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The basic rule of the road is that the user of the bigger vehicle should always care about the smaller vehicle or road-user. So a lorry driver would be expected to understand that his vehicle is much bigger than others and be careful when passing or driving near cars and other road-users. But how would this rule apply when the ‘smaller’ road-user may be the one at fault and an accident occurs?

This is the controversy behind the case of 27-year old Sam Ke Ting, who crashed into a group of cyclists in Johor Bahru in February 2017. She was driving home in the early hours of the morning (around 3 am) and unexpectedly encountered a group of cyclists riding along a hilly and winding road that was also said to not be well lit. Perhaps if it was in the daytime, one could say that the element of surprise would not be so great (encountering cyclists), but it was at a time when most people – especially children – would be asleep at home. These were not a bunch of workers cycling home after a night shift at a factory but children out for fun.

The accident also drew attention to the issue of ‘basikal lajak’ (modified bicycle) which were deemed unsafe and the activities on public roads also reckless and dangerous. In fact, after the accident, there were reports of the police taking action to catch basikal lajak gangs and action was also considered against parents who allowed their children to be involved in such activities. So just as it is an offence to use a car or motorcycle that is modified excessively, it seems that the same would apply to those basikal lajak.

The crash resulted in 8 of the cyclists losing their lives, and Sam was charged with reckless and dangerous driving under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. In her defence, Sam said that she had not expected such activities to be going on and the road was also dark. She also said that she was not speeding, and this was supported by a study conducted by MIROS (the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety) which reported that she could have been travelling at 44.5 km/h or 75.8 km/h but within the speed limit for that road.

A curious point which was also mentioned was that the authorities believed Sam was not the driver, and there was a suggestion that another person might have been at the wheel. However, there was no evidence presented to support this and the magistrate in the trial could not accept that allegation. There was also no evidence that she was under the influence of alcohol or using her phone.

Based on the defence submissions, the magistrate found Sam to not be guilty and she was acquitted and thought she could put the traumatic episode behind her. However, the prosecution appealed against the judgement and in a second round in October last year, the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court upheld its decision as the prosecution had failed to prove their case again and reasonable doubt arose, based on all the evidence presented earlier.

For some reason, the prosecution was still unwilling to accept the judgement even on the second occasion and this time, she was dragged to the High Court after an appeal by the Attorney-General’s Chambers. This time, however, the judge took the view that the magistrate’s court had erred in accepting the arguments presented by the defence which led to her acquittal on both occasions.

The High Court judge, Datuk Abu Bakar Katar, did not agree with the respondent’s defence of being unaware of ‘basikal lajak’ activity during the time of the incident and said that she should have been driving carefully because the area’s lighting was not bright at that time.

Sam has therefore been found guilty and sentenced to 6 months in prison as well as a fine of RM6,000. She is also disqualified from driving for 3 years after she has completed her prison sentence.

There is still a chance to submit an appeal at the Court of Appeal and although Sam’s lawyer’s asked for a stay of execution, the judge rejected this application as they have not received approval from the Court of Appeal.

Motorists should pay attention to this case as the judgements set precedents for future cases of a similar nature. There are those who agree with the guilty finding as well as those who feel that Sam was not reckless and the accident was not her fault. Both sides have their points, but it must be said that the teenagers also bear some responsibility. While they may be the ‘smaller’ road-user, that does not give them the right to ride in a manner that can cause problems for other road-users. Even people crossing the road are required to observe safety protocols and cannot simply expect that cars must stop for them if they suddenly dash across the road.

With an increasing number of cyclists (not just the basikal lajak types) on roads nowadays, there are more risks of accidents. Generally, cyclists are aware of their vulnerability and take sensible safety measures but there are still risks of an accident. Even if there is no loss of life, there will be police to deal with and then a court case (don’t forget lawyer’s fees) which could drag on. So to avoid such situations, it’s best to be alert when driving and when cyclists are ahead, stay as far from them as possible!

