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JMC Vigus Pro 4×4 aiming for niche in pick-up truck market

It’s been a while since the pick-up truck segment saw a new competitor appearing. Although there have been some models from China and India purely for commercial use, there have been few targeted at the larger ‘lifestyle’ market that was born in the late 1990s when the regulations on ownership changed.

Now Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM) will challenge the status quo with its new Vigus Pro from Jiangling Motors Company Ltd (JMC). Unlike other pick-ups from China, the Vigus Pro is stylishly designed and equipped like a passenger car. It is a full-fledged truck with 4×4 and the load-carrying capabilities if needed.

Assembled locally
ATM is not testing the market and seems to have enough confidence to jump straight in with the new model by committing it to local assembly. As ATM is affiliated with the Tan Chong Group, it is only natural that the vehicles will be assembled at Tan Chong’s plant. In this case, it is the younger one in Serendah, just off the North-South Highway after Rawang, Selangor. This is also where most of the Nissan models are assembled.

For now, the Vigus Pro is available in just one variant which is priced from RM98,888 (without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia. It will be sold through a network of dealerships which presently number 13, with an equal number of aftersales outlets also established. A warranty of 3-years or 100,000-km (whichever comes first after registration) is provided.

Speaking at today’s launch, Tan Keng Meng, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd and Executive Director of ATM, said: “The JMC Vigus Pro is a stylish and versatile pick-up truck developed with premium engineering. Whether it’s for work or play, the Vigus Pro is ready to meet the demanding requirements of pick-up truck users in Malaysia after proving itself as the second best-selling pick-up truck in the Chinese market.”

Bold, distinctive looks
The styling of the Vigus Pro is certainly bold and distinctive, and it should stand out in a crowd of pick-ups. It has all the modern design elements like slim headlamps, LED daytime running lights and 3D taillamps. A sports bar in fitted behind the double cab and incorporates the third brake light.

Size-wise, it’s about the same as the Toyota Hilux, which has been the market leader for years. It has a bit more width, which could mean a bit more comfort within. It has traditional construction, meaning body-on-chassis, with the ladder frame chassis providing durability.

Ford-based TDCi engine?
While most of the vehicle has been developed by JMC, the Puma engine appears to have Ford involvement. It even has a ‘TDCi’ badge on it, which would be familiar to Ford Ranger owners. Ford is in the picture because the American carmaker has had a share in JMC since the mid-1990s, so there would be some technology-sharing and engines may be among them.

The engine in the Vigus Pro is a 2-litre unit with high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system and a variable geometry turbocharger and intercooler. It develops 141 ps/340 Nm and is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with manual shift option and paddle shifters. The fuel consumption claim is pretty good at 12.8 kms/litre which should give a range of almost 900 kms with the 68-litre fuel tank.

Full-fledged 4×4 BorgWarner system
The Vigus Pro has a transfer case to direct power to the front and rear axles. The 4×4 system comes from BorgWarner, one of the leading companies in drivetrains. There are High and Low ranges as well as 2WD which can all be selected with an electronic rotary dial – no more having to struggle with a secondary lever. The rear axle is also fitted with an Eaton limited-slip differential (LSD) lock for better traction in very slippery conditions.

Additionally, there’s Hill Descent Control which is like having an experienced off-road driver handle driving downhill (which is not always easy in off-road terrain). The system maintains a safe speed by applying brakes when necessary and also adjusting engine power. All the driver has to do is watch the ground ahead and steer to avoid obstacles.

Other assistance features include Hill Start Assist, ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control. So in as far as active safety is concerned, the Vigus Pro is comparable to an average passenger car of today.

To ensure that it appeals to its target customers, ATM has specified a high standard for the cabin. There’s a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering with steering controls for the infotainment system, cruise control and voice calls via Bluetooth connection. The infotainment system has an 8-inch colour touchscreen which also displays real-time images from the reverse camera.

First fleet customer
The first major customer to order the new model is Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd, which will take 30 units of the Vigus Pro to add to its fleet of over 2,800 vehicles. The 30 units are about a tenth of the total number ATM expects to sell in the remaining months of 2021.

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

Fuel Price Updates For October 14 – October 20, 2021

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is now in Malaysia, priced from RM645,209 (w/VIDEO)

It was just a year ago that Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) introduced Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar, the Taycan, and now comes a variant, the Taycan Cross Turismo. As the ‘cross’ in the name suggests, this is a SUV although Porsche calls it a Cross Utility Vehicle (CUV).

