In the wake of the resounding success of the BMW X5 in the Malaysian market in 2023, BMW Malaysia has given a sneak peek into the facelifted Plug-in Hybrid variant of their most successful premium Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV): the locally assembled BMW X5 xDrive50e. With the M Sport package as standard, the new BMW X5 xDrive50e promises significant updates in both performance and efficiency, embodying a blend of power and electric range that redefines modern athletic elegance.
The driving force behind the New BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport is its enhanced PHEV powertrain. It delivers a remarkable combined output of 489hp – a substantial 96hp more than its predecessor – and an upgraded 700Nm of torque. This powerhouse, consisting of a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine and a robust electric motor, propels the SAV from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The electric capabilities receive a boost, offering an electric range of up to 110km (WLTP) and an improved 7.4 kW of charging, ensuring a swift 0-100% charge in only 4.5 hours.
Inside the cabin, the X5 boasts a superbly crafted interior featuring a 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display with a fully digital display cluster. Enhanced by the advanced BMW Operating System 8.5, the display includes the BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW instrument panel, supporting various interaction methods such as iDrive Controller, voice, touch, or optional Gesture Control. Standard features include an ambient Light Bar with a crystalline surface structure and a Harman Kardon Surround sound system. The restructured centre console now includes touch-sensitive function keys, with gear changes executed using a rocker switch.
Standard features for the SAV encompass BMW Comfort Access, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Professional, and exterior colour options of Black Sapphire, Manhattan, Mineral White, and Skyscraper Grey. The interior upholstery, a member of the BMW Individual Extended Leather family, comes in two distinct colour options – Black and Tartufo, embodying the promise of athletic sophistication and modern luxury.
The estimated pricing for the new BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport is set at RM 530,000, positioning it as a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a harmonious blend of performance, efficiency, and luxurious comfort in the premium SAV segment.
Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of the renowned Kia brand in Malaysia, has unveiled the locally assembled Kia Carnival 11-seater variant, now open for booking at an attractive selling price of RM213,888. This milestone sees the Kia Carnival 11-seater become the third Kia model to be locally assembled at the Inokom Assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.
The fourth-generation Kia Carnival exhibits a design evolution that pays homage to its predecessors’ legacy, introducing a more robust architectural presence and an enhanced aesthetic that adheres to Kia’s overarching design philosophy, connecting all of Kia’s automotive creations.
Interior
Inside the Kia Carnival, the interior concept revolves around “Spatial Talents,” thoughtfully conceived by Kia’s design teams. This approach results in an environment that exudes spaciousness, comfort, and a futuristic aura, catering to young families. The Kia Carnival offers a unique blend of innovation, versatility, and style, catering to both drivers and passengers. Like its forerunner, it provides abundant space for passengers in all rows, now imbued with a heightened sense of modernity and sophistication.
It boasts a standard Black and Gray leatherette interior finishing. Notably, the specifications of the Carnival 11-seater remain unaltered, encompassing front styling and LED daytime running lights (DRLs), Smart Power Sliding doors, Smart Power Liftgate, Smart key with one-button open/close function for the rear sliding door and liftgate.
Technological Prowess
This 11-seater doesn’t hold back on technology either. It features a 12.3-inch High-resolution LCD Touchscreen Infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless smartphone charging, versatile multi-Bluetooth connectivity, and an impressive seven USB ports.
Safety First
Safety is paramount, with the 11-seater Carnival being equipped with a comprehensive array of standard and advanced safety features. These encompass 7 SRS Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points, Top Tethers, and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). Notably, the Carnival also incorporates Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist (RCCA).
Powerful Performance
At its heart, it houses a robust 2.2L Turbo Diesel Engine, seamlessly paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, managed by an electronic shifter (E-Shift). This powertrain generates 199hp at 3,800 RPM and a substantial 440Nm of torque, available between 1,750 and 2,750 RPM. The result is a smooth, linear acceleration and an exhilarating driving experience.
