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Bermaz Motor accepting orders for 2020 Mazda2, MX-5 RF and CX-9

In conjunction with the 100^th anniversary of Mazda this year, a selection of updated models has been announced by Bermaz Motor for the Malaysian market. The 2020 models are the Mazda2, CX-9 and MX-5 RF. Bookings are now accepted at Bermaz branches and authorized dealerships.

All new Mazda vehicles registered from January 1, 2019 onwards have a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty + 5 years of free scheduled maintenance (except for the BT-50 pick-up truck). Both the warranty and free scheduled maintenance have a mileage limit of 100,000 kms which will be applied if it occurs earlier than 5 years.

MAZDA MX-5 RF – from RM266,154
The MX-5 holds the Guinness World Record holder for the best-selling 2-seater sportscar of all time with over one million units produced, and the MX-5 RF is the highly desirable variant in the range. It comes with a retractable fastback (that’s what the ‘RF’ stands for) which gives it a unique look compared to having a traditional soft top.

For 2020, the MX-5 RF maintains the necessary characteristics of a driver’s car: lightweight, nimble and fun-to-drive. Most importantly, jinba-ittai gives the driver a sense of being one with the car, the way a rider and horse act in unison.

New convenience features within include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means drivers have greatly expanded range of apps which can be accessed via the MAZDA CONNECT Infotainment display.

Aligned with the premium positioning path of brand, the 2020 MX-5 RF receives an updated Mazda badging and fonts design. It has more i-Activsense safety features that include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support and Driver Attention Alert as standard.

ISOFIX mounts for a childseat on the passenger side with airbag cut-off function are also provided so the little one can accompany daddy or mummy on the long drives.

Built in Japan, the MX-5 RF is powered by a SKYACTIV-G petrol engine that produces 181 ps/205 Nm from its 2-litre displacement. Transmission options are either a SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

MAZDA2 – from RM103,670
Imported from Thailand, the Mazda2 is the model that welcomes drivers to the Mazda brand. Unlike most entry-level models, however, it has been developed on the concept of ‘a premium personal car that enriches everyday life’. Furthermore, its high quality is not only in assembly and materials but also in the quality of driving.

The 2020 Mazda2 has styling updates to freshen its looks, notably a new front grille design that has a similar styling concept as the grille on the some of the newer 7th generation products such as the Mazda3 and CX-30.

The front LEDs have new signature styling and on each corner are newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels with an enhanced texture and high-brightness paint. Like the MX-5 RF, the latest Mazda2 receives updated Mazda badging and fonts as part of the brand’s path to premium.

The interior offers a comfortable space with a new blue gray interior trim to create a sense of balanced quality and playfulness. The materials used have been carefully selected and are of a high quality.

The 2020 Mazda2 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard as well, so many of your smartphone apps (Waze, Google Maps, Spotify, etc) can be transferred onto the dashboard. The MAZDA CONNECT Infotainment display provides management and access to the apps with seamless connectivity.

As for driving dynamics, the G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system brings more advancements to the original G-Vectoring Control. This technology, first in the SKYACTIV-Vehicle Dynamics series, was the world’s first control system to vary engine torque in response to steering inputs. It helps to smoothen the car’s motion and uses the brakes to add direct yaw moment control for further enhanced handling stability. With GVC Plus, the driver can have a reassuring feeling of control when changing lanes on the highway or when driving on slippery surfaces.

Driving comfort has also been enhanced with a retuned suspension system for smoother movement. New structured front seats improve the driver’s sense of balance, contributing to the sense of unity with the car and making driving easier.

The SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission with Manual Shift mode transmission has been tuned for smoother acceleration which minimizes the head and body movements of passengers. As before, the Mazda2 uses a SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre engine that produces 114 ps/149 Nm.

