Just as Toyota established Calty in California in 1973 as an advanced design studio to develop new models, mainly for the US market, it also set up a design studio in Europe to develop products more tailored for that region.
Located in the south of France, the facility known as ED2 has been in operation since 2000 and is now Toyota’s European Design Headquarters. ED2 was responsible for carrying out design studies, especially of A-segment models, and was a major contributor to the original Yaris project. It was also responsible for the original concept for the C-HR crossover SUV.
Preview of the next Aygo?
Now ED2 is also bringing the same visual boldness to small cars with the Aygo X prologue, a concept model which is likely to be a preview of the next generation of the Aygo that was introduced in 2005. The Aygo was jointly developed by Toyota, Peugeot and Citroen (which have their own versions) and is also built as a factory in the Czech Republic which is jointly owned by the three companies.
“With the Aygo X prologue, I believe we’ve demonstrated that a small car can still be big and bold in personality,” said Ken Billes, Assistant Chief Designer at ED². The design has unique DNA and meets the demands of customers wanting flair, distinctiveness, and the chance to make a personal statement. Building on the model’s style icon position, ED² set out to design a new car specifically for them.
ED² assigned a dedicated team to focus on a unified message from start to finish and they became quickly convinced that there was an opportunity to bring a bolder and stronger design. From this conviction, the Aygo X prologue was born.
Bigger and taller
With the Aygo X prologue, an additional cheeky mischievousness is added to the mix. It’s just as fun like the current model, now with an added edginess to it. From every angle, it expresses a strong personality and an even stronger stance. By bumping up the size of the wheels, the driver sits higher and has a higher eye point for greater visibility, while additional clearance underneath will be appreciated when travelling on rough roads.
A bold bi-tone execution creates a unique graphic profile that grabs attention in the street by emphasizing the car’s readiness to leap forward into action. The wedged roofline also increases the dynamic feeling for a more aggressive sporty image. High-tech headlamps hug the upper bonnet to form a wing-like shape while, lower to the ground are the large hexagonal grille, foglamps and skidplate.
For the adventurous and active types
Practicality is an important aspect for the Aygo X prologue. The rear skidplate houses a bicycle-holder mount while, housed in the door mirror is an action-camera ready to record adventures at any time. An integrated roof rack accentuates the vehicle’s profile, as well as creating a visual link with the hexagon tail lamps, a subtle reminder of the Aygo DNA.
The designers at ED2 understand that, in life, colours are central to our emotions. For the Aygo X prologue, a ‘spicy’ concept to life is created with inspiration from certain ingredients such as chilli, ginger, wasabi and black pepper. Moreover, use of bi-tone was an additional invitation to take colour balances to another level with the inclusion of a fine sprinkling of blue metallic flake into the paint mix. The resulting dazzling effect makes the colour fully deserving of its name of Sparkling Chilli Red.
Working differently but together
The challenging project of creating the Aygo X prologue under present conditions has been a great test of the agile process of fast and fluid design development at ED2. Whether together or remotely, ED² design team members worked seamlessly from hand-sketching to digital sketch-modelling, to virtual reality simulations, to 3D ‘speedshapes’, right to the final car itself.
Although Toyota does not officially state that the Aygo x prologue will become the next generation of the Aygo, it looks pretty much like a production-ready design and will certainly be on a version of the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that is now used for all new models.
First generation of the Aygo was introduced in Europe in 2005. (above). It is currently in its second generation (below) which was launched in 2014.
The third model which is part of the very exclusive money-cannot-buy ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition range is the Honda CR-V. This SUV is the third oldest model line in Honda Malaysian’s current line-up, so it would have contributed significantly to the sales volume of Honda in Malaysia. It’s been around since the first generation which came out in the mid-1990s and, along with Toyota’s RAV4, established a new market segment.
The CR-V was initially imported in CBU (completely built-up) form and sold quite well as it offered passenger car-like comfort and driving character with the functional image of a SUV. The early generations even came with a picnic table cleverly stowed in the floor of the boot.
When production began at Honda Malaysia’s plant in Melaka in 2003, the first model to be assembled was the CR-V, which was then in its second generation. To commemorate the model’s special place in the plant’s history, a Melaka Edition was created for sale to the public in limited numbers.
