It’s often the case that when a model is in great demand, there will be people trying to use scams to mislead people who are eager to get the new vehicle quickly. According to Perodua, two scams have been detected since the launch of its new Ativa SUV on March 3.
“We have discovered at least two fraudulent rebate offers online for the newly-launched Perodua Ativa,” said Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, confirming that the promotions did not originate from Perodua or any of its outlets or authorised dealers nationwide.
According to Dato’ Zainal, some scammers have posed as Perodua sales advisors before and lured potential victims into placing their new car purchase deposits into personal bank accounts. Obviously, when making any payments, you should never pay to an individual’s account and always make payment to a company account. If you are suspicious, it is worth calling up the company to confirm the bank account details.
Perodua urges both existing and potential customers to only deal with its authorised sales advisors to avoid being deceived by scams. The company offers this list of Do’s and Don’ts for customers:
Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (the company marketing BHPetrol products and services) believes that with the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia, economic and travel activities will be restored and thus resume petrol consumption nationwide.
The company notes that while the Movement Control Order (MCO) impacted traffic to all petrol stations, it is confident that consumer sentiment will be more positive and the economy and especially tourism will pick up now as the National COVID-19 Immunization Programme progresses.
For those who will be travelling more, the good news is that BHPetrol stations nationwide now accept the ShopeePay mobile wallet as a mode of payment. The partnership with ShopeePay is another step for the company towards the digitalisation of payments.
Improving products and services all the time
“At BHPetrol, we are always looking at ways to improve our offers in providing the best quality fuels, exciting offers and convenience for our customers; and so partnering with e-wallets like ShopeePay is a great example of an exciting promotion that also provides convenience to the customers,” said BHPetrol Marketing General Manager, Lawrence Chuah.
“This is not only a natural progression due to the COVID-19 situation, but also in line with the government’s MyDigital initiative which aggressively pushes for the adoption of contactless payment. More importantly, it also satisfies the change of consumer behavior towards more options of digital payment,” added Mr. Chuah.
He said that BHPetrol has always been heeding customer needs and being ahead of the game is important. “It is our nature to be progressive and hence, it was not difficult for us to maneuver and ride the changing tides. Accepting ShopeePay as an added payment mode offers our consumers more choice. We will always go further to help serving and rewarding our customers better,” he said.
ShopeePay can be used to make payments at BHPetrol stations and BHPetromarts nationwide.
Cashback for BHPetrol customers
Alain Yee, Head of ShopeePay, added that the timing of the partnership is such that it would best benefit Malaysians. “As economic sectors slowly begin to reopen and Malaysians head out for business as usual, the demand for petrol is set to rise again. ShopeePay users be rewarded with attractive cashback, putting more money back into the pockets of BHPetrol customers,” he added.
To commemorate the collaboration, users of ShopeePay who patronize any BHPetrol outlet with eWallet acceptance will receive RM4 cashback with a minimum spend of RM40. Each customer can receive a total of three cashbacks during the campaign period from today until April 30, 2021 (terms and conditions apply).
The free ShopeePay app for iOS and Android smartphones can be obtained at the Apple AppStore and Google Play Store. For more information on BHPetrol products and services or the location of stations, visit www,bhpetrol.com.my.
The Hyundai Motor Group (which includes Kia Motors) continues its new model onslaught with yet another model being previewed. This one’s a high-end MPV called the Staria which will be offered in selected markets and likely to be launched during this quarter.
The name comes from a combination of ‘star’ and ‘ria’ which is ‘a long narrow area of water formed when a river valley floods’ and is said to refer to ‘the vehicle’s future-oriented product values and streamlined design characteristics defined by one curve gesture silhouettes as well as clean and pure body volume’.
Smaller than the Starex
Dimensions are not given yet but the Staria is not a large MPV like the Starex and is a smaller model. The exterior is certainly futuristic and Hyundai suggests it resembles a spaceship. The front is highlighted by a long, horizontal daytime running light and headlamps positioned underneath.
