Citroën has unveiled the Citroën Basalt Vision, a new compact SUV Coupé concept set to join the brand’s range in India and South America in the latter half of 2024. This innovative model blends various automotive codes to offer customers a unique driving experience, combining the fluidity and dynamism of a coupe, the ruggedness of an elevated SUV, and the spaciousness of a 5-door saloon.
Developed with input from teams both at headquarters and in each region, the Basalt Vision will support Citroën’s international growth alongside the C3 and C3 Aircross models in major markets. These models are part of a program aimed at bringing to market vehicles with strong character and distinctive onboard comfort.
The Basalt Vision concept represents a daring approach to the compact SUV Coupé segment, incorporating elements from different automotive styles. Its SUV character exudes modernity, robustness, and reassurance, with a confident stance on the road thanks to features like high ground clearance, a high bonnet, and protective wheel arches. Its coupé-like rear design adds fluidity and dynamism, while the overall silhouette suggests aerodynamic efficiency.
Named after the volcanic rock known for its robustness and serenity, the Basalt promises endurance and reliability, providing a sense of safety and security for drivers. With ample space and protective features, the Basalt offers a comfortable and secure driving experience even in challenging conditions.
As the third model in Citroën’s C-Cubed program, alongside the C3 and C3 Aircross, the Basalt Vision is designed to cater to the needs of customers in India and South America. Based on the Smart Car platform, these models aim to deliver a unique design and ease of use tailored to these markets, enhancing the ownership experience for customers.
Set to be launched in the latter half of 2024, the Citroën Basalt Vision previews a compact, powerful, and muscular SUV Coupé that promises unrivalled onboard comfort and will appeal to young professionals and families alike.
The introduction of the Perodua Ativa has been significant for the Malaysian automotive market, offering consumers a modern and technologically advanced option in the compact SUV segment.
The Ativa is Perodua’s first model in the Transformation 3.0 era which is named Perodua Smart Build. What is Perodua Smart Build? It aims to elevate Perodua into a global player but not only as a company, but also to globalise the entire Malaysian automotive industry – including suppliers and dealers.
The Ativa is a shared model with the Daihatsu Rocky, which explains the uncanny resemblance between the two. However, there is a touch of Perodua in it. Which is why some consider it to be a bigger version of the Myvi.
With that in mind, we were intrigued to find out what a daily Myvi driver would think of the Ativa. So, we gave the Ativa to a member of our team who owns a third-generation facelift Myvi.
The main difference, the most obvious one, is that the Ativa is a compact SUV which translates to a bulkier body and more interior space. Exterior-wise, the Ativa looks like a Myvi that has been hitting the gym and is on steroids.
So, what was our Myvi driver’s first impression when getting into the Ativa? There wasn’t much difference between the Myvi and the Ativa besides the size. The steering wheel is the same, the interaction with the buttons is the same and the overall feel of driving a new car was just not there. Well, there are minor differences but nothing too major that we would think that we were sitting in a different car. However, this is just a first impression. We then used the Ativa as a daily, swapping away the Myvi for some time and noticed several likes and dislikes.
First of all, what do you get for the RM73,400 Ativa? Well, the infotainment system is slightly bigger than the Myvi. The Ativa has a huge 9.0-inch “floating” touchscreen in the middle while the Myvi has a 6.9-inch touchscreen. However, the one in the Ativa did not feel as smooth. Although Android phone owners can connect their devices to the screen using SmartLink phone mirroring (an HDMI connector), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available (something we are never happy to hear).
Anyways, the excellent safety system that comes with the Myvi is also featured in the Ativa. Ever since the launch of the third generation of the Myvi, Perodua has been adding ever-more sophisticated safety features to its models. A lot of these are combined to form the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system, which aids in preventing collisions for drivers. The third iteration of the Ativa system can now detect two-wheeled vehicles and operate at night. It can operate at higher speeds of up to 120km/h for cars and 60km/h for pedestrians.
Pre-Collision Warning with Automatic Braking, Front Departure Alert, and Pedal Misoperation Control are the components of ASA 3.0. To monitor and evaluate the road ahead, ASA employs a camera at the top of the windscreen.
The driver will be alerted in the case of an imminent collision, and the brakes will engage automatically if no action is taken by the driver to slow down. In addition to preventing the need for a costly repair, proactive braking would have slowed down the speed and force of the vehicle if a collision was unavoidable, aiding to keep all occupants safe and keeping injuries to a minimum, or none at all.
However, the facelift Myvi has level two autonomy for under RM60,000. The driver was not impressed by this as it did not play a major role in the experience, which is a good thing at the end of the day.
