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Kia customises design of new Sportage SUV for European market

The Kia Sportage was one of the Korean carmaker’s early SUV models, developed using the platform from a Mazda van. It entered the market in 1993 and over almost 3 decades since then, it has evolved from a basic small SUV to a modern and larger crossover. For all the generations, Kia has had just one design for global markets but soon, there will be a model developed specifically for Europe.

The dedicated model reflects the importance of the European markets to Kia, where sales have been strong. While the latest global version has significantly increased in size, the European version also spiritually succeeds the fourth generation as the fifth generation of the brand’s most popular SUV.

New design language
These are the first official sketches released by Kia Europe show Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – influencing every aspect of its appearance and character. Its design builds on the theme ‘Bold for Nature’ and pays homage to nature’s perfection and simplicity whilst connecting with the brand’s new design direction.

The sketches suggest a sporty, assertive SUV with a daring and intricate front-end design. A closer look shows a detail-orientated black grille graphic spanning the width of the face. A fresh interpretation of Kia’s iconic floating signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille combines with distinctive boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lamps) and Matrix LED headlamps.

Kia Sportage Europe 2021 — *The European version of the new Sportage differs main at the rear where there is a different angle for the roof pillars compared to the global model (shown below).*

In profile, a muscular swooping fastback rear creates a strong and distinctive road presence. The interior design of the new Sportage is also said to push styling boundaries, setting the tone for the next-generation Sportage line-up.

New architecture
State-of-the-art connectivity tech, responsive and highly efficient advanced powertrains and the very latest passive, active and ADAS safety features can be expected. Developed on a new architecture, the Sportage has also been tuned to offer optimal drive and handling characteristics for European roads.

Representing another first for the Sportage range, the sketches show a black roof that helps to further accentuate the sporting profile of the all-new SUV, while also highlighting a dynamic C-pillar design treatment. A unique black bumper design is used at the rear end.

Fuel Price Updates For August 26 – September 1, 2021

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but can spread the coronavirus to others at home or in public. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Flux can offer you an additional income source if you have a car to loan

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world, affecting millions in various ways. With movement restrictions, even travelling around is limited. This has of course meant that the car you own is used much less than before. Sure, you are saving on fuel bills and toll charges as you drive much less but for many, there are still the monthly instalments to keep paying and periodic maintenance costs.

At some point, you may wonder if you need to own a car any longer, especially since there are e-hailing services that can provide safe and comfortable transport. Selling off the car may seem a good idea but with average used car values down, it may not be a practical move and might not resolve the loan issue without having to come out with some additional money to settle the balance owing.

Individual owners can now join
Flux, a car subscription platform which entered the market in 2018, has a proposition that may interest you. The company has so far been sourcing its inventory from automotive retailers but now it is offering the same business opportunity to individual car owners, allowing them to host and subscribe out their cars to over 4,000 Flux members.

The advantage of becoming a ‘Host’ with Flux is that you can then earn some money with your car which is hardly being used. This can help to offset the instalments and maintenance costs. There is also protection while the car is used by others as Flux provides insurance coverage and, with telematics, keeps an eye on the car’s usage as if it was their own asset.

Vellfire owner can get up to RM9,000
According to Flux, you can earn up to RM9,000 every month if you provide a Toyota Vellfire or up to RM2,100 if it is a Toyota Vios; a Honda CR-V could earn you up to RM3,050 a month. Almost any model is accepted but it will be inspected prior to Flux accepting it for listing. If the condition is good and the terms are agreeable, then the car will be listed on the platform, along with a picture. A Concierge will be assigned to coordinate the collection of the car.

Assuming your car is in constant demand, you should be able to get income every month from Flux. The money due to you will be paid into a bank account you designate, and the company guarantees prompt payment.

*Two of the many models available from Flux.*

“The past 18 months have been tough on everyone. That’s why we must all do our part to help our community. At Flux, we wanted to offer a way Malaysians can bolster their income without requiring much effort. Whilst other car-sharing services focus on short-term rentals which require you to manage each and every trip, Flux helps turn your car into a long-term money maker without costing you any time or effort.” said Aziz Ayman, Founder & CEO of Flux.

Perodua resumes sales operations, to reconsider target of 240,000 units for the year

As with other many other car companies, Perodua has also resumed operations of its sales, aftersales centres, and related facilities nationwide. The re-opening of Perodua’s sales and aftersales centres comes after the resumption of its manufacturing activities at its headquarters complex in Sungai Choh, Rawang, Selangor recently. In total, Perodua has 191 sales, 197 service and 69 Body & Paint centres nationwide.

“Deliveries have started in stages this week and we expect that we can see more Perodua vehicles produced and registered in the coming weeks,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

*Standard Operating Procedures will be strictly followed at all sales and aftersales centres for the protection of customers and employees.*.

Dato’ Zainal Abidin thanked Perodua customers for their patience, understanding and loyalty. We expect to be able to deliver nearly all existing orders within the year,” he said.

Impact of long closure
The effects of the shutdown of over 2 months ordered by the government under the Movement Control Order has had an impact on sales figures, as evident by the data compiled by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) up till the end of July.

