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Toyota GR Yaris debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon

Continuing to build up its high-performance GR range, Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) today unveiled the rally-inspired GR Yaris at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon. It is the second pure sportscar model to be launched for global markets by TGR, following last year’s return of the legendary Toyota GR Supra.

As well as serving as the official homologation model for development of the next Yaris WRC rallycar which will be entered in the World Rally Championship (WC), the GR Yaris is also available to customers for local rally events.

Sales of the GR Yaris start around mid-2020, and Toyota is now accepting online-only pre-orders (in Japan) for two special editions of the new model—the RZ First Edition and the RZ High-performance First Edition. Pre-orders will be accepted until June 30, 2020 (or for approximately 6 months). The price of the RZ First Edition is to be 3.96 million yen (equivalent to RM148,000) while the price of the RZ High-performance First Edition is to be 4.56 million yen (about RM170,000).

Presenting the GR Yaris at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, GAZOO Racing President Shigeki Tomoyama said TGR is committed to using motorsport to refine its know-how and its personnel, with the aim of launching world-class production sportscars. “While the new GR Supra is a sportscar developed through track racing, the GR Yaris has been devised through our participation in rallies – something that many of our fans have been waiting for,” he said.

Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation and Master Driver, added his personal view as well: “Toyota needs to get back a sportscar. I’ve always thought so.The 86 is my precious partner during rallies and races; Supra made a successful come back… but still, I have always wanted a sportscar purely made by Toyota. The reason we decided to come back to WRC was to build a sportscar by utilizing skills and technologies obtained through WRC. When we won the WRC Manufacturer’s title last year, I felt Toyota became recognized all over Europe, and that made me think that we must have a winning car to gain worldwide recognition as a true car manufacturer. This GR Yaris is the sportscar we made from scratch to win at world level,” said Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation and Master Driver, at this morning’s launch.

Akio Toyoda at Toyota GR Yaris launch — *A delighted Akio Toyoda (left) at the launch of the Toyota GR yaris this morning)*

Heritage
Since rejoining the championship in 2017, Toyota won the Manufacturers’ Championship in 2018 and, with Ott Tanak, the Drivers’ Championship in 2019.

Toyota WRC history — Toyota’s heritage in the WRC can be traced back to the 1970s when Toyota Team Europe entered the Corolla, scoring its first WRC win at the 1975 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland. Toyota was the first Japanese manufacturer to win the event.

The new GR Yaris is Toyota’s first genuine AWD sportscar and its first homologation model for WRC competition since the Celica GT-FOUR in 1999. Across two generations and three models, the Celica GT-FOUR featured in Toyota’s most successful WRC campaigns, a golden age of rallying that brought the company 30 rally victories, 4 Drivers’ Championship titles and one Manufacturers’ Championship. In a reference to its illustrious predecessor and its AWD technology, the GR Yaris features a GR-FOUR logo on its tailgate.

To acquire WRC homologation, the base model of a vehicle to be entered in FIA events must have a continuous 12-month production volume of 25,000 units or more. As a homologation model, the GR Yaris will support the development of a new competition car for the TGR World Rally Team’s ongoing participation in the WRC.

Development Priorities
The WRC-skilled team of designers and engineers at Tommi Makinen Racing focused on perfecting the aerodynamics, weight distribution and light weight of the new car – the three qualities essential to achieving the best performance and drivability.

A lower roofline improves the car’s ability to cut through the air, while positioning the new engine further back towards the centre of the car and locating the battery in the boot helped produce a better chassis balance for improved handling, stability and responsiveness. The new platform allows for a wider rear track with reinforcements beneath the side members to ensure the suspension’s performance potential can be realised.

The bodyshell is made from lightweight materials including carbonfibre polymer and aluminium for an impressive power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the GR Yaris has the power of a C-segment performance hatch but the weight of a B-segment machine (kerb weight 1,280 kgs). Its power-to-weight ratio of only 6.7 kgs per kilowatt helps deliver 0-100 km/h acceleration said to be less than 5.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h.

The all-new 1.6-litre engine
The GR Yaris engine is an all-new, 3-cylinder turbocharged unit with a displacement of 1618 cc. Drawing on motorsport technologies to maximise performance, it has multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port. It also features a single-scroll ball-bearing turbo and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, engineered to accommodate high torque levels.

