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Honda Jazz ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition

When the Honda Fit – the name for the Jazz in Japan – was launched in 2001, it arrived at a time when consumer tastes were changing. Traditional sedans were no longer appealing and motorists in Japan wanted compact and eco-friendly cars. The Fit proved to be just the sort of car they preferred and not surprisingly, the model outsold the Corolla which had been the bestselling car in Japan year after year since it was launched in 1966. It even became ‘Japan Car of the Year’ for 2001, strong validation of the product concept being right for the times.

The Fit was also right for other markets where small was increasingly preferred as urban conditions became more and more congested. Honda exported the car to many countries, including the big US market. In Malaysia, where it was introduced as the Jazz, its entry was modest as it was an imported CBU model but it still attracted interest due to its practical and innovative features.

Eventually, Honda Malaysia began assembling the model as strong demand was evident, and it has remained a popular hatchback in the local line-up. The current generation in the Malaysian market is the third generation which was launched in 2017. From the line-up of four variants, Honda Malaysia has chosen the Jazz 1.5V for the ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition that will be given away at the end of this month.

Specially for frontliners
In the past year, the heroes in the fight against COVID-19 have been the frontliners, especially those in the healthcare areas. As a way of saying ‘Thank You‘ to these Malaysians for their dedication to protect us and save lives, the Jazz ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition is reserved for a winner from this group that includes those in the Health, Defence, Public Service and Education sectors. They are invited to submit entries and select the ‘FRONTLINERS’ category to identify themselves when filling out their details.

Like the other six Special Edition models, this exclusive Jazz comes in a dual-tone finish with a white body and black roof. At the front, the black grille has a red highlight line running across it and there are also similar red lines on each door mirror. At the rear end too, a red highlight has been added below the bumper. The alloy wheels, finished in black, also have the red highlights.

The Jazz has a spacious platform which provides a roomy interior. Exclusive features within are the ‘1 Million Dreams’ wording embossed on the half-leather front seats, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel has red stitching and a centre mark to indicate to the driver where the front wheels are pointed (which may not always be where the nose is pointed!).

Innovative ULTRA Seats
Right from the start, the Jazz has had ULTRA Seats in the rear and the concept for these seats came about after the leader of the development team and his members spent long hours observing how people use their cars, especially when out shopping. And by simply making it possible to fold the rear seats upwards against the backrests, a taller space was created which would be useful when carrying tall items like plants.

At the same time, the seating layout was also made more versatile with additional variations, including one that allowed stretching out to relax. The interior designers also thoughtfully added grocery hooks to the underside of the ULTRA Seats.

Premium features
With the Jazz 1.5V variant, there are a number of premium features such as paddle shifters, touch controls for the air-conditioning system, engine pushstart button and keyless entry, and cruise control.

The occupants are well protected not just by the tough G-CON structure but also airbags on the front and sides. Active safety systems such as ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, Brake Assist and Hillstart Assist are provided to ensure that the driver can avoid accidents or maintain control in slippery conditions.

The engine is the familiar SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder unit which produces 120 ps/145 Nm, output that will enable spirited performance as the Jazz has a kerb weight of 1,099 kgs. The Jazz was the first Honda model to introduce the CVT in the Malaysian market and this transmission type remains in use as it promotes fuel efficiency.

While you can’t buy the Jazz Special Edition, there are three variants of the model that you can choose from, with prices starting from RM72,511 (excluding insurance). A MUGEN package is also available, along with optional packages to enhance functionality or looks.

Additional giveaways
Additionally, as part of the ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign, there is the Shopee Coins Giveaway for those who participate in any of the ‘1 Million Dreams’ activities on honda.com.my or at an authorised Honda dealer! Up to 1,000,000 Shopee Coins are being given out to 150 weekly winners.

The lucky winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled to be held by the end of this month.

Visit any authorised Honda dealership nationwide to participate. Locations of dealerships can be found at www.honda.com.my.

The Jazz, also known as the Fit in Japan, was marketed in its home market with the theme of ‘Small is the New Big’, and appealed to a new generation of consumers. It was Japan Car of the Year for 2001 and its successor again won the title in 2007. It appeared in Malaysia in April 2003 as a CBU model imported from Thailand.

