2024 BYD Seal review - better than the Tesla Model 3?



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  • Kia teases Tasman pick-up truck – 2025 launch for Korea, Aus, Africa, Middle East, but ASEAN not listed

    Kia teases Tasman pick-up truck – 2025 launch for Korea, Aus, Africa, Middle East, but ASEAN not listed

    Click to enlarge

    Kia has released this official teaser image of its first-ever pick-up truck, the Tasman. Named after the ‘rugged beauty and pioneering spirit’ of Tasmania, the island at the southernmost tip of Australia, the truck you see here wears an Australia-inspired camouflage wrap.

    Developed in collaboration with renowned artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop hailing from Australia and New Zealand, the wrap – themed around ‘The Path Never Taken’ – visualises a journey of inspiration encountered while driving along the coast and across the outback. It draws on the mixed-media artist’s adventures, hitching rides in the back of utes across Australia.

    Known for his unique artistic style and ability to blend various media to create visually bold and powerful collaborations, Boyd-Dunlop captures elements of land and sea with the Tasman camo wrap. The finish combines the ‘fiery hues of the outback with commanding blues that pay homage to Australia’s influential surf culture’.

    “Our Tasman pickup truck embodies Kia’s commitment to design and innovation, as well as its spirit of adventure. Artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop crafted an exclusive camouflage design, with the support of the Kia design team, that depicts a journey and reflects an essence of adventure that is unique to the Tasman,” said Karim Habib, executive VP and head of Kia Global Design.

    Kia has confirmed that the Tasman is scheduled to make its debut in 2025, and the C-segment pick-up truck’s launch strategy will be phased globally, including key markets such as South Korea, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Conspicuously absent from the list of named markets is ASEAN, which member Thailand is one of the world’s most important one-tonne pick-up truck markets.

    “In addition to effortlessly fulfilling the role of a work-orientated pickup, the Tasman is designed to meet customers’ diverse personal needs. Suitable for a demanding 24/7 lifestyle, Kia’s versatile truck will support even the most extreme leisure activities,” Kia says.

    Click to enlarge

    No technical details have been released, but Kia already has the building blocks for a decent pick-up, not least the 2.2-litre turbodiesel long used in models like the Sorento SUV and Carnival MPV. In its latest form, the R engine produces 202 PS and 440 Nm of torque, which is competitive but not class-leading in the one-tonne truck segment.

    Kia also has access to a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 1.6-litre turbo-four with a 90 hp electric motor, which in the Sorento develops a total output of 264 PS and an all-electric range of 51 km thanks to a 13.8 kWh battery. A PHEV truck sounds alien to us, but Ford has a Ranger PHEV for Europe and Australia.

    The Tasman is definitely not a rebadge of the car-based Hyundai Santa Cruz. Also unlike the Hyundai compact truck, which is only for North America, Kia’s pick-up truck is a global product, and that also means that it the Tasman has to be tough and robust. What do you think the Tasman and Kia’s move to enter the pick-up truck market? By the way, there will be another truck from the company, a bigger EV.

     
  • 2024 Volvo C40, XC40 Recharge Pure Electric EVs – which is the right battery-electric vehicle for you?

    2024 Volvo C40, XC40 Recharge Pure Electric EVs – which is the right battery-electric vehicle for you?

    Electrification is the way forward for Volvo Cars, and the Swedish manufacturer has set out to have a product line-up comprised entirely of battery-electric vehicles by 2030 ahead of becoming a climate-neutral firm by 2040, while locally, Volvo Car Malaysia aims to have EVs form 75% of its total sales in the country by 2025.

    With a selection of battery-electric vehicles already on sale, the prospective customer looking at purchasing a Volvo BEV will be looking to find out what sets one model apart from the other. In the case of Volvo BEV models currently on sale in Malaysia, two such models are the C40 Recharge Pure Electric and the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.

    Shared between the C40 Recharge Pure Electric and the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is the platform and powertrain, which, in the case of these models, features a dual-motor configuration producing 408 PS. In the C40 Recharge Pure Electric, these come from a 159 PS motor on the front axle and a 249 PS motor driving the rear wheels and an extra 10 Nm of torque, while the 2023 XC40 Recharge Pure Electric gets a 204 PS motor on each axle.

