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Easy auto care with Armor All products

Armor All is a name in auto care products which will be familiar to older Malaysians as it has been in the market for a long time. In fact, the product is almost 50 years old and appeared in the late 1970s in Malaysia and impressed with its ‘works as advertised’ results.

The original Armor All product was a fluid that, when used regularly, protected rubber, plastic, and vinyl parts of a car or motorcycle from the bad effects of UV radiation and ozone. It was actually invented in 1962 and became widely known after it was marketed in 1972. It was such a ‘miracle formula’ that, before the 1970s ended, the company applied and received two patents for the protectant. One was for the product itself and the other was for the unique way it penetrated surfaces to protect and prevent degradation.

Expanded range of products
Armor All has remained a success story till today and over the years, it has expanded to more than just protectant and under the same brand name, there is a range of auto care products. While the Armor All Protectant series focuses on protecting the interior surfaces against premature ageing, there is also the Waterless Wash & Wax Spray which will have the vehicle always looking showroom ready. Like Armor All Protectant, it is easily applied – just a quick spray and a gentle wipe. For those who prefer to do things the traditional way (and have a lot of ‘elbow grease’), regular Wash & Wax products are also available.

No matter how clean your wheels are, the moment you drive on the road, they start to pick up dirt, grease, road grime and the dust from the brake pads also starts to accumulate. If not removed regularly, these can get baked on with the heat and become harder to remove. Armor All’s triple action formula Wheel & Tire Cleaner is an ideal product to clean the wheel as it dissolves grease, road grime and brake dust. A quick spray and then a little while to let the foamed fluid soak in an remove the dirt and then a quick wash will have the tyres and rims looking as good as new.

Having a clean windscreen is very important for driving safety. In dry conditions, a dirty windscreen is already bad enough but when it rains, then it can be very hazardous. So it is extremely important that the glass is kept clean inside and out. For this, there’s Armor All Glass Cleaner which is specially formulated to keep glass clean. It does not contain ammonia (which is used in household glass cleaners) as this is damaging to the decorative trim in the car. Of course, it goes without saying that the wipers should also be in good condition.

More and more cars (and even trucks) come with leather upholstery and while this is a tough material, it needs more care than fabric. Using their experience in protectant technology, the Amor All people have developed Leather Flow Wipes and Leather Care gel that can be used regularly to maintain the original feel and finish. With added beeswax, there is extra protection and a matte finish for the leather.

More products for the market
Armor All products are marketed in Malaysia by Energizer Holdings (yes, the same people who sell the batteries) and they aim to expand the range in the market. “We are confident that Armor All will be a game-changer in the consumer auto care product space in Malaysia. As a global consumer products company with a wide range of leading brands, Energizer’s mission is to lead the charge to deliver value to our customers and consumers better than anyone else,” said Aaron Abner Ang, Head of Marketing – Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia, Energizer Holdings Inc.

Evolution of Armor All logo since the 1970s until today.

“To elevate visibility for Armor All, we’ve entered the exciting world of Grand Prix racing, with Jenson Button signing on as Armor All’s first ever global brand ambassador. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, we are honoured to work with car experts like Y.S. Khong, G.C. Mah, Alex Yoong and Tengku Djan to create awareness on Armor All, besides partnering with car wash businesses to showcase our products,” he said.

“We are confident that we are offering an impactful difference to car owners looking for a product range that is easy to use yet works wonderfully. We will also be introducing more Armor All innovations to Malaysian car owners as we expand the product range into Malaysia in the next 6 to 9 months, leading into 2022,” added Diane Lee, Business Director – Malaysia & Singapore, Energizer Holdings Inc.

*Besides former F1 champion Jenson Button being the Armor All brand ambassador, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing F1 team uses Armor All too!*

All-new LX 600 begins new generation of Lexus SUV flagship

Given the price of petrol these days, the biggest SUVs only appeal to customers in places like the Middle East and USA where big engines are still acceptable. So for the all-new Lexus LX 600, the Middle East was chosen as the location from which the new flagship of the brand’s SUV range was revealed to the world.

