In a testament to its outstanding performance and innovation, the Kia EV9 has been bestowed with the prestigious title of ‘UK Car of the Year 2024’. This accolade comes as a result of the UK Car of the Year Awards, which celebrates the finest new vehicles available to discerning UK customers across eight distinct categories.
The distinguished panel of judges, comprising 30 esteemed journalists hailing from various automotive, business, and tech publications across the UK, carefully deliberated over eligible cars launched within the past 12 months. Among stiff competition, the EV9 emerged triumphant, not only securing the overall award but also clinching victory in the fiercely contested ‘Large Crossover’ category.
Renowned for its innate practicality, contemporary design, and impressive electric driving range, the EV9 garnered widespread acclaim from the judging panel. John Challen, co-chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards, lauded the EV9’s versatility, noting its potential to entice drivers away from conventional petrol or diesel vehicles. Furthermore, judge Paul Barker, Managing Editor of Carwow, praised the EV9 for its spacious interior, practicality, and remarkable electric range, affirming its status as a game-changer in the automotive landscape.
Echoing similar sentiments, Alex Grant, a respected fleet-focused journalist, commended Kia’s unwavering ambition and the EV9’s ability to cater to large families while maintaining a luxurious appeal. Tech journalist Rob Clymo lauded the EV9 for its seamless blend of functionality and cutting-edge technology, making it an ideal choice for individuals prioritising practicality without compromising on driving experience.
This latest accolade adds to the EV9’s growing list of achievements, following its recent introduction to the UK market in January 2024. Already named a finalist for the 2024 European Car of the Year awards and a top-three finalist for the upcoming 2024 World Car Awards, the EV9 continues to garner acclaim on the global stage.
Packed with versatility and equipped with cutting-edge features, the Kia EV9 offers customers a choice of six- or seven-seat configurations, rear- or all-wheel drive powertrains, and three meticulously crafted trim levels. With a starting price of £65,025 (RM391,213) on-the-road, the EV9 boasts an impressive electric driving range of up to 561km (WLTP Combined), complemented by ultra-fast charging capabilities that add 247km in just 15 minutes.
Chery Malaysia welcomes the arrival of its first electric vehicle in Malaysia, the Chery Omoda E5, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards sustainable mobility. The Omoda E5 promises to not only enhance Malaysia’s green transportation landscape but also provide Malaysian consumers with a safe and eco-friendly travel experience.
Executive Vice President Leo Chen emphasised the strategic importance of local assembly operations for the E5, making it the first Chinese electric vehicle to be assembled in Malaysia. Chen highlighted the economic benefits, including job creation and support for Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional hub for electric vehicles.
Moreover, Chery Malaysia introduced its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiative, aimed at promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices among stakeholders.
The Omoda E5 features a powerful 3-in-1 flat-wire motor and advanced electronic control systems, offering a unique blend of strength and technology for an elevated driving experience. With benefits such as ultra-low power consumption, long-range capabilities, and fast charging, it ensures both efficiency and convenience for drivers.
The E5 is powered by a 61kWh high-capacity lithium iron phosphate blade battery ensuring long-range and swift charging while enhancing its eco-friendliness. Delivering an impressive 201hp and 340Nm of torque, while boasting a remarkable Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) 430km range.
Equipped with the latest ADAS 2.5 system, the OMODA E5 prioritises safety with 17 advanced functions, ensuring a secure driving experience for all occupants. These functions include Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) to prevent collisions, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for maintaining safe distances, and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) to alert drivers when drifting out of lanes.
Other features such as Multi Collision Brake (MCB), Traffic Jam Assistant (TJA), and Door Open Warning (DOW) enhance safety in various driving scenarios. Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Rear Collision Warning (RCW) provide additional protection while reversing or in traffic. Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA) works with ACC for smoother driving, while Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) aid in safe lane changes and lane-keeping.
The SUV also features Driving Monitoring System (DMS) for monitoring driver behavior and Blind-spot Detection (BSD) for detecting vehicles in adjacent lanes. Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) intervenes in emergency situations, and a Departure Reminder prompts occupants to check the rear seats before exiting.
The intelligent cockpit, powered by a Qualcomm 8155 chip, provides seamless human-vehicle interaction, complemented by a 24.6-inch curved 2K HD dual-screen for an immersive visual experience. Additionally, a Premium Sony Sound System and dynamic ambient lighting enhance the entertainment value of the vehicle.
