement, Shahrul Azuan Mohamed, CEO of Etiqa General Takaful Berhad and Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad said: “We recognize the fact that there has been a reduction in driving activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant number of people working from home. Driven by Etiqa’s vision to make the world a better place, we would like to give back to those who have been using their vehicles less by rewarding them with rebates on their motor insurance premium or takaful contributions. After all, by driving less we can also do our part to save the environment,” they added.
In recent years, you would be reading a lot about electrification and how motorists in Europe are steadily switching to electric vehicles. The shift has yet to start in Malaysia but for 23-year old Haqiem Rusli, it has started. The young and talented singer, composer and actor from Selangor, took delivery of a new Nissan LEAF EV as the Grand Prize winner of the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2020 (ABPBH).
The all-electric LEAF was presented by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the official vehicle sponsor for the event in collaboration with Berita Harian. Haqiem Rusli was announced the winner of Bintang Paling Popular when he received 22,332,676 votes. He also won Penyanyi Bintang Popular and Lagu Paling Boom Popular with the song titled ‘Lembah Kesepian’.
Haqiem Rusli being told about his new electric car by an ETCM representative.
During the presentation ceremony, ETCM’s Sales & Marketing Director, Christopher Tan said: “It was our pleasure to collaborate with Anugerah Bintang Popular 2020 Berita Harian as this contest recognizes Malaysian artistes’ hard work and dedication in growing the local entertainment industry. We would like to congratulate Haqiem Rusli on his win and driving home the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. He now joins the EV family and will be part of our sustainability efforts in supporting the nation’s aspiration, as well as accelerate the global movement to become more environmental conscious towards a sustainable future.”
Global topseller in EV category
The LEAF, with a price from RM181,263 is in its second generation and has been the most widely sold electric vehicle in the world since the model line started in 2010. The latest generation has many advances which enable it to go further, with a range of up to 311 kms range on a full charge. And with 320 Nm of torque, it has strong acceleration as maximum torque is available from almost standstill, a characteristic of electric motors.
Like many of the latest Nissan models, the LEAF also has Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies. These advanced driver-assist technologies include the e-Pedal, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning & Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Around View Monitor (360° camera).
The LEAF is available for viewing and testing at selected authorised Nissan showrooms around the country. To find out where they are, visit www.nissan.com.my.
Until the Quattro came along in the early 1980s, Audi was known for its front-wheel drive (FWD) cars and showed no interest in rear-wheel drive (RWD). With the quattro system, the company didn’t have to discuss the merits of FWD or RWD; it powered the wheels at both ends of the car. The quattro system has been synonymous with Audi, an exclusive feature on its high performance models.
But the company has not refused to make RWD cars, except that they have been in small numbers and used in competition. Models like the Le Mans-winning cars with hybrid powertrains have had what is essentially RWD, along with the R8 LMS GT4 used by customer racing teams. There has also been the R8 RWS which was a limited-production run of 999 units and ‘made for purists’.
Now, Audi Sport GmbH (which is the company that makes the R8) has come out with a new R8 Performance RWD as a complement to the V10 performance quattro version. It has the same mid-mounted V10 5.2-litre FSI engine with enhanced output of 570 ps/550 Nm to take the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 329 km/h. Available in Coupe and Spyder bodystyles, it replaces the previous R8 V10 RWD which had served as an entry-level version.
Balanced for rear-wheel drive
The suspension and driving dynamics are specifically balanced for the rear-wheel drive. A mechanical limited slip differential distributes the torque ideally based on the driving situation, ensuring maximum possible traction even when the roads are wet. When Sport Mode is activated in the Electronic Stabilization Control system, the suspension set-up and control systems will allow controlled drifts.
The electromechanical power steering provides has Dynamic Steering, available for the first time for the RWD R8. This provides even more precise reaction and feedback with more direct steering. At the same time, it also increases comfort by making steering easier, such as when parking or manoeuvring.
The RWD suspension, with double wishbones and a passive differential lock, is adapted specifically for rear-wheel drive. The weight distribution is 40:60 and extra-light 19-inch and 20-inch aluminium cast wheels are fitted, or optional Cup wheels in 245/30 R20 up front and 305/30 R20 at the back can be specified. An 18-inch high-performance steel braking system with a wave design and an optional 19-inch high-performance ceramic braking system provide the necessary deceleration.
