BMW has announced a partnership with Amazon to utilise their cloud computing technology for the development of their semi-autonomous driver assistance system. This advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) will be integrated into BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse electric cars, set to debut in 2025. This move underscores a broader trend among traditional automakers aiming to enhance their vehicle technology, especially ADAS, to remain competitive with Tesla.
ADAS encompasses software systems designed to assist drivers with tasks like lane changes and parking, and automakers are progressively introducing more such features as they progress toward autonomous driving. Tesla’s ADAS, known as Autopilot, serves as an example of this trend.
The effective functioning of ADAS relies heavily on data processing, given the essential hardware components like cameras and semiconductors. Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in these assisted driving systems.
During the 1970s, as vehicle safety became a more important topic, the US Department of Transport initiated the Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESV) Program. The objective of the program was to encourage carmakers to develop safer vehicles by 1981.
Many carmakers took part in the program which offered an opportunity to share as well as test new safety technologies and ideas. Companies which sold cars in America, in particular, developed prototypes which met the more stringent US safety regulations.
The program saw over 20 ESVs being developed, with many new technologies and features that would eventually find their way into production models in the years that followed. After 1981, the companies continued their work on safety, sharing new developments at conferences. These conferences, generally held every two years, have been entitled the International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (‘Experimental’ was changed to ‘Enhanced‘ in 1991).
Even though autonomous motoring – where the vehicle can operate and guide itself without human involvements – is still many years away, there are already a number of systems that can act autonomously to prevent accidents or reduce driving fatigue. For instance, automatic emergency braking activates if the driver does not take action in time to prevent a collision. Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe gap with a vehicle ahead by adjusting the set cruising speed.
These systems make use of cameras and radar to identify other vehicles and objects ahead, and a computer processes the data at super high speeds to determine if there is a dangerous situation. Technological advancements have seen the capabilities of the sensors increasing and accuracy of data becoming better and better. More sensors installed around the vehicle’s bodywork provide 360-degree coverage in the more advanced systems today.
To Ford, the lives of the occupants of a pick-up truck like the Ranger are no less valuable than those in a passenger car, and require the maximum level of protection that can be provided. For this reason, the next-gen Ford Ranger pick-up truck comes with some of the latest in crash protection features and driver assistance technologies.
Passive Safety systems and features include the tough vehicle structure, SRS airbags, and 3-point seatbelts while Active Safety systems include driver assistance technologies (XLT Plus and Wildtrak) to alert the driver and help him avoid accidents.
During the development phase, numerous computer-aided engineering (CAE) models were built to test various accident scenarios. These included full-frontal, frontal offset, pole test, rear offset crash tests, pedestrian impacts, roof crush tests, and more. Additionally, the team conducted hundreds of physical tests to ensure vehicle safety performance was met and to validate the CAE modelling.
As safety technology keeps advancing all the time, this new generation of the Ranger gets some of the latest systems that make motoring even safer. Here are some of the new safety technologies:
Post-Collision Braking [Available on Ranger WildTrak/XLT Plus] In the immediate moments following a collision, the vehicle may be headed in an unpredictable direction. It could hit another object – a lamp post or another vehicle. To reduce this risk, the next-gen Ranger has Ford’s post-collision braking system which automatically applies the brakes after a collision. The system automatically engages with moderate brake pressure when an initial collision has occurred, so the vehicle will come to a standstill and avoid a secondary collision.
Pre-Collision Assist [Available on Ranger WildTrak/XLT Plus] Pre-collision Assist uses both the new, wide-view windscreen-mounted camera and radar located near the front bumper to scan the road ahead to detect a potential collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist directly in front of the vehicle. If an imminent collision is detected, the system emits an audible and visual warning. If the driver’s response is not sufficient, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system will activate automatically.
The AEB system has been enhanced with cyclist and pedestrian detection capability as well as the ability to provide AEB support at an intersection in some instances, thanks to the addition of the new, wider camera coverage. Whenever a possible collision is detected and the fails to take corrective action, the vehicle will apply the brakes automatically.
Before the AEB activates, the driver will get a Forward Collision Warning, an audible tone which will be very evident because the audio system (if on) will be muted. If the driver does not respond correctly, ie slow down or brake, then AEB will activate.
Evasive Steer Assist [Available on Ranger WildTrak] A segment-first feature in the next-gen Ranger is Evasive Steer Assist which also helps prevent potential collisions. In the event a vehicle in front is too slow or has stopped, the Ranger driver can get additional assistance in the steering to steer around the hazard. This will be valuable when braking alone cannot fully avoid the collision. The advanced system is designed to operate at both urban and highway speeds and employs the same camera and radar used with the Pre-collision Assist feature.
