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Upgraded Proton 3S centre in Banting by EON opens
EON, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom, today launched its revamped Proton 3S centre in Banting, Selangor. The facility used to only operate as a showroom, but now offers after-sales and spare parts replacement as well for the full 3S offering.
The RM6 million, 18,775 sq.ft facility can display eight units of Proton vehicles. It includes a 12,347 sq.ft service centre equipped with 10 service bays. Customers also stand to benefit from EON’s digitalisation push with the introduction of the Workforce Management platform, which allows for online appointments and real-time service updates. One can even book a car online via www.eon.com.my.
“The opening of the Proton EON Banting 3S Centre underscores EON’s continued focus on improving service to enhance customer satisfaction. This is in line with our position as Malaysia’s largest multi-brand car dealership,” said EON CEO Akkbar Danial, who is also DRB-Hicom’s head of automotive distribution.
“The revamped and the newly refurbished showroom will allow us to raise the game in terms of customer’s experience, while its strategic location will make it very convenient for the residents of Banting and the surrounding areas to access our 3S centre, whether it is for the purchase of new cars, or for after-sales servicing,” he added.
Located along Jalan Suasa opposite Econsave, EON’s Proton 3S centre is open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays and public holidays. Service centre operating hours are from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30 am to 1pm on Saturdays.
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RON97 petrol price May 2024 week three update – premium fuel price unchanged; still RM3.47 per litre
It’s Wednesday, and so it is time for the usual weekly fuel price update, as the finance ministry has announced the retail prices of fuel for the coming week of May 16 to 22, 2024.
There continues to be no change in the price of RON 97 petrol, and so it continues at the RM3.47 per litre rate from last week, and in fact has been since September last year. As for RON 95 petrol, it continues at its ceiling price of RM2.05 per litre, as set by the Malaysian government in February 2021.
Likewise, the status quo remains for diesel prices as well, with Euro 5 B10 and B20 blends remaining at RM2.15 per litre, and Euro 5 B7 diesel costing 20 sen more, at RM2.35 per litre.
These prices will take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, May 22, 2024, when the next set of fuel price updates will be announced. This is the 20th edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for this year, and the 279th in total since the format’s introduction at the start of 2019.
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Subaru to work with Toyota on 3 new EV crossovers to debut by 2026 – “huge risk” to build EVs alone
Subaru CEO Atsushi Osaki recently told Automotive News the carmaker will work together with Toyota on three new fully electric crossovers over the next two years through 2026. Both companies have been working together for a long time, with the Solterra and bZ4X being electric vehicles (EVs) to come out of the partnership.
According to the report, Subaru is cautious about its EV plans in light of wavering demand and is leaning on Toyota rather than making significant investments in time and resources to develop EVs on their own. As of September 2023, Toyota owns a 20.42% stake in Subaru.
“At the moment, it is quite difficult to predict how things will go from here with EVs. There is a huge risk for us to go it alone in this field. We have held talks with Toyota and have agreed that it is better to reduce risks through joint development,” Osaki said.
Toyota announced last May that it will assemble an all-new, three-row electric SUV at its Kentucky facility in the United States, which would enable Subaru to benefit from the federal EV tax credit if its future EVs are also assembled by Toyota there.
According to Electrek, Subaru will build one of the three new EVs at its Yajima plant in Japan for both itself and Toyota, while Toyota will manufacture one in the US, also for both companies. Subaru plans to start in-house EV production in Japan from 2025 with an annual capacity of about 200,000 units. It will then add dedicated EV production lines in 2027, which will add an additional 200,000 units.
Subaru also assembles vehicles in the US, and it was revealed that the company plans to boost Forester production and introduce hybrid variants. “While we have steered toward EVs, we find it important to sell internal combustion products at the same time. So, we already have plans to expand our hybrid product lineup.”
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SDAC to launch limited-edition Ford Ranger on May 30 in Malaysia – free windbreaker upon vehicle delivery
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has announced it will launch a limited-edition Ford Ranger soon, which will be open for booking on May 30, 2024. The public can get up close and test drive the new model as it will also be showcased at the Luxe area of 1 Utama from May 30 to June 2.
The company isn’t providing much in the way of details beyond merely stating the limited-edition Ranger was “designed to elevate the outdoor experience.” We do get a few video teasers on the company’s socials that suggest some rugged enhancements for the pick-up truck.