    The battery in the C40 Recharge Pure Electric is a 82 kWh (79 kWh usable) battery that can be recharged at up to 200 kW DC, enabling a 10-80% state of charge in 27 minutes. The unit in the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is a 78 kWh battery, supporting DC charging at up to 150 kW for a 80% state of charge in 28 minutes.

    Common to both models are their width and wheelbase lengths at 1,863 mm and 2,702 mm respectively, though certainly there are differences in other measures; the C40 Recharge Pure Electric is slightly longer by 6 mm at 4,431 mm and 70 mm lower with an overall height of 1,582 mm, which is visually apparent in its roofline that is more sloping in its coupé-like profile.

    The C40 Recharge Pure Electric is purpose-built to be a fully electric vehicle from the outset, whereas the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is a model that has been adapted from its internal combustion-engined origins. Thus, the C40 Recharge Pure Electric stands alone as its own model in being EV-only, with no ICE-powered derivative.

    Which do you like the look of better? The sleeker, lower roofline of the C40 Recharge Pure Electric does appeal, though the more upright posture of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric undoubtedly does, too.

    The distribution of interior space may also play a role in how you choose between the two; the C40 Recharge Pure Electric sports greater front-row headroom, while the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric has more luggage capacity when the second-row seats are folded.

    Though the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric can house more luggage, the C40 Recharge Pure Electric sports a panoramic sunroof for more natural light in its cabin. A sleek silhouette from the C40 Recharge Pure Electric, or the timeless confidence of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric – which suits your style?

    2024 Volvo C40, XC40 Recharge Pure Electric EVs – which is the right battery-electric vehicle for you?

    The larger battery and more efficient aerodynamics of the C40 Recharge Pure Electric contributes to its greater battery range at 550 km WLTP, compared to the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric that does 438 km on a single charge on the same testing protocol.

    There is also some trade-off between the two model in terms of price, as the C40 Recharge Pure Electric is priced RM10k higher than the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, which will be a large part of any prospective Volvo BEV customer’s consideration.

    Choosing between these two Volvo BEVs for your purchase is something that can be determined with your own hands-on sampling of the models. Find out more from the Volvo Car Malaysia website, here, and you will get to book a test drive at a dealer with both the C40 Recharge Pure Electric and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. There will be attractive perks, too, so be sure to click on the link, and try the Volvo BEVs firsthand.

     
  • Chery setting up Thailand factory, 50k cars in 2025

    Chery setting up Thailand factory, 50k cars in 2025

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    Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) has officially announced that Chery will be setting up a plant in the kingdom for both domestic consumption and exports. Production will begin in 2025 and it is forecasted that the plant will roll out 50,000 EVs and hybrids that year itself, before production reaches 80,000 units per annum by 2028.

    This was announced by BoI secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi, who also said that Wuhu-based Chery will be the eighth automaker from China to set up a manufacturing plant in Thailand, joining names such as BYD, Great Wall Motor and Changan, among others.

    According to Reuters, the ASEAN automotive hub’s subsidies and tax incentives for EVs have attracted a wave of investment from China, which automakers have committed more than US$1.44 billion (RM6.88 billion) worth of investments. Thailand aims to convert about a third of its annual production of 2.5 million vehicles into EVs by 2030.

    Chery setting up Thailand factory, 50k cars in 2025

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    Last month, it was reported that Omoda & Jaecoo Thailand, a subsidiary of Chery, is planning a new EV factory in Rayong, Thailand. According to Bangkok Post, production is set to start in 2025, and the plant will initially produce cars for domestic and ASEAN markets. Chery has plans to make Rayong a global export base, supplying Oceania and the Middle East.

    “We plan to divide our manufacturing into two phases. In the first phase, which starts in 2025, annual production capacity will stand at 50,000 units. The number will increase to 80,000 units a year in 2028,” said Qi Jie, vice-managing director for South Asia at Chery International.

