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BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

Although the Malaysian government has not provided a ‘roadmap’ or formulated a policy that is appealing enough to investors, BMW Group Malaysia has gone ahead with its own electrification program, albeit in a limited manner. To date, it has introduced a fully electric BMW model (the i3) and also the MINI Electric, as well as a number of models with hybrid powertrains.

Now, the company which brought us EfficientDynamics is pushing ahead with electric vehicles by offering a new-generation of fully electric models which are under the BMW i brand. The upcoming EV portfolio will consist of the iX xDrive40, the iX xDrive40 Sport, iX xDrive50 Sport, iX3 and i4 eDrive40.

Milestone for BMW Group Malaysia
“The incoming fleet of electric vehicles from BMW i will present all the best possibilities of Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure to loyal BMW customers and EV enthusiasts alike in Malaysia, with no compromise. More importantly, it will also drive the All-New Sustainability Strategy for the BMW Group in Malaysia,” said Hans de Visser, MD of BMW Group Malaysia. “This is a milestone for the BMW Group, even more so for us at BMW Group Malaysia. We have been in the driver’s seat in accelerating innovation, awareness on new and sustainable technology for the automotive industry, shaping the infrastructure for premium electrified vehicles in Malaysia since 2015.”

The iX pioneers ‘Shy Tech’ which is a design principle used by BMW designers that has advanced technology integrated but out of sight, available when needed or explicitly desired. Additionally, the iX will also feature BMW IconicSounds Electric that adds the unmistakable sounds of BMW and BMW M models to the driving experience (bearing in mind that EVs run quietly).

BMW eDrive technology
The cars use BMW eDrive technology for the powertrains and are claimed to have up to 630 kms of range from a fully-charged battery pack. While that’s an impressive range, BMW Group Malaysia has also been working on expanding the recharging network around the country. It is rapidly expanding the BMW i dealer network to key cities across the country and DC Fast Chargers will also be installed at all BMW i dealers for public use to further accelerate the availability of charging infrastructures in Malaysia. Rapid-charging DC Chargers will be made available for quick on-the-go charging at selected dealerships nationwide.

The i4 is said to be epitome of the sustainable sports 4-door Gran Coupe, built with specific focus on electric driving dynamics from the outset. In keeping with its powertrain of the future, the i4 also has advanced styling. Its power output is equivalent to 340 ps which can propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.7 seconds, while covering up to 590 kms before the battery pack is empty. Of course, like an internal combustion engine, how fast the ‘fuel’ is used up is dependent on various factors while driving.

Pre-booking now open
Pre-booking for the new BMW i models can be made on the BMW Shop Online platform with a fee of RM5,000. Registration of interest for the iX xDrive50, iX3 and i4 eDrive40 are also open on the official BMW Malaysia website.

Customers who purchase BMW i models will enjoy a battery warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000 kms, whichever comes first. Owners of the any new iX models opt to have a BMW 5-Year Extended Warranty and 6-Year Service package at a special rate of RM16,170.

Extras for first 50 customers
Additionally, the first 50 customers to pre-book the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport will receive an exclusive pre-booking advantage. This consists of a complimentary Charging Installation and complimentary 1-year Public Charging Access. This offer will be available until September 22, 2021 (terms and conditions apply).

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,888 and RM5,478, respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure).

“We look forward to reigniting local interest and uptake for electromobility, in foresight of the much-discussed upcoming Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint. We have partnered with GreenTech Malaysia from the very beginning to grow the local charging infrastructure network as part of our key strategies to shift Malaysia towards a low carbon mobility future. Moving forward, we aim to give Malaysians the confidence to choose electric for their next – or even first – drive. In fact, there are more plans set to activate in the upcoming months that will encourage a positive reception of this future-focused way of mobility, of which we hope will also be strengthened by the upcoming revision of government policies towards electromobility,” Mr. de Visser added.

Bookings for updated Toyota GR Supra now accepted by authorised dealers in Malaysia

The latest Toyota GR Supra imported by UMW Toyota Motor has refinements and upgrades as part of the second update for the sportscar following a performance upgrade in July 2020 (the model was launched in Malaysia in September 2019).

The updates are available in the 3-litre variant priced from RM589,987 (excluding insurance and with 50% sales tax exemption until December 31, 2021). Seven colour choices are available – White Metallic, Silver Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic, Black Metallic, Prominence Red, Lightning Yellow and Matte Storme Grey Metallic.