SDAP is importing three variants with the following prices (without insurance):
Taycan 4 Cross Turismo – from RM645,209
Taycan 4S Cross Turismo – from RM728,727
Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo – from RM968,928

Design elements for the off-road image
With ‘utility’ in its function, the Taycan Cross Turismo has design elements that emphasise an off-road image. These include wheelarch trim, unique front and rear lower aprons, and side sills. Customers can also add the optional Off-road Design package which comes with special flaps at the corners of the front and rear bumpers and at the ends of the sills. These not only enhance the appearance but also help to give added protection from stone impacts.

Like the Taycan, the Taycan Cross Turismo rides on a high-tech chassis and all variants have all-wheel drive (AWD) as well as adaptive air suspension. Its off-road capability is enabled by higher ground clearance compared to the Taycan. With the Off-road Design package, ground clearance is increased by up to 30 mm.

Extra mode for off-road use
When driving over loose ground – with no emissions to spoil the environment – the driver can activate the new ‘Gravel’ mode exclusive to the Cross Turismo. This new feature manages torque distribution through traction-optimised shifting and other chassis settings, increasing grip and stability on surfaces with poor quality.

Inside, there’s 47 mm more headroom for rear passengers and more than 1,200 litres of load capacity (with rear seatbacks folded down). The large, automatically-opening tailgate makes loading and unloading easy.

Different output levels for each variant
All variants have the Performance Battery Plus, which has a total capacity of 93.4 kWh, but the output varies depending on the variant. The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo’s powertrain generates 280 kW (380 ps), with overboost power for Launch Control pushing it to 350 kW (476 ps). The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo has 360 kW (490 ps), with overboost power with Launch Control of 420 kW (571 ps), while the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo produces 460 kW (625 ps), and overboost power with Launch Control of 500 kW (680 ps).

The first shipment is already in Malaysia and those who are interested can contact SDAP to arrange an appointment to view the car by clicking here.

Etiqa insurance gives rebates to motorists who travel less

The pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide in various ways, and Malaysians have not escaped either. Jobs have been lost, businesses have had to shut down and for many, incomes have fallen drastically. So almost everyone would like to find ways to save whatever money they earn or have.

Etiqa, the insurance people, offer help in this effort by introducing their usage-based ‘Drive Less, Save More’ motor insurance and takaful add-on that offers drivers rebates of up to 30% on their premiums or contribution based on vehicle mileage clocked.

As many motorists are travelling less nowadays because they work from home or prefer not to go out too much to avoid crowds, their vehicles have less mileage. This can benefit them not only in saving fuel but also in their insurance costs with companies like Etiqa.

This optional add-on is free, with rebates paid whenever a claim is made at a customer’s convenience, subject to a minimum of 10 days between each upload. The add-on is available to all customers who take Private Car Comprehensive insurance coverage.

This new offering is especially good for those working from home, the ‘new normal’ brought on by the pandemic’s restriction on movements. And while they drive less, they can still have the same peace of mind as the coverage is the same, including compensation for loss of the vehicle in the event it is stolen.

Cash rebates will be calculated on a daily basis, as a percentage of a customer’s basic premium or contribution (minus No Claim Discount) as per the table below:

The ‘Drive Less Save More’ add-on is available when purchasing new or renewing motor insurance or takaful. To qualify for the rebates, customers just need to submit a picture of their vehicle numberplate as well as of the car odometer (the one which shows the mileage) via the Etiqa Smile mobile app.

Subsequently, during the policy or certificate period, customers will need to upload an image of their odometer reading as often as they like, with a minimum gap of 10 days between uploads in order to obtain their rebates. The images will be used to confirm the mileage driven and to calculate the corresponding rebate amount.

*To qualify for the rebates, policyholders must periodically send an image of the odometer to verify the mileage travelled.*

In a joint statement, Shahrul Azuan Mohamed, CEO of Etiqa General Takaful Berhad and Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad said: “We recognize the fact that there has been a reduction in driving activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant number of people working from home. Driven by Etiqa’s vision to make the world a better place, we would like to give back to those who have been using their vehicles less by rewarding them with rebates on their motor insurance premium or takaful contributions. After all, by driving less we can also do our part to save the environment,” they added.

Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2020 Grand Prize winner receives his fully electric Nissan LEAF

In recent years, you would be reading a lot about electrification and how motorists in Europe are steadily switching to electric vehicles. The shift has yet to start in Malaysia but for 23-year old Haqiem Rusli, it has started. The young and talented singer, composer and actor from Selangor, took delivery of a new Nissan LEAF EV as the Grand Prize winner of the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2020 (ABPBH).

The all-electric LEAF was presented by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the official vehicle sponsor for the event in collaboration with Berita Harian. Haqiem Rusli was announced the winner of Bintang Paling Popular when he received 22,332,676 votes. He also won Penyanyi Bintang Popular and Lagu Paling Boom Popular with the song titled ‘Lembah Kesepian’.

