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First looks at the updated Peugeot 3008 and 5008, now marketed by Bermaz Auto Alliance

In the 1970s, a company called Asia Motor was the first distributor of Mazda and Peugeot cars in Malaysia. It handled the two brands (and even assembled some models at its own plant) until the late 1980s when other companies took over each brand. Then in the early 2000s, both brands somehow ended up being taken on by the same company – Cycle & Carriage – which sold their cars till 2008. Mazda was then taken up by Bermaz while Peugeot went to Nasim Motors.

*An advertisement from the 1970s when a company called Asia Motor sold both Peugeot and Mazda cars.*

Now, history seems to be repeating itself as the Mazda and Peugeot brands are again being handled by the same company or rather, the same group. Late last year, Bermaz formed a new joint venture company with Berjaya Corporation known as Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) which was appointed to the new role of Peugeot distributor. The BAASB name has since changed to Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd and the company which imports the vehicles is Mega Galeri Sdn Bhd. While BAASB and Bermaz Motor are separate companies, the core people are the same and they are veterans in the auto industry.

Following its appointment, BAASB was busy setting up the new business which was interrupted by the pandemic and long lockdown period, delaying some plans. But since mid-August when the government began to relax restrictions and businesses could operate again, BAASB has been busy preparing to launch new models.

Meanwhile, in January this year, Peugeot’s parent company, Groupe PSA, had merged with the FCA Group (which has Chrysler and a number of Italian brands) to form Stellantis. While this did not really affect BAASB, it did see the change of ownership of the plant in Kedah which was originally bought over from the NAZA Group by Groupe PSA. The intention was to use the plant as a regional hub for Peugeot models and this was already underway.

2008 to join locally-assembled range
Currently, three models are being assembled at the plant – the 3008, 5008 and 2008, the latter to be launched in the near future. With no more restrictions on gatherings and crossing borders, BAASB wasted no time organizing a media event to introduce themselves, the Stellantis people and the new 3008 and 5008 with a quick drive to Genting Highlands and back.

Both the SUVs are not new to the market, the 3008 having been introduced in second generation form in 2017, and the 5008 in 2018. However, they have received updates since their original introductions which adopt the latest design language of the carmaker. While the overall styling is unchanged, the notable differences can be seen in the front end. The grille is new with a large mass of textured elements and no frame.

The Peugeot Lion is also new and unlike previous ones, only its head is now shown (for corporate materials but the full body remains on the products). This is 11th time since the 1850s (although the original company was founded in 1810) that the brand identity and logo have been changed and the recreated emblem is said to ‘a shift in stance; a new state of mind, and a new lifestyle’. Above the Lion, on the edge of the bonnet, is the model identifier.

As their first digit indicates, the 3008 and 5008 are positioned at different levels in the market with the ‘double 00’ used for models that have a taller body structure, which means SUVs and crossovers. Comparing the two, the 3008 has a sleeker profile with bold lines whereas the 5008, being a 7-seater, is essentially an MPV but can also pass as a SUV. Both cars certainly have a premium appearance which is not unexpected of European brands.

Same engine for both models
To simplify production, both models use the same engine (for now at least) which is the same 1.6-litre THP 4-cylinder unit that came with the original introduction. Power output is 167 ps with 240 Nm of torque and the 6-speed automatic transmission is also the same one supplied by Aisin. To optimize grip on different surfaces, there are 5 modes which the driver can choose using a rotary dial.

Known as Advanced Grip Control, the system has been available in some Peugeot models since 2013 and adjusts the grip and torque to the front wheels. It helps most on very slippery surfaces when there is a need to be more sensitive with the throttle and a computer can do that better than a human foot. In most cases, drivers can probably leave it in standard mode which will be fine for most conditions.

Peugeot i-Cockpit
The highlight of the interior which Peugeot usually starts off with is the i-Cockpit. First introduced in 2012, this dashboard concept has evolved over the years and in the 3008 and 5008, it has been fully digitized. Peugeot calls the 12.3-inch digi-graphic instrument panel a ‘head-up instrument panel’ which might have people looking for the head-up display (HUD) on the windscreen ahead. However, what Peugeot’s designers have done is to position the panel in such a way that it allows the driver to keep his head up to watch the road ahead as well as still see the information on the panel.

An important contributor to the effectiveness of this arrangement is the steering wheel which is compact and flat at the top and bottom (looks like something from a racing car). It allows a clear view of the display and though compact, there is surprising ease of maneuverability. With the arms no longer needing to be so open and wide to hold the steering wheel, the actual amount of movement during maneuvers is reduced. Incidentally, for the 5008, there are also paddle shifters.

The third element of the i-Cockpit is a display in the middle of the dashboard. Resembling a tablet, this has a high-resolution full colour screen which is now 10 inches instead of 8 inches wide. It provides supplementary information and can be accessed either by touching the screen or by using the row of ‘piano keys’ below.

Connectivity is extensive with conventional cable ports, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility (for Android Auto, a cable is needed and, of course, the app installed in the smartphone). Those who have the latest smartphones with wireless charging will also be pleased to find that there is a wireless charging pad added to the vehicles.

Comprehensive equipment list
With the Mazda range, the Bermaz team has always made it a point to offer the most comprehensive equipment level possible to give the best value for money. The same thinking seems to have gone into the 3008 and 5008 (available only in one version) as standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, handsfree powered tailgate, power adjustments for the front seats, leather upholstery, and dual zone air-conditioning.

The differences in overall length – 4670 mm for the 5008 and 4510 mm for the 3008 – are indicative of the different occupant capacity. In the case of the longer model, there is a third row of two seats which can be folded flat when not needed. While being flat when not in use is good, it does not mean that the seat is sitting right down on the boot floor with limited legroom.

The extra length of the 5008 gives it a minimum of 952 litres of boot volume, 361 litres more than the 3008. At maximum volume with the rear seats folded down, the 3008’s volume can go up to 1,670 litres while the 5008 has an expansive 2,042 litres.

As for safety, both models have been rated the maximum of 5 stars by EuroNCAP and should certainly be able to achieve the same if assessed by ASEAN NCAP. There are extensive active and passive safety systems which assist the driver but no integrated system which we are seeing in many other cars these days.

