Weststar Maxus telah melancarkan pusat 3S terbaharu mereka di Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang.
Pusat 3S terbaharu ini akan memberi perkhidmatan jualan, servis dan alat ganti kepada pelanggan di kawasan Utara.
Weststar Maxus juga melancarkan van komersial terbaharu mereka iaitu Maxus V80 2018.
Weststar Maxus baru sahaja melancarkan pusat 3S terbaharu mereka yang terletak di Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. Pusat Jualan, servis dan alat ganti akan memberi khidmat sokongan yang penting terutamanya kepada pelanggan-pelanggan mereka di kawasan Utara. (more…)
The Dream Cars collection of Mercedes-Benz are the embodiment of the brand’s design philosophy of sensual purity, passion and alluring desire. These cars were crafted to fulfil the dreams of our most passionate fans – offering pure performance, breathtaking style, state-of-the-art engineering and absolute luxury.
“From the seductive design of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, which was the original four-door coupe, to the AMG GT C which adds yet another thrilling facet to the AMG GT family and the E-Class Cabriolet, a masterpiece of intelligence now with the liberation of topless motoring, the Dream Cars offer the utmost indulgence for every kind of driver. In other words, we invite you to Risk an Affair,” said Mark Raine, Vice President Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (below).
The AMG GT C…
Originally crafted as a roadster, the Mercedes-AMG GT C finds new focus conceived in the form of a coupe. Powerful and poised to perform, AMG motorsport and racing technology features prominently in the GT C, with influence from the AMG GT R in the form of sculpted aerodynamic bodywork and AMG sport seats. With the AMG GT C, Mercedes-AMG is introducing a further output rating of the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, thereby underlining the exclusive character of the new model. At 410 kW (557 hp), the peak output is 35 kW (47 hp) above that of the AMG GT S and 20 kW (28 hp) below the Mercedes‑AMG GT R. The maximum torque of 680 Nm is available from 1900 to 5750 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is absolved in 3.7 seconds, and this incredible acceleration continues until the top speed of 316 km/h is reached.
“The brutal Mercedes AMG GT C is an exciting addition to the AMG GT collection and, of course, to the World’s Fastest Family. Incredibly powerful and dynamically superior, the AMG GT C is also the complete aesthetic package with the intimidating Panamericana grille, wide stance and low, purposeful silhouette. With the new GT C, the AMG GT family has options for all passionate AMG aficionados, but all carrying the same superior motorsport DNA and coming from the same high performance bloodline for the ultimate in AMG performance,” added Mark.
The Mercedes-AMG GT C at a glance
Mercedes-AMG GT C
Displacement
3982 cc
Output
410 kW (557 hp)
at 5,750 – 6,750 rpm
Peak torque
680 Nm
at 2,100 – 5,500 rpm
Fuel consumption
NEDC combined
12.5 l/100 km
CO2 emissions
284 g/km
Acceleration
0-100 km/h
3.7 s
Top speed
316 km/h
Price (OTR without Insurance)
*Price is with 0% GST, subject to change upon implementation of SST.
Comfort and luxury meet open-air pleasure in the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. With expressive proportions and a puristic, surface-accentuated design, the E-Class Cabriolet offers a distinctive character along with a classic fabric soft top. The E-Class cabriolet is for the driver who wishes to savour every journey. The fabric soft top is available in the colours dark brown, dark blue, red or black. A fully automatic acoustic soft top comes as standard. Its multi-layered structure with sophisticated insulation reduces wind and driving noise, which makes it easy for the occupants to hear each other talk, even when driving at high speed. The soft-top structure has an equally positive effect when it comes to climate comfort and makes the Cabriolet suitable for use all year round.
Derived from the S-Class Cabriolet, the soft top also meets high quality standards in terms of durability and operation. It can be completely opened and closed in 20 seconds, and at speeds up to 50 km/h. After opening, it folds down quietly and precisely and is stored in the soft-top compartment in the boot. A retractable cover separates the soft top from the remaining boot space. Thanks to the fully electrical control included in the optional Cabriolet Comfort package, the driver does not have to stop to operate the boot separator manually. The boot capacity of 385 litres (310 litres when the roof is open) offers all the right ingredients for a high level of everyday practicality. The all-new 50:50 folding rear seat backrests create a through-loading feature in the interior – another plus point when it comes to everyday practicality.
The Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet AMG Line at a glance:
Displacement 1991 cc
Output 180 kW (245 hp) at 5,500 rpm
Peak Torque 370 Nm at 1,300 – 4,000 rpm
Fuel consumption NEDC combined 7.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 6.5 s
Top speed 250 km/h
Price (OTR without Insurance) RM588,888
*Price is with 0% GST, subject to change upon
implementation of SST.
The original is reborn in the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS. As the creator of the four-door coupe, the CLS brings new generation powertrain technology in the form of electrified 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder and 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder twin-turbo along with latest generation assistance systems such as and the cutting-edge Widescreen Cockpit with COMAND online infotainment. With superior luxury and breathtaking style, the CLS offers a premium experience similar to that of an S-Class but for the owner who prefers to be behind the wheel.
“The Mercedes-Benz CLS has been an icon since its introduction, a supremely crafted four-door coupe. With an unmistakably unique aesthetic, which has now set the tone for the contemporary Mercedes-Benz design language, it is a legendary automobile and has completely earned its place among our Dream Cars. In addition, the CLS features a new generation electrified powertrain for the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, progressivity and performance in a bold statement. Without a doubt, the CLS is Designed to Seduce,” concluded Mark.
Honda Malaysia akan menganjurkan kempen ‘Joy of Buying’ dimana anda berpeluang untuk memenangi tujuh Honda City baharu.
Tempah dan daftar mana-mana model baharu dari Honda Malaysia sebelum 31 Oktober 2018 dan jawab slogan ringkas untuk layak menyertai kempen ini.
Terdapat 300 hadiah-hadiah menarik untuk dimenangi dari Honda Malaysia.
Honda Malaysia akan menganjurkan program baharu mereka iaitu kempen ‘Joy of Buying’ sempena bulan kemerdekaan Malaysia dan juga ulang tahun Honda yang ke-70. Kempen ini akan berlangsung dari 1 September 2018 sehingga 31 Oktober 2018 dan anda berpeluang untuk memenangi pelbagai hadiah termasuk sebuah Honda City baharu setiap minggu! (more…)
TCEC, the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia, recently handed over the Renault Twizy 100% electric vehicle to the lucky Grand Prize winner of the Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest. At the prize-giving ceremony held at the Renault Petaling Jaya showroom, Lam Ming Wei, 26, from Johor shared that he will be passing on the Twizy to his mother for her daily commute. “This is an unexpected win and I feel very fortunate as I thought my chances were slim. The Twizy will be ideal for my mother as her workplace is a short distance from home,” said Lam, who won from his purchase of the Renault Captur. I was looking for a quality compact vehicle that is unique and offers good value-for-money. After test-driving several brands and models, the Captur impressed me the most. It packs a punch in performance, is well-equipped with innovative technologies and comprehensive safety features and offers remarkable handling and grip, all at an attractive package,” he added.
Meanwhile, three other winners from the final draw of the Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest drove away with RM1,500 worth of travel vouchers each. The three winners are Nur Izzati binti Rozali, 24, from Bangi, Chang Jun Wei, 26, from Ampang and S. Suraindiran a/l Sathiamurthy, 50, from Puchong. “Customer satisfaction is a top priority for us and campaigns like the Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest is one of many ways through which we show our appreciation for their support,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.
The Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest ran from 1 January to 30 June 2018. During the campaign period, customers who purchased any Renault model were automatically in the running for the grand prize and holiday prizes. Winners of the holiday prizes were drawn every two months (three winners respectively from January to February, March to April and May to June ), with the final draw also including the grand prize winner.
“Even though the contest has ended, we strongly urge those looking for a stylish vehicle with continental quality and safety standards to take advantage of the zero-rated GST to enjoy additional savings before the tax holiday ends,” added Kuan. For more information about Renault and the zero-rated GST prices for models available in Malaysia, please visit www.renault.com.my or www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia.
The economic propulsion in the Northern region was one of the key factors that encouraged Weststar Maxus to open its new 3S facility in Bukit Mertajam to provide the much-needed support to its present and future Maxus customers in the Northern states.
The new facility will act as the Weststar Maxus northern hub to provide quality service to its customers in Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis. With its expanded range of product and services packaged with exciting promotional campaigns, sales are expected to increase by at least 30%.