The spaceship vibe is echoed by its expansive panoramic windows and lower beltlines, underscoring the openness of the interior. The height of the cabin is also optimized for premium comfort and convenience, making it ideal for both business and family use.
“STARIA is Hyundai’s new MPV line-up that opens up a new mobility era,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Hyundai Design. “STARIA will provide a completely new experience and value proposition for customers through its unprecedented design features.”
The current Mazda CX-3 has been in the Malaysian market since 2018 and although there have been many new SUVs appearing over the past 3 years, the Mazda SUV’s looks are still fresh. Perhaps this has to do with the KODO design language which gives a timeless quality to the appearance.
So not a lot needs to be done for the usual mid-cycle update in as far as exterior aesthetics are concerned for the CX-3. However, in keeping with market trends, Bermaz Motor has upgraded the specs with All-LED exterior lighting as standard. The headlights also come with automatic on/off and self-levelling capabilities.
Power sunroof added for 2021 model
Other standard equipment for the model, which comes from Japan in CBU form, include 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, shark fin antenna, dual stainless-steel tailpipes, and new for 2021, a power sunroof as well as front parking sensors.
Some interior features have also been updated and there are new leatherette-fabric seats and a 360° View Monitor for the latest model. The infotainment system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity software so smartphone apps can be transferred onto the dashboard system. Other premium standard features include an Active Driving Display, a 7-inch, full-colour touchscreen display with Mazda Connect, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, and a 6-speaker audio system. For ease of operation and safer motoring, the functions can be managed using the multi-function command knob between the front seats or steering wheel-mounted controls.
2-litre engine but no AWD
The 2021 CX-3 continues with the Mazda SKYACTIV-G 2-litre petrol engine – a rather large displacement for a small body – which produces 154 bhp/206 Nm. Power delivery is only to the front wheels through a SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. In addition, there’s Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control technology which improves driving dynamics by making acceleration smoother and more linear.
How Mazda G-Vectoring Control (GVC) works
Comprehensive safety systems
The CX-3 comes with an extensive list of safety equipment and systems that include 6 airbags, and i-ACTIVSENSE, Mazda’s integrated safety system which helps the driver to avoid accidents. The system includes automatic emergency braking and also alerts the driver if the vehicle departs from its lane. Besides a blindspot monitor, there is also active scanning of the rear as the CX-3 is reversing out. In the event of approaching vehicles from either side, the driver will be alerted, reducing the possibility of an accident.
Bermaz Motor is now accepting booking for the 2021 CX-3 which is priced from RM130,729 (excluding insurance). The price has 50% sales tax deducted under the exemption provided by the government. Although registration and deliveries will only start from July 2021, customers who make their booking before June 30 (the expiry date for the sales tax exemption) will still be entitled to the exemption.
Colours available are Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Gray, with Polymetal Gray being a new choice for the range. All new vehicles will come with a factory warranty as well as free scheduled maintenance for the first 5 years or maximum of 100,000 kms after original registration (terms and conditions apply).
For more information, visit www.mazda.com.my or any authorised Mazda dealership in Malaysia.
When the fifth generation of the City was introduced in Malaysia last year, four variants were presented – but only three were in the showrooms. The fourth – which was the flagship City RS e:HEV – was not available then and was this eagerly awaited because it promised to be a game-changer in its segment (as some other Honda models have been in the past). In any case, even without the City RS, the other three variants sold briskly with more than 13,100 units already delivered, out of over 20,000 bookings received to date.
Now the City RS is starting to roll out of the Honda plant on Melaka and first deliveries are commencing to waiting customers. The price has also been announced as RM105,950.45 (excluding insurance and sales tax, the latter exemption only until June 30, 2021). Malaysia is the first country to have the variant, a reflection of the importance of this market to the Japanese carmaker.
“Today we are pleased to announce the official price for the All-New City RS e:HEV at with an overall package that is beyond the B-segment, complete with Next Generation Advanced Technology, Honda SENSING as well as Honda CONNECT, class-leading innovative features and a sporty exterior. I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to our customers who have booked the RS e:HEV variant and waited patiently for the official price announcement,“ said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.