The Ativa also comes with the annoying eco idle auto start-stop, which Perodua has been offering since the Bezza and is something we turn off every single time we get in.
The main issue faced by the driver is the one feature that the Myvi has that was not carried on to the Ativa and that is the SmartTag reader, which is what got us scratching our heads as to why it was not offered. But it makes sense considering that the Smart Tag system will eventually give way to RFID.
You must be thinking, just wind down the window and use the Touch N Go card. Not that hard right? But having the Myvi as a daily driver for almost a year now, the convenience has always been there. We could easily check the amount left on the card and did not have to roll down the window and stretch out nor have to worry about replacing batteries in the SmartTag device.
Moving on, the Ativa has a unique feature called air conditioning memory which we very much liked. The AC memory, which functions similarly to seat position memory, is controlled via the M1 and M2 buttons located on the dash. For example, you can programme one for chilly days and another for hot days which is convenient as we do not have to manually adjust the temperature.
The Ativa measures 4,065mm in length, 1,710mm in width, and 1,635mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,525mm. Not that much of a difference compared to the Myvi which measures 3,895 mm in length, 1735mm in width and 1515mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2500mm. We are not small or short people and we fit comfortably in the Myvi so the Ativa was just as comfortable with slightly more room to move around.
What we did enjoy is the armrest that comes with the Ativa. A minor detail with a major comfort impact.
Now, the Myvi has cupholders placed below the AC controls which we consider to be a convenient storage space. And if you do not have a phone holder, you could place it there too. In the Ativa, those cupholders are replaced with a small flat platform with just enough space to place your phone horizontally. The cupholders? Well, the Ativa has a feature that we are not sure is a clever idea. The cupholders are placed in front of the vents on either side of the dashboard and slide out whenever needed. While this keeps your drinks cool, it blocks the cool air from reaching you. But what if you have a hot drink? You will need to either turn off the AC or set it to the lowest speed. Not very convenient is it?
It may not seem like a big deal but as journalists, we are always on the go and sometimes only have time for a quick drive-through to get our morning coffee which we prefer to be hot and not iced. So sometimes we found ourselves driving with the windows down just to keep our drinks warm. Dramatic, but some of us would do anything for a hot cup of coffee.
Moving on to the performance. The Ativa features a 1.0 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine which produces 98PS and 140Nm of torque connected to a D-CVT with seven virtual ratios that send power to the front wheels . It was also the first Perodua to ride on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform.
The Myvi on the other hand, has a naturally aspirated 2NR-VE 1.5 litre engine which puts out 102hp and 136Nm of torque. The gearbox is the same as the Ativa, but the Myvi is better in terms of fuel economy.
This was a game changer for us as the turbocharged Ativa showed a significant amount of difference in performance though not so much on paper. The Myvi at times can be draggy when going uphill. But this was no issue for the Ativa. We did not feel it struggling to climb up steep hills and just like the Myvi, there is a “PWR” button on the steering wheel which when activated, gives a sharper throttle response. We tested it out although we did not have to use this feature and it added to the “amazed” experience we were having.
Another minor detail we noticed is that the cabin in the Ativa is much quieter compared to the Myvi. The road, engine and aerodynamic drag sounds were slightly muted when speeding so that gave us some peace of mind during long travels.
With all that power play, what was the fuel consumption like? The fuel consumption for the Ativa is around 7.5L/100km. You can reduce it by using the eco-idle function but that is a personal preference. Compared to the Myvi, which has a 4.7L/100km fuel consumption, it is still not enough to burn a hole through your pocket for refuelling, so we did not have to worry about that.
We think that the Perodua Ativa stands out as a well-rounded compact SUV, compared to the RM107,000 Honda WR-V, but if we were to upgrade from a Myvi, we would not go for an Ativa because of how convenient the Myvi is.
The Ativa can seat five to six adults, and so can the Myvi. The only difference is that the Ativa’s boot space of 369 litres beats the Myvi’s 277 litres. Yes, the Ativa is slightly more powerful, but if it’s power you’re looking for, then you are in the wrong market.
So, if you have a family of five to six, or less than that and you’re in the market for a compact SUV, the Ativa shines the brightest here and it will not break your bank account. But the question here is, would a Myvi driver trade up to an Ativa? Not this Myvi driver, not because the Ativa is not good, but it is too similar to the Myvi, which is already a great car in every sense of the word.
Kia introduced the brand-new Kia EV5 compact electric SUV at the Chengu Motor Show in China. As is common for Kia and Hyundai more thorough information about the company’s second zero-emission SUV won’t be made public until October, at the Electric Vehicle (EV) Day event the brand is hosting.
