Piston.my

MPV

An all-new Kia Carnival (also known as Sedona in some markets) has been revealed, marking the beginning of the fourth generation of the brand’s flagship MPV. Based on Kia’s new midsize platform, the Carnival has been dubbed a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ and is said to offer more refinement, efficiency and space compared to its predecessors in the model line which began in 1998.

Current Carnival

“The Carnival has been well-regarded by buyers for a long time and has become Kia’s flagship family-friendly vehicle. The fourth-generation Carnival is a significant new vehicle for us, as it demonstrates every strength that makes Kia so popular around the world,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group, which Kia Motors has been part of since 1998.

“It improves the quality, versatility and usability of its predecessors, while making travel far more relaxing and more enjoyable for families. With a sophisticated design and cutting-edge technologies to provide owners greater value in their daily lives, the new model solidifies Kia’s role in the minivan segment. It is a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ that sets a new standard for MPVs,” he said.

2021 Kia Carnival

SUV-inspired form
The new Carnival represents a design evolution for Kia’s flagship MPV and its SUV-inspired form and surfaces bring a stronger, more stylish presence to the MPV segment as a result. “The design of the new Carnival presents a concept focusing on two essential points. First, as a minivan with a great exterior design that feels like a premium SUV; second, maximized interior space satisfying our customers’ needs, and maybe even surprising them with more intuitive and positive experiences,” explained Karim Habib, Senior Vice-President and Head of Kia Global Design.

“The new Carnival’s design has a great sense of solidity with a stable stance and powerful proportions. Detailed and futuristic elements further amplify its confident presence. We believe the all-new Carnival will be a fantastic looking vehicle and a great partner to our customers’ lives.”

2021 Kia Carnival

Compared to the outgoing model, the new Carnival has a shorter front overhang, with the base of the A-pillar moved backwards to create a longer bonnet. The new ‘tiger-nose’ design spans the width of the vehicle, integrating LED daytime running lights (DRLs), headlamps and grille, giving a futuristic new look and unique light signature. The sculpted bumpers and lower air intake at the front are matched with metallic trim and a black lower bumper – a treatment evident on the brand’s SUVs.

A single character line runs the length of the MPV, with bold wheel arches and sharp lines giving a more modern, sculpted appearance. A key design highlight is its new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A- and B-pillars beneath a body-colored roof. An eye-catching new C-pillar signature design also stands out, with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern. Another element of its SUV-inspired design is the metallic lower skidplate at the rear.

Longer wheelbase, more cabin space
Its increased wheelbase contributes to greater space throughout the cabin which is based on the concept of ‘Spatial Talents’. Besides roominess, combined with a sense of modernity and style, the interior has higher quality than its predecessor, with a futuristic new cabin.

2021 Kia Carnival

The hub of vehicle connectivity features a high-tech twin digital display. This links Kia’s latest 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system under a single seamless piece of glass. The dual-screen display creates a panoramic, widescreen user experience, with many infotainment functions controlled via touch-sensitive buttons around the screen.

There is a similar haptic control panel further down the center console for climate control. A compact shift-by-wire dial for the transmission is located at the base of the centre console, freeing up space and falling easily to hand. The infotainment system also enables users to connect two smartphones via Bluetooth at the same time, enabling separate phones to be used for phone calls or media.

2021 Kia Carnival

A new ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature enables front passengers to check on rear-seat occupants with a small camera linked to the infotainment system, instead of turning around in their seat. It also lets front occupants communicate more easily with other passengers, as the system amplifies their voice through the rear-seat speakers. Should front occupants allow, a new ‘Rear Passenger Voice Recognition’ technology also lets occupants in the second row issue voice commands to control the infotainment system.

2021 Kia Carnival

2021 Kia Carnival

2021 Kia Carnival

Depending on the market, the Carnival can have three or four rows of seat, with space for up to 11 occupants. This is possible with the 30 mm longer wheelbase (up to 3090 mm) and 10 mm wider body (up to 1995 mm). The overall length has increased by 40 mm to 5155 mm, with a 30 mm longer rear overhang (up to 1130 mm), creating more space for passengers in the third row and best-in-class luggage space.

