Kia Corporation has revealed full images of the exterior and interior design of the Kia K4. Its next-generation compact sedan represents a bold leap forward in design, innovation, and driving appeal. Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, particularly the ‘Power to Progress’ pillar, the K4 embodies the brand’s commitment to continuously pushing boundaries and delivering superior design values.
The Kia K4 showcases a modern and unique body shape achieved through Kia’s innovative ‘Twist Logic’ design approach. By twisting the connections of logically aligned squares in an apparently illogical manner, Kia’s designers have created an organic flow of light that emphasises the vehicle’s dynamic body design.
The side profile features a sweptback fastback style, resonating perfectly with the Kia brand’s bold and progressive nature. At the front, vertical headlamps and sophisticated Daytime Running Light (DRL) elements contribute to a wide, ultra-confident stance, while the rear exudes strength and dynamism with vertical lamps and a graphical air diffuser incorporated into the bumper.
The interior of the Kia K4 seamlessly fuses innovative technology with exceptional comfort, all while embodying the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy. Challenging the traditional concept of driver-oriented design, the K4’s interior features a bold graphic split that separates the driver cockpit from the passenger cabin.
This division creates distinct spaces – a technical, machine-like cockpit for the driver and a comfortable, human-centric cabin for passengers. The interior design focuses on both the feel of the cabin and its functional attributes, striking a balance between the rational and the emotional.
Occupants can choose from various lighting options to illuminate the sophisticated cabin, while the dashboard features a large central screen and elegantly designed central console. Physical buttons and controls are kept minimal, ensuring intuitive interaction with the car’s functions. A range of seating trims, materials, patterns, and colors further accentuate the luxurious feel of the K4’s interior.
The Kia K4 will make its global premiere at the New York International Auto Show on March 27, 2024. The live broadcast of the event will be available for everyone to join at worldwide.kia.com. As Kia introduces new standards for design, innovation, and driving appeal to the compact sedan sector, further updates will be released ahead of the event.
It seems impossible to escape Chinese car makers these days. Where Chinese cars once offered boring designs with interiors that left much to be desired, these days Chinese brands are leading the world with technologies and designs that sometimes put them far ahead of the establishment.
Take Chery for example. There is a lot that has been said about the brand and while not all of them have been savory, the fact of the matter is that Chery is back in Malaysia, and it means business.
Unlike before, Chery has ditched the middlemen and is officially present here in Malaysia with a full blown local assembly program, which it is doing with Inokom at the latter’s assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.
Chery has made Malaysia its regional hub and will not only sell its cars in the local market but will also ship Malaysian-assembled Chery’s to regional markets as well. So, no matter what your opinion is about the Chery brand, it has returned stronger than ever with plans that will create jobs and bolster the economy.
Chery deserves credit for this bold move as well. In fact, even Proton with its Chinese funding through Geely and government backing started its X70 as a CBU product before moving to a local assembly program. Chery dived right in with a local-assembly program, so a tip of the hat is much deserved.
One of the cars that Chery is building locally is the Tiggo 8 Pro. The D-Segment flagship SUV counts the Proton X70, Proton X90, Toyota Innova Zenix, Mazda CX-8, and even the new Honda CRV as direct competitors.
Priced at RM159,800, it is also surprisingly good value for money as well.
In terms of proportions, the Tiggo 8 Pro is a very big car. But if you delve into the numbers, the Tiggo 8 Pro is both shorter and narrower than the Proton X90 by a few millimeters.
The design is what turns heads as well. The front is undeniably handsome with a jewel crusted grille which Chery calls the galaxy grille. It is flanked by headlights that incorporate twin LED daytime running lights that lend a premium touch to the overall design of the car.
The rear of the car features an LED light bar that connects both taillamps, something that a lot of new cars seem to feature these days. And typical of new cars is a light display that puts on a little show every time you lock or unlock the car. No matter your take on that, it is undeniably impressive.
The interior matches the exterior as far as good looks go. Everything is well placed and feels well built. The car we drove for this review had been around for a while and had been passed around from one reviewer to another, which means it had been put through its paces.
