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New Mazda2 Now Available In Malaysia – From RM108,670

Bermaz Motor has introduced an upgraded lineup of Mazda2 models, showcasing a fusion of enhanced features and stylish design. Drawing inspiration from the Evolved Kodo: Soul of Motion design theme, the Mazda2 exudes confidence, style, and quality from every angle. The car features a redesigned front grille, incorporating Mazda’s signature wing, imparting an elegant and sporty aesthetic.

The exterior enhancements include a black honeycomb grille with a red accent and a sleek bumper design. Complemented by 16-inch Black and chrome Alloy wheels, the Mazda2 exhibits a sporty and contrasting appearance. The car incorporates convenient features such as Front Headlights with Auto On/Off function, Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers, and Autofold Outer Rearview Mirrors.

Moving to the interior, the Mazda2 now boasts an Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, effectively reducing glare from headlights at the rear. The inclusion of Cruise Control functionality allows the driver to effortlessly maintain a preset speed without continuous accelerator use. The interior receives a touch of sophistication with black dashboard trims and Black Leatherette and suede seats adorned with Red Stitching.

Continuing its driver-centric approach, Mazda2 1.5L High Sedan and Hatchback models retain essential features like front LED headlamps and seamless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility accessible through the 7-inch Infotainment System. The car prioritises safety with the inclusion of i-Activsense advanced driver-assist systems.

The Mazda2 lineup offers a vibrant color palette, including timeless options like Snowflake White Pearl and Soul Red Crystal, along with Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray (Hatchback variant only), AirStream Blue (Hatchback variant only), and the newly introduced Aero Gray (Sedan variant only).

Sourced as Completely Built-Up (CBU) from Thailand, the Mazda2 starts at an attractive price point of RM 108,670. The car is now open for bookings, accompanied by a robust 5-year Manufacturer’s Warranty and 5-year Free Maintenance, covering labor, parts, and lubricants for five years or 100,000km, providing customers with peace of mind.

The enhanced Mazda2 lineup aims to deliver a refined driving experience, seamlessly blending style, comfort, and advanced technology for discerning customers.

MAZDA2 1.5L SEDAN / HATCHBACK

RM 108,670.00

MAZDA2 1.5L SEDAN / HATCHBACK (SOUL RED CRYSTAL ONLY)

RM 109,170.00

New Mazda CX-3 1.5L & 2.0L Plus Now Available In Malaysia – From RM115,720

Bermaz Motor has unveiled an upgraded lineup of Mazda CX-3 models, introducing new features and styling enhancements.

The CX-3 1.5L Plus and 2.0L Plus variants showcase improvements, including LED headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, Autofold Outer Rearview Mirrors, and Rear Parking Sensors to enhance driver awareness. The 2.0L High variant boasts new design alloy wheels for a refreshed exterior look.

Interior upgrades feature paddle shifters and Wireless Apple CarPlay, accessible through the 8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment display, enhancing connectivity.

In terms of safety, the CX-3 1.5L Plus and 2.0L Plus variants now come equipped with four additional SRS Airbags, bringing the total to 6 airbags. These models also incorporate i-Activsense safety features, including High Beam Control (HBC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). Previously introduced in the 2022 Mazda CX-3 2.0L High variant, these safety features contribute to an enhanced safety profile for drivers and passengers alike.

Additionally, the color palette for the Mazda CX-3 includes a newly added Aero Gray, expanding the total color options to seven. The models are available in Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray, Soul Red Crystal, and Platinum Quartz (exclusive to the 2.0L High variant).

The New Mazda CX-3 is sourced from Thailand and is priced starting from RM 115,720.00. Bookings for the upgraded models are officially open, and the vehicles come with a 5-year Manufacturer’s Warranty and 5-year Free Maintenance (except BT-50) according to the manufacturer’s standards, inclusive of labor, parts, and lubricants. Both the Manufacturer Warranty and Free Maintenance have a coverage period of five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.

MAZDA CX-3 1.5L PLUS

Price: RM 115,720.00

MAZDA CX-3 2.0L PLUS

Price: RM 126,159.00

MAZDA CX-3 2.0L HIGH

Price: RM 139,159.00

Reports State That Hybrids Are Still Far More Reliable Than PHEVs

This is going to be a hard pill to swallow, especially for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owners, but statistics do not lie. According to CR (Consumer Reports), hybrids have far superior reliability compared to PHEVs. Every year, CR compiles info and data from its members about problems that they have encountered with their vehicles in the past 12 months.