The compact lightweight DOHC 12-valve engine produces a maximum 272 ps/370 Nm to achieving a strong power-to-weight ratio which was a key objective to help meet the GR Yaris’ performance targets.

GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive System
The new GR-FOUR AWD system optimises drive power to each wheel while also being simple and lightweight. The distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a high-response coupling. The ingenious system uses slightly different gear ratios for the front and rear axles and allows for a theoretical range of front/rear torque balance from 100:0 (full front-wheel drive) to 0:100 (full rear-wheel drive).

This flexibility gives a performance advantage over AWD on-demand systems that use twin-coupling or permanent AWD systems with a centre differential. The GR FOUR system is also considerably lighter in weight.

The driver can adjust the system’s performance to suit their preference or the driving situation using an AWD mode dial switch. In each of the 3 modes available, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behaviour and road or track conditions.

Dedicated Platform and Suspension
The GR Yaris has a new, dedicated platform that combines the front end of Toyota’s GA-B platform – debuting in the all-new Yaris in 2020 – with the rear of the GA-C platform. This allows for a new suspension design and accommodation of the AWD system. Where the standard new Yaris uses a torsion beam rear suspension, the GR Yaris has a double wishbone set-up, with every element optimised for performance. A MacPherson strut system is used at the front.

The First Editions
The RZ First Edition, based on the GR Yaris RZ grade, will have a customized front grille, front side diffusers, rear spoiler, and rear bumper all finished in matte black. The RZ High-performance First Edition, gets high-performance equipment to extend performance levels and included in the customized specifications are BBS forged aluminium wheels in matte black.

New GR Production Centre at Motomachi
Toyota has established a new production facility at its Motomachi factory with a line dedicated to manufacturing GR sportscars. As the volume of cars will not be as high as other Toyota models, the line employs new manufacturing methods to handle multi-type, small-volume production.

Instead of the traditional conveyor system, the body and assembly lines comprise several different cells connected by automatic guided vehicles. Production of each vehicle calls for a large number of manual processes, for which Toyota utilises a specialist team of skilled workers. The factory design and the talents of the workforce allow for high-precision assembly of highly rigid vehicle bodies to levels that are hard to achieve on standard production lines.

2020 Toyota GR Supra has landed in Malaysia! From RM568,000

2020 BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport in Malaysian showrooms from January 13

BMW Malaysia starts the new year with the introduction of the updated BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport. The locally-assembled model from one of the best-selling segments of the brand’s portfolio in Malaysia, is priced from RM233,800 (without insurance).

“The BMW X models charted record highs in our local deliveries last year, accounting for more than 43% of vehicles in the BMW portfolio delivered in 2019. With these strong figures, we are confident that 2020 will present more opportunities for our segment-leading models to rise with the local automotive industry,” said Harald Hoelzl, MD of the BMW Group Malaysia.

Revised front end
The latest X1 has a revised front end with the larger kidney grille now joined in the middle. The front bumper with integrated LED foglights and larger air intakes are also new. The tubes in the LED headlights have a hexagonal shape, underscoring the modern looks of the X1.

The Lights Package also includes a Welcome Light Carpet. When the vehicle is unlocked, an LED light source in the driver’s-side exterior mirror projects an ‘X1’ onto the ground in two tones. The LED rear lights features a new design, with a single LED bar drawing the familiar L signature from side to side.

The latest X1 sits lower by 10 mm with the M Sport Suspension. Additionally, the two tailpipes have grown in diameter from 70 to 90 mm. The SAV now has 18-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-Spoke Style 570 M Bicolour.

Powering the X1 is the proven 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 7-Speed Steptronic Dual Clutch Sport transmission. This produces 192 bhp/280 Nm to give the SVA a claimed top speed capability of 224 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds.

Visually striking interior
Inside, the X1 is visually striking with interior trim finishers in aluminium, finely brushed lengthwise with highlight trim finishers in Pearl Chrome. The central element for infotainment is the new 8.8-inch touchscreen navigation system located in the middle of the dashboard. Control of entertainment and navigation functions can be done with voice commands and the iDrive Controller. BMW ConnectedDrive services are also available.

