Although the Range Rover, launched in the mid-1970s, can lay claim to being the first premium SUV, large premium SUVs only appeared in the late 1990s. However, the two Japanese premium brands – Lexus and Infiniti – had developed their own versions of luxury SUVs based on existing 4×4 models of their parent brands, Toyota and Nissan, respectively.
As the volumes are relatively small, it has not been viable to develop their own models so up till today, the large SUVs are still adapted from the models of the other brands. Unlike the newer models, these two original ones retain the greater degree of ruggedness and capability for off-road driving. This year, both companies are using the Rebelle Rally to demonstrate this.
Lexus J201 Concept
Lexus, Toyota’s premium luxury brand, has a range of SUVs today but before the RX came out in 1997, its only SUV was the Land Cruiser-based LX. The model line continues up till today, offering a large premium SUV which is also pretty rugged.
The LX has gone through the usual evolutionary improvements over the years being launched in 1995 and to remind people how rugged it is, the company has developed the J201 Concept which uses the current LX570’s platform. The ‘J201’ designation is even derived from the internal Lexus chassis code of the LX470 – URJ201.
The inspiration for the J201 project came from seeing how a growing number of Lexus SUV owners are going off-road with their adventurous activities. The concept SUV, which has a supercharged 550-bhp engine, is for what Lexus calls the ‘Experiential Adventurer’ and has been built by overlanding experts, Expedition Overland.
The J201 Concept will demonstrate its capabilities in the 10-day Rebelle Rally, an all-female event covering over 2,000 kms of off-road terrain in the US states of California and Nevada. The crew will be defending Rebelle Rally champions, Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley of The X Elles.
Infiniti QX80 Rebelle
Infiniti, Nissan premium luxury brand, also has a big flagship SUV, the QX80 which has been around for the past 16 years and is based on Nissan’s Patrol model. Like Lexus, Infiniti has also prepared a special QX80 for the Rebelle Rally. The crew of the 5.6-litre 400-bhp SUV consists of Nicole Wakelin and Alice Chase (Team Wander Women).
Infiniti worked with off-road specialists CALMINI Products to prepare the QX80, installing off-road suspension components, custom front and rear bumpers suited for demanding approach and departure angles, heavy-duty control arms, thicker skid plates, and chunky all-terrain tyres.
The red QX80 also has Off-Road Monster 18-inch wheels, a PowerTank air-up tank and digital air-down kit, plus a unique and secure custom safety cage.
About the Rebelle Rally
The Rebelle Rally was started a few years ago by Emily Miller, 51, who is very active in adventure events. Apart from being only for women, the event is unique in that the participants cannot use modern devices – no smartphones, no GPS systems – and must find their way from point to point using maps and compasses… and maybe following the sun. Yes, the old-fashioned methods of navigation that adventurers used.
TORSUS, based in the Czech Republic, manufactures what it claims to be the world’s toughest, heavy-duty off-road buses. The started with the Praetorian, the world’s first production off-road bus, which has found many customers in heavy industry, utility and government service sectors in global markets.
Now the company will add a 4×4 off-road minibus to its range to provide a transport vehicle that can travel into the most difficult terrain. To be known as the Terrastorm, it uses a Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE 4Motion chassis with power from a 2-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, The engine can be tuned to produce 140 ps/340 Nm or 176 ps/410 Nm and be ordered with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Terrastorm has undergone a rigorous test program to ensures that it can withstand and handle extreme off-road usage. During testing, the chassis was upgraded chassis and off-road suspension developed. The all-wheel drive system has a locking rear differential while heavy-duty 17-inch BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 tyres are fitted.
The Terrastorm has a ground clearance of 290 mm, approach and departure angles of 26 degrees and 20 degrees, and a wading depth of 690 mm. Customers who expect to cross deeper stretches of water can select the ‘Deep Wave’ pack which enables the vehicle to travel through water up to 820 mm deep.
The TORSUS bumper, with an integrated winch, is designed to offer improved off-road capabilities with better approach angles. As part of the underside protection, the custom 5mm Duraluminium skidplate protects the engine, radiator, transmission, rear axle and other components from costly damage when off-road.