“We’re making a great leap forward to become a mainstream automobile player in Malaysia,” says Datuk Vikram Menon, Executive Director, the Weststar Group (below, right) “We now have refreshed and expanded award-winning models such as Maxus G10 and Maxus V80, and an expanding network of showrooms and after sales service facilities, to achieve our goal.”
Dato’ Nik Hamdan Nik Hassan (left), Weststar Group Senior Vice President, and Datuk Vikram Menon (right), Weststar Group Executive Director, unveiling the 2018 V80
Menon adds that the after-sales component is an integral part of its overall plan to grow the Weststar Maxus brand. This facility together with our appointed service dealers in the region are able to serve our customers with well trained technicians. Plans are afoot to open another 3S facility in Alor Star in the foreseeable future to consolidate Weststar Maxus’s presence in the Northern region.
The launch of the Bukit Mertajam facility also coincides with the unveiling of the 2018 Maxus V80 commercial van. The cost-competitive commercial van has the capacity to be customized to meet individual business needs. Among its growing number of fleet customers include Eco Coach Travel and Tours, DHL, Federal Express and FFM-Massimo. A huge fleet of these vans are already been operated by various government agencies including the Malaysian Armed Forces, Ministry of Health, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, among others.
The Maxus V80 boasts the highest space utilization rate, the best ground clearance, and the best interior height among its peers. It has also passed the world’s most rigid ECE automobile road tests in severe conditions including extreme low and high temperatures, and high altitudes. With the support and global resources of SAIC Automotive Co Ltd, China’s largest automobile company, the Maxus V80 carries its core parts and components from world renowned component suppliers.
The Maxus V80 panel van’s flexibility allows for customization and transformation for use as mobile offices, food and kitchen trucks, ambulances, mobile libraries, delivery vehicles, and mobile sales showrooms. The Maxus V80 window van’s platform as a full-sized transporter is a category leader in terms of its size and headroom space. The van can sit 15 people comfortably.
“We are shifting gears and committed to enhancing the quality gap by building affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles to meet Asean preferences,” notes Menon. “The new line of Maxus V80 vans comes with upgraded features and superior volume of space. It has all the trappings of a value-for-money commercial van that is truly ‘Built to Work’.” In today’s commercial vehicle market overloaded with expensive, interchangeable transporters and commercial vehicles, the Maxus V80 stands out admirably among its competitors.
As part of its green initiative, Weststar Maxus plans to launch the fully electric versions of the Maxus V80 known as EV80 in the near future. “This is a significant proposition for companies like Weststar Maxus seriously looking at lowering carbon footprint while concurrently manufacturing fully functional vehicles with competitive running costs,” Menon states.
To commemorate the unveiling of this new V80 Weststar Maxus is offering amazing incentives for Maxus V80 customers with 150,000 km free service with a three year warranty. Free service for all Weststar Maxus models includes parts, labour, and lubricants.
It’s been around looking largely the same for 50 years. Yes, fifty! Five zero. I guess when something is made right the first time out, there’s little need to improve on perfection is there? Even changing the shape of the headlights for the 996 line brought on the wrath of Porsche purists everywhere, some of whom were prepared to go to war with Porsche AG I’m sure. Ask anyone what’s the epitome of a true driver’s car and 9 times out of 10, the ‘nine eleven’ would be the answer.
It’s every boy-racers dream, it’s been hanging on bedroom walls in poster form for as long as bedroom walls have been around, and it’s likely to be the stuff of dreams to many, for many, many more years to come… and before we get into the nitty-gritty, have a look at our first video introduction to the Porsche 911 Carrera T. Exiting the lobby of the Andaz Hotel in Singapore recently, there she was…
Lovely isn’t it? Thus the saddest five words I’ve heard recently after having sampled the delectable new Porsche 911 Carrera T in Singapore were “it’s not coming to Malaysia”… Yes folks, what you see here will likely only remain here in the digital world for the immediate future because Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official importers of this iconic brand in Malaysia, has no plans to bring the 911 Carrera T into the country. However, if for some reason you feel the desperate need to have one (who wouldn’t) you could head over to the Porsche Centres in Glenmarie, Sg.Besi and Penang to inquire; something tells me they could bring one in for you.