The performance upgrade centered on the turbocharged inline-six engine which now delivers 388 ps (a 14% increase) with torque remains at 500 Nm but and 100% is available between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. The performance improvement comes from tuning as well as adding a new dual-branch exhaust manifold with 6 ports (instead of two), which improves heat management. A new piston design also drops the engine’s compression ratio from 11:1 to 10.2:1.

With increased power output, the GR Supra (equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission) is claimed to be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, marginally quicker than the previous 4.3 seconds.

The extra measure of performance available can be enjoyed fully with the chassis being further tuned and the addition of a Performance Rod to increase lateral rigidity and greater cornering stability.

Inside the improved GR Supra, there is now Apple CarPlay (wired) for easy connectivity with iOS devices. Management of many functions and features can be done via an 8.8-inch touchscreen with a touchpad. A GPS navigation system is included and for high-quality sound, the standard JBL HiFi Surround Sound System comes with 12 speakers optimally positioned around the cabin.

Safety is always a priority and even more important with high-performance models like the GR Supra. Toyota provides safety technologies in the GR Supra so that drivers can take the car safely to its high limits. These technologies include a variety of active systems which work together to assist the driver when necessary.

“The design and engineering parameters of the GR Supra from the onset placed great importance on performance, driving superiority and styling, elements that defined not only the heritage of the Supra but also represent the very the foundation of GAZOO Racing (GR). Having said this, GR models are built to continually evolve, not only enhancing on these three key parameters, but to also incorporate Connected Mobility and intelligent driving systems as these new advancements become available and can further enhance our customers’ overall driving and ownership experience,” said GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama.

The GR Supra is imported from Austria where it is manufactured for global sale. In Malaysia, it is available for booking from selected authorized dealers with Toyota GR Garage showrooms. To locate a dealer, visit www.toyota.com.my.

SpareXHub to hold surplus BMW, MINI and Volkswagen parts sale next month

SpareXHub, a Malaysian-based e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts will be organizing a 2-week long sale next month. The sale is for genuine BMW, MINI and Volkswagen car spare parts and there will be discounts of up to 85%. The sale will take place from September 1 – September 14, 2021 between 10 am and 6 pm (10 am to 1 pm on Saturday) at Aramex PJ, No 12, Jalan Tandang, Seksyen 51, Petaling Jaya 46050 in Selangor.

New, original and genuine
All items offered by SpareXHub are guaranteed to be new and original but at discounted prices. This means that you can save money getting genuine parts (usually the best option for replacements) instead of aftermarket products by other companies.

*SpareXHub has a wide range of parts of many different brands and models, and all the parts are original as well as genuine.*

SpareXHub has over 2,500 BMW and MINI spare parts and 500 Volkswagen parts. These range from regular maintenance service items such as filters to body parts such as bumpers. There are also interesting genuine accessories if you want to enhance the looks of your car.

Brand experts can offer assistance
With more than 100+ years of experience in the team, SpareX can cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and car owners. Brand experts will be on hand to ensure you purchase the right parts for your car and provide you with the necessary knowledge, information and guidance.

*Brand specialists are on hand to provide assistance in selecting the right part as well as offer advice.*

Appointment required
All customer visits are strictly by appointment only. This means that prior registration and confirmation will be required. Once this is done, the organizers will be ready for your arrival and to ensure that all COVID-19 SOPs are strictly adhered to. Customers are encouraged to use the SpareX online platform and e-payment services for a more seamless process. Click on this Google form link to book an appointment slot.

For more information about SpareXHub or to find a part for your car, visit the SpareXHub website at www.sparexhub.com. You may also contact a representative of SpareXHub directly via Whatsapp at 018-205 0120 or via email at sales2@sparexhub.com.

Kia customises design of new Sportage SUV for European market

The Kia Sportage was one of the Korean carmaker’s early SUV models, developed using the platform from a Mazda van. It entered the market in 1993 and over almost 3 decades since then, it has evolved from a basic small SUV to a modern and larger crossover. For all the generations, Kia has had just one design for global markets but soon, there will be a model developed specifically for Europe.

The dedicated model reflects the importance of the European markets to Kia, where sales have been strong. While the latest global version has significantly increased in size, the European version also spiritually succeeds the fourth generation as the fifth generation of the brand’s most popular SUV.

New design language
These are the first official sketches released by Kia Europe show Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – influencing every aspect of its appearance and character. Its design builds on the theme ‘Bold for Nature’ and pays homage to nature’s perfection and simplicity whilst connecting with the brand’s new design direction.