*ULTRA Seat concept in the Jazz was one of the clever ideas it had which created more room for carrying tall items like plants.*

The Jazz grew in popularity after the second generation was launched in 2008, offering the nippiness of the hatchback and versatility for many usage requirements. In 2012, local assembly of the Jazz Hybrid (shown above) began at Honda Malaysia’s plant in Melaka and it was the first hybrid model ever assembled in the country. The sporty side of the Jazz was also demonstrated when it was used by the Honda Malaysia team in local races.

*The current Jazz, when launched in 2017, came with Honda’s new advanced Sport Hybrid i-DCD system and Malaysia was the only country outside Japan to introduce this powertrain.*

Summary of New Vehicle Sales & Production – February 2021

After a slow start to the new year, new vehicle sales jumped 30% in February as the buying mood returned, pushing the Total Industry Volume (TIV) to 42,784 units. Of this number, 4,861 units were commercial vehicles )including pick-up trucks). The segment volume was 30% higher than last year, possibly because a year ago, concerns about the pandemic were growing and businesses would have suspended purchases as a precaution.

The higher TIV was also attributed to the easing of the Movement Control Order in some states, making it possible for customers to go to showrooms if they wished. However, many companies have made a big push towards online marketing and have many processes which replace traditional practices where the customers had to personally come to the showroom.

2021 Proton Iriz R3 Limited Edition — *Launch of the Iriz R3 Limited Edition (pictured) and Saga R3 Limited Edition, as well as Special Editions of the Persona and Exora generated excitement in the market in February.*

The backlog of orders for some models also contributed to the increase in new vehicles registered in February. Late last year, sales were brisk and popular models were in short supply and just as when there was the GST-free period some years back, the plants could not ramp up production quickly to meet the sudden rise in demand.

The response from the production side seems to have gained momentum as February output of 45,199 vehicles was a 14% increase compared to January output. And compared to the same month in 2020, the output this year was 12% higher, with commercial vehicles registering a jump of 57%.

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

For the month of March, it is likely that the TIV will still be climbing, especially if the pandemic situation keeps diminishing in severity and public confidence becomes stronger. March is also the final month for some companies to make the final push to get the best business results for their financial year which ends on March 31.

The appeal of new models being launched will also bring more sales to companies like Perodua which began deliveries of its new Ativa SUV in early March. At the time of writing, we are aware of a couple of other models that will be launched this month too so there should be higher consumer interest which will continue up to the Hari Raya festive period.

Munich Precision Sdn Bhd opens for business, with focus on Continental brands

While owners of new vehicles which are under warranty should (in fact, they are required to) visit authorised service centres of the brand of their vehicle while it is under warranty, there are those who may prefer to have independent workshops look after their vehicle in later years. They may feel that some of these workshops have more personalised services and may also have the perception that the charges are different.

In the old days, before the increased presence of electronic systems in cars, most workshops could service almost any car. The mechanical operation was essentially the same and what counted more was experience than the hardware used. Often, the older the mechanic, the better he seemed to be, probably because he had come across thousands of different problems and found solutions to them in his own way!

Today, however, cars are more complex with computerised systems and advanced engine technology. Diagnostic equipment is needed to properly service the car and a higher level of skill is needed. The days of the young apprentice ‘learning on the job’ and then going on to start his own workshop are gone because of the need for greater technical proficiency and investments in equipment too.

New generation of service centres
This has led to a new generation of service centres which have high level of competence and one of the new ones is Munich Precision Sdn. Bhd. which is located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. As the name suggests, the company’s focus is on Germany brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with ability and equipment to support Porsche, Audi and other continental cars.

Claiming to be ‘uniquely positioned as Malaysia’s most qualified independent operation’, the background of the team members is from the premium automotive industry, with graduate level engineering competence. They offer well over 50 years of combined expertise and considerable practical experience.

Good value services
Munich Precision believes the automotive services industry must be professionally run to ensure the safety and reliability of vehicles, to provide a credible, trustworthy and good value service to customers. It aims to uphold this belief by how it operates and, at the same time, contribute positively and significantly to upgrading the reputation of the independent automotive service industry.

