Latest Stories

  • Digital vehicle licence plates will help prevent car theft, reduce congestion at toll plazas – road safety experts

    In Local News, Technology / By / 12 comments

    The e-plate system for digital vehicle licence plates will not only help reduce congestion at highway toll plazas, but also help to curb vehicle theft, The Star has quoted experts as saying.

    The digital vehicle licence plates will help improve enforcement measures as personnel at roadblocks will only need to scan the digital plate to retrieve the vehicle owner’s details, said Universiti Putra Malaysia associate professor Law Teik Hua.

    These will make enforcement personnel’s work easier while also possibly reducing traffic congestion, as the chips in the digital plates will be linked to the vehicle registration system which cannot be changed by the user, thus improve vehicle security, Law added.

    “The government should engage with car manufacturers to work towards this. Having built-in chip in car plates will also increase the radio frequency identification (RFID) device adoption rate,” said Law, who is the head of the Road Safety Research Centre at UPM.

    Digital plates could also curb vehicle-related crimes, according to Malaysia Road & Transportation Safety Association president Nik Mohd Salim. “In some countries, toll gates will not open if the [number] plates and vehicle types do not match,” he said, adding that the e-plates can help authorities trace stolen vehicles if they enter areas which require the use of digital plates.

    Additionally, “e-plates will also allow the nation to gradually move towards the MLFF toll system,” the association president said. Earlier this week, works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that a proof of concept (POC) for MLFF will be conducted before the end of October 2023 before it is implemented for all highways in Malaysia.

    On the other hand, one challenge that will face the roll-out of digital vehicle licence plates is privacy concerns for potential data breaches. As digital plate-equipped vehicles are used, their data including travel history will be uploaded to an online database, and anyone with access will be able to find out where the vehicle has been, Law said.

    The topic of standardised licence plates in Malaysia dates back a number of years. The road transport department (JPJ) stated in 2016 that is was aiming to have a standardised licence plate system in place by 2017.

    A similar idea was mooted in 2017 where the licence plate would have an embedded chip containing information on the vehicle owner and driver, as well as vehicle details such as the engine and chassis numbers plus the colour and model. Subsequently, the police proposed e-plates in 2021 with the aim of standardising the identification of all vehicles in the country.

     

  • Volkswagen ID. Buzz EV MPV in Malaysia – 1st Edition SWB Pro, 204 PS and 310 Nm, 415 km range, RM588k

    In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News / By / 11 comments

    Admittedly, going the parallel import route isn’t for everyone, but for those that are willing to take the plunge, there’s a plethora of options to pick from. Aside from providing first dibs on models that will eventually come, the path sometimes offers access to something that is unlikely to show up through official channels.

    Case in point, the vehicle you see in the photos here. It’s the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the German automaker’s modern-day interpretation of the Microbus. While Volkswagen Malaysia is set to have all-electric ID offerings in its line-up in the coming future, the Buzz is surely not going to be one of them. This unit has been brought in by vehicle importer Zaman Motors, and from what we hear, has already found a home.

    The particular example is a 1st Edition SWB variant in its five-seater passenger model configuration. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which assembles the ID. Buzz, also has a cargo version, which of course will never see the light of day here as a grey import.

    Similar in size to the brand’s Transporter T6.1, being a bit wider, the fully-electric MPV sits on the automaker’s MEB modular architecture for electric vehicles. It’s powered by a rear axle-mounted electric motor that produces 204 PS (150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, an output that is identical to that on the ID.3 hatchback and the ID.4 (which is eventually set to come in as an official import from Volkswagen Malaysia).

    Juice for the single-drive motor is provided by a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery that is housed within the sandwich floor of the ID. Buzz. This is good enough to provide up to 415 km of travel on a single charge, based on a WLTP cycle. Other performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 10.2 seconds.

    Through AC charging at a rate of 11 kW, the battery can be recharged from a zero to 100% state of charge (SoC) in seven and a half hours. With a DC charger and at the maximum charge rate of 170 kW, it takes just 30 minutes to get the battery from a 5% to 80% SoC.

    If you’re not a fan of leather, then the Buzz will have plenty of appeal, because its interior doesn’t feature any materials of animal origin at all. What it does have is plenty of recycled materials, with this being used for the seat covers, floor coverings and headliner.