MAZDA CX-9 – from RM319,610
The CX-9 is the flagship of the range and for 2020, it receives a few updates that focus on elevating the premium Mazda ownership experience. On the outside, the Mazda badging and fonts design are new and there’s a new gray metallic finish for the 20-inch aluminium wheels.

Inside the 3-row cabin, black leather seats with a new silver stitching finish give a rich feeling and premium ambience. Other standard features include an updated 9-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, Autohold function as well as i-Stop function, seatbelt reminders for 2nd and 3rd row passengers, and two extra USB charging ports at the third row.

The powerful turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T petrol engine produces 228 ps/420 Nm which is transferred to the wheels via a quick-shifting 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. Customers can choose to have 2-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The AWD variant has i-Activ all-wheel drive and the 2020 CX-9 is the first Mazda vehicle offered with the all-new Off-road Traction Assist feature. Replacing the traction control button, this feature can potentially help the driver when driving on uneven terrain. When the diagonal wheels lose traction, off-road traction assist will stop reducing the engine torque and increase the brake force on the wheels without traction. This transfers power to the wheels still on the ground to help allow the vehicle to regain traction and continue the drive.

G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) is also present as standard to improve steering response and complements the advanced safety technologies available. These are integrated in the i-ACTIVSENSE suite which includes Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist. The Smart City Brake Support is now updated with pedestrian detection support.

Visit www.mazda.com.my to locate a showroom in Malaysia to find out more or to make your booking.

Shell launches new fully synthetic oil for compact car engines

Compact cars have always been popular in Malaysia and with the increasing volume of traffic on the roads and congestion in cities, they are certainly even more in demand. Furthermore, small cars are usually more affordable and economical to run.

However, the small engines in compact cars have to work quite hard too. Thankfully, with modern technologies, they are able to generate fairly high outputs which, with their lighter weight, gives brisk performance.

To ensure that these hardworking engines are well protected, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has launched a new low-viscosity, fully synthetic engine oil which is recommended for engines with capacities below 1200 cc.

The new Shell Helix ECO 0W-20 engine oil is specifically developed for small cars where the engines are often subjected to high stress, stop-start driving conditions in the city. It promises better fuel economy and superior protection for engine parts against wear and friction. It also features a low evaporation formula that always helps keep the engine well lubricated and protected.

“The new Shell Helix ECO, with its lower viscosity, can help lower fuel consumption and ensure a smoother ride. Car owners will now be able to enjoy savings from lower maintenance costs as it is a premium fully synthetic engine oil that is able to cleanse your engine as well as provide optimal engine protection until your next oil change,” said May Tan, General Manager, Shell Lubricants Marketing.

The new synthetic oil is available in a 3.5-litre pack which is the usual volume for a small car engine’s oil change. The pack has recommended retail prices of RM143.50 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM144.20 in Sabah and Sarawak. Besides Shell stations, it is also available at authorised Shell Helix workshops nationwide.

In conjunction with the launch of Helix ECO 0W-20 in Malaysia, every 3.5-litre pack comes with a free sunshade. This offer is valid from March 1 2020, while stocks last.

Shell Helix ECO 0W20 — *Official genuine Shell Helix products have the ‘Untuk Pasaran Malaysia’ label for assurance that they are formulated for Malaysian driving conditions.*

Customers who purchase genuine ‘Untuk Pasaran Malaysia’ Shell Helix from authorised Shell Helix workshops are entitled to participate in the unique Shell Advantage and Rewards (SHARE) programme. SHARE members are entitled to one pack of FREE Shell Helix engine oil for every 4 packs purchased from authorised retail outlets.

More information and related terms and conditions for promotions can be found at www.shell.com.my/helix.

Click here for other news and articles about Shell.

DS Techeetah dominates in Marrakesh round of Formula E

DS Techeetah driver and race winner Antonio Felix da Costa and his teammate Jean-Eric Vergne pulled off a double podium for DS in Marrakesh. Splitting the pair in second was BMW i Andretti Motorsport’s Max Guenther after a manic race in Marrakesh. Here’s how it all happened.