    “Our BEVs will make up 70% of total car production, with the remaining 30% belonging in the PHEV category,” Qi said, adding that he believes Thailand has great potential to develop an EV industry thanks to the government’s EV3.5 scheme. EV3.5 is Thailand’s EV incentive scheme that comprises subsidies and a reduction in import duties and excise tax to promote electric vehicle production and purchase from 2024 to 2027.

    The Omoda E5 EV and Jaecoo J7 PHEV will be Chery’s first models in Thailand

    For now, O&J’s cars will be CBU imported from China and the sales target for the Omoda C5 EV (Chery Omoda E5 in Malaysia) and Jaecoo 7 plug-in hybrid (Jaecoo J7 is launching soon in Malaysia, but as a pure-ICE model) is 6,000 units this year. The company plans to set up 35 showrooms in the Land of Smiles, with 20 of those to be located in capital city Bangkok.

    What does this mean for Malaysia? While Chery has CKD operations in our country, capacity is somewhat limited at Inokom in Kulim, Kedah, as the facility is shared with other brands. Should demand grow, might Chery Malaysia source some models from across the border to expand its range?

     
  • 2024 BYD Seal review in Malaysia – two variants, from RM180k; how does it compare to the Tesla Model 3?

    2024 BYD Seal review in Malaysia – two variants, from RM180k; how does it compare to the Tesla Model 3?

    First shown in Malaysia at the end of 2022 and officially launched in February this year, the BYD Seal arrives on the Malaysian market as the closest competitor to the Tesla Model 3, and the Chinese EV model is offered here in two variants; starting from RM180,430 for the Premium, and RM200,430 for the Performance AWD.

    The Premium marks the entry point to the Seal range in Malaysia, and it gets a 313 PS/360 Nm rear motor fed by an 82.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This enables the Premium variant to do 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a claimed battery range of 580 km (WLTP), or 57 km more than the base-variant Tesla Model 3, which costs RM10,000 more.

    The second of the two Seal variants is the Performance AWD that packs a dual-motor powertrain for all-wheel-drive, and boasts of combined outputs of 530 PS and 670 Nm of torque. This brings a significant step up in sprint performance, taking the 0-100 km/h time down to just 3.8 seconds. The same 82.5 kWh battery is employed for the Performance AWD, and so its range is shorter, at 520 km.

    An 800-volt electrical architecture enables both variants of the Seal to accept up to 150 kW of DC charging, which will do a 10-80% top up of the battery in 37 minutes. In terms of AC charging, the Seal uses an onboard charger that only goes up to 7 kW, and thus a full charge from an AC wallbox will take 15.2 hours.

    Further distinguishing the Premium variant from the dual-motor Performance AWD is that the latter gets passive frequency-selective damping, and the two are otherwise similarly specified. Rolling stock for both is a set of 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels shod in 235/45 tyres, in this base being the Continental EcoContact 6 Q.

    Inside, the BYD Seal continues to carry the brand’s organically-styled interior, albeit with more restraint than on the Atto 3, and in here the Seal boasts of larger screens than those specified in other BYD models; this gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen.

    Safety kit on the Seal is comprised of eight airbags (including rear side airbags), stability control and a full range of driver assists. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, front and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake and automatic high beam.

    So, how does the BYD Seal stack up against the Tesla Model 3? Watch the video here.


    GALLERY: BYD Seal Premium in Malaysia
    GALLERY: BYD Seal Performance AWD in Malaysia

     
  • Jalan Kuantan-Segamat closed to all traffic from April 29 to May 6 – use FT3 via Pekan to Muadzam Shah

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    JKR has announced that Jalan Kuantan-Segamat will be closed to all traffic from next Monday, April 29, till May 6. Specifically, the block is at Section 102 (KM 63 near Kawasan Burung Unta).

    The one-week closure of FT12 is for the repair of the Bailey Bridge in the area. As such, motorists from Kuantan/Gambang can use the FT3 (Kuantan to Endau via Pekan) to head to Muadzam Shah. Turn left into FT63 from at Kg Leban Condong and you’ll end up at Muadzam Shah.