The price includes a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service program, 24-month Tyre Warranty Program for the Run-Flat tyres, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline and the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card.

5th generation BMW eDrive technology to debut in iX3 next year

Two top awards for Proton in 18th Malaysia Cars of the Year Awards (COTY 2019)

In its 18^th year running, the Malaysian Car of the Year (COTY) program – now known as Malaysia Cars of Year Awards – saw Proton receiving the top award of Overall Car of the Year for the first time. The award was for the Proton X70 SUV, a model which has helped to not only bring people back to the brand’s showrooms but also restored pride and confidence in what is still seen as a national marque.

Proton’s CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong (above), was also voted the Automotive Man of the Year in recognition of his leadership in turning the company around and putting it on a forward and upward trajectory. His strategy of upgrading showrooms to enhance the customer experience and boost quality in products and services has paid off with Proton doing much better during 2019.

The other category winners were as follow:

Passenger Cars
Entry Level – Proton Saga 1.3 (Facelift)
Compact Car – Toyota Yaris
Family Sedan/Hatchback – Mazda3 2.0 SKYACTIV
Premium Compact Executive – Mercedes-Benz A250
Large Family Sedan – Kia Optima GT
Premium Executive – BMW 330i M Sport
Large Premium Executive Sedan – BMW 530e M Sport (PHEV)
C suite – BMW 740L

SUV & Crossovers
People-Mover – Perodua Aruz 1.5
Compact Crossover & SUVs – Honda HR-V 1.5 Hybrid
Midsize Crossover & SUVs (5 Seaters) – Proton X70
Midsize Crossover & SUVs (7 Seaters) – Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 Diesel
Premium Midsize SUVs – Porsche Macan
Premium Luxury SUVs – Mercedes-Benz GLC 63
Premium Compact SUV – Volvo XC40 T5

Others
Pick-Up Truck – Ford Ranger 2.0 XLT
MPV – Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D (facelift)
Hot Hatch – Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup
Coupe – BMW M2 Competition

BMW i3 & Nissan LEAF — *These two models spearhead the dawn of the EV age in Malaysia.*

Honorable Mentions – Electric Vehicles
BMW i3 and Nissan LEAF

Past Overall Award Winners
2018 – Peugeot 3008
2017 – Honda Jazz Hybrid
2016 – Honda Civic 1.5 TC
2015 – Mazda2
2014 – Honda City
2013 – Volkswagen Golf GTI
2012 – Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT
2011 – Peugeot RCZ
2010 – Volkswagen Passat
2009 – Peugeot 308 Turbo
2008 – Mazda6
2007 – Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT
2006 – Honda Civic
2005 – Mercedes-Benz CLS
2004 – BMW 530d
2003 – Volvo XC90
2002 – Perodua Kelisa

Previous Recipients – AUTOMOTIVE MAN OF THE YEAR
2018 – Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad (Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award)
2017 – Datuk Dr. Zahari Husin, MD, Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd
2016 – Yoichiro Ueno, CEO and MD, Honda Malaysia
2015 – Roland Folger, President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
2014 – Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, President & CEO, Perodua
2013 – Datuk Ben Yeoh, Managing Director, Bermaz Motor
2012 – Datuk Samson Anand George, Chief Operating Officer, Nasim Sdn Bhd
2011 – Datuk JP Chin, Principal, JPM Motorsports
2010 – SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman, NAZA Group of Companies
2009 – Datuk Syed Abdull Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar (Perodua) and Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng (Edaran Tan Chong Motor)
2008 – Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Tahir, (Proton)
2007 – Datuk Saw Choo Boon (Shell Malaysia)
2006 – Tan Sri Nasimuddin SM Amin (Naza)
2005 – Datuk Frank Steinleitner, (DaimlerChrysler Malaysia)
2004 – Tan Sri Tengku Mahaleel Ariff (Proton)
2003 – Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Omar (Perodua)
2002 – Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin (Naza)

Euro NCAP’s Best in Class for 2019

After assessing 55 new models in 2019, Euro NCAP has announced the ‘Best in Class’, noting that 41 of those models achieved top scores. This makes 2019 one of the most impressive years on record since Euro NCAP started to evaluate consumer safety of cars on the European market.

