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MINI Malaysia’s MINIMISE campaign for Hari Raya offers rebates up to RM22,000

The Raya festivities are going to start and although this year will see subdued celebrations in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order, MINI Malaysia will still offer special deals on its products through the MINIMISE campaign.

At the same time, the MINI eShop has also been introduced as the brand’s very first digital booking platform for its entire model range. It aims to simplify the customer’s journey during the booking process. Through the online MINI eShop, customers can find out about the wide selection of MINI models available for purchase and make bookings, from the comfort of their own homes.

The MINIMISE campaign offers an instalment support of RM3,000 to RM5,000 (depending on the model), as well as further cash rebates from RM8,000 to RM22,000. It will run until June 30, 2020, while stocks last.

Special deal for Countryman Plug-in Hybrid
Specially for the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, the campaign offers an attractive interest rate starting from 0% exclusively, as well as a cash rebate of RM16,000 and instalment support of RM5,000. This MINI variant has an advanced MINI eALL4 All Wheel Drive System with Dynamic Stability Control that distributes the propulsive force of the engines to both axles – providing supreme traction on every road surface, maximum stability, and even more fun cornering.

Complete with the MINI Connected app, owners of the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid will have easy access to information such as the current battery status, electric range and charge timer and directly through their smartphone. The app also allows for pre-conditioning of the MINI before a journey begins, giving owners the flexibility to set their desired temperature within the vehicle remotely via 4G – a feature that’s useful in our hot and sunny climate.

Each new Countryman Plug-In Hybrid comes with a complimentary Public Charging Cable, along and ChargeNow card. The card offers complimentary recharging at any of the 309 ChargeNow facilities nationwide for a full year. Owners can also recharge their car at home if they wish.

MINI ideas that were just for laughs on each year’s first day of April

Police confirm that interstate travel allowed from May 1 – May 3 to return home to cities

The police have confirmed that those who wish to travel interstate for the purpose of returning to their homes will be able to do so on May 1, 2 and 3, 2020. However, they will need to register for the permit to do so, and their application will be subject to approval.

Applications are to be done through the Gerak Malaysia app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Playstore and also the Huawei App Gallery. Applications can be done from tomorrow (April 26) and not today, as earlier stated. Applicants must also update their information regarding travel destinations and will be inform on May 1 of the application status.

Download Gerak Malaysia app from the Apple AppStore, Google PlayStore or Huawei App Gallery

In the event that the applicant is unable to use the mobile app, applications in writing can also be made at the nearest police station. However, the public is encouraged to use the mobile app if possible so that they do not have to be present at the station. Earlier, when the Movement Control Order and ban on interstate travel was announced, there were large queues at police stations because there was, initially, an instruction to apply for permits to do interstate travel.

Note that this permission to travel is strictly for those whose home is in another town or city as the government is not allowing ‘balik kampung’ journeys this year. So if you cannot prove that you actually reside in a different place, it may be difficult to get approval. The provision is generally for those living in the cities and who have been away for the period of the MCO which has been more than one month.

*Facilities at R&R locations are closed but the toilets are still available.*

Those who receive approval to travel must adhere to the conditions they will be given. They should also note that the R&R facilities (including suraus) along the highways are closed. They can stop to use the toilets and also refuel at petrol stations which will be open from 6 am to midnight. Social distancing should be practiced at all times.

Registration to travel interstate to return home starts today

With the improving situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic (though it is far from being over), the government has been progressively easing restrictions set under the Movement Control Order (MCO) that started on March 18 and is presently scheduled to be lifted on May 12, 2020. During that time, there have been many people who may have been in other towns and cities, away from their regular places of residence, who got stuck there because interstate travel was stopped.

As Hari Raya is coming and it has also been some time that they have been stuck away from their homes, the government is considering allowing movement for the purpose of returning to their homes. It should be noted that the government is firm on not permitting ‘balik kampung’ travel and permission is likely to be given to those who can prove that their actual place of residence is in another town or city.

At this time, starting from today, those who want a permit to travel for the purpose of returning home can apply from today (Saturday April 25). They can register online using the Gerak Malaysia app with the police and Communications and Multimedia Ministry (MCMC). Those who do not have internet access can go to the police station nearest to them to register.

Download the Gerak Malaysia app at the Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore

However, it should be noted that this is only a registration process and not only subject to approval by the police, but it is also not confirmed that the restriction on interstate travel will be lifted. A final decision will only be made on or after May 1, after a review by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.

