In spite of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) was able to achieve a higher sales volume during it its last financial year (FY21: April 2021 – March 2022). The total volume of 19,217 units was a 66% increase compared to the volume sold in the same period when the Total Industry Volume of the Malaysian market declined by 6.7%. This achievement put the company comfortably in the top 3 spots of the non-national automotive category.
The Triton pick-up truck was the bestseller for the brand with 9,420 units sold in FY21, which was a 24% increase compared to FY20. Its popularity among Malaysians was evident as it maintained a market share of around 21.4%.
The XPANDER was also a strong seller and the dominant model in the non-national MPV segment. 9,065 units of the locally-assembled 7-seater were sold, accounting for 47.2% to the company’s overall total sales.
Mitsubishi XPANDERVolumes shown are for calendar year (January- December). Data for 2022 from January to March. Data source: MAA monthly reports.
“In general, the past 2 years have been tough on the automotive industry, not only with the rising cases of Omicron COVID-19 but floods that affected the Klang Valley and East Coast region, as well as parts or chips shortage. There were many hurdles for the industry to overcome, thus for our sales performance to grow is a significant triumph for us. We take this chance to thank the Malaysian government for initiating and extending the SST exemption these last couple of years. With this, our customers could enjoy extra savings while it also gives us the time to fulfil all booking orders made,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
“The company will continue to charge forward with strong momentum for 2022. We are aware that a large number of our customers aim to purchase their cars before the SST exemption expires by end of June. We are continuing our best efforts to meet the booking numbers, and we have already increased our production capacity while maintaining a high level of product quality. Our customers are the ones that put us here, thus providing them with utmost convenience and confidence towards the brand is our utmost priority,” he added.
The Mitsubishi Motors network consists of 54 showrooms (out of which 49 are 3S Centres) and 55 service outlets throughout Malaysia. In East Malaysia, there are 14 showrooms (7 in Sarawak and 7 in Sabah). The present range consists of the Triton which is imported as a CBU (Completely Built-Up) model from Thailand, and the XPANDER MPV which is assembled locally.
Like the other top non-national brands, Honda focusses largely on locally-assembled models as they can be priced competitively and sell in large volumes. Nevertheless, it also offers some models that are imported in CBU (completely built-up) form for customers who want something that the local range may not have.
One of these is the Odyssey which is now in its fifth generation. To date, Honda Malaysia has sold almost 2,000 units of the MPV which was introduced locally in 2003. The latest generation of the MPV is priced at RM275,311 without insurance and with half the applicable sales tax exempted (until June 30, 2022). The model continues to use a 2.4-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (172 ps/225 Nm) and CVT.
“The introduction of the New Odyssey caters to the needs of customers such as families and executives who seek a luxury 7-seater MPV with excellent ride comfort, elegant exterior and unrivalled utility features, all in one package. In addition, the refined exterior and enhanced premium interior will further elevate the joy of owning a luxury Honda 7-seater MPV,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.
The Odyssey was originally developed for the US market to compete in the minivan segment and was a successful model. It was also available in Japan and to make it more suitable for urban conditions, its roofline was a bit lower than most MPVs so it could more easily slot into garages.
Cosmetic updates for 2022
The latest Odyssey inherits much of the DNA of its predecessors with an imposing front end to the monobox form. The new chromed grille and flanking headlight units are an interpretation of the ‘EXCITING H DESIGN!!!’ which has a ‘Solid Wing Face’ design language. At the rear, the taillight units have been revised along with a new bumper profile. Both the front and rear signal lights now have sequential signalling which gives a premium touch to the vehicle.
For this latest version, which is essentially a midcycle facelift, the interior has received premium upgrades as well as an updated dashboard design. The dashboard has a 7-inch TFT meter for the driver and an 8-inch display panel for infotainment. As would be expected of models being introduced nowadays, there is smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so favourite apps can be access from the display panel.
Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman
The Odyssey has always offered good cabin space with versatile layouts that makes it suitable for families as well as executives who may need to work while on the move. It comes with standard combination leather upholstery and Captain’s Cradle Seats with Ottoman on the second row. These wide and comfortable seats are like those on aircraft which allow the passenger to stretch out.
Loading luggage or other items in the boot does not require the use of hands to open the rear door. In fact, there isn’t even a need to press a button as placing a food under the rear bumper will automatically open the door. It’s great when both hands are carrying things and also if it’s raining and one hand has to hold the umbrella up.