While targeting the commercial vehicle market, TORSUS also sees potential for the Terrastorm in the leisure market. The highly capable workhorse can also be used on weekends for family outings. The interior can be configured to customer requirements with seating for 9 to 20 passengers. Each occupant will have a comfortable but strong seat with a skeleton consisting of 2-4mm of sheet metal and 3-point seatbelts. For more extreme conditions, TORSUS can provide ‘extra active’ seats with 5-point harnesses.
Unlike most minibuses, the Terrastorm’s internal seating configuration can be altered to swivel seating with multifunction tables on a special seat rail system. This means the rows of seats can be positioned opposite each other making use of the multifunction tables, serving as a workspace. A customer can also easily install modular components to convert it into a personal camper.
Above the seats is the innovative TORSUS Air Channel. This is a luggage rack offering each occupant individual lighting, air conditioning vents and speakers. The passenger cabin is lined with 30 mm thermal insulation and the anti-slip floor is 18 mm high-density water-resistant board with 2 mm PVC floor coverings for easy cleaning.
Among the various configurations available is a medevac transporter. The Terrastorm can be used as an off-road ambulance to transport patients or even act as a mobile intensive care unit. The interior can be equipped with more noise insulation and fitted with electrical systems and an oxygen supply system.
“The Terrastorm aims to break that tradition as we set new standards in this market. We have taken what we know from Praetorian and translated it to a smaller overall footprint, but the dependability and toughness remain. By working with customers and listening to feedback and hearing their problems, we find solutions to create the ultimate off-road minibus,” said Vakhtang Dzhukashvili, founder and CEO of TORSUS.
To be manufactured at TORSUS’ production plant in Slovakia, the Terrastorm is expected to be available for delivery during the third quarter of 2020. It will be available in both lefthand and righthand drive variants with prices starting from €57,461 (about RM286,000).
TORSUS has a presence on three continents (Europe, Australia and South America) and is looking at expanding into more territories with the Philippines market being considered in the Southeast Asian region.
During the past 10 years, the auto industry has been downsizing engines as a way to reduce consumption, toxic exhaust emissions and also weight. Thanks to turbocharging and direct fuel injection, the engine outputs have actually increased in spite of displacements decreasing.
But while most people are happy with smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, Americans still miss the big ones that have been typical in their vehicles, especially the vee engines. Jeep fans, in particular, have been wishing for a V8 Wrangler in recent years, and their request has been noted. The last time a Jeep was offered with a V8 engine was in 1981 when the CJ had a 5-litre V8.
1981 Jeep CJ Renegade was the last model with a V8.
Yes, a V8 is returning
As an indication they may soon get their wish, Jeep has revealed the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. This has a huge 6.4-litre V8 engine that delivers 450 bhp/610 Nm and can go from 0 to 96 km/h in a timed of less than 5 seconds, it is claimed.
“Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts have been asking us for a Wrangler V8, and our new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept proves that we have the ability to make that happen,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “From the recently introduced Wrangler EcoDiesel, to our award-winning Jeep Gladiator, and the upcoming Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, Jeep is clearly listening to its customers. We are anxious to gauge their reaction to this new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, a vehicle that delivers an incredible and unmatched level of fun-to-drive performance and capability, on- and off-road.”
Capability on and off-road
To accommodate the massive 6.4-litre V8 engine and stronger 8-speed transmission, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept has upgraded engine mounts and a modified frame. Suspension upgrades include new aluminium, monotube Fox shocks for improved damping and heat dissipation. A dual-mode exhaust alters the performance sound at the touch of a button.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept boasts even more capability courtesy of third-generation Dana 44 axles, a Selec-Track full-time 2-speed transfer case, Tru-Lok electric front and rear-axle locking differentials. 37-inch mud-terrain tyres wrap around custom 17-inch beadlock wheels that hold tyres to rims under extreme lateral loads, allowing for reduced tyre pressure operation and added traction.
The factory-fitted Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit from Mopar enables additional suspension articulation for improved approach, breakover and departure angles. There are also Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch, and a steel belly pan – all to ensure protection when going over the roughest terrain.
Custom design inside and out
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept features Granite Crystal exterior paint adorned with bronze accentuated tow hooks, badging, springs, shocks and wheels, while featuring a heavy-duty raised performance bonnet with an aggressive appearance. Custom half doors and Wrangler’s Sky One-touch powertop, with removable side panels allow for open-air freedom when weather conditions are nice enough.