Like many British sportscars of the 1950s, the Austin-Healey 100 has become an iconic model because of its historical significance. Built between 1953 and 1956, it was the first model of the association between Austin and Donald Healey which would last for 20 years. Over 14,600 cars were built and those that are still in existence today are valuable collectors items.

For those who want this piece of British motoring history but cannot acquire one, Caton, a new company specialising in design and creation of ultra-exclusive, highly aspirational luxury products will restore and modernise the model – known as Healey by Caton – as its first creation.

The original Austin-Healey 100 built between 1953 and 1956.

Only 25 units to be hand-built
It will be extremely rare too, with a limited run of 25 hand-built restored cars at the factory in England. Each car will have a unique combination of design and engineering comparable to established carmakers, with traditional craftsmanship techniques.

Taking a forensic yet sympathetic approach, Caton’s designers have introduced a subtle smoothness to the Healey’s instantly recognisable lines, gently amplifying the visual dynamism while fully respecting the engineering and design principles of the original car’s creator.

2022 Healey by Caton

The execution of the cleaner, smoother look has been applied across the entire body, with all seams and beading removed. This is evident in the new front aluminium fenders, which feature a more clamshell-like construction. Despite being built on an English Wheel, using traditional methods, they are entirely free of the beading that ran through the centre of the original items. A new air vent and a finisher have been integrated into the flanks, visually amplifying the diving line that runs along the side of the car.

Refining the design
For the most part, though, Caton has refined, rather than added to the Healey’s body. The rear bumpers are gone, as are the external boot hinges, replaced with new internal hinges running on modern gas struts. The boot handle is deleted too, and the lid is now opened by an internal release mechanism, run by a new, modern Caton key.

“To remain true to the car’s DNA, we asked ourselves: ‘What would Healey have done when building a car in the Fifties if they had the tools and manufacturing techniques that we are in the unique position to have at our disposal today?’” said Darryl Scriven, who directed the design work.

Scriven refers to technology that enables a complete 3D scan of each donor car. A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine enabled the fabricators to work to tolerances of just 0.2 mm, creating ultra-perfect panel gaps that add to the beautification of the bodyshell. Yet the team also deployed technology that would have been entirely familiar to those building the car in period, such as an English Wheel, which was used to hand-roll the aluminium panels.

2954 cc 4-cylinder engine
The car is powered by a 185 bhp/264 Nm 2954 cc 4-cylinder engine, not far different from the 2660 cc displacement of the original’s powerplant. Based on an original Austin-Healey block, the engine is completely stripped down, fully lightened, balanced, and then refurbished to zero kilometres. It is further enhanced with a full steel crankshaft, upgraded bearing shells, high compression pistons, a race camshaft with more aggressive lobes and roller rockers. Larger Twin H8 carburettors (yes, carburettors!)and gas flow inlets provide enhance throttle response, while a race side-exit exhaust system adds further to aural appeal.

2022 Healey by Caton

The engine, and most of the car’s mechanical components, are the work of the world’s leading Healey specialists J.M.E. Healeys, who have strong historical links with the original Healey company. Jonathan Everard, who founded J.M.E., and his father Harold, actually worked for the Donald Healey Motor Company in earlier years. Today, the company is run by Jonathan’s sons and it is based in Warwick, which was the original home of the Healey company.

The car benefits from a new chassis, strengthened and modified at known weak points – including the addition of new front and rear bulkheads – identified from J.M.E.’s decades of experience in restoring, servicing, and rallying Healeys. Strengthened driveshafts transfer the performance to the road but there are no electronic traction or stability controls to dilute the driving experience. Nor is there ABS, in keeping with the purist driving feel, but all four wheels have disc brakes.

2022 Healey by Caton

Interior modernised with focus on comfort
Inside, the cockpit is totally modernised with a focus on the very best in contemporary and period materials. Interestingly, the original Healey 100s were designed and built for people who were shorter back then and many of today’s drivers may be somewhat cramped. Thanks to a redesign of the transmission tunnel and new 5-speed manual gearbox, there has been a transformation in cabin space. As a result, the Healey by Caton is a highly practical sportscar, offering today’s drivers the feeling of a classic but with comfort as well.

