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Volvo Cars was rather late in adding a SUV to its range, with its first model – the XC90 – launched only in 2002. The reason given for the delay was that it wanted to offer a SUV only when it could address known safety issues (like the effect on a tall body on handling) and resolve them. It had a strong reputation for safety, on which the brand’s strength grew, and it was not going to lose that. The XC90 certainly proved to be a SUV with innovative safety features like Roll-Over Protection which worked to counteract the risk of tipping over during hard cornering.

Volvo XC90 2002
Volvo’s first SUV – the XC90 – was launched in 2002 after the carmaker addressed safety issues with innovations like Roll-Over Protection that reduced the risk of the tall SUV tipping over during hard cornering.

Like the other carmakers, Volvo Cars gave increasing attention to SUVs, expanding its range as the segment grew. 17 years later, its SUVs have helped the company gain market share in China, the USA and Europe amid stagnating car markets.

Volvo Cars

More significantly, in 2019, the Swedish carmaker set a new, sixth consecutive global sales record, breaking the 700,000-unit level for the first time in its 93-year history. 705,452 Volvo vehicles were delivered worldwide last year, an increase of 9.8% compared to 2018, solidly outgrowing the overall market across all regions.

During the past few years, Volvo has also been moving towards electrification of its range. It aims for plug-in hybrid models to make up 20% of total sales this year. Overall, Volvo sold 45,933 plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2019, an increase of 22.9% compared to 2018 and more than double the number in 2017.

Illustrating the strength of its portfolio and its sales performance in 2019, Volvo surpassed the previous full-year sales record of 642,253 cars, set in 2018, nearly a full month before the end of the year. December was the company’s best ever sales month, with a 23.4% year-on-year increase to 74,239 cars sold.

Volvo Cars

Sales by markets
In China, home of Volvo’s parent company, the brand sold 154,961 cars in 2019, an increase of 18.7% compared to 2018 and comfortably outperforming the overall market. The result was an all-time record for Volvo in China and the highest sales number it has ever reached in a single market.

Volvo Cars
Volvo Cars manufacturing plant in China

In the USA, a market that has usually been Volvo’s strongest customer, the 100,000-unit threshold was crossed for the first time since 2007 when 108,234 vehicles were registered by December 31. Compared to 2018, the sales increase was 10.1%.

European sales were particularly strong in Germany, where the company sold more than 50,000 vehicles for the first time in its history, while it achieved its best sales result since 1990 in the UK. Other markets that recorded their best ever sales performance in the company’s history included Australia, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Korea, Poland and Portugal.

Sales by models
The XC60 SUV continued to be the best-selling model for the company globally, followed by the XC40 and XC90 SUVs. Sedans and stationwagons remained popular, adding to volume growth in China and Europe, respectively.

Volvo Cars

Volvo XC40 Recharge P8
The first Recharge model shares styling with the XC40 but is powered only by an electric motor.

The company will introduce its Recharge line-up in markets around the globe. Recharge will be the umbrella name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Recharge car line aims to further boost sales of Volvo Cars’ chargeable cars and encourage plug-in hybrid drivers via incentives to use Pure mode as much as possible.

Every Volvo model already includes a Recharge option, from the XC40 SUV via the 60-Series cars to the large XC90 SUV flagship. Volvo is the only carmaker to offer a plug-in variant on every model in its line-up, with a fully-electric model – the XC40 Recharge P8 – to appear in showrooms in due course.

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The 2020 BMW 320i Sport has arrived in Malaysian showrooms this weekend, bringing refreshed looks to the G20 generation of the popular German sports sedan. As it has been since the early 1980s, the 3-Series is assembled locally and priced from RM243,800 (excluding insurance).

“In 2019, over 2,500 units of BMW 3 Series models were delivered. This success continues to underline our lead in the premium sports sedan segment of Malaysia, bolstering our expansions into adding more locally-assembled BMW vehicles in our Kulim facility. With these strong figures, we are confident that 2020 will present more opportunities for our segment-leading models to rise with the local automotive industry,” said Harald Hoelzl, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.

2020 BMW 320i Sport

2020 BMW 320i Sport

NACA duct concept for reduced drag
The front end of the latest 320i Sport has both the front LED foglights and the Air Curtains integrated into the outer air intakes (NACA duct), inserted into the front apron in a horizontal T. This duct concept was originally developed by the US National Advisory Committee for aircraft and reduces drag and turbulence at the inlet. Its benefits were also found to be applicable on cars so designers added the NACA ducts on racing cars.

2020 BMW 320i Sport

The variant now comes with sporty 18-inch alloy wheels in V-Spoke Style 780 Bicolour. The lightweight wheels contribute to the car’s reduction in weight by 30 kgs (to 1,460 kgs at the kerb), besides the lightweight construction. However, body rigidity has been improved, which should benefit handling.