The sketches suggest a sporty, assertive SUV with a daring and intricate front-end design. A closer look shows a detail-orientated black grille graphic spanning the width of the face. A fresh interpretation of Kia’s iconic floating signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille combines with distinctive boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lamps) and Matrix LED headlamps.

Kia Sportage Europe 2021 — *The European version of the new Sportage differs main at the rear where there is a different angle for the roof pillars compared to the global model (shown below).*

In profile, a muscular swooping fastback rear creates a strong and distinctive road presence. The interior design of the new Sportage is also said to push styling boundaries, setting the tone for the next-generation Sportage line-up.

New architecture
State-of-the-art connectivity tech, responsive and highly efficient advanced powertrains and the very latest passive, active and ADAS safety features can be expected. Developed on a new architecture, the Sportage has also been tuned to offer optimal drive and handling characteristics for European roads.

Representing another first for the Sportage range, the sketches show a black roof that helps to further accentuate the sporting profile of the all-new SUV, while also highlighting a dynamic C-pillar design treatment. A unique black bumper design is used at the rear end.

Fuel Price Updates For August 26 – September 1, 2021

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

Flux can offer you an additional income source if you have a car to loan

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world, affecting millions in various ways. With movement restrictions, even travelling around is limited. This has of course meant that the car you own is used much less than before. Sure, you are saving on fuel bills and toll charges as you drive much less but for many, there are still the monthly instalments to keep paying and periodic maintenance costs.

At some point, you may wonder if you need to own a car any longer, especially since there are e-hailing services that can provide safe and comfortable transport. Selling off the car may seem a good idea but with average used car values down, it may not be a practical move and might not resolve the loan issue without having to come out with some additional money to settle the balance owing.

Individual owners can now join
Flux, a car subscription platform which entered the market in 2018, has a proposition that may interest you. The company has so far been sourcing its inventory from automotive retailers but now it is offering the same business opportunity to individual car owners, allowing them to host and subscribe out their cars to over 4,000 Flux members.

The advantage of becoming a ‘Host’ with Flux is that you can then earn some money with your car which is hardly being used. This can help to offset the instalments and maintenance costs. There is also protection while the car is used by others as Flux provides insurance coverage and, with telematics, keeps an eye on the car’s usage as if it was their own asset.

Vellfire owner can get up to RM9,000
According to Flux, you can earn up to RM9,000 every month if you provide a Toyota Vellfire or up to RM2,100 if it is a Toyota Vios; a Honda CR-V could earn you up to RM3,050 a month. Almost any model is accepted but it will be inspected prior to Flux accepting it for listing. If the condition is good and the terms are agreeable, then the car will be listed on the platform, along with a picture. A Concierge will be assigned to coordinate the collection of the car.

Assuming your car is in constant demand, you should be able to get income every month from Flux. The money due to you will be paid into a bank account you designate, and the company guarantees prompt payment.

*Two of the many models available from Flux.*

“The past 18 months have been tough on everyone. That’s why we must all do our part to help our community. At Flux, we wanted to offer a way Malaysians can bolster their income without requiring much effort. Whilst other car-sharing services focus on short-term rentals which require you to manage each and every trip, Flux helps turn your car into a long-term money maker without costing you any time or effort.” said Aziz Ayman, Founder & CEO of Flux.

Perodua resumes sales operations, to reconsider target of 240,000 units for the year

As with other many other car companies, Perodua has also resumed operations of its sales, aftersales centres, and related facilities nationwide. The re-opening of Perodua’s sales and aftersales centres comes after the resumption of its manufacturing activities at its headquarters complex in Sungai Choh, Rawang, Selangor recently. In total, Perodua has 191 sales, 197 service and 69 Body & Paint centres nationwide.

“Deliveries have started in stages this week and we expect that we can see more Perodua vehicles produced and registered in the coming weeks,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

*Standard Operating Procedures will be strictly followed at all sales and aftersales centres for the protection of customers and employees.*.

Dato’ Zainal Abidin thanked Perodua customers for their patience, understanding and loyalty. We expect to be able to deliver nearly all existing orders within the year,” he said.

Impact of long closure
The effects of the shutdown of over 2 months ordered by the government under the Movement Control Order has had an impact on sales figures, as evident by the data compiled by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) up till the end of July.

“We are currently evaluating the impact of the lockdown that was introduced on June 1 2021 to our operations and we will announce our revised targets for the year soon,” Dato Zainal said. The Malaysian carmaker had set a target of 240,000 units for 2021 but after 7 months, its cumulative sales have reached only about 41% of that number.