    Here, one of the fabrics used is Sequal yarn, which is made of 10% marine plastic and 90% recycled PET bottles, a composition the automaker says brings about a saving of 32% in carbon emissions compared to conventional products.

    The equipment list on the ID. Buzz example includes items such as LED matrix headlamps with advanced high-beam control, two-zone Climatronic air-conditioning, a Discover Pro navigation system with a 10-inch display screen, a nine-speaker audio system, a rear-view camera, four USB-C charging sockets at the rear and 30-colour ambient lighting.

    Safety and driver assistance kit on the model, which rides on 21-inch Bromberg two-toned black diamond wheels shod with 235/45 and 265/40 rear Hankook Ventus S1 evo tyres, includes adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go, AEB, lane keeping assist and park assist plus with park distance control.

    As for the price, the ID. Buzz in this configuration is priced at RM588,000, a small snip for someone looking for novelty, of which this one has an abundance of, and exclusivity, which is surely the case given its rarity.


































     

  • Kawasaki Malaysia opens 4S centre in Shah Alam

    In Bikes, Kawasaki, Local Bike News / By / / 0 comment

    Under distributorship of Edaran Modenas (EMOS), Kawasaki Malaysia has opened its first 4S centre located in Section 15, Shah Alam, Selangor. Known as Kawasaki Shah Alam, the opening of the 4s centre was attended by EMOS CEO Roslan Raskan, chief marketing officer George Kashiwagi and CEO of Kawasaki Shah Alam, Datuk Chear Kin Keong.

    Aside from sales of Kawasaki motorcycles, spare parts and service, Kawasaki Shah Alam is also listed as a Kawasaki All Star outlet. This means Kawasaki riders and fans can purchase all current model Kawasakis from small to large engine capacities, as well as Kawasaki off-road models.

    “Looking around at Kawasaki Shah Alam, I am inspired that this first-of-its- kind experiential store will also be a platform for the Kawasaki community to experience a wide range of KAwasaki’s innovative products in an immersive setting. As we believe that the true success story of the Kawasaki brand lies in its people,” said Roslan.

    “All our KAWASKI All Stars adopted the design and built of the Kawasaki Plazas in Japan by emphasizing on product display and visual merchandising, we believe that by sharing the same design aspects and beliefs, the showroom will make the visitors leave feeling a sense of belonging and fulfilled. In other words, giving them a taste of the Kawasaki experience: where culture meets interest,” said Kashiwagi.


     

  • Bangkok 2023: Neta V – budget EV with 384 km range, 95 PS, 101 km/h top speed; Neta S also on display

    In Cars, International News, Neta / By / / 1 comment

    Neta V

    The Neta V is currently on display at this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), so here’s a live gallery of the fully electric crossover. Launched in Thailand last August, the Neta V is a product of China’s Hozon Auto, which has a partnership with state-owned energy company PTT.

    Priced at 549,000 baht (RM71,297), the Neta V costs the same as the entry-level variant of the Yaris Ativ (we know it as the Vios). In terms of size, it’s smaller than the Perodua Ativa we have here, measuring in at 4,070 mm long (-5 mm), 1,690 mm wide (-20 mm), 1,540 mm tall (-95 mm) and with a wheelbase of 2,420 mm (-105 mm).

    Built on the company’s HPC platform, the EV features a front-mounted electric motor rated at 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 150 Nm of torque., which is powered by a lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 38.5 kWh that is good for a range of 384 km following the NEDC standard (the WLTP figure is typically around 20% lower).

    Given the output figures, the Neta V is not particularly quick as it only has a top speed of 101 km/h and a 0-50 km/h time of 3.9 seconds, making it better suited as a city car. A relatively small turning radius of 4.85 metres and 130 mm of ground clearance is also listed in the spec sheet.

    Neta V

    For charging, the Neta V can accept a max AC input (Type 2) of 6.6 kW, with a full charge taking eight hours. There’s also DC fast charging at a peak of 100 kW that gets the battery from a 30-80% state of charge in just 30 minutes, while a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system outputs up to 3.3 kW to power external accessories.

    In terms of kit, the EV comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic halogen projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, keyless entry and start, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, an electronic parking brake (with auto brake hold, a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a reverse camera, six speakers, synthetic leather upholstery, four-way adjustable electric front seats and two airbags.

    There are no active driver assistance systems like autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist here. Instead, there’s auto brake hold, hill start assist, hill descent control, a tyre pressure monitor and passive cruise control on top of the usual passive safety systems.