The Kia Carnival 11-seater is now locally assembled in a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) format at the Inokom Assembly Plant situated in Kulim, Kedah. The available color options include Astra Blue, Snow White Pearl, Meteor Gray, and Jet Black, offering a total of four captivating choices.
Special Introductory Offer
To celebrate this launch, there is an exclusive introductory offer selling price of RM198,500.00, inclusive of accessories, for all bookings from 1st November to 31st December 2023.
Warranty and Maintenance
It comes with a 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty, covering up to five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first. Furthermore, it includes 5-Years Free Scheduled Maintenance, with coverage extending up to five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.
The Kia Carnival 11-seater will be showcased at the Bermaz Auto Showcase event which will take place from 1st – 5th November 2023 at Centre Court, Pavilion Bukit Jalil from 10:00AM to 10:00PM.
BMW Malaysia has introduced the new BMW X1 sDrive20i xLine, expanding its esteemed lineup of compact Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) assembled within Malaysia. This latest variant marks the third generation of the BMW X1 series, boasting larger dimensions and a commanding presence on the road.
In terms of design, the X1 showcases a bold road presence with a prominent kidney grille, adaptive LED headlights, and distinctive lines. The wheel arches and 19-inch light alloy wheels underscore the characteristic BMW X look. It has larger dimensions, measuring 4,500mm in length, 1,845mm in width, 1,616mm in height, and featuring a wheelbase of 2,692mm. For reference sake, the Honda HR-Vis 4,385mm long and 1,790mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,610mm. The luggage compartment offers an impressive maximum capacity of 1,527 litres.
Sime Darby Hyundai Integrated Sdn Bhd (SDHI) has officially signed a Certificate of Mass Production with Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd to commence mass production of the highly anticipated facelifted Santa Fe. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in their shared commitment to strengthening the local automotive ecosystem and delivering exceptional value to customers.
It has received a significant exterior makeover, showcasing a sleek and modern design. At the front, the headlights are now seamlessly integrated with the grille, presenting a neater appearance. Notably, the daytime-running lights feature a T-shaped signature, adding to the modern look.
A redesigned front bumper with robust satin silver trim gives the SUV a more off-road-ready aesthetic, enhancing its imposing stance. The fog lamps on the lower bumper have been omitted in this facelift model.
Although volume matters in local assembly to justify the investment in jigs at the plant, the premium manufacturers like BMW have still chosen to assemble their flagship models locally even though the volume may not be large. Local assembly, with the incentives provided by the government, allows them to price their models more competitively than if they were brought in as completely built-up (CBU) models so it is essential to do so in order to grow volumes.
The X7, which is the flagship SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) of the BMW range, has been assembled since early 2021 (on sale since May of the same year) at the BMW facility in the Inokom plant in Kedah. For 2023, the model – named ‘The President’ by BMW – has received updates which include cosmetic changes as well as more enhanced digitalisation capabilities.
Bermaz Motor has launched the Mazda CX-30, its third locally assembled model after the CX-5 and CX-8. The CX-30 is the final model that was in the plan announced four years ago relating to new investments and local assembly by the company as it moved forward. It was the next step for Mazda Malaysia, the joint venture between Mazda and Bermaz formed in 2012 to oversee local production, distribution and exports to other ASEAN countries.
In 2019, Mazda upgraded the ‘plant within a plant’ at Inokom in Kedah with an investment of RM200 million, which raised production capacity from 30,000 to 50,000 units. Mazda production at Inokom shares some of the facilities but also has a dedicated area (including its own paintshop) for assembly of its own products, hence the ‘plant within a plant’ description.
The roll-out of the CX-30 was actually scheduled a bit earlier but the global COVID-19 pandemic impacted all industries and time-frames had to be revised due to extended periods of lockdown. However, the CBU (completely built-up) version was already being sold since 2020.