The vehicle made its appearance just recently and Jeep is doing final real-world testing before launching the production version. It’s not likely to be a long wait as Jeep must be eager to have a new model to prevent Ford’s new Bronco from drawing too many customers.
Five years before the Suzuki Jimny and long before the Suzuki Vitara, Ford was already selling a small SUV. It was called the Bronco and appeared in the market in 1965, a time when Ford was still creating excitement with the Mustang that had been launched a year earlier. Although Americans love their vehicles big, the small (for that market) Bronco found a niche for itself and went through 5 generations until 1996 when production of the model ceased,
Today, with strong demand for smaller SUVs, Ford is getting in on the action with a new Bronco. Of course, it is a totally different vehicle from the original and where the Bronco name only referred to the model, Ford is now using it as a brand name for a family of SUVs.
“We created the Bronco family to elevate every aspect of off-road adventure and equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the rugged 4×4 segment and take people further into the wild,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s Chief Operating Officer. “They’re built with the toughness of an F-Series truck and performance spirit of Mustang – and come wrapped in one of the most stunning and functional off-road designs that’s true to the original Bronco design DNA.”
To go on sale in early 2021, the Bronco family comes in two sizes with 2-door and 4-door variants – a larger one and a smaller compact model that differentiated with ‘Sport’ added as a suffix. But both models have all the necessary systems and engineering to give them extensive off-road capability that justifies using the G.O.A.T. – for ‘Goes Over Any Terrain’ – nickname which the original Bronco had.
However, where the earlier generations used mostly mechanical systems, the latest one has many electrical, computer-managed systems that make driving on rough terrain easier and safer. The Terrain Management System with ‘G.O.A.T. Modes’ (probably something Ford engineers learnt when Land Rover was in the Ford group) has 7 driver-selectable modes to customise traction and engine systems for optimum performance over different surface conditions, to boost acceleration or even to economise on fuel. In Rock Crawl mode, the electronic power steering system is calibrated to provide more precise control and help reduce steering wheel disturbance during low-speed manoeuvres over rocky terrain.
“Bronco has the toughness and smarts to help turn off-road novices into 4×4 pros,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s Chief Product Development & Purchasing Officer. “Bronco embraces the needs of outdoor enthusiasts – every inch of it was designed and engineered with weekend adventurers in mind.”
Tough steel chassis for the roughest off-road driving
The 4×4 systems are available in standard set-up and advanced. The standard system utilizes a 2-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, while the optional advanced system features a 2-speed electromechanical transfer case that adds an auto mode for on-demand engagement to select between 2H and 4H. Electronic locking differentials for improved traction over rough terrain are available if customers want them.
Other driver assistance technologies include a Trail Toolbox which ‘elevates’ the off-road experience for Bronco. Trail Control provides cruise control for low-speed trail driving (up to 33 km/h forward and about 10 km/h in reverse). Trail Turn Assist tightens off-road turning radiuses through torque vectoring. The innovative Trail One-Pedal Drive acceleration/braking control makes for more precise and confident slow-mode rock crawling.
EcoBoost powertrains
Two EcoBoost engines are available with displacements of 2.3 litres and 2.7 litres. The smaller 4-cylinder engine has outputs of 270 bhp/420 Nm while the larger twin-turbo V6 generates 310 bhp/ 542 Nm. There’s a choice of a Getrag 7-speed (6 + 1 ‘crawler gear’) manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid powertrain is in the product plan as well.
One of the EcoBoost engines available.
For the Bronco Sport, there’s a 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that produces 245 bhp/ 373 Nm and also a 1.5-litre EcoBoost unit with 181 bhp/258 Nm. Perhaps these two powertrains will be offered in export markets but at this time, Ford has not mentioned selling the Bronco outside North America and it’s uncertain if there will even be a righthand drive variant. They’ve lost interest in the Southeast Asian markets where there could be a potentially big volume, letting only the Ranger soldier on for the brand.
Every Bronco comes with an independent front suspension and at the rear, a rugged solid axle design featuring coil springs with 5 locating links. Long-travel position-sensitive Bilstein dampers with end-stop control valves at every corner are optionally available for added off-road durability and reduced harshness.