“We are currently evaluating the impact of the lockdown that was introduced on June 1 2021 to our operations and we will announce our revised targets for the year soon,” Dato Zainal said. The Malaysian carmaker had set a target of 240,000 units for 2021 but after 7 months, its cumulative sales have reached only about 41% of that number.

Strict adherence to SOPs
While Perodua has met the required criteria for vaccinations of its employees – which determine the workforce capacity at the factory – the company has also established safety guidelines for its customers when visiting its sales and aftersales centres throughout the country. In accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures specified by the Health Ministry, these safety requirements include being fully vaccinated, wearing a facemask, making an appointment at the sales and/or service outlet before making a visit and to always observe physical distancing. All visitors must, of course, register on MySejahtera as well as have their temperatures checked.

To know more about Perodua models and the locations of showrooms and service centres, visit www.perodua.com.my.

The Ultimate Range Rover

Special Vehicle Operations, Land Rover’s unit with a specialist team of designers, engineers and technicians dedicated to amplifying the performance, luxury and capability attributes, has develop a special edition Range Rover Sport SVR which is described as the ‘ultimate Range Rover’. Orders are being accepted by Land Rover dealers worldwide from today.

Hand-finished exterior colours
There are 3 hand-finished exterior paint choices – Gloss Maya Blue and Gloss Marl Grey colours, both of which are exclusive to the Ultimate edition, and Satin Ligurian Black. Delicate and highly reflective fine white glass flake particles in the solid base coat give an intense star-like sparkle. Each colour features a Gloss Narvik Black contrast roof.

The SV Bespoke team’s attention to detail extends to Black knurled Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate, with exclusive contrasting Fuji White edging which is also used for side fender accents. A body-coloured carbonfibre vented bonnet, 22-inch 5 split-spoke forged alloy wheels and black brake calipers complement the SVR’s black roof, door mirror caps, front grilles and grille surrounds, front wing detail and tailgate finishers.

Fastest, most power Land Rover model
The Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest and most powerful Land Rover model ever produced for sale. Now in its second generation, the current model is powered by a 575 ps version of the 5-litre V8 supercharged engine, which produces 700 Nm of torque. That output gives the SUV as capability to go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 283 km/h.

“Range Rover Sport SVR redefined Land Rover high-performance capability when it was introduced in 2014. We’ve sold more than 20,000 examples to date and demand for the SVR’s characterful mix of power, luxury and thrilling dynamics continues to grow every year. The SV Bespoke personalisation features of this Ultimate edition elevate its appeal even further,” said Mark Turner, Commercial Director, Land Rover SV Bespoke.

Craftsmanship throughout vehicle
The craftsmanship of the SV Bespoke team is also evident inside. Specially commissioned chrome-finished SV Bespoke B-pillar badges, black anodised metal gearshift paddles and Ultimate edition illuminated treadplates enhance the recommended Ebony and Cirrus interior, which incorporates SVR-embossed lightweight Performance Seats in Windsor leather and contrasting Suedecloth.

“Our SV Bespoke design team is always pushing the boundaries to create stunning vehicle colours with enhanced individuality. This is the first SV Bespoke edition we’ve offered with beautifully textured and reflective glass flake paint finishes, which puts the Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate edition at the forefront of our innovative approach to personalisation,” explained Hannah Custance, Design Manager, SV Colour and Materials.

Visit www.landrover.com.my to know more about Range Rover models available in Malaysia.

Most Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia open for business again

In line with the National Recovery Plan and the latest list of permitted activities and businesses, most authorised Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia have resumed operations. However, those located in Melaka, Johor, Kedah, Pahang, and Kelantan are still awaiting approval to operate.

To ensure the health and safety of both visitors and employees, all the showrooms will adhere to strict Government guidelines and #SafeHands measures. These include MySejahtera registration and temperature scans, mandatory facemask usage, regular sanitisation of showrooms and display cars, and others specified in the Standard Operating Procedures.

*Whether visiting the showroom or service, all visitors must follow the Standard Operating procedures which now include the requirement for full vaccination.*

Must be fully vaccinated
Only fully vaccinated visitors are allowed, and they should have completed no less than 14 or 28 days (depending on the vaccine taken) after receiving their vaccination. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to their visits by contacting their preferred Volkswagen dealer whether to the showroom or service centre.

“The closure of showrooms in the past months affected our business performance, but we look forward to seeing the industry reopen and move forward, together with the support of our dealers,” said Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter, who welcomes the government’s decision to reopen sales and manufacturing operations.

*Use Volkswagen’s online channel to buy Volkswagen’s global bestseller in August and you can save extra money.*

Special offers for Merdeka month
In conjunction with the reopening of showrooms and the upcoming Merdeka holiday, authorised Volkswagen dealers will be hosting a virtual showroom event on their social media channels this August 27 – 31. As part of the celebration, Volkswagen is offering exclusive online savings of RM4,500 on the Tiguan Allspace Highline and RM7,500 on the Passat R-Line until August 31, 2021. Remember that there are additional savings as sales tax is exempted until the end of this year.

For information on the Volkswagen product range and locations of dealers in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.