New ‘Smartstream’ powertrain technologies
The new Carnival has Kia’s latest ‘Smartstream’ powertrain technologies to enhance efficiency and performance. It has been engineered to use up to three different powertrain types. The most powerful engine is a 3.5-litre GDi direct injection V6, producing up to 294 ps/355 Nm. There’s also a 3.5-litre MPi V6 producing up to 272 ps/332 Nm which features the new integrated thermal management system like its GDi counterpart.

The new 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ turbodiesel engine is said to be one of the cleanest diesel units that Kia has ever made. Producing up to 202 ps/440 Nm, this new engine replaces its predecessor’s cast iron block for a 20-kg lighter aluminium block. All engines are paired as standard with 8-speed automatic transmissions.

ADAS technologies
The new Carnival comes with a range of passive and active safety and driver assistance systems. Kia’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) help to reduce many of the inherent hazards and stresses of driving.

The bodyshell has different grades of high-strength steel, maximizing torsional rigidity while keeping body weight low. The shell of the new model features newly reinforced pillars, and contains a higher proportion of Advanced High-Strength Steel and hot-stamped steel than its predecessor, again increasing torsional rigidity and adding strength. The more rigid bodyshell reduces road vibrations and enhances occupant safety in the event of a collision.

2021 Kia Carnival

Pre-order record in Korea
The new Carnival has just gone on sale in Korea and prior to its sales launch, it set a new one-day pre-order record for any vehicle in Korea. The company said it received 23,006 bookings, breaking the previous record of 18,941 bookings set by the latest Sorento SUV in March this year. Exports to global markets will commence later in the year.

First look at the updated Kia Stinger for 2021

PISTON.MY

The war against the COVID-19 coronavirus is a global one as 196 out of 197 countries have cases. Besides government efforts, individuals, various types of organisations and companies are also contributing in various ways. Where the auto industry is concerned, R&D capabilities and mass production facilities have been used to make much-needed Personal Protection Equipment.

Some carmakers have also looked at how they can make their vehicles safer for healthcare workers to travel in. Unlike making conventional ambulances which would usually transport patients without infections, the ones used to transport people potentially infected with COVID-19 must be designed to protect the healthcare workers and also the driver and other crew.

In America, Honda has made modifications and installed additional items in 10 units of the Odyssey MPV for use by the City of Detroit. To protect the health of the driver from the potential for droplet infection during transportation, the MPVs have been fitted with a plastic barrier installed behind the front seating area. Modifications have been made to the ventilation system to maintain an air pressure differential between the front and rear seating areas.

Honda Odyssey COVID-19 transporter
Installing the clear polycarbonate barrier to isolate the rear compartment from the front

The MPVs were configured by a team of volunteers at Honda’s R&D centre in the state of Ohio. Senior engineers and fabrication experts quickly conceived and designed a method to modify the Odyssey at the company’s vehicle development centre where it was originally developed. They took less than two weeks from initial concept to completion.

Honda Odyssey COVID-19 transporter
The front occupants are protected from potential infection by the barrier as well as airflow tuned to blow rearwards.

All material fabrication and installation, and adjustments to the software for the Odyssey’s ventilation system, was done entirely in-house. The software controlling the ventilation system was tuned to assure the air pressure to create an environment inside the cabin like the negative pressure rooms in medical and research facilities.

Specifically, the software has been tuned to run the blower motor powering the fans in the front seating area faster than the fans for the rear seating area. The resulting air pressure differential creates a more negative pressure chamber in the rear seating area, with rear compartment air exhausted out the vents in the rear of the vehicle. This would greatly reduce the potential for droplet infection migration during transportation.

War on COVID-19: Mercedes-Benz converts bus specially for transporting patients

Social distanceSocial distancing

PISTON.MY

 

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

The upgraded 2020 Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire models will be in Toyota showrooms in Malaysia soon and pre-launch orders are now being accepted. UMW Toyota Motor, the importer and distributor of the vehicles from Japan, is pricing the latest premium MPV models from RM383,000 for the Vellfire (one variant) and RM465,000 for the Alphard (two variants).