Honda SENSING is, of course, standard and the integrated active safety systems are Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Auto High Beam. Additionally, there is also a Multi-View Camera System with Smart Parking Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Cross Traffic Monitor. All these systems can not only help the driver avoid an accident but also reduce the workload to reduce fatigue on long drives.
The Honda SENSING system, which uses a camera to scan road markings, can not only keep the vehicle within its lane but also guide it back if it unintentionally starts to move into another lane
More information on the New Odyssey can be obtained from authorized Honda dealers. To locate a showroom in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.
In America, they call MPVs ‘minivans’ and in fact, that’s where these people-carriers started. In the mid-1980s, Chrysler came come out with a vehicle that could carry more people than a stationwagon and had the spaciousness of a van. It was actually an idea that Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich came up with when they were in Ford but Henry Ford II didn’t like the concept and then later fired both of them (for other reasons). Both men moved to Chrysler where they continued the project and introduced a new market segment that was so successful that it saved Chrysler from collapse.
Elsewhere in the world, the minivan idea caught the attention of other carmakers but they called it a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) which emphasized its versatility in carrying people and cargo. MPVs quickly became a new segment, joining sedans, coupes, liftbacks, hatchbacks and stationwagons. They came in various sizes, big and small, just as with the SUVs that started appearing in the following decade.
Kia came out with its first MPVs in the late 1990s, a small one called the Carens and a big one called the Carnival. Both were popular in many markets and the Carnival was even adapted by Naza and sold as the Ria under its own brand in the 2000s. Although SUVs have since gained dominance in the company’s product lines, MPVs still have a place and the effort put into styling the Carnival’s fourth generation is no less than for the other models. In fact, Kia is even trying to reposition it higher up by referring to it as a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ (GUV?).
Large MPV with SUV style
The dimensions of the new Korean MPV give it an imposing presence on the road – slightly more than 5 metres in length and 2 metres wide. However, it’s not as tall as other MPVs and the styling is SUV-like with an upscale appearance. There is yet another interpretation of the ‘Tiger nose’, a familiar signature element in Kia models for some 15 years, which spans the whole width of the front end.
The detail is impressive with the integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), headlamps and grille, having a futuristic new look and unique light signature. The new Kia brand logo is also seen for the first time on a model in Malaysia, affixed to the bonnet and the rear door.
A key design highlight is its new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A and B-pillars beneath a body-coloured roof. An eye-catching new C-pillar signature design also stands out, with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern. Another element of the SUV-inspired design is the metallic lower skidplate at the rear.
The monolithic form is also aerodynamically efficient and little details along the sides keep airflow smooth for less drag. The underside is also largely closed off so air rushing through underneath does not become turbulent as it encounters openings in the floorpan.
The new body sits on a new midsize Hyundai Motor Group platform that has a longer wheelbase of 3090 mm and the structure has had a lot of engineering improvements to strengthen rigidity. There’s expanded use of hot-stamped parts as well as ultra high-tensile steel and cold-rolled steel.
Progression towards a more premium image
Like the exterior, the inside of the Carnival shows another progression towards a more premium image. The finishing is impressive and the materials have a high-class feel and look. Some new models have gone fully digital and touchscreen for everything and it is not always practical. In the case of the Carnival, the interior designers provide different adjusting methods that are more sensible.
For example, a rocker switch is used for temperature adjustment (individual for left and right sides) which is a lot better than a touchscreen which you need to look and pinpoint your finger on – not so good while driving. For the blower speed and switching between recirculating and fresh air mode, there are pushbuttons and for tuning the radio, a rotary knob is used.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is the command centre for the infotainment system where you might need to just touch an icon once to activate an app. The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready so compatible smartphones can easily be connected and the popular apps operated from the display.
The 11-seater cabin
The lengthened wheelbase means a more spacious interior and there’s space for up to 11-persons in the massive cabin. That ‘11-seater’ is mentioned gives it an image of being a minibus though it is far from that! The 4-row/11-seat layout is available when really needed but it is likely that the Carnival will be used as a 7-seater at most with the fourth row folded into the floor. For smaller groups, it can even be configured with four individual rear seats (generously-sized) and a passage between them which can be filled by a table that appears when the middle seats are folded.
The centre row can be folded sideways to create a walk-thru aisle to the rear when there are four or more rear passengers, and when the middle seat is folded down, the back of the seat can be turned into a table with cupholders (below).
