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Exclusive version of Maserati Levante available, priced from RM838,800

Five units of a special edition of the Maserati Levante are now available in Malaysia, priced from RM838,800 (inclusive of local taxes and duties). They are the Levante S GranSport featuring Ermenegildo Zegna interior with PELLETSSUTA, a woven leather textile made exclusively for selected Maserati vehicles.

This collaboration between the two iconic Italian brands is not new, given their shared passion for traditional craftsmanship as well as innovative design ideas. Born of old-world Italian traditions and today’s innovative technology, PELLETESSUTA is a result of years of research. It is a development that ingeniously uses thin Nappa leather strips, replacing conventional fabric yarn. The traditional method of weaving is still adhered to, creating create an ultra-luxurious ‘fabric’ that is lightweight, soft and enduring.

For the first time in the history of Maserati-Zegna partnership, the customisation has been extended to also include the GranSport trims of the Maserati range, expanding the possibilities for personalisation.

Besides the black PELLETESSUTA interior, there is also exclusive Radica wood trim with the words ‘Ermenegildo Zegna PELLETESSUTA’, black brake calipers; and 21-inch polished Helios rims. The special edition Levante S GranSport also has an exclusive bronzo tri-coat exterior colour, or as an alternative, a Blue Nobile tri-coat paint as well.

“Like Maserati, the PELLETESSUTA by Ermenegildo Zegna combines new avant-garde technologies with century-old craftmanship to create innovation. It comes to life in the Maserati Levante S GranSport to heighten the experience for both driver and passenger, while exquisitely complementing its luxurious, race-inspired performance,” said Datuk Nik Hamdan Nik Hassan, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.

Maserati Malaysia (Naza Italia) offers each of the 5 units with 3 years of Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction. There is also a Free maintenance programme of 3 years or 60,000 kms (whichever comes first), inclusive of Maserati Premium Service Plus.

MC20 – the all-new supercar that begins a new era for Maserati

Skoda Kushaq – midsize SUV developed specially for Indian market

*To know more about other promotions, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

Like Renault, Skoda also sees much potential in the Indian market. The Czech carmaker has had a presence there since the 1930s and established its own subsidiary there in 2001. Currently, it has two factories and also R&D facilities.

The Skoda model line, consisting of the Rapid, Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq and Karoq, covers many segments and will soon be joined by a new model, the Kushaq. Unveiled recently, the new midsize SUV is the Czech brand’s first production model that is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. This is a variant of the MQB variant specially adapted by Skoda for India that will also be used for other Volkswagen Group models sold in the Indian market.

The MQB-A0-IN platform
The locally-developed MQB-A0-IN platform has been designed to meet the new, stricter safety and emission requirements for India. Plans call for a localization level of 95% for the new vehicles, with technical development taking place at the Pune technology centre, which opened in January 2019. A team of 250 local engineers played a major role in the development of the MQB-A0-IN platform.

According to Thomas Schafer, CEO of Skoda Auto, the Kushaq is the first of 4 new mid-size Skoda and Volkswagen models. With the launch of the Kushaq in March 2021, Skoda will enter the subcontinent’s rapidly growing midsize SUV segment for the first time. The SUV has been specially developed for India’s metropolises.

Said to have a striking design, its long wheelbase of 2651 mm offers a generous amount of space within for 5 occupants and their cargo. The elevated seating position typical of an SUV allows for excellent all-round visibility. The state-of-the-art infotainment systems come with a central touchscreen, and for pleasant interior temperature, an automatic Climatronic air-conditioning system can be specified.

Two engine choices
Customers will have a choice of two power units – 1-litre or 1.5‑litre TSI petrol engines – which power the front wheels only (all-wheel drive is not available). There will be a choice of either a 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed automatic transmission, or a 7-speed DSG, depending on the variant.

