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Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival/Vios Challenge to be held in Penang on February 15/16

The Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) heads to Penang next weekend (February 15/16) for the third round, again using the venue at Stadium Batu Kawan on the mainland side. Currently in its third season, the highlight of the event is the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race series. Drivers in all three classes – Super Sporting, Sporting and Promotional class – aim to pick up as many points as possible before the final round at the Sepang International Circuit in April.

“Penang can essentially make or break a driver’s championship campaign this season. For some, it will be the last chance to capitalize on their experience competing on a street circuit and hopefully build an almost unassailable lead in the championship. For others, it will be about fighting to narrow the gap in order to keep their championship hopes alive, enough to cause an upset when the racing moves to a permanent circuit,” said Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama, who is also a participant.

TGR — *Close racing during the first round of the first season. The 1.56-km long street circuit is created specially for the event.*

In the Super Sporting class for professionals, Tengku Djan Ley – currently has the lead with 36 points, just 8 points ahead of Laser Motor’s Mark Darwin. Kenny Lee is just one point behind.

“It’s great to be leading the championship but with 4 more races in the season, I have to make sure I stay focused. We still have a long way to go, and the experience of competing in Season 1 and managing a team in Season 2 has taught me that the overall championship almost always comes down to the last two races of the season and I don’t foresee it being any different this time,” said Tengku Djan, also known as Malaysia’s ‘Prince of Drift’.

TGR — *FIA-approved barriers and fencing allow spectators to be close to the action without being in danger.*

Meanwhile, with 17 drivers on the grid, every single Sporting class race has been nothing short of a dogfight. Automotive journalist Tom Goh, driving for S&D Tama Motorsports, is at the top of the points standings with 28 points, just two points ahead of TGR debutante Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin. One point behind him is Crestmax Motorsport’s Adam Khalid followed by another TGR newcomer and young driver Bradley Benedict Anthony with 22 points.

Leading the Promotional class for celebrities is television presenter and comedian Nabil Ahmad who has a 4-point advantage over Season 1 overall champion Shawn Lee at 28 points, with singer Khai Bahar in third position. Diana Danielle; Janna Nick; Shukri Yahaya; Nabila Razali; Wany Hasrita; Ain Edruce; and Syafiq Kyle are the other celebrities who will take part in the rave which draws many of their fans from all over the country.

*The TGR Festival gives fans a chance to get close to their favourite celebrities who also take part in the Vios Challenge.*

Commenting on the TGR Festival, UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K., said: “The excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to thrills and spills on the track but includes so many activities for the family. It will feature Toyota’s fleet of new vehicles which the public can view and test-drive.”

“There will also be a drift performance, racing simulator challenge, stage games, celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandises, and a Super Fans Signing Session for a chance to mingle with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class. Also on display will be the flagship GR Supra!” he added.

For fitness fans, the TGR Festival will also feature a fun run on the 1.56-km track as well as a zumba fitness session on Sunday. Registration is free with goodies limited to the first 500 participants. Also on display will be a Super GT racing car in conjunction with the upcoming Malaysian round of the Super GT Championship at the Sepang International Circuit in July.

TGR — *Drift professionals from Japan thrill the crowds with their precise manoeuvres in Toyota GT86 sportscars.*

Other attractions include the display of a fully restored 1968 Toyota Corolla KE-10 model (one of the very first Toyota vehicles assembled in Malaysia), a retro display by the Art of Speed, and a showcase of motorcycles and merchandise by Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Vespa and Moto Guzzi. Children’s activities include a bey blade competition, the sale of Hot Wheels die-cast models, and a nerf gun competition.

Entrance is free and for those who want to be ‘chauffeur-driven’ to the venue, the organisers are offering subsidized rides with Grab. Use the promo code GRAB2TGR and you will save RM20 on the charge to and from Stadium Batu Kawan.

For more information and updates, visit the Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia website.

Yokohama revives production of classic tyres for old car models

Owners of classic cars will know that when it comes to getting replacement tyres, finding the right size can be difficult. Understandably, over time, tyremakers have stopped production of older tyre products as demand has fallen and technology has also advanced.

Now Yokohama is reviving some of the company’s iconic heritage brands, incorporating modern technology and performance but with the classic style and design from the 1960s and beyond. Referred to as ‘hobby tyres’, they are are specially designed for classic cars.

With this hobby tyre range for classic cars, owners will be able to fit tyres that offer modern levels of performance, giving great comfort, grip and longevity. However, with classic styling, the tyres will help owners retain that all-important period correct look.”