As with all R8s, the body is built of aluminium using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design which has been around since the mid-1990s. The structure has evolved over the years and large parts are now made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic for more lightening. The Coupe version thus weighs a mere 1,590 kgs, with the Spyder weighing another 105 kgs more.
Recognizable design features
The overly sporty design is inspired by its GT4 siblings and elements of this include the broad, flat Singleframe radiator grill in matte black with an R8 emblem. There are also the large air intakes, front splitter and rear air outlet grid as well as the oval tailpipes. Enthusiasts will note that the slit under the front bonnet is reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport quattro.
Racing car cabin
Given the exterior appearance, it would only be expected that the interior will have a ‘racing car feel’ and Audi’s designers have provided that. The eye-catching element inside is the ‘Monoposto’ – the large, heavily contoured arch that spans the area in front of the driver’s seat and is strongly reminiscent of a racing car cockpit. The Monoposto encloses the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen, which is integrated into a freestanding casing. The R8 leather steering wheel with Multifunction plus has 4 control satellites, each for using Audi drive select, to start the engine, to activate Performance Mode and the engine sound as well as to control the Audi virtual cockpit.
Production largely by hand
The R8 V10 performance RWD is built – largely by hand – at Audi Sport’s factory. This is also the production site of the LMS GT4 racing car, which is derived from the production model and uses roughly 60% carryover parts. In Germany, the base price for the Coupe is €149,000 (about RM717,000), with the Spyder costing another 13,000 euros (about RM63,000).
Before they became the ‘lifestyle’ machines of today, pick-up trucks have traditionally been workhorses. They have been used in worksites, in the jungle and anywhere ordinary vehicles could not go. Because of such a role, they were usually basic with minimum convenience features as the things that mattered to customers were performance, capability and of course, durability and reliability.
That image has long been dispelled by manufacturers such as Isuzu, specialists in pick-up trucks and light commercial vehicles. When the transition occurred from being purely for business use to a more dual-purpose role, Isuzu was ready to offer vehicles with better comfort and convenience – without sacrificing the core strengths.
The latest third-generation Isuzu D-Max is an excellent example of this evolution. Those who remember the first D-MAX that appeared in Malaysia 18 years ago will know best just how much change has taken place in the model. The Isuzu DNA has been retained but it is now a bold and stylish vehicle with even better performance and technologies.
Because of its dual-purpose role, manufacturers of pick-up trucks typically develop a variety of versions with different powertrains and drivetrains to suit different needs. Joining the D-MAX range in Malaysia today is a new variant – the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2. The 4×2 drivetrain means it has only rear-wheel drive.
According to Isuzu Malaysia, only 28% of pick-up truck users in this country frequently make use of their vehicle’s 4×4 system. These could well be the ones who use it in its original role in off-road conditions where 4×4 is helpful. For the rest, the vehicle might be used as daily transport to work or even just a weekend vehicle for recreation.
Less weight, less complexity
While 4×4 is useful, it also means additional weight with additional hardware which a 4×2 does not need. The less complex drivetrain, with just a propeller shaft to the rear axle lowers means lower kerb weight and there’s also lower rolling resistance. Maintenance requirements are also less, so for those who do not really need 4×4, this variant would be ideal.
By not having the transfer case, front differential and ancillary drive system, the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 weighs 1,830 kgs, a difference of 85 kgs compared to the 4×4 variant and about the weight of an average adult.
Based on similar specifications as the D-Max Standard 4×4 Auto variant, the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 is powered by the latest 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces a 150 ps/350 Nm. The engine has impressive performance despite its smaller displacement than other pick-ups. Power delivery to the rear wheels is via a 6-speed automatic transmission with ratios identical to the 4×4 variant. However, the tuning has been matched to exploit the engine’s dynamic performance characteristics, in particular, its flat torque delivery and flexible throttle response.
The Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform supports the vehicle and offers good stability and excellent flex resistance, making it a very capable vehicle regardless of load. To be able to have a superior payload capability, the standard suspension rating is specified for the double wishbone set-up up front and 3-leaf semi-elliptical springs in the rear.