Mr. Ishiyama said that the new City, being the leader in the non-national B-segment, was a strong contributor to Honda maintaining its No.1 position in the non-national segment for the sixth consecutive year.
Three colour choices are available for the City RS e:HEV. This is Platinum White Pearl and the others are Passion Red Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic.
Sportier exterior features
The exterior of the City RS is strongly differentiated from the other variants with the Gloss Black Grille and lower grille design as well as the diffuser integrated in the rear bumper. It also comes with a Gloss Black Bootlid Spoiler and the door mirror housings are finished Gloss Black as well.
Other standard equipment includes LED Headlights Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), Foglights and Taillights as well as Dual-Tone 16-inch Alloy Wheels.
2-motor hybrid system
The hybrid powertrain is something new too with a highly efficient 2-motor system working with the familiar 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system. Referred to as the e:HEV system, it delivers up to 109 ps with a class-leading 253 Nm of torque, guaranteeing strong acceleration.
Besides the efficiency of the Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT), the City RS runs in three different driving modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive – depending on conditions. There are also Deceleration Selector Paddles that enable the driver to activate power regeneration and decelerate the car without stepping on the brake pedal.
Advanced infotainment features
Inside, there are high-quality textures and a sophisticated premium all around the spacious cabin. Displays include a 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor (TFT) meter and an 8-inch colour touchscreen that is like a sophisticated ‘command centre’ from which the driver uses Honda CONNECT and other infotainment features. The system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to enable interfacing with compatible smartphones which means favourite and functional apps can be transferred and accessed from the dashboard.
In keeping with its sportier image, the City RS comes with Sport Pedal Pads and the Ultrasuede seats have red stitching (also used in other trim areas).
Smart telematics technology
The City RS e:HEV is the first model in Honda Malaysia’s range to offer innovative Honda CONNECT technology which is only just rolling out in a small number of markets globally. Again, like the e:HEV system, Honda has put Malaysia as one of the early markets to receive this new technology. Honda CONNECT utilizes smart telematics technology to bring connectivity to a whole new level for owners and provides services 24/7. With this technology, safety, security and convenience are enhanced for a more enjoyable ownership experience.
Honda SENSING
Honda SENSING, the brand’s suite of driver-assistance systems, is now present on all models but the number of sub-systems (all integrated) varies. In the case of the City RS, there are seven systems:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Auto High Beam (AHB)
All the systems use a camera with a wide field of view installed in the grille to scan the road ahead. The camera imagery of road markings, road edges and other vehicles is analysed by a computer and appropriate action is taken to avoid or prevent accidents.
Additionally, there is also Honda LaneWatch, an innovative blindspot monitoring system which uses a small camera installed in the left door mirror. When the left signal is activated, the camera starts showing the view along the left side of the car on the display screen. The advantage of this approach is that the driver does not have to turn the head as much as looking at the door mirror. Just a slight turn towards the middle of the dashboard will be enough and the display has clear images day and night.
Though not new in this market, the Remote Engine Start is a first-in-segment feature that City owners get. It allows starting the engine while away from the car and even activating the air-conditioner to cool down the interior – definitely what we need in Malaysia. Needless to say, there is keyless entry and you don’t need a key to start/stop the engine. This variant also comes with an Electric Parking Brake which engages with an almost effortless a lift of a small tab.
Consistent 5-Star record
The City has already been tested by ASEAN NCAP which gave it the maximum of 5 stars. In fact, for the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards 2020, the model received the safety organisation’s Excellent Award for Consistent 5-Star performance which has been achieved since the third generation.
Interested in getting one? If you don’t wish to go to a showroom, you can use the New Car Pre-Booking Online Platform at prebook.honda.com.my to pre-book the car. However, if you want to view and test-drive first, you can visit any authorised Honda dealer nationwide. Locations can be found at www.honda.com.my or by calling Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number 1-800-88-2020.