Reverse Brake Assist [Standard on Ranger WildTrak] Reverse Brake Assist helps the driver to avoid or mitigate potential collisions while reversing. The system may detect moving vehicles or stationary pedestrians and objects behind the Ranger. While some other systems may only alert the driver, the system in the next-gen Ranger will automatically apply the brakes to briefly stop the vehicle, should the driver not react in time.
Cross Traffic Alert [Available on Ranger WildTrak] Tricky reversing situations are a little less stressful with the next-gen Ford Ranger’s Cross Traffic Alert system. When the driver shifts into Reverse, the system is active, and will alert the driver of a vehicle approaching from the sides, when reversing out of a driveway onto a street, or even from a busy supermarket parking spot.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go [Available on Ranger WildTrak] Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is more advanced than just cruise control. It is an intelligent feature that maintains a safe gap with a vehicle ahead whatever the cruising speed is set at. This is done by scanning the road ahead with the camera and radar and if there is a vehicle, the speed will be adjusted.
The system in the next-gen Ranger is even more advanced that many Adaptive Cruise Control systems as it operates down to standstill. With other systems, the cruise control will deactivate below a certain speed. The Ford system can slow the vehicle right down to standstill when necessary, and then resume forward movement when the vehicle ahead moves on.
BLIS Available in many passenger cars today, this system is like having another ‘set of eyes’ when performing a lane change or joining a highway. If a faster-moving vehicle enters the Ranger’s blind spot zone, BLIS will alert the driver via a small light on the side mirror (left or right), so they know not to change lanes.
Next-Gen Ranger In East Malaysia After journeying around Peninsular Malaysia on a series of previews before it has its official showroom launch, the next-gen Ranger will cross the South China Sea to East Malaysia.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) will hold previews at Vivacity Megamall in Kuching, on September 7 – 11, and at Suria Sabah Shopping Centre in Kota Kinabalu on October 5 – 9, 2022.
If you would like to attend either of these two events, sign up here for an exclusive invitation. Alternatively, you can visit www.sdacford.com.my for more information about the next-gen Ranger, or follow the Ford Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channels.
When Euro NCAP was established in 1997 as an independent organisation to conduct safety performance assessments on vehicles sold in Europe, the testing was largely on passive safety. Crash tests were highlighted as they showed how good (or bad) a car was when it collided with an obstacle or was rammed from the side. The levels of protection for the occupants within the car were also assessed, including child restraint systems.
As time went by and more advanced safety systems became common, Euro NCAP began adding them to its assessments. For example, in 2011, it began to include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in ratings and since 2014,Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) has also been assessed.
Automatic Emergency Braking test
By giving ratings to numerous areas, Euro NCAP has provided a basis of comparison for car-buyers to make more informed decisions. At the same time, because more ‘stars’ suggested a safer car, the manufacturers also aimed to achieve the maximum 5-star rating by ensuring that their new models met the tough test requirements. In this way, Euro NCAP has been continuously pushing the industry to upgrade safety features and systems, benefitting motorists with safer cars.
As Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) become more commonly included in new models, the organisation has added Assisted Driving systems to its list. These systems are, however, assessed outside the regular overall rating system. The findings are intended for the information of buyers, giving them a better idea of the effectiveness of the systems advertised.
The tests consist of a series of critical highway driving scenarios, such as typical cut-in and cut-out scenarios, designed to show how effectively the system is able to support the driver in avoiding a possible crash. It also evaluates how driver and system cooperate and how the system ensure that the driver remains engaged in the driving task, avoiding over-trust. Finally, the vehicle’s ability to mitigate the consequences of a crash, referred to as safety backup, is tested, in case an accident is unavoidable.
“We have been publishing Assisted Driving gradings for a couple of years now and we are seeing real improvements in system performance. Most manufacturers realise that it is important that drivers enjoy the benefits of assisted driving without believing that they can hand over control completely to the car, and that’s one of the aspects that our assessment considers,” said the Secretary-General of Euro NCAP, Michiel van Ratingen.
The most recent models tested have been the Jaguar I-PACE, Polestar 2, Volkswagen ID.5 and Nissan Qashqai. While the Jaguar (oldest car in the group) had its system is rated as ‘Entry level’, the new Qashqai stood out in this round of tests. With almost perfectly matched scores for Driver Engagement and Vehicle Assistance, the car’s ProPILOT with Navi Link system demonstrated excellent balance between helping the driver and preventing over-reliance. In the area of Safety Backup, the SUV was said to really excel, with an almost-perfect 93%.
