test drive Archives

The smart #1: New King Of The Malaysian Roads?

In July, we had the chance to test two of the three smart #1 variants, primarily to assess their top speed on an open track. However, we didn’t have the opportunity to evaluate the ADAS system or conduct real-world driving tests, limiting our insights into the battery electric subcompact crossover SUV.

Recently, thanks to smart Malaysia, we got behind the wheel again, focusing on testing the ADAS and experiencing real-world driving.

Let’s begin by introducing the three available variants in the Malaysian market: Pro, Premium, and Brabus. The Pro variant serves as the entry-level option, while both Pro and Premium variants offer almost identical ADAS features, including:

L2+ ADAS Category/Level
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) – City/Urban
Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) – Pedestrian/Cyclist
Front Collision Mitigation Support (FCMS)
Rear Collision Mitigation Support (RCMS)
Emergency Lane Keep Assist (ELKA)
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Lane Change Assist (LA) Automated
Lane Change Assist (ALCA)
Evasive Maneuver Assist (EMA)
Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Door Opening Warning (DOW)
Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF)
Driver Performance Monitoring (DPM)
Highway Assist (HWA)
Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
360 Visual Park Assist

The key difference lies in the Pro variant’s Automatic High Beam, while the Premium variant offers a higher-end Adaptive High Beam, Full Autonomous Parking (FAP), Parking Emergency Brake (PEB), and Autonomous Parking Assist.

The Pro variant, with a smaller 49kWh LFP battery, provides a WLTP-rated range of 315km on a single charge. In contrast, the Premium variant is equipped with a larger 66kWh battery, offering a WLTP-rated range of 440km. Both variants utilise the same 268hp, 343Nm electric motor, taking 6.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h, and are configured with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup.

Additionally, certain features like automatic headlight levelling, lighted front grille or door handles, welcome light, luminous side logo, and a kick sensor for the motorised tailgate are available.

Inside, the Pro variant exhibits a few feature reductions, such as leatherette seats and the absence of ventilated seats for the front occupants. Moreover, the 10-inch head-up display is replaced by a more basic 5-speaker audio system instead of the 13-speaker Beats Audio System.

The third variant, the Brabus variant, offers all the features present in the other variants and an additional option: the ability to switch from RWD to all-wheel-drive (AWD). This variant prioritises high performance, boasting a rapid 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds. It features a Dual-motor All-Wheel-Drive powertrain with 422hp and 543Nm of torque, providing excellent handling and traction and a practical WLTP range of 400km.

Our driving experience with the Premium and Brabus variants in real-world conditions was a delightful blend of a Mini and a Mercedes EQB, owing to the cars size and high-quality build. The car exudes a sense of quality, both in its interior and exterior design. Sitting inside gives you the impression of driving a Mercedes, with ambient lighting offering 64 available colours and different combinations for the top and bottom.

Despite its compact appearance, the smart #1 is surprisingly spacious, measuring 4,270mm in length and 1,822mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm. Even individuals with broad shoulders and long legs can sit comfortably without any struggle. For added comfort, there’s dual-zone auto air conditioning with rear vents, an N95 air conditioning filter, and chilled center armrest storage.

Moving on from the specifications, our journey commenced at Menara Affin, heading to the Sungai Besi Expressway. Along the way, we extensively tested the reliability of the ADAS system. The lane change assist feature, in particular, made lane switching feel seamless and safe, especially in Kuala Lumpur traffic.

However, in the Brabus variant, switching lanes manually is exhilarating and fun, thanks to its ample power. Whenever possible, we took advantage of this power, ensuring to adhere to speed limits. Moreover, the cars design provides maximum visibility, enhancing the driving experience.

With the Brabus variant, you can activate a virtual exhaust sound through the Beats speakers, amplifying the excitement of acceleration and adding a touch of fun to the electric vehicle driving experience.

In terms of speed limits, the car detects speed limit signs and warns you if you exceed them. With the Brabus variant, expect frequent warnings due to its potential for quick overtaking, making it an enjoyable city car. You definitely won’t be bullied by Myvi’s anymore. As a matter of fact, we managed to get a few “King of the Malaysian roads” to get out of our way.

The technology incorporated is impressive and convenient, featuring Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and even a built-in navigation system. The heads-up display provides crucial information, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.

During our testing at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, we tried the Autonomous Parking Assist. However, this system proved somewhat flawed, often prompting us to park manually as it struggled to detect available spaces efficiently. It seems more suitable for use in locations with minimal traffic, such as shopping malls.