This year, CR accumulated data from over 330,000 vehicles dated from 2000 to 2023 model years with a few additions of early 2024 models. However, because this CR is a US-based report, certain models may not be relevant to the Malaysian market.

The main comparison here is towards traditional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine). Electrified models, particularly hybrids, have emerged as frontrunners, showcasing superior performance compared to traditional ICE vehicles. However, the report also sheds light on the mixed performance of PHEVs, with notable variations in reliability among different models.

The evaluation delves into 20 trouble areas across various vehicle types, providing a nuanced perspective on mainstream models. This thorough evaluation encompasses everything from minor nuisances like squeaky brakes to major concerns such as out-of-warranty engine, transmission, EV battery, and EV charging issues.

Consumer Reports employs a meticulous approach, weighing the severity of each problem to generate a predicted reliability score for each vehicle, ranging from 1 to 100. This score is instrumental in determining the overall reliability rating for every major mainstream model. The reliability rating is then merged with data from track testing, owner satisfaction survey results, and safety data to calculate each vehicle’s Overall Score.

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Toyota Unveils Sport Crossover Concept, Previewing New Battery Electric Model

Toyota has presented its Sport Crossover Concept in Europe, offering a preview of a new battery-electric model set to join its electrified range by 2025. The concept revealed at Toyota’s Kenshiki forum in Brussels, features a sleek aero silhouette and distinctive fastback lines, positioning it as a design icon for the company’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup.

The Sport Crossover Concept, initially showcased at Auto Shanghai in April, has been developed for both the Chinese and European markets by BYD Toyota EV Technology Co. Ltd. (BTET), a joint venture established in China by Toyota and BYD.

The concept aims to attract first-time electric car customers and serve as a stylish alternative to SUVs, providing maximum comfort, five doors, a large boot, and generous rear legroom.

Toyota’s multipath strategy focuses on achieving carbon neutrality through the introduction of a portfolio featuring advanced, alternative fuel, and zero-emissions powertrain technologies.

In Europe, Toyota plans to introduce six dedicated BEV models by 2026, contributing to its goal of exclusively offering Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035 and achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2040.

Auto Bavaria Introduces Services for Classic BMW’s and Mini’s

Auto Bavaria, a BMW and Mini dealership in Malaysia, has become the country’s first dealership to offer specialized services dedicated to BMW and Mini models that have achieved Classic Status. This initiative, commencing operations from November 26, 2023, aims to cater to the needs of classic car enthusiasts.

The service offering, located at Auto Bavaria’s Ara Damansara dealership, is designed for BMW and Mini classic cars defined by the BMW Group as those that have surpassed 15 years after the last series production date. The dedicated team at the Ara Damansara dealership includes two work bays, two skilled technicians, a foreman, and two service advisors.

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BHPetrol’s Campaign Winner Gets A Proton Iriz And A Trip To Dubai

BHPetrol had recently organised a campaign called ‘Pam & Menang Kembali Lagi 2.0’ where people could stand a chance to win a Proton Iriz 1.6L Active CVT by spending a minimum of RM40 on Infiniti fuels RON 95, RON 97, B10 diesel or B7 diesel or store items in a single receipt at BHPetrol stations.

The campaign was from the first of August 2023 to the 31st of October 2023 and the winners have been selected. A grand prize consisting of a new Iriz and a vacation to Dubai with Malaysian musician, actor, and television host Alif Satar will be given to four lucky winners.

Second-place winners will receive one of four units of the Iriz, while third-place winners will each receive one of fourteen Modenas Kriss 110 motorcycles.

Additional rewards include 32-inch smart TVs, smartphones, BHPetrol SynGard lubricants, special edition BHPetrol umbrellas for weekly winners, and 30,000 e-points.

Genesis X Gran Berlinetta: A Vision GT Concept for the Racing World

At the GT World Series Finals in Barcelona, Genesis unveiled the full-scale prototype of its Vision GT concept, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta. Developed for the Gran Turismo series, this exotic hypercar showcases the Athletic Elegance styling language without the constraints of a production vehicle.

