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Michelin Malaysia introduces Power 6, Power GP 2, Anakee Road motorcycle tyres – from RM1,020 per set
Michelin Malaysia today introduced its latest range of motorcycle tyres, namely the Power 6, Power GP2 and Anakee Road to cater to the different requirements of riders here. “We’re thrilled to demonstrate Michelin’s steadfast dedication to adapting to ever-changing consumer needs through the innovative expansion of our motorcycle products,” said Prichapakorn Dangrojana, managing director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
“With innovation at the core of Michelin’s strategic approach, we are dedicated to advancing our motorcycle tyre offerings to maintain our position as the benchmark in the industry for riders and OEMs alike and are delighted to be able to cater to Malaysian motorcyclists whose passion encompasses both the open road and the racetrack,” he added.
Starting with the Michelin Power 6, this performance motorcycle tyre is designed to provide optimised grip in wet and dry conditions, sporty handling as well as lasting performance. The Power 6 is available in a range of sizes and is compatible with motorcycles with engines over 300 cc.
Meanwhile, the Michelin Power GP2 is a racetrack tyre that has been homologated for road use and draws upon Michelin’s years of expertise in MotoGP that has seen it rack up over 400 wins. Developed for use on super sports bikes, including those with engines exceeding 600 cc, the Power GP2 delivers enhanced grip on both wet and dry surfaces, making it a good fit for riders who want optimal handling on both road and track.
Lastly, the Anakee Road is a combination of the Anakee and Road tyre range that covers all usage for trail motorcycles. Developing to be long-lasting and to deliver a connected feel on wet roads, the Anakee Road offers a 90/10 ratio for on-road/off-road use. Pricing for these motorcycle tyres are listed above.
In addition to tyres for motorcycles, Michelin Malaysia also offers a range of tyres for bicycles of various kinds, including the Wild Enduro, Jet XC, Power Adventure and Power Cup.
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Chery Omoda 7 – C-segment SUV teased ahead of Beijing debut on April 28, a more stylish Tiggo 7 Pro?
When Chery introduced the Omoda sub-brand, it confirmed the presence of not just the Omoda 5 but also the upcoming Omoda 7 and Omoda 9. Now, the company has released a teaser of the first of those derivatives, the Omoda 7, which will be revealed in full at Auto China in Beijing next week, April 28.
Given its name, the car is obviously one size larger than the Omoda 5, and while the latter’s design is a vague approximation of the Nissan Ariya, the Omoda 7 has an altogether more mature look. The familial traits are of course still visible, these being the clamshell bonnet, upswept window line, glazed D-pillars and contrasting black roof.
Elsewhere, you’ll find sharp headlights, wraparound taillights and flush pull-up door handles that are similar to the BMW iX1‘s. You also get a hexagonal pattern grille as well as an interesting graphic in the bumper corners, which light up at the edges.
Expect the Omoda 7 to arrive in global markets next year as a more stylish alternative to the Tiggo 7 Pro, likely featuring the same multilink rear suspension (the Omoda 5 uses a torsion beam), 197 PS/290 Nm 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. We doubt it will go on sale here, however, given that the Tiggo 7 Pro and Jaecoo J7 will leave little room for it to exist. Instead, Chery Malaysia will be pushing ahead with the larger Jaecoo J8 and Omoda 9.
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Op Selamat 22 concludes with slightly lower accident rate, 10% less deaths on the road this Raya season
Op Selamat 22 in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2024 has concluded, and the grim figures have seen a slight reduction. According to inspector-general of police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, total number of road accidents saw a 1.41% reduction compared to last year’s Raya holidays.
It’s not a thing to celebrate as there were still 8,862 accidents versus 8,989 cases last year. Of the total, 105 cases were fatal accidents, and this is 10% lower compared to the 117 cases recorded in 2023. Meanwhile, the total number of deaths caused by accidents were 119, lower than last year’s 126.