We currently have access to a formal image gallery as well as specific design details scattered throughout the press release. One such element is the addition of a mood lighting system with adjustable brightness levels in the new EV5. Users can choose from a stunning palette of 64 colours, including a group of 10 tones that Kia’s lighting experts have carefully selected.
The manufacturer claims that the mood lighting system, when activated, synchronises with the SUV’s various driving modes, modifies illumination in low-light conditions, and even alerts the driver if the car exceeds the permitted speed limit.
Mitsubishi has unveiled the brand-new Xforce, a compact SUV with an internal combustion engine (ICE) engine that is set to be made in Indonesia.
In terms of appearance and internal design, the production vehicle resembles the Mitsubishi XFC Concept from 2022 although with somewhat fewer amenities.
The Mitsubishi Xforce’s external design was already well known to us thanks to the official preview event conducted on July 31; however, we now get to glimpse the inside in addition to the precise specs. The contoured bodywork, the design of the grille, and the LED lighting units (similar to Thor’s Hammer lights from Volvo) on both ends give the SUV a generally contemporary and powerful appearance.
Mitsubishi Motors will introduce a brand-new compact SUV at the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. But the Japanese car maker has already unveiled the external styling of the SUV ahead of its international debut.
The top portion of the new SUV has a floating roof and a sleek looking surface that extends from the front three-diamond symbol down the side and to the back.
Toyota, it seems, is eager to show the world that even though it will continue to offer mobility solutions that include combustion engines, it is also giving a lot of attention to developing new battery electric (BEV) models. Behind the scenes, there must be a lot of R&D going on and at the end of last year, Akio Toyoda showed no less than 17 prototype BEV Toyota and Lexus models.
Since then, the company has been rolling out new models to show that it is making rapid progress and will have a growing range of BEVs in the near future. This will soon include a model that is presently known as the bZ Compact SUV concept. It looks production-ready so expect it to be on sale sometime in 2023.
A year ago, Honda displayed the SUV RS Concept as a preview of a new compact SUV model to come. It was clear that the carmaker had seen the growth of the compact SUV segment with the entry of models like the Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky and in Malaysia, the Perodua equivalent known as the Ativa. It wanted a slice of that market and has developed its first small SUV for the ASEAN market.
The model, known as the WR-V, has now made its global debut in Jakarta, Indonesia, which will also be the production hub. Measuring 4060 mm in overall length and 1780 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2485 mm, the WR-V is positioned below the HR-V. It is shorter than the BR-V but has slightly more width to make up.
With its low volumes, Alfa Romeo has struggled for many years and relied on the loyalty of the alfisti to keep it around. Heritage can only go so far in modern business, but Alfa Romeo has usually survived to continue its business. Now under the Stellantis Group, it will have some more breathing space with access to considerable shared resources that will allow one new model to be launched every year during this decade.
It’s been a while since we saw a really new model from Alfa Romeo and the new Tonale is something that has taken almost 3 years to go into production. A concept was shown at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show with a plan to put it in showrooms in a few years. By the time Stellantis came into the picture, the development would have been too far ahead to stop or change, so in 2022, it has its global debut although many markets may only get it in 2023.
The Tonale has compact dimensions which means it will do battle in the most competitive area of the SUV segment. While said to remain true to its DNA of Italian sportiness, it also marks the metamorphosis of the brand as it starts a new era of connectivity and electrification.
2019 Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept
Concept car inspiration
Much of the design draws on the concept car shown in Geneva which contained many classic Alfa Romeo stylistic features, reinterpreted in the name of modernity. The sides are notable for their extended curve below the waistrail, known as the ‘GT Line’, which runs from the rear to the headlights, giving definition to the car’s body and its profile. In terms of the modelling, its full volumes and sensuality are reminiscent of models such as the 8C Competizione.
At the front, the new floating ‘Scudetto’ shield is no longer a part of the bumper but a distinctive element on its own. The lower part includes two main side air intakes which together with the shield create what is known as the ‘Trilobo’.
The eye-catching ‘3+3’ headlights are inspired by the SZ Zagato and the Proteo concept car. These lights adopt a new full-LED adaptive matrix and provide daylight, dynamic turn signals and a ‘welcome and goodbye’ feature. They also have adaptive capabilities to maximize illumination without dazzling other drivers, with a third module automatically activated when turning corners to expand the lighting laterally.
At the rear too, the light units are strong elements that for a visual signature for the Tonale. The roundness and, now classic, fold in the lower centerline shape of the rear window characterizes the SUV’s upper rear volume in a sporty yet elegant way evoking iconic cars like the 8C Competizione where the daylight opening, the edges of the side windows and the top of the rear window meet.
