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Perodua D66B SUV Set to Hit the Roads in April – Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Integrated

Recently, news of the impending release of the Perodua D66B, a B-segment SUV, has surfaced. Scheduled for launch in April, this highly anticipated SUV is poised to offer a range of features, including comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). With an expected starting price of around RM73,000, the D66B is set to make waves in the market.

Analyst Wan Mustaqim Wan Ab Aziz from Kenanga Research sheds light on the upcoming SUV, indicating that it will hit the market in April. The timing aligns with previous reports hinting at a launch in the first half of the year. The cessation of Aruz production as early as November last year further supports the likelihood of an April release. Wan Mustaqim stated that “Sime Darby is likely to benefit from the new launch of Perodua D66B and Toyota Yaris Cross which are expected to be introduced by this April.”

Previously known as Model Q, the D66B shares similarities with existing Perodua models and is anticipated to resemble the Perodua Concept X showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 18.

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Ford Unveils Ranger MS-RT For European Pickup Market

Ford has once again teamed up with M-Sport’s road-going division, MS-RT, to introduce the highly anticipated Ranger MS-RT, signalling a significant addition to the European pickup market. Set to be available at Ford Pro dealerships, this customised pickup is slated to hit European roads later this year, sparking considerable excitement among enthusiasts.

Drawing inspiration from the Ranger’s racing counterparts in Asia, the Ranger MS-RT boasts a bold and aggressive stance. With its redesigned front end featuring distinctive bodywork, honeycomb grille, and integrated splitter, the pickup commands attention on the road. Its widened body by 82mm and flared arches amplify its presence, making a powerful statement. At the rear, a purposeful diffuser and subtle ducktail spoiler add to its aerodynamic profile, enhancing its sporty allure.

Enhancing its performance credentials, the Ranger MS-RT features specially tuned, firmer suspension, lowering the ride height by 40mm for improved handling dynamics. Rolling on 21-inch diamond-cut wheels wrapped in low-profile tires, it delivers both style and performance.

Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe, describes the Ranger MS-RT as the “ultimate street truck,” offering a unique proposition in the European pickup segment. Despite its sporty character, it maintains its practicality, retaining a one-tonne load-carrying capacity and 3,500kg towing capabilities. Under the hood lies a robust 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, delivering 236bhp and 600Nm of torque to all four wheels through a seamless 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Inside, the cabin blends luxury with sportiness, featuring faux leather upholstery accented with special blue stitching and MS-RT badging. The ‘sports steering wheel’ with a blue 12 o’clock marker enhances the racing-inspired ambiance, ensuring an engaging driving experience.

With its fusion of performance, style, and practicality, the Ranger MS-RT is poised to captivate pickup enthusiasts across Europe.

Mini Unveils The New Mini Cooper E In Classic Trim

The fully electric Mini Cooper offers a modern, eco-friendly driving experience while staying true to the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure. As part of the revamped Mini model lineup, the Mini Cooper E is presented in four redesigned trims, each offering its unique appeal. The Classic Trim, for instance, showcases expressive body colours and contrasting roof finishes, with the iconic Mini three-door model appearing particularly striking in Sunny Side Yellow, paired with a contrasting white roof and mirror caps.

Inside the Classic Trim, the cockpit surfaces are adorned with two-tone black and blue knit material, creating a stylish contrast against the high-quality synthetic leather seats made of Vescin, available in grey or black with a perforated houndstooth pattern.

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Mercedes-AMG Unveils A 45 S 4MATIC+ “Limited Edition”

Mercedes-AMG is set to captivate enthusiasts with the unveiling of a stunning special model for the A 45 S 4MATIC+, aptly named the “Limited Edition”. The price for the extensive additional equipment is €14,280.00 (RM73,176.85) and will hit the market in April 2024, with the offer extending until the end of the year.

The defining feature of the “Limited Edition” is its exclusive paintwork in “AMG green hell magno”, a striking colour previously unavailable for the compact class. Adorned with eye-catching foiling featuring the AMG logo and prominent “A 45 S” lettering on the doors, as well as the AMG crest on the bonnet, this edition rides on matte black 19-inch AMG forged wheels in a seven-twin-spoke design. Yellow accents highlight the rim spokes, complemented by glossy black brake callipers with white AMG logos. Adding to its allure, the “Limited Edition” boasts refined details such as an exclusive fuel cap with the AMG logo and a light projector that illuminates the AMG coat of arms onto the ground upon entering and exiting the car.