The first tyre in the range, the G.T Special Y350, goes back to 1967 when the original brand was launched and was the first within Yokohama’s range to feature radial tyre technology. Ideally suited for use on historic Japanese and European cars from the 1960s and 1970s, the tyre is available in 14-inch and 15-inch sizes.

Originally fitted by the factory on the 911 Carrera Turbo (930), the Yokohama ADVAN A008P is also available. The revived classic tyre is now available in classic sizes of 245/45ZR16 and 205/55ZR16 for rear and front fitments. Available in sizes from 10 inches to 15 inches, the legendary ADVAN HF Type-D 008 is the third classic tyre available in the Yokohama range. This is for more modern classics from the 1980s and 1990s.

Additionally, there’s also the classic A539 pattern which is available in sizes from 12 inches to 15 inches with popular fitments available to suit a wide range of classics.

Availability in Malaysia may require ordering through the Malaysian agent.

Sonet concept unveiled in India previews new compact SUV from Kia

The Indian market has long received the attention of Korean carmakers who have seen its potential in the longer term. As such, they have been willing to make investments in production facilities as well as develop models just for the market since there is sufficient volume.

At India’s Auto Expo 2020 this week, Kia Motors India is not only showing off new products but also unveiled, for the first time ever, a concept model of a future global compact SUV. The concept will be developed further ahead of a launch in the Indian market in the second half of 2020.

The concept model is called the Sonet and is a preview of the third product offering from Kia Motors in India. Targeted at a demographic that is ‘always connected to the world in more ways than one, the Sonet is designed to exceed customers’ lifestyle and technology expectations’.

The Sonet has several first-in-class features, most of which are likely to be available in the production model. The dynamic and bold design incorporates Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, stepwell geometry within the grille mesh, ‘tiger-eyeline’ daytime running lights, and wide rear signature lighting.

The interior is designed to appeal to the young, social, connected, tech-savvy Indian customer. The cabin is fitted with a 10.25-inch infotainment and navigation system with UVO Connect and a Bose premium audio system Kia says the Sonet concept indicates best-in-class interior space.

From the pictures, the Sonet has compact dimensions so it would be taking on models like the Ford Ecosport. The engines would therefore be small, possible in the 1.0-litre to 1.5-litre range with both petrol and diesel options as well as turbocharging. An intelligent manual transmission will also be offered.

PETRONAS Setel smartphone fuel payment application available nationwide

Since July 2018, Setel – the PETRONAS payment application – has been available to motorists in the Klang Valley, providing a level of convenience that is unprecedented in Malaysia. Not surprisingly, it has been well received and used, with over 3 million transactions up till the end of January 2020. During the year and a half it’s been available, PETRONAS would have been fine-tuning the system and paying attention to feedback from customers with the aim of making it better.

Now Setel is ready to be enjoyed by more motorists and PETRONAS is making it available nationwide (including in East Malaysia) from today. The e-payment app can be installed on smartphones running on the iOS or Android systems, with the app distributed for free through the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Not ‘another e-wallet’
PETRONAS officials stress that it is not ‘another e-wallet’ although it does store monetary value that is used for payment of purchases of fuel. It is first and foremost a payment solution which enables a motorist to use the smartphone to make payment directly while parked next to the pump. However, until PETRONAS develops a system which can also automatically connect the fuel nozzle to the car, the driver will still have to get out and insert the nozzle.

The advantages of this approach of using the smartphone and app to make payment is that there is no need to go to the station counter to make payment (if paying by cash), nor is there a need to go through a few steps using a credit/debit card. It’s pretty much a seamless process which will please those with kids on board as they don’t have to leave the kids in the car while they go and make payment.

MESRA card can be integrated
Besides this convenience, Setel also integrates the MESRA loyalty card program so points for purchases are electronically stored right away. Redemption using Setel is also possible as part of the integration. Reloading of the stored balance is done like e-wallets with either an authorized link to a credit card/debit card or bank account.

There’s also a ‘family feature’ whereby a parent can allow his or her Setel account to be used by the children. This not only tracks expenditures but Setel will also provide a monthly statement and for those who require receipts to make claims, these will also be available.

“The current features of Setel are just the beginning,” said Azrul Osman Rani, Managing Director & CEO of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad. “Anchored on seamless and frictionless experience, we will be providing the right solutions and partnerships to enrich the customer journey beyond refueling.”