University and college students may go home
Meanwhile, plans are also being made to allow university and college students to return to their kampungs. They have been confined to their campuses since the MCO started and as there have been no clusters of infections appearing in these places, it may be safe to allow them to leave.

However, the Health Ministry, while stressing that there should be no ‘balik kampung’ travel, has strongly recommended that any such move must be done properly with protective measures such as social distancing being implemented. Transportation should also not be by public transport so buses will have to be organized to send the students.

Highway — *Balik kampung journeys will not be permitted this year so we won’t see such scenes when thousands of vehicles move along the highways.*

JPJ open from April 29
Meanwhile, the JPJ (Road Transport Department) will open its counters from April 29 (next Wednesday) with limited services available from 8 am to 1 pm. The services are primarily for commercial vehicle owners.

Registration of new vehicles is not mentioned so car companies won’t be able to get this necessary process completed in order to deliver the new cars to customers. So it looks like the car industry will see zero sales for April, an unprecedented occurrence in its history. The same would apply in some countries although many only began their restrictions after Malaysia’s move and will remain in lockdown for a number of weeks more.

VW service centre — *Most authorised service centres are open again but you should make an appointment first.*

As for service centres which had been closed, most of those managed by authorized franchise holders are operational. Permission has been granted for them to provide aftersales services but because the conditions stipulate a minimal workforce, appointments need to be made in advance to schedule work. Also bear in mind that 10-km range limit from your home under the MCO (you can use Waze or Google Maps to determine the distance).

Health warning when you get home
For those who have been away from their homes for over a month, it will be nice getting back to familiar surroundings. But before you start to use the water in the house, you should consider running it for some time to get fresh water in. Studies have found that over many weeks, bacteria can start to grow in water pipes that have not had water passing through them daily. Even filters may have bacterial growth which can occur anywhere there is dampness. This article will give you more insights into the issue.

Electric Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 to sizzle at the dragstrip

Electric powertrains used to have a poor image, considered suitable only for buggies around golf courses. That was when the technology was still in its infancy (though electrically-powered cars were already on roads in the 1930s) and performance as well as range were poor.

But since the beginning of the 21^st century, R&D for electric vehicles (EVs) has accelerated, partly prompted by increasingly strict emission regulations that make it very hard for the internal combustion engine (ICE) to meet. Many of today’s EVs operate with performance levels that are comparable to ICE cars and will continue to advance as they enter the mainstream.

As has happened almost since the beginning of the automobile, extending performance is a challenge for the engineers and the same is happening in the EV field. Here’s the latest example: the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 by Ford Performance.

This is a one-off project to create a factory drag racer with all-electric propulsion. It’s projected to cross the quarter-mile (about 400 metres) in the low 8 second range at more than 270 km/h.

The powertrain is a prototype purpose-built and projected to deliver over 1,400 ps, with over 1,491 Nm of instant torque to demonstrate the capabilities of an electric powertrain in one of the most demanding race environments.

“Ford has always used motorsport to demonstrate innovation,” said Dave Pericak, Global Director, Ford Icons. “Electric powertrains give us a completely new kind of performance and the all-electric Cobra Jet 1400 is one example of pushing new technology to the absolute limit. We’re excited to showcase what’s possible in an exciting year when we also have the all-electric Mustang Mach-E joining the Mustang family.”

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 — *Uner the bonnet*

Following the debut of the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV – the first-ever, all-electric Mustang – the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 prototype represents another opportunity to advance the Mustang’s heritage and performance while simultaneously incorporating some of the most advanced technology coming to Ford’s future powertrains.

The name used for the prototype also honours the original Cobra Jet that first dominated dragstrips in the late 1960s and still is a major force in sportsman drag racing today. Ford Performance continues to test the Cobra Jet 1400 ahead of its world debut later this year at a drag racing event.

“This project was a challenge for all of us at Ford Performance, but a challenge we loved jumping into,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “We saw the Cobra Jet 1400 project as an opportunity to start developing electric powertrains in a race car package that we already had a lot of experience with, so we had performance benchmarks we wanted to match and beat right now. This has been a fantastic project to work on, and we hope the first of many coming from our team at Ford Performance Motorsports.”

All-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E debuts in Los Angeles, priced from around RM183,000

2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport arrives in Malaysia – online

For the first time in Malaysia, BMW has unveiled its latest model online via its new BMW Shop Online portal. The model to have this honour is the latest BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport which is the third generation of the pioneering Sports Activity Coupe (SAC).