Safety systems like a car
The pick-up truck has not only evolved in features and performance but also has much better safety than the earlier generations. The driver of today’s D-MAX has ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for assured and stable braking as well as control, along with Brake Assist to boost braking pressure when needed. The vehicle even comes with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control which will help maintain stability on slippery surfaces, especially corners. In off-road conditions (yes, a 4×2 can also go off-road), the driver can get help from Hill Start Assist) and Hill Descent Control as well as a Brake Override System.
For those who find the length of a pick-up truck intimidating, especially when reverse parking, there are reverse sensors in the rear bumper to help. These provide audible assistance to the driver, complemented by a 4-zone graphic in the instrument panel to indicate the location and distance to obstacles. So there’s no more guesswork when parking and no stress either.
Manufacturers used to give less attention to safety where pick-up trucks were concerned but that is not the case today. The construction and safety systems are also comparable to passenger cars and in the case of the latest D-MAX range which ASEAN NCAP has crash-tested, the findings warrant the maximum safety rating of 5 stars.
Comfortable and safe double cab
Inside the double cab of the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2, the seats have a woven-texture fabric that is both hard-wearing and easy to clean. The seats are generously-proportioned with ample support for comfort over long periods. The driver’s seat can even be manually adjusted 6 ways to suit just about any body shape.
For the safety of everyone on board, all seats in the D-Max are designed to offer whiplash protection while ISOFIX mounts are available in the rear seats for compatible childseats. All 5 occupants get inertia reel 3-point seatbelts and if one is not in use but there is an occupant, there will be an audible and visual reminder.
The D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 is clearly not a ‘low-cost’ version which usually means minimum features and equipment. It comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that has audio and phone controls as well as switches to manage the views on the 4.2-inch colour display in the instrument panel. The instrument panel has an e-LUMAX display that makes it easy to read in all lighting conditions.
The 7-inch multimedia system has touchscreen convenience and connectivity options such as USB, Bluetooth, wifi, MirrorLink, Miracast, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay so it will be possible to interface most smartphones with the system. Power for devices can be obtained from a 12V 120W plug-in power socket up front and one USB port each for front and rear users.
“In these challenging times, the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L brings a new level of relief by offering affordability and capability in a well-appointed and stylish package. This new D-Max variant that we are introducing today will be the sole 4×2 offering in its class that comes with an automatic transmission,” said Kenkichi Sogo, Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia.
The new D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 can be booked from today, with deliveries beginning from early November 2021. For the Peninsular Malaysia market, it is priced from RM100,999.20 without insurance. Customers can choose from 5 colour choices and the standard warranty is 5 years or a maximum of 150,000 kms.
For more information on this model and other D-Max variants available in Malaysia, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my where you can find e-brochures and make online requests for a test drive.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact not only on people (many of whom lost loved ones) but also on businesses. Apart from reduced business due to restricted movements, forced suspension of activities also made things worse. But now things seem to be heading towards some normalcy and as life gradually returns to normal, businesses are seeing a steady improvement in sales.
In the auto sector, which was allowed to resume operations from the second half of August, the number of new vehicles produced, sold and delivered also rose significantly in September, the first full month of operations.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) reports a total sales volume of 8,033 vehicles, an increase of 5,509 units over the August volume. This was made up of 7,931 Toyota vehicles and 102 Lexus vehicles. The volume was also 43% higher than for the same month in 2020 when 5,605 vehicles were sold.
On a cumulative basis, year-to-date sales of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia reached 43,594 units at the end of September. In the same 9-month period in 2020, the total volume reached only 25,978 units, an indication of the severity of the first Movement Control Order (MCO) during the second half of 2020.
“We are certainly pleased to see the market steadily moving towards normalcy as the past few months have been challenging for us. Our showrooms have been open and receiving many customers daily, and bookings for the latest models have been increasing. As a result, our total sales in September for Toyota and Lexus vehicles was a phenomenal 223% greater than the August volume,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K.
All SOPs followed
Mr. Ravindran said that even before the lockdown was lifted, all facilities had been sanitized and ready for visitors in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specified by the Ministry of Health. The SOPs are now strictly observed at all outlets and a company-wide program was undertaken to ensure that the entire workforce is fully vaccinated.
“I would like to assure our customers that they will be safe and protected when they visit our showrooms or service centres but at the same time, we remind them that they need to comply with the SOPs. This means having temperature scans and registering their visit using the MySejahtera app, as well as using hand sanitizers and facemasks at all times,” he said.