It’s an all-new model but it is also no secret that the LX 600 is a model Lexus shares with Toyota’s latest Land Cruiser. This has been the case since the mid-1990s when the Land Cruiser was first ‘Lexified’ to enable Lexus to quickly have a fully-fledged SUV (before they came out with the game-changing RX in 1997).

New GA-F platform shared with Toyota Land Cruiser
Like the Land Cruiser, the LX has been developed on core attributes such as reliability, durability, and rough-road driving performance. The fourth generation continues with a body-on-frame construction and rides on the new GA-F platform which is 20% more rigid. Thanks to the new structure and weight-saving approaches like aluminium doors, the new LX 600 is 200 kgs lighter than its predecessor. This has helped to improve driving dynamics, with predictability and balance during turning, acceleration and deceleration maneuvers, as well as improved stability when driving off-road.

Lexus Driving Signature
Though much will be the same as the Land Cruiser, Lexus engineers have always contended that a Lexus will have a difference in dynamics and other aspects. In this case, the engineers have made sure that the new LX 600 has the Lexus Driving Signature.

The suspension is classic SUV with front high-mounted double wishbones that are fitted with dampers having 100 mm of bound and 145 mm of rebound, important factors for off-road driving performance. At the rear is a 4-link axle-type suspension with rear lateral control arms carried over from the previous model.

The rear shock absorbers are placed outside of the lower control arm, and the shock absorber mounting angle has been adjusted to match the angle at which the axle moves. This makes it easier for the shock absorbers to follow the vertical movement of the wheels, increasing their damping effect and, thus, better absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road surface to provide very good vehicle stability.

To have capable off-road performance as well as the sort of comfort Lexus owners expect, a lot of work went into the suspension with the inclusion of variable ride height and adding a spring rate switching device for front and rear wheels. The ride height can be automatically adjusted or manual selected and not only adjusts the vehicle height but also responds to changes in vehicle posture to enhance stability.

The springs are softened to help provide a comfortable ride when overcoming bumps during in-town driving and are stiffened to help ensure a flat and stable ride when going around curves. When at a total standstill, the suspension automatically lowers for easier passenger entry or exit.

The power steering is assisted by an electric motor while the Electronically Controlled Brake system employs a sensor to detect the degree of brake pedal depression and creates braking force with the hydraulic brakes for more linear braking characteristics.

3.5 litre V6 in place of 5.7-litre V8
The new LX 600 will be offered with a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine which replaces the naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V8 used before. Though having smaller displacement, its output is higher with turbocharging, with 415 ps/650 Nm. This goes through a 10-speed direct-shift automatic transmission with a transfer case for high and low ranges, the latter for off-road use. Having 10 ratios means that performance can be optimized when starting as well as when cruising at higher speeds. The wide spread also allows for smoother transitions between gears.

Exclusive to F SPORT, a Torsen LSD is employed to help ensure traction performance of the rear tyres. When accelerating during a turn, it optimally distributes the driving force according to the load on the rear left and right wheels to achieve a high level of control performance. In straight-line driving, it responds to changes in road conditions, contributing to stability.

Ultra Luxury 4-seater version
Like the LM 350 MPV, the new LX 600 also has a version with just 2 seats for the rear section of the spacious cabin that normally has 3 rows of seats for 7 persons. Available in the Ultra Luxury grade, it offers rear occupants up to 1.1 metres of maximum leg space. The seats have exclusive curved headrests, seatbacks and cushions that gently wrap around the head, hips and lower body. They should offer the ultimate in seating comfort as they are said to be crafted to help offset any lateral G-forces and shocks from irregular road surfaces – even in off-road driving conditions.

