Toyota and Lexus sales in Malaysia mirrored the Total Industry Volume (TIV) of November, which is expected to be less than the October TIV. However, demand for the two brands distributed by UMW Toyota Motor remains strong and the difference was only 14 units compared to the total volume for October when the total number sold nationwide was 8,500 units.
The total sales volume for November is 8486 units consisted of 6,620 passenger cars and 1,866 commercial vehicles (including pick-ups). For the period from January to November 2021, total sales for the Toyota and Lexus brands have reached 63,105 units, 26% higher than the same period in 2020 when a total of 50,074 units had been sold.
Toyota Vios and Hilux bestsellers
Among the passenger car models, the Vios continued to be the bestselling Toyota model, accounting for 33% of sales, while the Hilux continued to be the bestselling pick-up truck in Malaysia, a position it has held since 2005.
Toyota’s bestselling models in Malaysia – the Vios and Hilux.
“The continued growth of the market is a sign that we are steadily progressing towards recovery. The New Normal means that some things have to be done differently and we have to be conscious of SOPs, and at Toyota, we have adapted our processes accordingly. Customers can visit our showrooms or send their vehicles to authorized service centres with peace of mind that they are protected health-wise,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.
“During the final month of the year, we will have great deals and with our ‘Now Is The Time’ promotion, there are savings of up to RM5,500 on selected models. Additionally, the government’s exemption of sales tax is ongoing which means additional savings,” he said.
Countdown to hybrid launch
Preparations are being finalized for the launch of the first locally-assembled Toyota hybrid electric vehicle in the near future. This will be the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid which is now undergoing pre-production activities at ASSB, UMW Toyota Motor’s assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor.
“Since we opened for bookings for the new Corolla Cross Hybrid, response has been good and we are happy to see that many Malaysians are keen to switch to Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technology. Toyota has been producing hybrid electric vehicles since the late 1990s and has constantly improved and advanced the technology so Malaysians will benefit from this long experience,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
The ASSB plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor is now assembling the first Toyota hybrid model in Malaysia, alongside the Vios and Yaris.
“We are aware that many customers are eager to receive their Corolla Cross Hybrid and we ask for your patience. There are many quality processes which ASSB must complete to ensure that the cars delivered are of the highest standard in every respect. And I would also add that once the car is delivered, the new owners will also be assured of an ownership experience of the highest standard,” Mr. Takeyama added.
The new Corolla Cross Hybrid has an estimated price starting from RM137,000 (without insurance) and comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty. Additionally, for peace of mind, there is a separate 8-year/unlimited mileage warranty covering the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit. Customers can also extend their warranty for a further 2 years to make it a total of 10 years, the first such warranty in the local industry.
With Ford having revealed their next generation of the Ranger pick-up truck, Volkswagen is also releasing more details and images of its new Amarok. Why, you may wonder, is Volkswagen associated with Ford’s model reveal? It’s because the two carmakers have been working together on their new pick-up trucks. Ford had previously been collaborating with Mazda for its earlier Rangers, with Mazda’s version known as the BT-50. However, the two companies decided to end that collaboration and Mazda has teamed up with Isuzu, while Ford teamed up with Volkswagen.
Like the Ford-Mazda collaboration, a similar arrangement is now with the German carmaker’s Commercial Vehicles subsidiary. Just how much each party contributes is not known, just as it was never known with Ford and Mazda which had worked together since the first Ranger in the mid-1990s. However, Ford probably brings much truck expertise to the collaboration since it has been making such vehicles for more than 100 years, and it also makes the bestselling truck on the planet (albeit largely in North America).
Volkswagen has not had a strong presence in the truck market and even back in the 1990s, it was taking the Toyota Hilux and rebadging it to sell as a Volkswagen Taro. It developed its own model, the Amarok, ten years ago but that has not made a big impact in the time it has been in the market (over 800,000 sold globally). Now, with the new model to be adapted from the new Ranger, Volkswagen will have a more capable truck to sell. The carmaker is certainly expecting it to impress with numerous innovations.
New Amarok to be built at Ford plant
The Ranger was mainly developed in Australia and Volkswagen adds that there were also project teams in Europe. The Ford models will be built at two production hubs – in Thailand and in South Africa – and Volkswagen says its product will be built in South Africa (at Ford’s plant) as well in Pacheco, Argentina, where the current generation is built. Volkswagen has plant in South Africa as Uitenhage but it is not set up as a truck plant (it makes only the Polo and Cross Polo). Incidentally, Mazda’s new BT-50 is also made at the Isuzu plant in Thailand rather than the original facility which is jointly owned with Ford.