2022 Healey by Caton

2022 Healey by Caton

With production of the Healey by Caton limited to 25 units, the company will be able to liaise with each customer on a highly personal, one-to-one basis. The future owners can visit the factory on a regular basis and besides touring the facilities, they can also watch every stage of their car being built.

Caton will offer the ability to add completely bespoke and personal touches, whether for the car’s paint finish (in any colour imaginable) or choosing from the extensive array of materials and trim suite available for the car’s interior.

2022 Healey by Caton

“No two examples of the Healey by Caton will be the same, but each will be of exceptional beauty and built to the highest possible OEM levels of quality. Each will represent a true reincarnation of the iconic Austin-Healey 100 sportscar utterly fitting for the modern age. Our aim is to deliver an unrivalled, immersive, intoxicating and highly emotional driving experience,” said Tim Strafford, CEO of Caton’s strategic vehicle building partner, Envisage Group.

The pricing with a car included is likely to be in the region of £395,000 (about RM2.2 million) but the official announcement will be made at Salon Prive London on April 21. Production will commence during this quarter of the year.

2022 Healey by Caton

The latest Isuzu D-MAX is clearly a winner for Isuzu Malaysia, having set a national sales record last month with 1,233 units delivered around the country. That was the company’s highest ever monthly sales since being established in 2005. The new figure eclipses the previous record of 885 units recorded in December 2014 following the introduction of the D-MAX 3-litre V-Cross.

Although the industry has been facing difficulties in getting enough vehicle stocks, Isuzu Malaysia was fortunate to get a large shipment of vehicles which enabled it to address the backlog of orders that began almost from the time the third generation model was launched.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Kenkichi Sogo, the boost in deliveries allowed the company to relieve some of the customers’ waiting time for their new vehicles. “Our customers depend on Isuzu vehicles to serve them faithfully so, as a customer-centric brand, our priority was to hasten supply to meet the increased demand for this highly-popular and versatile pick-up truck,” he said. “I wish to thank our customers who have eagerly and patiently waited for their brand new Isuzu D-Max. We hope to continue ramping up supplies over the coming months to further reduce the waitlist for our vehicles.”

The increased supply that was achieved through additional allocation from the factory meant that the top variant delivered in March was of the 1.9-litre Premium Auto variant, with close to 350 units. The Premium Auto variant offers stylish design, excellent driving performance, premium interior features and the lowest roadtax in its segment, which is why it is the popular choice.

Demand for the flagship X-Terrain variant was also met with an increase of 163 deliveries. However, this version is one of the most popular globally and so supplies have been limited. It has advanced safety and comfort features which can be compared to passenger cars, so it is ideal for personal use as well as workhose duties when needed.

An Isuzu 3S dealership in Taiping, Perak

The strong performance in March would have pleased the company’s new CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe, who emphasises the need to prioritize customer satisfaction through improved sales and aftersales efforts. Mr. Okazoe, who has been involved in the Isuzu business for the past 26 years, has served in various countries such as Japan, America, India and Thailand. He aims to strengthen the Isuzu network and build greater customer satisfaction in Malaysia.

“While Isuzu Malaysia is still a relatively young company, our customer base has grown significantly in the past 17 years. Isuzu’s strong brand reputation, dependable product line-up and a strong support network has helped us create a very strong platform for growth. Our immediate aim therefore will be to enhance our support system in tandem with the growing population of Isuzu customers,” he said.

Isuzu Malaysia currently has a network of 54 outlets positioned strategically in populated centres around the country. It will soon embark on a network enhancement exercise with its authorised dealers to ensure customers enjoy a more comprehensive experience in a conducive and comfortable environment.