Mercedes-Benz regained its crown in the best performing Small Family Car category with the CLA. This is the sporty alternative to the A-Class Sedan, the winner of last year’s Best in Class. It achieved a score of more than 90% in three of the four areas of safety and delivered the best overall rating of the year. Remarkably, Mercedes-Benz launched 5 more 5-star vehicles in 2019, all with outstanding crash protection and driver assistance technology.

Tesla also made a strong appearance in 2019’s tests. The Model X is 2019’s winner in the Large Off-Road category, with the SEAT Tarraco in second place. The Tesla Model 3 is top of the ‘Electric and Hybrid’ vehicle class and, together with BMW’s 3-Series, shares top spot in the Large Family category. The two cars ended up with identical overall scores, the BMW scoring better in pedestrian protection, and the Tesla edging it in Safety Assist. Skoda’s new Octavia is the runner-up in this category.

In the combined Small Off-road/Small MPV class, Subaru won with the new Forester showing excellent all-round performance. Mazda’s CX-30 and Volkswagen’s T-Cross were close followers in this category.

Despite missing out on the top spot, Mazda had an excellent year in the tests, with the Mazda3 turning in an exceptional performance in Adult Occupant Protection and taking the second place to the Mercedes-Benz CLA in the Small Family Car category.

In the Supermini class, there was a tie between the sporty Audi A1 and top-selling Renault Clio which have been among Europe’s most popular and desirable hatchbacks for years. Their latest generations arrived in 2019 and came out equally well in Euro NCAP’s tests, while the newcomer Ford Puma was the runner-up in this category.

The Supermini segment remains the most competitive in the European market, as illustrated by the presence of 3, 4 and 5-star cars in the list. Euro NCAP said the winners deserve extraordinary credits for their uncompromising stance on safety.

Finally, a special mention was made of the new BMW Z4, the only roadster tested in 2019. It has unquestionably set a new safety benchmark for the segment.

Aston Martin confirms limited production of V12 Speedster

Aston Martin today confirmed production of a strictly limited number of the new V12 Speedster. The car will make its global debut later this year, with potential customers around the world offered the opportunity to acquire this exclusive British sportscar by booking one now. Only 88 will become owners and as each handbuilt unit is completed, it will be delivered, starting from the first quarter of 2021.

The V12 Speedster, created by in-house bespoke service Q by Aston Martin working with the brand’s talented team of designers and engineers, combines an authentic, driver-oriented sportscar with the use of cutting-edge motorsport and aviation technology to deliver a stunning, two-seat, enthusiast driving machine.

At the new car’s heart lies a high-performance variant of Aston Martin’s now iconic, 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine, capable of generating an output of around 700ps/700 Nm. Offering a compelling breadth of performance, superb response and thrilling V12 soundtrack, the engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted towards the rear of the car.

The new car’s design, while modern and dynamic, brings to mind both Aston Martin’s legendary 1959 Le Mans 24 hours- and 1000 km of Nurburgring race-winning DBR1 and the marque’s Centenary CC100 Speedster Concept shown in 2013. Its forward-looking features are shaped from the same advanced materials and expert engineering used throughout Aston Martin’s contemporary sportscar range.

Aston Martin DBR1 — *The Le Mans-winning DBR1 in 1959.*

The Le Mans-winning DBR1, which in part inspired the V12 Speedster, delivered Aston Martin’s most high-profile motorsport triumph to date, needs no introduction. One of only three cars in the 1950s to win both the World Sports Car Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours in the same year, the DBR1 defined not only motorsport excellence but also exquisite design elegance – an enduring Aston Martin trademark.

The brand’s CC100 Speedster Concept, meanwhile, was produced in 2013 to celebrate Aston Martin’s centenary. It too helped to inspire the creation of the new V12 Speedster which is the product of more than 12 months of meticulous design and planning work by the teams from both Q by Aston Martin, and Aston Martin Design.

Aston martin CC100 Speedster Concept — *CC100 Speedster Concept*

Aston Martin Valkyrie will compete in Le Mans 2021

2020 Perodua Bezza raises the safety benchmark in its segment

If you follow the history of Perodua, you will find that it had humble beginnings with a relatively small volume catering for the bottom end of the market, the entry-level segment. Proton had already been selling cars and dominating the market for 8 years and Perodua was like a ‘little brother’ selling low-priced minicars. Yet 27 years later, we see Perodua as the nation’s No.1 brand and although it still serves the entry-level segment, it is edging upwards with the newer products.

