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The first Rolls-Royce Ghost reflected a layer of clients who use their Rolls-Royce in a completely unique way. These men and women required a motorcar able to offer an impeccable chauffeur-driven experience as well as a vibrant dynamic personality when they chose to drive it themselves.

In 2009, when the first Ghosts entered the market, this collective of business leaders, founders and entrepreneurs were unanimous in their feedback that the marque had created a product that balanced their requests perfectly.

When these clients were informed that Rolls-Royce would begin developing the second generation of the Ghost – expected to be unveiled before the end of this year – their request was simple: deliver a motorcar that they could use even more. They desired something even more refined to be driven in and even more enjoyable to drive.

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Meeting the challenging brief
To fulfil this challenging brief, the engineering experts at the 114-year old company rejected the use of a pre-existing platform. Instead, they have configured the marque’s proprietary ‘Architecture of Luxury’ aluminium spaceframe chassis to incorporate elements of the brand’s existing model portfolio such as all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering.

At the same time, the structure has been adapted to accommodate significant advances in Rolls-Royce’s hallmark magic carpet ride and dynamic abilities. Naturally, these qualities are expected especially by those who have owned a Rolls-Royce.

“Ghost clients told us that it’s the car in their collection that they’re drawn to the most. They love its uncomplicated versatility. It’s not trying to be a sportscar, it’s not trying to be a grand statement – it’s simply exceptional and exceptionally simple,” said Jonathan Simms, New Ghost Engineering Lead.

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost

The Planar system
A key development was the Planar system, which is consists of three elements. The system allows new Ghost to anticipate and react to even the most demanding road surface.

The first is an Upper Wishbone Damper unit which is mounted above the front suspension assembly and creates an even more stable and effortless ride. The result of three years of development, this is a world-first technology.

The second is the Flagbearer system, a predictive system which uses cameras to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension system for any changes in road surface. The third is Satellite Aided Transmission, which draws GPS data to pre-select the optimum gear for upcoming corners.

Pushing the architecture further
During the engineering design process, chassis and suspension specialists were tasked with regularly presenting the technical advances they had made to other departments, as well as showcasing how these remarkable developments met the client brief.

“When it came to creating a new Ghost – one that outshines its incredibly capable predecessor – the engineering team had to start from scratch. We pushed our architecture even further and created a car even more dynamic, even more luxurious and, most of all, even more effortlessly useable,” Simms promises.

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

Following the 2018 launch of Levante Trofeo, the most powerful version of Maserati’s first SUV, the range is now joined by the new Quattroporte and Ghibli Trofeo. The expanded collection highlights Maserati’s all-Italian identity with the colours chosen for the Trofeo collection launch being those of the country’s flag: green for Quattroporte, white for Levante and red for Ghibli.

The striking colours are combined with burnished chrome-work and gloss red trim. The whole Trofeo collection is distinguished by the red details that characterize the bottom profiles of the side air vents and the arrow on the Trident badge on the C-pillars.

2020 Maserati Trofeo

2020 Maserati Trofeo

580-bhp V8 engine
The heart of Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo is the 3.8-litre V8 Twin Turbo with no less than 580 bhp and 730 Nm of torque at peak output. The engine, already available with the  Levante Trofeo, is built at the Ferrari factory to Maserati’s specifications. It has been modified and developed to deliver equally impressive performance on the rear-engine sedans.

2020 Maserati Trofeo

Although completely new for Ghibli, the V8 engine has already been used in the past on Quattroporte GTS, tuned for 523 bhp output. The uprated V8 for the Trofeo versions are in full compliance with fuel efficiency and emissions standards.

Fastest Maserati sedans
The Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo are claimed to be the fastest Maserati sedans ever, able to reach a maximum speed of 326 km/h, 24 km/h faster than the Levante Trofeo.

2020 Maserati Trofeo

Like Levante Trofeo, the new Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo also incorporate the Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) system, with a specific set-up for enhanced driving dynamics and greater active safety.

The sedans have the Corsa button that sets the car for an even sportier driving style. Also included is Launch Control, a function that first appeared on Levante Trofeo, to exploit all the engine’s power and produce an authentic Maserati driving experience.

2020 Maserati Trofeo

2020 Maserati Trofeo

Special stylistic touches
While the unique signature of every Maserati is the sound of its engine, the Trofeo collection adds distinctiveness, thanks to special stylistic touches. These include the front grille with twin vertical bars in Black Piano finish, and the introduction of carbonfibre on the front air duct trims and rear extractor, giving an even more aggressive effect.