In the mid-1960s, when the Malaysian government started the auto industry with a call to manufacturers to assemble vehicles locally, the first ‘auto city’ began to form in the Klang Valley. Vehicle assembly plants were set up in the newly created Shah Alam industrial area of Selangor and related businesses also built factories nearby to supply them parts.

As the industry grew, other areas of the country also saw auto-related factories and businesses being developed. These were in the Tampoi area of Johor and also in Pekan, Pahang, where manufacturers like General Motors, Honda, Mitsubishi Motors, Fiat and Tata had their vehicles assembled.

Pekan in Pahang also has a small automotive manufacturing complex which was developed by DRB-HICOM since the 1980s. Carmakers such as Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors and Volkswagen assemble their vehicles there today.

When the National Car project started in the early 1980s, the Proton factory was situated in Shah Alam, mainly because many suppliers were also in the Klang Valley which also has the largest concentration of new vehicle sales. Perodua, however, chose an area in northern Selangor near Rawang for its manufacturing complex but with the North-South Highway, it had easy connections to the Shah Alam area for suppliers to deliver parts.

By the late 1990s, the auto industry was booming and Proton was seeing rapid growth in volumes that it needed a second factory. Tanjong Malim in Perak was chosen and though far from the Klang Valley, the distance was no longer an issue with the highway connection that also went to Port Klang. DRB-HICOM even made plans to create a ‘Proton City’ which would be an ‘auto city’ like Toyota City in Japan and Detroit in the USA.

The Proton factory in Tg Malim, Perak.

However, the late 1990s saw the Asian Financial Crisis seriously affecting the country’s economy and projects like Proton City could not proceed as planned. It had been planned that suppliers would set up factories in the area to support the Proton factory which was designed to produce up to 500,000 vehicles. However, response was poor and with the severe downturn, the idea of Proton City could not take off although Proton began operations at its factory to make a new generation of models.

20 years later, the Proton City idea is restarting although this time, the concept has been updated to take into account changes in the auto industry. Rather than being just a ‘Proton City’, DRB-HICOM will develop the Tanjong Malim area into an Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) with the aim of becoming an industry hub for the ASEAN region.

Besides supporting Proton, the AHTV is expected to attract businesses which are involved in new technologies and systems relevant to the global automotive industry. These would include electrification, Artificial Intelligence, autonomous technologies and advanced connectivity.

AHTV will be developed with an integrated ecosystem that will be a catalyst to revitalize domestic automotive sector in line with the direction of the National Automotive Policy 2020. Its aim is to bring Malaysia’s automotive industry to be on par, if not more advanced, than those in neighboring countries.

Perhaps it could help make Malaysia once again the best place in ASEAN to manufacture motor vehicles, which was the case in the 1970s. Back then, this country had the best infrastructure, a growing economy, well educated workforce and a level playing field which was attractive to investors.

An early supporter of the AHTV is the Geely Holding Group, which is also DRB-HICOM’s partner in Proton. The Chinese company has signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to jointly develop AHTV and collaborate to identify vendors and investors to the hub. The involvement of Geely, which has rapidly become a diverse global automotive group, will bring their technological strength in the automotive ecosystem as a boost for AHTV. This can be an impetus for auto and component manufacturers, especially from China, to invest in local production facilities, to create new business and export opportunities. Essentially, AHTV has the potential to become a gateway to ASEAN and other markets for companies that make it as their base. To date, there are already 17 vendors with facilities within the area.

DRB-HICOM has also signed another MoU with the Perak state government to jointly identify suitable additional land in the area for AHTV development.  The current area surrounding the Proton factory measures 4,000 acres, with most already occupied by University Pendidikan Sultan Idris, factories of existing vendors, commercial premises and residential properties.

Part of the area originally developed as Proton City which will now be developed into the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley.

To boost the automotive talent pool in Malaysia, AHTV will establish a research university. This will create an educational framework to nurture a new generation of engineers for the automotive industry in areas of Engineering, IT, Design, Artificial Intelligence, Mobility Solutions & Software Development. This will strengthen local R&D capabilities and ensure competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers.

