The Volvo S90, which traces its roots back to the 960 of the 1990s, has been updated with a new exterior and interior finishing. Assembled at the Volvo plant in Selangor, the flagship sedan is built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and, for the Malaysian market, uses Volvo’s Drive-E turbocharged/supercharged powertrain.
The 2021 S90 Recharge T8 is currently priced from RM339,315 (without insurance) but will rise to RM358,888 after June 30, 2021, if the sales tax exemption is not extended. Additionally, there will be a T5 variant (priced at RM328,888) which will be available from June 2021 onwards.
The T8 variant is powered by a Twin Engine and has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output of the plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 4-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor is 407 bhp/640 Nm, which is used to power the Electric All-Wheel Drive system with Electric Rear Axle Drive.
Minimalist design updated
Similar to the XC90, the S90 Recharge T8 has Volvo’s design language which blends minimalist design and stylistic cues such as the ‘Thor Hammer’ LED headlight design, vertical chrome grille with the Volvo Iron Mark, and a bold and clean use of the Volvo spreadmark on the rear. The tail lamps have also been changed to a similar design to the recently launched S60 T8 R-Design, adding a touch of sportiness.
The Scandinavian-ness is a key feature of Volvo interiors while connectivity and technology are strong points of the S90 Recharge T8. Vertical air blades are installed on each side of the Sensus user interface which keeps the driver connected with intuitive technology and personalised convenience.
Premium 1400W sound system
For entertainment, there’s an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins sound system with a total of 19 speakers, including the signature Tweeter-on-Top speaker integrated into the design contours of dashboard. This speaker system also employs Bowers and Wilkins’ exclusive Nautilus speaker technology and includes new double-dome aluminium tweeters and the new generation mid-range speaker cones in Continuum composite material.
Combined with the unique feature of different room modes such as the Concert Hall Mode, which is modelled after the exact acoustic qualities of the famous Gothenburg Concert Hall, and also a Jazz Club Mode, the occupants are promised an experience said to be comparable to having seats in a Swedish theatre or a classy jazz club. The system has an output of 1,400W and can be interfaced with compatible smartphones using Apple Carplay or Android Auto.
Intellisafe system with 180 km/h maximum speed
Standard Volvo safety features starting with a chassis made of boron steel for added body strength. This complements Volvo’s Intellisafe system that assists the driver to avoid accidents, or minimise the effects of collisions. Some of the systems – like Blind Spot Information System and City Safety – which are today found in many cars were pioneered by almost Volvo 20 years ago.
Incidentally, those who buy the latest Volvos will be able to travel at no more than 180 km/h, even if the car is capable of a high speed. The carmaker made this decision in 2019 ‘to help close the remaining gap to zero serious injuries and fatalities in traffic’.
The updated Porsche Panamera is now available from Sime Darby Auto Performance, with pricing for starting from RM 1,026,735, excluding insurance but with 50% sales tax exemption (until June 30, 2021).
For 2021, the new Panamera feature the previously optional Sport Design front end with striking air intake grilles, larger side air intakes with adapted single-bar front light layout. The appearance of the rear end has a revamped light strip that extends the full width of the luggage compartment lid with an adapted contour. It thus provides a continuous and flowing connection between the two newly designed LED light clusters.
Technical updates
The chassis and control systems have been geared towards a sporty and also comfortable character for 2021. Some systems have even been applied completely from scratch. In order to transfer the enormous power to the road in a controlled manner and maximise cornering performance, the revamped Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system with optimisation, while the control of the electric roll stabilisation system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) improves body stability. This is achieved while also providing a noticeable improvement in damping comfort.
Six-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake calipers are fitted at the front, with four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake calipers at the rear, and single-piece brake calipers enclosed. The brake system in the latest Panamera has reduced weight but is highly resistant to deformation. The engineers have set the pedal travel to be tight with the pressure point precise so the driver can modulate deceleration efficiently.