Strict adherence to SOPs
While Perodua has met the required criteria for vaccinations of its employees – which determine the workforce capacity at the factory – the company has also established safety guidelines for its customers when visiting its sales and aftersales centres throughout the country. In accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures specified by the Health Ministry, these safety requirements include being fully vaccinated, wearing a facemask, making an appointment at the sales and/or service outlet before making a visit and to always observe physical distancing. All visitors must, of course, register on MySejahtera as well as have their temperatures checked.

To know more about Perodua models and the locations of showrooms and service centres, visit www.perodua.com.my.

The Ultimate Range Rover

Special Vehicle Operations, Land Rover’s unit with a specialist team of designers, engineers and technicians dedicated to amplifying the performance, luxury and capability attributes, has develop a special edition Range Rover Sport SVR which is described as the ‘ultimate Range Rover’. Orders are being accepted by Land Rover dealers worldwide from today.

Hand-finished exterior colours
There are 3 hand-finished exterior paint choices – Gloss Maya Blue and Gloss Marl Grey colours, both of which are exclusive to the Ultimate edition, and Satin Ligurian Black. Delicate and highly reflective fine white glass flake particles in the solid base coat give an intense star-like sparkle. Each colour features a Gloss Narvik Black contrast roof.

The SV Bespoke team’s attention to detail extends to Black knurled Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate, with exclusive contrasting Fuji White edging which is also used for side fender accents. A body-coloured carbonfibre vented bonnet, 22-inch 5 split-spoke forged alloy wheels and black brake calipers complement the SVR’s black roof, door mirror caps, front grilles and grille surrounds, front wing detail and tailgate finishers.

Fastest, most power Land Rover model
The Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest and most powerful Land Rover model ever produced for sale. Now in its second generation, the current model is powered by a 575 ps version of the 5-litre V8 supercharged engine, which produces 700 Nm of torque. That output gives the SUV as capability to go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 283 km/h.

“Range Rover Sport SVR redefined Land Rover high-performance capability when it was introduced in 2014. We’ve sold more than 20,000 examples to date and demand for the SVR’s characterful mix of power, luxury and thrilling dynamics continues to grow every year. The SV Bespoke personalisation features of this Ultimate edition elevate its appeal even further,” said Mark Turner, Commercial Director, Land Rover SV Bespoke.

Craftsmanship throughout vehicle
The craftsmanship of the SV Bespoke team is also evident inside. Specially commissioned chrome-finished SV Bespoke B-pillar badges, black anodised metal gearshift paddles and Ultimate edition illuminated treadplates enhance the recommended Ebony and Cirrus interior, which incorporates SVR-embossed lightweight Performance Seats in Windsor leather and contrasting Suedecloth.

“Our SV Bespoke design team is always pushing the boundaries to create stunning vehicle colours with enhanced individuality. This is the first SV Bespoke edition we’ve offered with beautifully textured and reflective glass flake paint finishes, which puts the Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate edition at the forefront of our innovative approach to personalisation,” explained Hannah Custance, Design Manager, SV Colour and Materials.

Visit www.landrover.com.my to know more about Range Rover models available in Malaysia.

Most Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia open for business again

In line with the National Recovery Plan and the latest list of permitted activities and businesses, most authorised Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia have resumed operations. However, those located in Melaka, Johor, Kedah, Pahang, and Kelantan are still awaiting approval to operate.

To ensure the health and safety of both visitors and employees, all the showrooms will adhere to strict Government guidelines and #SafeHands measures. These include MySejahtera registration and temperature scans, mandatory facemask usage, regular sanitisation of showrooms and display cars, and others specified in the Standard Operating Procedures.

*Whether visiting the showroom or service, all visitors must follow the Standard Operating procedures which now include the requirement for full vaccination.*

Must be fully vaccinated
Only fully vaccinated visitors are allowed, and they should have completed no less than 14 or 28 days (depending on the vaccine taken) after receiving their vaccination. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to their visits by contacting their preferred Volkswagen dealer whether to the showroom or service centre.

“The closure of showrooms in the past months affected our business performance, but we look forward to seeing the industry reopen and move forward, together with the support of our dealers,” said Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter, who welcomes the government’s decision to reopen sales and manufacturing operations.

*Use Volkswagen’s online channel to buy Volkswagen’s global bestseller in August and you can save extra money.*

Special offers for Merdeka month
In conjunction with the reopening of showrooms and the upcoming Merdeka holiday, authorised Volkswagen dealers will be hosting a virtual showroom event on their social media channels this August 27 – 31. As part of the celebration, Volkswagen is offering exclusive online savings of RM4,500 on the Tiguan Allspace Highline and RM7,500 on the Passat R-Line until August 31, 2021. Remember that there are additional savings as sales tax is exempted until the end of this year.