The scale of the AHTV will see some 370,000 job opportunities being created in the area, with more than 160,000 opportunities during the first phase of development.

 

Every major global carmaker, especially those in Europe, have announced electrification plans that will see their brand going fully electric or having a mix of hybrid electric and battery electric (BEV) models. This is an industry-wide move to address climate change and environmental issues, and the auto industry is responding by switching to vehicles with electrified powertrains that generate very low or zero emissions. There is an urgency so the end of this decade is set as the target for completing the changes.

Maserati will be the first among the Italian luxury car brands to produce full-electric models, with the first one to be launched in 2023 and an aim to be the first to complete its electric line-up by 2025. All the fully electric models will be developed, engineered and entirely produced in Italy and form the new Folgore range (‘folgore‘ is Italian for ‘lightning’).

A prototype of the Gran Turismo Folgore was shown at the recent Formula e-Prix in Rome, Italy. It was driven by Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, which Maserati is part of.

The first model will be the Gran Turismo Folgore, a coupe which the company says will have ‘cutting-edge technical solutions, superb performance, comfort and elegance’. Technical details are not revealed yet although it is believed that the powertrain will have 3 motors and a total output of up to 1,200 ps.

Maserati has given assurance that while exhaust emissions will fall to zero, one iconic element of the cars with the Trident will still be present: the distinctive growl. Of course, the equivalent for electric motors would usually be a high-pitched whine so it will be interesting to see how the engineers incorporate that familiar adrenalin-pulsing roar.

The Grecale Folgore.

Following the Gran Turismo Folgore will be the Grecale Folgore, which is a fully electric variant of the second Maserati SUV model. It will have a 105-kW/h battery pack using 400V technology and two motors which will generate a total of up to 800 Nm of torque. This is also scheduled for launch towards the end of 2023 so it might go on sale only in 2024.

For 2025 or 2026, the next generation of the Quattroporte sedan and Levante SUV will make their debut and are likely to be only available with electric powertrains. By then, as mentioned earlier, Maserati will have every model in its range electrified. The other target for the end of the decade would be when it no longer has a combustion engine powertrain in any of its models.

Next year, Maserati will partner the ROKIT Venturi team to participate in the Formula E World Championship for all-electric single-seaters.

As part of its journey onwards to electrification, Maserati will also make its debut in the next season of Formula E (season 9) next year. It will be the first Italian brand to enter Formula E and its partner will be the ROKiT Venturi Racing team, already successfully running in the series. Season 9 will see a new generation of racing cars that have a range of innovations in terms of design, production and technology.

It wasn’t surprising when Nissan was the first Japanese carmaker to become involved in Formula E which is now a world championship. The carmaker became dominant in the electric vehicle (EV) segment after introducing the world’s first mass-produced EV, the LEAF in 2010, so it was natural for it to participate in the all-electric series.

That was back in 2018 when the company partnered the e.dams team and started off in the fifth season of the series. It drew on its experience developing EVs to develop a new powertrain package for its Formula E car, including a new electric motor, inverter, gearbox and software.

The Nissan e.dams all-electric racing car in its first season of Formula E.

Following its entry in the fifth season, the team has been among the regulars each season and in March 2021, Nissan confirmed further commitment to Formula E. Now, the company is going on step further by acquiring the French-based e.dams team which will finish off this season with the Gen2 car and then start the next season with the new Gen3 racing car. Nissan will be present until the end of Season 12 (2025/26).

“It’s taken years of planning and months of intense preparation, but we’re now ready to hit the track for our Formula E race debut,” said Michael Carcamo, Nissan’s Global Motorsports Director. “We’ve drawn on our experience as a global leader in electric vehicles for the road to help develop our Formula E powertrain – and what we now learn on the track will go back the other way, benefiting Nissan’s electric-car customers.”