An improved tyre generation is fitted, increasing the bandwidth between comfort and sportiness while simultaneously offering a lower rolling resistance. Sport tyres with a softer rubber compound and optimised tread have been developed especially for the Panamera and are offered for the first time, further improving lateral performance and are particularly suitable for sporty cornering.
Three new 20-inch and 21-inch wheels have been added to the wheel range, so that a total of 10 different designs are now available, including the Exclusive Design 21-inch alloy wheels.
The Panamera is powered by the familiar 2.9 litre V6 biturbo engine which generates 330 ps/450 Nm to provide a claimed 0 to 100 km/h capability of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h. The coasting function of the 8-speed PDK (activated in normal driving mode and already part of predecessor models) is also improved to enhance fuel efficiency.
Sporty ambience within
As in every Porsche, there is a sporty ambience inside the car in keeping with the Porsche design DNA. A new multifunction steering wheel is among the updates, with operating elements cleverly integrated into the design. The visual cut-outs bringing to mind the lightweight steering wheels found in racing cars.
The Panamera offers an extensive range of innovative light and driver assistance systems which include Lane Keeping Assist with road sign recognition as well as Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, LED matrix headlights including PDLS Plus, Park Assist including Surround View and a Head-up Display. For the first time, Porsche Connect will be made available in the new Panamera in Malaysia.
The US state of Florida, which has had the famous Daytona 500 race since 1959, will also have a round of the Formula 1 World Championship in 2022. Miami will be the 11th location in the USA since the modern F1 championship began in 1950. The other circuits have been at Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and the Circuit of the Americas (Texas).
“We are looking forward to bringing the greatest racing spectacle on the planet to Miami for the first time in our sport’s history. The Hard Rock stadium entertainment campus in Miami Gardens exists to host the biggest global events to benefit the entire greater Miami region and Formula 1 racing is as big as it gets. We have worked with specialist designers to create a racetrack that we, Formula 1 and the FIA believe will provide great racing and we hope to create best-in- class unique fan experiences that are reflective of the diverse and dynamic nature of Miami,” said Tom Garfinkel, Managing Partner of Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Brand new track
Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, will sit at the heart of the circuit. The Formula 1 organisation and the FIA will be liaising closely with the promoter who will build a brand new track that will provide high-speed straights, multiple overtaking opportunities and exciting racing while meeting the highest safety standards.
The circuit will be 5.41 kms long, have 19 corners, 3 straights and potential for 3 DRS zones with an estimated top speed of 320 km/h. It’s not known if Hermann Tilke, the engineer who has designed many of the modern F1 circuits (including the Sepang International Circuit), will be involved.
The new circuit will be built on the grounds around the Hard Rock Stadium.
The race will provide an additional tourist boost and economic impact to local businesses in the greater Miami region. Additionally, there will be a programme to support local businesses and the community to ensure they get the full benefits of the race being in Miami Gardens, including a STEM education programme through F1 in Schools as well as the opportunity for local businesses to be part of the race weekend.
“We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing in Miami beginning in 2022. The US is a key growth market for us, and we are greatly encouraged by our growing reach in the US which will be further supported by this exciting second race. We will be working closely with the team from Hard Rock Stadium and the FIA to ensure the circuit delivers sensational racing but also leaves a positive and lasting contribution for the people in the local community,” said Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.
A Formula 1 race in California in 1976.
Spectator presence still uncertain
Meanwhile the FIA and Formula 1 said that during the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy, 4,523 tests for COVID-19 were performed on drivers, teams and personnel between April 12 and April 18. Of these, 2 people tested positive. The aggregated information from each Grand Prix is being provided for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency.
As in 2020, the races this year will be run under stringent Standard Operating Procedures with participants required not only to undergo COVID-19 tests but also operate in a ‘team bubble’ which prevents interaction with others during the event. Spectators have not been allowed so far, although in 2020, two events (in Portugal and Russia) allowed spectators with social distancing measures applied. The organisers are hopeful that the situation will ease further as the season proceeds and limited numbers of spectators could be allowed into the circuits.