Also available is a semi-active hydraulic stabilizer bar disconnect design which provides maximum articulation and increased ramp angle index for off-camber terrain. This innovative system works by disconnecting during articulation; it can reconnect automatically under all conditions to improve steering and stability at higher speeds.
Ford claims segment-leading levels of off-road capability for the Bronco with 300 mm of ground clearance and water-crossing capability up to a depth of 850 mm. There’s a choice of tyre types and sizes up to 35 inches too.
The first design ideas for the modern Bronco started 16 years ago with the Bronco concept displayed at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. It drew inspiration from the original Bronco style with a slab-side chunky look that traditional SUVs had. In fact, Ford’s designers did a life-size digital scan of a first-generation model to understand its DNA. Incidentally, if you saw the movie Rampage in 2018, you would have seen that concept SUV being driven by Dwayne Johnson.
Ford Bronco Concept displayed in 2004.
The production Bronco adopts much of the concept model’s design with modernised retro looks that include classic round headlights on either side of an encapsulated cartridge grille. The 2-door variants come with a standard 3-section roof system incorporating a modular top with four sections that adds a removable panel over the rear seats and cargo area. The 4-door versions have 4 removable roof sections.
A cloth soft top provides easy access to the open air and a unique tilt-up function for quick access to the rear cargo area. To further enable the ‘wide open’ feeling, every Bronco comes with frameless doors that are easily removed. On 4-door Broncos, all the doors can be stored onboard with protective door bags.
The modern Bronco and the original which was introduced in 1965
“Similar to the first-generation model, Bronco’s square proportions, short overhangs and wide stance are optimized for off-road adventure,” said Paul Wraith, the SUV’s Chief Designer. “The side profile features a flat, no-nonsense surface with clear-cut edges and robustly flared fenders. Large, open wheel wells are a modular design with a quick-release attachment for simple customization.”
Purpose-built cabin
The multicolour LCD instrument panel is clearly inspired by the first-generation Bronco while the colours and materials are inspired by natural palettes and outdoor gear. With off-road functionality paramount, materials are tough and rugged. There are washable rubberized floors with integrated drains and marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces that resist mildew. Instrument panel surfaces are wipeable, with seamless silicone rubber on the dash-mounted hero switches, while rubber touchpoints protect against dirt and water.
Attachment points are built into the instrument panel to mount a device rack, with 12V power connections to easily mount cameras, navigation units, phones or other devices that today’s adventurers will carry.
The American idea of a teh tarik hook.
For navigation, especially off-road, Bronco drivers can plan, navigate and share their adventures on the SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch display. The system has advanced topographic trail maps and more than 1,000 curated trail maps of the USA. The SYNC system also displays images from the 360-degree camera system to provide additional visibility in tricky exercises such as rock crawling.
A modern high-strength steel roll cage with integrated side curtain airbags in the upper structure and seats helps protect passengers from side impacts and complements driver and front passenger airbags. Needless to say, there’s a full range of active and passive safety systems around the vehicle.
Ever since businesses resumed their operations, they seem to be catching up with lost time and new models are being quickly launched. Now they can do it faster since there is no need to find a venue and organise all the ‘song and dance’ routine because they can do it online.
The latest to use the online channel for launching a new model is Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) which today officially launched the new 2020 Range Rover Evoque. Two variants of the luxury compact SUV are available – Evoque and Evoque R-Dynamic – with prices from RM426,828 and RM475,398, respectively (inclusive of 5% sales tax exemption but excluding registration fees, insurance premium and roadtax).
In conjunction with the Malaysian launch, JLRM is also offering RM3,000 worth of accessory vouchers (for a limited time only) that can be used to purchase original Evoque accessories. The accessories come with a 5-year warranty.
The Evoque is in its second generation which was launched in 2018 and the latest one has received cosmetic and functional updates. The design remains instantly recognisable, a sophisticated evolution of the original’s distinctive coupe-like silhouette.
The R-Dynamic variant features more exterior enhancements such as burnished copper accents on the front and rear bumpers, as well as front fender inserts.
Both variants come with a new 2- litre Ingenium turbocharged petrol engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The twin scroll turbocharged engine comes in two states of tune: for the Evoque, the output is 200 ps/320 Nm while for the R-Dynamic variant, it’s 249 ps/365 Nm.