Poleman and DS Techeetah driver Antonio Felix da Costa led the way into the 2020 Marrakesh E-Prix, followed closely by the man who replaced him at BMW i Andretti Motorsport Max Guenther in second and Mercedes-Benz EQ’s Nyck de Vries in third.

Starting from 11th, reigning champion and DS Techeetah driver Jean-Eric Vergne moved up the order to seventh, desperate to kickstart his third championship title campaign. At the same time, Mercedes’ Nyck de Vries dropped from third to the back while serving a drive-through penalty for being overpowered while regenerating energy.

Moving into third, TAG Heuer Porsche’s Andre Lotterer moved up into third with 28 minutes left on the clock. With Da Costa still leading the way, Guenther followed close behind in second. Still climbing up the order, Vergne moved into third, slipping past his former teammate Andre Lotterer who moved down into fourth. Despite missing the first Practice session, the reigning champion was in a potentially facing a podium finish after starting outside the top ten.

Battling hard for the lead, BMW’s Max Guenther and da Costa once again found themselves engaged in close-combat, wheel-to-wheel racing. Reminiscent of the race in Santiago only a few weeks before, the pair went side by side through the turn 11.

ATTACK MODE used
With 19 minutes remaining, Guenther slipped into the lead before da Costa went through the ATTACK MODE activation zone, reclaiming his lead with the added 35 kW. Further down the order, Rokit Venturi Racing’s Edoardo Mortara and Porsche’s Andre Lotterer battled for fourth and fifth, both in ATTACK MODE.

Still climbing his way up the order, Vergne (in third) went for Guenther (in second), taking the German driver on the inside of Turn 1 and moving into second behind his teammate da Costa with six minutes and one lap left of the race. Gunther, now down in third sat ahead of Lotterer in fourth, while the two German drivers jostled for a place on the podium.

Despite starting from the back of the grid, Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver and championship leader Mitch Evans had managed to climb 18 places by the final moments of the race. The Kiwi driver failed to set a time in Qualifying but more than made up for the rough start with a sensational, clean drive through the pack.

With the two DS Techeetah’s up front, Vergne fended off a number of attacks from Guenther in third, costing him precious energy, before letting the BMW driver past. Still well ahead, da Costa took the chequered flag, claiming DS Techeetah’s debut win in the 2019/20 season. Despite being depleted of all energy, Gunether made it over the line in second with Vergne close on his tail in third.

Can the next round be held in Italy?
The sixth round of the Formula E championship is to be held in Rome on April 4. However, with the increasing seriousness of the COVID-19 epidemic, especially in Italy, it is almost likely that the venue will not be suitable.

So far, the FIA has not made further moves to postpone or cancel championship rounds other than the F1 GP in China. Formula E has 13 rounds, with 8 rounds remaining between now and July. If the epidemic gets worse, countries may have travel or entry restrictions or, like the Swiss government has done, forbid events with large crowds. Teams may also be reluctant to travel if there is a health risk to their personnel.

New Ford technology can prevent ‘car dooring’ by cyclists (w/VIDEO)

Many cars nowadays come with a sensing system that monitors the area along the sides of the car which are in the driver’s blind spot. The sensors detect the presence of another car or motorcyclist and alert the driver by a flashing light on the mirror or on the instrument panel. The warning can prevent a collision if the driver had been intending to change lanes or turn.

Volvo (while it was in the Ford Group) developed this active safety system that came to be called the Blind Spot Information System or BLIS. Naturally Volvo models were the first to have BLIS from 2007 and Ford too adopted the system on many of its models as an optional or standard feature.

*Ford BLIS warning flashes on the door mirror if there is another vehicle or motorcyclists in the blind spot.*

Eventually other manufacturers also had similar systems and today, the sensors also detect cross traffic approaching as the vehicle reverses out of a parking bay. This is especially useful as the driver may not be able to see either side due to the view being blocked by other adjacent vehicles.