BRIEF DRIVING EXPERIENCES
We had a chance to try both models driving Genting Highlands and back to the BAASB headquarters at Glenmarie, Selangor. Although it’s been a while since being behind the wheel of these French cars, there was still a familiarity in feel that Peugeots uniquely have. It’s a feeling of stability and supple ride that you do not expect of a car that also handles well. A Peugeot engineer once suggested that it’s long experience in suspension tuning that has achieved that and something to do with damper valving.

The driving dynamics are competent and confidence-inspiring with a solid feel at all speeds. The THP engine delivers strong midrange which made for easy overtaking and the transmission’s operation was fairly unobtrusive. Between the 3008 and 5008, the smaller model felt nicer to drive with less roll and a bit more nimbleness. This could be largely due to the 100+ kg difference in weight more than the body size.

But unlike older Peugeots (and older cars in general), today’s new generation of cars have a lot of electronic systems and because electronics do not take up much space, many more features are crammed in. To use them, you need to spend a little while figuring out which button to press or how to bring up the menu on the screen.

It can be daunting at first and European manufacturers have different control approaches to the Japanese. So if you are switching from a Japanese model to a Peugeot, be prepared to have to relearn many things! But having said that, once you become familiar with all the controls, then they make driving more convenient.

The i-Cockpit layout – specifically the instrument panel – is ergonomically sound in concept but also needs a bit of getting used to as it is located differently from conventional instrument panels. The display can be configured from minimal to maximum information, depending on your preference.

One thing that is disconcerting is the tachometer and this has been the case since the first i-Cockpit. The sweep of the pointer does not follow convention, ie from left to right. Instead, for some sort of visual symmetry, it sweeps from right to left. In the early versions with traditional meter displays, it was sometimes disturbing to see the pointer somewhere at the 2 o’clock position which would usually mean you are running at high revs but actually, the revs are around 3,000 rpm.

With the latest graphic display, this is less disturbing because the calibrations are not show entirely and only a small segment before and after are shown. But as mentioned earlier, it’s a matter of getting used to this difference and after a while, an owner will be okay. For us who spend only a couple of hours with the car, that familiarity is not always achieved.

It’s the same as having signal stalks on the left side or right side and getting into a car where it is on the opposite side to what you are used to. You keep activating the wipers and curse a lot for a while but after a week or so, you no longer have that problem.

Want to buy one?
Both models are offered with a choice of three common colours (Amazonite Grey, Pearl White and Nera Black) and Cuprite Brown exclusively for the 3008, with Emerald Crystal only for the 5008. Pricing starts from RM161,616.66 for the 3008 and RM177,311.90 for 5008 without insurance. As they are both assembled in Malaysia, the government is exempting the full amount of sales tax until June 30, 2022 so you save some money.

For those who are wondering about aftersales service, we feel sure that the BAASB team will certainly be making sure that it is of the high quality appropriate to the brand. They’re giving free maintenance for the first 3 years (or maximum of 60,000 kms) as well as a 5-year warranty or maximum of 100,000 kms.

Information on showroom locations can be found at www.peugeot.com.my and if you are already owning a Peugeot, BAASB would really like to get your contact details. This will enable them to keep in touch with you and provide the aftersales support, especially if there are any technical updates available for your car.

Peugeot owners in Malaysia asked to update information with new company handling the brand

Toyota reveals details of production bZ4X EV to be launched in mid-2022 (w/VIDEO)

After pioneering the mass production of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in the late 1990s, Toyota is starting its big push into full electrification with a more extensive line-up of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Until now, it has focussed on HEVs although it has had a small range of BEVs but now the carmaker is making the big leap towards larger models and aiming for higher numbers.

The first of the 7-model bZ range (by 2025) was previewed at Auto Shanghai in April this year in the form of the Toyota bZ4X concept. To be made in China and Japan, worldwide sales of the production version of the new BEV is expected to start by the middle of 2022.

Details of the new model, which will be a SUV, released today show that the production model is pretty much like the concept car. This is not surprising as Japanese carmakers have not wasted time and money on making too many fancy concepts to wow people but which never get built. They have instead previewed near-production concept cars as a final step to get last-minute feedback on designs and features.

e-TNGA architecture
The new model, to also be known as the bZ4X, sits on a BEV-dedicated platform (first for Toyota) based on e-TNGA philosophy. TNGA stands for Toyota New Generation Architecture, a flexible architecture used for all of the latest models. The one for the bZ4X has been jointly developed with Subaru Corporation which will also have its own BEV to be called the Solterra.

The platform has the advantages that TNGA provides such as a low centre of gravity and high rigidity, all of which will contribute to better driving dynamics and even good off-road performance since this is to be a SUV.

FWD or AWD
The powertrain is straightforward with one or two motors, the latter for the all-wheel drive version. System output is 150 kW for the front-wheel drive version and 160 kW for the AWD version. The E-axle integrates the electric motor, transaxle and inverter while the Electricity Supply Unit consolidates charging and power distribution functions.

Battery performance and safety
As with all BEVs, the key points that motorists will want to know are the performance of the battery pack. The 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (made by an affiliated company) is expected to provide a cruising range of about 500 kms’, even in cold regions.

Compatible with high-output chargers worldwide, an 80% charge is said to be possible within 30 minutes. Besides the usual methods of recharging, there is an optional solar panel on the roof that can also convert sunshine to electricity for the battery pack.

It is also targeting a top-class battery capacity retention ratio (90% after 10 years of use or 240,000 kms). More attention has been given to preventing battery failure by strengthening measures to prevent and detect abnormal conditions (eg overheating). There are also new technologies with a multiple monitoring system that ensures safety and security in case of emergency.

Toyota’s subsidiaries have been developing and making batteries for many years and have gained a lot of knowledge. They have now developed a production process that eliminates contamination, which is a cause of abnormal heating. There is also a high-resistance coolant which prevents fire from short circuits even if there is leakage of the battery’s liquid coolant.

Safety is not forgotten and this is new territory for carmakers. While the basic structure has similarities to combustion vehicles, the high-voltage systems require specific protection. To ensure a high degree of battery pack safety, the Toyota Safety Sense active safety package is used and the body structure has been adapted to withstand collision from any direction. The battery pack itself is also designed in a way that contributes to ensuring protective performance in a collision.