Heading back on the highway, we switched from the Brabus to the Premium variant. Returning to Menara Affin during peak traffic hours, the ADAS system of the Premium variant proved effective in detecting potential dangers on the road. While the Premium variant is slightly slower than the Brabus, it offers comparable performance without compromising on speed.

Though no official pricing confirmation is available, smart Malaysia estimates a range of RM200,000 to RM250,000 for these variants. Bookings have been steadily coming in, although the exact number remains undisclosed.

If you’re keen to experience the smart #1 firsthand, you can do so at Menara Affin, TRX, from 12th to 14th October 2023, between 9am to 6pm, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

TEST-DRIVE – 2022 Honda Civic Sedan RS

In the past, Honda Malaysia would usually take us to Thailand to get first impressions of a new model and we would get to drive it some distance in places like Chiangmai or Phuket. However, with border restrictions due to the pandemic, that is no longer possible so they organized a brief drive at the Sepang circuit before the launch of the new Civic and then arranged for a media drive to Penang and back (not during the Hari Raya period, of course). Here’s what Chips Yap found out about the C-segment leader…

Whenever I look at the recent generations of Honda Civics, I am always struck by how the model has grown in size since it first appeared in the 1970s. When I tested the first generation, it was just a small hatchback and it was even smaller than a Proton Iriz. But then again, cars back then were also smaller (besides being cheaper too).

With most generation changes, there was a constant increase in length but (disregarding the first generation which was only a hatchback) it was from the fourth generation to the fifth one which came at the beginning of the 1990s that saw the greatest increase of all the generations to date. From around 4230 mm, the overall length extended to around 4450 mm – a 220 mm difference. The growth in size could have been due to the fact that Honda had begun making the Civic in America and its popularity had grown quickly, so it needed to be more ‘rightsized’ for that market.

*The Civic began life as a hatchback but the sedan very quickly became the dominant version globally.*

In time, it would be the US market that kept the Civic line alive and evolving because in Japan, it was no longer favoured. In 2009, out of the 609,000 units sold globally, only 9,000 were sold in Japan, and in the following year, Honda decided to stop selling it. It brought back the model in 2017 but still its appeal remained low as buyers preferred compact models and the mini MPVs. By 2020, the company again decided to stop Civic sedan sales in Japan when only 1,619 units were sold in the entire year.

However, outside Japan, the Civic has remained a popular model; although it had started as an entry-level model with low pricing, it gradually moved out of that level and further up the market (which saw the City being introduced to take over its place). Nevertheless, in markets other than Japan, it had a following that kept volumes high enough to justify its continued existence to arrive at the 11^th generation which we now have.

While the Civic continues to appeal to generally younger buyers, the latest generation has given up some of its bolder styling elements this time round. Unlike the 10th generation which had a major design change from its predecessor, an evolutionary approach has been taken. The overall size is close to the 10th generation, increasing in overall length by 30 mm with a marginally longer wheelbase as well.

The totally new frontal appearance suggests that the EXCITING H!!! DESIGN philosophy which was adopted in 2013 has been finally changed to a ‘New Age Identity’ that is thin and light look. There are still remnants of the Solid Wing Face but it is a much simpler form to complement the low bonnet and front fenders.

Also gone are the crab claw tail lights which gave the 10^th generation a distinctive visual signature from afar. The new LED units wrap around the corners and taper towards the centre, generating s visual signature too but nothing really unique.

Models that have gone through as many generations as the Civic has – over almost 50 years – usually become more mature, just like humans do. And so it is with the styling which is still polished and has the premium look but maybe not as aggressive as the model before. It still has sporty undertones with the roofline flowing smoothly to the rear end and the repositioning of the A-pillars further back visually stretches the bonnet line.

The drive route took us through Ipoh and gave good insights into the new car’s behaviour in various conditions. Though Honda says that noise levels are reduced, there were times when it seemed that noise from the rear was still not much changed. We would put it down to the widely varying quality of road surfaces in our country as there were times when things were quieter and the level of vibrations felt was also low.

Although the CVT was available in Malaysia as far back as the 1980s (in just a couple of models), it’s only over the past 10 years or so that it’s become mainstream and I think it was Honda that was the first major brand to offer it in Malaysia with the first Jazz. Enthusiasts dislike CVTs because of its non-linear power delivery and most people cannot stand that ‘rubberband’ characteristic when accelerating hard. But the newer CVTs, like the one in the Civic, have improved feel and less mechanical noise evident though it is still not the same as a conventional automatic. With the RS model we tested, you get paddle shifters which are useful on twisty roads when you want better control.

While it’s the same powerplant as before, the 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has improved output with an additional 10 ps and 20 Nm to push total output to 182 ps/240 Nm. It feels a little bit slow off the line but that generous torque gives it strong muscles once on the move. High speeds can be sustained easily and there’s quick responsiveness when you need an additional burst of speed to overtake.