    Plan your journey and drive safe.

     
  • Full lane closure, contraflow towards Penang Bridge

    Full lane closure, contraflow towards Penang Bridge

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    Penang folks, take note. There will be a full lane closure on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu expressway heading towards the Penang Bridge starting tonight.

    The exact location is described as ‘Line M, CH 1.1 – CH 1.9’ and it’s where The Light is. All four lanes heading towards Penang Bridge will be closed, and there will be a contraflow, so two Georgetown-bound lanes will be closed for this purpose.

    The lane closure is for construction works by IJM Corp, and will be in place from 10pm till 5am, today and tomorrow (April 23-24). Drive safe in the area and follow the signs.

     
  • Renew your car insurance by installment using Grab PayLater with Paul Tan Car Insurance renewal service

    Renew your car insurance by installment using Grab PayLater with Paul Tan Car Insurance renewal service

    Good news – we have added PayLater by Grab as one of the supported payment methods with our Paul Tan Car Insurance and Road Tax Renewal Service.

    This means you can pay for your road tax and insurance renewal in four monthly installments. You only need to pay 25% of the bill today, which will help you manage your cashflow. There’s no interest and no fees!

    When you use our service, you can easily compare quotes from up to six insurers. You can choose the cheapest offer. Yes, it’s instant, and you can immediately choose which insurer to go for and pay right now in your browser. No waiting for quotes in Whatsapp or email. You can even compare add-ons such as flood coverage.

    PROMO: Use the code ‘PAULTAN10‘ for 10% off!

    Click here to renew today!

     
  • 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance – C192 PHEV with 816 PS, 1,420 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 2.8 secs

    2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance – C192 PHEV with 816 PS, 1,420 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 2.8 secs

    At the recent Chinese Grand Prix – where the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team finished a distant sixth and ninth – Mercedes-AMG showcased the top-dog version of its second-generation GT sports car. The C192 Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance, to give it its full (and very long) name, is not to be mistaken for the identically-titled four-door but nevertheless gets the same high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain.

    Just like in the “regular” GT63, you get Affalterbach’s venerable 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, here pushing 612 PS from 5,750 to 6,500 rpm and 850 Nm of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. That’s 97 PS and 50 Nm more than the GT63 but, crucially, 27 PS and 50 Nm down on the four-door version.

    That’s significant, because when you pair that with the same 204 PS/320 Nm P3 electric motor at the rear – plus a 14 PS belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) at the front – you get just 816 Nm, while maximum torque ranges from 1,080 to 1,420 Nm. Still, this thing is not slow – thanks to what must surely be the lower weight of the two-door body, this car blitzes from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, a tenth of a second quicker than the four-door. The top speed is also quite a bit higher at 320 km/h.

    2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance – C192 PHEV with 816 PS, 1,420 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 2.8 secs

    All this performance is underpinned by a Formula 1-inspired energy store – a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that uses liquid cooling for each of its 560 cells. Because of the low capacity and the fact Mercedes-AMG chose to focus on fast power delivery rather than range, its all-electric range is just 13 km. Still, the company claims an impressively low fuel consumption figure of 8.2 litres per 100 km, although as always with a PHEV, you should take that with a pinch of salt.

    This blockbuster powertrain is mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G nine-speed multi-clutch automatic gearbox, a two-speed gearbox for the electric motor, the AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. There are four levels of regenerative braking, with the highest feeding up to 100 kW back to the battery. A portion of the electric power is reserved so that maximum power can always be accessed.

    Also fitted is AMG Active Ride Control roll stabilisation, which uses cross-linked hydraulic dampers instead of anti-roll bars, just like a McLaren. Other standard features include rear-wheel steering, carbon ceramic brakes and an inflatable front air dam that activates above 80 km/h. The active rear spoiler operation has also been tweaked to suit the increased performance and now raises in five stages above 80 km/h.