This is considered as the third generation and unless Volkswagen plans on entering more markets with the new Amarok, it will be sold in considerably less than the 180 markets the Ranger is in. It is mainly on sale in South America, Europe, South Africa, Mongolia and there are plans to sell it in North America.
The new Amarok will be built at Ford’s factory in South Africa (above) which was upgraded this year for the new Ranger. Another production site will be at Volkswagen’s factory in Argentina (below) which builds the current Amarok.
Premium truck
To go on sale in late 2022, the new Amarok is presented as a premium truck and will have ‘clear Volkswagen DNA’, the company stresses. This probably refers largely to aesthetics and perhaps some specific equipment or features. The new vehicle has significantly more driver assistance systems and connectivity than before, which the Ranger is already well known for.
As is the case with shared models, the designers can only individualise areas like the lights and grille, and perhaps some of the bodywork as many of the structural ‘hard points’ are fixed. To alter them means additional engineering work and cost, defeating the benefit of joint development.
The new Amarok will get Volkswagen DNA at the front end and looks a lot more muscular than the model it will replace (below).
‘X design’ and Volkswagen DNA
In the case of the Amarok, Volkswagen is giving it a striking front end with defining ‘X design’, according to Albert-Johann Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “We’ve given the strength and power of the new Amarok an unambiguous expression – with clear Volkswagen DNA, inside and out.”
“The Amarok makes possible what in many places appears impossible at first sight: it makes things easier for its users by assisting them in their work and everyday lives,” said Dr. Lars Krause, Brand Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “That’s because the Amarok provides solutions that enable our customers to achieve their goals – especially when things get difficult.”
To know more about Volkswagen models available in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a well-equipped, value-for-money version of the popular pick-up truck sold by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), Now, there’s an even better Wildtrak and only a limited number of units have been imported from the factory in Thailand.
Known as the Ranger WildTrak Sport, this special edition is priced from RM158,388 (excluding insurance, Peninsular Malaysia private registration). Each new unit is backed by Ford’s manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or 160,000 kms (whichever comes first). Customers will also get an 18-month free service package if they purchase the vehicle before December 31, 2021.
Exclusive features inside and outside
As a special edition, the Ranger Wildtrak Sport has exclusive features on the exterior as well as inside the double cab. On the outside, the two available colours of Saber and Absolute Black identify the Wildtrak Sport. The dominant grille area has a new design while the door mirrors are finished in Ebony Black. The door handles and rear lift handle also follow the black theme, and likewise for the alloy wheels which are 18 inches in diameter.
The passenger car-like cabin gets illuminated front scuff plates with a logo and the seats have embossed leather upholstery, along with the steering wheel which has stitching.
Same technical specifications
The technical aspects are the same as the regular Ranger Wildtrak so under the bonnet is the proven 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The output of 213 ps/500 Nm means the vehicle can go anywhere easily, especially with its robust and capable 4×4 system.
Besides its performance, the Ranger WildTrak Sport also has smart safety technologies that make it safer when driving. Active safety systems include Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning and Assist. Airbags are installed on the front and sides of the cabin to provide additional protection during collisions.
Test-drives are also available at the event in 1Utama as well as at showrooms of authorised Ford dealerships nationwide.
“As the country transitions to normalcy, we see the introduction of our New Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport Special Edition timely, being a perfect addition to our already renowned Ranger portfolio where customers use it for work, family or play,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Take part in the challenge
The Ranger Wildtrak Sport Special Edition is being introduced to the public at Ford’s first ‘new normal’ roadshow from today until December 12 at the Ground Floor of the Luxe Wing in the 1Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Activities will be broadcast from the event daily so those who cannot be there can still ‘participate’ and stand a chance to win Ford exclusive merchandise. The broadcast is on Facebook Live on Ford Malaysia’s Facebook page.
The public can also participate in the #FORDeverysecondcount social challenge to win Ford exclusive merchandise. This challenge aims to inspire people by asking them to make a montage of 1-second footages expressing the type of life they want to live from now on as we progress towards normalcy, and to include the #FORDeverysecondcount and #fordmalaysia hashtags.
Special offers
Normally, special offers are only available to those who visit events, but authorised Ford dealerships nationwide will also be giving the same offers as the roadshow during the 5-day period. Customers who buy the Ranger WildTrak Sport during this period stand a chance to win with a local Getaway package.
To know more about the Ranger WildTrak Sport and other versions available, WhatsApp Chat a Ford Ranger Specialist or visit www.sdacford.com.my.