There are major changes at the rear of the car, where the light clusters have been completely restyled, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.

For the Ghibli Trofeo, the bonnet has also been restyled, featuring two aggressive air ducts for better cooling, just like on Levante Trofeo.

2020 Maserati Trofeo

The Trofeo characterization continues in the interior, with a new on-board panel that displays an exclusive interface at switch-on, while the headrests bear the Trofeo badge with the name in 3-dimensional relief. The exclusivity also extends to the interior upholstery, in full-grain Pieno Fiore natural leather.

New technologies also appear in MIA (Maserati Intelligent Assistant) while the multimedia screen has upgraded resolution and a larger size.

2020 Maserati Trofeo

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

It’s our nation’s Merdeka again soon and to celebrate the 63rd year of independence, MINI Malaysia has started its ‘Add Independence’ campaign. It consists of specially curated programmes which relate to the Countryman model, with different variants to choose from.

The campaign, which runs till September 30, 2020, has a range of attractive offers for selected and limited units while stocks last. Customers can enjoy interest-free H-P loans, monthly instalment plans starting from RM2,315, instalment support up to RM5,000, and cash rebates up to RM22,000.

MINI Countryman

Brand’s largest model
The Countryman is the brand’s largest model and now in its second generation. While it takes its name from the original model sold in the 1960s, it is classified as a crossover SUV. Compared to a 5-door MINI, it is 294 mm longer, 95 mm wider and 132 mm taller.

Its size provides generous cabin space and comfortable accommodation for 5 persons and their holiday or recreational gear. The low bootlid can serve as a picnic bench while also make for easier access into the cargo space which can be expanded up to 1,390 litres.

MINI Countryman

MINI Countryman

MINI Countryman

4 variants, 3 powertrain choices
MINI Malaysia offers four variants of the Countryman with three powertrain choices, one of which is a plug-in hybrid. The most powerful version with a 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine has claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

As would be expected of a car with the character of a MINI, customers have a variety of colours to choose from. Prices for the 2020 model year Countryman start from RM220,741, after deducting the sales tax (exemption applicable only till the end of this year).

More information and location of showrooms in Malaysia can be found at www.mini.my.

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It used to be that the company name was also a brand name and used with every model the company sold. However, in recent times, especially with the advent of electric vehicles (EVs), some companies are finding that it would be better to create a dedicated sub-brand for such vehicles and give them more prominence.

Hyundai Motor is the latest to do so with the announcement of the IONIQ brand which will be for EVs. Most readers would know that the IONIQ name has already been used by a Hyundai model. The name, which fuses ‘ion’ and ‘unique’ was first introduced in 2016 as ‘Project IONIQ’, a long-term R&D project focused on eco-friendly mobility.

Based on the project, Hyundai introduced a model named IONIQ which was unique in that it could be powered by a choice of three powertrain options – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and full electric – within the same bodystyle.

Hyundai IONIQ
The IONIQ was introduced to the Malaysian market in 2016, and is available only with a hybrid powertrain.

Three new models in four years
Mow, the company will re-assign the model name to become a brand name. Over the next four years, the Korean carmaker will introduce a range of numerically named EVs under the new brand, with the even numbers used for sedans and the odd numbers for SUVs. These will start, in early 2021, with the IONIQ 5. In 2022 will come the IONIQ 6 sedan and in early 2024, the IONIQ 7 which will be a large SUV.

The first model, the IONIQ 5, will be a midsize CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) based on the concept 45 which was displayed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motorshow as a homage to its very first concept car. The IONIQ 5’s designers have taken inspiration from the past and integrated it with cutting-edge parametric pixels, a unique design element that Hyundai designers will continue to incorporate into future IONIQ models.

Hyundai Concept 45 and Prophecy
Concept 45 (above) will be the basis of the IONIQ 5′ design, while the Prophecy concept (below) provides the designers with the starting point for the styling of the IONIQ 6.

2020 Hyundai Prophecy concept

The IONIQ 6 sedan will be based on the company’s latest concept car, the Prophecy, which made its debut 5 months ago. The IONIQ 7 SUV will share the vehicles’ common design theme of ‘Timeless Value’. The vehicles will be inspired by past models but they will be a bridge to the future, says Hyundai.