    Despite being able to complete the century sprint nearly half a second quicker, the E Performance looks barely any different from the pure petrol GT63 on the outside. It retains the same long nose, short tail, massive Panamericana grille, vertical headlights, flush pop-out door handles, triple taillights and sizeable rear diffuser with quad tailpipes.

    2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance – C192 PHEV with 816 PS, 1,420 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 2.8 secs

    In fact, the only way you can tell the PHEV apart – aside from the subtle E Performance badge on the side – is the rather unsightly rear charging port flap on the bumper that opens to reveal a Type 2 port. You can only charge the car via AC power at up to 3.7 kW, but considering the small battery, that’s not such a problem. As standard, you get 20-inch ten-spoke AMG alloy wheels painted in Tantalum Grey.

    Step inside and the E Performance again looks identical to the petrol model, replete with turbine-style air vents, an 11.9-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen, optional AMG Performance sports seats and two rear seats – a new feature on the C192 model. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) receives unique hybrid-specific displays and functions, including a screen showing the power flow.

     
  • Flash floods reported in Subang, Petaling Jaya, Gombak, KL – plan your routes, delay travel if possible

    Flash floods reported in Subang, Petaling Jaya, Gombak, KL – plan your routes, delay travel if possible

    Flash floods have occurred today, April 22 across several areas within the Klang Valley, according to the Kuala Lumpur department of information (Jabatan Penerangan WPKL).

    According to the department, flooding has occurred in the Subang, Petaling Jaya, Gombak and Kuala Lumpur areas following heavy rainfall today, and traffic conditions remain congested.

    Within the capital, the left lanes on Jalan Damansara towards Jalan Istana have been flooded, resulting in traffic congestion from the Duta tunnel, according to the department.

    For those who have yet to take to the roads in these areas, delay your travels if possible, and if you must head out, plan your routes. This should also be a timely reminder to have the Special Perils add-on for your vehicle insurance policy in the event your vehicle ends up stuck in rising waters; while it does cost more, it is a small additional amount compared to the potential repair costs should a vehicle end up flooded.

    The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) stated last year that vehicle losses from floods in 2022 amounted to RM18.8 million, and in addition to the financial cost, vehicles which have been submerged in water may require at least two weeks in repairs.

    Severe weather brings danger and potential damage not just from the road surface level, but also from above, as fallen trees may result from said weather. The Special Perils add-on provides coverage against damage from fallen trees, though it is best to take precautions and avoid higher-risk areas when possible.

     
  • smart joins KL Car Free Morning, previews #3 EV SUV

    smart joins KL Car Free Morning, previews #3 EV SUV

    There was a surprise appearance at yesterday’s KL Car Free Morning (KLCFM). smart Malaysia showed up with not just the #1, but a taped-up #3 as well. It was the first appearance of the ‘hashtag three’ in Malaysia, and it kicks off the preview phase of the company’s second model.

    Think of the #3 as a sleeker ‘SUV coupe’ version of the high-roofed #1. At 4,400 mm long, 1,844 mm wide and 1,556 mm tall, the #3 is 130 mm longer, 22 mm wider and 80 mm lower than the #1, and its 2,785 mm wheelbase is 35 mm longer. Battery and powertrain options mirror the #1 (there’s also a Brabus range topper), and so does the cabin, although the #3 gets round central air vents for an even stronger Mercedes-Benz vibe.

    “The smart #3 is poised to redefine the driving experience in Malaysia, setting a new standard for EV performance. Signalling the arrival of the car in Malaysia, with more announcements on the way. Stay informed and connected by following smart Malaysia’s social media channels for the latest updates and official announcements,” the company said in a statement.

    smart joins KL Car Free Morning, previews #3 EV SUV

    smart Malaysia is the the first EV brand to support DBKL’s KLCFM, a weekly Sunday morning open circuit around the city, and the company provided plants for runners to adopt.

    “In alignment with smart’s Global Sustainability Strategy, our partnership with DBKL represents a significant step forward in promoting collaborative sustainable development for both the environment and society. By showcasing smart #1 and #3, we aim to raise awareness for eco-friendly transportation alternatives and emphasize the importance of reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment. Additionally, our plant giveaway adds a delightful touch to our efforts in spreading this awareness,” said Zhang Qiang, CEO of smart Malaysia.

