Audi has had a long and successful career in the movie franchise with some of the biggest names in cinematic history, especially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Now, they’ve teamed up with Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios to create the first-ever Audi animated virtual concept car for the latest animated film, Spies in Disguise. (more…)
The Aston Martin Wings Series have produced some of the world’s most beautiful limited-edition models and its latest member is no exception. Inspired by the world’s first and only supersonic passenger jet, this is the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition. How special? Only 10 units are available. (more…)
Ever wondered what will happen if you stuff a Formula 1 race-winning engine into your project car that’s been sitting around forever? If you have the money, then wonder no more because there are two Ferrari Formula 1 V10 engines up for sale from the manufacturer’s championship-winning 2002 season! (more…)
The latest JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) for Malaysia which provides insights into the problems faced by owners of new vehicles shows that they are experiencing fewer problems than in 2018. This is largely attributed to a decline in manufacturing-related issues and prevailing problems are nearly equally split between design and manufacturing categories.
Initial quality measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first two to six months of ownership, with a lower count reflecting higher quality. In this year’s study, the industry average decreased to 85 PP100, from 89 PP100 in 2018.
The study showed that the share of manufacturing-related issues has been on the decline over the past 3 years, falling to 51% in 2019 from 74% in 2016. The majority of the reduction from last year related to noise aspects, such as wind noise (-1.7 PP100); abnormal suspension noise (-1.1 PP100); seat noise (-0.9 PP100); abnormal transmission noise (-0.7 PP100); and other interior storage compartments noises (-0.3 PP100).
One-third of issues relate to noise
That said, noise-related issues accounted for 36% of all manufacturing issues identified by owners this year. On average, the overall rating on quality and reliability of new vehicle is lower among owners who reported such noise-related manufacturing issues than those who did not (7.3 and 8.2 respectively on a 10-point scale). Interestingly, engineers are some car companies have told PISTON.MY that Malaysians seem to have the ‘most sensitive’ ears as complaints about noise tend to be higher than from motorists in other countries!
“Vehicle owners continue to be sensitive to noise-related problems, which strongly affect their overall perception of the vehicle’s quality,” said E-Ling Cheah, Country Manager for Malaysia at J.D. Power. “Given the heightened customer sensitivity around buzz, squeak, rattle and wind noises, manufacturers need to not only improve their manufacturing processes but also work upstream to review and redefine vehicle design guidelines to avoid such issues surfacing early in the ownership cycle.”
Some key findings of the 2019 study
Among the top 5 problems, 4 were similar to the top 5 in 2018. Excessive wind noise (5.9 PP100) and excessive road noise (2.9 PP100) continued to be the top two most-cited problems. “Built-in Bluetooth Mobile Phone/Device Has Frequent Pairing/Connectivity Issues” became the third most reported problem (2.7 PP100), up from fifth last year (2.5 PP100). Radio problems were fourth this year (2.0 PP100).
Younger car owners cited more problems when responding. Those under 35 years old (57%) indicated more problems than those 35 years or older (91 PP100 vs. 73 PP100, respectively). Younger car owners cited more problems in the features/controls/displays (+4.6 PP100) as well as vehicle interior (+4.5 PP100) categories. Perhaps they have more sensitive hearing?
Among new vehicle owners who did not indicate any problems, 49% said they “definitely will” recommend their brand and model to friends or relatives, compared with 37% for those who had encountered at least one problem with their vehicle. One-third of new vehicle owners who did not experience any problems with their vehicle said they “definitely will” purchase a vehicle from the same brand the next time, compared with 26% of those who experienced at least one problem.
The J.D. Power 2019 Malaysia Initial Quality Study was based on responses from 1,904 new vehicle owners who purchased their vehicles between July 2018 and August 2019. The study, conducted between March and October 2019, included 50 passenger car, pick-up and utility vehicle models of 12 brands.
No more studies in ASEAN after 2019
JD Power has been conducting a series of three studies annually for the past 17 years but will no longer do so after this year. Reorganization sees the regional office in Singapore, which was responsible for the Malaysian market, shutting down. The company, founded in 1968, will focus on business activities in China and Japan from 2020 onwards.