The Civic is still a sporty handler, instilling confidence and able to give the driver an entertaining time behind the wheel with its agility around corners. Matching the mature looks, the ride is composed with a balance of sportiness and comfort. Thanks to increased body rigidity, roll is negligible and the suspension does a decent job of flattening most road imperfections but could do a better job of making potholes ‘disappear’.

For me, the highlight of this Civic generation is the dashboard. When I saw the first pictures of it, I somehow immediately had recollections of older Honda models. Friends who, like me, had been in those models of the 1970s, also felt the same way and it has something to do with the honeycomb grille that runs across the entire dashboard. It’s classy in a classic sort of way and I think that just as the designers of the Honda e looked back at the early models for the dashboard design, the interior designers of the new Civic also studied designs that predecessors adopted.

The whole dashboard has been visually decluttered, a change from the previous one, and even the air vents seem to be absent. But they aren’t – they are actually hidden under the finely detailed grille (which is metal, not plastic). The vents are adjusted by small handles which resemble joystick controllers so Gen Z should be right at home with them.

The other thing about the dashboard design is that the interior designers have paused on the rush towards digitizing everything and putting controls on display panels. It may seem like the way to go but there are practical reasons why rotary controls and physical pushbuttons are still better and the Civic shows this sensible thinking. There are three rotary knobs to adjust the air-conditioner blower speed and temperature and this is how it should be because these are operations you do not want to have to look at a panel to do. Most of the time, they are done intuitively, without looking, and that’s better for safety.

With adjustments done on a screen, I’ve found that you need to look at the screen and then precisely press a spot on it to adjust something. That’s not so good when you’re driving so Honda has got it right with the Civic, leaving the on-screen buttons as one-touch operations. Oh, the large icons on the 9-inch centre display are also appreciated and most of all, operations are intuitive enough.

It doesn’t need saying that the fit and finish are top-notch and being the RS version, there’s also a premium touch (for extra money, of course). I spent some time in the back seats and they have good form and function with the concaved cushioning providing good support and generous space on the floor. There’s good width for 3 persons to sit comfortably too with the body now having been broadened up to 1.8 metres, the widest ever in 11 generations.

The Honda SENSING driver assistance suite for the Civic RS has improved functionality and consists of 9 active safety systems. There’s now a Lead Car Departure Notification System which alerts the driver when the vehicle ahead moves off though I’m not sure if that’s really needed. But the Driver Attention Monitor is good as it could save a driver from dozing off and crashing. It monitors the way the car is being controlled and if there is unusual driving behaviour, the driver will be alerted (and should pull over for a break).

I used to disregard the value of lane-keeping systems but driving the Civic RS, I could see that apart from enhancing driving safety, the system can also help reduce fatigue on long journeys. Basically, the system will monitor lane markings and maintain the car in the middle. If there is too much deviation to one side or the other, there will be alerts but if the driver still does not take corrective action, then there will be gentle steering action to guide the car back into position.

While this may seem intrusive to some, I came to realise that when we drive, there is some adjustment of the steering to keep the car in the lane. You do it consciously or sometimes even unconsciously and it is something that requires a tiny bit of effort. If the lane-keeping system does this, then that effort is unnecessary and as I drove along gently winding roads, I noticed how the steering would turn by itself slightly as the road curved. And if you have the adaptive cruise control on, then you can enjoy a preview of autonomous motoring as well!

I’ve mentioned Honda LaneWatch a few times and praised it and I will again say it’s one of Honda’s great innovations which is now available in most models. It provides (on the screen) a view of the left side of the car whenever the left signal is activated and the good thing is that the head does not have to turn as much as if it had to look at the door mirror. Also, the small camera mounted on the mirror captures clear images at night so you get a better view. The LaneWatch display can also be manually activated by pressing on the button on the tip of the right stalk if there is a need to take a look at any time.

One thing which surprised me though was that, because the LaneWatch display uses the same centre panel, when it comes on, it dominates the screen. So if you’re looking at a map that was mirrored using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, it will suddenly ‘disappear’. The first few times it happened, I found it a bit disconcerting as it would happen at that moment when I was watching for a turn. But then again, you can get used to it and live with it.

Sadly, the cost of the Honda LaneWatch system has been high and last year, Honda said that it would eventually stop offering it and go for more conventional blindspot monitoring systems like in other cars. It’s a pity because I thought they had found a way to reduce the cost in the newer models with a separate camera mounting.