The Kushaq will have many active and passive safety as well as numerous driver assistance systems. Occupants will be protected by up to 6 airbags while ESC will prevent the SUV from spinning out of control. Skoda will also provide Hill-Hold Control for use on slopes and rain and light sensors which will automatically activate the wipers and headlights. A tyre pressure monitor will also be available in some variants.

“The introduction of the all-new Skoda Kushaq is the first of several launches as part of the INDIA 2.0 project. Developed in India with the sophisticated, demanding consumer requirements in mind, the forthcoming launches of models based on the India-specific MQB A0-IN platform is something we’re very proud of. The Skoda Kushaq has been built using extensive on-ground intelligence and has been localised to offer tremendous value without any compromise in our legendary quality,” said Gurpratap Boparai, MD of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited.

Latest sketches of Skoda VISION IN concept reveal the design of new compact SUV for India

Bookings for 2021 Lexus LS 500 now accepted at Lexus Malaysia

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2021 Ford Rangers get 5-year warranty as standard

Over the years, many car companies have been extending the warranty period of coverage. In the old days, it used to be just a year and 20,000 kms and then it gradually got longer. Manufacturing processes got better so the parts were more reliable and durable, giving the manufacturers confidence to extend the period. For owners, it also meant more peace of mind with a longer period of coverage.

However, while the warranty periods for passenger cars extended fairly quickly, it was not the same for commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks. This was understandable as many of these vehicles are put to hard and rough use in extreme conditions.

Nevertheless, manufacturing processes have improved, as mentioned earlier, and many parts are more durable. Certainly, for Ford vehicles, which have always been ‘Built Ford Tough’, the rugged nature of the vehicles and their ability to withstand rough conditions has long been proven.

2 years more or another 60,000 kms
Now, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is extending the warranty on its 2021 Ford Ranger models to 5 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms, which is 2 years longer (or 60,000 kms more going by mileage) than what has been offered.

“We understand that for our Ranger customers, their vehicles are not just point-to-point modes of transportation. They are an extension of their lifestyle – for work and play besides daily commutes for families and loved ones. With the new 5-year manufacturer’s warranty for our Ranger line-up, we aim to provide added value to customers as they go about their life’s adventures,” said Turse Zuhair, Head of Sales at SDAC.

2-year extension for existing owners
Meanwhile, those who already own a Ranger with a current 3-year warranty will have the option to purchase two Extended Warranty Plans – PremiumCARE and PowertrainCARE (terms and conditions apply). The PremiumCARE plan provides a 2-year comprehensive coverage on over 1,000 components, while the PowertrainCARE plan provides a 2-year extended warranty on the engine, transmission and drivetrain.

For more information on the new 5-year Warranty and Extended Warranty Plans, as well as information about Ford models available in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my .

Click here for more news and articles about Ford and SDAC.

Jaguar Classic adds 1953 C-Type to Continuation Programme

Jaguar Classic’s Continuation Programme has been gaining popularity since it was started with the D-Type, followed by the XKSS and Lightweight E-type. At the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility in the UK, very limited numbers of these iconic models have been handbuilt for customers.

Now, the C-Type is added to the collection on its 70^th anniversary. The C-type, which was originally made between 1951 and 1953, was famed for its exceptionally fluid shape by Jaguar Cars designer, aerodynamicist and artist, Malcolm Sayer.

Of the 53 Jaguar C-types built in the 1950s, 43 were sold to private owners, but the production C-type specification was limited to drum-braked cars with twin SU carburettors and 200 bhp, in the style of the 1951 works cars.

From 1952, the C-type pioneered the adoption of innovative disc brake technology in motorsport, with a revolutionary system developed by Jaguar and Dunlop scoring the first win for a disc-braked car with Stirling Moss at the Reims Grand Prix in France and contesting the 1000-mile Mille Miglia in Italy.