    Neta S

    The Neta V is expected to be launched in Malaysia, with Neta Auto Malaysia showing the model on its website and social media pages. Given the affordable-for-an-EV price tag in Thailand, the Neta V could become the cheapest EV in Malaysia when and if it goes on sale.

    Sitting alongside the Neta V at BIMS is the Neta S, which is the brand’s first EV built on its Shanhai platform. The sleek sedan features gullwing doors and styling that is reminiscent of the Nio ET7, albeit sportier in execution.

    For instance, the front end features prominent intake areas, with the ones at the corners of the bumper integrating the main headlamps that are joined by ultra-slim LED DRLs. The design of the C-pillars is also rather distinctive, while the rear sports a tailgate spoiler as well as full-width taillights that extend towards the rear doors.

    Neta S

    Like the Neta V, the main highlight of the Neta S’ interior is a large, portrait-format touchscreen infotainment system on the dashboard. One difference is the digital instrument panel is located ahead of the driver on the dash rather than being further up the dash as it is in the Neta V.

    In its home market, the Neta S is offered with battery capacities of between 43.51 and 91 kWh, with the range being between 310 km to 715 km. As for powertrains, the Neta S can be optioned with either a rear-mounted electric motor that is rated at 231 PS (228 hp or 170 kW) and 310 Nm, or an all-wheel drive setup that adds a second electric motor at the back with the same outputs.

    The brand’s flagship model can be optioned with quite a few premium features, including the Neta Pilot system, which in the 4.0 version of the suite powered by Huawei MDC 610 system-on-chip (SOC), is capable of offering piloted driving (SAE Level 4 autonomy). The Neta S isn’t sold in Thailand yet, but in China, it starts from a limited-time introductory price of 179,800 yuan (RM116,454) and going all the way up to 341,800 yuan (RM220,869).

    GALLERY: Neta V






    GALLERY: Neta S



     

  • Bangkok 2023: Mercedes-AMG SL43 roadster gets 2.0L turbo four, 381 PS/480 Nm; RM1.5 million in Thailand

    In Cars, International News, Mercedes-Benz / By / 2 comments

    The Mercedes-AMG SL 43 roadster is on display at the 2023 Bangkok Motor Show, and the soft-top 2+2 is priced at 11.7 million Thai baht in the kingdom, or the equivalent of RM1,518,770 according to the Mercedes-Benz Thailand website.

    Here, the SL 43 is the entry model to the roadster’s AMG range, and thus packs a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine that produces 381 PS at 6,750 rpm and 480 Nm of torque from 3,250 rpm to 5,000 rpm. This comes courtesy of an electric turbocharger driven off the car’s 48-volt electrical system, and which also feeds a belt-driven starter-generator that offers a temporary boost of 14 PS. This also enables a coasting mode, energy recovery and smoother transitions for the engine start-stop function.

    Outputs are sent to the rear wheels exclusively through an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed automatic transmission, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds; top speed for the SL 43 is 275 km/h.

    Rolling stock for the Thai-market SL 43 are 20-inch wheels shod in tyres measuring 265/40 in front and 295/35 at the rear; this particular example photographed at BIMS 2023 is shod in slightly larger 21-inch units, with tyres measuring 275/35 in front and 305/30 at the rear.

    Exterior kit for the SL 43 includes Digital Light along with the Active Light System and Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, full LED tail lamps with optical fibre technology, the AMG light display, among others.

    Safety assistance systems on the SL 43 as standard for Thailand include the driving assistance package with active distance assist, active lane keeping assist, active steering assist with hands-off warning, active emergency stop assist, active brake assist with vehicle, bike and pedestrian detection, active blind spot assist, 360-degree camera with active parking assist and the exit warning function which detects when the user’s hand approaches the door handle.

    Inside, the SL 43 gets heated AMG Performance front seats in Nappa leather which are electrically adjustable with memory function, and displays are comprised of a 11.9-inch central touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch driver’s instrument display along with a head-up display for the driver. The steering wheel is an AMG Performane multi-function unit trimmed in Nappa leather.

    Further interior equipment includes wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a Burmester sound system, a fingerprint scanner, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, extended MBUX functions, a communications module for Mercedes me connect services, MBUS augmented reality navigation, AMG Track Pace, and more.