The technical updates
Most of the updates are on the technical aspects, starting with the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system having Driveline Disconnect technology. Standard for both variants, the system allows the driver to fully disengage drive to the rear wheels when cruising to reduce frictional losses. When conditions require additional traction or stability, the system will seamlessly re-engage in a fraction of a second.
For more challenging conditions, the Terrain Response 2 system (standard as well) is engaged to automatically adjust the vehicle’s driving characteristics to match surface conditions. Flooded roads won’t stop the Evoque either as it is claimed to have the best-in-class wading depth of 600 mm.
Advanced visibility technologies
With the R-Dynamic variant, there is the segment’s first ‘ClearSight Rear View Mirror’ that transforms into a high-definition (HD) video screen when activated. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver can flip a switch located on the underside of the mirror to activate a camera feed from the top of the car to display the back end of the vehicle in crisp high definition. The camera has a 50-degree field of vision and superior visibility in low light.
Also exclusive for the R-Dynamic variant is the world’s first ‘ClearSight Ground View’ technology allows the driver to virtually see through the bonnet and under the front end of the vehicle. The driver can see, on the dashboard display, a 180-degree view of the ground ahead, which should be very useful on rough ground.
The new Evoque is also the first Land Rover model to feature Smart Settings, a system which uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the driver’s preference. The system applies the driver’s preference to automate comfort and driver-specific media settings throughout the drive.
The vehicle ‘recognises’ the driver from their key fob and smartphone with the use of ‘self-learning’ technology, enabling specific seat and steering column position set up upon approach. Up to 8 driver profiles can be registered. After a few journeys, the Evoque remembers the driver’s preferred temperature settings, media preference and commonly dialled numbers, depending on the time or day of the week.
Intelligent infotainment system
Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is central to the vehicle’s digital interior experience. This combines two sleek 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreens and a 12.3-inch driver display panel on the instrument panel. To minimise distractions, the ‘hidden until lit’ interior is used for the state-of-the-art digital interface. A Meridian Sound System is installed in the new Evoque and this has no less than 11 speakers including a subwoofer.
According to Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering of Jaguar Land Rover, the Evoque is now smarter than ever. The software that sits behind the infotainment system has been refined to provide a more intuitive customer experience. “On top of that, we’ve added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay connects you to your smartphone while the 4G wifi hotspot connects you to the internet,” he explained.
Additional safety systems
Lane Keep Assist is a new safety feature which helps the driver to stay in their lane by adding a necessary steering correction feature. It initiates a gentle steering input to return the vehicle to its intended position
Also added is Driver Condition Monitor technology, a safety feature that is based on the driver’s steering inputs. Jerky, non-linear movements that are typical symptoms of a fatigued (or drunk) driver will automatically trigger an audible and visual warning from the instrument cluster.
All Land Rover vehicles distributed by JLRM come with Land Rover Care, which entitles owners to 5 years (or maximum of 65,000 kms) of free scheduled servicing, 5 years (or maximum of 150,000 kms) warranty coverage and 3 years of roadside assistance.
The new Land Rover Defender 110 is spacious and comfortable enough to sleep in but for those who still want that camping experience, the carmaker now offers a roof tent package with an intuitive design and premium quality materials.
Developed in collaboration with specialist Autohome, the roof tent has a lightweight fibreglass shell which protects the tent when not in use and allows it to be erected singlehandedly in seconds. Unclipping the fastening at the rear lifts the shell slightly for the integral gas struts to take over and fully open the carbon grey fabric sides.
Designed for those with adventurous hearts and curious minds, the tent accommodates two adults. It even comes with a full-size luxury cotton mattress and pillows, an interior LED light and a stowage net.
The tent can be easily accessed from either side of the vehicle and comes with an extendable aluminium access ladder which can be stored in the stowage bag inside the tent when not in use. On the move, it is stowed flat for maximum stability and aerodynamic efficiency. When erected, it measures 2.3 metres long, 1.3 metres wide and 1.5 metres high.
Joe Sinclair, Land Rover Director of Branded Goods and Licencing, said: “The New Land Rover Defender is the ideal vehicle to reach remote destinations comfortably both on and off road. This roof tent will enable Defender drivers to continue their adventure above and beyond their journey; it’s perfect for the modern-day explorer.”