The C-type won the gruelling Le Mans 24 Hours on its debut in 1951, scoring the first of Jaguar’s 7 outright wins at the famous French endurance race. The C-type won the Le Mans 24 Hours again in 1953, another first for disc brakes, and also enjoyed success in the hands of private owners, which contributed to Jaguar finishing vice-champion in the inaugural World Sportscar Championship.

Eight new C-type Continuation cars will be built ahead of a racing-inspired celebration event for their owners in 2022. Each car, with disc brakes, will reflect the 1953 Le Mans-winning works team car specification, including 3.4-litre straight-six engine producing 220 bhp with triple Weber 40DCO3 carburettors.

Building on the experience gained with previous Jaguar Classic Continuation programmes for the other three models, Jaguar Classic engineers have consulted Jaguar’s archives and cross-referenced scan data taken from an original C-type in conjunction with the latest computer-aided design technology to create the most authentic new C-type possible.

Taking that engineering CAD data a stage further, for the first time ever Jaguar Classic is also able to give customers the opportunity to visualise their C-type Continuation virtually using a specially designed online configurator. This new tool allows users to compare colour and trim options from the 12 authentic exterior colours and eight interior colours available, and apply optional racing roundels, steering wheel badge and bonnet badging.

Exclusive access to original engineering drawings and company records created by the original C-type development team also ensure the authentic 1953 specifications are accurately maintained.

Additional options available to C-type Continuation customers include an FIA-approved Harness Retention System or rollover protection. Not just for show, these authentic new C-types will be eligible for historic racing, track and closed-road use.

“Driven by some of the most-admired racing drivers in history, the C-type laid the foundations for Jaguar’s success in endurance racing and is synonymous with design and engineering innovation. Seventy years on, Jaguar Classic is proud to be able to utilise the latest innovations in manufacturing technology – alongside traditional skills and unrivalled expertise – to reintroduce this legendary car for a new generation of enthusiasts to enjoy,” said Dan Pink, Director, Jaguar Classic.

Original Jaguar E-Type toolkit now available from Jaguar Classic

Toyota returned to the top of the global sales chart in 2020

With motor vehicle production and sales so vast and widespread around the planet, getting an accurate tally of total numbers is not easy. However, it is generally agreed that the Volkswagen Group has been the leader since 2017. Last year, the company it displaced 5 years ago – Toyota Motor Corporation – overtook the German carmaker to regain its position as the world’s best-selling automaker.

According to the company, Toyota sold 9.5 million vehicles globally in 2020, and this total includes vehicles sold by the Lexus brand as well as subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors. The volume was, however, 10.5% lower than in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic conditions in virtually all markets, limiting sales activities.

Volkswagen declared that it sold 9.3 million vehicles, which include those of the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche and Skoda brands. That represented a 15.2% decline in volume from 2019.

The Toyota RAV4 was the company’s bestselling model with 994,000 units delivered worldwide. The company also saw its global ratio of electrified vehicle sales increasing, from approximately 20% in 2019 to around 23% in 2020.

Alongside the Tiguan, the latest Volkswagen Golf, with all 8 variants made available during 2020, was also among the bestselling cars in the world. It was once again the most popular model car in Europe with around 312,000 units delivered.

Further down, the Renault-Nissan Alliance reported 7.95 million units sold (a drop of 20.5%) to be ranked third, while the Hyundai Motor Group (which includes Kia) reported 6.62 million units to take fourth place. General Motors, once the world leader, saw sales plummet by 13.2% to 6.26 million units, putting it again in fifth place.

*General Motors, which was No.1 for nearly 8 decades, was overtaken by Toyota in 2008.*

Looking ahead, both Toyota and Volkswagen see things improving even though the pandemic continues. During the October to December quarter, Toyota’s global sales were up 6.8% compared to the volume for the same period in 2019.

Volkswagen plans to increase its global market share in 2021 and sees its e-offensive as being timely, in addition to the hybrid offensive which started last year. Its new ID range of all-electric vehicles is also entering the market and will provide a boost.