As with its predecessor, the new X6 has a bold, expressive design language which gives it a dominant presence on the road. It has grown in overall length (+ 26mm), width (+15 mm) and wheelbase (+42 mm) but the roofline is now 6 mm closer to the road.

A key element of the front design is the large kidney grille with ‘Iconic Glow’ illumination, with both halves framed by a common surround. The characteristic, slim twin BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant and LED foglights underscore the vehicle’s width and road presence. The wheelarches are shaped in a slightly hexagonal shape.

The version officially imported to Malaysia has the stylish BMW Individual Exterieur Line in aluminium satinated and roof rails in aluminium satinated. At the rear, full-LED 3-dimensional taillights are formed in the familiar BMW L-shape, along with Air Breathers as well.

The M Sport package consists of a M Sport exhaust system, M Sport brake, Adaptive M Suspension and 21-inch M light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style 741 M Bicolour with mixed and runflat tyres.

The driver of the new X6 has 340 bhp/450 Nm available from the formidable 3-litre 6-cylinder powerplant under the long bonnet. This gives a 0 to 100 km/h time claimed to be 5.5 seconds and if not for a limiter, the top speed can be above 250 km/h. Power delivery to all four wheels starts from an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and flows through the BMW xDrive system.

As a SAC, the X6 possesses superior driving dynamics on and also off-road (if the owner chooses to detour from the highway). The double-wishbone front suspension, and 5-link rear suspension have Dynamic Damper Control as standard, while the Driving Experience Control system provides a choice of a sporty or comfort-focused set-up.

The interior has been reconfigured and represents a modern reinterpretation of the classic, driver-focused BMW cockpit. Superlative workmanship and premium materials are evident throughout with Vernasca leather upholstery included as standard. The M leather-wrapped steering wheel is also standard, along with sports front seats. Rear passengers get moulded single-seats with automatic air-conditioning and 4-zone control ensuring that everyone will be comfortable.

The two-part panoramic glass roof, now 83% larger, giving a more spacious ambience. The rear backrest has a 40/20/40-split folding function so there’s flexibility in carrying people or cargo, with the possibility of expanding boot volume from 580 litres to 1,530 litres.

BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional is standard too and, combined with the Head-Up Display, Gesture Control and Intelligent Personal Assistant, the driver has comprehensive and efficient communication with the car.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a 12.3-inch Instrument Display, customisable instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen Control Display. Rear passengers also get two 10-inch touchscreen displays.

Other standard features of the new X6 include the BMW Display Key, Wireless Charging, along with the BMW Connected Package Professional with Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.

Finally, there’s a choice of 6 exterior colours (Manhattan, Artic Grey, Riverside Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Flamenco Red), paired with design-perforated BMW Leather ‘Vernasca’ in either Black (for all pairings) or Tacora Red (not available for Manhattan and Riverside Blue pairings).

Now available at the BMW Shop Online for RM729,800 (without insurance), the new X6 can be booked for RM5,000. Those who take financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can choose monthly instalment plans starting from RM 8,328.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure).

Moving to the next chapter of the BMW Efficient Dynamics story

Fuel Prices For April 25 – May 1, 2020

Covid-19 — *Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.*

Toyota Yaris Cross debuts as first B-segment SUV of the brand

Following on from the recent launch of the new 4^th generation Toyota Harrier, the carmaker today debuted the Yaris Cross. Originally planned to be unveiled at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show which was cancelled, the Yaris Cross will have its sales launch in Japan during the fourth quarter of this year and in Europe by the middle of 2021.

With ‘Cross’ as part of its name, the image which Toyota wants this Yaris variant to have is clear – a more rugged SUV off-roader (though not for serious stuff, of course). Standing taller the Yaris with the requisite extra ground clearance (+30 mm), it sits on the TNGA platform (GA-B) for compact models. The wheelbase of 2560 mm is the same as the hatchback but is 240 mm longer at 4.18 metres, 20 mm wider and 90 mm higher.

The overall exterior styling follows the Yaris but has influence from the RAV4 too, along with the new Harrier. SUV-type elements like dark cladding on the sides and squared-off wheelarches are given emphasis so the Yaris Cross fits right into the Toyota range of SUVs.

For the exterior colour, designers at Toyota’s European studio (which was involved in the development) wanted to express ‘an active and high-quality image’ that target customers would really appreciate.