‘Visit & Win’ promotion
To welcome visitors back to Toyota showrooms nationwide, UMWT is having a ‘Visit & Win’ promotion with a total of RM30,000 worth of prizes to be won. You do not have to buy anything at all; all you need to do is visit any authorised Toyota showroom, take a picture and then upload it to social media (eg Facebook or Instagram) with a caption. Once it is posted, let UMWT know what the URL is so that it can be viewed and judged.
There are 38 prizes to be won, with the Grand Prize being an iPhone 12 (64GB); 2 second prizes of Samsung 55-inch 4K LED TV; and 2 third prizes of Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Iron. Consolation Prizes are TT Racing Maxx Gaming Chairs, Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Wireless Headphones, Kingston HyperX Gaming Keyboard, Philips Portable Car Air Sanitizer, and customized Touch’nGo cards with RM100 pre-loaded. Additionally, everyone visits the showroom will receive a free Safety Kit (which stocks last).
Those who plan to buy a new Toyota vehicle can enjoy low instalments with Toyota EZ Beli. If they are government employees, UMWT has the Jom Drive program (in collaboration with Toyota Capital Malaysia) with special benefits and a selection of financial plans. Applications (with supporting documents) will be hassle-free and processed speedily so that they can enjoy their new Toyota within a short time.
Loyal customers not forgotten
“Our loyal customers who have supported the brand for more than 5 decades are also not forgotten. We now have the new Toyota Loyal-T program with better service and bigger rewards,” Mr. Ravindran added. “The program makes use of the Toyota Drive mobile app for convenience and ease of communicating with UMWT.”
With business activities now normalizing, UMWT has been busy preparing for an exciting future when Hybrid Electric Technology is introduced with Toyota models assembled locally. These new models will have more efficient powertrains with less emissions and quieter running.
Locally-assembled hybrid models coming soon.
“Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are at their most advanced today, and are the immediate and economical solution for mass market production and sale in terms of reduced CO2 emissions, practical usage, and price acceptance by customers. We are absolutely positive that the HEV is the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in Malaysia,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and not show symptoms but you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
The Defender name has a long history in Malaysia, having been introduced as part of the Land Rover range in the early 1980s. Its shape followed the original iconic design that is recognisable all over the world and to this day, it is still highly regarded for its capabilities and toughness.
The Defender ceased production 4 years ago but Land Rover was working on a successor and launched it in 2019. With the COVID-19 pandemic having disrupted activities all over the world and even shutting down factories, exports of the New Defender have been slower than usual but it will be launched in Malaysia very soon.
Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has confirmed that the launch will take place on the morning of October 21 online as well as at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara, Selangor. To view online, visit Land Rover Malaysia’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/landrovermalaysia.
Long wheelbase, 2 engine choices
The company has confirmed that the New Defender – which won the 2021 World Car Design of the Year as well as the Women’s World Car of the Year awards – will be offered in the Defender 110 version which is the longer of the two available. This is a 5-door bodystyle and will come with a choice of two powertrains – 2-litres with 300 ps and 2-litres with 400 ps, the latter with a mild hybrid system. Needless to say, as with all Land Rovers, there is permanent 4-wheel drive, while the transmission will be automatic.
The New Defender has Land Rover’s purpose-engineered D7x (‘x’ for extreme) architecture which uses lightweight aluminium monocoque construction. Aluminium has been a key feature of Land Rovers since the start in 1948 and with new technology, the body structure is also the stiffest to date – and very corrosion-resistant, of course.
High-tech features
JLRM has included many advanced features with the vehicle such as a 3D Surround Camera which includes the innovative ClearSight Ground View that provides the driver with a view of the ground ahead. The Electronic Air Suspension also has Adaptive Dynamics that can optimise performance, especially offroad, as the adaptive dampers monitor body movements up to 500 times per second.
Being a SUV, the New Defender should have not problems crossing difficult terrain as well as water. It can cross flooded stretches that are up to 900 mm deep and has a Wade Program that raises the vehicle. Wade Sensing uses ultrasonic sensors in the door mirrors to alert the driver visually and audibly if water approaches the vehicle’s maximum wading depth.
More information and pricing will be provided at launch time but interested parties can visit Jaguar Land Rover showrooms nationwide to place bookings. The locations of showrooms can be found at www.landrover.com.my.