Now, for the ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign to celebrate sales of 1 million vehicles since Honda Malaysia was established, a special version of the CR-V will be given away. Like the other Special Edition models, there is only one CR-V to be given away free to a lucky customer. This comes with exclusive features on the exterior are a Dual-Tone finish (white bodywork with black roof), red highlight line running across the black grille, red highlight line on each door mirror, red highlights on wheels with a black finish and of course, the ‘1 Million Dreams’ emblems.
Inside the spacious cabin, the leather upholstered front seats have an embossed ‘1 Million Dreams’ signature as well as a plaque on the dashboard. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped and has sporty red stitching as well as a red mark at the 12 o’clock position, a visual indicator can help the driver to know where the wheels are pointing – which can be useful on slippery off-road tracks. Every owner of a Special Edition model will also receive an exclusive Honda Leather Pouch.
Earth Dreams engine
The CR-V Special Edition is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder VTEC engine with a CVT. Though it seems small, with Honda Earth Dreams Technology and turbocharging, the engine can produce up to 193 ps, with the maximum of 243 Nm of torque available from 2,000 rpm to as high as 5,000 rpm. That sort of output is even greater than bigger engines and the advantage, besides saving weight, is that fuel consumption can be up to 14.3 kms per litre. With a full fuel tank of 57 litres, that can mean a range of at least 800 kms.
Many people buy a SUV for its high seating position which gives a commanding view, and the ground clearance of 208 mm will give more confidence when going over uneven or even flooded roads.
The version chosen for the Special Edition is the top version and as such, it comes with many premium features as well as lots of convenience features. You can even start the engine and air-conditioner from a distance to cool down the interior on a hot day. And while the level of sound insulation is quite generous to prevent external noises from entering, there is also an Active Noise Control system to cancel out noises at irritating frequencies.
First with Honda SENSING
Besides being the first model to be assembled at Honda Malaysia’s plant, the CR-V is also the first model with Honda SENSING. This suite of driver assistance systems was introduced together with the 5th generation of the model in 2017. Honda SENSING has eight active systems, most of which use a camera and work with each other, to help the driver avoid accidents. The system also has Autonomous Emergency Braking which means that if a collision is likely to occur (as detected by the sensors) but the driver does not take the right action to prevent it, the brakes will come on automatically. Even if it cannot prevent contact (due to the road being slippery), the earlier braking action will reduce the speed and could result in less severe damage, reducing repair costs.
The CR-V was the first model to introduce Honda SENSING in Malaysia when the current generation was launched in 2017.
There’s also Honda LaneWatch, an innovative blindspot monitoring system that uses a camera instead of sensors on the body. The camera captures a real-time image of the area along the left side of the car and shows it on the display screen on the dashboard. Active only when the left signal is on, the display allows the driver to spot other vehicles coming up and close. As the display screen is positioned in the middle, the driver also does not have to turn the head so much, which would be the case if having to look at the left door mirror.
You won’t be able to buy the CR-V ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition but if you want to own a CR-V, there are three variants, two of which have the Earth Dreams turbocharged engine. Pricing ranges from RM140,000 to about RM163,000 (without insurance).
All the different ways you can get entries to submit and if you are lucky, you will be the owner of the money-cannot-buy CR-V Special Edition.
If you really want to own the CR-V Special Edition, then you will have to submit as many entries as possible and if you have the Honda Touch app, you can get 5x entries. Additionally, as part of the ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign, there is the ‘Shopee Coins Giveaway’ for those who participate in any of the ‘1 Million Dreams’ activities on honda.com.my or at an authorised Honda dealer. Up to 1,000,000 Shopee Coins are being given out to 150 weekly winners.
The campaign ends on March 24, 2021 and the lucky winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled to be held by the end of this month.
Visit any authorised Honda dealership nationwide to participate. Locations of dealerships can be found at www.honda.com.my.
The CR-V (first generation shown above) arrived in Malaysia in the second half of the 1990s and attracted a lot of interest due to its ‘lifestyle’ image. It was easy to drive for a SUV, offered extra carrying space and with the Real-Time AWD system in the drivetrain, it had all-wheel drive for extra grip in slippery conditions. Local assembly began with the second generation at the newly opened Honda Malaysia plant in Melaka. Thereafter, the CR-V has been a major model for Honda in this market, maintaining leadership in its segment for many years. In 2017, it was also the first model in the Malaysian market to have the Honda SENSING driver-assistance system.First Honda model assembled at the newly opened plant in Melaka was the second generation of the CR-V.Since being assembled locally, every generation of the CR-V has been a leader in its segment.