Special ‘Pit Stop’ offers at stations
One new feature being introduced is the Setel Pit Stop which will have special offers for snacks and drinks that will be broadcast through the app. Motorists who are pumping petrol can be made aware of these offers at the station and make purchases using Setel. They can then collect the items from Pit Stop areas on the way out. According to a PETRONAS executive, this will not be available at every station for now as they want to see response and get feedback.

To welcome those who install Setel for the first time, PETRONAS is offering a 10% cashback on fuel purchases (Klang Valley only). The user must purchase PRIMAX fuel using Setel 3 times within 30 days of account registration and the first 3 fuel transactions have to total to a minimum of RM90. The maximum 1-time cashback and cashback value of RM15 per user.

More information available at setel.my.

Goodyear chosen as supplier for WEC LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2) and European Le Mans Series

Goodyear continues to gain increasing preference in the motorsports world as it is chosen as Official Tyre Supplier. Following its appointment by the FIA as tyre-supplier for the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) and British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), the international governing body has now also made Goodyear the official tyre supplier to the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and European Le Mans Series (ELMS).

A multi-season contract between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the FIA World Endurance Championship and Goodyear was agreed following ACO’s decision to appoint a single tyre supplier for this highly competitive Le Mans Prototype class.

The contract, to supply all the WEC teams in the LMP2 class, begins with the 8-round 2020/2021 season which starts at Silverstone in September, before continuing across four continents around the world. its climax will be the 24 hours of Le Mans in June 2021, a race which Goodyear-equipped cars have won outright on 14 occasions.

“Goodyear has a long and remarkable history in motorsport. In addition to our unbeaten record in Formula One with 368 Grand Prix wins, we have 14 overall wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This partnership allows us to showcase our technology, durability and performance in the most famous endurance race in the world. We are proud to have been chosen for this challenge,” said Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Consumer EMEA at Goodyear.

The LMP2 official tyre partnership with ELMS, the world’s leading continental endurance racing series, will begin in April 2021. In ELMS, the LMP2 category is the top tier of a multi-class championship that races at six of Europe’s top circuits.

The partnership means that all LMP2 entrants in the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans, including cars from outside of WEC and ELMS, will benefit from the latest developments in Goodyear Racing tyres. In addition, Goodyear will also increase its brand visibility on and off the track to support its launch of the latest range of Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres, featuring motorsport-derived technology.

TC Euro Cars offers full online purchasing process for Renault vehicles

TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has scored a first in the local auto industry with its move to e-commerce. The company, which represents Renault in Malaysia, has launched the new Renault E-Store on its website at www.renault.com.my .

Adding on from never having to visit a physical showroom with the Renault 3-hour test drive offering via GoCar, customers can now enjoy ultimate convenience and a hassle-free way to buy or take a subscription plan for a Renault. This fully digital process eliminates the time-consuming and tedious process that car-buyers have had to go through for decades.

Now, with the Renault E-Store, they can shop from the comfort of their home or office – just as they do shopping for other good online which is a growing trend nowadays. They don’t have to feel pressured by over-attentive salespersons and they can learn more about the model they are interested in at their convenience. They can also arrange for a test-drive and TCEC says that the process extends right to delivery of the registered vehicle.

To celebrate the launch of the new Renault E-Store, TCEC is extending a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offer to the first 50 customers who make their purchase online. Each of these early bird online customers will receive a free 6-month subscription (transferable among family members) for the Captur crossover.

Renault Koleos and Megane R.S. — *Besides the Captur, the Koleos and Megane R.S. are also available for purchase at the Renault E-Store.*

“We are proud to be an e-commerce first automotive brand. With the new Renault E-Store and more new offerings to come, we believe that we are leading the charge in digitalising the customer journey and, at the same time, disrupting the industry,” said Nicholas Tan, Chairman of TCEC.

2020 Toyota Vellfire and Alphard on sale soon and you can book one now

The upgraded 2020 Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire models will be in Toyota showrooms in Malaysia soon and pre-launch orders are now being accepted. UMW Toyota Motor, the importer and distributor of the vehicles from Japan, is pricing the latest premium MPV models from RM383,000 for the Vellfire (one variant) and RM465,000 for the Alphard (two variants).

The latest Alphard and Vellfire have been upgraded with advanced systems being added in two areas – Safety and Connectivity. This is in line with UMWT’s 360-T New Brand Experience Strategy that emphasizes Safe-T and Connectivi-T.

The new or enhanced systems are Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), Parking Support Brake System, 9-inch AVX Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-Ready Connectivity, Front & Rear Digital Video Recorder, Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

TSS is a suite of advanced systems that provide driver assistance to avoid accidents or reduce their severity if they occur. These include Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control – All Speed. The latter is more advanced than normal cruise control systems as it can vary the cruising speed when necessary for safety.