At the front is the North American-developed Lexus Interface multimedia system. This has a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen with a 7-inch lower touchscreen. The screen’s new Human Machine Interface (HMI) enhances user interaction through sight, touch and voice, while balancing accessibility needs.

Lexus Interface incorporates a new Voice Assistant developed with a human-centered approach. The Voice Assistant is intended to be the primary way the occupants interact with the new multimedia system. Designed with dual microphones with speaker location capability and enhanced noise-cancellation, the system enables a voice-first approach allowing front seat occupants an expanded and interactive experience to access navigation, media, phone and other vehicle control settings.

2022 Lexus LX 600 — *If the 4-seater Ultra Luxury version is not specified, the LX 600 will have 3 rows of seating for up to 7 occupants.*

When off-road, the driver has the Multi-Terrain Monitor to see around the vehicle. Four cameras capture images to allow the driver to check road conditions, which are often in the blind spots. By switching to the Back Underfloor View, images of the foreground taken in advance are provided to the driver as transparent-underfloor images. By superimposing the vehicle and wheel position over this image, the driver can check underfloor conditions and front-wheel position. In another view, the vehicle is made transparent, and an image showing the area around the rear wheels is magnified. This can enable the driver to ascertain conditions around the rear wheels and estimate distances to obstacles.

Pricing for the new LX 600 is not available yet and deliveries will only begin in the first quarter of 2022. As it has for the past 26 years, the new LX will continue to be a luxurious long-range cruiser with proven off-road capabilities.

*The LX 600 F SPORT version is the first-ever F SPORT in the LX range. It has exclusive sportier styling which includes a F mesh design spindle grille and sports tuning.for the suspension.*

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia donates Mitsubishi Triton to the Dignity Farm School in Bentong, Pahang

Although many companies have focussed their CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts on providing help to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many sections of society which need help, especially the under-privileged urban poor.

Recently, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) offered such help in the form of a Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 truck to the Dignity Farm School in Bentong, Pahang which is a one-stop holistic and community learning centre.

It will be used for the farm’s daily operations, and to provide transport for the Orang Asli to schools where they are given transformative youth education programs grounded in community building, natural agriculture, and skills development.

Helping underprivileged and indigenous community
The Triton was handed over earlier this month by MMM’s Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi. Explaining the decision to help the Dignity Farm School, Mr. Shinnishi said: “In line with the Malaysian government’s efforts to reopen schools soon with tightened and updated standard operating procedures to adhere to, we at Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia feel it is a strategic time post-lockdown to relook into how we can do more for the underprivileged and indigenous community in terms of education and health.”

“We are happy to work with the Dignity Farm School a place where skills and knowledge are connected and taught from a wellspring of sources and experiences, combining practical skills and theory in a farm setting. This, in return, will also prepare the underprivileged children in the future to enter an agricultural and tourism workforce requiring both innovation and manpower,” he said.

“The school is located in a remote area of Bentong where a 4×4 like the Triton is required. It has passed many endurance tests and we hope that it will assist the Dignity Farm School well in many of their adventures to come, no matter what the terrain,” added Mr. Shinnishi.

*Activities at the Dignity Farm School.*

Mitsubishi Motors CSR vision
MMM’s initiative supports the Mitsubishi Motors CSR vision for 2021 which is ‘Inspiring Lives Today for a Greater Future’. Its mission is to implement CSR activities that provide aid to support underprivileged children, and to collaborate with NGOs in promoting a sustainable economy, society, and environment.

As part of the company’s various and ongoing COVID-19 aid efforts, MMM also donated a Box of Hope containing food necessities and a bag of rice to the B40 groups in Malaysia. This effort will benefit more than 150 families across the nation.

To know more about the Triton and other Mitsubishi models available in Malaysia, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

JMC Vigus Pro 4×4 aiming for niche in pick-up truck market

It’s been a while since the pick-up truck segment saw a new competitor appearing. Although there have been some models from China and India purely for commercial use, there have been few targeted at the larger ‘lifestyle’ market that was born in the late 1990s when the regulations on ownership changed.