The success story of Perodua highlights the value of patience and a willingness to learn, rather than rushing forward before being fully prepared. Perodua has had a good teacher in Daihatsu, its partner, and formed a working culture that is a blend of Malaysian and Japanese which could well be the best of both worlds.

One of the important lessons Perodua has had is planning. They do a tremendous amount of market study before committing to a new model because once they do, they have to be able to do so at high volumes. They are no longer a small player and in order to maintain their high efficiency and productivity which enables them to keep their prices attractive, they need big numbers.

This has been the case with every model and with the Bezza, their first sedan, selling some 184,000 units over the past 3 years is certainly impressive. The Bezza’s appeal to a broad spectrum of the market has generated the big numbers and in the past couple of years, e-hailing operators (like those with Grab) have also found it to be an ideal car for their business, boosting the numbers.

What is not highlighted enough about the Bezza is that this sedan design is a truly Malaysian creation. There is no equivalent in the Daihatsu range and when Perodua wanted to do it, they were basically on their own. There was no commitment by Daihatsu to take the model for Indonesia as it does with the Myvi which it sells as the Daihatsu Sirion there.

That the Bezza has done so well has generated a lot of money for funding development of the updated 2020 version which is officially launched today. And as with every model it has developed, Perodua has paid a lot of attention to the feedback from customers and addressed issues to make the car better. For instance, the rear seat backrest angle was not comfortable and they have adjusted this to eliminate that complaint. The suspension settings have been revised to improve ride comfort and handling as well.

What’s new
On the outside, the 2020 Bezza is almost immediately identifiable with its facelift. It’s a bolder look with sharp LED headlamps that are standard for all four variants. The new look is complemented by the angular and reprofiled front bumper which has a large lower intake grille and imposing styling elements. Additional sportiness comes from two-tone side skirts, also standard across the range, with a restyled rear bumper

If you’re still not satisfied with the new looks and want more sportiness, you don’t have to go to an accessory shop to get the parts. Perodua has already prepared a bodykit in its GearUp accessory range specially for the Bezza. The RM2,000 cost for the bodykit can be included in the H-P loan so you pay for it over a number of years… a deal which an accessory shop would never be able to offer.

Perodua Bezza GearUp — *2020 Bezza with GearUp bodykit*

The Bezza 1.3-litre variants now have an exclusive colour – Garnet Red – which is one of two new colours, the other being Granite Grey. These join the four existing shades – Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Ocean Blue and Sugar Brown.

The cabin remains pretty much the same with enhancements largely for the 1.3-litre variants. The meters are now illuminated in white and keyless entry/start is now also provided. Keyless entry and pushbutton starting was something available only in more expensive models not so long ago and now it has come down to the Bezza segment, showing how fast Perodua has been able to bring costs down (working with its suppliers).

Focus on safety
But the focus of the improvements has been in safety, something which Perodua’s market surveys show keeps becoming more and more important to buyers. Reading about tragic accidents has probably made people think more about how safe their car must be and while Peroduas are small cars, they can still be safe to travel in by having driver assistance systems.

This is where Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0) system comes in and it is available in the Bezza AV, making it the most affordable sedan in Malaysia (under RM50,000 before including insurance) with such a feature. ASA 2.0 comprises Pedestrian Detection (up to 50 km/h), Pre-Collision Warning (up to 100 km/h), Pre-Collision Braking (up to 80 km/h), Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control, all of which work together to mitigate collisions.

The Bezza X also get Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control now, again showing that as soon as costs come down, Perodua will include a safety system in the variant. VSC and traction control were available only with the Bezza AV before. Incidentally, the AV variant also gets a reverse camera now while all variants get power-adjustable side mirrors and reverse sensors.

With the improvements, the 2020 Bezza will certainly keep finding more new customers and by the end of this month, Perodua expects to deliver 5,600 units. Thereafter, the monthly sales target for the model is 4,000 units, on average.

Visit www.perodua.com.my to know more about the new Bezza and where you can test-drive one.