The latest Mini John Cooper Works Countryman, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivers a blend of style, power, and a sense of adventure. Boasting increased size, the revamped model provides more space, comfort, and safety, all packaged in a minimalist and aerodynamic silhouette with a drag coefficient of 0.26.
Packing a punch with a robust 300hp engine, the JCW Countryman accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 5.4 seconds. The standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive system ensures precise power distribution, complemented by a high-performance braking system featuring Chilli Red-coloured callipers for robust deceleration.
The distinct exhaust flap system generates a signature sound, marking it as a high-performance model. Inside, the real-time engine sounds amplify the emotional driving experience, while an exclusive JCW sound extension adds racing-inspired tones.
Abdul Halim Keply, a passionate car enthusiast, has embarked on a compassionate initiative to aid Palestinians affected by the prolonged Israeli attacks. According to NST, offering his rare and limited edition Nissan Laurel C35, one of only four in the country, for sale at RM65,000, Halim intends to direct the entire proceeds to support Palestinians during this challenging time.
The Nissan Laurel, a front-engine, rear-drive sedan produced by Nissan from 1969 to 2002, has a rich history. Positioned above the Datsun Bluebird 510, the Laurel provided a luxurious alternative in a smaller size. The eighth and final generation, introduced in 1997, featured reduced model options with engines like the DOHC two-litre, 2.5L six, or a 2.8L diesel six, and production ceased in 2002.
Maserati introduces the MC20 Notte, a limited edition of its super sports car MC20, paying homage to the brand’s racing legacy. Limited to 50 units globally, the MC20 Notte Edition combines the luxury and sportiness of the MC20 with an exclusive design inspired by the mystical power of darkness.
Collaborating with Maserati reference driver and former GT1 world champion Andrea Bertolini, the Fuoriserie team developed the MC20 Notte bodywork. The exterior transitions from glossy black to a magnetic matte ‘nero essenza’ hue, with silver details like the Trident, side logos, and Maserati signature turning to matte white gold, reminiscent of the brand’s motorsport history.
The 20” matte black birdcage wheels with matte white golden accents, black brake calipers, and Alcantara black/grey sport seats with yellow stitching contribute to the Notte’s distinctive look. The interior features the Trident on the headrests, a sport steering wheel with carbon fiber inserts, and an exclusive metal plate celebrating the MC20 Notte Edition.
The new Maxus MIFA 9, which was presented by Weststar Maxus, is the first entirely electric MPV to be sold in Malaysia. The standard Luxury model and the top-spec Premium variation are the two fully imported (CBU) MIFA 9 variants that are available.
Standard features across both models include dual power-sliding doors, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and DRLs, LED rear fog lamps, LED taillights, heated side mirrors, front and rear-operated sunroofs, and a powered tailgate.
The MIFA 9 boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 1,840mm in height, 2,000mm in width, 5,270mm in length, and 3,200mm across the wheelbase. This sets it apart from competitors like the Toyota Vellfire and Alphard, which has a wheelbase of 3,000mm and measurements of 5,005mm in length, 1,850mm in width, and 1,950mm in height.
Inside, the MIFA 9 features a 2-2-3 seat configuration, with the second row comprising individual captain chairs with Ottoman functions, ventilation, heating, and massage. The front passenger and driver seats offer eight different adjustment options and lumbar support. The black-themed interior includes a microfiber/leather steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, a 64-color ambient lighting system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Both Luxury and Premium variants share the same electric powertrain, with the Luxury model having a slightly higher WLTP-rated range. The electric motor delivers 241hp and 350Nm, with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h. The 90 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery provides a WLTP range of 435km for the Luxury variant and 430 km for the Premium.
Safety features include a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, ESP, ABS, brake assist, front, side, and curtain airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, driver monitoring, speed assistance, auto high beam, rear collision warning, adaptive cruise control, integrated cruise assist, front and rear autonomous emergency braking, lane change assist, lane departure warning, and emergency lane keep assist.
As part of the launch campaign, the first 100 MIFA 9 buyers will receive a complimentary 22-kW AC home charger. The on-the-road price is RM269,888 for the Luxury and RM289,888 for the Premium, excluding insurance.
Every purchase comes with a five-year, 100,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 200,000km battery guarantee. The MIFA 9 is available in six exterior colours, Pearl Lustre White, Dynasty Red, Mica Blue, Concrete Grey, Snow Cyan, and Black.
The Rimac Nevera is undeniably an extraordinary engineering feat. It has previously outperformed a Red Bull F1 car and the equally insane McMurtry Spéirling in a drag race, achieving an impressive 1.74-second 0-100km/h sprint. Now, its list of achievements might include breaking the world record for the highest speed achieved in reverse.
Guinness has confirmed that the Croatian hypercar shattered the previous record, set at 164km/h by a Caterham 7 Fireblade in 2001, by reaching a staggering 275km/h while driving in reverse.
Although Rimac hasn’t disclosed whether the car was modified to harness all 1,888bhp from its four electric motors in reverse, the absence of gears means the car may perform just as aggressively in reverse. However, it’s doubtful that the production version will allow such a feat, likely incorporating an electrical limit to prevent reenactment.
Goran Drndak, the driver of the record-breaking car at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, stated, “On the run itself, it definitely took some getting used to. Your neck is being dragged forward in a manner similar to what happens when you apply severe brakes, as you stare straight backward and see the landscape speed by you.”
“You’re controlling the steering wheel very slowly, being cautious not to throw off the balance, and you’re also monitoring the speed and keeping an eye on the rearview mirror to determine your route and stopping position. Nevera broke yet another record even though the way the car was designed was nearly entirely out of the ordinary.”
There’s good news for those eagerly awaiting the opportunity to own a Nevera. Rimac offers a Time Attack Edition, featuring a distinctive green and carbon livery, available on 12 road-going models of the £1.7 million (approximately RM9.7 million) hypercar.
Stellantis, a large automaker with famous brands like Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Jeep, has shared its plans for bringing new electric cars to Southeast Asia. They want to lead the way in making cars that run on electricity in this region.
They have a new vehicle platform called STLA Medium, which can go a long way on a single charge, is super energy-efficient, and charges up quickly. Stellantis is investing a lot of money, around €400 million (RM2 billion), to bring this platform to Southeast Asia. This platform can be used to make different types of vehicles, like electric ones, regular ones, and hybrids. It’s a big deal for local suppliers and manufacturers, who could make about €990 million (RM5 billion) in the next four years.