Almost all (97%) of residents in Malaysia who participated in a survey think that owning a car is important and 67% still see the car as the ideal mode of transport. However, more than half (51%) said that they would consider giving up car ownership and rely on long-term car rental if it was convenient and easy for them.
This is the finding of ‘The Road Ahead: The Future of Mobility’, a new report by Avis Budget Group which examines the way in which the mobility landscape is changing around the world, how it is likely to look in the future and, how people in different countries view these changes.
In the research conducted across 16 countries in Europe and Asia, including Malaysia, respondents revealed that over the next decade, consumers are likely to move to an access-driven and on-demand model as their favourite mode of transportation.
Technology drives transport revolution
The single biggest factor leading the transport revolution is technology, specifically 5G networks. Most recently, the Malaysia government has started a nationwide demonstration of 5G projects that indicated it was on track to becoming one of the first Asian countries to launch the technology. Once implemented, the large amounts of data provided by the 5G networks will enable mobility companies to collect and mine data for insight, which can be used to improve travel experiences.
To this point, the Avis Budget Group’s research revealed that 73% of respondents feel comfortable having their data accessed and shared for the implementation of smart infrastructure and better travel experience. More than 4-in-5 (81%) of respondents also expect driving to become easier in the coming years.
“Driven by technology advancements and the influence of services like Amazon, Netflix and Spotify, people today want to consume and access products and services at the click of a button. The expectation for an on-demand service has impacted the mobility industry and resulted in the evolution we’re seeing today – from being able to book a taxi instantly to hiring a car for a week-long holiday – all from your smartphone. However, our report reveals that we are now seeing a rise in this demand for instant access and flexibility, resulting in changing behaviours towards car ownership,” said Keith Rankin, President, International, Avis Budget Group.
“Changing needs and the expansion of the sharing economy offer both challenges and opportunities for the mobility industry. Our research has shown that whilst consumers are expectant of connected, integrated and on-demand services, they still want convenience at a reasonable price.
“It’s imperative that different mobility players work together to ensure the future needs of consumers are met. We have demonstrated the success of collaboration, as shown with our fleet management as a service (FMaaS) partnerships with Via and Lyft, and our agreements with Ford and Continental in providing connected cars,” he added. “Our partnerships demonstrate well how the sector can work together to provide the on-demand and connected services that customers want. These can range from a technology giant delivering 5G, or local governments working with the private sector for improved, urban electric vehicle access for residents.”
Click here to download the full report
It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from Uber these days but the latest news surrounding the once successful company here in the country is not a great one. It seems that their operations in London have fallen and their operating license has been stripped (for the second time in two years) on 25 November 2019 after failing several safety and security measures. (more…)
Lego has been around for generations and with its iconic status (and Japan’s involvement in contributing countless ground-breaking innovations), we now have the Lego Nissan GT-R Nismo. Introducing the 2020 Lego Speed Champions Nissan GT-R Nismo and boy oh boy, we sure want a few of them right now. (more…)
Ahead of the World Finals of the 2019 FIA Certified Gran Turismo Championships taking place in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Lamborghini has unveiled its new concept car, the Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo. It had started off as a highly visionary concept within the digital environment of the iconic racing game Gran Turismo Sport for Sony PlayStation 4, where it will be available from early 2020.
“Lamborghini is a very young brand, and this is why we present our newest virtual vision in the form of a real model, with a highly futuristic and cool design to be enjoyed by the young generation of racing game and super sports car enthusiasts,” said Stefano Domenicali, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
The Lambo V12 Vision GT, which uses the powertrain from the Sian FKP 37, features a very exciting design produced by Lamborghini Centro. The design builds on historic Lamborghini design DNA, expanding the potential of the design language in a very futuristic way. Focused on the single centre line, the iconic silhouette of all Lamborghini models, it emphasizes a single-seater layout conceived for a racing game where a passenger is not needed.
The concept car’s powerful overall design is dedicated to sophisticated aerodynamics. A large wing housing a significant Y-taillight dominates the rear. All elements are designed as high performance surfaces, integrating design and aerodynamics. The main body is disconnected from the fenders, and the hexagon-inspired theme in the side windows is inspired by the Lamborghini Marzal from 1968. The Lambo V12 Vision GT uses the typical Lamborghini Y-signature for both front lights and rear lights.