In a release, it added that bookings can only be done online, and those who secured a unit will receive a complimentary limited-edition Ranger windbreaker upon vehicle delivery. In addition to the special Ranger, attendees can also try out the regular Ranger as well as the Everest at the event set to take place at the end of the month.
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IM Motors L6 launched in China in five variants from RM143k, up to 1,000 km range from 133 kWh battery
The IM Motors L6 saw its market launch in China this week, with a range of five variants starting from 219,900 yuan (RM143,154) for the L6 Max Standard with up to 650 km of battery range on the Chinese domestic CLTC testing standard, ranging up to 345,900 yuan (RM225,179) for the top L6 Max Lightyear variant.
In addition to the variants announced at the debut of the L6, the range-topping Max Lightyear variant gets a 133 kWh semi solid-state battery offering 1,000 km of range (CLTC) as part of a 900-volt electrical architecture, which supports charging that can top up 400 km of battery range in just 12 minutes, according to Car News China.
The most potent variant, performance-wise is the L6 Max Super Performance with 780 km of range (CLTC) from a 100 kWh ternary lithium battery pack that feeds a dual-motor AWD powertrain producing 579 kW (787 PS) and 800 Nm of torque, enabling a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 2.74 seconds and a top speed of 308 km/h, the news site reported.
Unveiled earlier this year at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, the IM Motors L6 electric vehicle has reportedly topped the moose test speed record of 85 km/h that has stood for 25 years, previously held by Citroën Xantia, with the L6 recording a moose test speed of 90.7 km/h, according to Fast Technology.
Its aforementioned feat in the moose test, also known as the elk test, is attributed to a ‘lizard digital chassis’, or body control system that is standard across the range, according to Car News China. In an illustration, the system appears to cancel out body roll due to cornering forces, and in fact appears to lean ever so slightly into the bend, as two-wheeled machines do.
This leads to increased stability in high speed manoeuvres such as the moose test, suppresses oversteer and increases the cornering limit of the L6 by 5 to 8 km/h, the report added. Four-wheel steering aids in reducing its turning radius to 4.99 m, and claims to reduce the length required for parallel parking by 11%. Suspension is by aluminium double wishbones in front, and a five-link setup at the rear.
Measuring 4,931 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, 1,474 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, the IM Motors L6 is larger than the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, though smaller than the Xiaomi SU7.
Inside, the cabin of the IM Motors L6 features a 26.3-inch triple-width screen, and this is joined by a portrait-oriented 10.5-inch control screen, and the driver gets a two-spoke steering yoke; a regular steering wheel is also said to be available.
In China, pre-orders for the L6 have exceeds 29,000 units, and order books for the 1,000 km-capable Max Lightyear variant will open in September, with initial deliveries in October.
Overseas, the IM Motors L6 has been marked to be likely to be sold in Australia under the MG brand, with MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao indicating that the firm is working on importing MG-badged IM models for these markets.
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Prolintas responds to SUKE ‘wire trap’ bike incident
Prolintas has responded to recent reports of a motorcyclist allegedly sustaining a chin injury due to a thread stretched across the Sungai Besi-Ulu Klang Elevated Expressway (SUKE).
“Prolintas is committed to cooperating fully with the police investigation. We have yet to receive any direct report from the victim and urge them to come forward and file an official report with the authorities We urge any witnesses with information about the incident to contact the Ampang Jaya police headquarters or Prolintas directly,” the statement read.
The highway concessionaire said that its Peronda team will increase patrols along the SUKE. “Any kite flying or other hazardous activities observed will be promptly reported to the police. Additionally, we will work closely with local residents’ associations to enhance safety measures and prevent such incidents,” it added
“We would like to emphasise that the safety of our users and neighbouring residents is of paramount importance to us. SUKE will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available,” the statement ended.
The incident happened on Monday evening, when motorcyclist Muas Rosdi said on X that he was injured by a thread (benang). The rider was travelling on the SUKE’s Taman Kosas exit heading towards the Bukit Teratai toll when he felt the tug, which caused a cut across his chin.
Hari ni, Isnin 13 Mei 2024 jam 6.30 petang.