Built to celebrate 70 Years of the Porsche brand and 50 years of the iconic 911 itself, the Carrera T – the ‘T’ stands for Touring – is holding steadfast to the ‘Race on Sunday, drive to work on Monday’ credo that’s been the hallmark of the 911 lineage for as long as I can remember. Indeed while its performance figures of 370bhp and 450Nm are not to be trifled with, it’s the way in which the twin-turbocharged ‘flat-six’ engine puts the power down on asphalt through the rear wheels via its 7-speed PDK gearbox, that will bring a grin so wide to anyone who drives this car; a grin so massive that only plastic surgery will be able to remove it. Wanna grin even wider? Get the 7-speed MANUAL transmission Carrera T. Yes, there is one… three pedals yo.
Boasting a top-speed of 291km/h and a century sprint time of 4.2 sec, the Carrera T may be a heritage model, but it is by no means a slouch, and as with every 911, there’s no shortage of active safety systems to keep you on the intended path, despite whatever nefarious intentions you may have. A host of passive safety systems are also at hand to prevent you from becoming a crimson stain on the road. For the full specifications list, click to download this: Porsche 911 Carrera T Specs & Features
Singapore is a curious choice for any carmaker to have a test drive in, what more a Porsche 911. I’ll be honest, my first reaction upon getting this invite and finding out it was taking place in S’pore was somewhere along the lines of “Seriously??” It’s a known fact that supercar owners in Singapore – and there are many of them – often jump the border over to Malaysia if they want to stretch their cars’ legs a bit, the Sepang Circuit being a fave haunt of theirs, but here we were, doing the exact opposite. Let’s put it this way, from a standstill, the 911 Carrera T will get you a speeding ticket in 4 seconds….
Well, thankfully the organisers must have also realised this, because they managed to find a few deserted places (I saw lots of shipping containers go by in a kaleidoscope-ish blur) on which we were able to ‘let loose’ a few of those 370 horses and 450Nm’s of torques, which by the way is available from as low as 1,700rpm. As I mentioned earlier, the Carrera T is quite possibly the most ‘liveable’ 911 to come along in a while. I reckon of all the 911 models available, insofar as a 911 being used as a daily-runner is concerned, the Carrera T is definitely it.
In normal driving conditions like in the video above, it will even return a respectable combined fuel-consumption of 8.5L per 100km, as you cruise along sedately in normal mode, with the ‘enhanced’ exhaust sound turned off. Make no mistake though, once the traffic clears and you find yourself in an area full of shipping containers like we did, just plant your right foot, hold on and watch the unholy transformation unfold before your eyes.
Any gear, any speed, any driving mode, Normal, Sport, Sport+, it doesn’t matter, just hit the accelerator pedal the Carrera T goes from docile to delinquent in a shorter time than it took you to read the last six words of this sentence. This is not an exaggeration, there is zero lag in this car. But as aforementioned, it’s the way the Carrera T puts this power down that really impresses. Sure-footed doesn’t even begin to describe it, as the Carrera T seems to relish whatever you can possibly throw at it. It’s actually quite amazing just how far you can push this car before the active driver assist systems kick in. While the ‘T’ does indeed stand for Touring, never forget it could also stand for turbo, two of them in fact…
Here’s my final-say, wrap-up and 360 walk-about of the Porsche 911 Carrera T, hope you enjoyed this journey as much as I did filming and driving this amazing car! – Chris Wee.
Porsche 911 Carrera T Photo Gallery…
This is a video of me at the wheel of the Carrera T in Singapore, unfortunately there’s no audio whatsoever. – CW.
Vantage. Seven decades as an iconic model and heartbeat of Aston Martin; the evocative name for a magnificent bloodline of thoroughbred sports cars – the revolutionised rendition made a grand arrival at Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur today. First used in 1951 on a high-output engine option for the DB2, Vantage was quickly established as a model in its own right. Highlights include the William Towns-designed V8 vantage, spectacular twin-supercharged V600 Le Mans and the much-loved V8 Vantage. Today, this formidable sporting dynasty is poised to hit new heights with the introduction of the new Vantage.