The Civic RS version we drove is the top version of the latest range and it’s priced from RM144,350.09 (without insurance and sales tax exemption only till June 30, 2022). If it’s within your budget, the extra amount you pay over the other two variants is well worth the money. It comes loaded with all the latest features and being a Civic – and a Honda – you can be sure that it will not only be reliable but also hold its value well.

New Honda Civic gets top safety rating from ASEAN NCAP (w/VIDEO)

Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV tested – we find out why this model is still the bestseller in Malaysia

The Perodua Myvi, now in the third generation, is currently in its fifth year and has been the country’s most popular model in all that time – and in the 12 years before as well. It’s hard to drive anywhere and not see a Myvi, old or new, around or in the background. While Perodua has worked hard to build the brand image, the product itself still has to be good to become a continuous bestseller. This means it has to be built well, have good space within, look good and of course, be priced affordably. And the Myvi ticks all those boxes, adding further strong points as it evolved and grew up.

The 2022 version is essentially a facelift to keep the model fresh for another few years. It’s inside that there are more noticeable changes, like the larger touchscreen, new steering wheel and a red theme (and only red) for the upholstery which is also leather in the Myvi 1.5 AV we tested. As with every generation of the Myvi, build quality is excellent and the feel is more solid with attention given to tiny details to reduce metal-to-metal contact. Even the bonnet can be kept raised in two positions, a second one more upright for easier access from above.

Developed with Malaysian DNA
The spaciousness of the cabin has always been a strong point of the Myvi, thanks to the fact that Malaysians were involved in the development of the first one alongside the teams from Daihatsu and Toyota. Though Perodua’s role was small (it was more for the Malaysians to gain experience), they nevertheless were able to convince the project team that the interior space needed to be greater because that was what Malaysians wanted. Had they not provided that input (and had it not been accepted), we might have gotten a more compact cabin which the Japanese are okay with.

From the experience of developing that first generation, Perodua began to develop its own capabilities to the extent that they can now do the upper body work themselves. This means that there is more localized thinking in the styling elements which would be more suited to Malaysian tastes and expectations. It also saw the addition of features like the teh tarik hooks as well as the handbag hook on the side of the front passenger’s seat to prevent theft.

Suspension more customised for Malaysia
We also noticed that the handling of the Myvi in its third generation had changed in character somewhat and upon discussion with the Perodua guys, we learnt that with this generation, the suspension settings were specifically tuned to Malaysian requirements, rather than using those provided by Daihatsu in the past. Apparently, this was a ‘victory’ because it meant that the car’s handling could be more suited to our roads and from what we noticed driving the second and third generations is that the current one has a more direct feel with more linear response to changes in direction.

Switch to CVT
While maintaining the same 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines with Dual VVT-i, the drivetrain has switched from the conventional electronically-controlled automatic transmission with a torque converter to a D-CVT (continuously-variable transmission). This change helps to squeeze a few more kilometres from each litre of fuel as CVTs are more efficient, especially in urban driving conditions.

Unfortunately, those who still like manual transmissions can’t get them anymore with the Myvi and if you really must have a manual (and you want a Perodua), then you would have to settle for a Bezza, Axia or Alza. And if it is an Alza you want, you should quickly go to a showroom to order one as stocks will be diminishing with no replacements coming since production of the model ended last month.

While some may be critical of a CVT’s feel and characteristics, it would generally be fine for most people. The engineers have tuned the transmission (which, like the engines, is produced in Malaysia) to have an almost similar feel as a torque-converter unit with less of that ‘rubberband’ acceleration.

The transmission also improves acceleration which can be slightly enhanced by selecting the ‘S’ mode. But conversely, as we discovered, you don’t get the same level of engine braking. For this reason (and it’s also present in hybrids), there is a ‘B’ mode which can be used to assist in slowing down. It helps to decelerate the car more positively so you don’t have to use the brakes excessively, especially when going down a steep slope. So those who frequent the Genting Highlands road would want to use it a lot so their brakes don’t end up smoking.

It’s interesting that, besides the ‘S’ (Sports) mode in the transmission, the Myvi (1.5 version) also has a PWR mode. Both would seem to do the same thing which is enhance performance, usually acceleration, but they actually have different purposes. When you select ‘S’ mode in the transmission, it is like downshifting with a manual and the ratio is lowered. This improves control when driving on winding roads.

When you press the PWR button, you are going into a ‘sports mode’ whereby the engine programming is altered to give a boost to performance. Acceleration becomes quicker but at the expense of some fuel economy. So you get two ways to enhance performance, depending on the road conditions.