Now Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM) will challenge the status quo with its new Vigus Pro from Jiangling Motors Company Ltd (JMC). Unlike other pick-ups from China, the Vigus Pro is stylishly designed and equipped like a passenger car. It is a full-fledged truck with 4×4 and the load-carrying capabilities if needed.

Assembled locally
ATM is not testing the market and seems to have enough confidence to jump straight in with the new model by committing it to local assembly. As ATM is affiliated with the Tan Chong Group, it is only natural that the vehicles will be assembled at Tan Chong’s plant. In this case, it is the younger one in Serendah, just off the North-South Highway after Rawang, Selangor. This is also where most of the Nissan models are assembled.

For now, the Vigus Pro is available in just one variant which is priced from RM98,888 (without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia. It will be sold through a network of dealerships which presently number 13, with an equal number of aftersales outlets also established. A warranty of 3-years or 100,000-km (whichever comes first after registration) is provided.

Speaking at today’s launch, Tan Keng Meng, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd and Executive Director of ATM, said: “The JMC Vigus Pro is a stylish and versatile pick-up truck developed with premium engineering. Whether it’s for work or play, the Vigus Pro is ready to meet the demanding requirements of pick-up truck users in Malaysia after proving itself as the second best-selling pick-up truck in the Chinese market.”

Bold, distinctive looks
The styling of the Vigus Pro is certainly bold and distinctive, and it should stand out in a crowd of pick-ups. It has all the modern design elements like slim headlamps, LED daytime running lights and 3D taillamps. A sports bar in fitted behind the double cab and incorporates the third brake light.

Size-wise, it’s about the same as the Toyota Hilux, which has been the market leader for years. It has a bit more width, which could mean a bit more comfort within. It has traditional construction, meaning body-on-chassis, with the ladder frame chassis providing durability.

Ford-based TDCi engine?
While most of the vehicle has been developed by JMC, the Puma engine appears to have Ford involvement. It even has a ‘TDCi’ badge on it, which would be familiar to Ford Ranger owners. Ford is in the picture because the American carmaker has had a share in JMC since the mid-1990s, so there would be some technology-sharing and engines may be among them.

The engine in the Vigus Pro is a 2-litre unit with high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system and a variable geometry turbocharger and intercooler. It develops 141 ps/340 Nm and is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with manual shift option and paddle shifters. The fuel consumption claim is pretty good at 12.8 kms/litre which should give a range of almost 900 kms with the 68-litre fuel tank.

Full-fledged 4×4 BorgWarner system
The Vigus Pro has a transfer case to direct power to the front and rear axles. The 4×4 system comes from BorgWarner, one of the leading companies in drivetrains. There are High and Low ranges as well as 2WD which can all be selected with an electronic rotary dial – no more having to struggle with a secondary lever. The rear axle is also fitted with an Eaton limited-slip differential (LSD) lock for better traction in very slippery conditions.

Additionally, there’s Hill Descent Control which is like having an experienced off-road driver handle driving downhill (which is not always easy in off-road terrain). The system maintains a safe speed by applying brakes when necessary and also adjusting engine power. All the driver has to do is watch the ground ahead and steer to avoid obstacles.

Other assistance features include Hill Start Assist, ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control. So in as far as active safety is concerned, the Vigus Pro is comparable to an average passenger car of today.

To ensure that it appeals to its target customers, ATM has specified a high standard for the cabin. There’s a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering with steering controls for the infotainment system, cruise control and voice calls via Bluetooth connection. The infotainment system has an 8-inch colour touchscreen which also displays real-time images from the reverse camera.

First fleet customer
The first major customer to order the new model is Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd, which will take 30 units of the Vigus Pro to add to its fleet of over 2,800 vehicles. The 30 units are about a tenth of the total number ATM expects to sell in the remaining months of 2021.