The E5 offers a luxurious and spacious interior, with customisable options and high-quality materials ensuring comfort and style. With ample cargo space and generous dimensions, the E5 combines elegance with practicality, making every journey a delightful experience.
Priced at RM146,800, the Omoda E5 comes with an outstanding 7-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, an impressive 8-year or 160,000km battery warranty, and an equally robust 8-year or 160,000km drive unit warranty. Additionally, Chery Malaysia offers complimentary charging facilities for the first 2000 bookings, including a wall box charger, V2L charger, and charging credits worth RM1000 at EVC roaming.
Honda has been a prominent player in the SUV segment since 1995, which is when the first-generation CR-V was introduced. In 2002, the second generation debuted, 2007 the third, 2012 the fourth, 2017 the fifth and now, we have the sixth-generation CR-V.
We drove the sixth-generation CR-V in Thailand back in November 2023 before it was introduced here in Malaysia in December and were immediately blown away by its refinement and features.
In Malaysia, the CR-V comes in four variants, the S, E, V and the top of the line e:HEV RS. It truly stands out in the C-segment of SUVs, rivalling models like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5.
During a recent test drive to Penang, we got to drive the V variant and the e:HEV RS variant. The V variant, priced at RM181,900, features a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol with direct injection that produces 193PS and 243Nm of torque.
The e:HEV RS on the other hand is priced at RM195,900, and features a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle inline-four petrol with direct injection that has an output of 148PS and 190Nm of torque. Why is it so low? Well, because it has an electric motor which has an output of 184PS and 335Nm of torque. No, this is not a combined output. The engine simply acts as a generator that charges up the battery which sends power to the front-mounted electric motor. Through a lock-up clutch, the engine can drive the front wheels directly at higher speeds whenever it is more efficient to do so. So, efficiency is what the e:HEV model does best.
Visually, we find the CR-V to be stunning, especially with the new Canyon River Blue Metallic colour option. The hybrid variant even has an active grille shutter, which has been around since 2017 on models like the Odyssey. But the most eye-catching feature are the taillights. Yes, some might say it looks similar to the Volvo and so on, but that’s a debate for another day. On the CR-V however, it’s a nice finish to the ‘elegant’, yet sporty look.
The standard rims look good, especially the black trim ones that are found on the e:HEV RS. So there is no need to do a rim change. Even if you wanted to, especially for the hybrid variant, you would be making a huge mistake. The hybrid variant comes with wheel resonators which we have actually talked about previously. To simplify it, the resonators assist with noise reduction in the cabin, suppressing annoying road noises, especially on long drives.
Speaking of long drives, we drove the V variant from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and the hybrid variant from Penang back home. Immediately we noticed what a prominent role those resonators play. The road noise that we were hearing in the cabin from the V spec was very obvious but tolerable and in the hybrid variant, that noise was noticeably suppressed. So, kudos to Honda for taking these into consideration.
We asked Honda Malaysia why the resonators were not fitted into the lower variants and Honda stated “The resonators were designed specifically for the hybrid variant for higher noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance, which is why the other variants do not have it.”
On the topic of noise in the cabin, the V spec has a screaming CVT gearbox that may annoy you, especially once you reach higher engine speeds. To some, that may not be an issue, or maybe it’s just us..
However, there is one feature that the V spec has on the inside that we wish the e:HEV had; the wood trim that can be found on the dashboard and door panels.
The e:HEV comes with a silver metallic film trim that is not too bad but lacks the elegant finish that the V spec has. Maybe Honda was going with a more sporty feel that is portrayed by the ‘RS’ trim which features red stitching on the inside.
The term ‘sporty’ is not only applied to the looks of the e:HEV RS, but also to the whole driving experience. There are three driving modes to choose from, which consists of Econ, Normal and Sport mode. It basically enhances the throttle feel and response, and in Sports mode, it is more eager to respond to any demand.
Besides that, the e:HEV RS also does not have a gearbox per say besides for a simpler box for reverse and forward drives. It just does not have ratios in the traditional sense. Honda calls this an e-CVT, perhaps because it would be too complicated to explain to its customers how it works.
To add to the driving pleasure, Honda also included a neat little feature called Active Sound Control (ASC). What this does is that it provides amplified engine sounds and gear-shifting sounds piped back to the cabin through the audio system.
According to Honda, this sound was built from scratch and was not based on the sound created by any internal combustion engine. It was built around what many may consider “sporty” and we were not disappointed at all. It sounds believable and does not have an annoying droning sound like some cars do. So we enjoyed hitting the throttle, adhering to speed limits, of course.