“This car is the second new model under our Second Century Plan. The second of seven new models in seven years,” explained Ms. Nancy Chen, Head of Sales Operations for Aston Martin, Southeast Asia (below, right) during the launch. “It (Second Century Plan) is a bold plan, and it is working. We have made a strong start with the DB11, taking Aston Martin back into profit earlier this year. The new Vantage will build on this success, and take the company to greater heights.”
Predatory Stance-Inspired Design…
The spectacular new Aston Martin sports car, powered by 4.0-litre, 510PS/685Nm twin-turbo V8 mated to eight-speed transmission, is channeled by its bold and distinctive design language. Pure, sculptural forms create an athletic, predatory stance, while the minimal front and rear overhangs, muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and dynamism inherent with the car. Its new head and tail lights form dramatic new signatures, giving the Vantage unmistakable road presence and contribute to a strong, individual identity within the growing Aston Martin model range. FULL specifications can be found after the photo gallery below.
“The new Vantage is purposefully designed as an independent statement of poise, performance, and a beautiful distinction of meticulous British craftsmanship that commands a predatory character, whilst retaining the key principles; purity and beautiful proportion. It is crafted for the independent thinker, one who has a strong and individual identity who wants to make a statement with their car,” said Mr. Gabor Csurgai, Regional Managing Director of Wearnes (two pics above, left).
For the FULL details of the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage, click to download this: Aston Martin V8 Vantage PR
And here’s the video of the official roll-out of the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage, its maiden debut in Malaysia!
The new Vantage will be available for viewing in the showroom. For viewing appointment, please call +60 3 2163 1196. Estimated price from RM1,600,000 after duties. The Aston Martin Service Centre is located at Lingui Industrial Park, 15 ½ Miles, Sungai Pelong, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. For more information, visit www.astonmartinkualalumpur.com
For the FULL Spec sheet of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, click to download this: SPECS AM New Vantage V8
Our friends over at iCar Asia have been busy! They’ve recently announced the launch of CarlistBid.my, an exciting new platform connecting car sellers to dealers in a safe and trusted environment. Taglined Malaysia’s Most Trusted Car Bidding Platform, CarlistBid.my utilises iCar Asia’s existing database of sellers and buyers, the largest network in the country, with over three million ready sellers and more than three thousand dealers. Following the launch in Malaysia, the platform will be rolled out to iCar Asia’s operations in Thailand and Indonesia.
(L-R) KY Gan, Group Sales Director, iCar Asia, Ng Soo Jin, Managing Director, Regal Valet, Georg Chmiel, Executive Chairman, iCar Asia, Hamish Stone, Chief Executive Officer, iCar Asia, and Yee Chin Beng, Chief Financial Officer, iCar Asia
Along with the launch of the platform, iCar Asia also launched the flagship inspection hub next to Regal Valet Auto Detailing Outlet in Kampung Sungai Penchala. Hamish Stone, Chief Executive Officer of iCar Asia (below), said “The auction business adds a compelling fast and convenient option for private car sellers and fleet owners to sell their cars to an existing base of car dealers. Over a four-month testing period, CarlistBid.my has closed over RM2.1 million in sales within an average of five days per sale completion. We achieved this with a test group of just 100 out of the over 3,000 dealers that already work with Carlist.my, highlighting our ability to scale up this service in the coming months. With a network of approximately 12 million monthly visitors per month that are potential car sellers – plus over 10,000 existing seller accounts and potential auction bidders across the region – iCar Asia is well placed to scale this business up over the coming months,” he added.
CarlistBid.my works in four simple steps; Request, Inspect, Bid, Sold. Sellers need only to submit a request online, anytime and schedule a complimentary car inspection and car valuation service. Once the bidding terms are agreed, the auction will be opened to bidding among certified Carlist.my Trusted Dealers nationwide. Upon acceptance of the best offer, CarlistBid.my staff will assist with the ownership transfer procedures as well as final payment.
“In order to increase efficiency, we have opened our flagship inspection hub here, in Kampung Sungai Penchala, so that sellers can directly bring in their car for inspection. We will be looking to open more inspections hubs around Malaysia in the near future. We strive to provide the most convenient, flexible and above all safest service to our customers. Which is why all our dealers go through a stringent process of verification to ensure that these are serious, reputable dealers. In cases of dispute, we will also step in to mediate the situation to ensure that both our buyers and sellers come out with a mutually beneficial deal. ” said Stone.