The roof tent, priced in the UK at €3,081.96 (almost RM15,000) is an addition to the 170 individual accessories already available for the Defender – the largest range ever produced for a Land Rover – and works in conjunction with the official Land Rover Expedition Roof Rack and Roof Rails, which come fitted as standard with the Adventure Pack.
The Adventure Pack is one of four accessory packs available for New Defender – alongside the Explorer, Country and Urban Packs – each designed to give the vehicle a distinct character. Over half of all Defender 110 models specified online have been fitted with one of the packs.
Malaysians throughout the country are invited to the launch of the new Ford Ranger FX4 scheduled on this June 3 at 11 am. Of course, with the restriction on gatherings due to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), a public event is not possible at this time so Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, will unveil the new model online.
“The Ranger FX4 will be the first pick-up truck in the country to be launched simultaneously online via YouTube and Facebook,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion. “As we embrace the new normal, we also embrace in new ways to bring excitement to our customers.”
The Ford Ranger family in Malaysia will soon get a new member.
While retaining the tough and bold exterior, the new Ranger FX4 has a host of new and unique features which are apparent from first glance. Additionally, it has the Smart Technologies seen in various current Ranger versions. These include 4X4 Shift-On-The-Fly (no need to stop to engage 4×4), Limited Slip Differential, rain-sensing wipers, Electric Power Assisted Steering and Daytime running lights.
Safety systems include SRS airbags, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control.
To celebrate the launch, the first 150 customers who purchase the Ranger FX4 will receive complimentary accessories worth RM5,398. These are a matte black sports bar and executive tinting, along with a built-in Digital Video Recorder with an 8GB memory card.
If you already know about the Ranger and that it’s ‘Built Ford Tough’, and want to be among the first owners of the new FX4 version, you can place a booking ahead of the launch to take advantage of the free accessories offer.
To do so, contact the Ford Digital Salesperson at +6019-204 1200 from 9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday (excluding public holidays) and through this dedicated WhatsApp channel, customers can be linked with an authorised Ford salesperson at a dealership located nearest to them. This would allow customers to transact at their own convenience and pay the deposit for their vehicle from wherever they are.
“For customers visiting our showrooms and service centres nationwide, we would like to welcome and assure you that the necessary precautions are in place to ensure the health and safety of our visitors and staff as outlined by the government. This includes the practice of social distancing, temperature checks upon entering the premise, and hand sanitiser dispensers located at common areas. In addition, there is frequent sanitising of high contact points throughout the premises, including service and display vehicles,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD for Retail and Distribution, Malaysia, Sime Darby Motors.
For more information on Ford vehicles or to locate a showroom in Malaysia, visit www. sdacford.com.my.
The Ford Ranger Raptor, imported by Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), has been updated for 2020 with an added safety pack and additional features. Additional upgrades to the include an additional USB charging port on the rearview mirror and LED projector headlamps for greater visibility while driving at night.
In the area of safety, which Ford trucks are highly noted for, the latest Ranger Raptor is now equipped with additional intelligent advanced driver-assist features. They are Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning and Assist.
These advanced technologies are first-in-class and complement other smart technologies that can be found in the rest of the Ranger line-up.
“With the new enhancements to the Ford Ranger Raptor, this ultimate off-road truck is now perfected to conquer the streets, making it ideal for everyday use in addition to commanding the harshest terrains at thrilling speeds. We are confident that the Ranger Raptor will continue revolutionising the market for pick-up truck enthusiasts in Malaysia,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
With Ford’s Performance DNA infused into the ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger line, the Raptor has set a new benchmark as the only factory-built performance truck for high-speed off-roading.
Its powerful 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine produces 213 ps/500 Nm which goes to the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Extra ground clearance gives it class-leading water wading up to 850 mm while the long-travel FOX Racing Shox dampers can take on the roughest terrain. A Terrain Management System offers six modes, including a Baja Mode, which customise the engine and performance characteristics to the terrain for optimum grip and stability.
The Ranger Raptor is priced from RM208,888 (on-the-road, without insurance) and though it is more expensive that other pick-up trucks, demand for it has been surprisingly high. This could be because it’s not a ‘limited edition’ with just ‘look rugged and sporty’ bodykits but has genuine high-performance parts as well – and a factory warranty to go with it.