Nissan Qashqai
The assistance technologies in the Volkswagen ID.5, one of the carmaker’s range of BEVs (batter electric vehicles), received a “Very Good” rating, and reached 4 out of 4 possible points – the highest possible score. The testers were impressed by the innovative systems of the ID.5 highlighting maximum comfort and an excellent level of assistance.
In the ID.5, Volkswagen uses innovative, fully connected assistance systems, the optional ‘Travel Assist with swarm data’ being the best example. Within the limits of the system, it can actively keep the vehicle in lane and maintain both the distance to the vehicle in front and the maximum speed set by the driver.
Volkswagen ID.5
Among other things, the system uses the Adaptive Lane Guidance function which actively keeps the vehicle in the middle of the lane. However, ‘Travel Assist with swarm data’ is able to adapt to the driving style and can also keep the vehicle on the right-or left-hand side of the lane.
In the late 1990s, licensing regulations for the use of pick-up trucks changed allowing them to be registered for private use like passenger cars. The development was very significant and gave Malaysians an alternative to the passenger car for personal transport. Furthermore, they were also not subject to excise duty due to the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, allowing their prices to be lower.
The development was significant as it saw rapid expansion of the pick-up truck segment. Tens of thousands of Malaysians switched to trucks over the years, finding them to be great for many different roles – daily transport, leisure activities and as a workhorse for those who had a small business.
Isuzu Motors, having had long experience in pick-up trucks and light commercial vehicles, took serious note of this trend and began to adapt its D-MAX truck to be more suited for personal use. Of course, all the original attributes such as go-anywhere capability, efficient and reliable powertrains and robust engineering were maintained and improved with each generation.
The best of the best
Today, the D-MAX is in its third generation which was launched in April 2021. Without a doubt, it can be considered the best D-MAX ever offered and the ‘best of the best‘ would be the X-Terrain version which is at the top of the range.
The D-MAX X-Terrain would be the ideal pick-up truck for anyone who is keen to switch to the ‘trucking lifestyle’. For starters, let’s consider the interior: back in the old days, pick-up truck interiors were pretty bare because they were used only for rough work. So there was no point putting in good materials or even providing comfort – and certainly, there was no air-conditioning. The pick-up trucks them would have been unappealing even if they could be used for personal transport.
Step (or more correctly, climb) inside and you will find a cabin which would be comparable to a passenger car’s. There’s no bare metal around as all surfaces are covered with trim pieces or soft materials. The seats have been thoughtfully structured for comfort with generous padding and good support. For enhanced comfort the seat cushion pads also feature Anti Vibration Elastic Comfort foam that can absorb vibrations more quickly than conventional cushion material.
The same convenience
You won’t miss anything that you had in your car when you move to a D-MAX X-Terrain because all the same convenience and connectivity features are present. The windows open and close at the touch of a switch and 9-inch display screen serves as a control centre for the infotainment system. You can transfer your favourite apps onto the system and access them from there using Apple Carplay or Android Auto, or Bluetooth connectivity. Voice commands can also be used for handsfree operation, making driving safer.
And yes, there is air-conditioning and it’s as efficient as the one you would have had in your car. Dual-zone distributions brings cool air throughout the cabin and there are also vents for the rear passengers to stay cool. The driver and front passenger car set their own preferred temperature or the system can be left on AUTO and keep the environment cool and comfortable.
Even for those who are not drivers, the transition from passenger car to the D-MAX X-Terrain will be seamless as the rear seats are just as comfortable. There are lots of storage spaces for devices and small stuff, and there are even hidden compartments under the seats to keep an iPad or other belongings out of sight.
Smart technologies
Other smart technologies also make the ownership experience of a D-MAX X-Terrain as easy as a passenger car. For instance, you can start the engine from a distance and run the air-conditioner to cool down the interior before getting in. There’s no need to use a key to unlock or start the vehicle and it will even lock itself when you walk away. How many cars can do that?
For the driver, the experience is also not much different from driving a car. In fact, the information on the instrument panel and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are more extensive than many cars in the same price range as the D-MAX X-Terrain.
But there is one thing about driving a pick-up truck which is advantageous and which a passenger car does not have – the commanding view. With the cab being higher, the seating position is also higher which gives the driver a better view of the road ahead. And for those who are intimidated by the length, a reverse camera as well as sensors in the rear bumper (also in the front bumper) makes parking easy and you’ll be able to slot into a parking bay without sweating.