Hyundai IONIQ models

E-GMP platform
All IONIQ models will sit on an Electric Global Modular Platform, known as ‘E-GMP’, that will have fast charging capability and generous driving range. The EV-dedicated platform will allow Hyundai designers to reimagine the cabin as a ‘smart living space’ with highly adjustable seats, wireless connectivity and unique features such as a glovebox designed as drawers.

The platform paradigm shift will extend into the user interfaces that will be simple, intuitive and ergonomically designed to help occupants feel at ease.

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

Strategy 2025
The Hyundai Motor Group recently announced that the Group aims to sell 1 million units of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and take 10% share to become a leader in the global EV field by 2025. Under Strategy 2025, Hyundai Motor Company itself aims to become the world’s third-largest automaker of eco-friendly vehicles by 2025, with 560,000 BEV sales in addition to Fuel Cell EV sales.


Hyundai celebrated the launch of the IONIQ brand by turning the London Eye into a giant letter ‘Q’ using electric lights just before the official reopening of the famous attraction. With the otherwise bustling city of London having come to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Hyundai is ‘bringing new energy into the city’ by lighting up and turning one of its most iconic sights once again.


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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

In case you missed the news, if you have any outstanding summonses from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) or Land Public Transport Department (now known as APAD instead of SPAD), you can save some money if you settle before the end of this month.

In conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka Day celebrations, the agencies are offering a 70% discount for all summonses during August 2020. This discount is for all compoundable summonses issued by the JPJ and APAD under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 (Act 334) and Land Public Transport Act 2010(Act 715). Summonses issued by the police are not included in this discount offer.

The discount is offered for speeding offences recorded by AES cameras.

The offences covered include drunk driving, exceeding speed limits as recorded by the AES cameras,and also vehicles which are found to be in a condition that is not roadworthy. Depending on the nature of the offence, the compound fine can be up a maximum of RM300.

If you are blacklisted, this is an opportunity for you to sort the matter out. However, you will need to personally visit a JPJ branch to resolve the matter and then make payment (the discount will still be allowed). For other road-users, payments can be made at JPJ offices or online portals.

JPJ saman summons discount (2)

Note that a summons does not mean you are guilty of the offence. If you read the wording, you will find that it informs you that you have been sighted committing an offence (which will be specified). If you believe you are not guilty, you have a right to challenge the charge in court. However, if you agree that you are guilty, then you just pay the compound fine, saving time for all parties.

Incidentally, in Ipoh, Perak, the city council is also offering motorists a discount on offences related to parking. The discounts range from 30% and 50%.

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Just as car models receive periodic refreshing and updates, so too do the brand identities and other elements of the retail side of the auto business. For authorised Nissan dealers in Malaysia, that time has come and dealerships are progressively switching to the new Nissan Retail Concept (NRC).

The latest is a Nissan 3S centre in Kota Bharu, Kelantan operated by newly appointed dealer, Edaran Nuri Sdn Bhd. With the new NRC, there is the promise of an improved customer experience and journey of Nissan brand. The exterior features iconic red Nissan tablet signage while the exciting ‘Nissan Drive’ sales and consultation areas greet customers with warmth and comfort.

Nissan Edaran Nuri Kelantan

Nissan Edaran Nuri Kelantan

Everything under one roof
The 3S Nissan Centre has a total built-up area of 12,260 square feet and its showroom can display up to 5 models simultaneously. Within the same site is a service centre with 3 bays which can handle up to 15 vehicles per day.

Additional facilities include a cafe-styled customer lounge, free wifi and kids’ area. As taking delivery of a new Nissan is a special occasion, there’s an exclusive delivery bay for customers to receive their vehicles.

Nissan Edaran Nuri Kelantan

Nissan Edaran Nuri Kelantan

“Customer satisfaction is our main priority, and it is important that we work closely with our dealer to serve our customers better. The Nissan Retail Concept is our commitment in providing customers with high quality services and after-sales offerings from the minute they arrive,” said Mr Christopher Tan, Sales & Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the distributor of Nissan vehicles for over 50 years.

SOPs observed
Mr. Tan gave assurance that, in line with government Standard Operating Procedures to curb Covid-19, Nissan showrooms and service centres nationwide carry out temperature checking and social distancing for all staff and customers. Nissan staff wear face masks, while face masks, gloves and hand sanitizers are freely available to customers, if required. Frequent disinfecting is carried out at the showrooms and service centres throughout the day covering every touchpoint including display and test drive vehicles, as well as all customer vehicles before and after service. During this period, contactless payments are encouraged.

For more information on the Nissan network in Malaysia, visit www.nissan.com.my.

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