You will be able to see the New Defender in action in the latest James Bond movie, ‘No Time to Die’.
As mentioned earlier by the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), customers can now have their new Mitsubishi vehicle delivered to their doorstep. The company’s new Home Delivery Service has been launched and is presently available within the Klang Valley region, with other regions to follow in the near future.
Only for online customers
The service is only for those customers who have booked their new vehicle (and it is registered) using the Mitsubishi Online Showroom. They need not worry about the risk of vehicle damage while being sent to their homes as it will not be driven and will be transported on a car-carrier.
From now till December 31, 2021, customers who book a Mitsubishi Triton online and after completion of registration will receive a complimentary limited edition North Face jacket. They should use the promo code 4SUREBELI when making their booking.
Another initiative for customers
The Home Delivery Service is a follow-up to MMM’s initiative to provide an online shopping facility to customers. The company was among the earliest to offer such a facility as the COVID-19 pandemic started and restrictions to movements began. With the Mitsubishi Online Showroom, customers do not need to go to the showroom to obtain more information and to view the vehicles. They can also request for a test-drive and additionally, begin the purchase process from their home or office by using Booking Assist to place a booking.
Customers can also use Mitsubishi Motors Online to request for a test-drive and a vehicle will be brought to their home or office.
“As Malaysia prepares to transition from the COVID-19 pandemic to the endemic phase, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia makes an effort to ensure that our digital services are improved for customer’s safety and convenience. We want to provide an option for customers to shop online, offering something unorthodox to car ownership. We offer a one-stop digital service from viewing the car 360’ via the virtual showroom, booking a Test Drive 2U, finalizing the sales process online such as Booking, as well as Trade-In and having the new car delivered right to their doorstep,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about Mitsubishi vehicles and the locations of dealers nationwide.
Rain was falling as the cars lined up, Valtteri Bottas in front with Max Verstappen alongside and the fastest driver in qualifying – Lewis Hamilton – down in 11th spot as he had to take a grid penalty for the engine component change. The wet conditions were expected to remain throughout the race.
The Mercedes-AMG driver got off to a good start, and Verstappen slotted behind in his spray. Not surprisingly, there was some drama as Alpine’s Fernando Alonso, Williams Racing Nicholas Latifi and Haas F1’s Mick Schumacher went into spins on the wet track. But Hamilton was quick to slice through traffic within the first few corners and started the second lap to positions higher. He was then held at ninth place for 6 laps as Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda proved difficult to get past.
In third was Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc while Verstappen’s team mate Sergio Perez was shadowing him and waiting for an opportunity to get forward to cover Verstappen. Track temperatures were low due to the rain and as the drivers tried to get the tyres warmer, the racing was still a bit tricky.
On lap 9, the first penalty of the race was imposed on Pierre Gasly. It was a 5-second time penalty for having bumped Alonso in a spin at the start. However, Alonso also got a 5-second penalty as well as he had later bumped in Schumacher.
Within 15 laps, Hamilton had moved from eleventh at the start to fifth and the difficult part would start – ahead were Perez and Leclerc. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who had started from the back due to an engine change penalty, had moved up to ninth place after 18 laps. McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo was less successful and stuck at sixteenth place for some time. He would be the first driver to pit on lap 24.
At the halfway point of the race, it was still Bottas leading Verstappen and the gap was around 4 seconds. Leclerc was about 3 seconds behind the Dutchman but Perez was still some distance away with a gap of over 10 seconds. The prospect of more rain was mentioned in the pits.
Lap 36 saw Hamilton close in on the Red Bull driver and for a few corners, the two drivers were doing close-up duels. As with Tsunoda, Hamilton’s attempts to overtake keep being frustrated by the Mexican driver. And then Perez headed for the pits on lap 37, letting Hamilton through to start chasing Verstappen. Bottas also came in at around the same time, his lead taken by Leclerc. The Mercedes-AMG driver was able to return to the race just ahead of Verstappen.
On lap 42, Hamilton was asked to come in but he was reluctant to do so, and remained on the track. Leclerc too was thinking that he might trey to stay with the tyres all the way till the end of the race. Aston Martin COGNIZANT’s Sebastian Vettel had come in and taken the chance on intermediates which proved to be a very bad decision, dropping him totally out of contention.