When BAuto took over the Kia franchise in April 2021 and established subsidiary Dinamikjaya Motors to handle the Korean brand, local assembly was already being planned. Unlike some other new brands where the carmaker may want to wait a while and see how fast their volume grows, Kia Motors had already decided to use Malaysia as a regional production hub and wanted local assembly to commence as soon as possible.
They revealed a5-year plan which showed the models that would be assembled for the Malaysian market, and the chart showed that the first two models would be the Carnival and Sorento. The Carnival started rolling out of the Inokom plant in Kedah in July last year and now comes the Sorento.
Following the launch of the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS in Malaysia last year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today rolled out an EQS 500 4MATIC as its first locally assembled battery electric model at the assembly facility in Pekan, Pahang.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has been assembling its vehicles there since 2004 and the EQS marks a significant milestone. It is not just for Mercedes-Benz but also the Malaysian auto industry since it is among the first fully electric models to be assembled locally.
The program to assemble has been quite fast and would have been encouraged by the Malaysian government’s decision to provide duty-free incentives for BEVs from 2022, with those assembled locally enjoying the incentives for an extra 2 years (till the end of 2025). Without the imposition of import taxes and sales tax, the price of the EQS 500 4MATIC is RM648,888 (excluding insurance), RM50,000 less than the CBU EQS 450+ AMG Line.
It’s now 55 years since the first new vehicle assembly plant began operations in Malaysia. Volvo, together with its local partner, Federal Auto, were the first to introduce a locally-assembled model in 1967 after the government had announced what could be considered as the first national automotive policy in the mid-1960s.
The policy was intended to attract foreign carmakers to assemble some of their models locally and if they did so, they would be given incentives in the form of lower tax rates. This would enable them to sell at lower, more attractive prices compared to the models that were imported in completely built-up (CBU) form.
Swedish Motor Assemblies in Shah Alam, Selangor, was the first assembly plant to start operations, rolling out the Volvo 144 in 1967 as the first locally-assembled model. The plant is still in operation today assembling the latest Volvo modelsfor the region.
The locally-assembled vehicles were assembled from CKD (completely knocked-down) packs of parts sent from bigger factories in Europe, Japan and North America. To help develop a local automotive industry – an important catalyst for industrialization – the government also listed certain parts for mandatory deletion. Assemblers had to obtain them from local companies, many of which had also been set up in tandem with the new assembly plants.
The parts were items like windscreen glass, paint, tyres, wire harnesses, etc and if the assembler chose to still import them, then there would be a penalty for doing so. Over time, revisions in policies saw an emphasis on getting assemblers to source more parts locally and targets were set for local content.
From manual welding of parts by human workers in earlier years (above), many of the plants today have automated welding processes done by robots. Shown below is the X70 body welding line at the Proton factory in Tg. Malim.
The first batch of assembly plants were opened in two areas – Tampoi in Johor and Shah Alam in Selangor. By the 1980s, other locations were also chosen in Sarawak, Sabah and Pahang. Selangor saw the most activity in the early years and the Klang Valley remains a major automotive hub today. In the 1990s, new plants were opened in Kedah and Proton and Perodua also built plants outside the Klang Valley. Honda and Hino chose sites in Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, respectively.
Source: Malaysian Automotive AssociationPorsche Cayenne assembly at Inokom in Kulim, Kedah.Proton factory in Tg Malim, Perak
The new locally-assembled Kia Carnival shows how Korean design has come a long way in 50 years, having started with adapting foreign models (under licence) and then trying to design their own cars. They tried to be different, seemingly for the sake of being different and there were strange forms and shapes which were unnecessary. After realizing there was no need to ‘reinvent the wheel’, they began to get experienced foreign designers – the best known being Peter Schreyer who gave Kia a recognizable identity.
From having foreign designers, they also opened design studios in Europe and America where their designers could be immersed in the markets that they were developing products for. As a result, the designs today are original and appealing, without the oddities of trying to be different.
New design approach In the case of the new Carnival, the design originated from Kia’s studio in California which has been in existence since 2008. It’s therefore not surprising that the design is polished, of high quality and has a unique combination of MPV and SUV. In fact, Kia designers have coined the term ‘GUV’ – for Grand Utility Vehicle – to reflect a slightly different class of MPV.