However, BLIS works only when the vehicle is moving and now Ford has gone further in this area by developing new technology which can reduce accidents caused by drivers or passengers opening their doors as a cyclist is approaching. Although they should first open the door slightly and look to the back first, many just open it suddenly and a cyclist might not be able to stop in time.

3,500 accidents in one year
While this sort of accident may not be so common in Malaysia, there are thousands such accidents in Europe every year. In 2018 alone, 3,500 ‘car dooring’ accidents occurred in Germany. This problem is expected to get worse as more people choose to cycle and ride e‑scooters in cities.

Ford’s new technology is called Exit Warning and provides visual and audible alerts to road users and vehicle occupants when it detects that opening the door of a parked car might cause a collision. It could also prevent a vehicle door from opening into someone’s path.

How it works
Many Ford vehicles already have sensors and technology that can automatically detect and brake for cyclists ahead and as mentioned earlier, BLIS lets drivers know when other road-users are in their blind spots.

Using these existing sensors, Exit Warning analyses and understands the movements of approaching road-users – whether they are riding a bicycle or an e-scooter – on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. If the system detects that opening the vehicle door could cause a collision, an alarm sounds to warn the driver or passenger of the danger.

To attract attention, bright red LEDs on the wing mirror also begin to flash as a visual warning for cyclists and a strip of red LEDs along the inner trim of the door – that becomes visible when the door is opened – provides further warning for passing road-users.

For engineers are also testing a new mechanism for the car door that momentarily prevents it from fully opening until the Exit Warning system determines the passing road-user is safely clear of the vehicle. Of course, the vehicle occupant will be able to manually override this feature in an emergency.

Following testing with drivers and cyclists from within Ford, the engineers will be conducting customer clinics in coming months. Part of the testing will be to ensure that the technology accommodates road-users in different markets, taking into account right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles as well as different road and lane layouts.

Fostering harmony between road-users
Ford’s ‘Share The Road’ campaign seeks to foster harmony between road-users and underlines the company’s belief that enabling more people to cycle safely, especially for short journeys, benefits everyone.

The company recently highlighted the challenges of communication between drivers and cyclists – and how smart thinking could potentially ease tensions and reduce accidents. Its prototype ‘Emoji Jacket’ is a one‑of‑a‑kind wearable that features a brightly lit LED mesh panel to display emojis, indicators and the hazard warning symbol. The prototype jacket enables cyclists to more easily and clearly signal their intent – and their feelings – to drivers and other road-users.

Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about the safety technologies in today’s Ford models.

Fiat 500 lovers – this one’s for you!

Whether young or old, LEGO has a special appeal and the things that can be created from just those small bricks range from homes to aircraft to Star Wars machines and of course, cars. And where cars are concerned, there are different series with varying levels of complexity.

Recently, Fiat and LEGO gave birth to the new ‘Fiat 500 LEGO Creator Expert’ set which was unveiled at the Spazio MRF-Mirafiori in Turin, Italy.

“In its long history, the Fiat 500 has passed the original material event to enter the collective imagination, becoming an international icon. This is also demonstrated by a recent exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York,” said Cristiano Fiorio, Head of Brand Marketing Communication for FCA EMEA Region.

He added that LEGO only chooses iconic products and the Fiat 500 is not only a car but an artistic and cultural phenomenon with a strong symbolic value, as well as a playful and colourful expression of Italianness in the world.

At the presentation of the new set, there was also full-sized model of the Fiat 500 – made with 189,032 LEGO bricks. It took 830 hours to build the LEGO model, according to a Fiat source.

The partnership between Fiat and LEGO is part of a larger project which sees the FCA group having exclusive collaborations in the licensing field. The aim is to extend the visibility of its brands outside the automotive world, conveying the values of each brand.