    “Moreover, this initiative serves as a solution to achieving a greener, carbon-free city by 2030 by shifting mindsets towards owning all-electric vehicles. As an EV car distributor, smart Malaysia is at the forefront of this transition,” the company added.

    What do you think of the smart #3’s design? It should drive similarly to the #1, which we reviewed here.

    GALLERY: smart #3

     
  • Chery Omoda 5 viral brake issue – Puspakom issues statement regarding role in vehicle inspections

    Chery Omoda 5 viral brake issue – Puspakom issues statement regarding role in vehicle inspections

    Regarding the post about a Chery Omoda 5 with brake issues and the carmaker’s statement following an inspection by Puspakom on April 12, Puspakom has issued its own statement on the matter, in particular regarding its role in addressing vehicle issues.

    “It has come to Puspakom’s attention that there are concerns regarding the role of Puspakom in addressing vehicle issues, particularly in a case where a customer was dissatisfied with the brake performance of a vehicle that was recently purchased. Subsequently, the vehicle was brought to Puspakom to perform [a] brake performance check, after other checks undertaken by the brand owner,” the agency wrote in its statement.

    Puspakom stated that “it is incorrect to suggest that car brands in Malaysia are using Puspakom to hide vehicle issues”, and the agency wishes to clarify that it main role is to conduct inspections to certify vehicles that arrive at its centres for inspection comply with the roadworthiness standards established by the Malaysian authorities.

    In the case of the Omoda 5, the vehicle’s brake system has shown that its performance meets global standards, “ensuring that the vehicle can stop safely within a defined distance,” the Puspakom statement read.

    Chery Omoda 5 viral brake issue – Puspakom issues statement regarding role in vehicle inspections

    “It is important to note that Puspakom does not diagnose mechanical faults. Instead, our inspections provide readings and results that serve as indications of any potential faults, which then require further diagnosis by manufacturers or qualified mechanics,” Puspakom said in its statement.

    “Manufacturers have a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of their vehicles. It is their responsibility to deliver on the promises made to customers, including providing vehicles that meet performance expectations,” the statement continued.

    Puspakom added that vehicle inspections are ultimately to help vehicle owners ensure that their vehicles are safe and roadworthy, and comply with the required standards under the Road Transport Act 1987.

    “Puspakom maintains an open-door policy for any manufacturer to test their vehicle’s roadworthiness. It is crucial to emphasise that our inspections aim to provide transparent and tangible information to consumers. This commitment helps ensure that Malaysian consumers are well-informed and their interests are safeguarded,” the statement read.

    Click on the images to view the statement by Puspakom in full, below.

     
  • Jetour coming to Malaysia in H2 2024 – Chery SUV brand; Dashing, X70 launch this year; EVs planned

    Jetour coming to Malaysia in H2 2024 – Chery SUV brand; Dashing, X70 launch this year; EVs planned

    Chery has entered the Malaysian market guns ablaze, with its main marque already firmly established here and its lifestyle-oriented Jaecoo brand launching very soon. But it’s not done yet – a third brand is being prepared for a local entrance here, and it’s Jetour.

    The SUV brand is set to debut in the second half of the year, not too long after Jaecoo. But hang on – aren’t Chery and Jaecoo already SUV brands in their own right? Yes, but in Malaysia at least, Jetour and Chery (and Jaecoo) are being managed by two completely separate entities, so they will end up being competitors in the same turf.

    Jetour SUVs are also slightly upmarket compared to Chery’s, something that will be borne out by the vehicles that will be brought in. This year will see the launch of the five-seater Dashing and seven-seater X70 Plus (not to be confused with the Proton X70), competing in the C- and D-segment crossover markets respectively.

    Jetour Dashing

    The Dashing is the newer of the two, based on Jetour’s own Kunlun architecture. This sleek, premium-looking SUV has shades of Lamborghini Urus and Maserati Grecale in its design, plus a chrome window/D-pillar strip and flush pop-out door handles. Inside, you get a floating infotainment touchscreen measuring up to 15.6 inches, a flat top and bottom for the steering wheel and even an outside temperature display on the doors.

