Home - Piston.my

Piston.my

Latest News

Chery Launches The Fengyun A8 Plug-in Hybrid – 355hp, 1400km Range

Chery has officially launched its Fengyun A8 plug-in hybrid sedan in China. Priced between 119,900 to 149,900 yuan (approximately RM78k to RM97k), the Fengyun A8 is part of Chery’s new energy vehicle series. Positioned as a compact sedan, it offers consumers four model options.

Key features of the Chery Fengyun A8 include a large trapezoidal grille connected to the headlights in the front and an upturned tail design above the trunk at the rear that has a resemblance to the Audi A8. The interior boasts a 12.3-inch instrument panel, a 12.3-inch central control screen, and a four-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. The cockpit is powered by Chery’s Lion 5.0 operating system, with high-end models equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.

Powering the Chery Fengyun A8 is Chery’s Kunpeng Super Performance Electric Hybrid C-DM system, comprising a fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI hybrid engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The total power output is 355hp and 530Nm of torque, with an acceleration time from 0 to 100km/h in 7 seconds.

The car’s 18.3 kWh lithium battery pack provides a pure electric cruising range of 127km (CLTC) and a total range of over 1,400km (WLTC). The fast-charging capability allows the battery to be fully charged from 30% to 80% in 19 minutes, while slow charging takes at least three hours.

The lineup comes standard with navigation, OTA updates, Bluetooth, remote control through the app, and karaoke functions. Both CarPlay and HiCar are supported. The advanced driving assistance system, available only in high-end models, includes features such as front and rear collision warning, automatic emergency braking, full-speed range adaptive cruise control, and lane merge assist.

Perodua Bezza Breakdown: Owner Still Awaits Written Confirmation for Resolution

Nagakanni Subramaniam, the owner of a Perodua Bezza car that broke down less than eight hours after purchase, expressed dissatisfaction, stating that she had not received any written confirmation from Perodua regarding the resolution. While acknowledging Perodua’s media statement claiming to offer a courtesy car and suggesting repurchasing her vehicle, Nagakanni emphasised the absence of a written guarantee detailing the terms of repurchase, buyback period, loan payment, and related information.

In her Facebook post, Nagakanni clarified the situation, highlighting the malfunction of the car’s engine due to foreign substances, such as sugar. She emphasised the need for a concrete solution and written confirmation rather than media statements aimed at calming the situation without resolving the problem.

Perodua Sales Chief Operating Officer J.H. Rozman Jaafar had earlier stated that the company conducted a comprehensive investigation and had been in constant communication with Nagakanni since October. Perodua claimed to have taken several actions to address the issue, including offering a courtesy car and proposing to buy back her car. Nagakanni’s car had reportedly malfunctioned almost eight hours after purchase.

The case underscores the importance of clear communication and written assurances in resolving customer issues, especially in situations involving vehicle malfunctions shortly after purchase.

Woman Fills Thai-Registered Car with Subsidised Fuel in Rawang

A video showing a woman filling her Thai-registered car with subsidised fuel at a petrol station in Rawang, Selangor, has ignited frustration among netizens. The video not only highlighted the audacious act but also raised eyebrows as a petrol station employee was seen assisting in the process.

In the footage, a man stood in front of the woman, holding the fuel nozzle, while another person, seemingly a station worker, pressed on the car’s boot—a common practice to facilitate the fuelling process. Netizens expressed their anger not only towards the woman’s actions but also questioned why the station employee allowed the use of subsidised fuel for a foreign-registered vehicle.

The video owner, expressing disbelief, remarked on the audacity of stealing subsidised fuel meant for Malaysian citizens and questioned the station employees for assisting in the act.

(more…)

BYD’s ‘Vehicle To Load Function’ Powers A Dialysis Machine

Amidst power outages caused by storms and flash flooding on 25th December 2023 in Australia, an electric vehicle (EV) owner on the Gold Coast utilised her car’s emergency power system to run her 11-year-old son’s life-saving dialysis machine.

Kristy Holmes, a resident of the Gold Coast, utilised her BYD electric car, equipped with a “vehicle to load” system, allowing the EV to function as an emergency power source for various devices.

The unexpected blackout prompted Holmes to initially assist her neighbours by connecting their refrigerators to her EV. However, as the power outage persisted, she realised that her BYD Atto 3, purchased in February, could potentially power her 11-year-old son Levi’s life-saving dialysis machine. Taking a decisive step, Holmes successfully ran the dialysis machine off the car’s power, ensuring that Levi, who is on the verge of joining a transplant list, received critical treatment despite the adverse weather conditions.

(more…)

Perodua Addresses Malfunction Issue in Bezza

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has responded to concerns regarding a malfunction in a Perodua Bezza car, which reportedly occurred within eight hours of purchase by a clerk. Perodua’s Sales Chief Operating Officer, J.H. Rozman Jaafar, assured that the company conducted a comprehensive investigation into the matter, prioritising customer satisfaction.