Toyota has also developed more proactive initiatives with regard to the end-of-life scenario for battery packs. The company has a Battery 3R – Rebuild, Reuse, Recycle – approach which will ensure a worldwide top-class battery capacity retention ratio. It proactively undertakes battery rebuild (inspection and reassembly) and reuse and promotes initiatives for battery recycling.

RAV4 size but more spacious
The bZ4X has an overall length of 4690 mm and overall width of 1860 mm, which is about the same size as a RAV4 but it is around 100 kgs lighter. Due to the entirely different powertrain and layout of components, the wheelbase is significantly longer than the RAV4’s – 2850 mm versus 2690 mm. This naturally means a more spacious cabin which is also extra wide. Toyota says that the tandem distance is equivalent to that of a sedan like a Camry.

As the pictures show, the cockpit area is futuristic with the meters positioned to be visible through the upper part of the steering wheel. This is the first time a Toyota vehicle has such an arrangement and it is emphasizes ease of viewing by reducing eye movement and enabling a distance point of focus.

This is the second time that Toyota’s interior designers have given more thought to viewing the meters. When the first Prius hybrid was designed, the meter display was located at the centre of the dashboard instead of its traditional place ahead of the steering wheel. This was to improve eye focus (especially for older drivers) by not having a short viewing distance to the meter and a longer one to see the road ahead. Positioning the display further away meant that the driver’s focus would be further away most of the time, reducing changes and improving safety.

2022 Toyota bZ4X EV — *Unique steering wheel will be initially available only on cars sold in China. Other markets will have a conventional circular steering wheel (below) which will be changed progressively.*

The modularized driving controls including a steering column with a wing-shape. The one-motion grip combining steer-by-wire system and uniquely shaped steering wheel will be first offered in cars sold in China and progressively added to those in other markets. Before then, the other markets will have a conventional circular steering wheel.

Different regions, different approaches
Clearly, Toyota intends to quickly move to the forefront of the EV market as it did with hybrid electric vehicles. It has different strategies for different markets and regions, depending on the supply of electricity and the recharging network. For Malaysia, the decision has been made that the first phase of electrification will be to assemble hybrid electric vehicles locally.

While the latest news today of full tax exemption for EVs does make it possible for models like the bZ4X to be sold, it is likely that Toyota’s production and marketing plans for the next few years have already been set. The major markets will already have given big numbers that will probably take most of the output from plants in China and Japan, so a smaller market like Malaysia may have to wait till later. At best, we may a small number of units imported more to gauge market response while UMW Toyota Motor focusses on growing HEV sales for which a RM270 million investment has already been made.

Toyota: “No customer is left behind” in quest for carbon neutrality

Black theme for special edition of Honda CR-V

Black, the bold and stealthy colour, is now available for the Honda CR-V in its new Black Edition. Available only with the CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD with a Crystal Black Pearl finish, the Black Edition is priced at RM161,913.99 (without insurance and without sales tax till the end of 2021). As the name indicates, black is the theme and is used in many areas such as the front grille (flanked by LED headlights), front and rear bumper garnish, and also the 18-inch alloy wheels which are finished in piano black.

Black theme inside and outside
The black theme is also used within the SUV, and the same glossy black colour is applied to the steering wheel, 7-inch Interactive TFT meter and air-conditioning garnish. For the centre console, dashboard and door trim, a black wood garnish is installed while the headlining is accented with black finishing. Naturally, the black seats also have embroidery to identify this special edition.

Turbocharged VTEC engine
The technical specifications are similar to the standard CR-V with a 1.5-litre VTEC 4-cylinder engine with a CVT. Though it seems small, with Honda Earth Dreams Technology and turbocharging, the engine can produce up to 193 ps, with the maximum of 243 Nm of torque available from 2,000 rpm to 5,000 rpm. That sort of output is even greater than bigger engines and the advantage, besides saving weight, is that fuel consumption can be up to 14.3 kms per litre, it is claimed. With a full fuel tank of 57 litres, that can mean a range of at least 800 kms.

Convenience features
Convenience features include keyless entry, pushbutton starting, and even Remote Engine Start that allows the owner to start the engine from outside the car. This can allow the air-conditioning to be switched on to cool the interior on a hot day.

Another very useful feature which was only available in much more expensive models before is the Hands-Free Power Tailgate. No longer is there a need to even press a button as the tailgate will open on its own by placing a foot under the rear bumper which has a sensor. It’s great when both your hands are full with grocery bags.

Full Honda SENSING suite
The current CR-V was the first model in Malaysia to have HONDA SENSING, a suite of active safety systems which assist the driver. The Honda SENSING system in the latest CR-V has been enhanced to 8 systems, in addition to other standard active and passive safety features.

*The current CR-V, introduced in 2017, was the first model to introduce Honda SENSING in Malaysia*

There’s also Honda LaneWatch, an innovative blind-spot monitoring system that uses a camera (on the left door mirror) instead of sensors on the body. The camera captures a real-time image of the area along the left side of the car and shows it on the display screen on the dashboard so the driver is aware of any other vehicle very nearby.

To date, over 43,000 units of the current generation have been sold in Malaysia, while more than 108,000 units have been sold since the model was introduced in 2003 as the first locally-assembled model by Honda Malaysia.

*The second generation of the CR-V was the first model assembled by Honda Malaysia at its own factory in Melaka in 2003.*

Dominant in non-national SUV segment
“The CR-V continues to exceed our expectations with encouraging sales and is dominating the Non-National SUV segment with 24% of market share, as of August 2021. The popularity of the CR-V attests to the model’s attractive design, elegant interior and exceptional driving performance. In view of the good market acceptance, we are introducing the CR-V Black Edition to provide more options for our customers who prefer an SUV with a full package of spaciousness, comfort, safety, performance and next-level aesthetic,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Madoka Chujo.

For more information on the CR-V Black Edition or to locate a showroom to view and experience Honda models in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.