The ‘teledial’ alloy wheels that were received positive feedback when shown on the concept car have also been adopted on the production model. This is the reworking of the perforated telephone dial theme, the result of an evolution that began in the 1960s with the 33 Stradale. Over time, the perforations have gradually been increased in size and becoming more closely related to needs for brake cooling, lightness and resistance.
Driver-centric cabin
As would be expected, this is an SUV but the racing heritage of Alfa Romeo is not ignored. Everything is driver-centric, with the diagonal tunnel, slightly undulating dashboards and instruments facing the driver. The characteristic elements of the new model include the telescopic instrument panel, with its clear Alfa Romeo stylistic matrix, and the compact steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles.
The new D.N.A. driving mode selector, slim central air conditioning vents and external turbine shaped vents, the central tunnel and handles are embellished with a diamond texture inspired by precision mechanical processing with laser engraving. The dashboard also includes an insert with a backlight effect so when the panel is off, a graphic appears. The same 3D features can be seen in the seat fabrics, from the basic versions all the way to the gradient effect with contrasting background colour.
Powertrain choices
Depending on the market, electrified powertrains or combustion engines (or both) will be offered. The front-wheel drive hybrid powertrain has a new 4-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with a Variable-Geometry Turbocharger, and a 48V 15-kW electric motor. Besides two output levels – 130 ps and 160 ps – there’s also a 275 ps plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Q4 version with all-wheel drive that will have a claimed electric range of up to 80 kms.
The new 7-speed TCT dual-clutch transmission enables start-up and travel in only electric mode at low speeds and when parking and cruising, subject to battery levels. A full battery recharge is said to take 2.5 hours when using a 7.4kW fast charger.
Some markets will still be able to get good old powertrains with just combustion engines. There will be Tonale variants with a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine as well as a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine.
The driving dynamics of Alfa Romeos have always been much appreciated and respected, and even with an SUV, these cannot be compromised. One element that contributed to ensuring this is the optimally balanced weight distribution between the two axles. This required special management of mass and materials, which was done both by working on the car’s layout and by placing all the heavier components as centrally as possible.
The Tonale has an Integrated Brake System (IBS), an innovative electromechanical system that combines stability control with conventional servo brakes. Said to be an industry first, the integration between electronics and mechanics, significant weight optimization, optimal feeling and the total absence of pedal vibrations can guarantee the system instantaneous brake response. The fixed calipers are from Brembo, with four pistons and self-ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear.
The Dual Stage Valve electronic suspension provides a choice between performance and comfort. Developed in conjunction with Alfa Romeo’s long-standing technology partner Marelli, the electronic shock absorbers feature a special electro-actuated valve within the shock absorber that provides independent damping curves for 2 modes (Comfort and Sport).
New ADAS systems
The Tonale is equipped with new Alfa Romeo Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for Level 2 autonomous driving, which means that the vehicle can automatically handle acceleration, braking and staying within a lane while maintaining driving safety. However, the driver still needs to be alert and involved, though to a lesser degree which can reduce fatigue on long journeys.
In the event that the driver loses concentration or even falls asleep, there are features like Autonomous Emergency Braking which will activate the brakes if the driver does not react to alerts. The Drowsy Driver Detection system constantly analyses the vehicle’s movements to detect any characteristics which indicate driver fatigue. Once a certain threshold has been exceeded, the system emits beeps and/or visual warnings, recommending the driver stop for a break.
Connectivity with Amazon
Connectivity in a car today is more than just being able to connect a smartphone to the infotainment system. It now encompasses being able to connect to the rest of the world and a major new feature in the Tonale is the built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant. Where it is available, Secure Delivery Service can set the vehicle as the place to deliver Amazon packages. The doors can be unlocked, and the courier can leave them inside the vehicle. Updates on vehicle status can also be received at home so it will be possible to know the battery charge level and other information. Alexa can also be used to search for nearby restaurants or even adjust lights or heating connected to the home automation system.
NFT for a car
In a world exclusive, the Tonale debuts non-fungible token (NFT) technology. Alfa Romeo is the first automaker to link a car with an NFT digital certificate. The technology is based on the ‘blockchain card’ concept, a confidential and non-modifiable record of the main stages in the life of an individual vehicle. Upon the customer’s consent, the NFT will record vehicle data, generating a certificate that can be used as a guarantee of the car’s overall status, with a positive impact on its residual value. On the pre-owned car market, NFT certification represents an additional source of credibility for owners or dealers to count on.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has begun selling the updated Porsche Macan with cosmetic changes on the outside, enhancements within and improved powertrains. Prices (excluding insurance) start from RM433,154 for the Macan, RM623,593 for the Macan S, and RM786,232 for the Macan GTS with 2 years warranty coverage and 2 years free scheduled maintenance. The Premium Package is included as standard for the Macan and Macan S.