“During the Movement Control Order period, customers who have purchase enquiries on the New Ford Ranger Raptor may converse with us digitally via our newly launched Digital Salesperson, a WhatsApp Live Chat,” said Tuan Syed Muzri.
For enquiries on the latest Ranger Raptor and other Ford models, contact the ‘Digital Salesperson’ from 9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday. Customers simply need to enter WhatsApp +6019-204 1200 to start chatting and queries will be attended to within 24 hours. Information can also be found at the SDAC Ford website.
With the many decades that Land Rover has been in existence, the name has been associated with many supporting activities during times of crisis. After all, its 4×4 vehicles have the capabilities to go into the roughest terrain, making it possible to bring vital supplies and rescue personnel to areas hit by a crisis like an earthquake or a flood.
Now Land Rover is again providing its vehicles in what is a global crisis – the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic which began sweeping across the world since the beginning of the year. As the world faces an extraordinary challenge, Land Rover is focusing efforts towards supporting global communities in the fight against COVID-19 by providing vehicles and expertise to emergency services and organisations like its partners, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The fleet of new Defenders which had been meant for use on media drives has been reassigned to a new duty with emergency services and organisations. It is understood that the fleet numbers 105 Defenders with another batch of around 30 to be made available in due course.
Priced from around £40,000 (about RM206,000), the new Defender was launched at the Frankfurt Motorshow last September and was rolled out progressively in various markets from January. However, now that the UK is under lockdown due to the pandemic, business activities would have come to a standstill.
In September 2017, Nissan organised a project to enable researchers to visit Brazil’s historic archaeology sites. Known as the “Nissan Expedition: In search of Brazil’s beginnings”, its objective was to contribute to culture and scientific research by exploring the wealth of Brazil’s historic rock paintings.
The expedition was done in 5 stages and the researchers got close looks at items found in exploring the country’s rock art sites. They also came across remains of campfires of people who lived in the Piauí sierra region 50,000 years ago.
The first Nissan Expedition which ‘went back in time’.
Discovering Brazil’s heritage
The second edition of this activity took place this year, with explorers following Brazil’s Heritage Trail. It is thus known as the ‘Nissan Expedition – Following Brazil’s Heritage Trail’ and recently concluded at Chapada dos Veadeiros, the highest plain in Central Brazil, in the state of Goias.
For 3 days, the participants in a fleet of 16 Nissan Frontiers faced trails in the region known as Cerrado, a vast tropical savannah ecoregion in Brazil. Along the way, they explored a stunning landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site while driving more than 1,000 kms in the state of Goiás and the Federal District.
The expedition started in the city of Brasília, which is considered the world’s largest world heritage site (112.25 square kilometres) and is widely known for its modernist architecture and uniquely artistic urban planning. The adventurers also visited key historic and cultural sites, such as 308 Sul, the first superquadra (superblock) built following the Plano Piloto (the originally planned city) as well as the President JK Bridge and the Ministries Esplanade.
Visiting Brasilia, the planned capital city
The expeditioners also visited the Live Museum of Candanga Memory, which tells the story of the construction of Brasilia (named after the nickname given to the workmen who built the city) and Catetinho Museum, the first official workplace of the President of Brazil Juscelino Kubitschek, whose name is a reference to Catete, Brazil’s presidential palace before Brasília was built.
On the second day, the group learnt about the initiatives to protect the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park and the region’s importance to the environment. They then toured the park with its outstanding scenic beauty and went around the region known as Almecegas.
At this location is an aerial attraction: the Flight of the Hawk – an 850-metre long, 100-metre high zip line that stretches across the Almecegas Range and the Sao Bento Plantation Belvedere. By the end of the day, they were at Almecegas, one of the park’s tallest waterfalls and known for its high quartzite walls.
Nissan Frontier put to the test
On the third day of the expedition, the group had an off-roading experience through the Cerrado region. Here, the toughness of the Frontier pick-up was put to the test. Needless to say, it passed with flying colours, demonstrating its robustness and capabilities.
After the off-roading experience at the Bellatrix reserve, the group headed for the Label waterfall, before facing more rough terrain and crossing some streams. Although swollen with the summer rains, the unbridged waters were crossed by the Frontiers that can cope with deep waters. The final stop was reached after climbing 1,200 metres to reach the Sao Joao d’Aliança range and see the expanse of the Cerrado region in Goias.
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