For information on the Volkswagen product range and locations of dealers in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

NOVITEC’s SPOFEC unit refines and enhances performance of Rolls-Royce Ghost

To own a Rolls-Royce would be a dream for most people but for those who can make their dreams come true, personalisation of the car is now a very common thing. Rolls-Royce says that virtually every car they have sold in recent years has had some degree of personalisation provided by their Bespoke division.

Some owners may prefer to have the services of other companies and for this, they can contact SPOFEC, a unit in the NOVITEC Group which can refine the cars further. They can now offer their services for the latest Ghost, the sportiest interpretation of a Rolls-Royce sedan ever. In fact, SPOFEC works only on Rolls-Royce cars, which is how its name came about (SPirit OF ECstasy).

The company has developed a customization range for the car which gives the Ghost even greater driving dynamics and an even more extravagant appearance. For example, SPOFEC engine tuning raises the output of the twin-turbo 12-cylinder engine to 685 bhp (114 bhp more) and also bumps peak torque to 958 Nm. This cuts the sprint time from 0 – 100 km/h to 4.5 seconds although the top speed remains limited to 250 km/h.

To match the improved driving dynamics, SPOFEC gives the new Ghost an even more athletic design with carbonfibre bodywork components that feature sporty and elegant styling. SPOFEC forged wheels with a diameter of 22 inches developed in cooperation with US rim manufacturer Vossen fill out the wheel wells perfectly. With the SPOFEC suspension module, the ride height is lowered by about 40 mm.

A standard peak output of 571 bhp/850 Nm mean that there are quite a few reserves in the 6.75-litre engine of the Ghost. SPOFEC engine specialists have programme the plug-and-play N-TRONIC module for the electronic engine control unit which introduces new mapping for injection and ignition. There is also a moderate increase in the boost pressure.

SPOFEC optionally underscores these significantly improved dynamics with a more thrilling sound as well. To this end, the company developed a stainless sport exhaust with actively controlled exhaust flaps. It enables the driver to select either a decidedly discreet or a very powerful exhaust note from inside the cockpit by remote control.

For a sporty-elegant touch, the designers at SPOFEC developed tastefully styled and aerodynamically efficient bodywork components for both wheelbase variants of the Ghost. The components are produced from lightweight yet high-strength carbonfibre.

The SPOFEC-designed front fascia gives a fresh face with large air intakes making for a visually striking appearance. The front end also generates less front-axle lift at high speeds and thus further optimizes the directional stability. The new aerodynamic-enhancement component optionally also comes with LED position markers and perfectly transitions to the likewise new SPOFEC front fenders. These fenders feature a distinctive air outlet behind the wheel arch on either side.

The wheels have 9 pairs of twin-spokes extending all the way to the outer flange, characterizing the SPOFEC SP2 design. In sizes 9.5Jx22 at the front and 10.5Jx22 on the rear axle, they are fitted with tyres of sizes 265/35 ZR 22 and 295/30 ZR 22 and optimally fill out the available space under the wheel arches.

The SPOFEC CAN-Tronic suspension module is specifically calibrated to work with the 22-inch tyres. At speeds up to 140 km/h, the new programming of the Ghost’s air suspension lowers the vehicle by about 40 mm compared to the production car. At higher speeds, the vehicle body automatically reverts to the standard level.

Piston.my

English

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

Bookings for updated Toyota GR Supra now accepted by authorised dealers in Malaysia

SpareXHub to hold surplus BMW, MINI and Volkswagen parts sale next month

Kia customises design of new Sportage SUV for European market

Fuel Price Updates For August 26 – September 1, 2021

Flux can offer you an additional income source if you have a car to loan

Perodua resumes sales operations, to reconsider target of 240,000 units for the year

The Ultimate Range Rover

Most Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia open for business again

NOVITEC’s SPOFEC unit refines and enhances performance of Rolls-Royce Ghost

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

Bookings for updated Toyota GR Supra now accepted by authorised dealers in Malaysia

SpareXHub to hold surplus BMW, MINI and Volkswagen parts sale next month

Kia customises design of new Sportage SUV for European market

Fuel Price Updates For August 26 – September 1, 2021

Flux can offer you an additional income source if you have a car to loan

Perodua resumes sales operations, to reconsider target of 240,000 units for the year

The Ultimate Range Rover

Most Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia open for business again

NOVITEC’s SPOFEC unit refines and enhances performance of Rolls-Royce Ghost

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