Redesigned front end
The compact SUV, still in its first generation after 7 years, has a redesigned front end with an inlay in the exterior colour, visually emphasizing the vehicle’s width. New 3D structural elements and dynamic side blades enhance the sporty look. LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System and Sport Design exterior mirrors are now standard on all models. At the back is a striking diffuser with a particularly technical design.
Customers can choose from no less than 14 exterior colours, including the new colours Papaya Metallic and Gentian Blue Metallic; Python Green is exclusively for the Macan GTS. With its Individual Colour and Paint To Sample options, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur can further personalise the Macan.
Futuristic centre console
Inside the latest Macan, there is selected equipment from the 911 Carrera, as well as a futuristic centre console with a high-quality glass look. Intuitive touch-sensitive surfaces, instead of tactile buttons, provide a cleaner appearance while the new operating concept brings a clear and futuristic structure to the cockpit.
A new, shorter selector lever sits in the centre of the functionally organized control module. The analogue clock at the top of the dashboard is now also standard equipment, while many online functions and services are offered as standard. These can be controlled via the 10.9-inch full HD touch display of the Porsche Communication Management or by means of voice commands. The latest Macan also inherits the new multifunction and GT Sport steering wheels from the 911.
The Macan and Macan S with a Premium Package as standard get additional comfort and luxury features such as 14-way electric comfort seats with memory package, Power Steering Plus, Park Assist including reversing camera and surround view, automatic dimming interior and exterior mirrors, and BOSE Surround Sound System.
Redeveloped engine, increased performance
The redeveloped 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine now produces 380 ps, 26 ps more than before. Torque has gone up to 520 Nm, 40 Nm higher than before. The new powerplant improves acceleration to for the 0 to 100 km/h to a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of up to 259 km/h.
For the flagship Macan GTS, the engine now delivers 440 ps, an increase of 60 ps, while 30 Nm more torque takes the peak figure up to 550 Nm. When fitted with the Sport Chrono package, the claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 4.3 seconds and the top speed is 272 km/h.
At the entry-level, the 2-litre inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 265 ps/400 Nm; compared to the engine used before, the difference is 13 ps/30 Nm. The higher output improves acceleration time marginally to take the Macan from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.2 seconds and on top a sop speed of 232 km/h.
All the engines have the same 7-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) delivering power to all four wheels. Specifically tuned to the Macan it is equipped in, PTM enhances driving dynamics, improves driving safety and maximise grip and stability.
A key benefit of PTM is that it works efficiently with all driving dynamics systems and these systems complement each other. The most significant partner system is Porsche Stability Management, which controls power distribution to all four wheels on an even more individual basis using anti-slip regulation and automatic brake differential functions.
Optimised chassis and brakes
The wide suspension bandwidth balances maximum suspension comfort and dynamic sportscar performance. The chassis has been optimized further to allow the Macan to now respond with even more sensitivity and more directly to the driving situation and road conditions, giving the driver even better feedback via the steering wheel.
Casper, the friendly ghost in an animated cartoon series, is the name that Hyundai will use for a new ultra compact SUV that it will introduce during the fourth quarter of this year, starting with the Korean market.
Smallest Hyundai SUV model
The new model will be the carmaker’s smallest SUV, measuring 3595 mm long, 1595 mm wide and 1575 mm tall, with a 2400 mm wheelbase. That makes it even shorter than the old Perodua Kembara and about as large as the old Hyundai i10. The wheelbase is fairly generous though, which should provide maximum interior space.
Creating a new class?
Hyundai describes the Casper as being in ‘an all-new car class that never existed before’ and it will probably be presented as a vehicle for the urban jungle. Details are limited for now but it is expected to have a 1-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and the ones Hyundai currently offers produce either 66 bhp with natural aspiration or up to 98 bhp with turbocharging. Under consideration is an electric version which could come later on.
While the Casper would be a nice little city car for Europe, it might also be offered as a trendy crossover for emerging markets as it will probably have an affordable pricetag with minimal high-tech. Hopefully, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors will be able to get their principal to consider it for the Malaysian market.
In its domestic market, Hyundai is taking bookings for the model this month and ‘early bird’ customers can get priority delivery, Starbucks gift cards as well as car-sharing test-drives for 8 hours.