    But while the Dashing looks different from a Chery and Jaecoo on the outside, the mechanicals are very similar. You get the choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines – a 156 PS/230 Nm 1.5 litre mill from the Omoda 5 or a 197 PS/290 Nm 1.6 litre unit from the Tiggo 7 Pro and Jaecoo J7. Unlike the Omoda 5, the Dashing’s 1.5 litre engine is paired to the same seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission as the 1.6 litre version, rather than a CVT.

    The same is true for the larger X70 Plus, which gets the same 1.5 and 1.6 litre turbo and DCT combo, as well as the 256 PS/390 Nm 2.0 litre turbo from the Tiggo 8 Pro. This car has been around since Jetour’s formation in 2018; the Plus in its name denotes a comprehensive facelift that adds shapely headlights, a large hexagonal grille, full chrome window surrounds and full-width taillights.

    Jetour X70 Plus

    On the inside, you get a Mercedes-style widescreen display panel with a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen, plus a Land Rover-esque separate display and physical dials for the air conditioning. Of course, there’s the elephant in the room that is the fact that the X70 Plus shares its name with a certain national SUV, and a Jetour rep says the car will likely be renamed for the Malaysian market.

    Both these cars were chosen for its Malaysian debut because they are the first to be converted to right-hand drive, with small-scale production having already kicked off at the end of last year for us and Indonesia. The company will hit the ground running with CKD local assembly from the start (just like Jaecoo) so that it can compete with others in the segment in terms of price.

    Beyond that, Jetour plans to introduce the Traveller (also known as the T2), a rugged crossover that bears similar styling to the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender. The company had planned to bring the car in together with the other two, but production of the RHD variant had been delayed and is now only scheduled to start in July or August.

    Jetour Traveller

    Taking into account CKD tooling and the usual validation and approval process, the Traveller is slated to go on sale in Malaysia next year. There are also plans to enter the electric vehicle market via a yet-to-be-announced sedan, although no details have been set in stone.

    Jetour had set up office in Malaysia a few months ago as a separate company from Chery Malaysia with an independent management team. Since then, it has been in constant engagement with government agencies such as the ministry of finance, ministry of international trade and industry (MITI) and the Road Transport Department to obtain the necessary approvals for the Dashing and X70 Plus.

     
  • Carro Malaysia monthly specials for April 2024

    Carro Malaysia monthly specials for April 2024

    Here’s some of Carro Malaysia’s inventory that have a monthly special promo for the month of April 2024. There are a total of 20 cars on promo, but the list below will show in real time the inventory that’s available.

    Looking for a premium executive sedan? At time of publishing, there are units of BMW 330i M Sport and Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde going for RM5k and RM3k off respectively. The 330i can be had from RM2,348 a month while the C200 goes for RM1,636 a month. If you’re looking for something unique, there’s a Beetle TSI going for RM3k off.

    If you’re looking for your first car, there’s a nice red Myvi AV going for RM540 a month, thanks to a RM2,300 off promo. Check out the full list of unsold inventory below or head on to Carro Malaysia website.

    From RM 1,636 a month
    RM 152,300 RM 149,300 RM 3,000 off!
    From RM 1,055 a month
    RM 99,300 RM 96,300 RM 3,000 off!
    From RM 880 a month
    RM 82,800 RM 80,300 RM 2,500 off!
    From RM 540 a month
    RM 51,600 RM 49,300 RM 2,300 off!
    From RM 365 a month
    RM 34,300 RM 33,300 RM 1,000 off!
    From RM 299 a month
    RM 29,800 RM 27,300 RM 2,500 off!
     
  • Berjaya Sompo motor insurance now with special perils coverage as standard, peace of mind assured!

    Berjaya Sompo motor insurance now with special perils coverage as standard, peace of mind assured!

    Here at paultan.org, we’ve consistently emphasised the importance of opting for special perils coverage when buying or renewing motor insurance for your car.