The latest Alphard and Vellfire have been upgraded with advanced systems being added in two areas – Safety and Connectivity. This is in line with UMWT’s 360-T New Brand Experience Strategy that emphasizes Safe-T and Connectivi-T.

2020 Toyota Alphard

2020 Toyota Vellfire

The new or enhanced systems are Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), Parking Support Brake System, 9-inch AVX Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-Ready Connectivity, Front & Rear Digital Video Recorder, Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

TSS is a suite of advanced systems that provide driver assistance to avoid accidents or reduce their severity if they occur. These include Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control – All Speed. The latter is more advanced than normal cruise control systems as it can vary the cruising speed when necessary for safety.

With Parking Support Brake System added in the 2020 models, drivers have the support of an intelligent parking system to detect objects in the surrounding areas of the vehicle during the parking process. Should any object be detected, the brakes will be automatically applied and the engine power cut back so that collisions can be avoided. Even if a collision does occur, the early action of the system can reduce damage.

Toyota Alphard
Alphard dashboard
Toyota Velfire
Interior of Vellfire

Besides the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) that enables the driver to view all round the vehicle, the front and rear DVRs constantly record the views ahead and behind. Apart from recording the scenery on a holiday journey, in the event of an incident and dispute, the recordings would be useful evidence for the vehicle owner.

The Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) for the Vellfire and Alphard is a connectivity feature that uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times. This can aid recovery by the police if the vehicle is stolen. VTS can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other operating conditions that the vehicle has been subjected to, with data sent by email to a designated user.

No design changes are mentioned to the two models for the new model year but there are 4 exterior colours to choose from – Luxury White Pearl CS GF  (only for Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge and Alphard 3.5L); Burning Black CS GF (only for Vellfire 2.5L); and White Pearl C, Graphite Metallic and Black (available for both Alphard and Vellfire).

Toyota Vellfire
Vellfire headlights
Toyota Alphard and Vellfire engines
The Alphard has a 3.5-litre V6 engine while the Vellfire uses a 2.5-litre engine.

As with all other models imported by UMWT, owners of the Vellfire and Alphard will enjoy a full factory warranty, with availability of genuine replacement parts when required. Aftersales support is also assured with personnel trained to service the models using the necessary special tools and equipment.

Customers can locate the nearest showroom by visiting toyota.com.my or calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota at PISTON.MY.

PISTON.MY

BHPetrol

The Hiace van has been a big seller for Toyota all over the world (to the extent that it has been ‘cloned’ in some countries) but just as with the Liteace before, tougher regulations concerning frontal collisions have been forcing manufacturers to come out with new designs that place a more significant crumple zone in front of the cabin. The traditional window vans have had their engines under the cabin with no ‘nose’ at all but in more developed countries, the lack of an extended front end is no longer accceptable.

The strict regulations have made it difficult in the European market, which is why Toyota collaborated with Peugeot and Citroen 6 years ago to share a van model that it sells as the ProAce. However, Toyota must have been keen to develop its own model too and at the coming Tokyo Motorshow, it will unveil the GranAce as a new model which could be a transitional van for the Hiace range.

2020 Toyota GranAce

Premium MPV
The new GranAce is presented as a premium MPV and measures 5.3 metres in overall length, 1.97 metres wide and 1990 mm high. It sits on a front-wheel drive platform with a wheelbase of 3210 mm and has a trailing-link rigid-axle rear suspension. High rigidity for better collision protection is achieved by the adoption of a ring-shaped frame, which also contributes to a more comfortable ride with stable handling.

The large radiator grille embellished with metallic accents flows seamlessly into the headlamps, which project in vertical and horizontal directions, creating the bold ‘face’ we have come to see in the newer Japanese MPVs. The distinctive LED daytime running lamps complement projector twin-lens LED headlamps that flow into the decorative chrome frame.

2020 Toyota GranAce

2020 Toyota GranAce

2020 Toyota GranAce

There are 2 seating layouts available: the 6-seater with seats in three rows of two, and the 8-seater with seats in 4 rows of two. A black-infused instrument panel creates a luxurious atmosphere, featuring metallic accents on the air-conditioner outlets and wood-grain embellishment in front of the front passenger seat. The meter hood is wrapped in leather and genuine stitching further lends an air of quality.