    Priced at 11.7 million baht (RM1,518,770) in Thailand, any Malaysian market entry of the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 will command a princely sum, though with the aforementioned 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder powertrain, that will take some of the sting out of the Malaysian capacity-based road tax. Would you have a four-cylinder SL?



     

  • Chinese EV brand Neta is launching in Malaysia – Neta V budget EV with 384 km range, 101 km/h top speed

    In Cars, Local News, Neta / By / 9 comments

    Neta V

    Malaysia will soon welcome another Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand called Neta. A brand under Hozon Auto, Neta currently offers three models in its home market, which are the Neta S, Neta U-II (the successor to the Neta U) and the Neta V.

    Of the three, only the Neta V crossover is depicted on Neta Auto Malaysia’s website and social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). The EV was first introduced in 2020 and rides on the same HPC platform used by the Neta U-II. In Thailand, the Neta V features a 38.5-kWh lithium-ion battery that powers a front-mounted electric motor rated at 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 150 Nm of torque.

    Offering a range of 384 km following the NEDC standard (the WLTP figure is typically around 20% lower), the model is better suited for city driving with a top speed of 101 km/h and a 0-50 km/h time of 3.9 seconds.

    For charging, the Neta V can accept a max AC input (Type 2) of 6.6 kW, with a full charge taking eight hours. There’s also DC fast charging at a peak of 100 kW that gets the battery from a 30-80% state of charge in just 30 minutes, while a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system outputs up to 3.3 kW to power external accessories.

    Neta U-II

    If you’re curious about the size, the Neta V measures 4,070 mm long, 1,690 mm wide, 1,540 mm tall and has a wheelbase spanning 2,420 mm. For some context, the current Toyota Yaris sold in Malaysia is 4,140 mm long, 1,730 mm wide, 1,475 mm tall and its wheelbase spans 2,550 mm.

    Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloys, automatic headlamps (halogen projectors), LED DRLs, LED taillights, keyless entry and start, 12-inch digital instrument panel, an electronic parking brake, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with reverse camera and six speakers, synthetic leather upholstery, four-way electric front seats and two airbags.

    No driver assistance systems like autonomous emergency braking are offered in Thailand, although there is auto brake hold, hill start assist, hill descent control, a tyre pressure monitor and passive cruise control on top of the usual passive safety systems. In China, there is the Neta Pilot available, which adds some advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). At 549,000 baht (about RM71k), the Neta V is pretty affordable in Thailand and is actually 10,000 baht (about RM1.3k) less than the base variant of the facelifted Yaris in Thailand.

    Slotting in above the Neta V is the Neta U-II, which is another crossover that is larger at 4,549 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, 1,628 mm tall and having a wheelbase of 2,770 mm. This comes with two electric motor outputs, with lesser versions offering 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) and 210 Nm, while the more powerful option serves up 231 PS (228 hp or 170 kW) and 310 Nm – following specifications in China.

    Neta S

    Battery capacities range between 54.32 and 81.57 kWh, providing ranges of between 401 and 610 km following the CLTC standard. ADAS like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist are available for the Neta U-II, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 system-on-chip (SoC) powering enabling these functions.

    Last but not least, there’s the Neta S, which is the first to be built on the company’s Shanhai platform. Launched at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, the Neta S is a sedan with front gullwing doors and a sleek body that measures 4,980 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, 1,450 mm tall and with a wheelbase that spans 2,980 mm.

    Battery capacities for the Neta S range from 43.51 to 91 kWh, with the range being between 310 km to 715 km. Under specific conditions, the Neta S is even touted to offer up to 1,160 km on a full charge – these figures are again following the CLTC standard.

    As for powertrains, the Neta S can be optioned with either a rear-mounted electric motor that is rated at 231 PS (228 hp or 170 kW) and 310 Nm, or an all-wheel drive setup that adds a second electric motor at the back with the same outputs. Given this is the brand’s flagship model, it gets plenty of sensors to enable high-level near-autonomous driving capabilities.

    In terms of pricing, the Neta U-II retails for between 135,800 and 165,800 yuan (RM87,746 and RM107,130) in China. The Neta S is costlier and starts from a limited-time introductory price of 179,800 yuan (RM116,454) and going all the way up to 341,800 yuan (RM220,869). While pricing for the Neta V in Thailand is already mentioned above, in China, the model sells for between 83,800 and 96,900 yuan (RM54,152 and RM62,617).