Bottas started to close in on Leclerc while Verstappen was facing steering problems. With 10 laps remaining, the Mercedes-AMG finally regained the lead. Leclerc was displaced to fourth as Hamilton zipped past him but there was still a 6-second gap with Verstappen. The pressure was on the Red Bull driver who was aiming for the Finn ahead but also having to keep an eye on his team mate in the mirror.
To be on the safe side, Hamilton decided to come in to change tyres with 7 laps remaining. His quick stop allowed him to return behind Perez and Leclerc. He had fresh tyres and could put in maximum effort all the way to the finish so the 5-second gap was nothing. But even as Hamilton closed in on Perez, he put in a spurt and overtook Leclerc, which was not what the Mercedes-AMG driver was expecting. It didn’t help that Scuderia Alphatauri’s Pierre Gasly had also closed in and was watching for an opening past. Only 3 laps remained.
In the final two laps, Bottas had a comfortable 10-second lead over Verstappen, enough for him to concentrate on picking up an extra point by going for the fastest lap just before he took the chequered flag to win the Turkish Grand Prix. It was his tenth win on Formula 1. Strange how, having been confirmed that he will leave the team at the end of this season, his fortunes are getting better.
The borders between states will open from Monday, October 11, for unrestricted travel and many will be driving long distances. Some may be doing so to visit loved ones they could not meet for a long time, and some may want to take a long drive after months of just driving around town, unable to go outside the state.
Before you start going on longer journeys, it’s a good idea to check your vehicle. It’s been parked at home for much longer periods than before (especially if you have been working from home) and although there should be no problems, long periods of not being used or under-utilisation may have a small effect on mechanical parts.
In fact, for many owners, the service schedule usually followed by mileage intervals may not be applicable over the past year as the mileage travelled would have decreased significantly. In this case, manufacturers recommend an interval based on time, usually a maximum of 6 months. This means that even if the mileage has not reached the usual interval but 6 months have passed, then you should send the vehicle in for the scheduled service.
If you don’t do the checks yourself, many companies offer free inspection services to their customers. For example, Perodua has its Tweckbot inspection which is provided free during festive seasons.
Fortunately, today’s vehicles require a lot less maintenance than the older ones. There are more electronic components in place of mechanical types and these have no moving parts to wear out. Many replaceable items also last longer, eg sparkplugs, air filters and even engine oil but they eventually need to be replaced so the engine operates at its best.
But there are still things that you, as an owner, can do yourself and should do so prior to every long-distance trip. This is to minimise the possibility of a breakdown (or worse, an accident) due to failure of some system. It can spoil your holiday and cause much inconvenience if you are on the highway and worse if you are on a country road. Fortunately, insurance and car companies as well as highway concessionaires like PLUS provide rescue services that can provide assistance.
If you are travelling on a PLUS highway and have a breakdown, PLUSRonda teams will come and help you. But it’s better to minimize the likelihood of a problem on the journey by checking that vehicle is in good running condition before starting your journey.
TYRE PRESSURES
Over time, tyres lose some of their air and the pressures start to be lower than what is recommended. Unless there is a puncture, the loss is gradual and often not noticeable just by looking at the tyres. Modern tyres also have a stronger construction which ‘masks’ under-inflation so little difference might be felt in the steering.
This is why it is useful to have a tyre pressure gauge. It is available in accessory and hardware shops and isn’t very expensive. You can use it to check the pressures regularly or when you suspect something may be wrong. Carry out the checks when the tyres are cold for consistency as tyres will heat up at different rates when they are rolling. If you cannot do so but need to check as you are driving, then compare the pressures and if one shows a very big difference from the others, it is possible that it has a puncture or a faulty valve.
When checking the pressures of the four tyres, don’t forget the spare as well. Many people do not do so from the time they get their new car and then one day, when they do need it and take it out, they find that it is almost flat! As it may be troublesome to check the spare regularly if you keep other things in the boot, you can inflate it higher than normal so it will have more air for a longer period.
A space-saver tyre is a thinner tyre with high pressure and meant only for use as a temporary replacement when a tyre is punctured. It should not be driven at speeds higher than 80 km/h and should be taken off when the punctured tyre is repaired or replaced.