ADAS makes driving safer
Just as comfort and convenience were not important in the old pick-up trucks, safety features were basic. However, with the D-MAX X-Terrain, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) help the driver to avoid an accident or lessen the damaging effects of a collision. The driver’s workload is also lessened because, with Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle can be left to cruise at a set speed with a safe gap always maintained from the vehicle ahead. Even the headlights will switch to low beams automatically if there is a vehicle approaching.
Isuzu considers the safety of occupants equally important as those in passenger cars and has engineered the D-MAX X-Terrain to provide superior protection in the event of an accident. Apart from the tough structure, there are also various safety systems to helped the driver avoid accidents or reduce their effects. Thus, the D-MAX X-Terrain has been able to receive the maximum score of 5 stars in the ASEAN NCAP evaluation tests.
Comfortable and also powerful
The cabin may have comfortable seating but a truck is still a truck, right? It’s tall and bounces around on rough ground and the engine is noisy. That was how the old trucks were but with modern trucks like the D-MAX X-Terrain, the platform has been more carefully engineered not just for strength but also rigidity. Together with the comfort-oriented suspension, the ride quality is smooth and comfortable even when travelling over rough terrain.
With the 3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating up to 190 ps of power and 450 Nm of torque, the D-MAX X-Terrain can go just about anywhere – and briskly too. Apart from the tree-stump pulling power, it can also get to speeds well beyond the highest national speed limit and if you want to avoid getting a summons, Isuzu provides a speed-limiter to keep the speed at the limit.
Carries more durians than a car
Switching from a passenger car to the D-MAX X-Terrain can change your life because it will bring a whole new lifestyle for you and your friends or family. There’s a lots of space at the back to carry all kinds of recreational gear and you can certainly carry more durians or plants with a D-MAX X-Terrain than you could with any car (even a stationwagon). And because it has truck genes, the load-carrying capacity is also higher than a passenger car’s.
Reliability and durability are a given with Isuzu vehicles and to give peace of mind to owners, Isuzu Malaysia offers a 7-year warranty with no limit on mileage. This means that the owner can enjoy the full 7 years of coverage against manufacturing defects (terms and condition apply).
The best way to discover how easy it is to switch from a passenger car to the D-MAX X-Terrain is to test-drive one at an authorized Isuzu dealership. To find one in Peninsular or East Malaysia, visit www.isuzu.net.my and you can soon start your new trucking lifestyle.
Some day, people will travel in cars that can operate without human control. All that will be needed is to get in, state the destination, sit back and the car will drive itself there. Whether we can then use the term ‘driving’ is debatable if a human is not involved, but it will be a revolution in mobility. Such capabilities will be in what are called autonomous vehicles, and over the past decade, they have been development by many companies (some of which are not the global carmakers).
The American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) formulated a list of different levels of autonomy in 2014 which has been accepted by the industry. The document – SAE J3016 Recommended Practice: Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles – is commonly referred to as the ‘SAE Levels of Driving Automation’ and also has the involvement of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Many vehicles now at Level 2
SAE J3016 defines the 6 levels of automation for a vehicle, from Level 0 (no driving automation) to Level 5 (full driving automation) in the context of motor vehicles and their operation on roadways. Many vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) using radar or cameras are considered as having Level 2 autonomy. Even the Perodua Ativa (AV version) is able to meet Level 2 requirements.
Level 2 driving automation allows the computer to take over steering, acceleration, and braking but the driver must still pay attention to what is happening and be ready to take over control when necessary. In most cases, the systems help the driver rather than take over, thus reducing fatigue. In most systems, there is automatic emergency braking where the system can detect a possible collision and if the driver does not respond correctly, the brakes will be engaged automatically.
Autonomous systems must be able to not only direct a car to its destination but also keep it safely within its lane on the journey.
Moving to higher levels becomes more and more challenging as more autonomy is given the vehicle. This means that the environment around it must also be suitable for safe autonomous operation. For example, road lines must be clear for the camera to scan and use as lane references to guide the vehicle, and traffic control systems must be standardised. If the system is unable to recognise a red light and stop accordingly, then it would be very dangerous!
Recognising not just pedestrians and other vehicles is important but also being able to identify signs and traffic lights.
First approval for Level 3
For this reason, authorities in most countries are permitting autonomous vehicles only on specific sections of highways. While the manufacturers can develop their vehicles further, there is still a need to ensure safety for road-users so for now, Level 3 is still not common. Only Mercedes-Benz has met the demanding legal requirements for a Level 3 system, the first carmaker in the world to get approval. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority recently granted system approval for this on the basis of the technical approval regulation UN-R157, thus paving the way for offering such a system internationally.
In order for this to be done, the traffic laws had first to be revised for Level 3 systems and this was done in 2017. Other countries will also have to do likewise first before Level 3 autonomous vehicles can be allowed on their roads.