Despite that, it felt good and there was none of that odd buzzing or knocking that is typical of cars that had been driven harder than most.
And no matter how hard we tried, there was no getting away from the Mercedes-Benz influence everywhere around the cabin. It is hard to miss unless you have never been in or driven a Mercedes-Benz before.
The start button is identical to the one in the previous generation Mercedes, as are the seat controls, the buttons and icons as well as the two screens that seem to merge into one gigantic one that measures in at 24.6-inches in total.
Even the speaker grilles look like they have been influenced by the Burmester system found in a Mercedes.
But that is not necessarily a bad thing, because though heavily “inspired” by the German carmaker, Chery’s design team has done well to add its little touches around the cabin.
The seats deserve a special mention as not only are they ventilated, but also look great with unique stitching. They are also impressively comfortable with the supple leather soaking up the weight of the occupant, giving a feeling where you sink into the seats rather than sit on them. We would go so far as to say that the seats of the Tiggo 8 are probably the best in its class, as far as comfort goes at least.
However, we also must mention that the design of the dashboard and the raised centre console makes it difficult for tall or broad drivers to get comfortable. Knee space takes a hit due to the curvature of the dashboard and the raised centre console means there is nowhere for your knee to go but down, and that takes some getting used to.
It takes all of two days to learn to deal with that though, and as soon as you get over it, you can start to appreciate the finer things that the car has to offer. Such as the plush suspension that seems to soak up everything Malaysian roads can muster.
The suspension is set up for comfort than anything else. And it is perhaps a little too soft as there seems to be noticeable body roll, just like that of an early 2000’s SUV. But it is difficult to fault because it is not a performance SUV but rather one that is focused on comfort and convenience. And it does that job brilliantly.
The one place where it might be difficult to get comfortable though is in the third-row seats. They are small with very little legroom, so it is best left for shorter people or children. But whoever it is that takes those seats though will surely appreciate having their own air-conditioning vents and blower settings.
But just about anyone can appreciate that gargantuan booth space when the third-row seats are folded in place. And we are awe struck by the fact that the tonneau cover has its own special storage area that holds it in place and out of sight. That is something that car makers like Mazda and Honda can take a card from.
Driving the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is something that you will either love or hate. The 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine makes 256hp and 390Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that is silky smooth. The output figures makes the Tiggo 8 Pro is one of the most powerful in its class, but it is not esy to drive it smoothly.
Every time you get on the accelerator, there is a moment of nothingness and then a wall of power surges in. This tends to catch you off guard initially, and in response you tend get off the power immediately. The result of this is a tired neck as your head bobs forward and backward with every touch of the accelerator. And, as some of our passengers said, a nauseated feeling.
Perhaps it was a fault with the car that we drove because it is difficult to believe that a manufacturer of Chery’s stature did not iron this out. But we found a way around it, to make the car easier to drive smoothly.
The Tiggo 8 Pro comes with three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. It was perfectly fine when we drove in Sport mode and in fact the car generally felt better to drive as all systems felt more alert. The steering had a better feel to it, the gear shifts were quicker and more importantly the accelerator was easier to regulate with none of that choppy accelerator feel; the Tiggo 8 Pro is at its finest in Sport mode.
And so, at RM159,800, it is difficult to ignore the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. It is simply too good of a proposition to ignore. Its design is nearly faultless, and the interior is one of the best in its segment as far as space and comfort goes. We also love the eight-speaker Sony audio system and the fact that it comes with Wireless Apple CarPlay.
Then there is the suite of Advanced Driver Aids systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front collision warning with auto brake and a 360-degree camera with crisp display.
And if you are worried about the Chery brand and are unconvinced by its resurgence here in Malaysia, well the Tiggo 8 Pro comes with a seven-year or 150,000km warranty on the car, but if you are willing to spend an additional RM2,000, Chery Malaysia will give you a 10-year or one-million-kilometer warranty on the engine. And the real cherry on this Chery (pardon the pun) is the five-year free service package with alternating free labour.