Perodua says that with the D-CVT, fuel consumption is 5% lower than before and for the Myvi 1.5 AV that we tested, the claim is 21.1 kms/litre. In the old days (before 1990s), verifying claims was tedious as you had to top up the fuel tank and then refill it again after driving some distance, and calculate the consumption from the fuel used – which wasn’t necessarily accurate.

These days, an on-board computer tells you not just the average consumption but also consumption in real-time as well as the range possible with fuel remaining in the tank. In our case, we actually got a bit better than the claim after a 2-day period, achieving 22.5 kms/litre. Much of this was highway driving and in city driving, it went to as low as 13.5 kms/litre at times due to congestion. That’s when the Eco Idle system which automatically shuts down the engine during long periods of standing still helps avoid wasting fuel.

Having such good fuel consumption means the tank can be smaller and the one in today’s Myvi’s is just 36 litres. The tank in the first Myvi had a 40-litre capacity so reducing it by 4 litres has also meant almost 3 kgs in weight-saving with less fuel.

More active safety systems
When this generation of the Myvi was introduced in 2017, its Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system was an impressive new addition that moved active safety in this class to the next level. While ASA has continued to improve, the scope of safety systems for the Myvi has also broadened and the expanded package is now known as Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA).

While including ASA which is essentially to provide automatic emergency braking (AEB), PSDA adds Driving Assist, Parking Assist and Headlamp Assist to help the driver in various ways, not just to avoid accidents. For instance, Driving Assist has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which allows the car to travel at a set speed but adjusted to maintain a safe gap from the vehicle in front when necessary. There are also systems to keep the car in its lane and if the driver doesn’t do so, the system will apply pressure to guide the car back into its lane. We found the alerts rather intrusive as they often occurred but they also served to make driving a bit more ‘disciplined’.

ASA and some systems of PSDA use a camera mounted on the top of the windscreen. This is a lower-cost approach (appropriate for a model like the Myvi) than having camera and radar, which more expensive models have. Though the camera works well enough, there are some conditions where its view might be obscured, eg during heavy rain. This means that the system is ‘blind’ and that has implications on its ability to detect other vehicles ahead. Perodua acknowledges that the system is not 100% perfect, which is acceptable, and that drivers still need to pay attention. In any case, when a system is inactive, the driver will be warned by a message on the instrument panel.

One of the new additions with the PSDA system is Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which is really great when reversing. The camera at the back shows a limited field of view but the sensors can detect further to either side to detect approaching vehicles. The driver will be alerted so he can stop instead of continuing to reverse and possibly having an accident.

The other thing which we were surprised to see on the instrument panel was the position of the front wheels (when reverse gear is engaged). It’s a very rare feature and useful when maneuvering the car in tight spots. Along with the guide lines on the image of the rear view, it’s very easy parking the Myvi and there should be no excuse for bad positioning that gets your car publicized in Facebook’s Stupid Parking Idiots page!

One thing that has to be said about the controls and switches (and this is something we usually assess) is how easy they are to operate as well as how intuitive their operation is. Admittedly, everything can be found in the manual (which can be found online as well) but not everyone reads it. So the mark of a well designed cockpit layout would be that a driver can make settings intuitively. The Myvi gets top marks for this and someone new to the car will be able to use the many features right away.

Hard to beat package
The Myvi 1.5 AV that we tested starts from RM58,800 (without insurance) and with the amount of stuff that Perodua has put in, it’s certainly great value for money. The price range for the model goes down to as low as RM45,700 but when you pay less, you obviously get less too. Nevertheless, as an overall package, the Myvi would be hard to beat at the price point of each variant.

To locate a showroom to view or test-drive the latest Myvi or other Perodua models. visit www.perodua.com.my.

New Perodua Myvi launched with 5 variants, priced from RM45,700 to RM58,800

First impressions of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (video)

Toyota hybrids aren’t new in Malaysia and although the early ones were not sold here, there was a short period about 10 years ago when UMW Toyota Motor imported the third generation of the Prius (the first mass-produced hybrid car in the world) as well as the smaller Prius c and also the Lexus CT200h. During that period, the government had allowed hybrids and EVs to be sold duty-free, so they were priced attractively. After the government stopped the duty exemption, the prices went up again due to high import duties as well as the higher cost of hybrids, and demand for hybrids fell.

Now, as there is an increasing need to address climate change, especially global warming, carmakers like Toyota are using various approaches to ensure that ‘no customer is left behind‘. Toyota recognises that different countries and different regions may be at different stages of development with regards to the infrastructure to support electrified vehicles. In the more advanced regions like Europe, Japan and North America as well as China, the network of recharging stations is extensive so owners of electric vehicles can easily find a place to recharge their vehicle.