In Germany, the first customers of the latest S-Class with DRIVE PILOT will be able to enjoy Level 3 automation in the first half of 2022. This means they can drive in a conditionally automated mode at speeds of up to 60 km/h in heavy traffic or congested situations on certain stretches of the autobahn in Germany. The special DRIVE PILOT can take over the driving almost entirely so he or she can carry out tasks on the central display such as online shopping or processing e-mails in the in-car office. The system approval also applies to the EQS.
“For many years, we have been working to realise our vision of automated driving. With this LiDAR-based system, we have developed an innovative technology for our vehicles that offers customers a unique, luxurious driving experience and gives them what matters most: time. With the approval of the authorities, we have now achieved a breakthrough: We are the first manufacturer to put conditionally automated driving into series production in Germany,” said Markus Schafer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Purchasing.
The technical approval regulation with which such a system can be certified did not come into force until the beginning of 2021. Since then, it can be implemented in Europe – an opportunity that Mercedes-Benz was quick and the first manufacturer to seize. With the revision of the Road Traffic Act for Level 3 systems, Germany was the first country to create a legal basis for the use of these systems.
On specific sections of autobahn
Mercedes-Benz is initially offering DRIVE PILOT on 13,191 kilometres of autobahn in Germany. Extensive test drives for this system are already underway in the USA and China. As soon as legal provisions are in place, for conditionally automated operation, the technology will be offered to customers.
On specified autobahn sections and where traffic density is high, DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the driving, initially up to the legally permitted speed of 60 km/h. When the driver activates DRIVE PILOT, the system controls the speed and distance, and guides the vehicle within its lane. The route profile, events occurring on the route and traffic signs are taken into consideration. The system also reacts to unexpected traffic situations and handles them independently, eg by evasive manoeuvres within the lane or by braking manoeuvres.
Redundant systems for extra safety
DRIVE PILOT builds on the surround sensors of the Driving Assistance Package and comprises additional sensors that Mercedes-Benz considers indispensable for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR, as well as a camera in the rear window and microphones, especially for detecting blue lights and other special signals from emergency vehicles. There is also a wetness sensor in the wheel well.
As well as the sensor data, the DRIVE PILOT receives information about the road geometry, route profile, traffic signs and unusual traffic events (accidents or roadworks) from a digital HD map. This is made available and updated via a backend connection. The S-Class with the optional DRIVE PILOT also has redundant steering and braking systems and a redundant on-board electrical system, so that it remains manoeuvrable even if one of these systems fails and the safe handover to the driver can be ensured.
If the driver fails to take back control even after increasingly urgent prompting and expiry of the takeover time, eg due to a severe health problem, the system brakes the vehicle to a standstill in a controlled manner and with suitable deceleration. At the same time, the hazard warning lights and, once the vehicle has come to a standstill, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is activated and the doors and windows are unlocked, to make access easier for anyone offering assistance.
At the moment, there are many vehicles with Level 2 autonomous capability where the driver must maintain some degree of control and pay attention to the road and conditions ahead. However, with Level 3 (below), he will not need to pay attention (though he must be ready to take control) and can check messages or even watch a movie on the display.
During the conditionally automated journey, DRIVE PILOT allows the driver to take their mind off the traffic and focus on certain secondary activities. This is the major difference between Level 2 and Level 3 where, for the former, the driver must keep looking ahead and around at all times (no checking messages on the phone). With Level 3 (and above), the driver can do messaging via In-Car Office, surf the internet or even watch TikTok clip. In DRIVE PILOT mode, applications can be enabled on the integrated central display that are otherwise blocked while driving.
Better than GPS
The top priority for Mercedes-Benz when introducing such a system is safety, which includes high demands on operational reliability. The exact location of the car is determined using a highly accurate positioning system said to be much more powerful than conventional GPS systems. In addition, data obtained from satellite navigation are matched with sensor data and data from an HD map. Sensor data collected by LiDAR, camera, radar and ultrasonic sensors can be, for example, information on road geometry, route characteristics, landmarks or traffic signs.
The HD map provides a 3-dimensional street and environment image. The map data are stored in back- end data centres and updated constantly. Each vehicle also stores an image of this map information on board, constantly compares it with the backend data and updates the local data set if necessary. The HD map thus offers stable positioning through a representation of the surroundings independent of shadowing effects or a covered sensor. This high-precision map differs from maps for navigation devices by its higher accuracy in the centimetre rather than metre range and its detailed intersection and track model.
Level 3 autonomous motoring will be available as an option in the new S-Class from 2022, but it can only be used in Germany until laws in other countries permit such systems to be used on public roads.