Chery Malaysia is undoubtedly pulling out all the stops to assure Malaysians that it is here to stay and that its products are much more than just your regular run of the mill cars. And after driving the Tiggo 8 Pro, we think it is just a matter of time before Chery starts vying for the top of the sales charts.
And finally, is it a better buy than a Proton X70? The X70 is undeniably cheaper, but it has been around for a while. And while the top of the line variant will cost you RM128,800, the Tiggo 8 Pro will still cost you about RM30,000 more. However, if price is no issue, then the Chery has our pick.
As compared to the Proton X90 though, the Proton has a more functional third row and is bigger as well. But the Chery feels more refined, and more premium, so we are undecided on this, for now. Look out for our comparison review where we compared the Tiggo 8 Pro against the X90.
The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X marks an exhilarating stride forward for the renowned German automaker, presenting a glimpse into the forthcoming evolution of BMW’s X models, underpinned by a blend of aesthetics, technology, sustainability, and the core ethos of the Neue Klasse.
Positioned as the inaugural fully-electric raised derivative constructed on the new architecture, the Vision Neue Klasse X epitomises BMW’s steadfast dedication to electrification and sustainability. Slated for series production at Plant Debrecen in Hungary in 2025, this visionary vehicle harmoniously combines the dynamic essence of an SAV with efficient dynamics and a poised demeanour.
The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X embodies a distinct exterior language intertwined with a luminous and expansive interior. Pioneering lighting and sound effects, empowered by the next generation of BMW iDrive, enrich the intuitive digital user interface. Embracing the trio of Neue Klasse characteristics – electric, digital, and circular – the vehicle adds a fourth dimension centred on driving exhilaration.
A revolutionary drive and chassis control system, meticulously crafted in-house by the BMW Group, promises a superlative driving encounter tailored to individual preferences. Integration of new super-brains and cutting-edge software ensures seamless manoeuvrability under all circumstances, catapulting the driving experience to unprecedented levels of refinement.
Externally, the design of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X signifies a quantum leap forward in both exterior and interior aesthetics. Elevated ground clearance and a fully-electric framework afford a capacious interior endowed with quintessential BMW proportions and expansive window areas. Iconic BMW elements, including the kidney grille and LED headlights, contribute to the vehicle’s commanding presence.
Within the cabin, revolutionary features such as BMW Panoramic Vision and the HYPERSONX WHEEL engender an immersive and instinctive user engagement. A revamped steering wheel, Central Display, and advanced voice command system facilitate effortless communication between the driver and the vehicle.
Beneath its sleek facade, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X harnesses the latest sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, epitomising enhanced efficiency and performance. Powered by state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery cells and an 800-volt system, the vehicle delivers expedited charging intervals and extended range capabilities. Augmented aerodynamics and efficiency enhancements further amplify the vehicle’s overall prowess on the road.
Ferrari’s venture into the realm of electric vehicles signifies a notable shift for the iconic automaker, with its first electric vehicle scheduled for a late 2025 debut. While specific details remain under wraps at the company’s headquarters in Maranello, CEO Benedetto Vigna has shed light on Ferrari’s approach to electrification.
Vigna underscores Ferrari’s commitment to preserving its hallmark styling and performance, assuring enthusiasts that the brand’s electric vehicles will retain the distinctive “feel” that defines Ferrari’s identity. Notably, Ferrari is actively developing unique “sound signatures” for its electric models, challenging the notion that electric cars are inherently silent. This focus on sound engineering is exemplified by Ferrari’s patenting of an EV exhaust note in 2023, underscoring the brand’s dedication to maintaining its characteristic auditory experience.
The iconic Bentley Speed Six, a legendary model that left an indelible mark on automotive history, is making a triumphant return after 93 years. Mulliner, Bentley’s prestigious in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, is meticulously crafting the first customer Speed Six in decades, marking a historic moment for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
This extraordinary endeavour represents a harmonious collaboration between British engineering and restoration specialists, along with Mulliner’s team of master technicians. Twelve Continuation Series Speed Sixes are set to be meticulously built, adhering to period-correct materials and techniques to ensure absolute fidelity to W.O. Bentley’s original design.