Each seat has 3-point seatbelts and the air-conditioning is well designed to ensure that the last row gets cool air as well. A separate control unit is provided for the rear occupants to adjust their environment for a more comfortable journey.
The Carnival comes with two side doors which are motorized and are ‘smart’ because they can open automatically when you stand next to them (or you can press the key fob button) . To avoid accidents when getting out, the sensors that are used for the blind spot detection are also used to detect vehicles approaching. If a vehicle detected and the door is about to be opened, its operation will be stopped. This is a great safety feature, especially for those with kids who may be eager to rush out when the vehicle is stopped.
When 11 seating spaces are not needed, the fourth row can be folded flat and out of sight (below).
The back door also has the smart sensing feature which opens it automatically upon approach. While it is certainly a convenient feature, it might not be practical in certain situations. For example, if you are parked near a wall and the door starts to open by itself (when you are nearby), the door may hit the wall or worse, trap you against it! Perhaps the system should detect if there is a wall and deactivate the automatic opening. Or better still, just deactivate the feature in the settings and use the button on the key fob.
Both the front seats have 8-way power adjustment with the driver’s seat having lumbar adjustment as well. The seating position is such that the driver can have a commanding position which is important given the size of the Carnival. In fact, on our drive, we had a rather small-sized person who was not intimidated at all by the vehicle’s size and found easy to drive.
Individual safety systems
The latest Carnival comes with a long list of active safety systems but it doesn’t have a suite with a fancy sounding name like many of the new models introduced lately. Besides the airbags at the front, all the side windows have curtain bags which will deploy if the vehicle is hit from the side and by covering the openings, there is reduced risk of someone being ejected if the accident is a violent one.
The Surround View Monitor makes it easy to park the large Carnival and the simulated overhead view is detailed enough to help position the vehicle properly in a bay.
An interesting safety system is Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCBC) which reduces the severity of a secondary impact if it occurs after a collision. This can happen after the vehicle is hit and the driver may no longer be in control. When activated, the system measures vehicle speed and any changes of direction, applying the appropriate level of braking force to bring the vehicle to a stop. It may also use the electronic stability control system in some cases but will not activate if the speed is very high as automatic brake intervention at high speeds could cause undesirable vehicle reactions.
Driving impressions
The Carnival imported to Malaysia (and which will be assembled locally in future) comes with only a turbodiesel engine that runs on Euro5 (B7) fuel. This is the new 2.2-litre Smartstream unit that has an aluminium block which saves 38 kgs compared to the previous engine with a cast iron block. It generates 199 bhp with maximum torque of 440 Nm available from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm. The strong low-end torque at the front wheels will be appreciated when the 2,000-kg MPV moves off.
Kia has fitted a conventional torque converter automatic transmission and it has a good choice of 8 ratios well matched to the relaxed engine’s characteristics. A rotary knob (with a high quality finish) on the centre console is used for selecting the main operating modes with a PARK button in the middle. The driver can choose drive modes for more acceleration or better economy but we found that the default mode is a good balance and there was no real need to use the other modes.
On the move, the size of the Carnival becomes less apparent the longer you drive it. Thanks to the nicely-weighted motor-assisted steering, the vehicle is easy to maneuver and it doesn’t wallow in corners either. The size and weight became advantageous on highways where there is good stability and the vehicle sits firmly on the road at high speeds. The long wheelbase also smoothens the ride quality although those in the rearmost row will tend to feel bumps a bit more noticeably.
For now, the Carnival imported in completely built-up form from Korea is priced at RM196,340.80 (without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia registration). You have a choice of 6 colours, and Dinamikjaya, the new distributor, offers a 5-year vehicle/100,000 km warranty and during the first 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms), scheduled maintenance will be free.
It’s no secret that the Carnival will be assembled locally at the Inokom plant in Kedah later this year. And the assembly operations will be managed by Kia Malaysia, which Kia Motors has majority share in. Naturally, when assembled locally, the price will be lower and if Dinamikjaya can maintain a similar level of equipment and features, the Carnival should be a worthwhile buy for those wanting a large MPV. As we said earlier, don’t let the ’11-seater’ description be a turn-off as the extra seats can be out of sight (though not removed).
In the 20th century, becoming a significant player in the auto industry required experience and staying power to withstand the cyclical nature of the industry. From the time of the world’s first car by Karl Benz, hundreds of individuals and companies have come and gone in their attempts to establish themselves, only the fittest and strongest making it through the decades to today.