Three years after the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) took on a 49.9% equity in Proton, the carmaker is about to launch a second brand new model – the X50. Like the X70, it is also a SUV, catering to the most active segment globally.
It is also a model adapted from one which Geely developed and launched in August 2018 – the Binyue (Coolray outside China) – like the X70, which is why Proton can get completely new models into the market in such a short time. Normally, a new model would take a few years to develop but adapting from an existing model means the main time-consuming (and expensive) engineering work has been done already.
However, just as in the case of the X70 (known as the Boyue in China), a Proton version was not merely doing cosmetic changes and putting a different brand badge on. Until Proton launched the X70, there was no righthand drive version of the model anywhere in the world. And that meant additional engineering work which was more than just moving the steering wheel to the right side. Entirely new parts for righthand drive had to be made too, eg a different dashboard, power window switch panel, centre console, etc.
New X50 is adapted from the Geely Binyue/Coolray.
With the urgency to revive Proton and turn it around, the X70 was initially built in China and sent to Malaysia while the factory in Tg. Malim, which started operations almost 20 years ago, was renovated and improved. With that completed, X70 production was shifted to Malaysia and for the X50, Proton can start off right away making the model locally. And, like the X70 too, it will be the first (and for now, only) righthand drive version of the Binyue.
According to Proton DESIGN Head, Azlan Othman, there’s jet fighter influence in the design of the air vents! The last time we heard that was when another designer told us that he was influenced by the Stealth Fighter when he styled the Savvy.
It is only to be expected that lessons learnt from developing the X70 have made the process of developing the X50 faster. For instance, Azlan Othman and his team at Proton DESIGN had to also get used to a new working culture while rushing work on the X70. With the X50, it would be safe to say they were ‘in the groove’ and also had a chance to ‘customize’ the model a bit more.
4 variants, 2 engine outputs
We don’t have the prices yet, but we do know that there will be 4 variants – Standard, Executive, Premium and, appropriately, Flagship. All of them will be powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharging. However, the engine in the X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship will have a higher output of 177 ps/255 Nm as it has direct injection. The engine in the other three variants will have port injection and produce 150 ps/226 Nm.
All-wheel drive (AWD) may be nice to have but the cost-vs-benefit doesn’t work well in Malaysia and in any case, most customers don’t really care. So all X50 variants have front-wheel drive only, with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. For those who feel AWD gives better grip and stability in the wet, that argument is less relevant with the advanced electronic stability control and traction control systems available today.
More powerful GKUI 19
And talking of electronic systems, the X50 will have a newer generation of the Geely Key User Interface, or GKUI 19. Like computers and smartphones, the processing power of the system becomes greater over time as processors evolve. It also has a graphics processing unit (GPU) which helps in reducing demands on the main processor.
Latest generation GKUI 19 uses a more powerful quad-core processor for faster performance.
What this means to the user is more responsiveness – perhaps when ‘Hi Proton’ is said, the computer will spend less time ‘thinking’ before responding. Moving to a new generation gave the system designers a chance to revise and refine the interface, simplifying the menu structure while also offering a cleaner layout. The virtual buttons on the 10.25-inch touchscreen (8 inches for the Standard and Premium variants) are large, as they should be to make selection easier. The larger screen also has a resolution of 1920×720 px.
The navigation system in the X70 has sometimes been deficient and to partially address this, Proton has switched to a different digital mapping service. Whether it proves to be better remains to be seen when we get to test the new car. It would be good if there’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto so smartphone apps like Waze or Google Maps can be transferred into the screen but the X50, like the X70, does not have them yet. It is, however, possible to interface using a mirroring function called QDLink.
An eSIM is provided for all variants, providing the necessary connectivity to the digital world. With the Premium and Flagship variants, it is also possible to start the engine as well as the air-conditioner without being inside the car. This is done using the Proton Link app which also allows setting the desired cooling temperature.
Idling the engine wastes petrol since the car is not going anywhere. But it is necessary if you want the luxury of having a cool cabin when you get in because the air-conditioner compressor needs to be powered. So the maximum time the engine is allowed to run is 10 minutes, after which it shuts down and so does the air-conditioner. If you do get in when the engine is running, you can also move off immediately so hopefully, the locking system is secure enough otherwise someone passing by can just get in and drive off!