In Malaysia, while the government has just started to give support to promoting fully electric vehicles, the infrastructure is not yet developed enough. There are only around 400 recharging stations in the country at this time and most are are the bigger cities and towns. In view of this, UMW Toyota Motor has taken the position that hybrids are a better approach for now as they do not require the infrastructure since they are self-charging. And besides, there are around 3,700 petrol stations all over the country so refuelling is easy enough.

Owners of hybrid vehicles can travel as far as those with vehicles using petrol or diesel combustion engines, and have no fear of running out of ‘fuel’ in the battery pack. The hybrid system thus offers the benefits of electric drive without the issues of recharging and ‘range anxiety’ where the motorist has to worry if he or she can find a place to recharge – not to mention the fact that recharging is not as fast as refuelling petrol.

To increase the usage of hybrids, UMW Toyota Motor has therefore decided to assemble some models in Malaysia at its own plant. The first of these is the Corolla Cross Hybrid which will be launched this week with a price of around RM137,000. It is the first Toyota hybrid model assembled in Malaysia and also the first model with the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that is assembled locally. Besides the 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, there is also a separate warranty on the battery pack that is 8 years long (with the option of extending to 10 years). Unlike other battery warranties, the warranty for the Corolla Cross Hybrid covers a few additional hybrid-related components as well. So those who have had concerns about the high cost of replacement if there is a problem can have peace of mind.

We’ve driven the Corolla Cross Hybrid from the Klang Valley to Ipoh and then Penang and back and we have first impressions to share with you in this video.

To know more about the Corolla Cross Hybrid, visit www.toyota.com.my.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia offers 1-hour test-drives without salesman being present

Are you one of those who prefers to be alone at the wheel when test-driving a vehicle? Some people are like that and dislike having a salesman accompany them, sometimes being distracting as they keep talking about the features of the model. But for virtually all companies, that would be an understandable policy – after all, a stranger is taking their property out for a drive and all they have are some of his personal details.

Furthermore, in these pandemic times, customers may also be uncomfortable having a stranger in the vehicle with them, even if everyone follows SOPs.

For Klang Valley customers
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) understands such feelings and now offers the option of an unaccompanied test-drive for customers in the Klang Valley. This option is for the popular Triton Athlete pick-up truck and the XPANDER 7-seater MPV. Of course, if they wish, the salesman can also be present and explain the many features in the vehicles so they can enjoy it more on their drive.

To request for a test-drive, customers should visit MMM’s official website at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/testdrive2u/ and fill out the form online. Upon receiving the request, an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer nearest to them will make contact to verify and confirm the appointment. Arrangements will then be made to deliver the test-drive vehicle to the customer’s preferred location for the test-drive which can be up to an hour long.

Fully sanitized vehicles for peace of mind
MMM assures customers that every test-drive is properly sanitized, especially at all touchpoints, for their safety and peace of mind. Product information will also be provided to ensure that the customer can operate the various systems, especially those which enhance comfort or add convenience. Needless to say, the customer should have a valid driving licence to drive on public roads.

For example, in both models, there’s seamless connectivity for compatible smartphones with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to put favourite apps in the infotainment system. This means the driver can use those apps right from the dashboard and in some cases, voice commands also provide handsfree operation.

“As the nation moves towards the endemic era, living with COVID-19 and SOPs are the New Normal challenges that we need to adapt to. As a company, we adapt our business primarily to keep our customers safe. Hence we offer the unaccompanied test-drive option for a peace-of-mind shopping experience. This option will allow our customers to experience the Mitsubishi cars on their terms with limited contact,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

“Shopping for a new vehicle present day is different than it was before the pandemic. At Mitsubishi Motors, we saw this as an opportunity to improve our customer’s experience and convenience. Through our Mitsubishi Online Showroom, customers can now learn about Mitsubishi vehicles, and they only need to fill up a form to schedule an appointment with our authorized dealers. We will then take care of the rest of the process right to delivering the Mitsubishi vehicle to customer’s doorstep,” Mr. Ikeda added.

For those who already own a Mitsubishi vehicle, using the MITSUBISHI CONNECT MY mobile app makes it easy to schedule a service appointment. They can also obtain assistance by calling MMM’s Customer Careline at 1800 18 8161.

Your new Mitsubishi vehicle can now be delivered right to your home

Try a Renault at TC Euro Cars and become the owner of a concept car

The Renault Symbioz concept EV was conceived as a mobile home on wheels, with a multi-use cabin giving occupants a new motoring experience. It is an extended living space from the home, bringing the lounge atmosphere when on the move.

Thanks to its various self-driving modes, there’s no more need for manual driving (the option is still there though). In lounge mode, the front seats swivel 180° experience while the vast sunroof gives a very open feeling as the sky passes by overhead.