But in the 21st century, the game has changed and long experience is not necessarily required. The products are changing and instead of ‘transport’, ‘mobility’ is the catchword today. Numerous start-ups have appeared in the industry in the past 20 years, offering a new generation of vehicles, mostly running on electricity. Though fragmented in one sense, they pose a challenge to the established brands which have resources but are hampered by their size when it comes to charting new courses forward.
The best example of these newcomers is Tesla, just 17 years old and, in 2021, Kantar BrandZ found it to be the most valuable and fastest growing auto brand on the planet, more than trebling its value from 2020. And its co-founder, Elon Musk, became the richest person in the world with a US$278 billion net worth at the end of 2021.
Others are obviously inspired by such success and in Turkey, M. Gurcan Karakas has started a company that is not a traditional automobile manufacturer but will enter the auto industry with differentiated approach as a technology brand focused on mobility. Introducing his 3-year old company, Togg, at CES 2022 this week, Gurcan Karakas said: “The transformation that occurred in the mobilephone industry in response to changing user expectations is occurring in the automotive industry today. More agile, creative, collaborative, user-centric organizations, not necessarily the big and established brands, will be the most successful in the near future. The race in this field is just beginning, and we are in this race. Moreover, we have a significant advantage because we were born into this world.”
Togg aims to serve as the backbone of the Turkish mobility ecosystem with 100% Turkish intellectual and industrial property. It will be Europe’s first non-classical born electric SUV manufacturer when it begins production in Gemlik later this year, rolling out electric and connected next-generation vehicles and a mobility ecosystem to support them. By the end of this decade, the company expects to be producing a million vehicles in 5 different segments.
“By the end of 2022, we will launch our first mass production vehicle,” said Gurkan Karakas. “Our first vehicle in the C-segment, an SUV, will be launched in the first quarter of 2023 following the completion of homologation tests. It will be the first electric SUV produced in continental Europe by a non-traditional manufacturer. A C-segment sedan and a C-segment hatchback will then enter production. With the addition of the B-SUV and C-MPV to the family in the coming years, our product range will be completed with 5 models sharing the same DNA and same platform.”
Referring to its model shown at CES 2022 as a ‘smart device’, the car has a dynamic fastback form that introduces Togg’s styling DNA. The basis of the car’s styling concept is the muscular rear design and the shoulderline that extends from the headlights to the rear, presenting a strong side profile.
Togg’s team sought to retain the company’s Turkish origins while creating a global brand. The car’s illuminated Togg logo is said to represent the unification of Eastern and Western cultures. “The two arrows in the logo design represent the fusion of East and West, forming a gemstone in the center. The duality theme in our logo encourages us to strive for a rational and emotional balance between East and West in both exterior and interior design. Additionally, our logo emphasizes that Togg is a technology company that connects technology and people at the juncture of today and tomorrow through its life-improving mobility solutions,” Gurkan Karakas explained.
Gemlik, the home of Togg located 128 kms south of Istanbul, is a world leader in olive production. By establishing what is claimed to be Europe’s cleanest production facility, Togg aims to ensure that the centuries-old olive trees in the city continue to thrive for thousands of years. This ambition was presented at CES by a real olive tree – with a lifespan of over 1,000 years – planted alongside a 3D-printed olive tree made from recycled plastic, created in 1001 hours.
Red and orange are traditionally the colours used for Chinese New Year celebrations as they signify luck, prosperity and happiness. To welcome the new Year of the Water Tiger, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is offering two of its popular Nissan models in the colours.
The X-Trail 2.0L Mid version will come with Monarch Orange, while the Serena S-Hybrid will be available in a distinctive Radiant Red finish with a ‘floating‘ black roof.
Priced from RM139,643 (without insurance and sales tax) the X-Trail Mid version comes with an Aero kit with RM5,000. It is equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technologies for safer motoring. These active safety technologies include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist.
The 5+2-seater SUV is powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine which develops 106 ps/200 Nm, delivered to the front wheels through a 7-speed X-TRONIC CVT. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 13.4 kms/litre so the 60-litre fuel tank should give a range of around 800 kms.
The version of the Serena S-Hybrid with the special Radiant Red colour is the Premium Highway Star, priced from RM140,226 (excluding insurance and sale tax). The 7-seater MPV’s proven 2-litre MR20DD powerplant is highly fuel efficient, with 14.2 kms per litre claimed for fuel consumption. Brisk performance is provided by the output of 150 ps/200 Nm and XTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control.