Safety & ADAS
ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Reverse Camera are standard active safety systems across the range. All variants also have a minimum of 4 airbags – front and sides – as well as ISOFIX points at the rear for compatible childseats. The Premium and Flagship variants have additional window curtain airbags and the camera system gives a 360-degree top-down view, as well as a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The X50 Flagship has an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) like the top version of the X70. However, the one in the new model is more advanced and can even operate with Level 2 autonomy. At this level, which is one of 5 levels, the brakes will activate automatically (if the driver does not act) if an accident is predicted as a vehicle or pedestrian are detected in front with the camera and radar.
The cruise control is also adaptive, adjusting the speed to maintain a safe gap and can even drop to standstill and resume moving in accordance with the vehicle ahead. Other ADAS features are keeping the car within a lane, automatically switching from high beam to low beam and a blind spot monitor.
Self-parking is one of the ADAS features in the X50.
The X50 Flagship can also carry park itself, which should be welcome by those who find difficulty doing so. It’s an amazing system which uses the sensors around the body to position the car and all the driver has to do is work the accelerator pedal. Once this feature become standard in all vehicles, there won’t be a need for parking skill when taking a driving test!
Feature differences of each variant
The list of main differentiating features in each variant are shown below and you get 6 body colours to choose from.
Panoramic sunroof is standard only with the X50 Flagship. ‘HiProton’ assistant can open it if you make the request to ‘see the sky’.
In the coming weeks leading to the official launch within a month’s time, we’ll be given more information on other aspects of the X50. As it will be launched within the period when the 10% sales tax is exempted, its price will differ from those registered after December 31, 2020 when the exemption incentive ends. So if you want to save money, order one quickly and it will cost you only RM500 to make a booking which will be accepted from tomorrow (September 16).
Vote for the X50 slogan
While the name has been revealed (not that it was a big secret, except that Proton never really confirmed it), the company is still undecided about the slogan to use for the new model. So, just as with the X70 when the public was invited to vote (for the model name), Proton is again inviting the public to vote for the slogan this time.
There are four slogans: Intelligence that Amazes, Intelligence that Leads, Intelligence that Exceeds, and Intelligence that Lives. We don’t see the page for voting tonight and maybe it will be open when bookings start tomorrow so visit www.proton.com to stay updated if you want to vote.
Unlike its predecessor which was developed long before the electronic age, the new Land Rover Defender is filled with advanced technologies, particularly in the area of connectivity. At CES 2020 in Las Vegas, the world’s largest consumer electronics show which is on this week, Land Rover is displaying the 4×4 model as the first vehicle with two embedded LTE modems for enhanced connectivity, while the vehicle’s new Pivi Pro infotainment system shares electronic hardware with the latest smartphones.
21st century technology in the New Defender
SOTA technology
The fast and intuitive Pivi Pro system allows customers to make full use of the Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology in the New Defender without compromising the system’s ability to stream music and connect to apps. With its own designated LTE modem and eSIM, the SOTA technology can operate in the background without affecting the day-to-day connectivity provided by the separate modem and eSIM in the infotainment module.
The always-on, connected Pivi Pro setup sits at the heart of the cabin. A 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen allows customers to control numerous aspects of the vehicle using the same processing hardware as the latest smartphones. In addition, customers can connect two mobile devices at once using Bluetooth.
“With one LTE modem and eSIM dedicated to the Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology and the same set-up looking after music streaming and apps, New Defender has the digital capacity to keep customers connected, updated and entertained at all times anywhere in the world,” said Peter Virk, Director of Connected Car and Future Technology at Jaguar Land Rover. “You could liken the design to a brain, with each half enjoying its own connection for unrivalled and uninterrupted service. Like the brain, one side of the system looks after logical functions, like SOTA, while the other takes care of more creative tasks.”
The LTE connectivity behind the Jaguar Land Rover infotainment system also allows the New Defender to roam across multiple networks in different regions to help optimize connectivity. In addition, the cloud-based architecture provided by CloudCar is designed to make it easy to access and use content and services.
Expanded SOTA capability
Land Rover has also confirmed the first New Defender SUVs will feature more SOTA capability than originally projected. At its Frankfurt Motor Show launch in September 2019, it was announced that 14 individual electronic control modules would be able to receive remote updates. However, the first production vehicles will feature 16 control units capable of receiving SOTA updates.
Software updates for the electronic systems can be done ‘over the air’ from anywhere in the world, making it unnecessary for owners to go to a service centre.
Land Rover engineers estimate that in-dealer software updates will be a thing of the past for Defender customers before the end of 2021 as additional SOTA modules come online, rising from the current 16 to more than 45.
Qualcomm Technologies
Powering the Defender’s Pivi Pro infotainment and Vehicle Domain Controller are two high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 820Am Automotive Platforms, each with an integrated Snapdragon X12 LTE modem. The Snapdragon 820Am Automotive Platform delivers unprecedented performance and technology integration designed to support highly advanced telematics, infotainment and digital clusters.