The concept features a low-slung body with a long hood, cab-backward proportions, and striking design elements. The interior combines luxury with motorsport-inspired features, including a digital panoramic interface mounted on the base of the windshield.

The minimalist cockpit features Genesis’ signature Quad Lights, a yoke steering wheel, and heavily bolstered quilted seats.

The hybrid powertrain comprises a mid-mounted Lambda 11 V6 engine and a Yasa E electric motor, delivering a combined output of 1,071hp and 1336Nm of torque.

While the concept is designed for racing and won’t enter production, it allows Genesis to showcase its design prowess and push boundaries in the virtual realm of Gran Turismo 7, with availability for players starting in January 2024.

The concept hints at the brand’s potential foray into more exciting segments in the future.

Hyundai’s H-SOS Concept Sparks Concerns Over Privacy

In Hyundai Motor Group’s 2023 Ideas Festival, a bronze prize-winning concept called “H-SOS” has raised concerns about privacy and potential surveillance.

The concept envisions a future where cars equipped with external microphones are always listening for signs of distress, such as screams or explosions.

If detected, the car would activate lights, hazards, and horn, recording the surroundings via cameras and alerting police with the vehicle’s location and video footage.

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Tesla Cybertruck Is On Tesla Malaysia’s Website – Right Hand Drive Option?

As the Tesla Cybertruck deliveries have started, specs and range information have finally been revealed. There will be two options available; the tri-motor Cyberbeast which produces 845hp with a range of 514km and the dual-motor option that puts out 600hp and boasts a range of 547km.

There are talks about a single-motor variant in the development with an estimated range of 402km. For the time being, there is no information available about the powertrain.

Facing a backdrop of softened EV demand and increasing competition, the Cybertruck is a crucial player in sustaining Tesla’s sales. However, it is not expected to reach the same volume as Models 3 and Y, both available in Malaysia.

Speaking of which, we came across an interesting find on the official website of Tesla Malaysia. The Cybertruck has been added to the list, joining the Model 3 and Y.

During the production time of the Cybertruck, Elon Musk had stated that the company was facing difficulties and that Tesla had “dug it’s own grave” by undertaking such a task. Back in May, Tesla had axed the production of the Model S and X in Australia due to the halt in production of right-hand-drive variants. With this, we knew that Tesla had no intentions of expanding some models globally.

So would it be right-hand-drive when it eventually arrives here in Malaysia? Well, according to a post dated back in July, Musk had a “solution” for Tesla drivers in right-hand-drive countries. We had a good laugh at this solution. The EV giant had introduced something called “The Reacher”. Yes, it is what you think it is. Imagine driving on the left side of the car and using this tool to pay for tolls and collecting your drive-thru meals. Not very bright now is it?

Just like in Australia, the Malaysian Tesla page does not provide a “Order Now” option but rather a “Get Updates” option. In the US, the Cybertruck is priced at $60,990, which if we do a conversion will be RM284,7620. Before the unnecessary add-ons, the price of the Model 3 here starts from RM189,000 while in the US it is around $40,000. So we can expect the price of the Cybertruck to be around RM290k to RM320K.

We have our doubts that the Cybertruck would actually make it’s way onto our shores. Until then, we will just have to wait and see and keep tabs on any issues that the US buyers are facing with their Cybertrucks or if Tesla has any plans to make a right-hand-drive variant.

Johor to Illuminate Roads with Glow-in-the-Dark Markings

The Johor Public Works Department (JKR) is set to embark on a transformative journey by upgrading roads with glow-in-the-dark markings, bringing a futuristic touch to road safety. State executive council member Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh revealed that JKR will meticulously list and assess roads earmarked for this innovative upgrade before the year concludes.

The initiative is backed by the state government’s commitment, as reflected in the 2024 Johor Budget, allocating RM1 million for the integration of light reflection technology into road markings. Mohamad Fazli emphasized that the identified roads would undergo the application of glow-in-the-dark technology in the coming year.

“JKR will assess which roads are suitable for using the glow-in-the-dark technology before the end of this year. The department will look at roads, especially in areas with improper wiring or no electrical poles, as well as those with dangerous and sharp road bends and roads connecting towns,” stated Mohamad Fazli during a press conference held after the launch of the Sungai Masai Bridge Project in Jalan Masai Lama.

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