“Motorcycle riders and pillions still recorded the highest deaths at 79 in this Op Selamat, compared to 80 in 2023,” Razarudin said, adding that among the main causes of road accidents are failure to control the vehicle due to fatigue or sleepiness, and not keeping a safe distance among vehicles.
In contrast with the slight reduction of accidents and deaths, PDRM issued 292% more summonses compared to Raya 2023. That’s right, 292%, from 29,216 to 114,467 saman. The IGP said that the high number of saman issued is to serve as a reminder to motorists to adhere to road regulations. On another note, the number of house break-ins decreased 31% from 272 cases to 189.
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smart Malaysia introduces Refer & Reward referral programme – RM50 for test drive, RM500 if purchase
smart Malaysia has introduced the Refer & Reward referral programme, which the company says is “designed to strengthen the bonds within our vibrant smart community while celebrating the loyalty and enthusiasm of our valued owners”.
“Our goal with the Refer & Reward referral programme is to ignite the passion of our loyal smart owners by providing them with an opportunity to share their love for the brand with others. Through referrals, we aim to create a thriving smart community where members feel valued and connected,” said Zhang Qiang, CEO of smart Malaysia.
Under the programme, smart owners can earn rewards for their participation. For every successful test drive arranged through a referral, the referrer will receive 5,000 smart points, which is equivalent to RM50. If the test drive becomes a successful referral resulting in a purchase, the introducing party will earn 50,000 points, equivalent to RM500. Buying your second smart? 100,000 points equivalent to RM1,000 will be yours.
Owners can use their smart points to pay for charging fees via the Hello smart app. An upcoming update will allow points to be used for in-car internet data and official smart merchandise. Referrers will also receive priority invitations to smart events.
Considering an EV as the family’s next second car? There are no shortage of options if you’re thinking of making the switch from petrol power to batteries today, but the smart #1 offers something unique in the market and is an ideal ‘first EV’ if you’re transitioning from a premium-badged ICE car – full review here.
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KVDT2 project starts in Port Klang – two KTM Komuter lines affected, new schedule effective Apr 20 released
Here’s more news from the KTM Komuter front. The Klang Valley Electrified Double Track Phase 1 (KVDT1) project between Rawang and KL Sentral stations has been completed – which is reflected in the increased frequency that makes KTM Komuter viable again, starting April 22 – and now is the time to start Phase 2 (KVDT2).
The second phase of the rail rehabilitation project will kick off between Simpang Port Klang and Port Klang, and two KTM Komuter lines will be affected. They are the Batu Caves – Pulau Sebang – Batu Caves line, and the Tanjung Malim – Pelabuhan Klang – Tanjung Malim line.
These two lines will be getting new schedules, starting April 20 for weekends and public holidays, and April 22 for weekdays. Your routine might be affected and it will take time to adapt, but this is a classic case of bersusah-susah dahulu, bersenang-senang kemudian, as those in the north of the Klang Valley can testify. New schedules here.
Meanwhile, folks from Kuang, Rawang, Serendah and further north, you’ve got your KTM Komuter back – with a weekday peak hour frequency of 15 minutes starting from April 22, the KTM is now viable way to commute to KL and back – details here.
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2024 Jaecoo J7 – we test out 197 PS/290 Nm 1.6T AWD SUV off-road ahead of launch; RM160k estimated
It’s tough being a new car brand in 2024. For the longest time, the market was dominated by national carmakers alongside established names from Germany and Japan, with bit players like the Koreans and the French fighting for scraps. Just ten years ago, any suggestion that Chinese cars would register anything more than a blip on the local vehicle sales charts would’ve gotten you laughed out the room.
But when Proton started selling Geely-based products in late 2018, the penny dropped. Suddenly the public was getting comfortable with buying handsome, well made and (relatively) affordable cars from the Middle Kingdom. Fast forward to today and you have a wealth of mostly SUV options from China from the likes of BYD and Chery, both of which are reporting strong sales.