Most of the races in 2020 were run without spectators present, while the teams had to operate in a strict ‘bubble’.
The Volkswagen ID.4 becomes the third all-electric model to be chosen as World Car of the Year (WCOTY) in the 2021 edition of the awards. 93 international journalists from 28 countries that make up the World Car Awards jury panel chose the EV, giving the German carmaker its fifth WCOTY overall award since 2009 (the WCOTY started in 2005).
This year’s winner was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of three finalists as announced on March 30, 2021. The Top Three in the World finalists for 2021 were the Honda e, Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen ID.4.
Since the event began in 2005, Volkswagen models have so far won 5 overall World Car of the Year awards, the most of any carmaker.
Vehicles eligible for the World Car of the Year award must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units/year; must be priced below the luxury-car level in their primary markets; and must be ‘on sale’ in at least two major markets, on at least two separate continents, between May 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021.
The Land Rover Defender, which won the World Car Design of the Year award, was also the 2021 Women’s Car of the Year winner.
New award for EVs in 2022
The 2022 awards season and the 18th edition of the Road to the World Car Awards journey will officially begin at the New York International Auto Show on August 19. A new highlight of the 2022 awards program will be the debut of the World Electric Vehicle of the Year award. This new award, which supersedes the World Green Car award, is intended to recognize, support and celebrate the global transition to electrically-powered vehicles that is now underway and the efforts of automakers around the world in developing these climate-conscious vehicles.
First generation of the Nissan LEAF was the first EV to win the World Car of the Year title in 2011.
Would you believe us if we told you that Isuzu now builds one of the coolest pick-up trucks in its segment? There’s a pretty good chance you may think we have lost it and would say anything just to get some advertising revenue from companies.
But the fact of the matter is, the new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain (pronounced as ex-terrain) is among the coolest pick-up trucks in its segment right now. Notice that we used the term “among the coolest” instead of “the coolest”. That’s because the lifestyle pick-up truck is so hotly contested right now that all the trucks in the segment have their own value proposition.
The Ranger Wildtrak is the one that seemingly has it all in order, but reliability seems to be the only chink in Ford’s armor.
The Hilux Rouge too is quite a good balance of everything, but the ride quality is still very much utilitarian. And Toyota really needs to get its entertainment system to be more intuitive.
The Mitsubishi Triton too seems faultless but is still more of a workhorse than anything else. The new design too is very much love it or hate it. This writer still has a tough time digesting it. Sometimes it looks good, sometimes it doesn’t.
Enter the new Isuzu D-Max V-Cross X-Terrain.
The new X-Terrain is the ultimatest Isuzu pick-up truck there has been. Not ultimatest in the sense that it is indestructible, but ultimatest in the sense that there has never been an Isuzu that has so finely balanced on-road and off-road needs.
The X-Terrain is basically Isuzu’s first salvo at the premium lifestyle segment for pick-up trucks. And it is a mighty fine effort by a brand that has been synonymous with dependability and as a workhorse, but never one that you would buy if all you ever wanted to do is to carry some bicycles, some work items and that’s it.
But now though, you could consider buying an Isuzu just for your lifestyle needs, because it seems to have it all. Almost.
Let’s begin from the outside. I do think that the overall design could be better. You won’t really believe your eyes when you first see the truck, but that is because you don’t expect Isuzu to build such a truck, so it makes you go, “wow, is that really an Isuzu?”
Its design cues were supposedly shaped by learnings from the same wind tunnel that shaped Japan’s iconic bullet train – the Shinkansen. It may be aerodynamic, but that doesn’t make it a great looking truck. Perhaps it is just something very un-Isuzu like. Don’t get us wrong though, it not not ugly and it still has presence, lots of it and most of that is because of the sheer size of the truck. Visually, it looks about the same size as the Ranger Wildtrak.