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and though you may not show symptoms, you can spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Fuel Price Updates For October 14 – October 20, 2021

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is now in Malaysia, priced from RM645,209 (w/VIDEO)

It was just a year ago that Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) introduced Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar, the Taycan, and now comes a variant, the Taycan Cross Turismo. As the ‘cross’ in the name suggests, this is a SUV although Porsche calls it a Cross Utility Vehicle (CUV).

SDAP is importing three variants with the following prices (without insurance):
Taycan 4 Cross Turismo – from RM645,209
Taycan 4S Cross Turismo – from RM728,727
Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo – from RM968,928

Design elements for the off-road image
With ‘utility’ in its function, the Taycan Cross Turismo has design elements that emphasise an off-road image. These include wheelarch trim, unique front and rear lower aprons, and side sills. Customers can also add the optional Off-road Design package which comes with special flaps at the corners of the front and rear bumpers and at the ends of the sills. These not only enhance the appearance but also help to give added protection from stone impacts.

Like the Taycan, the Taycan Cross Turismo rides on a high-tech chassis and all variants have all-wheel drive (AWD) as well as adaptive air suspension. Its off-road capability is enabled by higher ground clearance compared to the Taycan. With the Off-road Design package, ground clearance is increased by up to 30 mm.

Extra mode for off-road use
When driving over loose ground – with no emissions to spoil the environment – the driver can activate the new ‘Gravel’ mode exclusive to the Cross Turismo. This new feature manages torque distribution through traction-optimised shifting and other chassis settings, increasing grip and stability on surfaces with poor quality.

Inside, there’s 47 mm more headroom for rear passengers and more than 1,200 litres of load capacity (with rear seatbacks folded down). The large, automatically-opening tailgate makes loading and unloading easy.

Different output levels for each variant
All variants have the Performance Battery Plus, which has a total capacity of 93.4 kWh, but the output varies depending on the variant. The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo’s powertrain generates 280 kW (380 ps), with overboost power for Launch Control pushing it to 350 kW (476 ps). The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo has 360 kW (490 ps), with overboost power with Launch Control of 420 kW (571 ps), while the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo produces 460 kW (625 ps), and overboost power with Launch Control of 500 kW (680 ps).

The first shipment is already in Malaysia and those who are interested can contact SDAP to arrange an appointment to view the car by clicking here.

Etiqa insurance gives rebates to motorists who travel less

The pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide in various ways, and Malaysians have not escaped either. Jobs have been lost, businesses have had to shut down and for many, incomes have fallen drastically. So almost everyone would like to find ways to save whatever money they earn or have.

Etiqa, the insurance people, offer help in this effort by introducing their usage-based ‘Drive Less, Save More’ motor insurance and takaful add-on that offers drivers rebates of up to 30% on their premiums or contribution based on vehicle mileage clocked.

As many motorists are travelling less nowadays because they work from home or prefer not to go out too much to avoid crowds, their vehicles have less mileage. This can benefit them not only in saving fuel but also in their insurance costs with companies like Etiqa.

This optional add-on is free, with rebates paid whenever a claim is made at a customer’s convenience, subject to a minimum of 10 days between each upload. The add-on is available to all customers who take Private Car Comprehensive insurance coverage.

This new offering is especially good for those working from home, the ‘new normal’ brought on by the pandemic’s restriction on movements. And while they drive less, they can still have the same peace of mind as the coverage is the same, including compensation for loss of the vehicle in the event it is stolen.

Cash rebates will be calculated on a daily basis, as a percentage of a customer’s basic premium or contribution (minus No Claim Discount) as per the table below:

The ‘Drive Less Save More’ add-on is available when purchasing new or renewing motor insurance or takaful. To qualify for the rebates, customers just need to submit a picture of their vehicle numberplate as well as of the car odometer (the one which shows the mileage) via the Etiqa Smile mobile app.