Success, however, breeds familiarity – and with it, contempt. Almost every car you see on the road right now is a middling family crossover with either a small turbocharged engine or an electric motor, many of which come from China. And that’s before sales of budding brands like GAC or MG have truly taken hold. You start to see how difficult it would be for any new brand to stand out.
Enter Jaecoo, a new brand developed by Chery. This upstart young marque is positioning itself as a more upmarket and rugged alternative to its parent company – think of it as Land Rover for the masses. Its new J7, set to reach customers’ hands in the third quarter of the year, is being touted for its off-road capabilities – rare in this day and age. But do its claims actually hold water? We wade through some of that water (and plenty more besides) at the Malaysia 4WD Training and Experience Centre (M4TREC) to find out.
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Neta Malaysia offers lifetime warranty for a limited period and introduces customer loyalty programme
Intro Synergy, the official distributor Neta electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia, has announced it is offering a lifetime warranty to the first 500 customers who purchase a Neta V between April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Naturally, there are terms and conditions to this offer. To qualify, new buyers (individual owners for non-commercial use) must register their Neta V before July 31, 2024. Additionally, the warranty only covers the EV’s battery, electric motor and motor control unit.
Existing Neta V owners – around 100 units have been sold so far – aren’t left out either, as they are also eligible for the lifetime warranty if they meet certain requirements. These include a distance travelled of not more than 30,000 km per year and their vehicle must not have any modifications made to it, nor should it have its battery damaged due to an accident, flood or fire.
This offer is also only applicable to the first owner (private owners and users; non-commercial use), and the vehicle must be sent for scheduled service at an authorised Neta service centre using genuine parts.
Besides the lifetime warranty, the company also introduced the Neta Loyalty Programme which provides members with the opportunity to receive rewards of up to RM24,300. To be a part of the programme, you must be a Neta V owner and have the brand logo placed on the car body for a period of five years. This effectively makes you a brand ambassador and with photo postings on social media, you’ll be rewarded with a RM24,300 advertising reward.
Other benefits of the programme include a 21% discount on selected accessories and free car rentals through NexV (up to 10 days per year; currently available at Careplus Mall Seremban). There are also lucky draws where the first draw will see 200 participants win RM5,000, while the second draw is a RM20,000 prize for 500 participants. A third draw will see 1,000 participants take home a RM50,000 voucher to purchase a Neta X.
Members of the programme can also take part in social media competitions to win vouchers by showcasing their Neta EV on Facebook. Prizes include a RM5,000 voucher to purchase any Neta product for the winner with the most followers, while second and third consecutive wins will net a RM10,000 and RM20,000 voucher respectively.
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Buy a BYD Atto 3 and watch UEFA Euro 2024 live in Germany – 20x semi-final, 9x final tickets to be won
BYD is the official e-mobility partner for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament that will kick off in June, and Sime Darby Motors (SDM) has announced a very attractive campaign, especially if you’re a football fan. How about 20x semi-final tickets and 9x tickets to the final in Germany?
That’s right, tickets to Euro 2024 are up for grabs, and not just any group stage match, but seats for the semi-final and final. To be in the running, register a BYD Atto 3 EV from now till April 30 and submit your entry at any of BYD’s 21 dealerships across Malaysia.
To kick off this campaign, SDM is hosting a UEFA Euro 2024 event from April 19 to 21 at Carpark B, Bukit Jalil Stadium, 9am to 6pm. There will be a host of exciting activities, exclusive event promotions and “the spirit of football fandom,” the company says.
The campaign will also be accessible at BYD showrooms nationwide until April 30, where customers can enjoy special rebates, charging credits and an exclusive overtrade programme for the Atto 3.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to BYD! This partnership with UEFA Euro 2024 is a significant milestone that perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and promoting sustainable transportation solutions. We are thrilled to kick off this football fever campaign and invite Malaysians to seize the opportunity to be part of this exciting journey towards a greener and more exhilarating future,” said Jeffrey Gan, SDM’s MD of Southeast Asia.