Honda Malaysia offers two extra benefits for new vehicle purchasers until the end of 2021

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan and GLA SUV now available at lower prices with local assembly

The resumption of activities in the car industry seems to be bringing a flood of new models… as if these were all parked in the yards just waiting to be launched. Of course, during the two and a half months of shutdown, plants were not turning out cars so there must be a rush to complete assembly since permission was given to restart from mid-August.

Launched into the market today are the locally assembled versions of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan and GLA, both offered in Progressive Line (A 200 and GLA 200) and AMG Line (A 250 and GLA 250). Assembling locally at the plant in Pekan, Pahang, means that the entry-level models can be priced lower due to incentives offered by the government. Depending on the model, reductions (compared to the price if the model was imported as a CBU) are up to RM17,100 as the following chart shows:

If the cars are purchased before the end of 2021, there are additional savings from the exemption of sales and service tax which is significant at these pricing levels. And because the models are assembled locally, the exemption is 100%, rather than 50% for models that are not assembled locally. So if you are keen on one, you have about two months left to get it at a cheaper price. Units are immediately available so you won’t be made to wait past the exemption period.

Returning to the new models, both are already familiar to Malaysians, having been available earlier. In fact, the latest GLA was introduced late last year but where the imported CBU GLA 250 had 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the locally assembled one does not. The A-Class Sedan, in its current form, has been in the market since April 2019.

Mercedes-Benz — *The A 200 and GLA 200 have a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine (above), while the A 250 and GLA 250 have a more powerful 2-litre engine (below).*

Same platform and engines
Both models sit on the same platform with MFA2 (Modular Front-wheel drive Architecture 2) which makes it possible for the plant to assemble two different bodystyles. They also share 4-cylinder turbocharged powertrains – the A 200 and GLA 200 using the 1332 cc M282 unit with 163 ps/250 Nm, and the A 250 and GLA 250 powered by the 1991 cc M260 engine that produces 224 ps/350 Nm. The smaller engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission while the bigger one has an 8-speed DCT.

Though the A-Class began life as a hatchback over 20 years ago, the sedan version that was added in 2018 has gained greater popularity, especially in markets like Malaysia. The formal appearance seems to be more appealing to customers and though defined as a ‘compact’ model, it still has pretty good interior space and a generous boot volume.

The cabin has the modern, avant-garde look that characterizes the current generation of models with the 3-pointed star. A lot of attention has been given to the dashboard design and its integration with the interior architecture. The designers completely dispensed with a cowl and created a wing-shaped form that extends without visual discontinuity from door to door. The five air vents are also a highlight of the dashboard with their high-quality turbine look and meticulously designed air guidance vanes.

Intelligent and intuitive MBUX
Also present in all models is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The much-publicised MBUX system comes with standard features, but an owner can very quickly personalize the system with the wide range of options. The intelligent system keeps learning about the owner, enhancing personalization, and the software can also be updated periodically to provide new or improved features.

While the equipment of the Progressive Line is fairly comprehensive and includes extras like a Comfort-oriented suspension option, the AMG Line has sportier features that are in keeping with the high performance image of the sub-brand. These include the detailed grille and larger 19-inch AMG alloy wheels. Incidentally, all variants come with the same LED High Performance headlights as well.

Utility and variability
The GLA, being a SUV, offers more space inside and the occupants are also seated higher up. With ‘utility’ in the middle of its name, there is much utility value with flexibility to move people or cargo or both with variable layouts. The load floor is also height-adjustable and can be configured into a long, almost flat, space all the way to the front seats.

Both models come with many driving assistance systems which offer the driver cooperative support to avoid accidents. The systems can automatically activate the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver has taken no action to prevent it. In the GLA 250, Blind Spot Assist warns of vehicles, including bicycles, in the blind zone and also signal the driver with a visual warning in the exterior mirror if a vehicle is driving past if the door is about to be opened.

Review: Mercedes-Benz A35 AMG – A double edged sword that will have you loving it and hating it!

Lynk & Co celebrates 5th anniversary with launch of flagship SUV model

Initially a ‘secret project’ between Geely Holding Group and Volvo Cars, Lynk & Co was revealed to the world at an event in Germany exactly 5 years ago. Not only was it a new premium brand but it also adopted a new business model appropriate to the internet era of shared experience and connectivity. Interacting directly with its users, the brand’s products are sold directly online and delivered straight to their doors. New and varied solutions for vehicle and mobility accessibility are offered – from traditional ownership and leasing, to mobility-based membership and sharing.

Nearly 600,000 vehicle users
Users are provided with an ever-expanding range of connected technologies in the vehicles, all aimed at making life easier. In just 5 years, Lynk & Co has accumulated nearly 600,000 vehicle users, with app registrations reaching an even higher number of 1.57 million. Average active monthly users on the app exceed half a million whilst average daily users have reached 120,000.

From the very beginning, all advanced modular architectures from Geely Holding and its subsidiaries have been developed from scratch to support electrification. As the first brand to utilize Geely Holding’s new generation of advanced modular architectures, electrified powertrain options are made available across Lynk & Co’s line-up.

Geely Group’s advanced architectures
The advanced architectures available have been the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture), BMA (B-Segment Modular Architecture) and SPA (Scalable Product Architecture). The 09 is SPA-based and as with the other models, it was designed in Gothenburg, Sweden and carries Lynk & Co’s ‘Megacity Contrast’ design concept. This concept is inspired by the lifestyle of youthful urbanites from megacities such as London, New York, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo, and offers users a bold and tech-laden mobility experience.

Brand’s first large SUV model
The 09 is the first large SUV from Lynk & Co and offers 6 or 7-seat accommodation. It is one of the first models to be available as a hybrid only – either with a mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid, both powertrains using a 2-litre turbocharged engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Full details are not available yet but the 09 can be considered technically related to the latest Volvo XC90 which also uses SPA.

Since rolling out its first vehicles in 2017, Lynk & Co has delivered nearly 600,000 units. While it uses direct selling in China (through 319 sales and experience centres), its approach in Europe has been to establish ‘Lynk & Co Clubs’ where members and users meet, hang out, and share experiences. The Clubs, which represent a new first in industry ‘Mobility Membership’ business model, are presently in Belgium, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, with plans to expand into Spain, France and other countries in the near future.

The brand will appear in the Gulf region in the fourth quarter of 2021 and will begin Asian market expansion thereafter.