While it has the long monoform of a people-carrier, it doesn’t have the bulkiness and has styling elements that make it look like a long SUV. Besides the lifted front top of the bonnet to give the feel of a large SUV, a skidplate on the bottom edge of the front and rear bumpers are elements which give the SUV-like impression.
The headlamps don’t have conventional covers, with each of the DRLs and lighting elements being separate. The appearance is a bit futuristic, which also gives originality to the Carnival’s design. The grille, sized proportionately to the vehicle, is quite a simple execution which looks like the ‘Tiger Nose’ has finally evolved away from its familiar look.
Most MPVs have a pretty dull side view but the Kia designers have given the Carnival a more eye-catching and sporty appearance here. Apart from the ‘floating roof’, the tapered and angled C-pillar provides a unique look, and the texture garnish adds a touch of class too. The texture is also found on the dashboard trim, contributing to the premium image that Kia is aiming for.
2.2-litre Smartstream turbodiesel Like the imported version we drove earlier, the locally assembled Carnival also has a turbodiesel engine and it is the same all-aluminium 2.2-litre Smartstream 4-cylinder unit. With high-pressure commonrail fuel delivery (Euro5 B7 biodiesel), it develops 199 bhp/440 Nm, with the strong torque available from 1,750 rpm.
The engine is mated to a conventional torque converter automatic transmission with 8 speeds. There’s no conventional lever for selecting transmission positions; instead, a large E-Shift knob (with a high quality finish) on the centre console is rotated to select the R, N and D positions. Manual selection of gear can still be done using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The PARK position is easily selected by just pressing the button in the middle of the knob. It’s probably the way transmission control will be in future but for now, some might still miss a lever.
There are also drive modes for quicker acceleration or better economy as well as a SMART mode which is adaptive. It learns the behaviour of the driver and gradually adjusts the characteristics to suit the driving style. Over time, the driver will find the transmission operating smoothly and almost predictably. However, a different driver who takes over may not necessarily like that character and if this new driver uses the vehicle for a long period, then it will gradually change to his or her style. Perhaps then there should be a ‘memory’ function to store preferred characteristics, just like seat positions.
Spaceship-inspired interior The interior is where the new Carnival impresses, and not just with spaciousness that would be expected from its exterior dimensions. The designers have created a more premium image and feel to the cabin with convenience features for everyone on the three rows. The interior designers were inspired by the minimalist yet elegant spaceship interior in the classic 1968 movie ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ so their initial idea was a family vehicle for going on space travels! Even the dashboard panoramic display that stretches across the driver’s side is intended to give the feeling of being in the cockpit of a high-tech spaceship.
The spaciousness is enhanced by the large windows, especially on both sides of the second row. There’s a panoramic view of the world passing by and with the High version, there are also dual sunroofs overhead to make things feel even more airy.
Versatile seating a strong point By far, it was the seating that attracted a lot of attention with its variability. As mentioned before, the locally-assembled model is available as a 7-seater or 8-seater, whereas the CBU version we tested in February was an 11-seater. The layout, with maximum people capacity, would be 2-2-3 or 2-3-3. In both versions, the third row folds flat into the floor but for the second row, the seats are fixed in the 7-seater due to the many electrical systems in them. For the 8-seater, they can be adjusted in various ways, turned around the face backwards and even removed completely.
Turning the seats to face backwards requires a bit of work as the left and right side seats have to exchange positions. They are not that difficult to remove and there are security features to ensure that they are locked in place when installed. Most people should be able to handle the task but it’s not something that might be done frequently either.
For the ultimate in comfort, the 7-seater comes with two Premium Relaxion (not a spelling error) seats for the second row. These are wide and when reclined, there is an additional pad that extends forward and up to provide support for the lower part of the legs. Pivoting armrests on the outer side of each seat provide a place to rest the arm while being out of the way when getting in and out.