This is the first time that a new energy vehicle (NEV, a China term for electrified cars) company has sponsored the Euros, and BYD is committed to contributing to UEFA’s goal of organising the most sustainable European Championship to date. In Malaysia, BYD currently has three EV models – the Atto 3 SUV, Dolphin hatchback and Seal sedan – and a network of 21 showrooms, with a target of at least 30 outlets by the end of 2024.
Who are you backing for Euro 2024? It’s coming home?
GALLERY: BYD Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition
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Sime Darby Motors Riang Raya – fantastic deals from 9 brands at Ara Damansara this weekend, April 19-21!
Selamat Hari Raya! Come one, come all to the Sime Darby Motors Riang Raya event this weekend at Sime Darby Motors City Ara Damansara, where fantastic deals from a wide range of brands are in store.
This is the chance to own your dream car or two-wheeler from BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, BYD, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo with extra perks. Also, check out the high quality used cars at very tempting prices from Sime Darby Auto Selection, SDM’s pre-owned vehicle division.
The place to be this weekend – April 19-21 – is Sime Darby Motors City Ara Damansara. The one-stop, multi-brand facility will be open from 9am to 6pm, so you can browse to your heart’s content, all in one location.
BMW
Fans of BMW, you’re in for a treat! Auto Bavaria has lined up exclusive attractive rebates, and the great prices are complemented with low interest rates and a complimentary BMW Wallbox for selected models – the latter will ensure convenient and efficient home charging for your new EV.
Speaking of EVs, BMW’s all-electric models come with a high voltage battery that is supported by an extended warranty of eight years or 160,000 km, ensuring peace of mind for the road ahead.
MINI
Need a dash of fun in your motoring life? MINI is the answer. Take home an agile partner for your urban adventures with attractive cash rebates and low interest rate by Auto Bavaria. There are also special corporate discounts – enquire in store. While you’re at it, find out more about the MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme (MSRI), which provides years of worry-free maintenance for your bundle of joy.
BMW Motorrad
Bikers, you are not forgotten. The Sime Darby Motors Riang Raya event this weekend will have great deals on selected BMW Motorrad models. There are also hassle-free financing packages tailored to meet your needs, so you can fully enjoy the freedom of a two-wheeler without any compromises.
You can also ride with confidence, knowing that your BMW Motorrad is backed by a comprehensive three-year warranty. Test rides will also be available for selected models, so bring your helmet.
Hyundai
Hyundai is among the world’s leading brands when it comes to EVs, so if you’re considering the switch to battery power, check out the marque’s Ioniq EVs that have top tech and striking designs.
New to EVs? You’ll get a ParkEasy Plus bundle that comes with RM720 worth of ParkEasy credits, 15% discount on Shell Recharge High Performance Charging sites and 10% cashback on Shell Recharge Destination Sites for one year. That’s a great ‘welcome gift’ into electric motoring!
For Hyundai’s ICE-powered models, you’ll drive home with RM500 of Touch n Go eWallet credits.
Jaguar Land Rover
There are big deals over at Jaguar Land Rover. How big? How about up to RM100,000 in cash rebates for selected models, and a complimentary insurance voucher worth up to RM30,000 when purchasing selected Jaguar I-PACE, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar units.
Besides that, JLR is also providing a five-year warranty and complementary servicing package, along with three years of roadside assistance for complete peace of mind.
Also check out the company’s wide selection of approved pre-owned vehicles, each with a minimum two-year warranty. While you’re at JLR, why not test drive the Jaguar I-PACE and the EV’s 4.8 seconds 0-100 km/h acceleration? You’ll even receive a JLR mystery merchandise as a reward for the ‘hard work’ of having fun. Call 03-92123103 to register for this exclusive experience at Jaguar Land Rover Ara Damansara.
