The Mazda2, which has been around for some 8 years now, has received a second facelift which could be the last one before a next generation arrives. The changes are cosmetic, with the most obvious being the front grille (on one variant) which looks blanked off as it is an EV.

However, there are no powertrain changes and the only engines offered are the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV petrol and turbodiesel units with direct injection. The high compression (14.8:1) SKYACTIV-G petrol engine now delivers 110 ps/142 Nm, while the SKYACTIV-D produces 105 ps/250 Nm. For some markets, the drivetrain is available with a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.

With the transition to electromobility and, perhaps by the end of the decade, automated driving as well, car design will change much more than it has at any time in recent decades. Interiors, in particular, will be remodelled with the freedom given by new architecture developed specifically for electric vehicles. The inner space’ will thus become the core of new vehicle design.

Since 2021, Audi has been presenting a series of concept vehicles which show how the brand will design its future luxury cars, with much focus on interior design. The series is unified by the sphere concept and the latest activesphere model unveiled yesterday joins three others presented over the past two years.

As the fourth and final model in the series, the activesphere concept adopts a 4-door crossover coupe bodystyle, following on from the skysphere roadster, grandsphere sedan, and urbansphere people-carrier. Each concept model interprets the paradigm shift in design differently, with the passengers’ needs and quality of experience at the very top of the priority list. To achieve this, technological innovations and the highest quality materials and workmanship have been used.

Although Ferdinand Porsche’s engineering design office (Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH) was making cars from 1931, each car and every project was numbered sequentially but did not carry the Porsche name. For example, order number 22 was for the legendary Auto Union Grand Prix racing car and the Type 60 was the Volkswagen.

The numbers therefore rose with each new order, with each engine designed, or with each drawing for an axle, gearbox or tractor. In 1948, by which time the project numbers had reached 356, something of historical significance happened: for the first time, an automobile was made under the official brand name of Porsche, hence it was called the Porsche 356.

After a 13-year term as President, Akio Toyoda will become Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation in April 2023. Toyoda, the grandson of Kiichiro Toyoda, founder of Toyota Motor Corporation, was appointed to the position of President in June 2009 after serving in various roles in the company. He has had much publicity as President, not only for his outspoken views but also his strong support for motorsports (where fans know him as ‘Morizo’).

This week’s update for fuel prices has now changes to any of the grades and unsubsidised RON97 petrol remains at RM3.35 per litre.

Even though our petrol prices (except for RON97) are controlled and lower than neighbouring countries, it’s good to try to use less as fossil fuels will eventually be finished on the planet. Here are some ways to reduce the fuel consumption in your vehicle:

Plan trips: If you have different places to go on a single journey, spend a few minutes to think about the route so that you avoid congested areas. You may have to travel a few extra kilometres using a less congested route but you will actually use less fuel because the car won’t be stuck in a jam burning fuel going nowhere. Plus you will probably be less stressed out when you reach your destination.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight: The less weight your car has to move, the less hard the engine has to work. So whatever you do not need to keep in the boot should be taken out. This includes those golfbags and camping gear.

Service the engine regularly: Engine parts wear out or get dirty over time and reduce the operating efficiency of the engine. Regular servicing ensures that adjustments are set correctly and periodically, parts like filters or sparkplugs need to be replaced.

Switch off the engine more: Many motorists do not fully realize that the engine is burning fuel every second it is running. They will keep the engine running for long periods while waiting for someone to buy things or waiting for their children to come out from school. This is very wasteful and running the air-conditioner at the same time wastes more fuel. Switch off the engine when you are going to be stationary for more than 5 minutes and you’ll find your fuel consumption improving.

Slow and steady: You don’t have to drive at a crawl to save fuel but if you just drive more frequently at 80/90 km/h instead of 100/110 km/h, you could save 10 to 15% in fuel. Keeping a steady speed rather than ‘pumping‘ the pedal will also save on fuel. On the highway, you can use cruise control, if available.

Right tyre pressures: Under-inflated tyres will cause more rolling resistance (not to mention faster wear) which will worsen fuel consumption. Be sure they are inflated to the minimum recommended by the manufacturer and a bit more might also be better.