Stone concluded: “We expect to follow the launch of this service in Malaysia with launches in Thailand and Indonesia in the coming months. This is another step for iCar Asia in building out its core proposition to consumers and dealers and extending our market leading position as the largest and most trusted automotive portal network in the ASEAN Region.”
For more information on CarlistBid.my, visit www.carlistbid.my
• CarlistBid.my is a car bidding platform for car dealers to buy used cars, utilising iCar Asia’s existing
database of sellers and buyers, the largest network in Malaysia and the ASEAN Region
• Following the launch in Malaysia, the platform will be rolled out in iCar Asia’s operations in Thailand
and Indonesia
• The platform has achieved RM2.1 million worth of sales within a four months test period across the
Group
• This new proposition complements iCar Asia’s core business and provides a new transaction based
revenue stream, which is expected to contribute to the Company’s growth in the second half of 2018
So have you ever had one of those weekends where you didn’t have anything to do and decided to just go somewhere for the heck of it? Of course you have, we all have. I had one of those moments recently, but instead of the usual ‘border run’ on a bike or languishing at home doing bugger-all, only to see the weekend slip by all too rapidly, I checked my calendar and it just so happened to be the last weekend of GIIAS or the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2018… hmm.
Well, in the span of 30min, I’d secured my flight and accommodation – the wonders of Expedia & Booking.com – and a quick email to the organisers to inform them of my intended visit soon yielded a response! Despite the fact that media pass applications had closed more than a month ago, the unbelievably accommodating organisers managed to secure a pass for me, to visit the show on the very last day. I took it as a sign that I was destined to visit GIIAS 2018, since I was quite prepared to pay the Rp100,000 to enter…
Arriving on Saturday afternoon, on the second to last day of the show, I was met by the organiser who personally handed me my media pass. Fully expecting to be balled-out for applying and showing up so late – press day was a good 11-days prior – but instead I was warmly welcomed and asked to enjoy the show. Will wonders ever cease. I was also told to “come earlier next time ya” to which I sheepishly agreed.
Here’s my arrival into the show, which was held at ICE or Indonesia Convention & Exhibition Centre @ BSD City Tangerang… Do note that this video was taken hurriedly, while testing a new gimbal, so I really hadn’t gotten my act together yet. Fresh off the plane, awake since 4am, this was just a test. The next video is better…
Well, as I’ve always maintained, nobody wants to read about a motorshow, so let’s just get into it!
Suzuki…
Without a doubt, the non-concept star of the show was the new Suzuki Jimny 4×4, and why not. The Jimny has a very illustrious past, and an amazingly strong following both here, at home and abroad. It’s dubbed ‘the little 4×4 that could’ and it’s easy to see why. Still utilizing a 5-speed manual gearbox, and staying true to its no-nonsense roots, the new Jimny is a brilliant mix of old skool and the modern world, with just the right mix of both to keep it appealing and contemporary. Here’s a short video on the new Jimny, I had to battle a horde of onlookers to get this!
Ok, I’ll be honest with you, my MAIN reason for coming to GIIAS 2018 was to see the new Suzuki Jimny in the flesh, since I never have before. Part of my uncanny interest is the fact that I used to own a SJ413 SWB Jimny many moons ago, and really wanted to see this new one. I chronicled some of the wonderful ownership experience I had with the Jimny in this previous article.
Mitsubishi…
Many have lamented the demise of the Mitsubishi Evo, but here at GIIAS, another ‘Evo’ was presented, in the from of the e-Evolution Concept, a peek into the future of sustainable mobility without any reliance on fossil-fuels. Looks good too! For something more down to earth, the new Mitsubishi Expander seemed to be getting quite a bit of attention too…
Lexus…
This one, well, this Lexus LS+ Concept stopped me dead in my tracks. I gawked, mouth open. Pictures don’t do it any justice, it has to be seen in the flesh to be fully appreciated. It’s simply amazing. Like a work of art on four wheels, and very possibly the shape of things to come for the LS family…
Mazda…
No surprise, all the Mazdas being displayed were Soul Red (except ONE! Hope nobody lost their job for that) and the star of this pavilion was the MX-5 RF. And it’s quite easy to see why. This Roadster is simply gorgeous, adopting the jinba-ittai method of car-making, the designers deserve major recognition for this creation…
Daihatsu…
Why did I stop over at Daihatsu? Well, they showcased a BOON Crossover, which hey who knows, might be a new variant for Perodua to offer us someday eh? As well a Kenari replacement (below) in the form of the TanTo maybe? It has power sliding doors too! C’mon Perodua, you can do eet!