With Parking Support Brake System added in the 2020 models, drivers have the support of an intelligent parking system to detect objects in the surrounding areas of the vehicle during the parking process. Should any object be detected, the brakes will be automatically applied and the engine power cut back so that collisions can be avoided. Even if a collision does occur, the early action of the system can reduce damage.

Besides the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) that enables the driver to view all round the vehicle, the front and rear DVRs constantly record the views ahead and behind. Apart from recording the scenery on a holiday journey, in the event of an incident and dispute, the recordings would be useful evidence for the vehicle owner.

The Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) for the Vellfire and Alphard is a connectivity feature that uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times. This can aid recovery by the police if the vehicle is stolen. VTS can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other operating conditions that the vehicle has been subjected to, with data sent by email to a designated user.

No design changes are mentioned to the two models for the new model year but there are 4 exterior colours to choose from – Luxury White Pearl CS GF (only for Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge and Alphard 3.5L); Burning Black CS GF (only for Vellfire 2.5L); and White Pearl C, Graphite Metallic and Black (available for both Alphard and Vellfire).

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire engines — *The Alphard has a 3.5-litre V6 engine while the Vellfire uses a 2.5-litre engine.*

As with all other models imported by UMWT, owners of the Vellfire and Alphard will enjoy a full factory warranty, with availability of genuine replacement parts when required. Aftersales support is also assured with personnel trained to service the models using the necessary special tools and equipment.

Customers can locate the nearest showroom by visiting toyota.com.my or calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

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BMW Group Malaysia continues to contribute to electromobility in the country

Of the 11,567 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad (motorcycle) vehicles that BMW Group Malaysia delivered last year, 3,148 were electrified models with all-electric or hybrid powertrains. These joined the total of over 17,000 electrified vehicles delivered by the company since 2015.

On a global scale, a total of 145,815 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles were delivered worldwide in 2019, contributing to half a million such vehicle vehicles delivered to date.

2019 also marked the third consecutive year BMW Group Malaysia expanded the infrastructure for electromobility in the country, having introduced 18 new BMW i Charging Facilities across Malaysia. This brings the number to over 30, set up within 3 years.

Sales by brand
The BMW brand saw 9,300 new owners in Malaysia last year, with more than a quarter (2,514 units) having chosen the 3-Series. Another key contributor in 2019 was the 5-Series, with over 2,000 units delivered nationwide.

The X Family recorded total sales of 3,985 units and the X3 sold in the largest volume (1,354 unit), followed closely by the X1 (1,331 units). The electrified X5 xDrive40e accounted for 24% (975) of total deliveries, making it the third bestselling BMW X model in 2019.

MINI delivered 1,142 vehicles last year, with the Countryman version accounting for more than half the number (685 units). Worldwide, MINI brand deliveries totalled 346,639 units in 2019.

Exports from Malaysia
Having made big investments in its production facilities at the Inokom plant in Kedah, BMW has also exported some of the production. Including engines, to other ASEAN markets. It has been exporting the 5-Series to the Philippines and is also preparing to export other models in future, including the 7-Series. Vehicles imported to other ASEAN markets can enjoy duty-exemption under the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement, enabling distributors to sell them at more attractive price levels.

BMW 5-Series — *The 5-Series assembled at the BMW facility in Kedah, as well as engines also produced there, are exported to neighbouring countries and enjoy duty-free importation under the AFTA agreement.*

Financial services
With a range of flexible financing plans, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia also achieved a strong business portfolio, having financed half of the new BMW and MINI vehicles delivered last year. Its Easy Drive financing solution provides flexibility as well as affordability to customers.

Global debut of all-new Kia Sorento next month with first hybrid in the model range

After cumulative sales of more than 3 million units since 2002, Kia’s Sorento SUV will enter its fourth generation this year with the world premiere of the model at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show early next month.

The Korean carmaker’s flagship global SUV will be the latest addition to the brand’s reinvigorated SUV line-up. The new model also marks the first-time adoption of hybrid power in the Sorento range.

The first vehicle based on Kia’s new-generation midsize SUV platform, the Sorento is said to raise standards in its segment for practicality, offering space on a par with larger vehicles.

Kia aims to outdo competitors in the global SUV market by applying a range of innovations to the new Sorento. These include advanced driver assistance systems and progressive connectivity and infotainment features.