This was a four-hour drive. So was it comfortable? Yes. We took turns driving and, bear in mind that we aren’t exactly the smallest of people, length and width. As mentioned earlier, Honda takes these small things into consideration because the CR-V features body-stabilising seats for front passengers.
The enhanced structure in the back of the seat increases lumbar and pelvic support to create a body-stabilising effect. This helps to prevent fatigue, particularly in the hip and waist area of occupants on longer journeys.
On the way back to KL, we did not do a driver swap so we only had one driver, which is this writer and I drove all the way without making any stops. Not even to empty my tank or fill up the car’s tank. So yes, I can confirm that it is most definitely comfortable.
We even tested the stability of both variants and how they handled the winding roads of Batu Ferringhi. With the hybrid variant, it was smooth and easy, had enough power to shoot out of corners and felt a little bit more stable. The V spec, however, had a more heavier feel on the steering wheel which did not make the turns feel as smooth. But both variants kept the front passengers in place because of the seats.
If you’re a family man with kids at the back, this will not matter because you aren’t supposed to be shooting out of corners anyway.
If you do have kids, the CR-V comes with rear ISOFIX child seat anchors and you will not have to worry about baggage space as it comes with 589-litre of boot space.
When it comes to prioritising the safety of both you and your family, the CR-V ensures peace of mind with an array of advanced safety features. These include eight airbags strategically positioned throughout the vehicle, encompassing front, side, side curtain, and knee protection.
Additionally, the CR-V is equipped with enhanced stability provided by the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, complemented by Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist for optimal braking performance.
The Auto Brake Hold feature offers convenience in traffic, while Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control bolster confidence in challenging terrain. Agile Handle Assist (AHA) contributes to responsive handling, and the Emergency Stop Signal alerts surrounding vehicles in sudden braking situations.
Seat belt reminders for all seats ensure occupants’ restraint, while Auto Door Lock adds an extra layer of security. Active Noise Control fosters a serene cabin environment, while the Honda Connect telematics system keeps you connected on the go.
The Honda Sensing driver assistance suite encompasses advanced features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), and Automatic High Beams (AHD). Furthermore, the Lead Car Departure Notification feature enhances driving awareness, collectively ensuring a safer and more confident driving experience.
As for entertainment, the e:HEV RS features a 10.2-inch TFT fully digital instrument panel and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system which is the first time that Honda Malaysia is offering a premium sound system for its locally-assembled model.
However, there is one thing that we wish Honda would fix. The LaneWatch system. We get that it is helpful to watch out for vehicles nearby, but when you turn on the left indicator, the LaneWatch system just overrides the entire infotainment system which means, you won’t be able to see your GPS screen until you turn off the indicator. And this can be particularly annoying when you need to watch out for where to turn next.
Thankfully, we managed to drive this SUV around Penang without bumping into anything or anyone. We say this because the new body, compared to the previous generation, has an 80mm increase in length, 10mm in width, and a 40mm greater wheelbase. The enormity of the new CRV is hard to describe, but as soon as you see it, you will realise how big it is.
Despite being bigger and heavier, which we thought might result in higher fuel consumption, we saw the opposite of that. After fuelling up in Penang, we had a total range of 778km in the hybrid variant. Upon arrival in KL, we had a total of 280km left. The V spec does not lack in this department too as we did not have to fuel up on the way to Penang.
Overall, the CR-V presents itself as the ultimate SUV for the price, excelling in comfort, space, and driving experience. It is no surprise then that Honda Malaysia has already sold over 6000 units in just three months.
Specifications:
1.5 V AWD:
Engine: 1.5 litre DOHC VTEC Turbo engine
Power: 193PS @ 6000rpm
Torque: 243Nm from 1,700 to 5,000rpm
Gearbox: CVT
0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Price: RM181,900
2.0 e:HEV RS:
Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, DOHC
Power: 184PS @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 335Nm @ 2000rpm
Gearbox: e-CVT
0-100km/h: 9.0 seconds
Top speed: 187km/h
Price: RM195,900
We like: Comfort, space and augmented sound
We don’t like: LaneWatch and its slow wireless charging
Sebagai jenama off-road yang baru muncul, Jaecoo telah lama berada dalam pasaran global sejak penubuhannya dan terlibat dalam penempatan rantaian nilai yang komprehensif. Dalam tempoh masa sembilan bulan sahaja, Jaecoo telah berjaya mengumpulramai peminat di lebih dari dua belas negara dan wilayah di seluruh dunia, terus mengembangkan pengaruhnya. Berpegang kepada falsafah jenama ” Daripada Klasik, Kini Melangkaui Klasik,” Jaecoo memperkenalkan urban premium SUV off-road J7 dan akan mempercepatkan pelancarannya ke pasaran global pada tahun ini.