The seats (which are made locally) have heating and ventilation within and for keeping the entire cabin cool, there are air-conditioning vents on the ceiling over the middle and rear sections. The fan speed and temperature can be controlled separately from the front system but because the panel is situated just behind the driver’s seat (on the ceiling), it can be difficult to reach for most passengers.
The third row, for 3 persons, is quite comfortable, as we found from sitting in the section for about a third of the journey to Penang. You can’t say that of all MPVs but with the Carnival, there won’t be reluctance to go to the back. Legroom is also pretty good and more importantly, even though the seats are over the rear end, there’s no bumpiness.
The powered sliding doors on both sides are a nice luxury feature but to be expected considering the price. Getting into the third row is easy as the second row seats tumble forward, but when getting out, the passenger in the third row might need help as the release handle is right at the B-pillar. Presumably, there will be a driver to help, or someone in the second row will also be getting out.
Enough cargo space for moving house The standard boot space when the third row is in use is limited but there’s a deep compartment below it for storing items. This, however, means that only a temporary spare wheel can be carried. This is the skinny tyre for emergencies which is lighter and saves space too.
The cargo volume is variable so it depends on what you want to carry. For maximum volume, the third row can be folded into the floor and the second row seats removed. This gives a space that would rival a pick-up truck – and it’s enclosed. So that adds another dimension to the term ‘multi purpose’ as you could probably do house-moving with just the Carnival alone.
Most features are common to all three versions and the extras that the High versions have are the dual sunroof, memory function for the front seats, larger digital instrument panel and a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. There won’t be fighting for USB recharging ports as up to 7 are provided plus a wireless charging pad. The sound system is from Bose and has 12 speakers placed around the cabin. The only thing missing for a family-type vehicle would be a cooler box but that’s something that can be purchased as an accessory anyway.
Driving impressions At 5 metres long and almost 2 metres wide, the Carnival is an imposing vehicle and for some, it may be intimidating. It would fit right into the landscape in America but in Malaysia, with our narrower roads and tighter congestion, a large vehicle might seem impractical. However, as we discovered back in January when we drove the 11-seater, the size does not mean it is difficult to drive. In fact, when on the move, it doesn’t feel much different from a smaller MPV and there is the added stability of being 2,100+ kgs.
Where you become aware of its bulk is in tight situations, like parking, but even then, it is not as cumbersome as a pick-up truck. The Surround View Monitor is a great help here and we found that parking was a ‘no-sweat’ exercise and the vehicle could be positioned properly within a bay.
Even more surprising is the way the vehicle behaves on winding roads. Apart from the competent chassis design, the low ride height also helps keep the Carnival stable and hardly any lean could be felt. With motor-assisted power steering these days, big vehicles like the Carnival are no harder to drive than small sedans. The feedback is good and assistance is progressive. The body control is certainly light years from what we remember of the original Carnival (the one that was also sold as a Naza Ria) which wallowed when pushed too hard in turns.
The 2.2-litre Smartstream engine provided enough power for brisk motoring but it has also to be said that our two drives did not have the maximum number of passengers aboard and the load was fairly light. With all 7 or 8 seats occupied, perhaps the performance might feel different but as we kept hearing from our convoy leader ‘Enjoy the drive’, and unless you are in a rush, the engine should be able to provide decent performance.
The weight also helps with ride comfort although the pressures were on the high side as the vehicles had come straight from the plant with pressures meant for maximum load. It’s not super quiet in the cabin but the ambient noise level seemed to be consistent. Conversations with people next to you are fine but because the seat rows are far apart, you sometimes have to raise your voice to talk to the drive (certainly if the person right at the back is talking).
Priced (excluding insurance) from RM231,228 – RM261,228, the Carnival is a breath of fresh air in the MPV segment, with smart styling and it has not just a premium image but also the feel to go with it. We would go as far as to say it sets a new benchmark for the MPV class and even those who have not had a liking for MPVs will find the Carnival appealing.