*Haqiem Rusli being told about his new electric car by an ETCM representative.*

During the presentation ceremony, ETCM’s Sales & Marketing Director, Christopher Tan said: “It was our pleasure to collaborate with Anugerah Bintang Popular 2020 Berita Harian as this contest recognizes Malaysian artistes’ hard work and dedication in growing the local entertainment industry. We would like to congratulate Haqiem Rusli on his win and driving home the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. He now joins the EV family and will be part of our sustainability efforts in supporting the nation’s aspiration, as well as accelerate the global movement to become more environmental conscious towards a sustainable future.”

Global topseller in EV category
The LEAF, with a price from RM181,263 is in its second generation and has been the most widely sold electric vehicle in the world since the model line started in 2010. The latest generation has many advances which enable it to go further, with a range of up to 311 kms range on a full charge. And with 320 Nm of torque, it has strong acceleration as maximum torque is available from almost standstill, a characteristic of electric motors.

Like many of the latest Nissan models, the LEAF also has Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies. These advanced driver-assist technologies include the e-Pedal, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning & Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Around View Monitor (360° camera).

The LEAF is available for viewing and testing at selected authorised Nissan showrooms around the country. To find out where they are, visit www.nissan.com.my.

Audi R8 Performance RWD for the purists

Until the Quattro came along in the early 1980s, Audi was known for its front-wheel drive (FWD) cars and showed no interest in rear-wheel drive (RWD). With the quattro system, the company didn’t have to discuss the merits of FWD or RWD; it powered the wheels at both ends of the car. The quattro system has been synonymous with Audi, an exclusive feature on its high performance models.

But the company has not refused to make RWD cars, except that they have been in small numbers and used in competition. Models like the Le Mans-winning cars with hybrid powertrains have had what is essentially RWD, along with the R8 LMS GT4 used by customer racing teams. There has also been the R8 RWS which was a limited-production run of 999 units and ‘made for purists’.

Now, Audi Sport GmbH (which is the company that makes the R8) has come out with a new R8 Performance RWD as a complement to the V10 performance quattro version. It has the same mid-mounted V10 5.2-litre FSI engine with enhanced output of 570 ps/550 Nm to take the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 329 km/h. Available in Coupe and Spyder bodystyles, it replaces the previous R8 V10 RWD which had served as an entry-level version.

Balanced for rear-wheel drive
The suspension and driving dynamics are specifically balanced for the rear-wheel drive. A mechanical limited slip differential distributes the torque ideally based on the driving situation, ensuring maximum possible traction even when the roads are wet. When Sport Mode is activated in the Electronic Stabilization Control system, the suspension set-up and control systems will allow controlled drifts.

The electromechanical power steering provides has Dynamic Steering, available for the first time for the RWD R8. This provides even more precise reaction and feedback with more direct steering. At the same time, it also increases comfort by making steering easier, such as when parking or manoeuvring.

The RWD suspension, with double wishbones and a passive differential lock, is adapted specifically for rear-wheel drive. The weight distribution is 40:60 and extra-light 19-inch and 20-inch aluminium cast wheels are fitted, or optional Cup wheels in 245/30 R20 up front and 305/30 R20 at the back can be specified. An 18-inch high-performance steel braking system with a wave design and an optional 19-inch high-performance ceramic braking system provide the necessary deceleration.

As with all R8s, the body is built of aluminium using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design which has been around since the mid-1990s. The structure has evolved over the years and large parts are now made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic for more lightening. The Coupe version thus weighs a mere 1,590 kgs, with the Spyder weighing another 105 kgs more.

Recognizable design features
The overly sporty design is inspired by its GT4 siblings and elements of this include the broad, flat Singleframe radiator grill in matte black with an R8 emblem. There are also the large air intakes, front splitter and rear air outlet grid as well as the oval tailpipes. Enthusiasts will note that the slit under the front bonnet is reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport quattro.

Racing car cabin
Given the exterior appearance, it would only be expected that the interior will have a ‘racing car feel’ and Audi’s designers have provided that. The eye-catching element inside is the ‘Monoposto’ – the large, heavily contoured arch that spans the area in front of the driver’s seat and is strongly reminiscent of a racing car cockpit. The Monoposto encloses the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen, which is integrated into a freestanding casing. The R8 leather steering wheel with Multifunction plus has 4 control satellites, each for using Audi drive select, to start the engine, to activate Performance Mode and the engine sound as well as to control the Audi virtual cockpit.

Production largely by hand
The R8 V10 performance RWD is built – largely by hand – at Audi Sport’s factory. This is also the production site of the LMS GT4 racing car, which is derived from the production model and uses roughly 60% carryover parts. In Germany, the base price for the Coupe is €149,000 (about RM717,000), with the Spyder costing another 13,000 euros (about RM63,000).