Acara pelancaran utama terkini telah berlangsung di Mexico pada 20 Februari. Acara pelancaran yang sangat dinantikan ini dihadiri oleh wakil industri utama, penerbit media, dan pelabur peniaga, dan ia menerima pengakuan dan pujian luas dari pelbagai pihak. Dengan pengenalan J7 yang berjaya, Jaecoo bersedia untuk lebih memperluas kehadirannya di pasaran global pemanduan sebelah kanan. Secara khusus, Malaysia akan menjadi negara pertama di Asia Tenggara yang melancarkan Jaecoo J7 pada separuh pertama tahun 2024.
Pada 3 Januari, Jaecoo mengadakan acara pratonton eksklusif untuk J7 di Malaysia. Acara ini menarik pelabur peniaga berpotensi dan penerbit media industri, yang secara kolektif menyaksikan penampilan perdana SUV off-road premium ini,
gabungan prestasi off-road dan teknologi pintar, di Malaysia. Reka bentuk luar biasa dan tawaran produk kenderaan ini mendapat pujian luas dari tetamu di acara tersebut. Untuk menilai secara menyeluruh kemampuan off-road J7 dan prestasi dunia nyata, Jaecoo menjalankan ujian off-road yang komprehensif di trek off-road “M4TREC” yang terkenal di Malaysia sejurus selepas acara pratonton eksklusif.
Since its inception, Jaecoo has rapidly established itself as a prominent player in the off-road market worldwide, engaging in a comprehensive value chain deployment. Within just nine months, Jaecoo has amassed a devoted following in over a dozen countries and regions, steadily increasing its influence. Guided by the brand ethos of “From Classic, Beyond Classic,” Jaecoo is poised to launch its debut urban premium off-road SUV, the J7, on a global scale this year.
The recent major launch event held in Mexico on February 20th garnered significant attention and acclaim from key industry representatives, media publishers, and investor-dealers alike. With the successful introduction of the J7, Jaecoo aims to further expand its presence in the global right-hand drive market. Notably, Malaysia is slated to be the first country in Southeast Asia to witness the launch of the Jaecoo J7 in the first half of 2024.
Operasi terkini yang dilakukan oleh Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat untuk menangani aktiviti meminta sedekah di pasar malam Sri Jaya, Maran, Pahang, telah membongkar seorang lelaki yang menyara dirinya melalui meminta sedekah tetapi memiliki sebuah kenderaan utiliti sport (SUV).
Menurut NST, semasa operasi itu, pegawai agensi telah mengamati seorang lelaki tempatan yang memakai jubah dan memakai taqiyah, melintasi pasar malam dan meminta sumbangan dari orang yang lalu di situ. Penampilannya, bersama dengan tangannya yang kecil, pada mulanya membuat pegawai menganggap bahawa dia mungkin memerlukan bantuan sebenar disebabkan oleh kecacatan fizikal.
Walaupun cubaan oleh pegawai penguatkuasaan untuk berkomunikasi dengan lelaki itu dan memahami tujuan di sebalik memintanya, dia tetap tidak responsif. Diperhatikan bahawa dia kelihatan pekak dan bisu, menambah kepada anggapan tentang kerentanannya.
A recent operation conducted by the Social Welfare Department to tackle begging activities in the Sri Jaya night market, Maran, Pahang, led to the exposure of a man who had been sustaining himself through begging but owned a sports utility vehicle (SUV).
According to NST, during the operation, officials from the agency observed a local man clad in a robe and wearing a taqiyah, traversing the night market and soliciting donations from passersby. His appearance, coupled with his small hands, initially led officials to believe he might be in need of genuine assistance due to a physical disability.
Despite attempts by enforcement officers to communicate with the man and ascertain the purpose behind his begging, he remained unresponsive. It was noted that he seemed to be deaf and mute, adding to the assumption of his vulnerability.
Upon closer inspection, officials discovered a substantial amount of banknotes in his possession, suspected to be the proceeds of donations received from sympathetic individuals. Despite persistent requests for identification, the man remained silent.