Rozman stated that Perodua has maintained constant communication with the customer since October of the previous year. The company has taken several measures to address the issue, including offering a courtesy car and proposing to buy back the malfunctioning vehicle. The clerk, Nagakanni Subramaniam, had expressed frustration over continuing monthly loan payments despite her car being stranded at a service centre.

Perodua is actively working on a thorough investigation of the reported malfunction and has assured the public that details will be shared in due course. Rozman refuted allegations that no action had been taken, emphasising the company’s commitment to resolving the matter. Perodua apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked customers for their understanding during this process.

What was the issue? Here’s a recap:

October 17, 2023: A Troubling Start

The journey began on October 17, 2023, when the owner purchased a Bezza 1.3 X from Harapan Terang Motor Sales Center Sdn Bhd Segamat. Just eight hours later, at 7:40 p.m., the car refused to start, leading to the vehicle being towed to the Perodua Segamat Service Center.

October 18, 2023: Diagnosis and Hope for a Quick Solution

The mechanic at the service centre delivered the disappointing news—the engine was damaged. Hope for a prompt resolution emerged when the owner requested a replacement. However, the joy was short-lived.

November 9, 2023: A Baffling Turn of Events

Mr. Sufian, a Customer Sales Executive from Perodua HQ, presented an unexpected twist to the situation. Claiming that a foreign object, potentially sugar, had damaged the engine, he pointed to a two-week to one-month wait for a decision from Perodua HQ.

The owner’s denial of any tampering or presence of foreign objects raises questions about the veracity of the investigation and calls for a more transparent and accountable process.

November 15, 2023: Loan Limbo

Mr. Sufian urged the owner to apply for a new loan for a replacement car. However, the owner, still repaying the existing loan, understandably sought resolution before undertaking a new financial commitment.

December 4, 2023: Stalled Progress

Efforts to move forward faced a setback when the salesperson requested documents for a new loan, met with rejection from the owner who emphasised the outstanding first loan.

December 8, 2023: Elusive Approval

Customer Service conveyed that the final proposal lacked approval, citing ongoing internal investigations by Perodua. The absence of a definitive response in black and white left the owner in a state of limbo.

January 2, 2024: The Lingering Silence

As the calendar turned to 2024, the owner’s plea for resolution echoed in silence. With more than two months passed, the lack of a formal response from Perodua raises concerns about customer service and the timely resolution of legitimate grievances.

January 3, 2024: Perodua issues a statement.

BMW iX2 Teased on BMW Malaysia Website, Hinting at Imminent Arrival

BMW enthusiasts in Malaysia may have reason to be excited as the BMW iX2 hints at its potential arrival on our shores. A cursory glance at BMW Malaysia’s website reveals a mysterious blacked-out silhouette, teasing the imminent introduction of this electric coupe. Unveiled globally in October 2023, the iX2 promises to be a sleek and powerful addition to BMW’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup.

While no booking or registration links are available yet, clicking on the enigmatic silhouette leads to a brief overview of the iX2. Among the key details shared is its impressive electric range, potentially reaching up to 449 km on a single charge.

The gradual expansion of BMW’s EV offerings in Malaysia reflects the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance vehicles in the market. The iX2, with its enticing features, is likely to find a receptive audience among Malaysian car enthusiasts.

The iX2 is essentially a coupe version of the iX1, boasting a more aggressive styling approach and a distinctive sloping roof. Its taillight design, though divisive, showcases BMW’s commitment to exploring new aesthetic directions.

Under the hood, the iX2 xDrive30 is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, delivering 313hp and 494Nm of torque. With a single-speed transmission, the iX2 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a swift 5.6 seconds, showcasing the electric powertrain’s prowess. The 64.7-kWh battery provides a noteworthy WLTP range of 449km, positioning the iX2 as a formidable contender in the EV market.

The performance figures and range of the iX2 underscore BMW’s commitment to delivering an electric driving experience that combines power, efficiency, and range—an essential trio for widespread EV adoption.

Charging capabilities further enhance the appeal of the iX2, with options for 11kW AC charging or an upgrade to a 22 kW system. The latter allows for faster charging, exemplifying BMW’s dedication to providing convenient and efficient charging solutions.

Inside the iX2, familiarity reigns as it shares its interior design with the iX1. The twin floating screens and a spacious center console with a vertical wireless phone charger create a modern and user-friendly cockpit. The incorporation of BMW Operating System 9 and specially designed seats optimized for long-distance comfort elevate the driving experience.

The consistency in design and features across BMW’s EV lineup ensures a seamless transition for drivers embracing electric mobility, fostering brand loyalty and confidence in the evolving technology.

As BMW’s EV family in Malaysia potentially welcomes the iX2, the automotive landscape is poised for a dynamic shift towards sustainable and cutting-edge transportation. The iX2, with its blend of style, performance, and advanced technology, symbolises the next chapter in BMW’s electric journey and sets the stage for an electrifying future on Malaysian roads.