Safety and convenience features include a Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, 7 USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection, and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Those who are planning on buying a new vehicle to celebrate Chinese New Year can enjoy a low 1.88% p.a. interest rate for financing of selected Nissan models. This offer period will be on until February 28, 2022, and customers who purchase and register a vehicle can participate and win Lazada Vouchers up to RM50,000.
Additionally, customers who test drive the latest Almera Turbo (shown below) during the campaign period are also eligible to win a RM500 Watsons voucher.
More information is available at any authorised Nissan showroom nationwide. To locate a showroom or find out more, visit www.nissan.com.my or call the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838.
Growing popularity for the Mitsubishi Triton and XPANDER saw the total sales volume of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) increasing in 2021. The company today announced that 17,489 vehicles from January to December 2021, a 91% increase compared to the same period in 2020.
With 7,397 units delivered nationwide, the XPANDER MPV had its best sales performance since being launched. This volume also made it the best-selling 7-seater Japanese crossover in Malaysia. The model is assembled locally at the DRB-HICOM manufacturing complex in Pekan, Pahang.
“We are pleased that XPANDER has enjoyed strong sales performance thanks to the extension of the tax-free incentive period. This decision by the Malaysian government has certainly helped the industry to sustain itself during this challenging phase. At Mitsubishi Motors, we have now progressed to increase our production volume for XPANDER, to cater for higher production capacity, and to fulfill all booking demands,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
The Triton, currently in its fifth generation, also continued to be among the more popular pick-up trucks in the country. In spite of the challenging market conditions, MMM’s dealers delivered 9,268 units in Peninsular and East Malaysia in 2021, 34% more than in 2020.
“The continued growth of Mitsubishi Motors market compared to last year is a sign that we are steadily moving towards recovery. As we look forward to advancing and progressing into 2022, we have heard every customer’s feedback regarding our products and services, and we will continue to improve for an ownership experience of the highest standard,” he added.
Owners of flood-damaged vehicles can obtain assistance from authorised Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia dealers nationwide.
Support for Mitsubishi owners
Mr. Ikeda also said that MMM is offering support to Mitsubishi owners whose vehicles were damaged by the floods. “We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt sympathy to all who were affected by the recent flood incidents. We are here to support them, and they can get assistance by contacting our Customer Careline,” he said.
MMM is offering a 30% discount on Mitsubishi genuine spare parts and a 50% discount on labour costs (for flood-damaged vehicles serviced at authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealerships) until January 20, 2022. In addition, the company will also support owners by offering free towing service. All customers need to do is to contact Mitsubishi Assist 24Hrs customer careline (MA24) at 1-800-88-2166 to request for this service. Mitsubishi owners who arrange for their vehicle towing, without the assistance of MA24 and insurance coverage, are also entitled to rebates worth up to RM300.
The Kia Carens, first introduced in 1999, was one of the early MPV models from the Korean carmaker, along with the Carnival launched into the market a year earlier. It was a compact size suitable for developing and emerging markets. In Malaysia, Naza even adapted it to sell under its own brand as the Citra in 2005.
Three generations have passed and it has just gone into a fourth generation, with India being the debut market (and where it will also be made). The new model has moved from being a MPV to something more recreational, a sort of crossover with undertones of an SUV.
First generation of the Carens was also made by Naza for the Malaysian market and sold as the Citra (Rondo versions shown).
Why India as a launch market? “India is diverse, and the people here have different preferences. I believe this is the most exciting insight we tried to unlock while developing the Carens. It’s safe, feature-rich, has artistry in its design, and is comfortable and classy; it packs everything a modern Indian family would want in their vehicle,” said Tae-Jin Park, Managing Director & CEO of Kia India.
Like other recent new models, the new Carens uses ‘Opposites United’, the carmaker’s latest design philosophy. It has gained edgy character lines with a bold side profile. Kia designers believe the modern and high-tech design will appeal to millennials.
Still present is another interpretation of the ‘Tiger Nose Grille’ which Peter Schreyer introduced to the brand in 2006 when he was its new design head. It has been a signature element of all models and is complemented by horizontal chrome garnish in the upper grille and the frame-type chrome garnish in the lower bumper.
Attention is drawn to the new signature lighting concept – The Star Map. This is made up of LED DRLs and Crown Jewel LED headlamps to give a futuristic appearance.