Following the successful completion of twelve Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged ‘Blower’ Continuation models, the Speed Six Continuation Series represents a continuation of Bentley’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage. All twelve models have already been pre-sold, reflecting the immense anticipation and demand among discerning collectors. Customers have the opportunity to specify their vehicles from a selection of period-correct finishes and materials, ensuring each Speed Six is a bespoke masterpiece.
The meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating the Speed Six Continuation Series is nothing short of extraordinary. Each vehicle is meticulously crafted using tools, materials, and techniques reminiscent of W.O. Bentley’s original vision. From the precision-engineered chassis to the hand-crafted bodywork, every aspect of the Speed Six pays homage to Bentley’s illustrious legacy.
The journey begins with Portobello Engineering in Matlock, meticulously crafting the chassis legs and crossmembers according to the original engineering drawings. Meanwhile, Lomax Coachbuilders in Ludlow meticulously handcrafts the ash frame for the Speed Six body using traditional coachbuilding tools and techniques. Once united with the chassis at Mulliner workshops, the body is clad in period-correct Rexine fabric to create the iconic Weymann-style open tourer bodywork.
The attention to detail extends to every component of the Speed Six, including the vintage-design headlamps crafted by Vintage Headlamp Restoration International Ltd and the classic car radiators expertly manufactured by The Vintage Car Radiator Company. Kingsbury Racing Shop Limited, in collaboration with Tom Dark Engineering, fabricates over 600 individual parts for the new 6½ Litre race specification engine, meticulously recreating the advanced design of the original Speed Six engine.
The Speed Six Continuation Series takes inspiration from two original Speed Sixes: the company’s own Speed Six, GU409, and ‘Old Number 3’, a works Speed Six driven in the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hour race. These iconic models provided invaluable data on dimensions, materials, and components, ensuring the utmost authenticity in the Continuation Series.
The Speed Six’s illustrious racing pedigree, including its historic victories at the Le Mans 24 Hour race, underscores its legendary status in Bentley’s rich heritage. With its unparalleled combination of speed, performance, and elegance, the Speed Six Continuation Series pays homage to a timeless icon that continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has reached a significant milestone as track installation works between Kuantan Port City (KPC) in Gebeng and Dungun, Terengganu have been completed ahead of schedule.
According to NST, Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak announced that phase one, covering a 92km stretch, was installed using the CCPG-500A track laying machine, achieving an impressive average rate of between 1.5km and 2km per day.
This cutting-edge machine, deployed for the first time in Malaysia’s rail industry, played a pivotal role in accelerating the track-laying process. The completion of track laying works between KPC and Dungun signifies a significant leap forward in the ECRL project’s progress, marking a critical step toward its ultimate completion.
Following the successful track installation, subsequent processes including track tamping and ballasting works were carried out, further solidifying the infrastructure’s integrity. These essential procedures were efficiently completed from KPC to Gebeng, demonstrating the project’s adherence to strict timelines and quality standards.
The Peugeot 5008, the latest entrant into Europe’s thriving SUV segment, epitomises versatility and innovation, catering to a diverse range of consumer preferences. Offering an array of powertrain options, including fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild-hybrid variants, this third-generation model from the esteemed French marque, part of Stellantis, is primed to meet the evolving needs of modern families.
Enlarged from its predecessor and built on the STLA Medium platform, the new Peugeot 5008 boasts impressive dimensions, standing at 4787.9mm in length, 1889.76mm in width, and 1689.1mm in height, with a generous wheelbase of 2898.14mm. Setting itself apart from competitors like the Tesla Model Y, it distinguishes itself by offering a third row of seats, making it an ideal choice for larger families.
Despite the accommodation of seven passengers potentially limiting cargo space, the Peugeot 5008 manages to offer a commendable 257 litres with all seats in use, expanding to 747 litres in the five-seat configuration and a substantial 1812 litres with the second row folded, ensuring ample storage capacity for various needs.
