Great Wall Motor (GWM) unveiled its Tank 700 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid (PHEV) body-on-frame off-road SUV during the Guangzhou Auto Show, marking its entry into the luxury off-road segment. Priced at 700,000 yuan (approximately RM456k), the SUV is set for presale with only 70 units available in the initial batch, and deliveries are scheduled to commence in February of the following year.
Positioned as GWM’s response to the Mercedes G-Wagon, the Tank 700 Hi4-T exhibits a robust design with distinctive features differentiating it from its counterparts. Notable distinctions include a slightly wider wheelbase of 3000mm compared to the G-Wagon’s 2890mm. The SUV boasts a rugged appearance with large headlamps, broad wheel arches, a stylish front bumper, and a distinctive gap in the bonnet. The rear features a swing-out trunk door equipped with a spare wheel, a rear diffuser, and a roof spoiler. Riding on R22 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires measuring 275/50, the Tank 700 Hi4-T offers a unique and powerful aesthetic.
Under the hood, the Tank 700 Hi4-T is equipped with a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine generating 360hp and 500Nm of torque. An electric motor and a 9AT gearbox are integrated, resulting in a combined power output of 517hp and 750Nm of torque. This setup represents the introduction of the 3-litre V6-powered Hi4-T technology, making it the first SUV within the Tank brand to feature this innovative powertrain.
Tank, initially introduced in 2021 with the Tank 300 model, has become a standalone brand following its market success. The Tank 700 joins the lineup, which includes the Tank 300, Tank 400 Hi4-T, and Tank 500, showcasing GWM’s commitment to the luxury off-road vehicle segment.
Michelin Malaysia is expanding its local tyre portfolio by introducing premium bicycle tyres to the Malaysian market in collaboration with Cyclistic Malaysia, a prominent local distributor. This move aims to revolutionise the cycling experience for enthusiasts across the nation.
Michelin’s high-performance bicycle tyres are now available at seven Cyclistic stores and distributor locations across the Klang Valley. Starting from December 1, 2023, customers can explore and purchase Michelin’s range of bicycle tyres at Cyclistic’s main outlet.
The introduced range includes:
MICHELIN POWER CUP COMPETITION LINE: Designed for racing and training, these tyres draw inspiration from MotoGP technology, offering speed and efficiency. With MICHELIN Aramid Shield Technology, 3×120 TPI casing, and MICHELIN GUM-X compound, they are light, reliable, and ensure efficient handling and stability in wet and dry conditions.
MICHELIN WILD ENDURO FRONT RACING LINE: Developed to excel on all types of terrain, especially at the front, these tyres can also be fitted at the rear for increased grip. The combination of tread, Magi-X DH, and Down Hill Shield delivers maximum grip. The double-reinforced Down Hill Shield and anti-puncture reinforcement ensure excellent handling even at lower pressures.
MICHELIN WILD AM PERFORMANCE LINE: Fortified with “Bead To Bead Protection,” these tyres optimise puncture resistance. Precision-engineered tread increases grip, particularly on the front wheel. The robust “Trail Shield” casing with 4×60 TPI construction ensures long-lasting safety and performance.
The recommended retail pricing (RRP) for the Michelin bicycle tyres range starts from RM240 to RM315 for road bike tyres (Michelin Power Cup Competition Line) and RM105 to RM290 for the mountain bike tyre range (Michelin Wild Enduro Front Racing Line And Michelin Wild Am Performance Line). This expansion reflects Michelin’s commitment to enhancing the cycling experience in Malaysia with premium, performance-driven tyres.
Pro-Net, a subsidiary of Proton, has officially launched the smart #1 which comes in three different variants; the Pro, Premium and the top-of-the-line Brabus. Now, smart Malaysia has been teasing us with previews and test drives without revealing the price since July and finally, the wait ends.
The Pro variant is priced at RM189,000, the Premium at RM219,000 and the Brabus at RM249,000! Well, it is at the price range that we anticipated it to be due to how interactive and powerful this car is. Not to mention the safety features that come with it.