Dagu aku terkoyak terkena benang yang melintang jalan di Lebuhraya SUKE (selepas exit Taman Kosas, Ampang) menghala ke tol Bukit Teratai. pic.twitter.com/ZNvAH1QdwV— as 🇲🇾 (@MuasRosdi) May 13, 2024
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US president Joe Biden announces new tariffs on China goods – EV duty quadrupled from 25% to 100%
The United States has unveiled a sweeping array of new tariffs on Chinese goods, with electric vehicles (EVs) being a key focus of president Joe Biden’s announcement. These measures appear to be designed to protect US manufacturers from cheap imports and could increase trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies, The Guardian reports.
“American workers can out-work and out-compete anyone as long as the competition is fair, but for too long it hasn’t been fair,” Biden said during a speech in the White House Rose Garden. “We’re not going to let China flood our market,” he added, as reported by Reuters.
In his speech, it was announced that the EV duties would be quadrupled from 25% to 100%, which would please Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Meanwhile, levies will rise from 7.5% to 25% on lithium batteries, which shouldn’t affect US production that much if these batteries aren’t sourced from China. Tesla in the US uses batteries from Panasonic (Japan), LG (South Korea) or its own made-in-America cells, but other production sites in Shanghai and Berlin use CATL and BYD batteries from China.
Tariffs on steel and aluminium, which range from 0% to 7.5%, will also be raised to 25%, while its from 0% to 25% on critical minerals, from 25% to 50% on solar cells and from 25% to 50% on semiconductors.
The US imports very few Chinese-made EVs, with some experts viewing the eye-grabbing 100% duty being more of a political move than a practical one. According to Autoblog which cited Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions on Yahoo Finance, only Buick, Lincoln, Lotus, Polestar and Volvo currently ship vehicles made in China into the US.
Among those brands, Geely-owned Polestar and Lotus are the only ones that import EVs, with the latter doing so in extremely limited quantities. As for the former, it plans to begin producing the Polestar 3 in South Carolina later this year, which would circumvent the high duty if the electric crossover was made in China.
Fiorani also pointed out that Chinese automakers with production sites outside of China, like in Mexico or South Korea, can get around basic legislation. “Congress is looking to control the importation of vehicles by Chinese brands, but that will be difficult when they’re not made in China,” he said.
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2024 BMW M4 CS debuts – 3.0L twin-turbo I6 with 550 PS, 650 Nm; 0-100 in 3.4s; design cues from M4 CSL
BMW has unveiled the new M4 CS, which is based on the second-generation (G82) model that recently got updated back in February this year. Capable of lapping full 20.832-km lap of the the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in seven minutes and 21.989 seconds, the M4 CS comes with a series of upgrades and styling tweaks to make it stand out from the range.
First up, the 3.0 litre twin-turbo straight-six petrol engine gets a higher boost pressure of 2.1 bar to now produce 550 PS (543 hp or 405 kW) and 650 Nm of torque. These figures are identical to the M4 CSL from two years ago and represent a 20 PS (20 hp or 15 kW) increase over the latest M4 Competition.
The M4 CS’ engine provides peak torque from 2,750 to 5,950 rpm while peak power is found at 6,250 rpm – the red line is 7,200 rpm. Drive goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which is accompanied by a rear-biased M xDrive system with a rear Active M Differential.
This setup is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 302 km/h, the latter enable by the standard M Driver’s Package. By comparison, the M4 Competition’s century sprint time is 3.5 seconds and its Vmax with the same optional package is 288 km/h.
BMW says the M4 CS provides excellent engine response due to model-specific engine mounting with increase spring rates for a more rigid connection between the power unit and vehicle structure. The oil supply and cooling system have also been optimised to handle high demands on a track, while a dual-branch exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps and a titanium rear silencer provide acoustic presence.
As for the M xDrive system, it can be configured to 4WD Sport so more torque goes to the rear wheels or be put into rear-wheel drive via 2WD mode, which requires the DSC to be switched off altogether for drivers who fancy drifting.
Given the track-focused nature of the M4 CS, the chassis also gets some tweaks including individually tuned axle kinematics and bespoke wheel camber settings, auxiliary springs and anti-roll bars. The adaptive M suspension is also model-specific, as are the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and integrated M Compound brakes with either red or black calipers.