Retaining its boxy shape to optimise interior roominess, the Peugeot 5008 draws design inspiration from its smaller sibling, the E-3008, showcasing a prominent 21-inch display atop the dashboard and 10 customisable touch controls for seamless access to essential functions, blending convenience with sophistication.
Under the hood, the entry-level variant boasts a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine with 48V technology, delivering 136hp to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. For those craving more power, the plug-in hybrid option combines a 150hp combustion engine with a 123hp electric motor, resulting in a total output of 195hp and an impressive electric range exceeding 80km.
For environmentally-conscious drivers, the fully electric E-5008 offers multiple configurations, with single-motor, front-wheel-drive models delivering 210 or 228hp, accompanied by instant torque of 344Nm. Opting for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant elevates the combined output to 318hp, ensuring exhilarating performance without compromising on sustainability.
Equipped with either a 73.0-kilowatt-hour or 98.0-kWh battery, the Peugeot 5008 guarantees ample range, spanning from 500 to 659km, depending on the chosen configuration. Moreover, the batteries come with an eight-year or 160,934km warranty, with charging options ranging from the standard 11-kW charger to optional upgrades for a 22-kilowatt charger, with DC charging capabilities supporting up to 160kW for rapid replenishment.
With its harmonious blend of versatility, performance, and eco-friendliness, the Peugeot 5008 emerges as a formidable contender in Europe’s fiercely competitive SUV market, offering families a compelling choice for their transportation needs in an era increasingly dominated by electrified automotive solutions.
Recent European developments have sparked rumours about an electrified form of the Mazda 6, the Mazda 6e. While production of the Mazda6 is winding down in Japan, a new trademark application for the Mazda 6e in Europe suggests that Mazda may be planning to revive the model with an electrified powertrain.
Mazda’s use of the “e” moniker alongside a model code is unprecedented, indicating a potential shift in the company’s naming strategy as it expands its range of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Notably, the trademark filing for the Mazda 6e features a space between the brand and the model name, distinguishing it from Mazda’s existing non-SUV lineup.
Energy giant Shell has announced a significant shift in its energy transition strategy, revealing plans to divest some of its retail locations, including gasoline stations, in favour of expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
In its 2024 Energy Transition Strategy report, Shell outlined its intention to upgrade its retail network by expanding electric vehicle charging and convenience offerings to meet evolving customer needs. The company aims to divest approximately 500 Shell-owned sites annually in 2024 and 2025, totalling a 2.1% reduction in its retail footprint. This move comes as part of Shell’s broader strategy to focus more on low-carbon energy solutions.
To support its expansion into the EV charging market, Shell intends to invest more in public charging infrastructure, particularly in regions like China and Europe, where the EV market is more developed and demand for public charging stations is high. Shell aims to increase the number of charge points from the current 54,000 to 200,000 by 2030.
A Ferrari owner, Iliya Nechev, has taken legal action against the luxury automaker, filing a lawsuit in the US District Court. The lawsuit alleges that Ferrari failed to adequately address a brake defect in certain models, leaving owners with potentially unsafe vehicles even after attempted repairs.
Nechev purchased his 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia in 2020 and claims to have experienced brake issues since the day of purchase. According to the lawsuit, Nechev encountered a dangerous situation where the car failed to slow down while attempting a 90-degree turn downhill, despite applying the brakes. Shockingly, Nechev was reportedly told by a Ferrari dealer that such behaviour was “normal,” as per the filing.
The legal action comes in light of Ferrari’s recall efforts related to brake issues. Ferrari initiated a voluntary recall in October 2021 for several models, including the 458 Italia, 458 Speciale, 458 Speciale Aperta, 458 Spider, 488 GTB, and 488 Spider. The recall was prompted by the discovery of brake fluid leakage, which could result in a partial or complete loss of braking power. However, Ferrari initially struggled to pinpoint the root cause of the problem.