The rims are of a love it or hate it design, and we imagine that some buyers would swap those at the first chance they get.
The truck bed though has a unique ‘sliding cargo tray’ that rolls out and makes it easier to store heavier items. This is especially handy when you use anti-slip mats and want to store items towards the back of the bed. Isuzu even thought of drilling holes at all ends of the cargo tray so you can use a cargo net to hold your ‘barang-barang’ in place. This is the type of thoughtfulness you can expect from a brand that has been making work trucks for eons.
The interior is again un-Isuzu like. A 9-inch touch screen infotainment system dominates the dashboard and offers Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Apple Carplay connects wirelessly, though this feature is sadly not mentioned in the brochure but is one of the most useful technologies when trying to run a business while driving. Yes, Apple’s Siri is that good.
Entertainment and comfort has never really been the hallmarks of an Isuzu, but the company has hit it right in the nail.
The seats for example, are in brown combination leather, and feature something called the Anti Vibration Elastic Comfort foam. This means that none but the harshest of vibrations will be felt by your body. I am happy to report that the ride on the highway and at low speeds was comfortable and you don’t really feel it creeping up your spine.
The ambient sounds that protrude back into the cabin though is still very much like a 90s pick-up truck. But this is a typical character of a pick-up. In fact, the only pick-up that has successfully made the cabin sound like that of a premium sedan (nevermind feel like one) is the Ranger Wildtrak thanks to the clever usage of anti-noise cancellation technology.
On the topic of technology, if you are of the opinion that pick-up trucks don’t need all that luxurious finishing since it is going to be used for work and perhaps parked out in the sun most of the time, well, Isuzu has a trick up its sleeve. The windscreen in the X-Terrain features a layer of infrared absorbent material (the first of its kind in its class) that reduces the penetration of infra-red , UVA and UVB rays into the cabin and thus reduces premature damage.
The ride character though is also typical of a pick-up truck, but it feels sure footed thanks to a bigger than ever chassis that is also 20% stiffer. Which means more strength and road compliance. And to ensure the truck doesn’t hop and skip on the road with all that stiffness, Isuzu now uses three leaf springs instead of the previous four. To further ensure passenger comfort, the semi-elliptical leaf-springs are complemented by gas shocks. Not entirely new technology here, but one that has proven to be reliable, and somewhat comfortable.
At heart of the new X-Terrain is the same 3.0-litre engine (code: 4JJ3-TCX), but massaged and revitalized to produce 190PS and 450Nm of torque. This is lower than the power figures put out by the Ranger Wildtrak and the Hilux Rogue, but somehow the X-Terrain feels more eager to accelerate. Probably because of the lightweight aluminium propeller shaft that requires less effort to transfer power to the rear wheels, making the car feel more eager during acceleration.
For the curious among us, the aluminum propeller shaft saves 4kg’s in weight as compared to the regular steel shaft. Isuzu says this also helps to extend the lifespan of the drivetrain as the reduced weight requires less inertia, which in turn reduces the amount of torque needed to spin it, thus reducing wear and tear.
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross X-Terrain had proven itself to be a worthy entry into the world of premium pick-up trucks. Even when it comes to safety technologies, the new X-Terrain boasts two pages of safety systems in its brochure. It literally has everything you could want in a pick-up truck.
Adaptive cruise control? Check.
Pedal mis-application mitigation? Check.
Autonomous emergency braking? Of course.
Rear cross traffic alert? This truck may be the first to offer such a technology.
There is no denying the fact that the new D-Max V-Cross X-Terrain is a great pick-up truck. Anything the competition has, this Isuzu has too. And the one thing that Isuzu has that the rest don’t – a seven-year warranty! Isuzu has finally shown its hand, and it is a royal flush.
The only thing that Isuzu could have done better is to perhaps give it a shorter name.
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross X-Terrain is now available in Malaysia for a little under RM142,000.