Nissan’s 4×4 SUVs like the Patrol and Navara pick-up trucks can travel over all sorts of terrain on the planet. Soon, there will also be a Nissan vehicle moving around on even more hostile terrain which won’t even be on Earth. It will be on the moon and the vehicle will technology which Nissan has developed for use on Earth.
The Lunar Rover Prototype jointly developed by Nissan and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is a project which has been ongoing since January 2020. Nissan’s research work applies the motor control technology it has developed through its production of mass-market electric vehicles such as the LEAF as well as the e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology featured in the all-new Ariya electric crossover.
A lunar rover must be able to traverse the moon’s powdery, rocky and undulating terrain and be energy efficient. Furthermore, energy sources for operating vehicles in space are limited. With e-4ORCE, the vehicle’s performance can be boosted over tricky terrain.
Ultimate driving performance
Nissan has focused on the development of stable driving performance that enables customers to drive their cars with greater confidence. Its e-4ORCE technology precisely controls all 4 wheels independently, providing the driver with confidence in various conditions.
In its joint research with JAXA, Nissan is evolving e-4ORCE technology to improve its performance in sandy terrain and other harsh conditions. When vehicles are driven in sand, their wheels frequently spin and dig in, limiting forward progress. A high level of driving skill is required to avoid getting stuck. To meet this need, Nissan has developed driving-force controls that minimize the amount of wheelspin in accordance with surface conditions.
Sharing knowhow
Through the joint research, Nissan aims to contribute to the technological evolution of automotive technology and space exploration technology by sharing knowhow gained from test-vehicle development and combining it with JAXA’s knowledge of rover research.
“The uses of automobiles and driving situations are wide-ranging. We aim for the ultimate driving performance through our research and development, and believe the knowhow gained from this joint research with JAXA will lead to innovations in our vehicles that will bring benefits to customers,” said Toshiyuki Nakajima, General Manager of the Advanced Vehicle Engineering Department in charge of e-4ORCE control development at Nissan.
Not everyone may know that the City name did not begin with the model that is known today which was born in the mid-1990s. There was another Honda City – a small car mainly sold in Japan which was called the City as well. That model was interesting in the interior packaging that made it even possible to include a tiny scooter called the MotoCompo in the boot. And it was a hatchback. So it is interesting that while the original City was not mentioned before as a predecessor of today’s City – which is a sedan – it was mentioned with the launch of the new City Hatchback.
The original City was a small hatchback produced between 1981 and 1986. It was only around 3.8 metres long with a wheelbase of 2.2 metres – while the modern City Hatchback is 4.3 metres long and sits on a wheelbase of 2.6 metres.
The City Hatchback takes the place of the Jazz which will no longer be offered in Malaysia but will still be sold elsewhere outside the region. Some may ask why it is necessary to drop the Jazz. It has been a successful product since being launched in 2001 and was the first model to beat the Toyota Corolla in the domestic Japanese market in overall sales. Like the Civic, which began as a low-priced hatchback, the Jazz evolved and perhaps became more sophisticated and more expensive to build.
It could be for this reason that Honda decided to develop a hatchback on the City platform which was originally conceived as a ‘Asian Car’. It was created at a time when the Civic began to cost more and could no longer be an entry-level model so a new lower-cost approach was needed to offer a new model at the entry level.
Prices shown above do not include insurance and sales tax. For private registration in Peninsular Malaysia.
The City Hatchback was planned and developed at the same time as the current 5th generation City Sedan but its introduction was delayed due to the pandemic. While the Jazz will be sold in other regions, this model is intended mainly for the Asia-Oceania market. The factory in Thailand is the hub for producing the City in both variants and markets like Malaysia also have it assembled locally.
Four variants, two powertrains
For the Malaysian market, there are four variants being assembled at the Melaka plant, essentially like what is offered for the sedan. And like the sedan too, one of them (the RS variant) has a more advanced i-MMD e-HEV powertrain. This is a hybrid powertrain which is greatly improved from the first Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system Honda used over 20 years ago. It uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine working with dual electric motors and can generate up to 253 Nm of torque – which is a figure normally seen from bigger engines. The City Hatchback RS will not, however, be immediately available (which was the same case with the City RS), so we won’t get into too much detail at this time.
As for the other three variants (S, E and V), these all share the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with a DOHC cylinder head. This engine (also used in the sedan) produces 121 ps/145 Nm which is the highest in its class and the power gets to the front wheels through a CVT. These three variants are expected to account for 95% of the sales, the same proportion as for the City Sedan.