Ultimate virtual car
A visionary concept requires an interior design ahead of its time. The driver enters the cabin like a jetfighter pilot, from the front of the car. The main driving controls are located within the futuristic steering wheel and all driver information is projected virtually in front of the driver.
“The Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo is created to provide the ultimate virtual car for young fans and gamers, who are ultra-enthusiastic about Lamborghini and its futuristic aspirations,” said Mitja Borkert, Head of Lamborghini Centro Stile. ”It is an opportunity for the design talent within Lamborghini to stretch its wings and visualize a car that, like every Lamborghini, is a head-turner and the best driving experience, but also mirrors Lamborghini’s push on future technologies, particularly in the arena of lightweight materials and hybridization.”
Sian – Lamborghini’s first production hybrid super sportscar
The Honda City started off in the mid-1990s as an ‘Asian Car’, a lower-priced model that could be slotted below what had been the original entry-level model, the Civic. With the appreciation of the yen after the mid-1980s, the Civic’s price level had gone beyond what was ‘entry-level’ so Honda had to offer a model that could help it retain a strong presence in that important segment which brought people into the Honda family.
It was certainly a good move as the primary market, Thailand, was also moving upscale in its own way. Consumers were showing a preference for passenger cars with more comfort instead of the pick-up trucks that dominated the market. The City was an affordable and well built product from a brand that was well respected.
Fast forward to 2019 and four generations have passed; what had been a regional product has become a such a significant model for Honda that the launch of the 5th generation today was billed as a World Premiere.
Speaking at the launch, Masayuki Igarashi, Chief Officer for Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and President & CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd, said: “Honda City, one of our most important models, was developed and launched as a regional model back in 1996. It has consistently received overwhelming feedback from the 1st through the 4th generations, with accumulated sales of 4 million units in 60 countries worldwide. The Asia & Oceania region is an important market for Honda City, with more than 100,000 units sold in the region in 2019 (January to September 2019), which accounts for almost 70% of Honda City sales worldwide.”
He said that as Thailand is the leading market for the City, the Thai people are given the honour of being the first to see the al-new generation of the City. “We expect to create an unprecedented phenomenon as it exceeds the expectations of customers and sets a new standard for Thailand’s automotive market once again,” Mr. Igarashi said.
A bigger City
Just as the Civic ‘grew up’ and became a larger car in many aspects – just compare today’s generation to the first Civic sedan of the late 1970s – so too has the new City gained additional millimetres. Now measuring 4553 mm in overall length, it is 113 mm longer with 53 mm added to the width to broaden it to 1748 mm. But interestingly, the wheelbase has been marginally shortened by 11 mm to 2589 mm, which is negligible. The roofline is also lower by 10 mm and this reduction helps in giving a sleeker profile for the lengthened body.
Sharp character lines give the new model distinctiveness and sportiness, along with the projector headlights incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and LED tail lights. Chrome is used for the front grille with a Shark Fin Antenna on the roof. There are also newly-designed 15-inch alloy wheels fitted (16 inches for the RS variant).
Premium with more space
“Premium” is what carmakers strive for these days and even at the lower end of their range, they try their best to give a ‘premium’ feel because it helps in creating a more positive perception. Honda has been pretty good at it and this is evident in the cabin.
The interior design, with efficient ergonomics and more space creates an environment with seating that provides optimal comfort for the driver and all passengers. For the Thai market, customers can choose a black interior or leather seats with a two-tone ivory/black interior (SV variant only); a Piano Black console, and chrome inside door handles.
As before, there are useful features such as the Multi-information Display (MID) with illumination, 8-inch Advanced Touch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Siri Voice Control, Multi-function Steering Wheel with HFT, Bluetooth connectivity, and an automatic air-conditioning system.
RS variant for the first time
For the first time, the City is available in a RS variant that gives it a sportier and more premium look. The RS variant comes with a complete set of sporty aeroparts including a Gloss Black front grille with RS logo emblem, sporty front bumper and grille, LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Fog Lights, Sporty Black Power-retractable Side Door Mirrors with Turning Lights, Gloss Black Boot Spoiler with an ‘RS’ logo, and new sporty-design 16-inch Alloy Wheels.