“We believe Malaysian premium car owners are looking for credible service centres where they rightly expect good advice, complete honesty, excellent work quality and competitive pricing,” said Owen Riley, MD of Munich Precision. “Both directors of Munich Precision are already well known in the premium automotive sector in Malaysia and our commitment to authentic customer relations is on record. Now, with Munich Precision we promise to work hard every day to support our customers to the fullest and win their trust.”

Differentiating factors
With an increasing number of electrified vehicles being sold, the time has come for service centres to also be suitable qualified to handle such vehicle. Munich Precision says it is ‘e-Drive Ready’ and is ‘Malaysia’s first true competence centre’ for premium hybrid and electric drive vehicles.

For the convenience of busy customers, the company has a Mobility Service where two of its own cars are available for customers to use in the event their vehicle has to be in the workshop for a while. There are also extended hours up to 8 pm on weekdays for collecting vehicles.

Munich Precision will use genuine parts or OEM parts and provide a warranty after installation – 18 months for genuine parts, 12 months for OEM parts. “We can offer cost options for customers with Original, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or sometimes even carefully selected refurbished parts. We can do diagnosis, recoding and other advanced work,” said Operations Director, Weng Ho.

Don’t overlook brake fluid when servicing your vehicle!

3rd Generation Peugeot 308 makes global debut

As mentioned earlier, the new badge for the Peugeot brand will make its first appearance on the new Peugeot 308, which now enters its third generation. Revealed today, the new hatchback continues to share its appearance with other recent models but has significant change under the skin.

It is a larger car than before, with a wheelbase that is 55 mm longer and the body over it extended a further 110 mm. The beneficiaries are the occupants, especially those in the rear, who have more space. The overall height has also been lowered by up to 20 mm in the interests of aerodynamic efficiency so from being rather bulbous before, it has a sleeker profile.

*The second generation of the 308 which was launched in Malaysia in 2015.*

Further evolution of i-Cockpit
In terms of technology, the new 308 has the latest-generation driving aids and a further evolution of the i-Cockpit with 3D technology. It also comes with i-Connect Advanced, an infotainment system that is said to be intuitive to use and always connected.

Depending on the market, there will be combustion engines – petrol as well as diesel – and also plug-in hybrid powertrains. This is another step towards Peugeot’s aim of offering an electrified variant across its entire model line-up by 2025. It will be interesting to see if we get the hybrid powertrain as a way for Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB), the new distributor, to discard the legacy of the previous engine. The combustion engines will be a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol unit (108 bhp or 128 bhp), and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder diesel with 128 bhp.

Hot hatch variant with 300 bhp and AWD
Like many new models from the French Group, the new 308 sits on the EMP2 platform – shared with the Citroen C5 Aircross, Vauxhall Grandland and DS 7 Crossback. The hybrid variants are front-wheel drive but there will also be a PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) 4-wheel-drive hot hybrid hatch with around 300 bhp.

A late-life update for the outgoing 308 introduced elements of Peugeot’s current i-Cockpit interior layout but the latest generation gains an updated set-up that mirrors the predominantly digital and angular design of other Peugeot interiors.

A key development is the small steering wheel, which features sensors to detect the driver’s grip levels when using driving aids. This downsized, performance-inspired steering wheel houses certain controls for the infotainment system and driver aids. However, the centrally mounted 10-inch touchscreen – angled slightly towards the driver – replaces the majority of physical buttons and switches. A row of so-called ‘i-toggle’ switches below this screen can be individually configured to control separate functions, according to the driver’s preference.

Innovative ‘high-vent’ architecture places the air vents in the optimum position for efficiency and comfort. This layout also ensures that the standard 10-inch central touchscreen, located slightly lower than the digital cluster, is closer to the driver’s hand and eye line for easier and safer operation.

The air conditioning system also benefits from the addition of the AQS (Air Quality System) which constantly monitors the quality of the air entering the vehicle and is capable of activating air recycling on its own. Some variants of the new 308 feature Clean Cabin technology, an air treatment system that automatically filters out polluting gases and particles. The prevailing outside air quality is displayed on the central touchscreen.

The driver gets a new compact control for impulse selection of the modes (Reverse, Neutral, Drive) and two buttons (Parking and Manual) of the 8-speed automatic gearbox. There’s also a Driving Style Selector to choose different driving modes (Electric, Hybrid, Eco, Normal and Sport), depending on the powertrain and driver’s preference.