Berbeza dengan pasaran Malaysia, Hyundai Creta telah mencapai kejayaan yang luar biasa di India dengan melebihi jualan sebanyak 1,000,000 unit sejak pelancarannya pada tahun 2015. Menurut Hyundai Motor India, Creta dijual dengan kadar yang luar biasa, iaitu satu unit setiap lima minit! Selain kejayaannya di India, Creta juga telah dieksport sebanyak 280,000 unit dari negara tersebut.
Creta menyumbang 26.1% daripada jumlah jualan domestik tahunan Hyundai pada tahun 2023 dan memegang bahagian pasaran yang besar sebanyak 30.7% dalam segmen SUV sederhana.
Kini dalam generasi kedua di India, Creta menerima kemas kini baru-baru ini, yang mengakibatkan lebih daripada 60,000 tempahan untuk model baru tersebut. Dengan harga berkisar antara Rs 10,99,900 (RM63,445) hingga Rs 20,14,900 (RM116,225), Creta bersaing dengan beberapa model terkenal lain di pasaran, termasuk Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, dan MG Astor.
Unlike our Malaysian market, the Hyundai Creta has achieved a significant milestone in India, surpassing sales of 1,000,000 units since its launch in 2015. According to Hyundai Motor India, the Creta is selling at a remarkable rate of one unit every five minutes! Alongside its success in India, the Creta has also seen exports of 280,000 units from the country.
The Creta accounted for 26.1% of Hyundai’s annual domestic volume in 2023 and held a substantial 30.7% share of the mid-size SUV segment.
Currently in its second generation in India, the Creta received a mid-life update recently, resulting in over 60,000 bookings for the new model. With prices ranging from Rs 10,99,900 (RM63,445) to Rs 20,14,900 (RM116,225), the Creta competes with several prominent models in the market, including the Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and MG Astor.
The Hyundai Creta in India offers three engine options: a 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine producing 115PS and 144Nm, a 1.5-litre Kappa Turbo GDi petrol engine with 160PS and 253Nm, and a 1.5-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine delivering 116PS and 250Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, IVT automatic, 7-speed DCT automatic, and 6-speed AT.
Here in Malaysia, the Creta is powered by a Smartstream G1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 115PS at 6,300rpm and 144Nm of torque at 4,500rpm to the front wheels through a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). For Peninsular Malaysia, the Hyundai Creta costs RM149,888 on the open road before insurance.
Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) is celebrating the Lunar New Year with the launch of the Range Rover Evoque Facelift. This updated model combines state-of-the-art enhancements while retaining the distinctive DNA of Range Rover’s compact luxury.
The exterior design of the Evoque Facelift maintains its iconic silhouette, enhanced by a redesigned grille, sleek Pixel LED headlights, and signature Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The chiselled front and rear signature graphics add to its jewel-like appearance, complementing the iconic floating roof and unbroken waistline. The car’s profile, characterised by its fast roofline and coupe-like silhouette, is accentuated by 21-inch wheels and a refined grille design, exuding robustness and sophistication.
Inside the cabin, modern luxury is exemplified by a new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen, seamlessly integrated into the centre console. The latest Pivi Pro infotainment technology, along with features like Wireless Device Charging and a premium Meridian sound system, ensures a seamless and comfortable digital experience. Additionally, the Evoque Facelift offers premium amenities such as an electrically adjustable steering column and satin chrome gear shift paddles.
Under the hood, customers can choose between the P200 and P250 models, each offering a unique set of features. The P200 model is powered by a 200PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering swift responses and efficient performance. The P250 model boasts 249PS and 365Nm of torque, achieving 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds.
Safety remains a top priority, with advanced camera technologies such as the 3D Surround camera, ClearSight Ground View, and ClearSight Interior Rear View available on select variants to enhance driver reassurance and safety.
The Range Rover Evoque Facelift is available in three variants, priced from RM498,800.00 for the 200PS Dynamic SE (MSpec), RM529,800 for 249PS Dynamic SE (H Spec), and RM565,800.00 for Evoque 249PS Dynamic HSE (Lux Spec). The colour palette, inspired by the Year of the Dragon, includes auspicious hues such as Corinthian Bronze, Tribeca Blue, and Arroios Grey, symbolising prosperity and tranquility.
Customers can experience the new Range Rover Evoque Facelift at JLRM’s award-winning dealerships in Ara Damansara and Penang. These dealerships uphold global JLR standards, providing customers with personalised purchasing and ownership experiences, including personalisation studios for configuring exterior colours and interior upholstery choices.