    For now, there’s still no word on when Neta EVs will go on sale here, but Neta Auto Malaysia is telling us to “stay tuned” as the brand will be “coming soon.” Looking forward to it?

    GALLERY: Neta V at Bangkok International Motor Show 2023





    GALLERY: Neta S at Bangkok International Motor Show 2023



     

  • Bangkok 2023 – Peugeot 2008 Sport Concept brings aggressive aero kit to B-segment crossover

    In Cars, International News, Peugeot / By / 2 comments

    The 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS 2023) is home not just to debuts of new models from manufacturers, as the show also plays host to existing models that have been given an alternative take. Here, the Peugeot 2008 Sport Concept offers us a look at what a considerable amount of aero bodywork additions can offer the B-segment hatchback.

    The subdued main colour of the 2008 Sport Concept shown here is given contrast by the bright green highlights, recalling the scheme on the production 508 PSE from September 2020. Incidentally, the high-performance PHEV variant of the D-segment model was previewed by the 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered Concept the year before that; might this sportier 2008 emerge to see production?

    The 2008 Sport Concept has had its OEM rounded wheel arches redesigned to have sharper, more prominent character lines, while the widened bodywork also makes room for vents and scoops for the front and rear wheelarches.

    A more jutting chin has been fashioned for this car, where the edges at the front corners now run parallel to the light guides that extrapolate from the three-claw DRL signature. Further towards the lower section, the original lower intake gets another lower intake, before finishing at the front splitter that gets the bright green highlight around its leading edges, as do the painted wheels which feature the rally-style flat disc face.

    The widened bodywork overall means that the rear doors have been reshaped to meet the lines of the rear wheelarches, though the present panel lines suggest the rear doors could still open. More green highlights feature at the rear of the 2008 Sport Concept, where a large wing sits atop the tailgate and further aero work brings a pair of rear vents which arc all the way down to the to meet the ends of the rear diffuser.

    In Malaysia, the current Peugeot 2008 was launched in January 2022 with a single choice of powertrain, a 1.2 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 130 hp and 230 Nm of torque. This drives the front wheels through an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission.




     

  • Puspakom’s monopoly on vehicle inspection services to end in 2024, gov’t opening up the field – Loke

    In Local News / By / 21 comments

    Puspakom will no longer be the only agency providing vehicle inspection services from next year, with the government announcing that it will open up the field to other qualified service providers once the company’s current concession comes to an end on August 31, 2024.

    The announcement was made by transport minister Anthony Loke, who said that while Puspakom’s concession will be renewed, it will no longer have the exclusive rights. Presently, Puspakom is the only company handling all mandatory inspections for both commercial and private vehicles in the country.

    Loke said that any party that is qualified to handle vehicle inspections and meets the conditions can be appointed to do so. He added that process of inviting interested parties is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024.

    In a post on his Facebook page, Loke said the matter was decided in a cabinet meeting on March 17, He added that the decision to do so was because the government wanted to promote a competitive vehicle inspection industry as well as increase efficiency.

    Loke said that while the cabinet agreed to extend Puspakom’s concession for another 15 years from Sept 1, 2024, the company – which was appointed in 1994 by the government to carry out mandatory vehicle inspections – will have to make improvements defined by the government, requirements that will also apply to any parties appointed to provide vehicle inspection services.

    These include providing services in full compliance with the scope, standards and procedures of motor inspection as well as hiring employees who meet the prescribed qualification requirements and using computerised inspection equipment that is regulated and approved by the road transport department (JPJ), the New Straits Times reports.

    One of the major gripes about vehicle inspections is the long lead time usually needed to carry out the process – the opening up of the segment with more players should hopefully improve the situation.

     

  • 2023 CFMoto 700CL-X ADV Malaysian price, RM35.8k

    In Bikes, CFMoto, International Bike News / By / / 1 comment

    Joining the CFMoto 450SR in CFMoto’s Malaysian lineup is the 2023 CFMoto 700CL-X Adventure (ADV), priced at RM35,888. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance or registration and there is only one colour option available, Aurora Blue.

    The 700CL-X ADV joins the CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage (RM28,800) in the catalogue and is available at all authorised CFMoto Malaysia distributors. Featuring retro-style scrambler motorcycle looks, the 700CL-X ADV features more off-oriented design, with high-mounted front mudguard and spoked wheels.