Nissan’s participation in Formula E supports the company’s long-term commitment to electrification and sustainability laid out in Nissan’s ‘Ambition 2030’ plan. “These are exciting times for all of us at Nissan, our fans and customers everywhere,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer. “We have been on the grid for over 85 years, and our desire to win continuously accelerates us forward. We learn as we race, and the relentless pace of technological progression that drives the Formula E championship will provide us with many opportunities to inform and develop even better cars for customers.

As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050, Nissan intends to electrify all its new vehicles by the early 2030s in key markets. The Japanese carmaker aims to bring its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the Formula E racetrack and road for better electric vehicles for customers.

“I am delighted that Nissan is taking over e.dams and today we are thinking of Jean-Paul Driot who, together with Nissan, had the vision for the team and helped to develop our partnership,” said Tommaso Volpe, who will become the Managing Director of the Nissan Formula E team. “Since his passing in 2019, Olivier and Gregory Driot took over and made sure the legacy of their father’s success would continue. It has been a pleasure working together and I would like to thank them for their commitment and support.

“We are very proud to hand over the e.dams team to such a committed and innovative company as Nissan. We’ve had several open discussions in recent months with Nissan and we decided that it was the right time for them to take the reins and continue the legacy of our family and secure the long-term future of the employees,” said the Driot brothers.

 

As with the City Sedan, Honda Malaysia has now added another variant of the City Hatchback with the Honda SENSING driver-assistance package for those who want more advanced safety systems. The new City Hatchback V-SENSING variant is similar to the City Hatchback 1.5V and is priced from RM91,708.51 (excluding insurance and sales tax), which is around RM3,852 more than the 1.5V without Honda SENSING.

While Honda has provided various types of active safety systems over the years such as ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist and Traction Control, these have been independent in their functions. With Honda SENSING, which was first introduced in 2015 in Japan and 2017 in Malaysia (with the 5th generation CR-V), the active systems function in a collaborative manner and expand the capabilities of recognizing as well as reacting to potential accident situations.

Such unified systems use either a radar or a camera, or both, to scan the road ahead for other vehicles and road-users as well as road markings. More expensive models usually have the radar as well but for the City Hatchback (and Sedan), Honda uses only a camera, probably to reduce the cost. However, compared to the earlier Honda SENSING system, the camera (mounted in the space above the rearview mirror) in the latest one has a wider view and improved imaging capabilities in all lighting conditions. The imagery captured by the camera is constantly analysed and also picks up lane markings on the road as well as the edge of the road.

Compared to the original Honda SENSING system first introduced in Malaysia, today’s system has increased features and consists of:

  1. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  2. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
  3. Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  4. Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
  5. Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
  6. Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  7. Auto High Beam (AHB)
With ACC, the desired cruising speed can be set as well as the length of the gap with the vehicle ahead. The system will adjust the speed to maintain the gap.

ACC is a more advanced type of cruise control where the car can run in semi-autonomous mode. The driver still needs to pay attention and steer but once the cruising speed is set, there is no need for the driver to use the brakes to slow down if there is a vehicle ahead. The system will do it automatically to maintain a safe distance, returning to the set speed when there is no vehicle ahead. This will not only make driving easier in heavy traffic but also help to reduce fatigue on long journeys, improving safety.

CMBS and FCW are related systems, both functioning to prevent a collision with a vehicle ahead or hitting other road-users. FCW will warn the driver by sound and by warning lights if there is a risk of a collision. If the driver does not act to prevent this from happening – ie slowing down or braking – CMBS then activates and the brakes will be applied automatically. While the automatic emergency braking may or may not prevent a collision (depending on road conditions and speed), the earlier deceleration could reduce the damage of the impact if it occurs.

With CMBS, the brakes will automatically be applied if the Honda SENSING system determines that a collision will occur and the driver has not taken action to prevent it.

Incidentally, when CMBS occurs, the rear brake lights automatically flash and the hazard warning lights will also come on. This is to alert drivers in vehicles behind of the sudden braking so they won’t also collide… not all cars may have systems like Honda SENSING.