Shorter but heavier
While the sedan and hatchback have similar mechanical items and parts, the bodywork is obviously different at the rear with the absence of the ‘third box’ for the boot. The rear side doors appear similar, probably retaining the same hard points but further back, the rear end is shorter. The difference in overall length is about 206 mm but the wheelbase is identical at 2600 mm as is the 1748 mm width. The hatchback is a bit heavier even though it is shorter and that’s likely to be because it has a larger piece of glass at the back.
The versatility of a hatchback
When hatchbacks started to appear in the 1970s, the selling point was their versatility. SUVs as we know them today were not in existence yet so to have a car that could provide comfortable transport and yet carry more stuff than a sedan, the hatchback with its large rear opening was a practical approach.
While one can say that when folding rear seats were also available in sedans, the extended load capacity also became possible, along with a longer floor. But what a hatchback offers is more vertical space so more items can be stacked or taller items can be accommodated (keeping in mind the rear view, of course).
The ULTRA Seat
Honda’s designers went one step further in making the cabin of a hatchback versatile by adding the ULTRA seat. This innovation was developed after hours of watching people at supermarkets and shopping centres. They took note of the sort of items loaded and saw that there were items that were tall (like plants) and could not readily fit. This led them to design the rear seat to fold upwards against the backrest and create a generous vertical space from the floor to the ceiling.
The ULTRA seat was introduced in the first generation of the Jazz in the early 2000s. It was then offered in the second generation of the City, giving it a unique selling point. However, it was not consistently offered and then disappeared.
Now the ULTRA seat is back in the City Hatchback which extends its versatility. Instead of being bolted to the floor and fixed in place, the seats have a hinge under the backrest and are supported on U-shaped tubular bars. They can be flipped up against the backrests, or the backrests flipped down flat to get more floor length.
While they are similar in concept to the original ULTRA seats, they no longer have a hard plastic panel underneath. In the early version, the panel was moulded and included circular teh tarik hooks which were useful if you had some plastic bags to hang.
As before, the ULTRA seats have four ‘modes’ – UTILITY, LONG, TALL or REFRESH. For the LONG and REFRESH modes, the front passenger’s seat can also be folded flat so there is an open space from the back door all the way to the dashboard to carry a really long item or just to stretch out. For those who frequent IKEA, this would definitely be the sort of car to own.
Similar design and features as sedan
The cabin layout is the same as the sedan’s and the equipment levels are also similar. The best-equipped version is the top RS e:HEV which has Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT. However, this version would cost more than the RM87,860 that the top version (1.5V) of the petrol-engined variants is priced at. For the sedan, Honda Malaysia introduced an additional version which brings Honda SENSING to the 1.5V version and they might do the same for the City Hatchback later on.
In any case, the City Hatchback 1.5V is still pretty well equipped and good value for money. It has standard features like Auto LED headlights (high beam automatically switches to low beam when necessary), LED front foglights, 16-inch alloy wheels, Honda LaneWatch and 6 airbags.
Honda Lanewatch is another innovative feature which provides the driver with a view of the blind spot on the left side of the car by using a small camera mounted on the door mirror. The real-time image is displayed on the 8-inch panel in the middle of the dashboard so the driver doesn’t have to turn the head all the way to the left to see the mirror. The camera is only on when the left signal is activated.
Other notable features are Remote Engine Start, paddle shifters, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning a reverse camera (these items are also standard for the 1.5E). For those with compatible smartphones, there’s added connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Comprehensive safety systems
While the Honda SENSING package is available only for the very top RS variant, the safety systems that come standard with the City Hatchback are also pretty comprehensive and can help to reduce accidents. These include ABS with Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Hillstart Assist.
There’s also an Emergency Stop Signal system which will keep the brake lights illuminated and activate the hazard lights automatically if the braking action is sudden and heard (indicating emergency braking). This can alert drivers behind so that they will respond earlier and possibly avoid a rearend collision.
As childseats are now required by law, there is an ISOFIX point for compatible childseats to be installed easily and securely. The Seatbelt Reminder is also wired to include the rear seatbelts so that the driver will be aware when someone is not belted up (an offence).
For those who don’t like SUVs
The Jazz may be missed by some but if it is versatility that you are looking for, then the City Hatchback would be just as practical. This extra capability is available without compromising on space and comfort and can be considered something like a stationwagon too. And for those who want the versatility of a SUV but don’t like the tallness, the City Hatchback could also be a great alternative as it sits as low as the sedan.