“Our end users aren’t just satisfied with a good product experience; they also demand a sense of participation and recognition. The boundary between a brand and its users is being eroded each day and we at Lynk & Co must continue to have direct communications with end users – this communication must be two-way, allowing users to have a say on our R&D, design, production, sales and service. Ultimately, understanding the user’s needs, wants and desires is key to our success both in China, and in Europe,” said Geely Auto Group CEO, An Cong Hui.

Lynk & Co 03+ Cyan Edition celebrates young brand’s racing successes in WTCR

Land Rover’s New Defender is now available in Malaysia, priced from RM798,800

It’s taken a while for the new Land Rover Defender to arrive in Malaysia but that’s understandable. The world has not been operating ‘normally’ since early 2020 which was just after the Land Rover’s new SUV was launched at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. With lockdowns in the UK and in Malaysia, goods were either unable to be shipped or took longer.

Anyway, the first shipment finally arrived in March this year and although Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) had plans to launch it, the imposition of the second long MCO meant that nothing could be done until now. Nevertheless, they were able to get the necessary approvals for the product done and it was a matter of waiting till the country reopened.

Today’s launch of the New Defender took place at the flagship showroom at Sime Darby Motors City in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, as well as online, saw two versions of the model being introduced. Both are the longer Defender 110 and available with either a 2-litre Ingenium 300 ps/400 Nm 4-cylinder engine or a 3-litre mild hybrid powertrain incorporating a 6-cylinder petrol engine generating a total of 400 ps/500 Nm. The latter also get a power boost from a 48V electric supercharger.

Intelligent and advanced 4×4 drivetrain

As with all Land Rovers past and present, all four wheels are powered. Unlike the early 4×4 systems, the permanent all-wheel drive system in the New Defender is also intelligent and optimum traction is provided on all surfaces. The Defender is also the first Land Rover to feature Configurable Terrain Response, which allows drivers to fine-tune a range of settings to suit the conditions more precisely than ever before. A new Wade program optimizes the vehicle for crossing water, with a world-class maximum wading depth of up to 900 mm.

One thing which the hardest of hardcore off-roaders may not be happy about is the departing from the traditional body-on-frame construction. With the New Defender, , Land Rover’s engineers designed the new D7x (for extreme) monocoque structure that is said to be the stiffest body structure the brand has ever produced. Furthermore, it uses aluminium to reduce weight, this material having been associated with Land Rovers from the beginning and contributing to their long lives.

The new body architecture also allows for ground clearance of 291 mm and a wheelbase of 3022 mm, which is 99 mm longer than a Discovery). The introduction of air suspension helps transform the 4×4’s on-road handling and supports its all-terrain capability, providing an off-road ride height lift of 75 mm and ride comfort across all surfaces. An additional 70 mm of lift means the air system can raise the body by a maximum of 145 mm when needed, while the Elegant Arrival mode automatically lowers the body by 40 mm to make getting in and out easier.

Land Rover design DNA

Though everything about the model is totally new (compared to the original Defender), the silhouette in profile has strong elements of the original iconic shape. Gerry McGovern, the Design head and Guardian of Land Rover DNA, made sure that the New Defender would be recognisable by incorporating many ‘trademarks’ of the original.

2021 Land Rover Defender — *The design of the New Defender incorporates elements from the previous generation (below).*

These include the purposeful upright stance, Alpine roof lights and a chamfered roofline. The tailgate is also side-hinged – not so common on SUVs these days – and the spare wheel is still mounted on the back door. The latter is something that gives authenticity to the model as a 4×4 SUV, something which designers of other models think is no longer necessary.

Functional cabin, 21st century technology

The original Defender’s cabin essentially evolved from the early models. It was thus purely functional and even the last versions still maintained that simplicity which was appreciated by adventurers who did not need unnecessary fitments.

For the New Defender, the interior designers were mindful of this and have cleverly blended the original features – like exposed elements – with 21st century technologies. This approach might even be welcome by those hardcore enthusiasts who used to appreciate simplicity and functionality without complaining about comfort. Today, they are older and it is likely that they too would not complain about not having wind-down windows or manually adjusted seats.

The New Defender is packed with convenience features that every modern premium vehicle has. For example, the advanced Pivi Pro infotainment system is coupled with a Meridian Sound System and the next-generation touchscreen requires fewer inputs to perform frequently used tasks. In addition, Software-Over-The-Air technology, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates, ensures that Defender owners can always have the latest software, wherever they are in the world.

There’s also a Head-Up Display to complement the digital instrument panel. And besides being able to see all round with the 3D Surround Camera system, there is also ClearSight Ground View which makes it seem like the vehicle’s bonnet is ‘transparent’. Thanks to external cameras, the driver can see ‘through’ it and observe the vehicle’s underside and wheels – a great asset on unknown and uneven terrain.

The ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror offers both a conventional reflected image as well as a real-time digital image captured by a small camera on the roof. The digital image can be switched on when needed, eg if the rear view is blocked by passengers’ heads or tall cargo.

In standard configuration, the New Defender is a 5-seater with two rows of seats. Customers can also specify 5+2 seating if they feel that they will carry more people often. The Click and Go System integrated base unit allows for the integration of additional accessories should there be a need.

The cargo area can be expanded varied between 1,075 litres and 2,380-litres with a maximum payload of up to 900 kgs. As the rear door is side-hinged, loading is easy even when the vehicle is close to a wall or tree as the door can be opened a bit and items slipped in.

First shipment already sold out

The New Defender 2.0 is priced from RM798,000 while the 3-litre version starts from RM998,800 (prices exclude roadtax, registration and insurance as well as 50% of sales tax). However, as the entre first shipment has already been taken, those who order one will not be able to enjoy the sales tax exemption given by the government (very unlikely they will extend again) because the next deliveries will only be in 2022.

JLRM provides each Land Rover vehicle sold with the Land Rover Care programme which has a 5-year warranty, 5 years of free scheduled service and 3 years of complimentary roadside assistance. Customers who receive their vehicles in 2021 also get a Land Rover Heritage Watch in celebration of Sime Darby and Land Rover’s 40th Anniversary of partnership (while stocks last).