The floating glass roof features a system to adjust the opacity of the glass and the LED lighting that can be accessed from the Renault MULTI-SENSE 3.0 system interface.

And when at home, it is also possible to make the Symbioz an additional room for the house. Pushing home automation to the next level, the home power supply can charge the electric car automatically and at the same time, the car’s battery pack can supply electricity for the needs of the home. This interconnectivity allows car and home to recognize each other and anticipate their reciprocal needs.

Want to own a Symbioz? TC Euro Cars can offer you one and rhere’s no charge. The only cost to you will be some time that will be well spent experiencing one of the Renault models offered by the company. By the way, the Symbioz will be 1/64^th the size of the original car.

*Some of the Renault models available in Malaysia.*

Click here to locate a showroom to experience a Renault and get your Symbioz (while stocks last).

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai will bring new models to you for a test-drive

Car-buyers today are luckier than those in the 1980s and earlier because car companies readily offer them a chance to test-drive a new model. In earlier days, companies were less accommodating as they were not willing to register the new cars unless they were being sold and besides, it was a ‘sellers market’ then. The growth of the market created high demand so if a customer insisted on trying a car, his request could be rejected because the salesman knew there were another 5 other customers waiting to buy it anyway.

But all that changed in the 1990s as the market got more competitive. And with cars looking the ‘same’ on paper, the emphasis switched to the ‘driving experience’ to highlight the difference. Each brand would proudly boast of a superior driving experience and in contrast to the past, would try their best to get customers behind the wheel. Many companies held test-drive campaigns, inviting the public to come and try their latest models. At motorshows in recent years, test-drives have been an important activity for the exhibitors.

Now, with concerns about the pandemic, car-shopping has to change again. Apart from reluctance of some customers to visit showrooms, there is also social distancing to observe and other procedures to adhere to. So what Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) is doing is to go to the customer instead. The company recently began its ‘Test Drive to You’ campaign which brings the latest Hyundai models to the customer’s doorstep to try out.

It’s actually good for the customer, not only because of the convenience but also because the test-drive can be done on familiar roads in the area around the home.

Personalised service
“The ‘Test Drive to You’ campaign is an exclusive personalised service by Sime Darby Auto Hyundai to reach out to our customers wherever they are. We have a total of six sales outlets in Peninsular Malaysia which are offering this service. Interested parties just need to register their interest and we will arrange for a test drive session from the customer’s home,” said Low Yuan Lung, MD of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.

Hyundai showroom — *Instead of going to the showroom to get a test-drive, a request can be made to send a model over to the home for the session.*

SOPs for protection of customers
SDAH is committed to customers’ safety by having Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which are in accordance with requirements by the Health Ministry. These include sanitisation of test-drive vehicles before and after every session, and the wearing of face masks by the customer as well as the sales consultant. The latter will be seated at the rear to observe social distancing practice.

As a precaution, thermal scanning will be done prior to the test drive. Should the customer’s body temperature exceed 37.5ᵒC, the test-drive session will have to be cancelled. Additionally, customers are required to sanitise their hands with the hand sanitiser provided.

Hyundai models in Malaysia — *Hyundai models available in Malaysia*

Customers who wish to request for a test-drive from their homes can register at the SDAH website and an appointment will be arranged. The six showrooms are located in Kuala Lumpur (2), Selangor (1), Perak (1), Prai (1) and Johor (1). The website also has information about the promotions, the latest being cash rebates of up to RM13,000 on selected models.

Click here for other news and articles about Hyundai.

The Story of N – Hyundai N (w/VIDEO)

Review: Nissan Teana 2.5 XV

Automakers churn out D-segment luxury cars to cater to customers who appreciate decent legroom, acres of leather and steady road holding. Such vehicles take up the entire width of a road lane, which isn’t ideal, especially when squeezing past cars that are double parked on both sides of the road.

Like other vehicles, these barges are governed by the laws of physics and common sense. And based on this understanding, comfort and sporty handling, in this case atleast, are both mutually exclusive. Unfortuntely, Nissan wasn’t informed of this, and as such, went about creating a sporty D-segment car for the masses.

The automaker took its executive level sedan, the Teana, and gave it to its performance gurus at NISMO. The name is an acronym of the automaker’s tuning arm, called Nissan Motorsport. Similar to what AMG is to Mercedes-Benz, so is NISMO responsible for turning regular run-of-the-mill cars into impressive machines.

Vehicles that have been given the NISMO treatment, differ greatly in terms of performance from that of the ones that they are based on. And they have pulled it off with the Teana, effectively making the term ‘performance luxury car’ less of an oxymoron. Don’t ask me how, but Nissan has managed to grab a rabbit out of the hat with this one.

