Following the recent unveiling of a 100kW DC fast charging station at the Proton Centre of Excellence along the Kesas highway, smart Malaysia is taking another stride forward in its mission to provide efficient charging solutions. The company has now introduced three additional high-powered DC fast charging stations at strategically selected smart dealerships across the nation.
smart Ipoh
The Central Powerhouses smart Glenmarie (EON Berhad) and smart Ipoh (GB Auto) have been equipped with 60kW DC charging stations, positioning them at the forefront of fast-charging technology in their respective regions. These central locations are poised to play a vital role in the growing electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.
Penang’s Power Epicenter For EV enthusiasts in Penang, smart Penang (Eleganz Lifestyle) boasts the highest-powered DC charger, setting a new benchmark for the island. With an impressive 120kW DC charging capacity, smart Penang is conveniently situated just 5 minutes away from Georgetown, ensuring easy access for those in need of a rapid recharge.
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially announced the launch of the fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson and a facelifted version of the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe in Malaysia. These highly-anticipated SUVs are set to make their public debut at the upcoming Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) 2023, scheduled for the 4th and 5th of November at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam.
The new Hyundai Tucson showcases a bold ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design that marks a significant departure from its predecessor. Notable features include concealed daytime running lights integrated into a Parametric Jewel grille, full-width taillights, angular wheel arches, and intricate, sculpted surfaces. The interior offers a modern, wrap-around design with a button-less center stack under an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and voice recognition.
Imported directly from South Korea as a completely built-up (CBU) model, the Tucson will be available in three variants, all of which are front-wheel drive. The 2.0 Lite variant is equipped with a Smartstream MPI engine producing 156PS and 192Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The other two variants, the 1.6T Plus and 1.6T Max, feature a turbocharged Smartstream 1.6 TGDi engine delivering 180PS and 265Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with push-button gear selection.
Regardless of the variant, the Tucson comes with seven airbags, including a front-thorax airbag, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. The range-topping 1.6T Max variant offers additional features like eight-way powered and heated/ventilated driver and front passenger seats, a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument panel, a power tailgate, auto wipers, wireless phone charging, and a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety systems, including Smart Cruise Control.
In response to the growing interest in environmentally sustainable vehicles in Malaysia, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the distributor of Audi in the country, is expanding its offerings for electric vehicles (EVs). The company is introducing retail specials and exclusive packages for the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 and e-tron GT, making it more accessible for Malaysians to own and experience the joy of driving an all-electric Audi vehicle.
The recently introduced “Go electric” campaign offers potential owners the opportunity to enjoy savings of up to RM93,000, in addition to the significant savings provided by government duty exemptions. The campaign aims to make Audi’s electric vehicles more attractive to environmentally conscious consumers in Malaysia.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the exclusive distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has introduced two new Ford models, one of which is the Special Edition Ford Everest WildTrak. This rugged SUV is designed for adventurous individuals seeking a capable 7-seater SUV with a balance of comfort and convenience.
The Special Edition Ford Everest WildTrak combines exceptional performance with comfort, advanced capabilities, and cutting-edge technologies in a rugged and fun-to-drive SUV. It features a new Luxe Yellow exterior color with Boulder Grey accents.
Under the hood, it is powered by a 2.0L Bi-Turbo engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD capabilities. It offers six selectable drive modes for optimal performance on different surfaces, including Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. The vehicle also comes with advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), including fully automated parking assist, thanks to the short-throw e-Shifter and electric parking brake.
Inside, the cabin features black synthetic-leather seats with orange stitching and the ‘WildTrak’ logo on the front seats. The dashboard features ambient lighting to enhance the cabin’s atmosphere. The SUV is equipped with a bold grille with ‘WILDTRAK’ letters on the hood, adding to its rugged appearance.
The Special Edition Everest WildTrak is packed with a full suite of driver-assist technologies, including the fully automated Active Park Assist 2.0, which makes parking in tight spaces a breeze. The vehicle also offers a 12-inch multi-touch screen multi-function display and a 12.4-inch color information display on the cluster for connectivity and convenience. The raised roof rails and panoramic moonroof enhance cargo space and offer a view of the sky and scenery.
The Special Edition Everest WildTrak is priced from RM338,888 (on-the-road without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia, with variations for other regions. It is available in three exterior colours: Luxe Yellow, Meteor Grey, and Absolute Black.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SAC), the exclusive distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has introduced two new Ford models to the Malaysian market. One of these models is the top-tier Ranger Platinum, expanding the Ford Ranger lineup.
The New Ranger Platinum offers exceptional comfort and a host of premium features while maintaining the Ranger’s renowned capability and versatility. It is exclusively available in a double cab configuration and is powered by Ford’s 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine, producing 210PS and 500Nm of torque. This power is transmitted through the Ranger’s electronically controlled part-time four-wheel-drive system, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and an e-Shifter.
The exterior of the Ranger Platinum features unique enhancements, including a distinctive grille, 20-inch alloy wheels (a first for the Ranger), Platinum hood badging, Silk Chrome trims, Matrix LED headlamps (another first for the Ranger), a dampened tailgate, and Ford’s innovative Flexible Rack System (a first for the class), Swing-in-Place Roof Rails, and Power Roller Shutter. It is also available in the Equinox Bronze paint colour.
Inside, the Ranger Platinum boasts premium appointments, including quilted leather-accented seats, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment screen with the latest SYNC@4A, B&O speakers, ambient lighting, E-Shifter, Active Park Assist 2.0, heated and ventilated front seats, 10-way power adjustment with memory function for the driver (a first for the class), and more. The interior design draws inspiration from the Everest, featuring a closed shelf and upper glovebox.
The New Ranger Platinum is highly versatile, equipped with Ford’s Flexible Rack System and Swing-in-Place Roof Rails that can be adjusted to two different lengths. This allows owners to easily transport items of various sizes. The system is designed to be operated by one person and locks into five different positions along the length of the load box. Additionally, a pop-up crossbar increases the height of the loading platform to match the Swing-in-Place Roof Rails.
The Ranger Platinum’s price in Peninsular Malaysia starts at RM183,888 (on-the-road without insurance), with variations for other regions. It comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty or 160,000km, whichever comes first, and offers the option to extend coverage with a Premium Care extended warranty package (EWP). Extended Service Plan (ESP) packages tailored to specific customer needs are also available.
Customers who book the New Ranger Platinum during the launch event at Bamboo Hills in Kuala Lumpur from November 3-5, will receive a complimentary Xiaomi Phone Holder with an automatic open and close feature upon vehicle delivery. Additionally, they will receive a Ford Ranger Getaways Discount of RM1,000 via a promo code at the time of vehicle delivery.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke has refuted recent reports claiming that drivers could face jail time for excessively dark window tints. He clarified that the penalty for violating window tint regulations is limited to a fine ranging from RM100 to RM250, with no cases taken to court.
According to The Star, Loke emphasised that the current regulations mandate fines only, and the imposed amount is not substantial. Offenders receive a notice to appear at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office. If the tint doesn’t comply with regulations, they are requested to remove it. Loke made these statements during his speech in Parliament regarding the Budget 2024 policy stage debates.
The current window tint regulations require a visible light transmittance of at least 70% for the front windscreen and a minimum of 50% for the front side windows. Rear side windows and the rear windscreen may allow for 0% visible light transmittance.