Looking at future colour trends, they saw a growing tendency for gold and other precious metals, but there was also a desire for something a bit more natural and urban. Adding a subtle hint of green to the gold direction, whilst also desaturating the colour to emphasise the metal-like appearance, gave a fresh urban yet active appeal. The final result is a colour called Brass Gold which is seen on the car in all the images.

Two powertrain options
Depending on the market, two powertrain options will be available – a 1.5-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine or a hybrid with a similar engine. Toyota’s hybrid system is already in its fourth generation since being introduced in the late 1990s.

The Yaris and Yaris Cross are the first models to use Toyota’s latest 1.5 hybrid system, developed directly from the larger 2.0 and 2.5-litre powertrains used by recent new models such as the Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry. This features a new 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, precision-engineered to reduce friction and mechanical losses and optimise combustion speed.

The engine’s thermal efficiency is rated at 40%, greater than comparable diesel engines and ensures strong fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. Total system output from the hybrid system is 116 ps and special attention has been given to power delivery to deliver responsiveness.

All-wheel drive available
Most manufacturers have been opting for just front-wheel drive for compact SUVs but Toyota offers its intelligent all-wheel drive system (AWD-i) as well, which should give it an extra selling point in the very competitive segment.

AWD-i is said to provide extra stability and traction in everyday driving, in poor conditions and on low-grip surfaces. An electric system, it is more compact and weighs less than mechanical AWD units. The system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. In normal driving, the Yaris Cross operates with FWD but when low-grip conditions are detected, AWD drive is engaged automatically.

As this is just an unveiling, Toyota has given limited information on the new model. It will be produced in Japan as well as Europe. In terms of positioning, it will take its place below the C-HR as the brand’s first B-segment SUV.

Toyota GR Yaris debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon

All Sime Darby Auto Hyundai service centres are now operating

With the Ministry of International Trade and Industry akkowing companies to resume their service centre operations in stages since April 20, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today confirmed that all Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) service centres have resumed operations.

As the conditions of allowing resumption require companies to have only a minimal number of service personnel and customers at the service centres (so as to enable social distancing), SDAH service centres are only accepting customers by appointment.

So owners are advised to contact their nearest SDAH outlet to arrange an appointment, bearing in mind that there is a 10-km limit from home stipulated by the Movement Control Order (MCO). SDAH service centres are located at Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor; Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur; Ipoh, Perak; Georgetown and Prai, Penang; as well as at Skudai, Johor.

They will operate between 9 am and 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays for most SDAH service centres except for outlets in Georgetown and Prai, which will operate from 8 am to 5 pm and 9 am to 2 pm, respectively.

All SDAH service centres will adhere to health and safety guidelines such as social distancing measures, regularly disinfection, temperature checks for staff and customers upon entry, and provide hand sanitisers at all customer touchpoints.

Warranty Extension Programme
HSDM has also launched the Hyundai C A R E Warranty Extension Programme, allowing for the extension of original warranties that expire in March and April 2020. This initiative is in tandem with Hyundai Motor’s launch of its warranty extension policy for Hyundai vehicles worldwide. This will ensure that Hyundai customers will still be eligible for warranty for repairs and other related services even though delayed due to the MCO.

Warranty extensions will be until May 31, 2020. Nevertheless, should the MCO period is further extend, a 30-day extension will be given from the last day of MCO if that occurs later. Vehicles with service overdue due to the MCO restrictions will need to be sent in for service within 30 days from the last day of MCO to ensure the validity of the warranty.

“We understand our customers’ predicament of not having access to our service centres during this period, and they are probably worried about their warranty,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM. “With Hyundai C A R E, we wish to set their minds at ease with regards to their warranty eligibility. Not only do we care about our customers’ health and safety, we care about the ‘health’ and safety of their vehicles as well.”

Hyundai and Genesis offer incentives that cover job loss due to COVID-19 (in USA)

Honda Malaysia and SOCAR offer cars for use by frontliners

Collaborating with SOCAR Mobility Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Honda Malaysia is providing 50 units of its City model to frontliners in the War on COVID-19 who are also Honda customers. This programme, on a first come, first served basis, is initiated for frontliners who are unable to use their vehicles during this difficult time, in order to help ease their travel challenges.

Available for one-month duration of usage (Honda Malaysia will bear all rental charges), this collaboration with the car-sharing platform provides mobility aid for the frontliners. The move is Honda Malaysia’s way of showing appreciation to the frontliners who have a brave spirit as well as making self-sacrifices.