Better Toyota Safety Sense
Toyota Safety Sense will, of course, be standard and the latest suite has improved sensing functions that make use of the Pre-collision safety system to detect pedestrians during the day and at night, as well as cyclists during the day. Other safety systems include Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes (Stationary Objects) that helps reduce and/or mitigate damage from collisions during low-speed driving in parking lots.

2020 Toyota GranAce

The GranAce is intended for Asian markets initially although its positioning within the Hiace family and the future of the Hiace remain unknown. It could become a flagship variant or it could become the basis of the next generation. For now, only one engine is mentioned – the 1GD 2.8-litre clean turbodiesel engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The model will be produced by Toyota Auto Body, a Toyota subsidiary which manufactures selected SUV and commercial vehicles models.

Visit www.toyota.com.my to know more about MPV models available in Malaysia

(more…)

New car assessment programs (NCAPs) in most countries focus mainly on safety which is a high priority to consumers these days. Since the 1970s, these NCAPs – which typically include crash tests that provide data for analysis and evaluation – have constantly evolved and set tougher demands. Although passing them is not required by government agencies, most carmakers strive to achieve the best results (5 stars) as this can influence a purchase decision. As such, the organizations managing the NCAPs have contributed to pushing safety standards upwards and making motoring safer.

Assessing ecological design
China, which only began active automobile development from the mid-1980s, also has its own NCAP (C-NCAP) which has also focused on safety since being formulated in 2006. Now, a new type of NCAP has been added – the China Eco-Car Assessment Program (C-ECAP) which is considered the most stringent vehicle assessment test in China to date. Unlike the C-NCAP, it evaluates a vehicle’s ecological design.

Geely

The program studies in-vehicle air quality, noise, materials used, combined fuel consumption, exhaust emissions, end of life recyclability, whole lifecycle greenhouse emissions, and component life cycle. Only 1% of vehicles put forward so far have received a high passing score. In a recent test, Geely’s first MPV, the Jia Ji, scored 101.24 out of 105 points, including a perfect score for interior noise quality.

Geely
The Jia Ji MPV is currently the highest scoring model in the 2019 C-ECAP and only one to receive a platinum certification for eco-friendliness.

BHPetrol

Bringing NVH down
When developing the Jia Ji, Geely engineers paid meticulous attention to the levels of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) and aimed to limit external noises to a maximum of 38.1 decibels at idle. To do so, 150 noise-reduction elements were installed throughout the vehicle and Active Noise Reduction (ANC) technology was used.

NVH characteristics define a manufacturer’s capability, an indicator of quality in automotive manufacturing and a reflection of the car’s overall quality. As recently as 6 years ago, knowledge of NVH and how to address it was still lacking within the Chinese automotive industry. This was why there was a big gap in quality between cars of the Chinese brands and those of established global players. Foreign models had much development in sound insulation aspects, leading to a higher perception of quality.

Geely

Measuring NVH is extremely difficult because it’s subjective to each user’s feelings. This ‘metaphysical’ nature of NVH performance also makes R&D extremely difficult. The first stage is reducing the noise and vibration of the whole vehicle to a minimum. Then comes sound quality because lowering NVH is not just about eliminating all sounds as certain characteristics are desirable. For example, enthusiasts want the louder and more assertive engine sound for sportscars while those in luxury models want quietness at even high speeds. The third stage builds upon the second and aims to integrate specific NVH qualities into the DNA of different vehicles customized according to the models positioning and desired user experience.

To reach the third stage of integrating desirable NVH qualities into the vehicle’s DNA, Geely has been developing a whole new generation of advanced vehicle architectures with NVH in mind from the very beginning. The CMA Compact Modular Architecture is one example of this.

Only NVH lab of its kind in China
The importance of NVH to Geely can be seen in their investment of a NVH laboratory at the Geely Research Institute. The NVH lab is the only one in China with a dedicated abnormal noise and vibration testing room with sound isolation and environmental controls. The lab can conduct road simulation tests in various simulated environments, evaluate the structural durability of the whole vehicle, and accurately identify abnormal noise from anywhere in the vehicle.