The RS cabin is undeniably sporty with newly-designed suede leather seats with red stitching, a Multi-information Display with red illumination, and an eye-catching new Ignite Red exterior colour only available for the RS variant.
All-new 1-litre engine
This will be the first City with a 1-litre Earcth Dreams engine, but the displacement belies the real performance of the powerplant. It’s a new 1.0-litre DOHC 3-cylinder, 12-valve, VTEC TURBO engine with an output of 122 ps at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 173 Nm from 2000 to 4500 rpm. With driving performance said to be superior to the 1.5-litre engine in the previous generation and torque equivalent to a 1.8-litre engine, customers are likely to ignore the displacement that traditionally indicated performance levels.
The engine is mated to a 7-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) for high fuel efficiency which is claimed to be up to 23.8 kms/litre. The environmental credentials of the new City are also strong with a low carbon dioxide rating of 99 gms/km, Euro5 emission levels and compatibility with E20 petrol.
As for safety, it is only to be expected that Honda will raise the standards and offer better protection for the occupants. The new City’s advanced safety technologies include a G-CON (G-Force Control) body structure with 6 airbags, ABS + EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and A Multi-angle Rearview Camera.
First deliveries
Manufactured in Thailand, the all-new City will be in showrooms there from December 24, 2019. It will be launched progressively in other markets although Malaysia may require some extra time as there is a high degree of localisation of parts.
Looking at the prices in Thailand won’t really give an indication of how much the new model will cost in Malaysia when it is launched as the tax structures are different. However, for those who are interested, the range is from 579,500 baht (equivalent to RM80,000) to 739,000 baht (RM102,000) for the RS variant.
Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar has arrived in the ASEAN region and while it didn’t arrive in a starship, its debut in Singapore was certainly spectacular with a Star Wars theme and a drone show. The involvement of Star Wars is because Porsche and Lucasfilms have collaborated to design a fantasy starship in support of the upcoming Star Wars film, the final episode of the Skywalker saga.
So two legendary icons, Porsche and Star Wars, joined forces at the Porsche Asia Pacific premiere of the new Taycan in Singapore last night, ahead of its regional market launch in 2020. The Taycan marks the beginning of a new chapter for Porsche as the company expands its product range in the field of electromobility.
“The Taycan links our heritage to the future. It is a fascinating sportscar with exciting driving dynamics, performance and technology – and like every Porsche ever built, it comes with a soul. Something you will feel immediately, once you get behind the steering wheel,” said Arthur Willmann, Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific, at the event which was themed ‘Soul, electrified’ to highlight the features of the latest Porsche model.
“Asia Pacific is an important sales region for Porsche – with a continuously growing customer and fan base. With the Taycan, we are entering a new era and this spirit fits perfectly with the iconic Star Wars brand and the joint event here in Singapore,” added Matthias Becker, Vice President Region Overseas and Emerging Markets of Porsche AG.
Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche at Porsche AG, who was present at the event, shared the design philosophy behind the vehicle: “Designing the Taycan was one of the most exciting tasks, because the only certainty was that it had to be recognisable as a Porsche at first glance. And by pursuing the strategy of making it the sportiest in the segment, we have defined a new architecture for purely electric vehicles. Just like what the 911 has achieved, my vision is that the Taycan will become an icon of this new era, a synonym for a purely electric sportscar,” he said.
Explaining the design process and presenting design sketches of the spacecraft highlighting the combined Porsche and Star Wars design DNA, Doug Chiang, VP Executive Creative Director, Lucasfilm, said: “Although one brand is placed in a fantasy universe and one in the real world, it’s interesting that both are defined very much by their iconic design principle. The basic challenge of the design brief was to design a starship that would both be true to the Star Wars universe and Porsche design DNA.”
The starship will be unveiled at the world premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ which will be released this December. You can’t buy it, but you can buy the Taycan although local prices have not been revealed yet. Contact Sime Darby Auto Performance to let them know of your interest to buy one.
Porsche developing a starship for the time when its business expands to galaxies far, far away