Subsequently, during the policy or certificate period, customers will need to upload an image of their odometer reading as often as they like, with a minimum gap of 10 days between uploads in order to obtain their rebates. The images will be used to confirm the mileage driven and to calculate the corresponding rebate amount.

*To qualify for the rebates, policyholders must periodically send an image of the odometer to verify the mileage travelled.*

In a joint statement, Shahrul Azuan Mohamed, CEO of Etiqa General Takaful Berhad and Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad said: “We recognize the fact that there has been a reduction in driving activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant number of people working from home. Driven by Etiqa’s vision to make the world a better place, we would like to give back to those who have been using their vehicles less by rewarding them with rebates on their motor insurance premium or takaful contributions. After all, by driving less we can also do our part to save the environment,” they added.

Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2020 Grand Prize winner receives his fully electric Nissan LEAF

In recent years, you would be reading a lot about electrification and how motorists in Europe are steadily switching to electric vehicles. The shift has yet to start in Malaysia but for 23-year old Haqiem Rusli, it has started. The young and talented singer, composer and actor from Selangor, took delivery of a new Nissan LEAF EV as the Grand Prize winner of the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2020 (ABPBH).

The all-electric LEAF was presented by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the official vehicle sponsor for the event in collaboration with Berita Harian. Haqiem Rusli was announced the winner of Bintang Paling Popular when he received 22,332,676 votes. He also won Penyanyi Bintang Popular and Lagu Paling Boom Popular with the song titled ‘Lembah Kesepian’.

*Haqiem Rusli being told about his new electric car by an ETCM representative.*

During the presentation ceremony, ETCM’s Sales & Marketing Director, Christopher Tan said: “It was our pleasure to collaborate with Anugerah Bintang Popular 2020 Berita Harian as this contest recognizes Malaysian artistes’ hard work and dedication in growing the local entertainment industry. We would like to congratulate Haqiem Rusli on his win and driving home the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. He now joins the EV family and will be part of our sustainability efforts in supporting the nation’s aspiration, as well as accelerate the global movement to become more environmental conscious towards a sustainable future.”

Global topseller in EV category
The LEAF, with a price from RM181,263 is in its second generation and has been the most widely sold electric vehicle in the world since the model line started in 2010. The latest generation has many advances which enable it to go further, with a range of up to 311 kms range on a full charge. And with 320 Nm of torque, it has strong acceleration as maximum torque is available from almost standstill, a characteristic of electric motors.

Like many of the latest Nissan models, the LEAF also has Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies. These advanced driver-assist technologies include the e-Pedal, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning & Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Around View Monitor (360° camera).

The LEAF is available for viewing and testing at selected authorised Nissan showrooms around the country. To find out where they are, visit www.nissan.com.my.

Audi R8 Performance RWD for the purists

Until the Quattro came along in the early 1980s, Audi was known for its front-wheel drive (FWD) cars and showed no interest in rear-wheel drive (RWD). With the quattro system, the company didn’t have to discuss the merits of FWD or RWD; it powered the wheels at both ends of the car. The quattro system has been synonymous with Audi, an exclusive feature on its high performance models.

But the company has not refused to make RWD cars, except that they have been in small numbers and used in competition. Models like the Le Mans-winning cars with hybrid powertrains have had what is essentially RWD, along with the R8 LMS GT4 used by customer racing teams. There has also been the R8 RWS which was a limited-production run of 999 units and ‘made for purists’.

Now, Audi Sport GmbH (which is the company that makes the R8) has come out with a new R8 Performance RWD as a complement to the V10 performance quattro version. It has the same mid-mounted V10 5.2-litre FSI engine with enhanced output of 570 ps/550 Nm to take the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 329 km/h. Available in Coupe and Spyder bodystyles, it replaces the previous R8 V10 RWD which had served as an entry-level version.