Enhancing its appeal further, three equipment packages elevate the “Limited Edition”. The AMG Night Package features striking black and high-gloss black design elements, including the front splitter, exterior mirror housings, and beltlines, along with thermally insulating dark-tinted window surfaces from the B-pillar. The AMG Night Package II is highlighted by darkened struts on the radiator trim and black chrome typography on the front fenders and tailgate, as well as exclusive black door handles and Mercedes stars in the wheel hub caps. The AMG Aerodynamics Package, developed in the wind tunnel, includes special add-on parts and a fixed AMG rear wing to increase contact pressure and enhance driving characteristics at high speeds.

Inside, the “Limited Edition” showcases distinctive design elements, including black AMG performance seats upholstered in a combination of Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre, accented by yellow decorative stitching. The AMG performance steering wheel, aluminium trim elements with AMG pattern, and illuminated AMG door sills further elevate the interior ambiance. Completing the upgrades are AMG floor mats with “45 S” lettering and yellow decorative stitching.

Under the hood, the A 45 S 4MATIC+ packs a punch with its 421hp output, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 270km/h. The AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine offers spontaneous response, while the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control enhances dynamic driving with its variable distribution of driving force between the front and rear axles, as well as selectively between the left and right rear wheels.

Audi Teases Revamped S3 Before Official Debut

Audi enthusiasts are in for a treat as the brand teases the highly anticipated new Audi S3, accompanied by camouflaged photos showcasing both the Sportback and Saloon variants. Powered by a robust 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, the S3 promises nothing short of an exhilarating driving experience, boasting 328hp and 420Nm of torque at your command.

Thanks to recent enhancements, the 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine receives a notable boost, delivering an additional 23hp and 20Nm of torque. This ensures abundant power for dynamic drives, with robust pulling force and spirited acceleration available across a wide RPM range from 2,100 to 5,500rpm. Accelerating from 0-100km/h takes a mere 4.7 seconds, with the top speed gracefully capped at 249km/h.

Adding to the excitement, the turbocharger receives a pre-boost, ensuring rapid and smooth power delivery. Whether cruising or gently accelerating, the turbocharger maintains a steady spin, guaranteeing a consistent stream of power. Moreover, with the throttle valve remaining open during high-performance moments, drivers can anticipate enhanced engine responsiveness.

The extended duration of the throttle valve’s openness translates to accelerated torque delivery, resulting in an even livelier engine response, particularly noticeable in dynamic mode or with the new dynamic plus profile engaged.

Equipped with a torque splitter, the Audi S3 promises enhanced agility and stability, complemented by larger brakes and performance tyres to elevate handling prowess. Furthermore, a sportier transmission featuring Audi’s seven-speed S tronic transmission adds to the driving thrill, promising seamless gear shifts and heightened performance on every journey.

More information will be available when the Audi S3 makes its official debut.

Honda CR-V FCEV Blends Hydrogen Power with Battery Technology

Honda enthusiasts have been granted a tantalising glimpse into the future with a short video teaser of the upcoming CR-V FCEV, scheduled for its debut in 2024. While still shrouded in camouflage, this hydrogen-powered rendition of the beloved SUV hints at enhanced functionality thanks to the integration of a battery pack.

Upon its anticipated arrival later this year, the Honda CR-V FCEV is poised to make history as North America’s first production vehicle to combine a battery pack with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. This innovative fusion equips the SUV with the flexibility to be charged akin to a conventional EV when access to a hydrogen pump is scarce.

This groundbreaking feature alleviates the CR-V FCEV’s dependence on the limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, while its bi-directional charging capability empowers owners to harness stored battery power for various electronic devices, as showcased with a coffee maker in the teaser video.

Although specifics such as battery capacity and hydrogen tank size remain undisclosed, driving range details are eagerly anticipated. Nonetheless, the new powertrain, developed in collaboration with General Motors, promises significant cost savings compared to the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, while boasting double the durability.

Visually, the fuel-cell EV flaunts a redesigned front end, characterised by a sleeker grille and enlarged bumper intakes, setting it apart from its gasoline-powered counterpart, the CR-V. Notable alterations include the addition of a charging port on the front fender and distinct clear taillight clusters.

Production of the Honda CR-V FCEV is slated to take place at the Marysville plant in Ohio, with distribution plans encompassing not only North America but also the Japanese market. As anticipation mounts, enthusiasts eagerly await further revelations about this pioneering SUV poised to redefine automotive innovation.