LDW, LKAS and RDM also related and their main function is to keep the car within its lane. These systems were developed as studies have found that many accidents have occurred due to the car wandering out of its lane without the driver being aware (usually due to lack of attention or drowsiness). The systems will not activate if a turn signal is in use, signifying that the car’s movement out of its lane is deliberately done.

The process starts with LDW which relies on the camera imagery to recognise lane markings. This may not be 100% perfect since the markings may not be present or worn out, or the road may be wet with rain. If the car is not positioned within its lane, there will be alerts to make the driver aware. Should the car keep drifting out of the lane, LKAS will start and the steering wheel will receive a slight turning action to guide the car back into the lane. Like ACC, this feature can also reduce driving fatigue on long journeys.

RDM operates like LKAS except it is for a more extreme situation such as when the car is about to leave the road unintended. The system will apply steering torque to bring the car back into the lane but if that is not likely to work, braking action may also occur to prevent further departure from the road.

How Road Departure Mitigation works.

AHB is a straightforward system which just switches the headlights between high and low beams automatically. When driving at night, the illumination should be maximised as much as possible and this is usually with high beams. However, they can dazzle oncoming drivers so they need to be switched low beams. AHB takes away the need for the driver to do this and the lighting will be kept at maximum as much as possible. Having high beam in use also enhances the effectiveness of the camera at night.

Also of note in the safety department is Honda Lanewatch, an innovative feature which provides the driver with a view of the blind spot on the left side of the car by using a small camera mounted on the door mirror. The real-time image is displayed on the 8-inch panel in the middle of the dashboard so the driver doesn’t have to turn the head all the way to the left to see the mirror. The camera is only on when the left signal is activated.

Besides having the same standard equipment as the Sedan, the City Hatchback also comes with the ULTRA seats at the rear. This is a simple but clever idea which originated in the first generation of the Jazz some 20 years ago. Where hatchbacks usually have rear backrests that fold flat to expand the cargo volume and floor length of the boot, the ULTRA seat folds up to also create extra cabin height for carrying tall items like plants.

Besides this TALL mode, there are three other modes – UTILITY, LONG or REFRESH. For the LONG and REFRESH modes, the front passenger’s seat can also be folded flat so there is an open space from the back door all the way to the dashboard to carry a really long item or just to stretch out. The UTILITY mode is essentially like what you get in other hatchbacks with the rear backrests folded down to enlarge the boot space which can accommodate bicycles.

Performance-wise, there is the same well proven 1.5-litre DOHC i–VTEC engine. This produces 121 ps/145 Nm which is the highest in its class and the power gets to the front wheels through a CVT.

For more information on the City Hatchback V-SENSING and other Honda models, visit www.honda.com.my or any authorised Honda showroom.

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) had a significant jump of 32% in its March sales volume with 8,487 units reported, compared to 6,432 units the month before. The improvement in sales is attributed to promotions during the month which offered value-added benefits worth RM4,000 for popular models such as the Vios and Yaris.

Although conditions were challenging with the floods in Selangor causing some parts suppliers to temporarily stop operations, UMWT’s first quarter cumulative sales volume total of 22,447 units was 31% greater than for the same period in 2021 when 17,151 vehicles were sold.

The positive trend is expected to continue through the second quarter, with a boost expected when new and improved models make their appearance later in the year

Circumventing the global challenges on parts supply shortage, Ravindran K., President of UMW  Toyota Motor, said: “We are constantly reviewing and adapting to the changing circumstances and  uncertainties. Toyota has always been known for our proficiency in supply chain management and  risk mitigation measures. Leveraging on these experiences, we are working closely with our  suppliers and monitoring the developments closely to ensure minimal impact to our production  and our customers.”