With its power-efficient CPU cores and state-of-the-art GPU performance, integrated machine learning and powerful video processing capabilities, the Snapdragon 820Am Automotive Platform will enhance connected in-car experiences, including responsive interfaces, immersive 4K graphics, high-definition media streaming, and immersive audio.
Two X12 LTE modems provide parallel high-bandwidth downlink and uplink connectivity across multiple networks, ultra-fast connectivity and lower latency for secure, reliable communications. Additionally, the X12 LTE modem features an integrated global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and automotive dead reckoning, increasing the vehicle’s capability to accurately keep track of its location and position.
BlackBerry QNX
The New Defender is the first Land Rover vehicle to include a domain controller that consolidates a number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and driver convenience functions built on top of the QNX Hypervisor. Consolidating more systems onto fewer ECUs is integral to the future of automotive electrical design and will be the model for the Land Rover brand’s next-generation vehicle architecture.
Within the New Defender, the Blackberry QNX operating system helps deliver a smartphone-like experience for Pivi Pro infotainment users. The technology also powers the operating system for the latest generation TFT Interactive Driver Display, which can be configured to show vehicle instrumentation, navigation instructions and mapping information or a combination of the two.
BlackBerry QNX technology is embedded in more than 150 million vehicles on the road today and used by top automakers for their ADAS, digital instrument clusters, connectivity modules, hands-free, and infotainment systems.
CloudCar
Jaguar Land Rover is the first global car maker to use CloudCar’s latest cloud-based services platform. Working with the world-leading developer of connected driver experiences brings new levels of customer convenience to the Pivi Pro infotainment fitted to the New Defender. The CloudCar system supports a variety of service and content functionalities and recognizes dial-in numbers and codes, as well as locations, stored within calendar meeting invites. Customers can then navigate to or dial-in to meetings and conference calls with a single touch of the central touchscreen.
Bosch ADAS
Land Rover is on the road to a connected and autonomous future and the New Defender features a variety of technologies developed with Bosch to enhance the driving experience. Alongside the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Assist, Bosch has supported the development of the Land Rover brand’s innovative 3D Surround Camera System, which gives drivers a unique view of the vehicle’s immediate perimeter using four wide-angle HD cameras, each providing a 190-degree field-of-view.
Connected using a 3Gbit/s video backbone and fused with 14 ultrasonic sensors, the clever technology gives drivers a choice of vantage points including a top-down plan view and seamless perspective view. It even performs as a virtual scout, allowing customers to pan around the vehicle on screen for the ultimate Command Driving Position on and off-road.
TomTom, Bosch and Daimler have announced their joint work on Daimler’s Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), or smart cruise control, for commercial vehicles. Trucks can use TomTom’s highly-accurate ADAS Map and Bosch’s electronic horizon to automate driving functions on highways and, in Europe, on inter-urban roads too. The system is claimed to lead to a fuel reduction of up to 5% per vehicle, which delivers lower carbon dioxide emissions.
As the first smart cruise control system in commercial vehicles, PPC actively controls engine, brakes, and automated transmission. Thanks to TomTom’s ADAS map, the system is familiar with the topography, curvature, speed limit (including truck-specific speed limits) and traffic signs, meaning it can respond in a manner that delivers the most fuel-efficient performance.
The Bosch electronic horizon provides data on road inclines and the sharpness of bends to complement navigation data.
Bosch’s electronic horizon is used to integrate knowledge of the road ahead into the driving strategy of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros. It provides required map data per ADAS protocol in a new and innovative way allowing relaxed, safe and efficient driving.
An anticipatory cruise control system, PPC is available as a retrofit solution across Europe for the new Actros, the Antos and the Arocs. PPC reduces fuel consumption by up to 5%, thereby contributing demonstrably to the lowering of the total operating costs of a truck.
As a GPS cruise control system, PPC not only regulates the vehicle speed. On the basis of 3-dimensional maps, the system uses peak momentum gained on downhill gradients, throttles back in good time when cresting hills, intervenes in the gearshift strategy and, not least, uses the transmission’s neutral EcoRoll position to minimise fuel consumption.
This leads to a predictive style of driving based on perfect, round-the-clock knowledge of the route and vehicle. It has digital 3D maps stored which cover around 300,000 kms of roads: this equates to 95% of all European trunk roads.
Based on a typical annual mileage of around 130,000 kms in long-distance operations and a fuel-saving of 5%, PPC pays for itself within 8 months, depending on fuel consumption, even low fuel prices.