BYD
These days, BYD needs little introduction. China’s EV leader has a three-car range in the Seal, Atto 3 and Dolphin, and buyers of selected models will get to enjoy perks such as 0% interest rates, complimentary wallbox and cash rebates of up to RM20,000. Further carrots come in the form of charging credits to ease you into habit of charging your car, and a three-year service package.
Also, if you purchase a BYD Atto 3 from now till April 30, you stand a chance to win free tickets to UEFA Euro 2024!. Not just any match, but nine tickets to the final and 20 semi-final tickets are up for grabs! Take advantage of BYD’s attractive trade-in programme to easily convert to an EV.
Ford
EVs can wait, trucks FTW! If that’s you, Ford is the place to be this weekend at Sime Darby Motors City. SDAC is offering a free 70mai A800S 4K dashcam and two years of free maintenance. Purchasing the Raptor, Wildtrak and XLT Plus versions of the Ford Ranger will net also you high trade-in values for your existing ride, so enquire in-store.
Volvo
For the sleek and sophisticated types, proceed to Sime Darby Swedish Auto for a fitting session with a Volvo. The marque’s stylish SUVs and sedans come with attractive cash rebate of up to RM15,000, complimentary VSA5+ (all-inclusive service maintenance package for worry-free ownership) and a special event-only bonus of a Volvo dashcam.
Auto Selection
Don’t leave the Sime Darby Motors Riang Raya without checking out the wide range of quality used cars from Auto Selection, Sime Darby Motors’ pre-owned car division.
With Auto Selection, you can purchase with peace of mind, as vehicles are guaranteed to be free from flood, fire or major accident damage, and the mileage you see is 100% actual – no meter tampering. Auto Selection also performs full inspection and refurbishment on cars and provides extended warranty and complimentary service packages.
In store this weekend are limited time deals as well as high trade-in value for your current ride. Happy browsing!
Once again, the Sime Darby Motors Riang Raya event is happening from Friday to Sunday (April 19-21) at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara – RSVP here.
*Terms and conditions apply
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Volkswagen to work with Xpeng on E/E architecture for use in VW’s CMP-based EVs produced from 2026
Xpeng has announced it has entered into a framework agreement with the Volkswagen Group to jointly develop an electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture. This will be used in Volkswagen’s China Main Platform (CMP) that will underpin the company’s electric vehicles (EVs) set to be produced in China from 2026.
In its official release, Xpeng said its E/E architecture is the core to its vertically integrated full-stack software and hardware technologies, which include ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), Connectivity OS as well as over-the-air (OTA) updates. “Xpeng’s latest generation of E/E architecture adopts central computing and a domain controller-based architecture which provides high-performance in-car computing environment and competitive cost structure,” the company said.
“The shared passion for technology and innovation brought Xpeng and Volkswagen together. Both parties continue to contribute each other’s best to our strategic partnership. The technical collaboration based on our industry-leading E/E architecture takes our partnership to the next level and on a much larger scale. The collaboration will allow our smart EV products to be both technologically competitive and cost competitive,” said Xiaopeng He, chairman and CEO of Xpeng.
“With our ‘In China, for China’ strategy, we are strengthening the innovative power of the Volkswagen Group in China. By expanding our partnership with Xpeng and consistently integrating with China’s industrial ecosystem, we will align our products even faster to the needs of Chinese customers,” commented Ralf Brandstatter, member of the board of management of Volkswagen AG for China,
“Both partners bring their strengths to the table. This increases efficiency, optimises cost structures and accelerates the speed of development. High cost-effectiveness and a fast pace of development are crucial for our competitiveness in China’s dynamic market environment. Through such efforts, we are taking on a leading role in the age of intelligent connected vehicles,” he added.