As standard, M light-alloy forged wheels in a V-spoke design are fitted, available in either matte Gold Bronze or Black. These come in a staggered setup with 19-inch units (with 275/35 profile tyres) at the front and 20-inch ones (285/30 profile tyres) at the rear. For those who need even more torsional rigidity, an optional M front end brace can be optioned that goes on the strut towers up front.
The M4 CS is around 20 kg lighter than the M4 Competition thanks to use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components like the roof, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and Gurney-style rear spoiler. Inside, you’ll find the same material used for the centre console, shift paddles on the steering wheel and interior trim elements. The M Carbon bucket seats also help with the weight loss and come as standard.
In terms of design, the M4 CS comes with a weight-saving, frameless kidney grille that is reminiscent of the one found on the M4 CS, with highlights being red contour lines and dedicated badging on the upper grille bars.
The new daytime running light signature on the M4 CS also illuminate yellow instead of white, and the Laserlight headlamps with their “free-floating” appearance are illuminated by a laser diode for a 3D effect first seen on the M4 CSL.
Inside, there are model-specific letter and inscriptions to mark this out to be a M4 CS. The BMW Curved Display (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen) comes with M-specific readouts and the latest version of iDrive, the former includes things like M Drive Professional with M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer as standard.
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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA200 facelift Malaysian review – refreshed exterior, latest MBUX system, RM258,888
The facelifted second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA was launched in Malaysia earlier this year, with a GLA 200 Progressive Line being the only variant offered for our market. The locally-assembled crossover is priced at RM258,888 on-the-road without insurance.
The refresh introduces a new front bumper along with new fog lamp sections. There’s also a new insert for the front grille, which now features vertical louvres instead of the square lattice seen previously. At the back, the rear bumper gains a new diffuser element surrounded by chrome trim and exhaust finishers, and the rear lights get a revised light signature.
Exterior kit includes LED High Performance headlamps (with Adaptive Highbeam Assist), polished aluminium roof rails and 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels finished in Tremolite grey, wrapped with 235/55 profile tyres.
Inside, the cabin – which is dressed in Star Pattern trim elements and black Artico man-made leather upholstery – remains pretty much unchanged, save for a new steering wheel design with more touch-sensitive controls and thinner bottom spokes. Elsewhere, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system is now presented in its latest guise, with support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The standard equipment list includes items such as Thermatic dual-zone climate control, Keyless-Go, an Easy-Pack tailgate, a LTE communications module for Mercedes me connect services, a wireless charging pad, 64-colour ambient lighting and powered front seats with memory function, among others.
No changes to the powertrain, and so the H247 variant continues to be powered by a Renault-sourced M282 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder mill offering 163 PS and 250 Nm, with drive sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling it to achieve a 0-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.
How does the H247 shape up with the refresh? Find out what Hafriz Shah thinks of the compact SUV in his video review.
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992 Porsche 911 facelift to debut May 28 with hybrid powertrain; 8.7 seconds quicker on the Nurburgring
The Porsche 911 is about to be released in its latest form later this month, with the 992-generation facelift set to premiere on May 28.
The ‘992.2’ will receive a hybrid powertrain for the first time in the roadgoing model’s history – the exception being the 997 generation-based GT3 R Hybrid from 2010.
The upcoming model will combine a revised version of the current turbocharged boxer six-cylinder engine with an electric motor within the front axle assembly, effectively with RWD from the ICE and FWD from the electric motor, according to Autocar.
Its gearbox houses a 48-volt integrated starter-generator motor to add electric boost to the powertrain as well as to power ancillary components, and energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery, according to the report.
This should add considerably to the engine’s outputs, which made 450 PS and 530 Nm in Carrera S and 4S forms, with the latter GTS variants bringing 480 PS and 570 Nm; the GT3 and GT3 RS are expected to remain naturally aspirated.
Given that the Nürburgring Nordschleife is the perennial stomping ground for Porsche, the manufacturer has announced that the 992-generation facelift has clocked a lap time of seven minutes 16.934 seconds around the circuit, which it says is 8.7 seconds faster than “the corresponding version of the predecessor model.”
Though it did not specify which variant that was, Porsche noted that the test car was fitted with standard road tyres and the optional aero kit. Meanwhile, updates can be expected for the car’s styling, lights, interior equipment as well as infotainment.
The upcoming 992-generation Porsche 911 facelift is set to premiere later this month, on May 28.