2020 BMW 320i Sport

The proven 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine resides in the engine bay, generating 184 bhp/300 Nm which goes to the rear wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. BMW claims a top speed of 235 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration said to be within 7.1 seconds.

BMW Live Cockpit Plus
The cabin of is equipped with the BMW Live Cockpit Plus – an analogue instrument cluster with a 5.7-inch display and 8.8-inch touch-sensitive control display. There’s also 3-zone automatic climate control, interior trim finishers in Aluminium ‘Mesheffect’, and an exclusive Sport leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2020 BMW 320i Sport

2020 BMW 320i Sport

A first in its segment is the Reversing Assistant for hands-free, semi-autonomous convenience when reversing in narrow streets, along with the Rear View Camera that is fitted as standard. These features are powered by the BMW Operating System 6 which also powers the BMW Digital Key for next level vehicle security and management. BMW ConnectedDrive equips owners with Intelligent Emergency Call and Teleservices which reacts automatically if an accident occurs, quickly bringing help.

The BMW Digital Key employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology that enables locking and unlocking as well as starting the engine with the compatible smartphones. A physical key is not needed, a first-in-class technology offered by BMW.

2020 BMW 320i Sport

Own one for RM2,788 a month
BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia has financing plans that offer ownership of the new 320i Sport with monthly instalment plans starting from RM2,788.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure, subject to terms and conditions).

Every new unit comes with a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, 24-Month Tyre Warranty Programme for the Run Flat Tyres, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card and BMW Service Online.

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The Honda Civic Type R started off in 1997 as a Japan-only model in 1997, offering drivers a Civic with greatly enhanced performance. By the next generation, which debuted in 2001, Honda decided to offer it in the European market where it found a strong following. The third generation got more international and by the current fifth generation, it has been engineered as a global model with even the US market in mind.

2020 Honda Civic Type R

The current generation of the Civic Type R went on sale in 2017 in many markets and after 2 years, the 2020 model has been revealed at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon. The latest model has a number of changes and improvements that include revised styling, improved aerodynamic performance, and the addition of Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technology as standard.

Exterior design changes are a new larger front grille opening for improved engine cooling and the availability of a new, Type R-exclusive Boost Blue.

2020 Honda Civic Type R

2020 Honda Civic Type R

The 2020 Civic Type R continues to be powered by a race-bred 2.0-litre direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder VTEC engine which develops 306 ps/400 Nm. That’s a big leap from the first generation which used a B16B engine (that boasted one of the highest power outputs per litre of all time for a naturally aspirated engine) with 185 ps/160 Nm.

2020 Honda Civic Type R

The power reaches the front wheels through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. As before, drivers can choose between 3 driving modes – Comfort, Sport and +R – that vary suspension firmness, steering and throttle response. The selectable drive modes enhance driving on twisty roads while enabling the driver to optimise performance for the race track.

The Comfort mode makes the car ‘civilized’ for daily driving, something which could not be said about earlier Type R models which were focussed on track use. Also new for 2020 is Active Sound Control, which modifies interior sound in concert with chosen drive mode.

2020 Honda Civic Type R

Other changes improve its already stellar driving dynamics, including new 2-piece brake rotors and new brake pads designed to reduce fade and improve high-speed braking efficiency. Suspension revisions for 2020 include updated dampers for better ride comfort, stiffer rear bushings for better grip, and modifications to the front suspension to reduce friction and improve steering feel.

For the 2020 model year, drivers get extra cabin refinement with a new Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a new shifter with a restyled knob and shorter shift throws.

2020 Honda Civic Type R

The global production hub for the Civic Type R is in England but the engine comes from a Honda factory in the USA. The price is not known but deliveries will start only from mid-2020.

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Sime Darby Swedish Auto Sdn Bhd, which was appointed Volvo Car Malaysia’s dealer-partner in October last year, has completed its new 3S (Sales, Service & Spare Parts) Centre for Volvo customers. To be officially opened on February 20, 2020, the brand new facility is located at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara, Selangor.

Besides drawing inspiration from the brand’s Scandinavian-inspired ideals and heritage, the 3S Centre also adheres to Volvo Car’s global retail standard – the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE). It is the first 3S Centre to be equipped with a VR Studio (Virtual Reality Studio) and a Reception at The Counter (RATC) Bay. The 4-storey centre also boasts of being the first fully air-conditioned workshop in Malaysia.

Virtual Reality Studio

While the showroom is situated on the ground floor, the layout differs from traditional retail facilities in that the service centre is on the upper floors. The service centre, which has a car detailing area, is spread across the second and third floors, while a wheel alignment and balancing zone is located on the fourth floor.

There are 14 repair and service bays, of which two are specifically RATC Bays. All customer parking bays will also be equipped with an Electric Vehicle Charger.

Volvo XC40
Volvo XC40 – one of the popular models in the range. It recently won the Premium Compact SUV award in the 18th Malaysia Cars Of The Year Awards.