This technical collaboration expands Volkswagen’s ongoing partnership with Xpeng, with the former previously announcing a sizeable investment in the Chinese EV maker. The ‘In China, for China’ strategy was highlighted in a recent Volkswagen release, which stated Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC), the group’s fully owned subsidiary based in Hefei, will be responsible for developing the China-specific EV platform known as CMP.
Volkswagen is currently developing two models with Xpeng, with the first set to be a mid-size SUV that will be produced as early as 2026. The company adds that at least four additional EVs in the entry-level compact segment will be built from 2026 based on the CMP. By 2030, it aims to have more than 30 EVs on offer in China alone, supported by a multi-billion euro investment in its innovation hub in Hefei.
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RON97 petrol price April 2024 week three update – premium fuel price still unchanged at RM3.47/litre
With Wednesday comes the weekly fuel price update in Malaysia, as announced by the finance ministry for the coming week of April 18 to 24, 2024.
As before, there is once again no change in the price of RON 97 petrol, which means the premium petrol grade continues as before at RM3.47 per litre; the same as it was last week, and which in fact has remained thus since September 2023.
The subsidised RON 95 petrol carries on at its ceiling price of RM2.05 per litre, as set by the Malaysian government in February 2021, however that is set to change this year.
Also unchanged are retail prices of diesel, with Euro 5 B10 and B20 blends priced at RM2.15 per litre, and Euro 5 B7 is priced 20 sen more per litre at RM2.35 per litre.
These fuel prices will take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, April 24, 2024, when the next set of fuel price updates will be announced. This is the 16th edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for this year, and the 275th in total since the format’s introduction at the start of 2019.
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Bangkok 2024: Changan Deepal L07 sedan, S07 SUV EVs – 258 PS, 66.8 kWh battery; up to 540 km of range
Launched in Thailand at the beginning of this year, the Changan Deepal L07 sedan and S07 SUV electric vehicles have been displayed at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). The L07 sedan will also form the basis of the Chinese-market Mazda EV sedan that is tipped to be called the EZ-6, which will be distinct from the upcoming model that is destined for Japan, Europe, North America and Australasia.
Differing in bodystyle but sharing a common powertrain, the L07 sedan and S07 SUV are both powered by a 258 PS/320 Nm rear-mounted motor, which draws energy from a 66.8 kWh ternary lithium NMC battery that offers the S07 SUV 485 km of range, and the L07 sedan gets 540 km of range, both on the NEDC testing protocol.
Likewise, charging capabilities are matched across both the L07 sedan and the S07 SUV, with DC charging of up to 78 KW enabling a 30-80% recharge in 35 minutes. As with the commonly used standard, DC charging is via a CCS2 connection, and AC charging is through a Type 2 connection.
L07 sedan (above); S07 SUV (below) In terms of physical dimensions, the L07 sedan measures 4,820 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,480 mm tall, while the Deepal S07 SUV measures 4,750 mm long, 1,930 mm wide and 1,625 mm tall; both have an identical wheelbase of 2,900 mm. Ground clearance for the L07 sedan is 150 mm, while the S07 SUV stands 165 mm clear of the ground. The L07 rolls on 245/45R19 tyres, while the S07 SUV has 255/45R20 units.
In the S07 SUV, in-car features include a driver’s head-up display with AR navigation, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, 14-speaker audio, Bluetooth phone connecitivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, multi-colour LED ambient lighting, gesture recognition, a wireless device charger, online navigation and music streaming, voice control (in Thai and English), mobile remote control and OTA software update capability.
For ADAS kit, this includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, front collision warning, AEB, lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, and lane departure warning.
Also part of the suite of advanced safety features in the S07 SUV are blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear cross traffic braking, door opening warning, driver fatigue monitoring, automatic high beam, and safe distance warning.