    Some might assume that with comprehensive motor insurance, you will be fully covered for damages, whatever happens to your car. That’s not the case. If you do not opt for special perils coverage, you will not be compensated if your vehicle falls victim to an Act of God – think natural disasters such as floods and landslides, or falling trees. And with the weather being what it is these days – thunderstorms almost every evening – the risk of your car getting caught in a weather-related mishap is higher than before.

    Special perils coverage is a must-have, but sometimes we tend to forget the option, or are tempted to save some cash when faced with the choice, in hope that nothing will happen the following year. So, it’s a good thing that Berjaya Sompo is now making special perils coverage standard in its motor insurance products. This way, you will be covered, no matter what.

    SOMPO Motor and SOMPO MotorSafe have been recently upgraded to provide comprehensive coverage against unforeseen events, increasing coverage for “Convulsion of Nature” to 100% of the insured policy sum, giving customers ultimate peace of mind when it comes to natural disasters.

    Working hand-in-hand with protection is assistance. SOMPO motor insurance now comes with free 24-hour unlimited towing for accidents and breakdowns, accessible through the user-friendly MySOMPO mobile app. The app also provides live-updates when the roadside assistance is called – ensuring our policyholders have peace of mind that help is on the way.

    The free towing can be from the accident/breakdown location to a panel repairer or a safe place of storage while awaiting repair. If the cost incurred is only for towing services, Berjaya Sompo will not charge any excess and your NCD is unaffected. No more stress and anxiety when you’re stranded.

    “At Berjaya Sompo, we understand the challenges and anxieties Malaysian drivers face on the road, especially with the increasing unpredictability of weather. These enhancements showcase our unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive, innovative solutions that prioritise our customers’ well-being. We want every journey to be safe, secure, and worry-free,” said Tan Sek Kee, CEO of Berjaya Sompo.

    With special perils coverage made standard in its enhanced products, Berjaya Sompo removes the chance of customers missing out on this vital component of motor insurance, increasing convenience and protection for all.

     
  • Tesla cuts prices in several markets internationally, Q1 2024 sees drop in sales for the first time in four years

    Tesla cuts prices in several markets internationally, Q1 2024 sees drop in sales for the first time in four years

    Tesla has cut the prices of its vehicles in several markets internationally, The Guardian has reported, first in the United States, then followed by the same in China and Germany.

    The American electric vehicle maker announced reductions in prices for the US market, beginning with the Model Y that dropped to US$42,990 (RM205,641), while its larger models the Model S and Model X which dropped to US$72,990 (RM349,155) and US$77,990 (RM373,073), respectively. The Model S and Model X are no longer sold in right-hand-drive markets.

    Price cuts for the brand’s vehicles in the United States last Friday were followed by a reduction in price for the firm’s Full Self Driving ADAS suite from US$12,000 (RM57,406) to US$8,000 (RM38,271), which also saw the discontinuation of Autopilot in that market though Enhanced Autopilot continues to be available in Malaysia for RM16,000.

    Tesla cuts prices in several markets internationally, Q1 2024 sees drop in sales for the first time in four years

    Tesla pricing in China followed suit, with the starting price of the updated Model 3 in China dropped by 14,000 yuan (RM9,246) to 231,900 yuan (RM153,159), according to the report by The Guardian citing Tesla’s official website. Germany also saw price cuts for Tesla vehicles, where RWD Model 3 pricing dropped from 42,990 euros (RM219,349) to 40,990 euros (RM 209,157).

    Price cuts have also taken place in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, The Guardian cited a Tesla spokesperson as saying. The price reductions across markets has come after the EV maker’s global vehicle deliveries in the first quarter of this year recorded a drop for the first time in four years, according to the news outlet.

    The American EV maker has also been in the news this week for its Cybertruck, which has been subject to a recall for a defect found with its accelerator pedal. This pedal includes a pad which could dislodge and become trapped in a depressed position in the footwell, thus causing the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally and potentially cause a crash.

     
 
 
 

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Last Updated Apr 18, 2024

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