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BYD Shark launched in Mexico – RM252k for Hilux-rivalling PHEV pick-up, over 430 hp, 100 km EV range
Subsequent to its initial reveal, the BYD Shark has been launched in Mexico, the first market to get the Chinese carmaker’s first pick-up truck. As part of the event, the company released more information and pricing of its plug-in hybrid load-lugger, which is heavily derived from the Bao Leopard 5 SUV.
The Shark is being offered in the North American nation in two variants – the GL priced at 899,980 pesos (RM251,600) and the GS that retails at 969,800 pesos (RM271,000). By comparison, a mild hybrid Hilux ranges from 796,300 pesos (RM222,600) to 851,400 pesos (RM238,000). The BYD is actually positioned closer to the slightly larger Tacoma, which is priced between 769,900 pesos (RM215,200) to 969,900 pesos (RM271,100).
As per the Leopard 5, the Shark is powered by a Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) Super Hybrid system – said to be the first “longitudinal electric hybrid system” in the segment (whatever that means) – centred around a 192 hp (143 kW) 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This is coupled with two electric motors – the one at the front produces 228 hp (170 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, while the rear one churns out 201 hp (150 kW) and 340 Nm of torque. Total system output is over 430 hp, which is nearly 250 hp down on the Leopard 5.
Still, that’s enough for it to get from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 160 km/h, while fuel consumption is rated at 7.5 km per 100 km on the NEDC cycle. A 29.58 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides an electric range of 100 km, contributing to a total range of 840 km. The Shark can accept up to 40 kW of DC fast charging, topping up the battery from 30 to 80% in 20 minutes; a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function is also built-in, although BYD has not specified the output.
Like the Leopard 5, the Shark is built on a proper ladder frame chassis – with an integrated battery – and uses independent double wishbone suspension front and rear. The bed has a capacity of 1,450 litres and a payload rating of 2,665 kg, while the truck itself has a maximum towing capacity is 2,500 kg.
Claimed to be the largest model in the one-tonne class, the Shark measures 5,457 mm long, 1,971 mm wide and 1,925 mm tall, making it a massive 132 mm longer, 71 mm wider and 110 mm taller than the Hilux it competes against; its 3,260 mm wheelbase is also 175 mm longer. The BYD is larger than even the Tacoma, which measures 5,411 mm long, 1,954 mm wide and 1,894 mm tall.
On the outside, the Shark carries the usual pick-up styling tropes, all boxy and upright with chunky fender flares and features such as the very Ford F-150 Lightning-like full-width front and rear lighting signatures, vertical headlights and ginormous BYD badge on the grille. Roof rails, a wraparound windscreen design and a rather crude-looking sports bar are also present, as are 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the Shark borrows plenty from the Leopard 5, including steering wheel-mounted on- and off-road drive mode switches, a low and wide gear selector and a row of chunky switches aft of it. The dashboard design, however, is slightly different, consisting of large interlocking H patterns paired with orange air vents and stitching.
The tech is typical BYD and includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a novel 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen from the Dolphin. You also get “Hi BYD” voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an in-car karaoke function (a microphone accessory is sold separately), a smartphone digital key, a 360-degree camera (inclusive of a Land Rover-style “transparent bonnet” function) and a 12-inch head-up display.
Safety-wise, the Shark is fitted with six airbags and can be specified with a full range of driver assists. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, rear collision warning, blind spot warning with collision prevention and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake.
The Shark has already been confirmed for the Australian and South African markets and has been spotted in right-hand-drive form. This raises the possibility of it being sold in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia, although the company will have to win over buyers that typically favour larger, hardier and more fuel-efficient diesel engines. Would you buy this if it ever comes here?
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New KTM Segamat station starts operations today
Click to enlarge Congratulations Segamat, you now have a nice new train station. KTM has announced a switch of operations from the current temporary Segamat station to the new Segamat (Baharu) station. It started 7am this morning, May 15.
The switch is for the migration of the Gemas – Johor Bahru double tracking project. The new train station is located at Jalan Stesen, near the bus station – have a look at the map above.
Last month, KTM released a teaser for its ETS train service in Segamat, Johor which will start on July 1 this year. Currently, the ETS is from Padang Besar in the north to Gemas, Negeri Sembilan in the south, so this would be the first time ETS is available in Johor.