“As Malaysia transitions towards the endemic phase, UMW Toyota Motor is appreciative of the  support we have received from our customers throughout these unprecedented times. We remain  committed towards achieving continuous growth for the Toyota brand as well as for the local  automotive industry through our cutting-edge innovative product and solution offerings. As we  transform towards sustainable mobility, Toyota aims to leave no one behind as we continue to be  at the forefront in offering value for money innovations equipped with technological  advancements and state-of-the-art safety features across all our products,” he added.

Promotions for Hari Raya festive season
Until May 1, 2022, UMWT will be running the ‘Pandu Uji dan Menang Duit Raya’ contest at showrooms nationwide. During this period, those who test drive any Toyota model could collect ‘duit raya’. Each test drive will entitle the customer to a contest entry to win ‘duit  raya’ worth RM100. Those who take the test drive and complete a vehicle purchase can win RM200  ‘duit raya’. A total of 30 winners will be selected every week.

In addition, all Toyota showrooms will continue their ‘Bersama Lebih Bermakna’ celebrations with the Ramadan Weekender on April 16 and 17. Customers can visit the showrooms to find out more about ‘Bulan Puasa’ deals and value-added offers as well as receive exclusive gifts (while stocks last) when they test drive any of the Toyota vehicles available.

New 3S centre in Cyberjaya
Toyota owners in Cyberjaya now have an authorised service centre close to them. Operated by Otomobil Sejahtera Sdn Bhd, the new facility is a 3S centre offering sales, service and spare parts as well as Body and Paint services for repairs or repainting vehicles.

“From the point of purchase, to aftersales service, and on to their next repurchase, it is important that customers feel the Toyota touch at every step. This new 3S service centre is just our way of bringing our brand closer to our customers, wherever they may be, while ensuring they have seamless access to our services whenever they need them,” Mr. Ravindran said.

For more information about Toyota vehicles or to locate an authorised dealership in Malaysia, visit www.toyota.com.my.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is coming soon and for those planning to have a new vehicle to celebrate, Edaran Tan Chong Motor is offering some special deals. Selected models come with accessories packages worth up to RM10,150, and there’s still the sales tax exemption (except for pick-up trucks) which the government is allowing until June 30, 2022.

During the month of April and May, ETCM is also having a contest with RM50,000 worth of Lazada e-Vouchers to be won. Lucky purchasers of new Nissan vehicles will have a chance to win Lazada e-Vouchers (RM5,000 per winner. T&C apply). The e-voucher can be used for purchases on the Lazada e-commerce website which would be great for those who are doing Hari Raya shopping.

While some companies have indicated that their order bank has become quite full and ready stocks are not available right away, ETCM says it has anticipated the festive season demand and has prepared stocks for fast delivery. After all, the company has been selling cars to Malaysians since the 1950s and understands the market well.

For those interested in the Almera Turbo, a test-drive will provide an opportunity to experience its advanced technology, especially in the turbocharged engine. The high torque output gives strong acceleration but at the same time, fuel consumption can be up to 18.4 kms/litre as one owner proved. Those who test-drive the Almera Turbo will receive a Watsons Voucher worth RM30 in appreciation of their interest.

The ’Mothertrucker’ Navara has proven to be well suited for dual roles of personal transport as well as workhorse. There are five variants to choose from for different requirements and budgets, with prices starting from RM111,050.

Nissan owners, wherever in Malaysia they are,  are assured of aftersales services from Tan Chong Expres Auto Servis (TCEAS). Appointments can also be booked online using the DriveOn app available at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

All new Nissan vehicles come with a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and other than the Navara, there is no limit on mileage travelled after registration. For the Navara, the mileage limit is 150,000 kms or 5 years, whichever comes first.

For customers who are not able to visit Nissan showroom, there’s the Nissan Online Showroom where information on the models and offers available can be found, and test-drives can also be requested. If a purchase decision is made at the Lazada Nissan Flagship store, a low-booking fee payment online is now available and a Sales Representative will assist in completing the purchase process.

For more information, www.nissan.com.my where the locations of authorised Nissan showrooms can also be found.

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