I was skeptical of the idea of a D-segment car being sporty. It’s an unnatural notion, one that can be likened to seeing a two-headed whale. The reasoning behind it is, big cars are heavy and slow to react to a driver’s input. Miraculously however, this isn’t the case with the Nissan Teana 2.5 XV NISMO. In fact, its a damn good vehicle, period.

Nissan may have gone overboard with the spoiler kit though. The massive front spoiler adds length and girth to the front bumper. It protrudes a few centimeters at the bottom and sides, which increases the risk of getting it scuffed when making sharp turns or dealing with steep inclinations.. Besides this, the car’s front overhang is slightly longer than the standard one.

The same is true for the rear as well, NISMO gave it the same dark grey spoiler with red pin-striping. This coupled with the fact that the car has an off-white body colour, provides an illusion to its overall size – the car feels far bigger than it actually is.

But the beauty here, is in the way it was crafted. It doesn’t feel tacky or boy-racerish. Instead, it lends credence to the idea of a sporty luxury car. Topping it off, is the NISMO tuned suspension, which not only reduces the overall ride height, but alters the vehicle’s driving dynamics in an immensely fun way.

Its driving dynamics isn’t the same as the regular base car. It rides 20mm lower due to the sports suspension and feels far more planted. Quick and brisk maneuvers are dealt with fairly easily. The body remains hunkered down and composed even when meandering past b-roads. This secure feeling gives you the confidence to take more daring risks.

Backed by a powerful 2.5-litre engine, the car is able to punch well above its weight. the Linear torque delivery right up to the redline leads you into believing that it can take on anything south of a proper sports car. It never leaves you wanting for a lack of power, instead it serves up dollops of it with a mere prod of the throttle pedal.

Though it’s mated to a CVT gearbox, overall drivability is decent, and the performance is devoid of needless thunks and clunks that are considered as par for the course of regular slush boxes. Mind you, its no match for a DCT, lightning quick shifts are something that is alien to a car like the Teana, but that suits me just fine.

Having said that, the electric steering lacks feel and rarely invokes any semblance of confidence or sure footedness when making brisk turns. It isn’t a deal breaker, but for those who require pin-sharp response, this isn’t the car for you. Then there’s the infotainment system that has been somewhat long in the tooth since 2014.

Controls and navigation buttons seem counter intuitive at times but are overall still usable. Newer setups require less interaction to yield the required results. That said, it is still usable and feature rich. This is one of the few qualms that I have with the car and that ruins an almost perfect experience.

See, I wasn’t expecting much going in to this. I expected to receive mediocre handling coupled with a harsh ride quality, but the contrary was true. The Teana was able to cope with my demands with good composure, and the ride quality, though a bit stiffer than the standard car, was able to soak up road undulations pretty well.

If you are looking for a decent sized vehicle that fits the needs of your job and family, this car should be on your shortlist. It performs well and is able to offer a good blend of comfort and sporty handling characteristics.

Piston Review Rating: 8/10
Nissan Teana NISMO Specifications
Engine: 2.5 XV Twin CVTC
Transmission: CVT
Horsepower: 170bhp
Torque: 243Nm

Piston.my

test drive

The smart #1: New King Of The Malaysian Roads?

TEST-DRIVE – 2022 Honda Civic Sedan RS

Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV tested – we find out why this model is still the bestseller in Malaysia

First impressions of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (video)

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia offers 1-hour test-drives without salesman being present

Try a Renault at TC Euro Cars and become the owner of a concept car

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai will bring new models to you for a test-drive

Review: Nissan Teana 2.5 XV

VW to make booking a test drive hassle-free

The smart #1: New King Of The Malaysian Roads?

TEST-DRIVE – 2022 Honda Civic Sedan RS

Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV tested – we find out why this model is still the bestseller in Malaysia

First impressions of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (video)

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia offers 1-hour test-drives without salesman being present

Try a Renault at TC Euro Cars and become the owner of a concept car

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai will bring new models to you for a test-drive

Review: Nissan Teana 2.5 XV

VW to make booking a test drive hassle-free

Archive

Aston Martin Set to Unveil Next-Gen Vantage in February 2024

Porsche Unveils High-Performance Taycan Turbo GT Models – 0-100km/h in 2.2 Seconds!

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Previewed – Available for Booking with a Estimated Price of Below RM130k

MG to Make Grand Entrance into Malaysia: 100 Years of Automotive Excellence

Nissan and Mitsubishi Partner to Develop Pickup Truck for the American Market

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show