Toyota…
The Toyota stand was very dark for one thing, almost a brooding atmosphere, and perhaps it was to show the darker side of the new Vios, seen here in very sporty trim. One of the best-sellers in Indonesia, variants abound when it comes to the Vios.
Honda…
Small cars do very well in Indonesia, and as such another star of GIIAS 2018 was the new Honda Brio. Likely never to be sold here in M’sia, it’s about the size of a MyVi, and we all know who absolutely dominates that market segment don’t we? Still, it does make me wonder how it would do here if Honda Malaysia brought it in as an entry level car, priced about the same as a Picanto…hmm.
Video…
So moving pictures speak volumes in this day and age, and without further ado, here’s my short walk-about of GIIAS 2018, followed by the photo gallery, enjoy! – Chris Wee.
Motor Image Malaysia can’t build the Subaru XV fast enough! Such is the demand for the XV that this new 2019 Subaru Forester will likely only see the light of day in Malaysia come the second quarter of 2019, and all of them will be in CKD (locally-assembled) form. Here’s the official launch video from Subaru @ Taiwan…
We however, managed to get a hands-on look and feel of the new Forester recently in Taiwan, and following this launch coverage, the next day we headed to an area where Motor Image (MI) had set up both an on-road and off-road course for us to have a go on with the new Forester. Here’s the on-road test drive video, shot hand-held so do forgive the shake…
Next was the off-road sector of the test drive, and here’s where the new Forester really came into its own. For an SUV destined to be used predominantly on-road, it’s quite amazing just how well it handled the rough terrain of this course…
The new Forester utilises a a ‘boxer’ direct-injection 2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, mated to a CVT, and I have to be honest, with 156bhp and 196Nm of torque, I thought the latter was a typo, but it isn’t. Where generally vehicles these days produce upwards of 200Nm, one-ninety-six seemed quite inadequate.
But as can be seen in the first video, and my commentary, it didn’t seem to bother the Forester much as it hurtled around the test course. Active Torque Vectoring – sensors constantly monitor each wheel to gauge traction, actively enhancing or retarding power to each wheel depending on the given driving scenario as well as terrain – ensured that the Forester remained composed despite our best efforts to send it into the bushes.
It was the off-road sector however that really impressed as far as testing the new Forester was concerned, for this is where the benefits of SGP or Subaru Global Platform really came to fore. I’ll give you and example why. Don’t you just hate it when you’ve reached an off-road campsite only to find regular cars and even small mopeds already there? I know I do, and it’s happened a lot in the past.
Well, it’s safe to say that with the new Forester, and given the kind of terrain we traversed during the test, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. There is no way a regular passenger car would be able to tackle the course we put the Forester through without serious damage to it, and its occupants too perhaps. As I said in the second video, my own car would be in pieces halfway through, and would have flipped three times toward the end. With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode, not to mention a Hill Hold and Hill Descent feature, the Forester revels the occasional off-road venture. You may never find the need for it, but it’s heartening to know it’s there if you need it.
Subaru is also boasting the use of ‘EyeSight‘ in the new Forester. So what exactly is EyeSight? Well, it’s an advanced driver assist technology that includes automatic pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lead vehicle start alert, lane departure and lane sway warning.
It has been confirmed by Glenn Tan, Managing Director, Tan Chong International Ltd, (below, right) that EyeSight will be available in the new Forester when it gets here in Q2 2019, for selected variants, and there’ll likely be three variants in all. “The All-New Forester is now bigger and better with an all-round enhancement to its technology, interior and exterior to create an SUV that boasts performance, comfort and maximum safety” said Glenn. “We are thrilled to launch the new fifth generation Forester and are confident that the model will excite drivers and create amazing experiences with their loved ones.”
At launch, these are four variants of the new Subaru Forester:
Stay tuned to Piston.my as we keep you up to date on the impending launch of the new 2019 Subaru Forester, in the meantime, for more details, click the link below.