The Toyota GR Supra’s fundamental appeal is being a sportscar in its purest form, and a sportscar is at home on a racetrack. Thus it’s only appropriate that the company has developed an exclusive version which it calls the Jarama Racetrack Edition.
Only for Europe
Only 90 units of this version will be available, all for sale only in Europe. The ‘90’ is s subtle reference to the coupe’s model code which is ‘A90’ and the name is, of course, that of a well known racing circuit in Spain. In fact, that is where many of the world’s media had their first experience of the GR Supra two years ago.
The Jarama Racetrack Edition is visually distinguished by its unique Horizon Blue paintwork, contrasting with a matt black finish for its 19-inch forged alloy wheels and visible red-painted brake calipers.
Tuned by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
Under the long bonnet is the original, 340 bhp/500 Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six unit, tuned by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the company’s high-performance unit. The engine output flows through a rapid-shift 8-speed sports automatic transmission. When using the car’s launch control system, 0 -100 km/h acceleration times is claimed to be 4.3 seconds.
‘Golden ratio’
The sports performance and handling are said to be every bit as rewarding as the regular GR Supra, founded on the car’s finely balanced chassis and the ideal ‘golden ratio’ between the wide track and short wheelbase.
A low centre of gravity, a lightweight and highly rigid body and aerodynamically efficient add to the car’s agility and stability. These qualities are optimised by performance-enhancing features including adaptive variable suspension (with NORMAL and SPORT settings), active differential, sports-tuned steering and powerful Brembo sports brakes with four-pot aluminium front callipers and 348 mm vented front discs.
Exclusive interior fittings
In the cabin the car’s special status is signified by a carbonfibre dashboard insert specifying its number in the production run and featuring an outline map of the Jarama circuit, plus the Toyota GR Supra logo. The interior is upholstered in black Alcantara with blue stitching and the seats are power-adjustable and have a memory setting and integrated heating.
Standard equipment which customers will get includes satellite navigation with 3D-mapping, smartphone integration (via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Supra Connect access to connected services and a 10-speaker audio system. Multimedia functions are controlled using an 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen, or (for certain functions) voice recognition.
The Supra Safety + Package provides a comprehensive range of active safety features, including a Pre-Collision System with a pedestrian detection function and the ability to recognise cyclists during daytime driving; Lane Departure Alert with steering assist; Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go function; Adaptive High-beam System; Adaptive Front-light System, which adjust the headlight illumination in line with the car’s steering angle; and Road Sign Assist.
In Malaysia, the GR Supra is available through dealerships with the GR Garage (currently 5 outlets in Peninsular Malaysia). Prices start from RM589,987 (without insurance) and each unit comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
BMW’s iDrive interface has been around for some 20 years now and with each version, users – primarily the driver although it is also designed for passenger use – have gained better interaction and ‘intelligence’ with the system. Soon iDrive8 will make its debut in the new iX and i4 models with a new generation of displays, controls, software, and extremely powerful connectivity and data processing.
The new iDrive 8 can constantly process large amounts of not only self-generated data but also data collected from the BMW Group vehicle fleet to implement the driver’s wishes in a context-related way. Paving the way for greater personalization is BMW ID, a system which recognizes repetitive situations, learns from them and provides suggestions on how functions can be activated accordingly. Remote Software Upgrade allows the new iDrive to benefit from regular over-the-air improvements, integrate additional functions and stay up to date – without the owner having to bring the car to the service centre.
The integration of third-party apps is more comprehensive than ever too. The most important applications in each individual market around the world can be imported seamlessly into the vehicle’s operating system. The display and operation of these apps will be familiar to customers from their smartphones, expanding the functionality of in-car systems.
Simplifying management of systems
BMW’s iDrive appeared in 2001 with the 7-Series of that model year. It ushered in a new era of in-car operating technology with the aim of getting a grip on the constantly expanding array of functions. As more and more electronic systems could be incorporated for safety, comfort or convenience, it was important that the driver manage them easily and intuitively.