“The New Defender is now fully equipped with the latest innovations and vast improvements. It remains Land Rover’s toughest and most capable vehicle built for adventure and exploration of the rugged outdoors. By incorporating the latest innovations, the New Defender is ideal not only for 4×4 adventures but also for daily city driving. The upgrades reflect the times and the changing needs of the current generation of drivers,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia.

For more information and to find the location of the closest Land Rover showroom to you, visit www.landrover.com.my.

The Land Rover Defender – Past and Present

The Land Rover Defender – Past and Present

Mention ‘Land Rover’ and the first image that would usually come to anyone’s mind would be the iconic shape of the original model that the British 4×4 specialist started with in 1948. It was known simply as the ‘Series 1’ and as it was the only model offered, it became synonymous with the brand name. The name itself explained what the vehicle could do – rove the land, regardless of conditions.

The Series 1 was influenced by the American Willy’s Jeep, another equally iconic 4×4 vehicle, extensively used during World II. As the designers of the Land Rover model considered how they would improve on the Jeep’s all-purpose concept, they saw that with the war over, more consideration should be given to comfort for civilian use. This led to the provision of a cabin (although open versions were also available) which gave protection from the elements.

At the same time, however, a rugged go-anywhere capability was still required to make the vehicle useful, especially as it was to be aimed at users in the agricultural and industrial sectors. It also needed to be tough as it would be sold in overseas markets, many of which were just developing in the 1950s.

The Land Rover DNA
Like Sir Alec Issigonis with his Mini, the bodywork was kept as simple as possible for easy assembly. Many parts were flat and straight, which also kept production costs lower. More significantly, due to shortage of steel after the war, the body panels were made of aluminium alloy. Not only did it help to keep the weight lower, especially with the tough steel chassis but would help with better resistance to corrosion, giving longevity to the vehicles. This approach of using the material would remain to this day as a distinguishing feature of Land Rovers

And of course, it had a system to power all the wheels, essential for off-road driving. For this, the engineers developed a transfer case that could send power to the front wheels when required, otherwise all power went to the rear wheels. The system would be improved over time and Land Rover would build up experience in 4×4 systems that would make it a leader in the field.

The Land Rover Series I evolved into new series as the years went by, with the Series II being launched in 1948, followed by the Series III in 1971. By then, the single model had many different various versions to suit different needs. There were two wheelbase lengths and open versions as well as closed versions. Even in those early years, Land Rover saw a market for more comfortable vehicles and developed a Station Wagon version. Before long, even the Queen of England would become a fan of the vehicles, and remains so up till this today.

After the Series III came a new model line, now designated Land Rover 110 and Land Rover 90. The numbers referred to the wheelbase of 110 inches (2,800 mm) and 93 inches (2,362 mm), respectively, with a Land Rover 127 (3,226 mm) coming later on as well.

Continued evolution of the series
This new series, launched in 1983, had a similar silhouette as the Series III and only enthusiasts would spot the cosmetic differences. However, there were significant technical changes that improved the vehicle in many areas. Coil springs were used for the suspension which made the ride better and allowed for better axle articulation. The part-time 4×4 system was replaced by a permanent 4-wheel-drive system (similar to the Range Rover’s) with a 2-speed transfer case and a centre differential that could be locked. This extended the capabilities of the vehicle, especially in very difficult conditions.

The interior was modernized but continued to have its own character that was dictated by the need to be able to cope with rough usage conditions. The new generation of 4×4 vehicles began appearing in the early 1980s, offering more ‘civilized’ cabins with passenger cars features. However, Land Rover stuck with the more functional approach although by then, marketing of such vehicles had started to orient towards being dual-purpose vehicles that could be used like alternative passenger cars. Land Rovers stood out for their ruggedness and capabilities, remaining a popular choice for serious off-road drivers.

In 1970, Land Rover had added a second model to its range which was the pioneer of the luxury SUVs that would come two decades later. While it had a more upmarket image (and appointments), the Range Rover also had superior capability in all conditions. In fact, as the flagship model, it would pioneer many new 4×4 technologies as well. Adventurers would prove this with journeys into the remotest areas of the planet, sometimes accompanied by the original Land Rovers.

As the popularity of the new breed of 4×4 vehicles grew during the 1980s, a team at Land Rover saw the potential for a premium model below the Range Rover. It would have all the well known attributes of Land Rovers but also a stylish design with an interior designed by a specialist firm. It was to be called the Discovery and surprised the world when it was launched in 1989.

The birth of the Defender
The addition of the Discovery to the range meant that the ‘Land Rover’ name could no longer have the dual function of being a product name. Having wheelbase dimensions as model ‘names’ was also not attractive any longer, especially now that there was the Discovery. So the decision was made to rename the existing range and, in 1990, the 90 and 110 models became the Defender 90 and Defender 100, while the 127 became the Defender 130.

The Defender would continue to symbolize Land Rover because of its design, and it would have the longest production run – 26 years – before ending in 2016. After the Discovery, Land Rover had become part of the BMW Group and then the Ford Group. This began an era of broadening its range as well as moving forward with greater technological advancements. New and more modern models were developed and each was to be at the top of its segment.

The Defender remained unique in the range because of its traditional design. Where the new models from the Discovery onwards had as much emphasis on design as capability, the Defender was the rugged reliable workhorse that even armed forces appreciated.

Throughout the production life of the Defender, safety and emission regulations became stricter and for a vehicle that was essentially developed in the 1980s, meeting the regulations became more challenging for the engineers. As the 21st century began, it became clear that it would not be practical to keep trying to engineer the Defender to meet new demands by regulators, even if the public didn’t mind. Furthermore, as a more ‘hardcore’ model, the sales volume was smaller than for other Land Rover models.

*Last Defender leaving the line at Solihull in England, marking the end of 68 years of production.*

And so, after more than two million vehicles being produced (including the original Series models) since 1948, Land Rover’s owner, Tata Motors, made the decision to end production. It was estimated that more than 70 percent of all the vehicles produced were still in use somewhere in the world .