L07 sedan (above); S07 SUV (below) Also on are front, front side and side curtain airbags, brake assist, ABS with EBD, ESP, traction control, hill hold assist, hill descent control, front and rear seat belt reminders, 360-degree camera suite with Transparent Chassis, DVR dashcam, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The L07 sedan gets driver assistance systems, safety kit and in-car features which are largely similar to those of the S07 SUV, plus the addition of a 10.5-inch LCD driver’s display.
The S07 SUV gains rear touchscreen adjustment for the front passenger seat position and roof sunshade whereas the L07 does without, though the the sedan does get dual-zone air-conditioning and a PM2.5 filter, while the SUV adds a PM2.5 monitor and an ion generator air purifier.
In Thailand, the Changan Deepal L07 sedan was priced from 1,329,000 baht (RM177,020), while the S07 SUV was priced from 1,399,000 baht (RM186,212) as of the models’ launch in January this year.
Changan Deepal L07
Changan Deepal S07
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2024 Nissan Qashqai facelift debuts – third-gen SUV gets bolder styling, new tech; mild hybrid, e-Power
Just a little over three years after its initial debut, the third-generation Nissan Qashqai has been given a substantial facelift that brings with it a bolder exterior, a tweaked interior as well as new technologies. Since its reveal in February 2021, over 350,000 units of the third-generation SUV have been sold in Europe, and Nissan aims to maintain that popularity with this mid-cycle refresh.
Starting with the outside, the Qashqai’s new face brings it in line with the Ariya by featuring a larger and more prominent grille. Unlike its fully electric stablemate, the Qashqai’s grille is designed with inspiration from the patterns of ancient Japanese armour scales, which sees dozens of comma-shaped elements in gloss black making up the insert.
The daytime running light signature is also more distinctive, with an upper light strip meeting with five small lenses that are shaped like the “commas”. Together, they wrap around the sharper main headlamps which have an adaptive high beam module joined by a smaller unit for wider beam distribution. Nissan points out the upper light strips double as turn indicators with a sequential function, the latter being a first for the SUV.
The rear of the Qashqai sees less pronounced changes, with the taillights retaining the same shape but now with a new signature that mimics the front DRL “commas” as well as having clear lenses and a “super red” shade.
Buyers now have the choice of a N-Design grade which sees the lower sides and wheel arches be painted in body colour, complemented by 20-inch alloy wheels. Other options include differing trim finishes depending on the chosen grade, along with wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches. New colours offered include Pearl White, Pearl Black and Deep Ocean, two of which (except the black) are available with a two-tone roof.
Moving inside, upper grades receive Alcantara applications on the dashboard, door inserts, door armrests, centre storage lid and knee pads. There are also finer changes like new patterned materials for the centre console (around the redesigned gear selector) and insert between the upper dashboard and glovebox, while the seats get quilted leather and there’s ambient lighting for a more premium look.
The general layout of the dashboard isn’t too dissimilar to the pre-facelift model, but there’s a new Nissan Connect infotainment system that is more powerful to provide built-in Google services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, access to Google Play and more – this is presented in the form of a larger, wide-format touchscreen.
Other technology upgrades for the Qashqai include a revised around view monitor that employs four cameras and features a 3D function to make it even easier for the driver to spot hazards. This works together with the Moving Object Detection system, which sounds an alert when it perceives a moving object in the proximity of the vehicle.
To further aid the driver, there’s also an “invisible hood view” that allows the position of the front wheels to be seen as if looking at them from just behind. Adding to the AVM’s capabilities is Parking Spot Location Memory which allows the driver to save frequently visited parking locations so the car using GPS. With this, the car will remember the precise position to allow perfect parking each time – particularly useful when the available space is a tight fit.
Meanwhile, the digital instrument cluster will change the design of the dials depending on the chosen drive mode, with Sport making them red, green in Eco or grey in standard mode. If you prefer less distractions, there’s also a “minimal” mode, with e-Power-equipped models having an addition energy flow display.