The original iDrive Controller in the 2001 7-Series.
A second Controller was also provided for rear occupants to manage the iDrive, with a screen between the seats,
BMW’s paradigm shift with the iDrive minimized the buttons and controls throughout the cockpit and in their place was a colour screen in the centre of the instrument panel (the control display) and a rotary dial on the centre console (the iDrive Controller). This multifunctional system allowed drivers to control a large number of vehicle settings, entertainment, navigation and telecommunications functions with a single operating tool. Within the space of a few years, iDrive effectively became the new industry standard and proved to be extremely future proof.
20 years later, the developers and designers focusing on user interaction and on the user experience have faced a new set of challenges – a constant stream of new functions is joining the fray, functions are gaining in complexity all the time, and operating them needs to become easier and more natural.
The BMW cars of today are intelligent and able to build a detailed picture of their surroundings and make sense of it using modern sensors and data processing. They are permanently connected to the BMW Cloud and therefore benefit from the combined computing power, long-term and real-time data, machine learning, and swarm intelligence generated by the 14 million connected BMW vehicles out on the roads.
The developers of the new iDrive have carried over the car’s expanded technical abilities into an all-embracing user experience distinguished by its intelligent symbiosis of hardware and software. Looking ahead, the car will become an increasingly smart and automated device which maintains a natural dialogue with the user. This interaction will involve the user simply making iDrive aware of their wishes and requests, while the system learns how its user behaves, comes up with suggestions in real time (based on an extensive pool of detailed knowledge) and actively proposes them to the driver – who then only needs to confirm.
What began with the introduction of a rotary dial and a digital display is now an all-encompassing, intelligent, multi-sensory experience tailored to the user. It brings about another paradigm shift – this time to a natural dialogue between the user and their vehicle: more intuitive, personal, but also engaging.
The new iDrive 8
The first BMW vehicle to receive the new iDrive 8 system will be the iX all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). In order to provide an improved interactive experience with this more technologically sophisticated and complex product, voice control and touch functions of the BMW Curved Display are prioritized. The number of buttons and switches has been reduced by almost half compared to current vehicles. At the same time, control clusters for relevant and frequently used basic functions are retained where customers expect to find them.
The control panels on the center console and instrument panel have an all-new minimalist design. The familiar iDrive Controller is the central control element. The Touch Controller is designed in an extremely smart glass-effect finish while the colour and materials used for the centre console give it a very sophisticated appearance.
The Controller is enclosed by a panel with a High-gloss Black frame, a glass-effect surface and white backlit buttons. On the centre console, the control surface with active haptic inputs subdivided by feeler bars is used to select the iDrive menus, My Modes and other functions. The Controller, the rocker switch for gear selection, the audio roller control and the seat adjustment buttons can also be specified in an optional polished crystal finish.
The new generation of iDrive brings with it a new design language with eye-catching graphics, modern colors, futuristic textures and forms and expanded use of light to create an immersive visual experience. At the same time, the user interface has been optimized to present just the right amount of information in an easy-to-understand way.
The extensive individualization options available for the screens in the instrument display can be accessed quickly via the function keys on the steering wheel. The two-axis operating system enables user-friendly vertical list navigation of on-screen content with the rotating key, as well as toggling between menus by tilting the key horizontally.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
The new generation of iDrive also brings additional abilities for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. For a more personal interaction, users can still give the system a name of their choice, which they then use as a prompt. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has an important role to play in creating a natural dialogue between the user and their vehicle. The personal assistant is the central interaction interface with the user – the ‘face’ of the in-car intelligence.
To also enable non-verbal communication with the vehicle occupants in the future, the user experience designers gave the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant a visual form that also allows it to display gestures. This was based on studies with test persons who were asked to answer selected questions non-verbally. Their movements were recorded, and patterns were established in how certain moods and activities were expressed. These patterns were carried over to the new geometry of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant’s visual image with the help of insights from art, as used in the making of animated films.
