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SUV

The Cayenne, Porsche’s first SUV, is still in its third generation since being launched in 2017. During the past 5 years, there have been improvements in areas related to the powertrain, chassis, design, equipment and connectivity. This is usual for any carmaker as feedback from real-world usage by owners is received at the factory and measures are taken to address issues, while also improving the product in overall terms.

Occasionally, there are numerous improvements made with many new technologies and it is necessary not just to calibrate or tune many systems but also test them for durability and reliability. Prototypes are now undergoing rigorous testing – called ‘complete vehicle testing’ at Porsche – to ensure the operational stability and functionality of all components and systems as they interact – in situations that the customer experiences and far beyond.

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Since 2022, Mazda has expanded its line-up of CX crossover SUVs with a greater focus on electrification with a complementary range that has a double-digit designations, with a ‘0’ added. While  the popular CX-5 will remain one of the core models globally, alongside with models such as the compact CX-30, the company has additional models in the Large Product Group.

These models are the CX-50, CX-60 and CX-80 – primarily for the European and American markets, together with the wide-bodied CX-70 and CX-90. Most of the models have been launched in the past year or will be launched this year, with the first in 2023 being the CX-90. This new model, largest in the range, will take over from the CX-9 as the flagship of the brand.

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Long before there were premium and luxury SUVs, there was the Range Rover. Flagship of the Land Rover range when it was launched in 1970, the Range Rover would be the choice of the rich and famous and be the benchmark for 4×4 vehicles as it was always a technological leader. And even when the luxury carmakers began to offer their SUVs, the Range Rover still held its position high in the segment.

Now, five decades later, the fifth generation has come out and as before, it comes with refinement and innovations that are in tune with the world of today. Progressively introduced in various markets over the past year, the new Range Rover (L460) will be introduced in Malaysia in mid-February.

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Hyundai’s largest model – the Palisade – arrived in Malaysia in December 2021, three years after it made its global debut. Just three months later, in New York, the updated version was unveiled but Malaysia continued with the pre-facelift model throughout 2022. Today sees the updated Palisade being launched by Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) In Malaysia with four variants to choose from.

For the 2023 model, the features and equipment have been commonised so, apart from the powertrains and a few items, all four variants are similar. Incidentally, HSDM is importing the European model which probably best matches Malaysian Type Approval requirements.

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Last year could have been considered a ‘setting up’ year for Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the subsidiary of Bermaz Auto (BAuto) handling the Kia brand. With BAuto having suddenly gained two additional brands in such a short space of time, it need to organize the sales and aftersales network first.

Kia already had its 5-year plan ready to roll, with 4 new models to be assembled locally. The first one was the Carnival, which arrived as planned last year (a hybrid version is planned for 2024) and now comes the second one – the Sorento SUV – which was originally planned to appear in 2022 as well.

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Since the European Car of the Year (COTY) awards began in 1964, the winners have come from European brands with the first one from Japan in 1993. That of course discounts Ford as being as American brand as the Ford models that won were essentially European models. So there has never been an American brand winning the European COTY – until 2023.

At the Brussels Motor Show today, the Jeep Avenger was announced as this year’s winner, probably a surprise to many as there were strong contenders among the other six finalists. It’s the first time that Jeep – a thoroughly American brand – has won the award though other brands in the Stellantis Group (which it is part of) have won awards over the years.

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To show what its future direction is like, Suzuki is presenting its eVX concept model at India’s Auto Expo 2023 in Delhi this week. The eVX is the carmaker’s first global strategic electric vehicle (EV) which will be the basis of an all-new SUV model to be launched in 2025.

The design of the eVX draws on models like the Grand Vitara and S-Cross while moving the brand forward with new elements that brings its 4×4 legacy into the electric era. With no need for air to cool the radiator, the front end is closed off and a large Suzuki badge is mounted in the centre. The futuristic lights are likely to be just for the showcar as they would unlikely be able to meet regulations.

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Besides the Smart Eye occupant monitoring system that Polestar will be installing in its Polestar 3 SUV model, the carmaker will also have enhancements and developments in its other models soon. These new features are being showcased by Google at CES 2023 in Las Vegas this weekend.

The developments include Google’s new HD map, and the roll-out of remote actions for Polestar 2. “These developments are the direct result of our strong relationship with Google and show the advantages of integrating the innovative Android Automotive OS in our cars,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO.

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Extreme E enters its third season in 2023, with the series heading to new locations for the first time and revisiting some of the 2022 favourites. Uniquely, this motorsport event is not just about competition over rough terrain but also aims to drive awareness of climate change issues. It promotes sustainability and competing vehicles run only on electricity.

The extent to which sustainability and minimal impact on the environment are pursued can be seen in the way the logistical aspects. Instead of using aircraft, a ship was specially converted for the purpose to carry the vehicles, logistics equipment and paddock infrastructure to each location.

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BMW Malaysia has started off the new year with the addition of another variant in the BMW iX range, this being the iX xDrive50 Sport. It joins the iX xDrive40 (available in two versions) which was launched last year.

According to Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, the additional variant exemplifies the brand’s commitment towards shaping the future of Electrified Mobility in Malaysia, not only in expanding the product offerings but also infrastructure to accommodate a thriving electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.

“Our efforts to electrify the automotive landscape in Malaysia has always worked in tandem with the government’s agenda for electrification, and we are set to see further developments in this aspect with our many new industry partners as well,” he said.

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