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NOVITEC, the German tuning and customising company, is well known for its widebody conversions apart from enhancements to many different models. Its latest offering is the N-LARGO, adapted from the McLaren 720S Spider and limited to just 15 units worldwide.

This widebody version, which is particularly light, makes generous use of carbonfibre with forged elements that give the open-top two-seater a particularly custom appearance. The company also developed tailor-made high-tech forged rims specifically for the enlarged wheel arches in cooperation with American wheel manufacturer Vossen. The staggered combination of 20-inch and 21-inch wheels on front and rear axles puts even more emphasis on the wedge shape of the sportscar.

Emotive design shaped in wind tunnel
The emotive design, shaped in the wind tunnel, was conceived in cooperation with German designer Vittorio Strosek. Its width has increased by 6 cm at the front and by 13 cm at the rear. Together with the special rocker panels, the wider N-LARGO fenders at the front and rear give the supercar an hourglass shape.

NOVITEC NLARGO MCL720S

NOVITEC N-LARGO

The N-LARGO side components create a perfect transition between the wider fenders and route the airflow to the rear brake discs and calipers through their integrated air intakes. The NOVITEC air intakes behind the doors supply the engine bay with breathing and cooling air.

However, the conversion of the bodywork not only focused on an extravagant appearance but also on the optimization of the driving dynamics by means of efficient modifications to the aerodynamics. This includes, among other things, the redesigned bootlid with forged carbon insert at the front, the covers for the side mirrors, the lower strips on the rocker panels, the N-LARGO rear wing attachment for the stock retractable spoiler, and the air intakes in the rear end.

NOVITEC NLARGO MCL720S

Upgraded McLaren engine
The McLaren twin-turbo 4-litre 8-cylinder engine has been tuned by NOVITEC to offer customers a choice of 3 different output levels. The most powerful level includes a NOVITEC RACE high-performance exhaust system and has modifications which add 86 bhp/108 Nm. This boosts maximum output to 806 bhp at a low 6700 rpm, while peak torque is bumped up to 878 Nm.

As a result, the N-LARGO rockets from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.7 seconds and reaches a speed of 200 km/h after just 7.5 seconds; with top speed increased to 346 km/h.

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In accordance with the government’s directive for all petroleum companies to supply RON95 petrol formulated to meet the Euro4M standard from January 1, 2020, Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd – the company marketing BHPetrol – confirms that all its stations nationwide are supplying the upgraded fuel.

“Our tankers have been delivering the upgraded BHPetrol Infiniti RON95 Euro4M to stations nationwide since the final week of 2019. We are proud to confirm that all our BHPetrol stations nationwide now supply only Infiniti RON95 petrol with the Euro4M standard,” said Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, Acting CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing.

BHPetrol
BHPetrol Infiniti RON95 petrol is now formulated to the Euro4M standard, like the RON97 grade, while BHPetrol Infiniti Diesel is available with Euro5 formulation.

Better for the environment
The Euro4M standard replaces the Euro2M standard for RON95 petrol (RON97 petrol was upgraded to Euro4M earlier). With the higher standard, the sulphur content has been significantly reduced to 50 parts per million (ppm) from 500 ppm that was allowed for the Euro2M standard. The reduction of sulphur means that exhaust emissions will be cleaner, a benefit to the environment.

Less sulphur will also decrease the engine’s acid levels, extending the life of the engine and there will also be less clogging in the fuel delivery system. BHPetrol Infiniti RON95 Euro4M will therefore keep the engine operating efficiently, ultimately giving the best fuel economy and performance.

BHPetrol Infiniti

High-performance additives
Like BHPetrol Infiniti RON97 Euro4M, the new Infiniti RON95 Euro4M also has a package of high-performance additives from a global specialist supplier of fuel additives. These additives have various functions such as cleaning and preventing deposit formation as well as reducing internal friction. The additive package is included at maximum strength (800 ppm) for the best performance.

“Our imported BHPetrol Infiniti fuels are now cleaner and of a higher grade. We include the exclusive additive package in the advanced formulation at no extra cost to customers to give them the best performance. This is another extraordinary result of our commitment to better meet customer needs,” said Ir. Azizul.

BHPetromart

400 stations and expanding
At present, there are about 400 BHPetrol stations around the country. 290 of these include a BHPetromart convenience store offering services that include Touch ‘n Go reloads, E-Pay, ATM and of course, the sale of food and drinks. Certain stations also have car-wash services as well as charging stations for electric vehicles.

“We will continue expanding our station network this year in order to make BHPetrol fuels and other services easy to obtain. Even if you don’t need to refuel, do drop by for a break, especially when you are on a long journey,” Ir. Azizul said.

Customers and the public wishing to know more about BHPetrol Infiniti fuels and other BHPetrol products and services as well as the locations of stations can visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.

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