The personal assistant follows the shy tech principle of design in terms of how and where it is visible. When it is spoken to, it appears in a fluid animation on the relevant screen (information or center control) area and spreads out over the displays. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can distinguish who is talking to it. If the driver is actively engaged, the Intelligent Personal Assistant’s visual image appears in the right-hand area of the information display or in the BMW Head-Up Display and signals its readiness to accept spoken instructions. If prompted by the front passenger, the assistant’s image appears in the right-hand area of the BMW Curved Display
When interacting with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and using the new iDrive 8, drivers benefit from increased personalization of the user experience based on the BMW ID. Current BMW ConnectedDrive customers are able to use their existing credentials to access their BMW ID. In future, it will be possible to securely store more personalized settings in the BMW ID and transfer them between vehicles. Once the BMW ID has been loaded, the driver will receive a personal greeting which will include the customized profile image that can be uploaded in the My BMW App.
Technology and connectivity
The iDrive 8 is the most powerful and encompassing technology ever created by BMW. In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the software scopes for the iDrive system. Today, BMW’s iDrive handles a wide array of tasks that extend far beyond a conventional display and operating concept. These range from integrating telematics and connected services to data processing and preparation, connecting to devices and deep integration of third-party apps or projected modes, as well as seamless integration of cloud-based services like BMW Maps.
The BMW Group has been developing the central control unit and software integration platform in-house, entirely on Linux since 2013. Having complete control over software is crucial for creating a stable, upgradeable, high-quality system that distinguishes the brand. In the past, the BMW display and iDrive system has been overhauled on average every 3 years, a cycle that is roughly half as long as the complete product development cycle for a vehicle.
In the era of fast-paced digital development, it is no longer enough to completely update a model’s digital features every three years, and this resulted in a fundamental change of approach in 2018. The arrival of Remote Software Upgrade means owners have been able to keep their vehicle up to date with the latest software at all times. New functions can be imported quickly and easily over the air, either using the car’s built-in SIM card or via the My BMW App. Remote Software Upgrade has a crucial role to play in the new iDrive 8 by offering the possibility of performing extremely complex and large software updates in areas such as driving assistance and partial automation.
5G mobile technology
The iX will be the first premium model available worldwide that is compatible with 5G mobile technology. 5G offers extremely high data bandwidth and low latency – meaning fast data transmission – and also expands the possibilities for connectivity between the vehicle and its environment. It forms the basis for real-time reception and transmission of large volumes of data and sensor system information to the BMW Cloud. Together with the quality of service offered by the 5G network, this will bring about significant enhancements and innovations in the areas of entertainment, infotainment, automated driving and road safety. The iDrive 8 has been prepared for making optimum use of the data speeds offered by 5G.
BMW iX, an all-electric SAV, will be the first model to have the new iDrive 8 system.
Castrol is bringing back its annual Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia for 2021 and as in 2019, the event honours mechanics throughout Malaysia, being the only one of its kind in the country. Castrol is honouring mechanics’ dedication to the automotive service profession throughout March 2021 through a fully virtual experience with social media activations, giveaways and advertising.
These experiences aim to increase awareness for mechanics’ importance to Malaysian society and how they keep the economy moving though trying times of the pandemic. The campaign features a social media contest and is themed ‘Beat of Mechanics’.
Social media users who participate will be required to demonstrate their talent for dance moves by making a short video of their own, based on the #beatofmechanics music and predefined choreography displayed in the video coupled with their own creativity. The short video must also feature a vehicle, as a tribute to mechanics.
Through this celebratory contest, Castrol aims to promote appreciation of the work and contribution of mechanics behind the scenes, as well as highlight the brand’s continuous commitment to bringing new and engaging experiences for the community.
Over the past 12 months, vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, logistic trucks and delivery vehicles have been heavily depended on by essential services to support Malaysians staying at home – contributing to the country’s recovery from the pandemic. Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia aims to recognise mechanics across the country who continue to perform vehicle maintenance and repairs as equal contributors to our nation.
“We are immensely pleased to be able to celebrate so many inspiring Malaysian mechanics that have gone the extra mile through these challenging times. We at Castrol believe that mechanics display the unwavering spirit of Malaysians. Their unyielding passion, commitment and dedication they continue to demonstrate is evident in how patients, goods, and workers continue to arrive at their destination safely.” said Castrol Malaysia & Singapore Marketing Director, Keow Mei-Shan.
“We know people are turning to social media more than ever to stay in touch with family and friends, and the fully virtual campaign will make it easy for them to share their support and appreciation for our mechanics” she added.