First model for BAASB?
It’s likely that BAASB will be starting off with this new model, given that it is the first with the new brand identity. Whether it will be assembled locally is the question; Peugeot already has an assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah, and the 308, being a high-volume model, would certainly be a good candidate for adding to the line. That would help to moderate the price and stay competitive.

Peugeot owners in Malaysia asked to update information with new company handling the brand

Honda City ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition

The Honda City has been Honda Malaysia’s bestselling model for many years and certainly deserves to be one of the very exclusive ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition models. Originally conceived as Honda’s ‘Asian Car’ to provide a new entry-level model when the Civic had risen aware from that position, the City had the right formula in both price and design to win more and more customers.

It was assembled in Malaysia right from the first generation in the closing years of the 1990s. The early generation was assembled in Johor at the Oriental Assemblers factory and then assembly was transferred to Melaka when the Honda Malaysia plant began operations in 2003.

Commenting on the success of the model, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The City has proven to be an important model for Honda Malaysia, a favourite among many Malaysians for its spaciousness, practicality and safety features.”

Although the City was already being sold before 2001, Honda Malaysia records sales of the City from that year and according to the company’s data, cumulative sales have been 351,000 units. Of that number, the 4th Generation City launched in 2014 accounted for more than 205,000 units and kept the model in a leadership position in its segment.

The fifth generation was launched last October and as with previous generations, there was a long list of people waiting for it. Some 5,000 people put their money down to book a unit; although they knew what it looked like, they did not have a chance to try it first. But as with other Honda models, the brand has become so trusted that it was not a matter of waiting to hear if there were any negative experiences by new owners, as can be the case with some brands. Those who liked what they saw and read about were confident enough to pay the deposit to be among the first to own one.

For the ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition, one unit of the latest City 1.5V variant has been given additional features. The features are identical for all the Special Edition models: on the exterior are a Dual-Tone finish (white bodywork with black roof), red highlight line running across the black grille, red highlight line on each door mirror, red highlights on wheels with a black finish and of course, ‘1 Million Dreams’ emblems on either side of the bodywork.

Exclusive interior fittings
Inside the cabin which has been noted for its spaciousness, the leather upholstered front seats have an embossed ‘1 Million Dreams’ signature as well as a plaque on the dashboard. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped and has sporty red stitching as well as a red mark at the 12 o’clock position. This little detail is usually found on sportscars or drivers put it so that there is a visual indicator to where the front wheels are pointing. Every owner of a Special Edition model will also receive an exclusive Honda Leather Pouch.

The City 1.5V uses a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with a DOHC and 16-valve cylinder head and a PGM-FI fuel delivery system. Output from this proven engine, the most powerful in its class, is 121 ps/145 Nm which goes through a CVT to the front wheels. While offering zippy performance, the engine also runs economically, with factory tests indicating that it will go almost 19 kms a litre. Drivers can stretch the litre further by using the ECON mode which prioritises fuel-saving.

Features from more expensive models

Though it is priced from RM86,561.45 (without insurance), the City has many features that are usually enjoyed by those who buy more expensive cars. For instance, the engine and air-conditioner can be started remotely and unlocking the doors is keyless along with starting/stopping the engine. The 1.5V variant also comes with cruise control and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

With its strong G-FORCE CONTROL (G-CON) body structure, the latest City has been awarded the maximum of 5 stars from ASEAN NCAP. It comes with a comprehensive range of active and passive safety systems and features that will help the driver to avoid an accident and reduce injuries if the accident does occur. ISOFIX points are provided at the rear seat so owners can install compatible childseats which are now required by law.

Being aware of the surroundings is important for safe driving and besides a Multi-Angle Reverse Cameras, the new City 1.5V has Honda LaneWatch. This is an innovative camera-based system which provides the driver with a real-time view of the blind spot along the left side of the car. The advantage of this system is that the driver does not need to turn the head so much to see the traffic situation (unlike having to turn a lot to see the door mirror). The LaneWatch display automatically comes on whenever the signal indicator is activated.