In September last year, it was reported that the Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-tracking rail project would be completed by 2025.
“This whole project needs time to complete as it has been delayed many times, especially due to Covid 19, but now it’s on track. We hope this project can be completed as soon as possible so that it can connect Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur and all the way to Padang Besar,” transport minister Anthony Loke said in September 2023, when the project was at 92% completion.
The Gemas-JB EDTP project is 192 km long and has 11 stops crossing four major districts in Johor, including Segamat, Kluang and Kulai before terminating at JB Sentral. It is said that the journey from KL Sentral to JB Sentral will take three hours and 30 minutes. Once completed, one can take the ETS all the way from JB to Padang Besar at the Thai border.
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BYD Shark revealed – Hilux-rivalling PHEV pick-up, over 430 hp, 0-100 km/h 5.7 secs, 100 km EV range
The first pick-up truck from BYD is set to be launched globally in just a few hours, but the Chinese carmaker has already released initial photos and preliminary information about the pick-up truck – now christened the Shark – on its Mexican website. The lifestyle double cab model is unique in that it’s powered by a plug-in hybrid system – the same first seen in the related Bao Leopard 5 SUV.
The powertrain in question is the Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) Super Hybrid, led by a 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors – one on each axle. This is claimed to be the first “longitudinal electric hybrid system” (whatever that means).
Not much has been released in the way of technical details, but it’s been revealed the truck makes around 250 hp less than the Leopard 5, producing just over 430 hp – still enough, mind, to get it from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5 litres per 100 km, while the claimed pure electric range is 100 km on the NEDC cycle, contributing to a total range of 840 km. The unspecified Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery can be charged via a DC fast charger from 30 to 80% in 20 minutes.
Like the Leopard 5, the Shark is built on a proper ladder frame chassis – with an integrated battery – and uses independent double wishbone suspension front and rear. The bed has a capacity of 1,450 litres and a payload rating of 835 kg, while the truck itself has a maximum towing capacity is 2,500 kg.
Claimed to be the largest model in the one-tonne class, the Shark measures 5,457 mm long, 1,971 mm wide and 1,925 mm tall, making it a massive 132 mm longer, 71 mm wider and 110 mm taller than the Toyota Hilux it competes against. Its 3,260 mm wheelbase is also 175 mm longer.
On the outside, the Shark carries the usual pick-up styling tropes, all boxy and upright with chunky fender flares and features such as the very Ford F-150 Lightning-like vertical headlights, full-width front and rear lighting signatures and ginormous BYD badge on the grille. Roof rails, a wraparound windscreen design and a rather crude-looking sports bar are also present, as are 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the Shark borrows plenty from the Leopard 5, including steering wheel-mounted drive and powertrain mode switches, a low and wide gear selector and a row of chunky switches aft of it. The dashboard design, however, is slightly different, consisting of large interlocking H patterns.
The tech is typical BYD and includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a novel 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen from the Dolphin. You also get “Hi BYD” voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an in-car karaoke function (a microphone accessory is sold separately), a smartphone digital key, a 360-degree camera (inclusive of a Land Rover-style “transparent bonnet” function) and a 12-inch head-up display.
Safety-wise, the Shark is fitted with six airbags and can be specified with a full range of driver assists. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, rear collision warning, blind spot warning with collision prevention and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake.
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2024 Isuzu D-Max facelift launched in Malaysia – five variants; 1.9L, 3.0L turbodiesels; priced from RM99k
Isuzu Malaysia today launched the new D-Max facelift which continues to be offered in five variants, all of which are fully imported (CBU) from Thailand. The refreshed pick-up truck features an updated design and kit list, but maintains the same two inline-four turbodiesel engines as before.
The returning engines are the 4JJ3-TCX 3.0 litre with 190 PS at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,600 rpm as well as the RZ4E-TC 1.9 litre making 150 PS at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm from 1,800 to 2,600 rpm.
These engines are paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, with all variants having four-wheel drive as standard except for the Auto Plus. A rear differential lock is standard with all four-wheel drive variants too – more on the variants and pricing below.
For 2024, the engines are now compliant with the Euro 4 emissions standard with the addition of a diesel particulate filter (DPF). There’s also a new ‘Rough Terrain Mode’ that is standard on Premium and X-Terrain variants and can be engaged via a dedicated button on the centre console. The function uses the traction control system and brakes to help traverse rougher terrain and can be used in 2H, 4H and 4L.