The car looks sleek and dynamic with its slim daylight opening graphic along the sides. At the rear, the combination lamp on the robust sections makes the Carens look wide and strong, and the lighting units also have the Star Map LEDs.
Using an extended Seltos platforn, the Carens is said to have the longest wheelbase in its class (2780 mm), while its body dimensions measure 4540 mm in length and 1800 mm in width. That makes it slightly larger than a Mitsubishi XPANDER but noticeably shorter than a Toyota Innova. The ground clearance is quite generous at 195 mm.
The MPV will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines – 1.4 litres with turbocharger and 1.5 litres, with outputs of 140 bhp/242 Nm and 115 bhp/144 Nm, respectively. There’s also a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel which produces 115 bhp/250 Nm. A 6-speed manual transmission is fitted to the base version, with a 7-speed, dual-clutch and 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions also available.
While India is a big car market, the products being sold in the high-volume segments have been criticised for inadequate safety levels. Crash tests have resulted in poor ratings, and the manufacturers are beginning to realise that they cannot have differences in safety in different markets.
With the new Carens, Kia has made an effort to provide safety features that are already commonplace in other markets, including Malaysia. Its Hi-Secure Safety Package is a first in India and installed as standard in all versions are 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System, Tyre Pressure Monitor and disc brakes on all 4 wheels. The better safety measures will certainly be important in protecting the occupants on 3 rows of seats.
Extensive research was undertaken by Kia on the lifestyle and requirements of Indian families and the findings have resulted in a generous list of equipment. There are ventilated front seats, a Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection (very important in these times), Skylight sunroof and a BOSE Premium Sound System with 8 speakers. Surround Ambient Mood Lighting is also provided with a choice of 64 colours.
The infotainment (including navigation uses a High-Definition touchscreen display which is linked to Next Generation Kia Connect. This replaces the previous UVO system and allows for enhancement of OTA (Over the Air) Map and System Updates. This means owners can now update software without visiting the Kia service centre.
The Carens will come equipped with 60+ connected car features and what is more exciting is that the AVNT of the vehicle now supports ten native languages.
The Toyota IMV (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) range which has been in the market since 2005 has continuously received updates over the two generations produced. The range consists of the Hilux pick-up, Fortuner SUV and Innova MPV, all conceived within the same development programme although the platforms differ due to the different operating requirements.
Another round of updates has taken place and the latest models have been announced with the following prices (without insurance):
Toyota Hilux (5 variants) – from RM92,880
Toyota Fortuner (3 variants) – from RM169,167
Toyota Innova (3 variants) – from RM115,553
Orders are now being accepted at all authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide and while the Hilux pick-up is readily available, deliveries of the Fortuner SUV and Innova will commence only in January 2022. With the extension given by the government, customers can still enjoy the full sales tax exemption next year for the Fortuner and Innova but the Hilux, being a light commercial vehicle, does not qualify for the exemption. All the models are assembled locally at the ASSB plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.
The engines have been retuned to meet stricter exhaust emission standards that will be introduced in Malaysia next year.
The updates improve convenience and comfort, with the petrol engines tuned to meet stricter emission control standards in advance of implementation of the Euro4 standards in 2022.
“The IMV range of products has been a great success in Malaysia and other markets around the world, providing durable and reliable mobility for thousands. The Hilux, in particular, has been the best-selling pick-up in Malaysia for many years and even today, we see demand exceeding supply. Rest assured that our assembly plant is rushing to fulfil outstanding orders but as always, without sacrificing quality,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.
New Hilux
Malaysia’s best-selling pick-up truck is available in 5 with a choice of 2 turbodiesel 4-cylinder engines with 2.4-litre and 2.8- litre displacements. Both engines are fuel-efficient and extra fuel-saving can be achieved with the use of an ECO mode.
The passenger-oriented double cab variants – Hilux 2.8 Rogue, 2.4 V and 2.4 E – have 6-speed automatic transmissions and a dual-range 4×4 system. The other variants – Hilux Double Cab 2.4 G and Single Cab 2.4 – are equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions but both also have 4×4 drivetrains. These are intended more for customers who require vehicles for heavy-duty work.
The Hilux is well equipped with a wide range of features and equipment for convenience and safety. For the latest Hilux 2.8 Rogue and 2.4 V, the front air-conditioning system is upgraded to a dual zone type in place of the single-zone type. With the dual-zone feature, the driver and front passenger can set their preferred temperatures separately.