*The latest Honda City which is available for use by frontliners.*

The company hopes this initiative with SOCAR can reduce the transportation hassle of frontliners, and thus help them perform their jobs with more peace-of-mind. “Everyone is playing their part in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, and frontliners hold an even more important role in these difficult times. Despite having to withstand extra strain that is being put on them by the current situation, their selfless dedication and sacrifice have gained utmost respect from people in Malaysia and earned worldwide recognition,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the frontliners; the battle against COVID-19 would have been tougher without their unwavering perseverance. Inspired by the like-minded challenging spirit, Honda Malaysia would like to assist in any way we can in this unprecedented situation,” he added.

So if you are a frontliner, especially in the healthcare area, do contact Honda Malaysia. You can do at www.honda.com.my where there is also more information about the program.

Honda Origins – the manga version of Honda’s history

Adaptive aerodynamics in the new Porsche 911 Turbo S

Aerodynamics play a very important role in a car’s performance, especially for high-performance cars. Where efficient aerodynamics will help a car improve its fuel efficiency, for high-performance cars, it also enhances stability and makes the car safer to driver at the very high speeds it is capable of.

Porsche has continuously improved the aerodynamics of its 911 model from generation to generation, often coming up with innovations that set new standards. For the latest 911 Turbo S, the aerodynamic characteristics of the car can be even more precisely adapted to the driving situation, speed and selected driving mode.

Active aerodynamic elements
Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) features active aerodynamic elements that resolve the conflicts between different aerodynamic goals. The comprehensive expansion of the intelligent system in the 911 Turbo S makes it possible to achieve a much larger spread between the aerodynamic configurations for optimum driving dynamics and minimum drag.

The active cooling air flaps are new. together with the variable front spoiler lip as well as the extending and tilting rear wing, the new top-of-the-range model therefore features three active aerodynamic components. On top of the basic aerodynamic configurations of the 911 Turbo, namely PAA Speed and PAA Performance, this now permits realisation of an Eco configuration.

PAA has also been extended to include a Wet Mode function, which moves the aerodynamic balance towards the rear axle for greater driving stability in wet road conditions, as well as the airbrake function, which produces higher drag and greater downforce in the event of full braking at high speed and therefore results in a shorter braking distance and greater driving stability.

Adaptation to the changed airflow around the car also occurs when the sliding roof or convertible top is open. This means that there are a total of 8 different aerodynamic configurations, which are each described by a specific combination of the active aerodynamic components.

Improvements have not just been made in adaptation to the specific requirements in driving operation but also as regards the aerodynamic properties themselves: the newly designed active front spoiler and rear wing have increased the downforce by 15% to guarantee enhanced driving stability and dynamics at higher speeds.

The maximum downforce in the Performance position (Sport Plus mode activated) is now around 170 kgs. The drag coefficient (Cd) of the 911 Turbo S varies depending on the aerodynamic setting. The most efficient configuration has a minimum value of 0.33 Cd achieved with closed flaps and retracted front and rear spoilers.

The cooling air flaps
The newly developed controlled cooling air flaps permit a lower driving resistance and thus reduced fuel consumption. The flaps are located in the right and left air intakes of the front apron. They are continuously adjustable and control the cooling air throughput through the radiators.

Front spoiler with pneumatic actuation
The active front spoiler has been significantly enhanced, with its effective aerodynamic area increased compared with the predecessor. Extension and retraction can now take place in a shorter time with lower pressure.

Three segments can be inflated separately with the help of actuators. The two outer actuators always function synchronously. The front spoiler is made of a flexible plastic (elastomer) and can therefore be rotated so that the middle segment can be retracted or extended when the outer segments are extended.

Rear wing with more functions
The rear wing on the 911 Turbo has always been a distinctive feature. In the latest model, its lightweight construction makes it 440 gms less than the corresponding component of the predecessor but with an 8% larger effective area. Electric adjustment of the wing – which can be extended and tilted – is performed primarily depending on the speed and selected driving mode. There is now an Eco position with the wing retractable over a large speed range so that the car can be driven with minimum drag.

Wet mode and airbrake
With the new Wet mode, the focus is on driving stability in wet conditions. If the in the front wheel housings detect a significantly wet road surface due to spray that is swirled up, a corresponding message is displayed to the driver in the instrument cluster. The driver can then manually activate Wet mode by means of a rotary switch on the steering wheel.

The new airbrake function is activated automatically in the event of full braking at high speeds. The front spoiler and rear wing are then moved to the Performance position. The higher drag and increased downforce can reduce the braking distance. Driving stability is also improved during braking.