The new Fiat 500 LEGO Creator Expert set is the first example and celebrates one of the most famous Made-in-Italy symbols in the world, as well as paying tribute to the legendary ‘Dolce Vita’.

Inspired by the legendary Fiat 500F of the late 1960s, the new set offers a model of 960 pieces, complete with a working sunroof, detailed interiors, luggage racks with spare wheel, luggage rack on the back and an opening hood to inspect the engine once finished construction. In addition, the set includes a folding easel, a palette and a painting of the car against the backdrop of the Colosseum in Rome.

The new Fiat 500 LEGO Creator Expert is available from today at the LEGO Store.

New Citroen Ami city car requires no licence to drive (in France)

The French are known for coming out with quirky looking cars, describing their looks as avant garde styling. They’re also known for making clever little cars that are ideal for urban transport. Now, at the dawn of the company’s 101^st year, it is introducing a compact new model that it calls a ‘non-conformist mobility object’.

The new Ami is said to be a breakthrough response to challenges of urban travel and environmental awareness. And in certain countries, a driving licence is not required to use one on public roads. This is because it is a voiture sans permis (car without license) which is a category of small low-speed vehicles in France.

Citroen has designed the Ami just as much for the young teenager without a driving licence, who wants to visit a friend’s house or go to sports or music lessons completely independently, as it is for an older couple who already have a main vehicle but who prefer to favour Ami’s compactness for their short errands.

It can be used for car-sharing or long-term rental from €19.99 (about RM93) per month. If a customer wants to own one, the price starts from €6,000 (about RM28,000).

Car-like in external appearance and minimalist in concept, the Ami 2.41 metres long, 1.39 metres wide and 1.52 metres high) is essentially a more enclosed quadricycle with two seats next to each other.

To keep production costs low, as few unique parts as possible have been used. In fact, the front half uses the same body parts as the back. Front and rear bumpers, bumper undersides and underbody panels are mirrored at the front and rear.

The wide doors that are completely identical on the right and left and open in the opposite direction, rear-hinged on the driver’s side to benefit from better on-board accessibility and traditionally front-hinged on the passenger side. The side windows also follow this principle and like the 2CV, they open by manually tilting upwards. Besides the large amounts of glass all round (including a panoramic roof), the cabin also has a bright-coloured interior theme which gives the feeling of spaciousness.

A small 6 kW (8 hp) electric motor drives the Ami which can reach a maximum speed of 45 km/h. This means it can’t be driven on motorways as there is a minimum vehicle speed requirement of 80 km/h. The 5.5-kWh lithium-ion battery provides a driving range of up to 70 kms, after which 3 hours will be needed to restore a full charge from a conventional 220V power socket.

With the cabin having limited space, the items in the traditional dashboard are kept to a minimum. The instrument panel is basic and compact and information can be supplemented by using a smartphone placed in the middle of the dashboard. It links to the car’s systems via Citroen’s DAT@mi app and can show information such as range, charge status and time remaining for a 100% charge, mileage, maintenance alerts and after-sales appointment scheduling.

Every corner is exploited to its fullest for storage space. In addition to a storage recess at the passenger’s feet, which can fit a cabin-sized suitcase, the designers have also created another storage area at the rear.

EuroNCAP tested a few quadricycles some years back and found that their safety levels were rather low. Citroen doesn’t offer details of the passive safety of the Ami other than to say that it has a ‘level of protection greater than that offered by 2 or 3-wheeled vehicles’ and ‘its optimized footprint gives Ami stability and a great freedom of movement with no risk of fall’.

Easy to customise, the Ami is available in 7 different versions with customisation done through accessories. The accessories kit includes functional decorative items such as a central separation net, a door storage net, mat, storage tray on the top of the dashboard, and small hook for a handbag.

“Disruptive projects are always the best projects. These are usually the ones that really drive the automotive world forward, and it is a tradition at Citroen to want to contribute to changing this automotive landscape. The design of Ami is a product design, not an automotive design,” said Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroen Style.