The New Defender
Land Rover understood that a successor was expected but the world had changed in the past six decades. Consumers wanted comfort and stylishness but being a Land Rover also meant that the renowned all-terrain capabilities had to be present – even if 98% of owners never drove far off the road. By 2019, the new design was confirmed and presented to the world in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was recognizable as a Land Rover and yet could also satisfy the tastes of the new generation of buyers who had many choices of vehicles in the segment now called ‘SUVs’ (Sport Utility Vehicles). The icon was reinvented without ever losing the character and authenticity of the original.

*The New Defender is ready to continue the legacy of the model.*

“The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it. A distinctive silhouette makes the New Defender instantly recognizable,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer at Land Rover and ‘Guardian of Land Rover DNA’. “This is a New Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”

Land Rover in Malaysia
Land Rover’s presence in Malaysia began almost as soon as exports started in the late 1940s. The Malayan Emergency was declared in 1948 and as British troops carried out operations in the jungles, the Series I Land Rovers proved their capabilities and established the beginnings of the legendary 4×4 vehicles.

The country was also moving towards independence and with it came much development of infrastructure where again, the Land Rovers proved valuable. They were often the first vehicles into newly opened sites in the jungle where roads and new settlements were being created. Public service agencies, like the armed forces, found they could use the vehicles for a variety of purposes and the simplicity of the design meant that maintenance was also easy. It was those early Land Rovers seen on roads and in jungles all over Malaysia that established the brand as the 4×4 leader.

*A fleet of Defenders used by the Malaysian armed forces.*

When the Malaysian government urged manufacturers to assemble their products locally to help promote industrialization, Land Rover was happy to do so. Champion Motors had a new factory in Shah Alam, Selangor, which could assemble the vehicles and the company also handled distribution, sales and aftersales.

In the early 1980s, when the Defender was introduced, the Land Rover franchise had passed on to the PERNAS-Sime Darby Group which established Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. In 1981. This began a new phase of growth for the brand, supported not only by the large number of orders from the armed forces but also the increasing demand from many other sectors.

Although the Land Rover range gradually widened, the Defender was always present. It had its own following that preferred the traditional features of the model and its truly go-anywhere capability. With the aluminium bodywork, the older vehicles remained in use for a long time, many finding homes in the vegetable farms on the hills of Cameron Highlands.

Just as its principal was unified as Jaguar Land Rover in the UK, so too was the business in Malaysia with the establishment of Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. This joint venture between SISMA Auto and Sime Darby Motors has been the exclusive importer for Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles in Malaysia since 2014. It has seen even greater growth with the opening of purpose-built brand centres around the country to offer the modern range of Land Rovers, including the New Defender.

All-new LX 600 begins new generation of Lexus SUV flagship

Given the price of petrol these days, the biggest SUVs only appeal to customers in places like the Middle East and USA where big engines are still acceptable. So for the all-new Lexus LX 600, the Middle East was chosen as the location from which the new flagship of the brand’s SUV range was revealed to the world.

It’s an all-new model but it is also no secret that the LX 600 is a model Lexus shares with Toyota’s latest Land Cruiser. This has been the case since the mid-1990s when the Land Cruiser was first ‘Lexified’ to enable Lexus to quickly have a fully-fledged SUV (before they came out with the game-changing RX in 1997).

New GA-F platform shared with Toyota Land Cruiser
Like the Land Cruiser, the LX has been developed on core attributes such as reliability, durability, and rough-road driving performance. The fourth generation continues with a body-on-frame construction and rides on the new GA-F platform which is 20% more rigid. Thanks to the new structure and weight-saving approaches like aluminium doors, the new LX 600 is 200 kgs lighter than its predecessor. This has helped to improve driving dynamics, with predictability and balance during turning, acceleration and deceleration maneuvers, as well as improved stability when driving off-road.

Lexus Driving Signature
Though much will be the same as the Land Cruiser, Lexus engineers have always contended that a Lexus will have a difference in dynamics and other aspects. In this case, the engineers have made sure that the new LX 600 has the Lexus Driving Signature.

The suspension is classic SUV with front high-mounted double wishbones that are fitted with dampers having 100 mm of bound and 145 mm of rebound, important factors for off-road driving performance. At the rear is a 4-link axle-type suspension with rear lateral control arms carried over from the previous model.

The rear shock absorbers are placed outside of the lower control arm, and the shock absorber mounting angle has been adjusted to match the angle at which the axle moves. This makes it easier for the shock absorbers to follow the vertical movement of the wheels, increasing their damping effect and, thus, better absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road surface to provide very good vehicle stability.

To have capable off-road performance as well as the sort of comfort Lexus owners expect, a lot of work went into the suspension with the inclusion of variable ride height and adding a spring rate switching device for front and rear wheels. The ride height can be automatically adjusted or manual selected and not only adjusts the vehicle height but also responds to changes in vehicle posture to enhance stability.

The springs are softened to help provide a comfortable ride when overcoming bumps during in-town driving and are stiffened to help ensure a flat and stable ride when going around curves. When at a total standstill, the suspension automatically lowers for easier passenger entry or exit.

The power steering is assisted by an electric motor while the Electronically Controlled Brake system employs a sensor to detect the degree of brake pedal depression and creates braking force with the hydraulic brakes for more linear braking characteristics.

3.5 litre V6 in place of 5.7-litre V8
The new LX 600 will be offered with a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine which replaces the naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V8 used before. Though having smaller displacement, its output is higher with turbocharging, with 415 ps/650 Nm. This goes through a 10-speed direct-shift automatic transmission with a transfer case for high and low ranges, the latter for off-road use. Having 10 ratios means that performance can be optimized when starting as well as when cruising at higher speeds. The wide spread also allows for smoother transitions between gears.

Exclusive to F SPORT, a Torsen LSD is employed to help ensure traction performance of the rear tyres. When accelerating during a turn, it optimally distributes the driving force according to the load on the rear left and right wheels to achieve a high level of control performance. In straight-line driving, it responds to changes in road conditions, contributing to stability.

Ultra Luxury 4-seater version
Like the LM 350 MPV, the new LX 600 also has a version with just 2 seats for the rear section of the spacious cabin that normally has 3 rows of seats for 7 persons. Available in the Ultra Luxury grade, it offers rear occupants up to 1.1 metres of maximum leg space. The seats have exclusive curved headrests, seatbacks and cushions that gently wrap around the head, hips and lower body. They should offer the ultimate in seating comfort as they are said to be crafted to help offset any lateral G-forces and shocks from irregular road surfaces – even in off-road driving conditions.