New Fortuner
The Fortuner is a 3-row 7-seater SUV which took over the role of the Land Cruiser in ASEAN markets, The medium-sized SUV is available in three variants – Fortuner 2.8 VRZ, Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and Fortuner 2.4. Responding to market demand, the Fortuner 2.4 is now made available throughout Malaysia, together with Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ.
Like the Hilux, the front air-conditioner of the latest Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ have a dual-zone feature to allow separate temperature settings for the driver and front passenger. A wireless charger pad for compatible smartphones is now standard for all variants. The rear USB port for the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ has also been changed to the newer Type-C port, making it more convenient to recharge for those with the newer generation of smartphones.
The same proven and reliable powertrains are used with 6-speed electronic automatic transmissions and dual-range 4×4 systems. The 2.7-litre petrol engine has been retuned so that it can meet stricter emission control standards, upgrading to Euro4 from Euro2 standards.
New Innova
The Innova offers seating for 8 persons with generous storage space. Currently in its second generation, this Toyota MPV is available in three variants – Innova 2.0X, 2.0G and 2.0E. While all three variants have the same 3-row cabin, the Innova 2.0X comes with generously sized Captain’s Seats in the middle (so the occupancy is reduced by one person).
For those who have compatible smartphones, a wireless charging pad is now standard in every variant. This makes it simpler to recharge a compatible phone as no cables are needed. Multiple USB ports are also available around the cabin, making it easier to charge phones and tablets.
The fuel-efficient and reliable 2-litre 16-valve petrol engine for all three variants has also been upgraded to meet the stricter Euro4 emission control standards.
5-year warranty
All three models come with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage for the Fortuner and Innova, and a maximum of 150,000 kms for the Hilux (terms and conditions apply). UMW Toyota Motor also offers a wide range of financing plans, including subscription plans, to suit different needs. There are also financing and leasing programs for those who are purchasing vehicles for commercial use.
MPVs evolved from window vans and were initially simple people-movers. Over the years, some manufacturers have found growing demand for more luxurious versions of such vehicles, with models like the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire being very popular.
To capture a slice of this growing market, Hyundai has also come out with a luxury MPV called the Staria and it is now available in Malaysia through Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM). Available in the 7-seat Premium version, the Staria is priced from RM358,888 (without insurance and with partial sales tax exemption). The price varies depending on the warranty period the customer wants. The base price comes with a 2-year or maximum of 50,000 km warranty. For another RM10,000 more, HSDM will provide a warranty of 5 years or maximum of 300,000 kms, plus 3 years (or maximum of 50,000 kms) free scheduled service.
Unique spaceship design theme
The Staria has a unique appearance which certainly makes it stand out anywhere. While MPVs typically have a cubic form which allows for the most efficient interior space, Hyundai’s designers have given it a design that is said to be like a spaceship. It’s a sleek streamlined form that is said to be like the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.
From any angle, the Staria’s styling draws attention. For instance, the front is embellished with horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, complemented by a bold, wide radiator grille with a unique pattern.
The same body colour for all frontal parts is used and gives a monolithic look that is modern and even futuristic. To highlight certain elements and give a premium look, brass chrome treatment is applied to the emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors and door handles.
The Staria’s 5253 mm long body sits on a 3273-mm wheelbase and has a 1997 mm. The beltline is low, allowing the side windows to be large and panoramic, which suggests a spacious interior – which is the case. The cruise ship-inspired interior has an open and unique atmosphere through its innovative design architecture which follows traditional Korean ‘hanok’ architecture.
Premium Relaxation Seats
The sense of spaciousness allows passengers to feel as if the outside scenes are an extension of the vehicle interior. Premium Relaxation Seats are provided in the second row and these have power recline as well as slide along the floor to vary cargo space. A one-touch relaxation mode makes the seats recline automatically to a posture that comfortably disperses the passenger’s weight and improves overall body balance. Even when the seats are reclined by this mode, there is enough room for an adult passenger to sit comfortably in the third row.
The cargo space available varies depending on the arrangement of the seating configurations. While the 7-seat configuration may have reduced cargo volume, the 2 and 3-seater versions which can be optimized for business use have maximum cargo space of almost 5,000 litres.