For NVH testing, road simulation in closed room is preferred to outdoor road testing because results can easily be replicated in a controlled environment; however, the technical and space requirements are immense, making this kind of lab uncommon in the industry.

Geely

In 2018, the Geely Auto Group released their iNTEC suite of technologies which includes G-Blue, Geely’s focus on eco-friendly technologies. The Group has obtained quite a number of patents for new technologies in the field of environment friendly materials, ecological designs, odour management systems, and intelligent air quality management systems. No doubt, many of these technologies will also be shared with Proton and provide Malaysians with even better vehicles.

PISTON.MY

The Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and Innova are collectively referred to as the IMV models, referring to the ‘Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicles’ project in the early 2000s which was one of Toyota’s biggest industrial investments. The project established an optimal production and supply system for the three models almost entirely outside Japan for the first time in the company’s history.

The first generation of IMV models debuted in 2005 and since then, they have undergone constant improvement and upgrading and in 2019, the latest Toyota Hilux pick-up range gets upgraded features as well as a new variant. The Fortuner SUV and Innova MPV have also received enhancements.

Order-taking for the new models begins at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide from today (August 16, 2019).

Toyota IMV 2019 prices

New Hilux variant
For the Hilux range, a new Black Edition replaces the Hilux 2.8 L-Edition. This new edition has a bolder appearance with an exterior colour theme of black and dark grey. A glossy black finish is applied to the door handles, foglamp covers, wing mirrors and on its 18-inch alloy wheels, while dark grey is used for the bumper guards. Dark grey is also used for the grille with contrasting black to make it even more outstanding.

2019 Toyota Hilux Black Edition

The Hilux 2.8 Black Edition sits the top of the range with a selling price of RM139,888 in Peninsular Malaysia (private registration, without insurance).  Other Hilux variants available include the 2.4 Single Cab M/T, 2.4 STD M/T, 2.4 G M/T, 2.4 G A/T and 2.4 L-Edition A/T, priced between RM90,000 and RM124,888.

The new variant also gets a new infotainment system with 6.75-inch display for a clearer view and easier operation. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available as standard, seamless connectivity is possible for all compatible smartphones (with the required software is installed). This gives the driver access to favourite apps (Waze, Spotify, etc) right on the dashboard, enhancing motoring pleasure.

2019 Toyota Hilux Black Edition

2019 Toyota Hilux Black Edition

2019 Toyota Hilux Black Edition

UMW Toyota Motor is also introducing a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which is strongly recommended. The 3-year subscription fee is free if the customer also purchases the Toyota insurance package. In addition, there is a Rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to supplement the one installed at the front. This additional DVR can provide useful evidence in the event of a rear-end collision.

Customers can also include with their purchase optional Advanced Safety & Security features such as the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) on the wing mirrors and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) to detect vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out.

Upgrades for the Fortuner
The Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and 2.4 VRZ now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, together with a large 9-inch display for the infotainment system. These provide seamless connectivity with most smartphones that have the required software installed. The large display makes viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

Toyota Fortuner

The Fortuner 2.4 variant now has 7 airbags as well for added occupant protection all round. The additional airbags cover the side windows, enhancing protection during side impacts as well as reducing the possibility of occupants being ejected from the cabin.

Toyota Fortuner

Customers can add a rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to complement the standard front unit with their purchase of a new Fortuner. The devices are professionally installed by UMWT’s own personnel who have been specially trained to ensure that the quality of workmanship is as high as the rest of the vehicle.

The price of Fortuner 2.7 SRZ A/T and 2.4 VRZ A/T has not changed. However, the 2.4 A/T is now priced at RM171,500 (Peninsular Malaysia, without insurance).

Innova upgrades
Like the Fortuner, the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G variants now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard along with the new and larger 9-inch display for its infotainment system. This will make viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

Toyota Innova

The Blind Spot Monitor system (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) are available as an option to owners. These two active safety systems can help to reduce collisions with other vehicles which may not be visible to the driver in certain circumstances.

Toyota Innova

Toyota

Customers can also include optional Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) at both the front and rear of the cabin (pictured below) . By ordering them prior to purchase, installation can be done at UMWT’s own Accessories Centre. Furthermore, the cost of the accessories can be included in the total financing package.