Many cars nowadays also have emergency tyres or ‘space-saver’ tyres. These are thinner tyres with higher pressures in them. They are lighter and take up less space but they are meant only for emergency use. They are only for replacing a punctured tyre so you can get to a tyre shop for repairs or replacement. Furthermore, you should not drive at over 80 km/h and remove them when not needed. They too need their pressures checked and the correct pressure is usually shown on the sidewall.
It’s a good idea to have wheel alignment and balancing done before a long journey. If the wheels are not aligned properly, uneven wear on the tyres will occur when driven over hundreds of kilometres.
It would also be a good idea to check the tyres for nails before a long journey. Look carefully at the tyre tread area and remove sharp stones that are stuck. Generally, a tyre should wear out evenly over the whole tread area; if you see that it is uneven in some way, ask a tyre shop to check the alignment and balance.
FLUID LEVELS
There are various sensors in modern engines to monitor various fluid levels but it is still a good idea to do it the ‘traditional’ way – using your eyes. The oil level is usually checked by taking out the dipstick and looking at the level in relation to markings (this is usually explained in the manual). Other fluid levels to check would be the brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid and radiator coolant. These are in translucent containers with markings showing the levels. Be sure they are all within the normal range and top up if necessary.
A word of warning: a low brake fluid level is often an indication that the brake pads are worn out. So if the level is quite low, you should have the brake pads checked and replaced if they don’t have much friction material left. You’ll be surprised how fast the material gets worn out when a little is left.
If any of these lights appear on your instrument panel, they may not only mean there is a problem but the fluid could be low, brake pads worn or the sensors dirty. Whatever it is, if the light keeps coming on or stays on, do send the vehicle to a service centre for a check as it can affect safety.
If your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery, then no check is needed. However, if it is the conventional type, then you need to look at the level inside. The plates should be covered with fluid and if they are not, then distilled water (referred to as ‘battery water’) can be added. Be sure not to over-fill as the acid in the battery will spill out and cause corrosion which is hard to remove.
ALL THE LIGHTS
Modern lighting systems on cars are more long-lasting and if there is a failure, there is likely to be a warning on the instrument panel. For older cars, though, the only way is to check by actually switching them on and off. Every lighting system is important for safety – the headlights to illuminate the road ahead, the signal lights to show your intentions and the brake lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is coming to a stop or stopped. Therefore, they all need to be in good working order (also a legal requirements) and you should be sure they are.
CABLES AND HOSES
You can also check the condition of wires, cables and hoses. Hoses are usually for the engine cooling system or the air-conditioning system. Of these, the radiator hoses are the ones that need checking. Over time, they may deteriorate and if not changed, they could rupture or leak. Of course, with many modern cars, it is also impossible to see the cables as the engine bay is to tightly packed or has covers. In this case, you would probably have to rely on the service centre to do the checks.
Many authorised service centres have an inspection service that checks all the important areas and items. This is usually a public service and offered free to customers, especially during festive seasons, as a way to help reduce accidents. Perodua, for instance, has their free Tweckbot service that ensures vehicles are in a safe and good running condition.
THE WIPERS AND GLASS
This is something that many do not check and like tyre pressures, wiper blades deteriorate so gradually that the change is not noticeable. Their wiping performance becomes less effective as the rubber wears out and the wearing may not be consistent so there will be some patches of water left on the glass. This means they should be replaced and doing so is not difficult. Unless you own a Bugatti or some very rare model, most workshops and spare parts shops will be able to provide a replacement set as there are universal designs. Don’t delay on replacing worn wiper blades as they are vital for driving safety on rainy days.
The windscreen glass also needs to be clean to ensure clear visibility. There are many spray-on cleaners that can be used to clean them inside and outside. Be sure to wipe thoroughly as areas that are not cleaned properly will deflect light and causing irritating flare. To keep the outside clean, pour some windscreen washer fluid into the container. This usually contains some additives to remove oil and other dirt.
In the past, articles on vehicle maintenance would usually end with a reminder to drive safely. Today, we also need to remind you of the need to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Do keep spare facemasks in the vehicle and have hand sanitizers and antiseptic wipes as well. If you feel better using gloves as additional protection, be sure not to use the disposable plastic type when refuelling as static can occur and start a fire or even an explosion. When at R&R or any public area, remember social distancing and stay at least 1 metre apart.
