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Volkswagen Polo gets updates for 2021, on sale in Europe at the end of this year

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

The current generation of the Volkswagen Polo still has a few more years to go but with the pace of technology nowadays, the model has been given a comprehensive update in design, technologies and specification matrix. The styling changes are evolutionary, and bring the model’s appearance in line with the latest look as seen in the Golf 8.

Some of the technologies for the new Polo are trickled down from models further up in the Volkswagen range. IQ.DRIVE (an optional feature) will be available for the first time in the Polo class and, together with the new predictive Travel Assist Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist (first seen in the Passat), will give the driver partial automated driving.

IQ Drive with Travel Assist
IQ Drive is Volkswagen’s name for its collection of advanced driver assistance systems and the ID.4 EV is the first model with it. The systems support the driver in everyday situations such as parking, leaving a parking space (Park Assist) or lane changing (Lane Assist) and help prevent accidents (Front Assist with City Emergency Brake function). It includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance.

Another area of advancement in the Polo is the lighting system which will be upgraded to new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. These use an interactive lighting system which was first offered in the Touareg. LEDs are also used for the tail light units, providing quicker illumination and longer service life as well as low electricity consumption.

Wider range of standard equipment
There will be various versions available and in Europe, these will consist of the standard, Life, Style and R-Line. Even the entry-level version will have a significantly wider range of standard equipment. In addition, Volkswagen has now incorporated the Digital Cockpit (digital instruments with an 8.0-inch display) into the basic equipment.

Premium features available will include a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro (including image of caller, Coverflow, map view and Slide Show), background lighting and the 8-inch Infotainment system Ready2Discover, which includes App-Connect Wireless. With Ready2Discover, customers have the option of retrofitting the navigation system as a feature on demand.

Polo R-Line
The sporty Polo R-Line will have a highly individual exterior with exclusive bumpers. The front bumper has high-gloss black cross and longitudinal bars of the air intakes and their surround. A diffuser – also in high-gloss black – with chrome-look integrated exhaust panels is fitted to the lower part of the car’s rear.

In the safety area, a new addition is the centre airbag. Located on the driver’s side on the side of the rear seat backrest, this airbag opens toward the centre in the event of an accident. The purpose is to provide cushioning to protect the driver and front passenger during side impacts when the forces may cause them to collide.

No mention is made of powertrains so it can be assumed that Volkswagen will maintain the current choices which have displacement of 1 litre (3-cylinder), 1.4 litres, 1.5 litres, 1.6 litres (petrol and diesel) and, in certain markets, a 2-litre unit. Depending on the market, there should be manual and DSG automatic transmissions.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about the models available in Malaysia.

Proton constructing additional stamping facility at Tanjung Malim factory

Proton today held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the commencement of construction work on a new stamping facility at its Tanjung Malim factory. The factory, built in the late 1990s, already has stamping facilities and this new one will complement them. It is scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of 2022.

The new facility will house a new Superlarge stamping machine which allows making larger metal panels for vehicles and other parts. The investment of RM200 million in the facility is part of Proton’s plan to increase levels of localisation, both for current and future models.

Proton was the first carmaker in Malaysia to have its own stamping facilities when its original factory was built. The picture above shows the stamping area under construction in 1984. Stamping its own body panels (below) increases the level of localisation in its models.

This is on top of the RM1.2 billion already spent on upgrading the factory with the aim of making it a world-class vehicle manufacturing plant that will be able to produce more model lines. It is also in line with Proton’s technology strategy as the new facility will have state-of-the-art tools as well as systems.

“While we are happy with our progress so far, Proton must continue to look to the future”, said Dr.Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton. “This new addition is part of our strategy to ensure that we can grow continuously as well as increase our model footprint when we have to. This means having the ability to build more variants but more importantly, to be able to build them to the highest standards as well as to incorporate new technology.”

Proton has seen a huge turnaround in fortunes over the last three years since Geely became DRB-HICOM’s partner in the company. Besides introducing brand new models, it has also had increased sales volumes and gained market share. At the same time, quality has been improved in products and services and the entire dealer network has been revamped with most outlets upgrading to 3S status.

“We are very clear about direction and growth for Proton. While Malaysia will always be our primary market, we must be able to compete beyond our shores. This facility is one small part of that journey. It is especially important for us because it means we can do far more localisation going forward. This will have a spill-over effect which will see us engaging with more vendors and further growing the local automotive ecosystem,” said Dr. Li.

*Proton factory in Tanjung Malim, Perak*

2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 in showrooms, to be followed by T5 variant in June

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’.

Updated Porsche Panamera launched in Malaysia

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.

For more information on the new Panamera or other Porsche models available in Malaysia, contact one of these authorised Porsche Centres: Porsche Centre Ara Damansara | Porsche Centre Sungai Besi | Porsche Centre Penang | Porsche Centre Johor Bahru.

Fuel Price Updates For April 22 – April 28, 2021

Miami, USA to have Formula 1 race in 2022

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 11^th 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.

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.

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