    Like the 700CL-X Heritage, the 700CL-X ADV carries a DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel-twin displacing 693 cc and is Euro 5 compliant. Power for the 700CL-X ADV is rated at 69 hp at 8,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 60.9 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

    Power gets to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox equipped with a CF-SC slipper clutch and chain final drive. Wheel sizing is 18-inches in front shod with 110/80 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyre while the rear gets a 17-inch wheel wearing 170/60 rubber.

    Braking is done with a single Brembo Stylema calliper on the front wheel clamping a 300 mm brake disc while the rear gets a single Brembo dual-piston calliper with 260 mm disc with ABS as standard. KYB provides the front suspension with 41 mm diameter fully-adjustable upside-down fork with the back end held up by a KYB monoshock that comes with spring-preload and rebound damping.

    Inline with the 700CL-X ADV’s off-road intentions, aside from the high mount front fender, the seat features extra cushioning. Additionally the handlebars are raised by 30mm and rearwards by 15mm, allowing for riding whilst standing on the footpegs.

    With 13-litres of fuel in the tank, the 700CL-X ADV tips the scales at 203 kg and seat height is set at 830 mm. LED lighting is used throughout and ride-by-wire is standard, giving two ride modes – Road and Off-road – while other riding conveniences include self-cancelling indicators.






     

  • Bangkok 2023: MG Maxus 9 – 3-row MPV with 90 kWh battery, 540 km EV range, 245 PS; Alphard alternative?

    In Cars, International News, Maxus, MG / By / 5 comments

    This is the MG Maxus 9, which is an all-electric MPV that is being premiered at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) and is currently available for pre-booking with a fee of 20,000 baht (RM2,594), which will entitle customers to a 40,000 baht (RM5,192) discount when the car is officially delivered.

    Don’t be confused by the name. While it has two car brands – MG and Maxus – in its name, this is very much a product of the Maxus, which is a subsidiary of SAIC Motor that coincidentally also owns MG. The ‘MG’ is there because the MPV is sold by MG Thailand, but it should be noted the MPV is simply known as the Maxus Mifa 9 in its home market of China.

    Closely related to the Maxus G90, the Maxus 9 measures 5,270 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, 1,840 mm tall and has wheelbase of 3,200 mm. For context, the Toyota Alphard is slightly smaller when compared to the Maxus 9 at 4,945 mm long and 1,850 mm wide, while also having a shorter wheelbase of 3,000 mm.

    The electric powertrain in the Maxus 9 features a front-mounted motor rated at 245 PS (241 hp or 180 kW) and 350 Nm of torque. This is linked to a ternary lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 90 kWh, which is good for a range of 540 km following the NEDC standard. The battery can be fully charged in 8.5 hours with an AC input at a max of 11 kW, or get from a 30-80% state of charge in about 36 minutes with a DC fast charger capable of putting out 120 kW.

    In Thailand, the Maxus 9 will be offered in two grades, starting with the X. This comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights with sequential turn signals, a front sunroof, a rear panoramic glass roof, faux leather upholstery, 64-colour ambient lighting, powered steering wheel adjustment, powered front seats as well as second-row captain chairs with massage and heating functions.

    The list also includes automatic air-conditioning with vents for the second and third rows, PM2.5 air filtration, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry and start, powered sliding doors and tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, eight speakers and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

    The next step up is the V grade, which adds on run-flat tyres, genuine leather upholstery, improved powered front seats with massage, heating, ventilation and driver’s side memory functions, VIP-style second-row captain chairs, a digital rear view mirror, four more speakers (for a total of 12) and nine USB ports (the base option gets seven).

    Safety and driver assistance kit are identical for both the X and V and include the usual passive systems (stability control, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill start assist), auto brake hold (works with the electronic parking brake), tyre pressure monitoring, driver monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a panoramic view monitor and all-around parking sensors.

    Customers who pre-book the Maxus 9 will also be provided with a free home charger worth 42,057 baht (RM5,457) and free installation of said charger worth 18,692 baht (RM2,425). Other benefits include an extended vehicle warranty period of five years/160,000 km on top of an eight-year, 200,000-km battery warranty. The X grade is offered in two colours – Black Knight and Pearl White – with the V grade gaining a third option that is a two-tone Granite Grey with a black roof.






     
 
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Last Updated 23 Mar 2023