At the front is the North American-developed Lexus Interface multimedia system. This has a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen with a 7-inch lower touchscreen. The screen’s new Human Machine Interface (HMI) enhances user interaction through sight, touch and voice, while balancing accessibility needs.

Lexus Interface incorporates a new Voice Assistant developed with a human-centered approach. The Voice Assistant is intended to be the primary way the occupants interact with the new multimedia system. Designed with dual microphones with speaker location capability and enhanced noise-cancellation, the system enables a voice-first approach allowing front seat occupants an expanded and interactive experience to access navigation, media, phone and other vehicle control settings.

2022 Lexus LX 600 — *If the 4-seater Ultra Luxury version is not specified, the LX 600 will have 3 rows of seating for up to 7 occupants.*

When off-road, the driver has the Multi-Terrain Monitor to see around the vehicle. Four cameras capture images to allow the driver to check road conditions, which are often in the blind spots. By switching to the Back Underfloor View, images of the foreground taken in advance are provided to the driver as transparent-underfloor images. By superimposing the vehicle and wheel position over this image, the driver can check underfloor conditions and front-wheel position. In another view, the vehicle is made transparent, and an image showing the area around the rear wheels is magnified. This can enable the driver to ascertain conditions around the rear wheels and estimate distances to obstacles.

Pricing for the new LX 600 is not available yet and deliveries will only begin in the first quarter of 2022. As it has for the past 26 years, the new LX will continue to be a luxurious long-range cruiser with proven off-road capabilities.

*The LX 600 F SPORT version is the first-ever F SPORT in the LX range. It has exclusive sportier styling which includes a F mesh design spindle grille and sports tuning.for the suspension.*

Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept

Special Edition of Honda HR-V available, priced at RM105,363.85

Honda Malaysia today announced the availability of a limited number of Honda HR-V Special Edition models with enhanced safety features. The limited edition SE version comes with Blind Spot Detection (BSD) to detect and alert the driver of vehicles or motorcyclists coming up in the blind spot behind and along the sides.

While Honda has installed the camera-based LaneWatch blindspot system in many models, the BSD for the HR-V SE is a simpler system using proximity sensors in the bodywork. When another vehicle is detected, the driver will be alerted so that he or she will not make a turn or change lanes and cause an accident.

Other active safety features
Additional safety features using the same sensors in the bodywork include Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which monitors the traffic situation on either side as the vehicle is reversing out of a parking bay. This is especially useful as the driver often cannot see the road on either side because the view is blocked by other vehicles. RCTA sends out signals on both sides from the bumper sensors and if a vehicle is approaching, the driver will receive a warning and can then stop the vehicle’s movement.

The sensors that are used for BSD are also used for the Door Opening Warning system, a feature that has appeared in recent years. It may not be a very common accident but people still do open doors without checking behind and can cause an accident. If the sensors pick up an approaching object – like a cyclist – the occupant will be warned just before opening the door.

There is also Lane Change Assist (LCA) which will make it safer for the driver when intending to move into another lane. This should not be mistaken for the Lane Keeping Assist which is one of the technologies in the Honda SENSING driver assistance suite. From what we can gather, LCA is an extension of BSD and helps the driver change lanes when it is safe to do so.

Extra equipment
Apart from the enhancements in safety, the HR-V SE doesn’t have any other technical differences from the 1.8-litre versions. However, a Digital Video Recorder (more commonly referred to as a dashcam), boot tray and boot organiser are included in the HR-V SE. The price of RM105,363.95 excludes insurance and sales tax (until the end of 2021) and includes a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty as well as free labour services (terms and conditions apply).

Visit www.honda.com.my or any authorised Honda showroom in Malaysia for more information.

Honda Malaysia offers two extra benefits for new vehicle purchasers until the end of 2021

All-New Land Rover Defender to be launched in Malaysia on October 21

The Defender name has a long history in Malaysia, having been introduced as part of the Land Rover range in the early 1980s. Its shape followed the original iconic design that is recognisable all over the world and to this day, it is still highly regarded for its capabilities and toughness.

The Defender ceased production 4 years ago but Land Rover was working on a successor and launched it in 2019. With the COVID-19 pandemic having disrupted activities all over the world and even shutting down factories, exports of the New Defender have been slower than usual but it will be launched in Malaysia very soon.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has confirmed that the launch will take place on the morning of October 21 online as well as at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara, Selangor. To view online, visit Land Rover Malaysia’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/landrovermalaysia.

Long wheelbase, 2 engine choices
The company has confirmed that the New Defender – which won the 2021 World Car Design of the Year as well as the Women’s World Car of the Year awards – will be offered in the Defender 110 version which is the longer of the two available. This is a 5-door bodystyle and will come with a choice of two powertrains – 2-litres with 300 ps and 2-litres with 400 ps, the latter with a mild hybrid system. Needless to say, as with all Land Rovers, there is permanent 4-wheel drive, while the transmission will be automatic.

The New Defender has Land Rover’s purpose-engineered D7x (‘x’ for extreme) architecture which uses lightweight aluminium monocoque construction. Aluminium has been a key feature of Land Rovers since the start in 1948 and with new technology, the body structure is also the stiffest to date – and very corrosion-resistant, of course.

High-tech features
JLRM has included many advanced features with the vehicle such as a 3D Surround Camera which includes the innovative ClearSight Ground View that provides the driver with a view of the ground ahead. The Electronic Air Suspension also has Adaptive Dynamics that can optimise performance, especially offroad, as the adaptive dampers monitor body movements up to 500 times per second.

Being a SUV, the New Defender should have not problems crossing difficult terrain as well as water. It can cross flooded stretches that are up to 900 mm deep and has a Wade Program that raises the vehicle. Wade Sensing uses ultrasonic sensors in the door mirrors to alert the driver visually and audibly if water approaches the vehicle’s maximum wading depth.

More information and pricing will be provided at launch time but interested parties can visit Jaguar Land Rover showrooms nationwide to place bookings. The locations of showrooms can be found at www.landrover.com.my.