Balanced for rear-wheel drive
The suspension and driving dynamics are specifically balanced for the rear-wheel drive. A mechanical limited slip differential distributes the torque ideally based on the driving situation, ensuring maximum possible traction even when the roads are wet. When Sport Mode is activated in the Electronic Stabilization Control system, the suspension set-up and control systems will allow controlled drifts.

The electromechanical power steering provides has Dynamic Steering, available for the first time for the RWD R8. This provides even more precise reaction and feedback with more direct steering. At the same time, it also increases comfort by making steering easier, such as when parking or manoeuvring.

The RWD suspension, with double wishbones and a passive differential lock, is adapted specifically for rear-wheel drive. The weight distribution is 40:60 and extra-light 19-inch and 20-inch aluminium cast wheels are fitted, or optional Cup wheels in 245/30 R20 up front and 305/30 R20 at the back can be specified. An 18-inch high-performance steel braking system with a wave design and an optional 19-inch high-performance ceramic braking system provide the necessary deceleration.

As with all R8s, the body is built of aluminium using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design which has been around since the mid-1990s. The structure has evolved over the years and large parts are now made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic for more lightening. The Coupe version thus weighs a mere 1,590 kgs, with the Spyder weighing another 105 kgs more.

Recognizable design features
The overly sporty design is inspired by its GT4 siblings and elements of this include the broad, flat Singleframe radiator grill in matte black with an R8 emblem. There are also the large air intakes, front splitter and rear air outlet grid as well as the oval tailpipes. Enthusiasts will note that the slit under the front bonnet is reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport quattro.

Racing car cabin
Given the exterior appearance, it would only be expected that the interior will have a ‘racing car feel’ and Audi’s designers have provided that. The eye-catching element inside is the ‘Monoposto’ – the large, heavily contoured arch that spans the area in front of the driver’s seat and is strongly reminiscent of a racing car cockpit. The Monoposto encloses the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen, which is integrated into a freestanding casing. The R8 leather steering wheel with Multifunction plus has 4 control satellites, each for using Audi drive select, to start the engine, to activate Performance Mode and the engine sound as well as to control the Audi virtual cockpit.

Production largely by hand
The R8 V10 performance RWD is built – largely by hand – at Audi Sport’s factory. This is also the production site of the LMS GT4 racing car, which is derived from the production model and uses roughly 60% carryover parts. In Germany, the base price for the Coupe is €149,000 (about RM717,000), with the Spyder costing another 13,000 euros (about RM63,000).

Isuzu D-MAX Auto Plus with 4×2 drivetrain added to D-MAX range, priced from RM100,999

Before they became the ‘lifestyle’ machines of today, pick-up trucks have traditionally been workhorses. They have been used in worksites, in the jungle and anywhere ordinary vehicles could not go. Because of such a role, they were usually basic with minimum convenience features as the things that mattered to customers were performance, capability and of course, durability and reliability.

That image has long been dispelled by manufacturers such as Isuzu, specialists in pick-up trucks and light commercial vehicles. When the transition occurred from being purely for business use to a more dual-purpose role, Isuzu was ready to offer vehicles with better comfort and convenience – without sacrificing the core strengths.

The latest third-generation Isuzu D-Max is an excellent example of this evolution. Those who remember the first D-MAX that appeared in Malaysia 18 years ago will know best just how much change has taken place in the model. The Isuzu DNA has been retained but it is now a bold and stylish vehicle with even better performance and technologies.

Because of its dual-purpose role, manufacturers of pick-up trucks typically develop a variety of versions with different powertrains and drivetrains to suit different needs. Joining the D-MAX range in Malaysia today is a new variant – the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2. The 4×2 drivetrain means it has only rear-wheel drive.

According to Isuzu Malaysia, only 28% of pick-up truck users in this country frequently make use of their vehicle’s 4×4 system. These could well be the ones who use it in its original role in off-road conditions where 4×4 is helpful. For the rest, the vehicle might be used as daily transport to work or even just a weekend vehicle for recreation.