On that mention, the Qashqai will only be offered with electrified powertrains that include said e-Power system where the front wheels are driven by an electric motor rated at 190 PS (188 hp or 140 kW) and 330 Nm of torque. The motor draws power from a 1.8 kWh battery that is charged exclusively by a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-three variable compression petrol engine with 156 PS (154 hp or 115 kW) – the engine is not linked to the wheels at all.
Besides the e-Power system, the SUV can also be had with a 1.3 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol unit augmented by a 12-volt mild hybrid system. This engine has outputs of either 140 PS (138 hp or 103 kW) and 240 Nm or 158 PS (156 hp or 116 kW) and 270 Nm), paired with either a six-speed manual or CVT – all-wheel drive is optional.
Last but not least, the suite of driver assistance systems has been enhanced, including a recalibrated autonomous emergency braking function that detects risks and reacts more quickly in case of a possible collision. The Emergency Lane Keep System also automatically activates upon start-up, while the Intelligent Speed Assistance system does more to attract the driver’s attention if he or she exceeds the identified speed limit. Drivers can also set a custom profile for their preferred level of intervention.
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Free bus rides to Madani Raya event in JB tomorrow
Click to enlarge The Madani 2024 Aidilfitri celebration series of events will start tomorrow at Johor Bahru, before open houses in Sabah (April 20), Melaka (April 22), Kelantan (May 2), Kedah (May 4), Penang (May 5) and Terengganu (May 9). Prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be at the events along with state leaders.
The southern state is kicking things off tomorrow at Padang B, Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, 5pm to 7pm. Perbadanan Pengangkutan Awam Johor (PAJ) is offering free shuttle buses for the event, and the public can park at Giant Tampoi or Danga Bay Convention Centre and take the bus to Angsana.
The buses to Angsana from Giant Tampoi and Danga Bay Convention Centre will operate from 3pm to 4.30 pm to get people there, and from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm for the return trip. Taking the bus from these two locations might be much easier as the area around Angsana will be packed.
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Mazda EZ-6 EV teased for 2024 Beijing Auto Show, to replace Mazda 6 in China; Mazda 6e for other markets
With the current-generation Mazda 6 coming to the end of production this year, the Japanese manufacturer is set to unveil the sedan in all-electric guise at the Beijing Auto Show next week, WhichCar has reported.
Said to be badged ‘EZ-6’, the upcoming sedan is designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, however it isn’t solely a Mazda development, and instead is based on the Changan Deepal SL03 and therefore built on a Changan platform, and is said to sport dimensions identical to those of the Chinese model.
The SL03 is otherwise known as the L07, which was launched with the S07 SUV in Thailand at the beginning of this year, offering up to 485 km and 540 km of range (NEDC) for the S07 SUV and L07 sedan, respectively.
The upcoming ‘EZ-6’ will be for the Chinese market, and according to Tycho de Feijter on X/Twitter, Mazda has filed for trademarks for the terms ‘Mazda EZ-6’ and ‘Mazda EZ-60’ in China, with the former likely for the sedan based on the platform codenamed J90A, and the latter likely to be for an upcoming SUV codenamed J90K.
Third-generation Mazda 6 in Malaysia A different naming convention appears to be in the works for the Japanese manufacturer’s upcoming model for other markets such as Japan, Europe, North America and Australasia, according to WhichCar, noting that Mazda has filed to trademark the ‘Mazda 6e’ and ‘6e’ names with the European Union Intellectual Property Office last month to secure its use for “automobiles and their parts”, and “electric cars and their parts”.
The separate naming structure could see the future Mazda 6 for those markets use the manufacturer’s own Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, in preparation for its full-scale launch of EV models from 2028 that is part of its three-phase roadmap.
Currently, Mazda’s EV model range globally consists of the MX-30 and the CX-30 EV that is for the Chinese market. In Malaysia, the MX-30 EV was launched in December 2022 in two variants, priced at RM199k and featuring a 35.5 kWh battery for up to 199 km of range.
