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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
With more than 30 million units sold to date, the Volkswagen Passat ranks second to the Golf as one of Volkswagen’s most successful models. More significantly, this model (along with the Golf) has also been among the Top 10 bestselling cars of all time. That’s an achievement which makes it the most successful mid-size sedan worldwide.
Its widespread popularity could be one of the reasons why Volkswagen chose the model to be the first one to be assembled locally in Malaysia. That was in 2011 and since then, it has been a strong seller in the range.
Launch of the first locally-assembled Passat in 2011 at the DRB-HICOM complex in Pekan, Pahang.
It’s still in its eighth generation and in March last year, an updated version was unveiled but the German market launch only began in September. It’s clear now that planning to assemble the new version, which is in the form of the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance, must have begun some time back because just 4 months after going on sale in Germany, it is now launched in Malaysia.
That’s quite a quick development for a model that’s assembled locally as it normally takes 9 months or so (unless there has been advance planning) because of localisation of parts. In this case, Volkswagen must have worked closely with the local suppliers earlier so the model can be launched today.
Targeted enhancements for a proven design
At a glance, the new Passat seems to retain the familiar formal profile that is appropriate for an executive sedan as well as a family car. However, look longer and you will notice the subtle changes that give a sharper and more dynamic appearance. The enhancements have been targeted because the design concept is a sound one which won’t age quickly.
The IQ Light Matrix LED headlights present a new lighting ‘signature’, complemented by front and rear sequential turn signals and a three-wing tail light design. An identifier of the 2020 version is the ‘PASSAT’ lettering that is now stretched across the rear end while at each corner are bold 18-inch ‘Liverpool’ alloy wheels.
New powertrain with 7-speed DSG
Under the bonnet, the new Passat is powered by a new 2.0TSI turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 190 ps/320 Nm. This goes to the front wheel through a new and improved wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG) which has quick shifting between 7 ratios. This is the first FWD Volkswagen model in Malaysia to come with a new 7-speed wet clutch DSG. The output may be high but the performance is balanced by efficiency that is reflected in the claimed 15.4 kms/litre fuel consumption, based on real-life driving data as defined by the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure).
Functional but luxurious too
Being a German product, there is the emphasis on functionality but a luxurious and stylish ambience is also created with an assortment of new materials and decorative design elements around the cabin. Updates include newly-designed door trims, a 30-colour (yes – thirty colours!) ambient lighting system, and a new leather multi-function steering wheel with a new ergonomic multifunction button pad for convenience and connectivity.
The Passat is well known for its comfort and with the new one, there’s supple leather upholstery and 12-way adjustment for the driver’s seat. Coolness throughout the cabin on the hottest days is ensured by the 3-zone Climatronic air-conditioning system and if the sunshine is too strong, there’s now a power-operated roll-up rear sunshade.
Better connectivity
‘Connectivity’ is commonly used nowadays and each carmaker tries to provide connectivity that is as advanced as can be. For the new Passat, there’s a new and improved 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit with its high-resolution display colour thin-film transistor (TFT) similar to that of a premium smartphone. Under any lighting condition, there’s absolute clarity for the 2D and 3D graphic display. A 6-view customizable screen offers a new level of personalization with over 30 variations.
The infotainment system has a 9.2-inch touchscreen and management can be by voice or gestures. The 3-view split screen is customisable to suit personal preference on what information is to be shown.
Android Auto is not mentioned by the wireless AppConnect with Apple Car Play is available in the new Passat for the very first time in Malaysia. Other connectivity options for mobile and audio streaming are Bluetooth and 3 illuminated USB ports. The USB ports are the new Type-C version which do not require a specific orientation for insertion of cables.
Enhanced safety
New for 2020 is Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, complete with 180-degree detection range of up to 50 metres. This is specially useful when reversing out of a parking bay and the view is blocked by other cars. On the move, the Blind Spot Monitoring System constantly scans the area along both sides of the car up to 70 metres. If another vehicle or motorcyclist is detected but the driver might not be aware, warnings will alert him or her.
Blind Spot Warning System
An added convenience is the new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, with integrated sensors on all four tyres to monitor individual pressure readings based on user preference. This not only means your hands don’t have to get dirty checking tyre pressures but you also have peace of mind. In the case of a slow leak, you will be aware so you can check before the tyre gets damaged due to under-inflation.
“The new Passat features not only a technical update but a complete redesign of the exterior and interior, improved connectivity and updated lighting signatures. These advanced enhancements are executed, without any compromise on performance. This is what we believe today’s discerning customers are looking for,” said Erik Winter, MD of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia.
Priced from RM187,990, The new Passat Elegance is available in 6 colours and 2 pearl finishes. The metallic colours are Aquamarine Blue, Manganese Grey, Reflex Silver and Tamarind Brown, while pearl-effect colours are Deep Black and a new Oryx White. Pearl-effect colours are available without any additional surcharge.
Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about the new Passat and locate a showroom where you can test one.
During the 25 years that PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd has been operating its vehicle inspection services, the company has frequently upheld its corporate social responsibility by helping vehicle owners and drivers ensure their vehicles are safely on the road. This year, it is again having its #drivesafenoregrets Voluntary Vehicle Inspection campaign for all private vehicle owners.
This campaign is in conjunction with the coming Chinese New Year and the inspection will be conducted at no charge. It will run for 11 days from January 11 to January 21, 2020 at all PUSPAKOM Vehicle Inspection Centres (except in Shah Alam and Pasir Gudang which are exclusively for heavy vehicles) during operating hours.
In addition to the services available at its centres nationwide, PUSPAKOM will also deploy its mobile units to selected locations where vehicle inspections can be done on the spot. The locations are as follow:
Ulu Pudu Park, Kuala Lumpur – January 11
Dewan Gemilang Square, UKM Bangi – January 14
Tesco Extra Ampang (parking block B), KL – January 18
Insa Dunia Food Court Carpark, Bukit Mertajam, Penang – January 22
JPJ (Road Transport Department) Alor Setar, Kedah – January 23
“We at PUSPAKOM have always been concerned about the safety of vehicles and road-users in Malaysia. Every time around the festive periods, responsible vehicle owners and drivers will think about maintaining their vehicles before returning home. We encourage them to use the Free Voluntary Vehicle Inspection service offered by PUSPAKOM. The normal fee for the inspection is RM50 per vehicle but during the campaign period, there will be no charge,” said PUSPAKOM’s CEO, Shukor Ismail.
He said that every inspection will cover 25 points such as tyre condition, suspension, exhaust emissions, and tinted glass verification. The vehicle owner will receive a report on the findings which can be used as reference if any rectification work is needed at a workshop.
To locate a PUSPAKOM inspection centre in Malaysia, visit www.puspakom.com.my or call 1-800-88-6927.