Less weight, less complexity
While 4×4 is useful, it also means additional weight with additional hardware which a 4×2 does not need. The less complex drivetrain, with just a propeller shaft to the rear axle lowers means lower kerb weight and there’s also lower rolling resistance. Maintenance requirements are also less, so for those who do not really need 4×4, this variant would be ideal.

By not having the transfer case, front differential and ancillary drive system, the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 weighs 1,830 kgs, a difference of 85 kgs compared to the 4×4 variant and about the weight of an average adult.

Based on similar specifications as the D-Max Standard 4×4 Auto variant, the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 is powered by the latest 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces a 150 ps/350 Nm. The engine has impressive performance despite its smaller displacement than other pick-ups. Power delivery to the rear wheels is via a 6-speed automatic transmission with ratios identical to the 4×4 variant. However, the tuning has been matched to exploit the engine’s dynamic performance characteristics, in particular, its flat torque delivery and flexible throttle response.

The Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform supports the vehicle and offers good stability and excellent flex resistance, making it a very capable vehicle regardless of load. To be able to have a superior payload capability, the standard suspension rating is specified for the double wishbone set-up up front and 3-leaf semi-elliptical springs in the rear.

Safety systems like a car
The pick-up truck has not only evolved in features and performance but also has much better safety than the earlier generations. The driver of today’s D-MAX has ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for assured and stable braking as well as control, along with Brake Assist to boost braking pressure when needed. The vehicle even comes with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control which will help maintain stability on slippery surfaces, especially corners. In off-road conditions (yes, a 4×2 can also go off-road), the driver can get help from Hill Start Assist) and Hill Descent Control as well as a Brake Override System.

For those who find the length of a pick-up truck intimidating, especially when reverse parking, there are reverse sensors in the rear bumper to help. These provide audible assistance to the driver, complemented by a 4-zone graphic in the instrument panel to indicate the location and distance to obstacles. So there’s no more guesswork when parking and no stress either.

Manufacturers used to give less attention to safety where pick-up trucks were concerned but that is not the case today. The construction and safety systems are also comparable to passenger cars and in the case of the latest D-MAX range which ASEAN NCAP has crash-tested, the findings warrant the maximum safety rating of 5 stars.

Comfortable and safe double cab
Inside the double cab of the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2, the seats have a woven-texture fabric that is both hard-wearing and easy to clean. The seats are generously-proportioned with ample support for comfort over long periods. The driver’s seat can even be manually adjusted 6 ways to suit just about any body shape.

For the safety of everyone on board, all seats in the D-Max are designed to offer whiplash protection while ISOFIX mounts are available in the rear seats for compatible childseats. All 5 occupants get inertia reel 3-point seatbelts and if one is not in use but there is an occupant, there will be an audible and visual reminder.

The D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 is clearly not a ‘low-cost’ version which usually means minimum features and equipment. It comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that has audio and phone controls as well as switches to manage the views on the 4.2-inch colour display in the instrument panel. The instrument panel has an e-LUMAX display that makes it easy to read in all lighting conditions.

The 7-inch multimedia system has touchscreen convenience and connectivity options such as USB, Bluetooth, wifi, MirrorLink, Miracast, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay so it will be possible to interface most smartphones with the system. Power for devices can be obtained from a 12V 120W plug-in power socket up front and one USB port each for front and rear users.

“In these challenging times, the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L brings a new level of relief by offering affordability and capability in a well-appointed and stylish package. This new D-Max variant that we are introducing today will be the sole 4×2 offering in its class that comes with an automatic transmission,” said Kenkichi Sogo, Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia.

The new D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 can be booked from today, with deliveries beginning from early November 2021. For the Peninsular Malaysia market, it is priced from RM100,999.20 without insurance. Customers can choose from 5 colour choices and the standard warranty is 5 years or a maximum of 150,000 kms.

For more information on this model and other D-Max variants available in Malaysia, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my where you can find e-brochures and make online requests for a test drive.

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