The D-Max line-up starts with the Single Cab before moving on to four double-cab options (Standard, Auto Plus, Premium and X-Terrain). In total, there are eight variant/powertrain configurations available for the D-Max, and here’s how much they cost on-the-road without insurance:
Single Cab
- 1.9L 4×4 MT: RM98,949.20
- 3.0L 4×4 MT: RM105,888.40
Standard
- 1.9L 4×4 MT: RM109,599.20
- 1.9L 4×4 AT: RM116,999.20
Auto Plus
- 1.9L 4×2 AT: RM109,499.20
Premium
- 1.9L 4×4 AT: RM134,649.20
- V-Cross 3.0L 4×4 AT: RM141,138.40
X-Terrain
- V-Cross 3.0L 4×4 AT: RM157,938.40
The D-Max is currently in its third generation, and the facelift brings with it a revised front end that is meant to promote better aerodynamic efficiency and improve cooling. For starters, there’s a reprofiled front grille that still retains the “fang-like” elements, while the insert for the large intake lower down has a honeycomb lattice design.
There’s also a new front bumper with black surfacing near sharper fog lamp cutouts, the latter with air curtains to send air out through the wheel arches. Another notable revision is the lightly tweaked hood and new headlamps, the latter reshaped and now with integrated indicators along with a different daytime running light signature.
The X-Terrain serves as the flagship variant of the D-Max range and is set apart from the rest by its black body cladding over the wheel arches, side steps and a faux skid plate in the front lower apron. The range-topper also nets you welcome lights on the outside as well as a seven-colour ambient lighting system that now extends to the front door cards.
At the rear, the new D-Max’s taillights get a more distinctive triple-tier look and the tailgate has been tweaked so there are creases at the top and bottom rather than on the sides. Moving inside, the dashboard layout is pretty much identical to the pre-facelift model save for new patterns for the seats and interior trim.
Other changes on the inside include a new e-Lumax multi-info display (MID) in the instrument cluster and a switch to USB-C ports (previously USB-A). The X-Terrain now comes with a larger 10-inch touchscreen head unit with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, while the Premium and Auto Plus come with nine-inch version. Lesser variants get a standard head unit instead.
The updated D-Max in X-Terrain guise also gets better a new-generation stereo camera setup that has a wider field of view of 120 degrees (previously just 40 degrees) and can recognise vehicles ahead as far as 150 metres. This improves the Allsight suite of driver assistance systems, which include autonomous emergency braking that can now “see” more of what’s ahead and react accordingly – Turn Assist with pedestrian protection is also improved as a result.
The X-Terrain also gets rear cross traffic brake as standard now, while the around view monitor (AVM) has been improved and is included with the range-topping and Premium variants. The latter comes with more viewing angles and the version on the X-Terrain has a 3D view function instead of a 2D view in the Premium.
In terms of equipment, the workhorse Single Cab comes with halogen reflector headlamps, 16-inch steel wheels, a 3.5-inch monochrome multi-info instrument display, a single-DIN head unit, two speakers, vinly seat upholstery, manual air-conditioning, two front airbags, ESC, traction control, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill start assist, hill descent control and two reverse sensors.
Moving on to the Standard, you get 17-inch alloys (255/65 profile tyres), bulb-type front fog lamps, bulb-type taillights, side steps, the e-Lumax instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch MID, a seven-inch touchscreen head unit, six speakers manual air-conditioning with rear vents, fabric seat upholstery, the same passive safety/assist systems as the Single Cab (including just two airbags), a reverse camera and four reverse sensors.
A sports bar and cargo tray are optional for the Standard, which either gets reflector halogens and bulb-type DRLs if you opt of the manual version, or bi-LED projectors and LED DRLs with the automatic transmission.
The Auto Plus is nearly identical to the Standard 1.9L 4×4 AT when it comes to equipment, but with the addition of a nine-inch touchscreen head unit, six speakers and a wireless charging pad.
The Premium improves upon the Auto Plus by adding an automatic function for its bi-LED projector headlamps, front and rear LED fog lamps, LED taillights, tailgate assist, 18-inch alloys (with 265/60 profile tyres), a seven-inch MID, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control (also with rear vents), black combination leather seat upholstery.