Futuristic dashboard theme
The futuristic theme of the exterior is also adopted on the dashboard with an advanced 10.25-inch front touchscreen and a button-type electronic shift lever. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard while the smart infotainment system includes a display from a wide-angle camera for the driver to view rear passengers.
To have the right atmosphere, there is a 64-colour ambient mood lamp. Its direct and indirect lighting can selectively illuminate the cockpit, console, doors and cargo areas. The premium ambience is enhanced by the Bose sound system which comes standard and is optimised for the large cabin volume.
Turbodiesel with shift-by-wire transmission
HSDM is still one of those companies that offers diesel-powered models and the Staria comes with a familiar 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel with an output of 177 ps/431 Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission operated by a simple electronic shift-by-wire system. With the high-efficiency, air-cooled turbocharger that has an improved compressor and turbine wheel performance, low speed performance is stronger and peak torque is available from 1,500 rpm. HSDM doesn’t mention fuel compatibility although they would have done extensive testing with local biodiesel to ensure there are no issues.
As it can carry up to 7 people, the Staria would need the highest level of vehicle safety. It is equipped with a full suite of Hyundai Smartsense active safety and driving assistance technologies. With its large size, especially the long body, the Blind-spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist systems would be of very useful.
“Hyundai is expanding its offerings to include more premium vehicles that offer innovative features for a unique in-car experience. The Staria Premium aims to offer unique value propositions for customers seeking a luxurious experience in an MPV,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Retail and Distribution, Sime Darby Motors.
While the Staria is launched today, units are not immediately available. Understandably, given the price, it is new territory for HSDM and remembering the times when they have sold high-priced models, they probably want to avoid having too many stocks in hand waiting to be sold. Customers have to specify what colour they want from the choice of five (white and mostly greyish or silver shades). Then depending on production slots, it could take 3 to 6 months before the vehicle gets to Malaysia for delivery.
Almost everyone has a handphone nowadays so if you are unfortunate to have an accident, you can call for help from anywhere. But what if you are injured and cannot make the call? If you have a Hyundai Grand Starex from Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the vehicle will make that emergency call for you, thanks to the Telematics System which HSDM has installed as standard in every Grand Starex sold after May 1, 2021. The Telematics System comes with 6 services – Automatic eCall, Manual eCall, Breakdown Assistance, Service Assist, Connected Security Features/Stolen Vehicle Tracking.
eCall will bring emergency assistance
The Automatic eCall system, which has been required in all vehicles sold in Europe since 2018, is activated when a severe impact is detected by sensors, indicating that the vehicle has been involved in an accident. A SOS call goes on to the Secure Operating Centre (SOC) which will then attempt to contact the owner of the vehicle to check on the situation. Should there be no response, rescue services and the police will be notified to go to the location shown on the tracking device in the vehicle.
If the driver is not hurt, he or she can use the Manual eCall by just pressing the SOS button mounted on the console of the Grand Starex. Once this done, there will be a call from the SOC to find out the nature of the emergency and what sort of assistance is required.
How an eCall system works (image courtesy of Bosch).
The bCall service will bring breakdown support to where the vehicle is located and if the vehicle is stolen or lost, its location can be identified with the tracking system. Once the location is known, the SOC will coordinate with police and other personnel to recover the vehicle.
Vehicle location and tracking
The Telematics System also comes with a Mobile App that can activate a smart alarm to locate the vehicle with the sound of the horn and signal indicators. This is useful if you are in a large carpark and forgot where you parked the vehicle. If you do not have such a feature, here’s a tip: use your phone to take a picture of a sign nearby which shows the location. This will help you to find the spot or the carpark people will be able to take you there.
The Service Assist feature tracks the vehicle’s mileage via GPS and then sends a note to an authorised Hyundai service centre which will then offer an appointment to the vehicle owner (if a scheduled service is due). The concierge service also includes reminders for the renewal of insurance and roadtax.
Complimentary for 3 years
The Telematics System service is complimentary for the first 3 years. After this period ends, vehicle owners can opt to renew the service for RM380 per year. “Existing Grand Starex owners who are keen to have this system installed in their vehicles can approach any authorised Hyundai service centre to get the Telematics System installed at RM1,998,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.
The 11-seater Grand Starex MPV is available in two variants, both with 2.5-litre turbodiesel engines and 5-speed automatic transmission. Prices start from RM165,888.00 (excluding insurance) in Peninsula Malaysia) and financing plans offered by HSDM have monthly instalments that start from RM1,348 (terms and conditions apply).