The Pro variant, with a smaller 49kWh LFP battery, provides a WLTP-rated range of 315km on a single charge. In contrast, the Premium variant is equipped with a larger 66kWh battery, offering a WLTP-rated range of 440km. Both variants utilize the same 268hp, 343Nm electric motor, taking 6.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h, and are configured with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup.
Inside, the Pro variant exhibits a few feature reductions, such as leatherette seats and the absence of ventilated seats for the front occupants. Moreover, the 10-inch head-up display is replaced by a more basic 5-speaker audio system instead of the 13-speaker Beats Audio System.
The third variant, the Brabus variant, offers all the features present in the other variants and an additional option which is the ability to switch from RWD to all-wheel-drive (AWD). This variant prioritises high performance, boasting a rapid 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds. It features a Dual-motor All-Wheel-Drive powertrain with 422hp and 543Nm of torque, providing excellent handling and traction, and a practical WLTP range of 400km.
The Pro variant serves as the entry-level option, while both Pro and Premium variants offer almost identical ADAS features, including:
The key difference is that the Pro variant comes with Automatic High Beam, while the Premium variant offers a higher-end Adaptive High Beam, Full Autonomous Parking (FAP), Parking Emergency Brake (PEB), and Autonomous Parking Assist.
It features a total of 10 colour combinations, including Future Green, Quantum Blue, Digital White, Cyber Silver, Lumen Yellow, Laser Red, Atom Grey – Matte (Atom Roof), Atom Grey – Matte (Red Roof), Cyber Silver (Red Roof), and Meta Black (Red Roof). Additionally, there are three variant-specific interior styles: the ‘After Dark’ trim for smart #1 Pro, the two-tone white and black ‘Dark Matter’ trim for smart #1 Premium, and the exclusive ‘BRABUS’ interior for the smart #1 BRABUS. Owners can choose the exclusive colour Atom Grey – Matte for an additional RM5,000.
The packages that are being offered are complimentary smartCharge Home charger worth RM3,200, complimentary V2L Adaptor worth RM800, free accessories package worth RM2,000, complimentary internet data of a total 60GB and comprehensive smartPlus assurance coverage.
In addition to that, it comes with an eight-year/150,000km high voltage component warranty, a four-year unlimited mileage warranty and 24/7 roadside service assistance.
SISMA Auto, a leading multi-brand premium automotive group, has unveiled its state-of-the-art flagship Volvo 3S centre in Sungai Besi, Malaysia. Known as Wisma SISMA Auto, this purpose-built facility spans four storeys, covering an impressive 55,000 square feet, and comes at a cost of RM30 million.
The Wisma SISMA Auto facility embodies the Volvo Retail Sustainable Experience, integrating a range of sustainable initiatives. These include rainwater harvesting, solar energy utilisation, an energy-efficient insulated shell facade design, energy-efficient lighting and ventilation, and a focus on maximising greenery on-site. Moreover, the facility incorporates Volvo’s latest sustainably sourced and produced furniture.
Hyundai Motor Company launches the “Go Far with Zero Worries” Ioniq 5 ASEAN Tour, covering an exceptional 2,751km route across Southeast Asia. The Flag Off Ceremony occurred at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) on November 20th and will conclude at Ho Chi Minh City’s Royal Palace in Vietnam on November 30th.
The convoy, consisting of three cars from HMGICS and two from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI), showcases the Ioniq 5’s reliability, eco-friendliness, and long-distance capabilities. The journey spans five different countries in Southeast Asia, commencing in the vibrant city of Singapore and weaving through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and concluding in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—an EV tour featuring the most visited countries in Southeast Asia.
Exciting news for Malaysian Tesla enthusiasts—the upgraded Tesla Model 3 “Highland” is en route to Malaysia, with an expected arrival at Port Klang this coming weekend. The vehicle carrier vessel, named “Procyon Leader,” departed from Shanghai’s Nangang Terminal on November 19, carrying 1,200 Model 3s, including the anticipated upgraded version.
This marks the official delivery of Tesla models by Tesla Malaysia since its debut in the country in July. The larger Tesla Model Y was available for booking in July, with deliveries scheduled for early 2024. Tesla Malaysia has shown flexibility by allowing customers to switch their orders without forfeiting the RM1,000 non-refundable booking fee.