This variant also gains four more airbags for a total of six, front and rear parking sensors totalling eight, a digital video recorder (DVR) at the front, an around view monitor, a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. Just like the Standard, The Premium as well as the Auto Plus can be optioned with a sports bar and cargo tray.
At the top of the range, the X-Terrain builds upon the Premium’s kit list by sporting not just a more rugged exterior, but also a matte dark grey finish for its 18-inch alloys (with 265/60 profile tyres).
The range-topper also gains remote engine start, an ambient lighting system, a 10-inch touchscreen head unit, an additional driver’s knee airbag for a total of seven airbags, front and rear DVRs and 3D view for the AVM.
Driver assistance systems such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, Turn Assist, pedal misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane departure warning, manual speed limiter, mutli-collision brake and rear cross traffic brake are only found on the X-Terrain, which also gets the Premium’s blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
There are five colours available for the new D-Max including a new Namibu Orange that is accompanied by Islay Grey, Onyx Black, Dolomite White Pearl, Biarritz Blue, Mercury Silver and Splash White.
GALLERY: 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain facelift
GALLERY: 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 3.0L 4×4 AT facelift brochure and price list
GALLERY: 2024 Isuzu D-Max Premium 1.9L 4×4 AT facelift
GALLERY: 2024 Isuzu D-Max Standard and Premium facelifts brochure and price lists
GALLERY: 2024 Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus facelift brochure and price list
GALLERY: 2024 Isuzu D-Max Single Cab facelift brochure
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Leapmotor International formed as Stellantis-Leapmotor joint venture; to enter Malaysia late-2024
Stellantis and Leapmotor have announced that the formation of the joint venture between the two firms, Leapmotor International is now complete as a 51/49 split led by Stellantis, following Stellantis’ investment of around 1.5 billion euro (RM7.6 billion) in October 2023 for the acquisition of a 21% equity in Leapmotor.
Headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Leapmotor International has exclusive rights to the export and sale of Leapmotor products outside greater China, and the partnership aims to “further boost Leapmotor’s sales in China, the biggest market in the world, while leveraging Stellantis’ established global commercial presence to significantly accelerate Leapmotor brand sales in other regions,” according to the brand.
Launch plans for the Leapmotor brand will begin in Europe with nine countries; France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece and Romania, beginning in September this year each with dedicated country managers, and will reach 200 points of sales by the end of this year, and this will grow to 500 locations by 2026, according to the company.
Further expansion for the brand will come in late 2024, which will include Malaysia as part of its roll-out in the Middle East and Africa, India and Asia Pacific as well as South American regions.
The Leapmotor product roadmap begins with the T03 hatchback and C10 SUV, both among a slew of models that were shown at the recent Auto China 2024 in Beijing.
Leapmotor International describes the T03 as an “A-segment urban boutique commuter car with B-segment interior space”, rated with a range of 265 km on the WLTP testing standard, according to the brand.
Given Stellantis’ positioning of Leapmotor as an affordable EV offering among the brands it plans to introduce – and re-introduce – to Malaysia, the T03 would be the more likely candidate for its market arrival here.
Leapmotor T03 and C10 From 2025 to 2027, Leapmotor International has indicated the introduction of another four models to its line-up in that time, with an SUV in 2025, followed by two hatchback models in 2026. The year after, 2027, will see the introduction of another SUV, according to its timeline.
The other SUV models from Leapmotor shown at the Beijing motor show, which could form part of the roll-out plan, include the C11 and C16 SUVs. Of those shown at Auto China 2024, notably absent from mention in this timeline is the C01 sedan.
“The creation of Leapmotor International is a great step forward in helping address the urgent global warming issue with state-of-the-art BEV models that will compete with existing Chinese brands in key markets around the world,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.
“Leveraging Leapmotor’s cutting-edge technology and products, along with Stellantis’ support in areas such as overseas channels, services, and marketing, we hope that users around the world can experience the exceptional driving and riding experience brought by Leapmotor products,” said Leapmotor founder, CEO and chairman Jiangming Zhu.
GALLERY: Leapmotor T03 at Auto China 2024, Beijing
GALLERY: Leapmotor C01 sedan; C10, C11, C16 SUVs at Auto China 2024, Beijing
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