Toyota Innova

There are 3 variants of the latest Innova to choose from, all powered by an efficient and proven 2.0-litre petrol engine. The variants are the Innova 2.0X A/T, Innova 2.0G A/T and Innova 2.0 E A/T. There are no price changes for the MPV.

More information on the latest models can be found at toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota on PISTON.MY

PISTON.MY

Kereta jenis MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) paling laris dan juga paling berpatutan kini telah dikemaskinikan untuk tahun 2018 dengan pelancaran generasi terbaru Perodua Alza. Kini dengan empat varian berbeza, Perodua Alza 2018 kini boleh didapati dari RM51,490 hingga RM62,690 (harga atas jalan tanpa insurans). (more…)

The nation’s most popular and most affordable seven-seater Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) is now up to date for 2018, as Perodua officially introduces the latest iteration of the Alza to the Malaysian market. Priced from RM51,490 to RM62,690 (OTR without insurance), the latest Perodua Alza comes in Standard (MT), Standard (AT), SE (AT) and Advance (AT) variants. All are powered by a 1.5 litre 3SZ-VE DVVT engine that’s connected to a five-speed manual transmission on the Standard MT and a four-speed automatic transmission on all other variants.

Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin said, “Our latest Perodua Alza continues to offer the comfort, practicality, versatility and ample room for seven that Malaysians have loved and adored for nearly a decade. With an abundance of storage compartments and flexible seating configurations, the latest Alza is perfect for family outings and everyday use in line with its ‘Versatile as You’ tagline,” he said, adding that over 344,200 units have been sold since the Alza’s birth in 2009.”

New to all Alza variants are redesigned instrument panel graphics, a new-look centre cluster and a two-motion remote control key (press once to unlock driver’s door, double-press to unlock all doors). Air-con flow to the third row is now better thanks to new fixed fins between the front centre air vents, an improved evaporator and enhanced heat-exchange piping.

All variants get front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, solar and security window film, reverse sensors and 15-inch alloys that are finished in silver on the Standard variant and titanium on SE and Advance variants.

Standard and SE variants get a new audio system with USB and Bluetooth functionality, while SE and Advance variants benefit from a bolder and more prominent appearance, courtesy of a new front bumper with a larger lower intake, a new twin-bar front grille and new side skirts, while a new rear bumper and tailgate garnish round up the changes at the back.

Featured on the SE and Advance variants are new-design leather seats and front corner sensors, while the Advance exclusively gets a roof-mounted monitor and an Android-based touch-screen multimedia system with Smart Link, Bluetooth, navigation and reverse camera functions.

“Recognising customers’ fondness for personalising their vehicles, Perodua is introducing a range of unique GearUp accessories for the Alza, for the first time. These include exterior cosmetic add-ons, quilted seat covers and sun shades,” Dato’ Dr Zahari said. On the safety front, dual front airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and ISOFIX child seat points in the middle row are standard across the Alza line-up, netting all variants a four-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.

“The order books are now open for the latest Perodua Alza, which will hit our showrooms nationwide in stages beginning 6 September. See it in the metal, experience it and take it for a spin – our authorised sales advisors will be more than happy to serve you, assist you and answer any queries you might have,” said Dato’ Dr Zahari.

The latest Perodua Alza is offered with a five-year/150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first). Available colours are Granite Grey (new to the Alza, exclusive to SE and Advance variants), Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Mystical Purple and Electric Blue. Prices are as below:

Perodua Alza Standard (MT)                    RM51,490

Perodua Alza Standard (AT)                    RM54,290

Perodua Alza SE (AT)                               RM56,890

Perodua Alza Advance (AT)                     RM62,690

Download the Brochure here: 2018 Perodua Alza brochure

Download the Price List here: 2018 Perodua Alza Price List

Download the GearUP Brochure here: Alza GearUp brochure

All prices are on-the-road (OTR) without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia

Kia has officially launched its highly anticipated people mover, the Grand Carnival. The 8-seat MPV is a marked improvement over its predecessor as it features a sleeker silhouette, spacious interior and improved use of quality materials.