Kia Sorento generations 2002 - 2020 — *Three generations of the Sorento have been produced since 2002.*

2020 Renault Megane unveiled, with plug-in hybrid variant available for the first time

The Megane has been one of Renault’s more successful models, with 7 million units sold globally since 1995. Over 4 generations, it has come to be a full range and, like the Volkswagen Golf with its GTI, has had a powerful variant in the R.S. line.

For 2020, the range includes a first for Renault in the compact segment – a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It uses technologies developed by the Alliance and the Renault Engineering Department and benefits from the electric-vehicle expertise acquired by Groupe Renault over the last 10 years, as well as its experience in Formula 1 racing.

The New Megane’s exterior design has gained sculpted and more dynamic lines in keeping with the Renault brand identity to offer even more character and sophistication. Its headlights now feature LED Pure Vision technology said to improve and increase the headlamp beam by nearly 30%, offering greater visibility, safety and driving comfort.

The headlamps, tail lights and fog lights are now all LED. The contour lines of the new rear lights have been raised to display a new trim design and the indicators have become dynamic. The New Megane also features a new, more sophisticated lower panel while the design of the wings is more pronounced, and they also feature door-handle lighting.

The revamped and modernised driver’s ‘techno cockpit’ has a new 9.3-inch screen for the multimedia system and a 10.2-inch screen for the dashboard. The 9.3-inch screen provides a display area twice the size of the 7-inch version. This vertical tablet fits perfectly into the dashboard and gives the passenger compartment a very modern look. The Renault EASY LINK multimedia system, inspired by smartphone codes and uses, aims to be more ergonomic, functional and user-friendly.

Renault’s Multi-Sense technology can change the characteristics to one of several different. The driver can choose settings that adjust the engine mapping, steering, ambient lighting and configuration of the digital display that replaces the dials to offer a personalised driving experience

Powertrains
Renault will continue to offer petrol and diesel engines since there will still be demand in many markets outside Europe where internal combustion engines may be preferred. The petrol engine displacement will be the Alliance 1.3 TCe which can be offered in outputs ranging from 115 bhp to 160 bhp. At the end of the year, the New Megane will also be available with the Alliance 1.0 TCe engine with a manual transmission.

The latest Megane Diesel will use a 1.5-litre Blue dCi engine adapted to new anti-pollution standards. Customers have the option of choosing the 95 bhp eco version with a 6-speed manual transmission or the 115 bhp version with a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission.

*2020 Renault Megane E-TECH Plug-in, estate version.*

The highlight is of course the new E-TECH Plug-in hybrid powertrain which combines with a 4-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and uses an innovative multi-mode clutch-less gearbox transmission which optimises gearshifting.

The design draws on the experience of the Renault F1 Team, which shared its energy-management expertise (energy recovered during deceleration and braking is used to recharge the battery outside charging cycles) to enable the New Megane to operate with maximum energy efficiency. It is paired with a braking system developed by Renault’s electric vehicle experts.

The battery pack has an energy capacity of 9.8 kWh (400V) battery which can enable the New Megane to run on full-electric mode for up to 50 kms and up to a top speed of 85 mph (135 km/h), it is claimed.

New driver assistance systems
The New Megane’s driver-assistance systems include the Highway & Traffic Jam Companion, a Level 2 autonomous system that provides comfort and peace of mind while driving. Level 2 autonomous capability has adaptive cruise control (which can vary the speed to maintain a safe gap as well as operate from standstill) and lane-centering or lane-keeping control. It’s available in many cars today and can make driving easier but the driver still needs to pay attention to what is happening.

The New Megane R.S.
The high-performance New Megane R.S. adopts a range centred on the Sport chassis and the same single 300 bhp 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine as the TROPHY version. Torque has been increased by 30 Nm to 420 Nm on EDC transmission models and 400 Nm on manual transmission models. The exhaust system now includes a mechanical valve to adjust the ‘soundtrack’.

The hallmark features of the Megane R.S are still present, including the 4CONTROL frame for maximum agility in sharp turns and stability in fast curves, and a new R.S. Monitor (optional) which displays many car settings in real time, such as acceleration, braking, steering-wheel angle, 4CONTROL system operation, temperatures and pressures, etc.

The New Megane R.S. TROPHY, a benchmark for ultra-high-performance hatchbacks, is designed for racing. It stands out for its now-exclusive Cup frame; compared with the New Megane R.S.’s Sport chassis, the chassis Cup features a mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential which improves cornering control and driveability when exiting corners. Its shock absorbers and suspension springs have been retuned for increases of 25% and 30% respectively, and the anti-roll bar has a 10% higher setting than on Megane R.S.

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