Being feature-packed, Honda Malaysia believes the new City is a game-changer in its class. While you cannot buy the ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition which will be given free to one lucky Malaysian, you can choose from 4 variants to purchase, including the recently-launched City RS with the e:HEV hybrid powertrain. Prices start from RM74,191 and go up to RM105,950 (without insurance). There are also Modulo accessories available which are specially designed for the new City.

How to own this exclusive car
To own the City ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition, you need to submit as many entries as possible. The entries can be obtained by participating in various activities during the campaign period which ends on March 24, 2021. If you have the Honda Touch app, you can get 5x entries.

*Each owner of a Special Edition model will also receive this exclusive Honda Leather Pouch.*

Additional giveaways
Additionally, as part of the ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign, there is the Shopee Coins Giveaway for those who participate in any of the ‘1 Million Dreams’ activities on honda.com.my or at an authorised Honda dealer! Up to 1,000,000 Shopee Coins are being given out to 150 weekly winners.

The lucky winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled to be held by the end of this month.

Visit any authorised Honda dealership nationwide to participate. Locations of dealerships can be found at www.honda.com.my.

The City was originally a compact hatchback Honda model in the 1980s which was only produced between 1981 and 1994 in two generations. The City which people know today was a new sedan launched in 1996. It was Honda’s ‘Asian Car’, developed to offer a more affordable Honda model to developing markets where the Civic’s price had moved it beyond being an ‘entry-level’ model. The hub for City production has been Thailand, although it is also assembled in some other countries like Malaysia where a high level of localization helps to make the price more attractive.

With each generation, the City has gained more and more features and more advanced technologies, including hybrid technologies. The latest City RS e:HEV sold in Malaysia (below) now has Honda SENSING and a new advanced 2-motor hybrid system using an intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD). This is the first time in the Asia & Oceania region that Honda is introducing its e:HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

MILDEF International Technologies 4×4 High Mobility Armoured Vehicle

It’s not often that we get to know about military vehicles for obvious reasons. They are used by security forces who prefer their equipment and methods of operating to not be known to the public. However, occasionally, a manufacturer may publicise its vehicles which are available for military use but not necessarily in use by the armed forces. MILDEF International Technologies Sdn Bhd (MILDEF), originally known as Kembara Suci Sdn. Bhd. when it was founded in 2005, is one such company which is looking to supply the Malaysian armed forces with an armoured vehicle known as the 4×4 High Mobility Armoured Vehicle (HMAV).

After its public unveiling in February, the MILDEF has been undergoing evaluation at various training grounds throughout Malaysia. The exercise lasted 9 days, during which time the MILDEF HMAV 4×4 was subjected to 700 km of road testing and 300 kms off-road, as well as being put through the paces on a tough obstacle course. The HMAV was also subjected to tests such as highway endurance, fuel efficiency, loading, winching, slope-climbing, mounting and dismounting, climbing and braking, and of course crossing water that was 1 metre deep.

The evaluation was conducted by teams from the Malaysian Army and Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (STRIDE) with personnel from MILDEF present. According to Datuk Sri Mohd Nizam bin Kasa, Chief Executive Officer of MILDEF. the performance of the HMAV during this very important first round of testing was satisfactory. “We are now planning to conduct testing at several other locations,” he said.

Designed to withstand being hit by armour-piercing rounds and mines, the HMAV is built to STANAG 4569 Level 2 military standard established by NATO (the alliance of military organisations of European and North American countries). It weighs 13.2 tonnes and is powered by a 7200 cc Caterpillar Diesel engine which produces 330 bhp. This gives the HMAV a power to weight ratio of 24 bhp per tonne and it has been able to get up to a test speed of 110 km/h. Of course, military vehicles are not required to be super-fast (unless they are jet fighters) and other capabilities are more important.

MILDEF specialises in providing automotive services for the defence industry in Malaysia and has a proven track record in all aspects of the heavy equipment maintenance, repair and overhaul. In the company’s next phase of development, it has ventured into developing combat vehicle that is able to perform in both man-made and natural terrain. Besides being a pioneer in research and development of armoured vehicles in the country to support a sustainable defence automotive industry for Malaysia, MILDEF is also looking at having a presence in the regional market.

Kia developing more advanced vehicles for military use

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