Measuring 5,115mm long, 1985mm wide and 1740mm high, the new Grand Carnival features a longer wheelbase than the previous model at 3,060mm. It now has better headroom thanks in part to lower positioned seat cushions, increased legroom for passengers and the roof no longer slopes to the tailgate, giving rise to better headroom for the third row of passengers.

Conforming to Kia’s current design language, the vehicle features a chrome tiger nose grille, elongated headlights that wrap around the front fascia which provides the vehicle with a slightly aggressive look.

“The sophisticated All New Grand Carnival appears sleek and bold with striking features and design that makes it stand out among other MPVs”, said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer, Automotive, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The same is true for the rear, which features broad tail lamps and metal surfaces. Unlike the vehicle it replaces, this Grand Carnival’s tailgated is now electronic and automated, meaning it will open the moment the vehicle senses that the key is in close proximity of it. Both sliding doors are electrically powered and as such, can be opened and closed with a push of a button.

Like the current generation of Kia vehicles, this one features a rather well laid out interior and the most noticeable of the lot is the 4.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It has a MP3 CD player and integrated six speaker setup, USB and AUX connectivity and plays nicely with the reverse camera. The dashboard has two glove compartments stacked vertically, enabling increased storage capacity. The seats are wrapped in leather, front and second row seats have overhead consoles above them and tri-zone fully automatic air-con ventilators.

As a means to increase cargo space, the third row of seats can be folded flat to increase total volume. The second row features a seat that can be removed to increase space or offer better legroom for the third row passengers.

Under the front armrest, more storage space is available which is sufficient to fit a handbag or a book. Passengers in the rear have their own storage spaces where they can place items of their choosing.

Powering the new Grand Carnival is a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine that’s mated to a six speed automatic transmission. the engine develops 190bhp and 440Nm of torque, which should offer sufficient power to this people mover.

Like its predecessor, the new vehicle maintains the use of MacPherson front and Multi-link rear suspension. The hydraulic rebound spring, stiffer suspension bars and cross-member bush mountings is said to improve bump absorption and increase passenger comfort.

As for wheels, it gets 18-inch alloy ones and features a myriad of safety equipment including front and rear parking sensors, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist System, six airbags and HID with Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Kia is currently offering the Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D EX for RM185,888 and the 2.2DKX for RM165,888. Visit the company wesbsite or your nearest dealership for more information.

We’ve known for sometime about the impending launch of the all new Grand Carnival, and now Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, has confirmed that it will be sometime soon as it has just opened bookings for its people carrier.

A refresh of the original Grand Carnival is a welcomed addition to the rather stagnant MPV market, and by the looks of things, it could spice things up quite a bit. The new vehicle, looks very different from the one it replaces as Kia sought to fuse decent looks with family carrying capabilities. Kia says that its engineers spent extensive time designing the interior to offer decent legroom and ample luggage space even when fully loaded with eight occupants.

Other than the extensive redesign both inside and out, some of the more notable features of the Grand Carnical are the leather seats, power sliding door and tailgate, 3rd row passenger easy access system, push start button and HID head lamps with Daytime Running Lights. Kia didn’t skimp on safety either as the vehicle comes equipped with 6 airbags, electronic stability control and hill-start assist system. It also boasts receiving a 5-star rating based on the crash tests conducted by the ANCAP (Australiasian New Car Assessment Program) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffice Safety Administration).

Kia managed to bag a number of awards including JD Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award, Top Safety Pick from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the 2015 Ward’s 10 Best Interiors award.

Speaking of the new Grand Carnival, Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd., said, “Despite 2016 being a challenging year for Kia in Malaysia, we managed to contain a better percentage than the national total industry volume’s negative growth. For 2017, we have foretasted our sales volume to increase by 25% and the All New Grand Carnival will play a pivotal role in achieving this target.”

Under the hood of the Grand Carnival is a 2.2-litre CDRi turbodiesel engine with a variable geometry turbo. It produces 190bhp and 440Nm of torque, which should prove useful when lugging the family around and especially when its to Genting.

Potential buyers can make their bookings at any Kia dealership in Malaysia including those in Sabah and Sarawak. So, if you are interest a Peter Schreyer people mover, head on over to your nearest Kia dealership.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube