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  • 2022 Renault Zoe Zen R110 in Malaysia – full gallery of EV with 395 km range, 110 PS, 225 Nm; fr RM163k est

    In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Hybrids, EVs and Alternative Fuel, Local News, Renault / By / / 0 comment

    TC Euro Cars, the official distributor of Renault vehicles here, recently confirmed that it will be selling the new Zoe by quietly listing the electric vehicle (EV) on the Renault Malaysia website.

    For now, the company has provided estimated pricing for the two Zoe variants that will be available, with the base Zen R110 going for RM163,000 on-the-road without insurance, while the range-topping Intens R135 has a higher asking price of RM175,000.

    The Zoe we’re getting is the facelifted model that made its global debut in June 2019, with notable changes being a more powerful electric motor and an increased battery capacity. It should be noted the electric hatchback is not new to our market, as the pre-facelift model was launched here way back in March 2016.

    For our market, both versions of the Zoe are equipped with the newer Z.E. 50 battery with an energy capacity of 52 kWh. This provides a WLTP-rated range of 395 km in the Zen R110 and 386 km in the Intens R135.

    With AC charging (Type 2 connection), a full charge from 0-100% takes three hours when plugged into a 22-kW charger, or 9.5 hours with a 7.4-kW one. There’s also support for DC fast charging (CCS2 connection) at 50 kW, which requires 70 mins to get the battery from a 0-80% state of charge.

    Front-wheel drive is standard, and the electric motor in the base variant is the R110 unit that was introduced as part of an update in 2018, which is rated at 110 PS (80 kW) and 225 Nm of torque. The top-spec Intens R135 gets the more recent R135 motor that was added as part of the 2019 facelift with higher outputs of 135 PS (100 kW) and 245 Nm.

    One-pedal driving is possible with a B-mode that enables greater energy recuperation, while an Eco mode helps to conserve energy usage by controlling certain vehicle functions. There’s also an eco-meter for drivers to keep track of the energy flow.

    In this post, we’re bringing you a full gallery of the Zen R110, which comes standard with full LED headlamps and C-shaped DRLs, LED taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a seven-inch Easy Link touchscreen infotainment system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support), six speakers, fabric upholstery, manual air-conditioning, electrically adjustable side mirrors and rear parking sensors.

    A nice upgrade the pre-facelift model is the addition of some active safety systems, including lane departure warning and lane keep assist, although autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is not mentioned in the spec sheet. Other safety-related items include passive systems (ESC, traction control, ABS, brake assist, hill start assist) and four airbags.

    Briefly touching upon the range-topper, the Intens R135 shares the same kit as the base variant, but with the addition of 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, offline navigation, rear USB charging ports, combination leather and cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, an electrochromic rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors, a reverse camera, front parking sensors and a blind spot monitor.

    The Intens R135 also has a more diverse colour palette, with options being Black, Blue, Purple and Red. By comparison, the Zen R110 only comes in Black and a Solid White. We should point out that the Zoe photographed is likely an early unit that may not accurately reflect what’s listed in the spec sheet as it’s not in any of the hues offered and there are front parking sensors.



















     

  • MIDA, Perodua team up to help Malaysian auto parts suppliers adopt digitalisation – 5 vendors in 2nd round

    In Cars, Local News, Perodua / By / / 0 comment

    The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Perodua have introduced the MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme, which aims to push local automotive suppliers to the next level via cutting-edge technologies and machinery, and to digitalise their manufacturing processes through adoption of Industry 4.0.

    Today’s event at MIDA’s KL Sentral headquarters was to showcase the progress of the first group of three vendors, as well as to welcome the second group of five companies into the project.

    “The government has undertaken concerted efforts to review existing policies and recalibrate investment strategies to ensure that Malaysian business environment remains conducive to global investors. The government has also been persistently undertaking efforts to promote and facilitate local companies to scale up and accelerate their adoption of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technology through various incentives and facilities,” said MIDA CEO Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman.

    “The initiation of the MIDA-Perodua collaboration in 2020 was crucial to ensure a steady development of our local player’s capabilities in the automotive industry. We have been successful to contributing immense growth in Perodua’s manufacturing volume, through the empowerment of its industry partners and service providers,” he added.

    Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the programme is aligned with the government’s efforts to enhance local technology ecosystem development activities in terms of supply and value chains, R&D activities, and innovation and commercialisation.

    “The implementation of Industry 4.0 is not only for the automotive supplier’s benefit, but the impact of this programme will contribute greatly to the national’s digital transformation agenda. The programme also can fast track Malaysia’s industries, from small to large, as it provides both funds and guidance. Perodua’s role has always been to develop the automotive ecosystem and this programme is another example of our commitment towards this objective,” he added.

    The first phase of the MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme saw the participation of three auto suppliers – LSF Technology, J.K. Wire Harness and Autoliv Hirotako. These “Perodua friendly partners” (these are big local vendors that also supply to Proton and non-national makes) benefited from the Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF) as part of the government’s initiative to assist local companies to enter the global supply chain.

    For round two of the programme, MIDA and Perodua have identified five new vendors for transformation. The companies are Armstrong Auto Parts, Ingress Aoi Technologies, Namicoh Suria, P.D. Kawamura Kako Manufacturing and Kumpulan Jebco. Zainal said that the companies were chosen because of the willingness of their managements to upgrade and adopt digitalisation.

    MIDA, being the principal promotional agency of Malaysia, will be extending its support services to help more companies obtain growth in terms of productivity, talent and bridging financial and technology gaps. The agency is confident that through such facilities and empowerment measures, the auto suppliers will be able to increase their business offerings and expertise and “climb the supply chain ecosystems”.

     

  • 2022 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E MT 4X4 variant back on sale in Malaysia – same spec as auto; RM111k

    In Cars, Local News, Toyota / By / 3 comments

    Hilux 2.8 Rogue pictured

    The Toyota Hilux range in Malaysia now has a returning member in the form of the 2.4E MT 4X4, bringing back the option of a double-cab Hilux for those who prefer to row their own gear ratios, according to a revised price list on the Toyota Malaysia website.

    The previously available version, the 2.4G MT 4X4 was dropped in March from UMW Toyota Motor’s line-up in Malaysia as part of a range-wide price hike at the time, and the dual-cab manual transmission offering in the range is now represented by the E trim level, priced at RM110,880 on-the-road without insurance; the other is the more basic single-cab 2.4 MT 4X4 that is listed for RM95,880 OTR without insurance.

    As the variant name denotes, the 2.4E MT 4X4 is a manual transmission version of the 2.4E AT 4×4, and as such it employs the same 2GD-FTV 2,393 cc inline-four VNT-equipped turbodiesel that produces 150 PS at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,600 rpm to 2,000 rpm.

    2022 Toyota price list – click to enlarge

    Gearbox aside, the basic mechanical specification of the 2.4E MT 4X4 is identical to that of the AT variant in terms of suspension, brakes, driveline, steering as well as wheels and tyres, which continue to be 265/65R17 all-terrain tyres on alloy wheels along with a full-size spare on a steel wheel. Likewise, its ground clearance, fuel capacity, wheel tracks and cargo deck measurements are the same.

    Exterior equipment on the 2.4E MT 4X4 similarly mimics that of the AT variant, featuring halogen reflector automatic headlamps with bulb DRLs, dark grey-painted radiator grille, front and rear bumpers in body colour and grey respectively, and power-adjustable side mirrors in black with indicators.

    The same applies inside. The instrument panel is backlit and does without the multi-information display and Optitron setup of the 2.4V, while audio comes courtesy of six speakers and a CD player with radio tuner, MP3 playback, auxiliary audio input jack, USB and Bluetooth connectivity; the same as the AT version of the 2.4E 4X4.

    Hilux 2.8 Rogue pictured

    Similarly, the manual dual-cab Hilux follows its AT sibling in offering manual air-conditioning, urethane four-spoke steering wheel (leather on the 2.4V) with controls for audio and Bluetooth hands-free operation, keyless entry, power windows (auto-down for driver only), black fabric seat upholstery, four-way manually adjustable driver and front passenger seats, and tip-up rear bench seats (2.4V gets 60:40 split-folding). Both E variants and the 2.4V get three drive modes and an electronic 4WD transfer dial.

    Likewise, safety equipment on the 2.4E MT 4X4 mirrors those on the AT; both E variants (as well as the 2.4V) do without the pre-collision system (PCS) and lane departure alert, along with the blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) that is present on the 2.4V.

    Present on both manual and auto versions of the 2.4 E 4X4 are traction control, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, trailer sway control, ABS, EBD and brake assist and reverse sensors. Optional kit here include the front digital video recorder, reverse camera and panoramic view monitor (PVM).

    In terms of passive safety kit, the 2.4 E MT 4X4 also follows the AT equivalent in offering three airbags, three-point seatbelts in all five seats and ISOFIX mounts on the outer rear seats. What do you think, dear readers – does the return of the DIY transmission make this the Hilux trim of choice for you?

    GALLERY: Toyota Hilux 2.8 Rogue













     

  • 2023 Volvo Embla patent images revealed – all-electric XC90 successor to make its full debut later this year?

    In Cars, Hybrids, EVs and Alternative Fuel, International News, Volvo / By / 2 comments

    Patent images of the next-generation Volvo XC90 have been uncovered by members of the Worldscoop forum, giving us a rough idea of what the Swedish carmaker’s upcoming large SUV will look like.

    While the model seen here doesn’t have an official name just yet, it was previously reported that Volvo will christen it as the Embla (the first female in Norse mythology) as it plans to stop using alphanumeric names for its future models. The name has already been trademarked as of last October, although there’s also another that the company wants to protect, but more on that later.

    Focusing on the patent images first, the Embla proudly features design cues seen on the Concept Recharge from last July. These include the headlamps, which angle backwards and sport the familiar Thor’s hammer lighting signature. Elsewhere, the grille appears to be closed off, strongly hinting at an electric powertrain, while the bumper has vertical air inlets at the corners and a trapezoidal-shaped intake in the lower apron.

    We also find distinctive trim pieces running along the lower portion of the SUV that link the front, rear and sides, along with retractable door handles. The wheel arches are slightly recessed as they are on the second-generation model, and the same can also be said of the vehicle’s overall profile.

    As for the rear, the patent images show the Embla with C-shaped taillights, which are unlike the vertical units on the Concept Recharge and the current XC90. The prominent clusters are linked by a trim piece that spans the width of the tailgate, while further down is the number plate recess that has a black surround.

    On the matter of the other name being trademarked, Volvo filed an application with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) last month for the name “EXC90,” again pointing towards electric power for the SUV. The company has already said it plans to become a fully electric car company by 2030 and will stop offering any car in its global portfolio with an internal combustion engine, including hybrids.

    The Embla is expected to make its debut later this year for the 2023 model year and be assembled at the company’s plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The current XC90 is assembled at Volvo’s Torslanda plant in Sweden, by Volvo Trucks in Bengaluru, India as well as by Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia in Shah Alam, Malaysia.


    GALLERY: Volvo Concept Recharge



    GALLERY: 2022 Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Inscription Plus (Malaysia market)






















     

  • Perodua to launch its own digital car booking platform in November this year; RM100 booking fee – CEO

    In Cars, Local News, Perodua / By / 4 comments

    Perodua will launch its own digital car booking platform in November this year. This was revealed by company president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad at today’s MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystems event.

    Currently, the carmaker allows customers to submit registrations of interest for all models it currently sells but there’s no system in place to make an online payment to lock in a booking. The new platform will address this, with online bookings requiring a fee of RM100.

    Digital car booking platforms are nothing new and became more common here when lockdowns were enforced to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in dealerships being unable to operate due to SOPs put in place at the time.

    These platforms typically require customers to choose a dealership, followed by their preferred model and variant. They will then need to fill in their particulars before paying the minimum booking fee through an online system, normally involving credit/debit cards.

     

  • Next-gen Honda Breeze appears in China – sixth-gen CR-V’s sibling with different exterior styling; Q4 launch

    In Cars, Honda, International News / By / 3 comments

    What you’re looking at here is the next-generation Honda Breeze, which is essentially a restyled version of the sixth-generation CR-V that made its debut in the United States last month. Set to go on sale in China in the fourth quarter of this year, the Breeze is marketed by GAC Honda (aka Guangqi Honda or Guangzhou Honda) – a joint venture between the GAC Group and Honda Motor Company.

    China will also get the regular CR-V through Dongfeng Honda, which is Honda’s other joint venture in the country. We’ve already seen photos of that model in images posted by China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) in May, prior to the SUV’s full debut.

    Visually, the Breeze is differentiated from the latest CR-V by its unique front end, which features a smaller grille flanked by slim headlamps. Beneath that is the Honda logo and a large, frameless intake, the latter accompanied by C-shaped air inlets in the lower apron that have trailing trim extending down the vehicle’s sides to the rear bumper – a cue also seen on the current-gen Breeze.

    At the rear, we find horizontal taillights that do not climb up the sides of the rear window like they do on the CR-V. There’s also a black trim piece linking the clusters, with the Honda badge placed a little further down. Similarly, the number plate recess sits further down, while the reflectors are vertically aligned and joined by prominent exhaust finishers.

    2023 Honda CR-V (United States market)

    According to Chinese media, the Breeze shares the same width (1,866 mm), height (1,691 mm) and wheelbase (2,700 mm) with the CR-V, but its 22 mm longer at 4,716 mm as a result of its new bumpers. We don’t get any interior shots but expect it to be largely like its sibling.

    This particular unit with the “240 Turbo” badge is powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 193 PS (190 hp), according to reports. Drive is sent through a CVT to the front or all wheels, depending on variant. Plug-in hybrid power is also offered for the outgoing model, so it’s safe to assume the new one will get it too.


    GALLERY: 2023 Honda CR-V (United States market)











     

  • Porsche 911 Sally Special – one-off Carrera GTS based on “Sally Carrera” from Cars movies to be auctioned

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

    The Porsche 911 has been popular, to say the least – the one-millionth example of the sports car bearing the nameplate rolled off the production line in May 2017 – and it has starred in many a movie.

    Notably in the animated movie genre, the Neunelfer played a prominent role in Cars series of movies by Pixar Animation Studios, and the German manufacturer has now produced the Sally Special – a one-off build by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Stuttgart and Style Porsche in Weissach, in collaboration with Pixar.

    Based on a 992-generation 911 GTS, the Sally Special carries over that car’s mechanical specification in three-pedal guise, which means a 3.0 litre biturbo flat-six sending 480 PS and 570 Nm to the rear wheels via a seven-speed manual gearbox.

    The bespoke work on the Sally Special is focused on aesthetics to mirror that of the movie car, as well as a customised interior; the original iteration of “Sally Carrera” did not reveal its cabin.

    Leading the visual cues is the Sally Blue Metallic exterior paint finish, to match that of the original character car from that first movie that was modelled after the 996-generation Carrera facelift. This colour will not be offered as an option for customers in the Paint-To-Sample customisation programme, said Porsche.

    Rolling stock is a set of five-spoke alloy wheels of 20- and 21-inch diameters front and rear, and these items for the Sally Special were made specifically for this car as a reinterpretation of the five-arm “Turbo look” wheels of the 996 generation.

    Elsewhere along the Sally Special exterior, the inserts on the front and rear bumpers which are matte black on the series-production car are instead painted to match the Sally Blue Metallic body colour. Inside, the cabin of the Sally Special has been given a special Pepita houndstooth fabric upholstery in three colours, and is part of the interior colour scheme that is comprised of Black, Slate Grey, Speed Blue and Chalk.

    Various cues offer a nod to the Cars movie, such as the debossed ‘Cars’ logo below the door armrest, and the “Kachow!” mode button on the drive mode selector dial, in reference to the quoted exclamation by the movie’s protagonist Lightning McQueen.

    This one-off build based on the movie’s car character will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at the Monterey Car Week in California on August 20, and proceeds from the car’s auction will go to two charities; a portion will go to Girls Inc, while a second portion will go to USA for UNHCR, an organisation in support of refugees from Ukraine.








     

  • 2022 Roam Air new budget electric bike for Africa

    In Bikes, Electric motorcycles, International Bike News / By / / 0 comment

    Developed specifically for the African continent, the 2022 Roam Air electric motorcycle (e-bike) is a budget conscious mobility multiplier. The Roam Air is intended for Africa’s challenging terrain and tailored for commercial usage such as carrying passengers or cargo.

    The Roam Air is simple in design, meant to be easy to maintain with sophisticated electronics and engineering kept to an absolute minimum. Coming with two removable 3.24 kWh battery packs, the Roam Air uses domestic current for charging.

    Charging time takes four hours using a 600W AC charger with 180 km estimated range using two battery packs. With an electric motor producing 185 Nm of torque, top speed of the Roam Air is governed to 90 kmh with acceleration from zero to 90 kmh taking five seconds.

    Four riding modes are provided – Eco, Standard, Power and Sports – while a reverse function eases movement of the Roam Air at standstill. Other riding conveniences include a storage compartment in the “tank”, a USB charging port and monochrome LCD display screen while braking uses mechanical drums front and rear.

    Weight for the Roam Air is claimed to be 135 kg with a single battery pack while payload is rated at 220 kg. The listed price for the Roam Air is 1,500 US dollars (RM6,681) and reservations are being taken online.



     

  • Porsche Taycan Turbo S sets new Nurburgring lap record for EVs – 7:33.35; beats Tesla Model S Plaid

    In Cars, Hybrids, EVs and Alternative Fuel, International News, Porsche / By / / 1 comment

    The Porsche Taycan Turbo S has just claimed the throne for being the fastest electric vehicle to lap the 20.8-km version of the Nurburgring Nordschleife in in 7:33.350 minutes.

    Driven by Porsche development driver Lars Kern, the electric sports sedan was enhanced with a new performance kit by Porsche Tequipment. The kit consists of 21-inch RS Spyder wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. The compound of the tyres are similar to that of racing tyres, and is primarily designed for track-driving.

    Also new in the Taycan Turbo S used for the record-breaking feat is a software update to the Porsche 4D Chassis Control system to suit the chassis with the new sports tyres. The system analyses and synchronises the Taycan’s Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) in real time.

    Porsche noted that while owners can switch back to standard road tyres at any time, it is not necessary to restore the original chassis software. The new performance kit is only available in Germany, for 2023 model year Taycan Turbo S models.

    “In the past, only thoroughbred super sportscars got into the 7:33 range. With the new performance kit, I was able to push even harder, and the car was even more precise and agile,” said Kern.

    Aside from the performance kit and software update, the Taycan Turbo S was also fitted with a roll cage and racing seats, as required by regulators. The record-setting Taycan was confirmed to be a standard production vehicle as it weighed the same as the series production car, TÜV Rheinland confirmed.

    The record for EVs was previously held by the Tesla Model S Plaid, with a time of 7:35.579 on a complete lap. Tesla however, also claimed a time of 7:30.909 from the same attempt although this was achieved on the shorter version of the Nurburgring that doesn’t include the straight section at turn 13.

    Although Porsche had previously marked the arrival of the Taycan in 2019 with a record attempt in 2019, it was never made official as it was done on the shorter course.

     

  • 2022 Renault Zoe EV in Malaysia – two variants, up to 395 km range; est RM163k to RM175k on-the-road

    In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Hybrids, EVs and Alternative Fuel, Local News, Renault / By / 15 comments

    Renault Malaysia has revealed pricing for the Renault Zoe fully electric hatchback, which arrives in Malaysia for the 2022 model year estimated to start from RM163,000 on-the-road without insurance.

    The Zoe is listed with two variants for our market; the Zoe Zen R110, the base variant, and the Zoe Intens R135, which is estimated to be priced at RM175,000 on-the-road without insurance.

    Listed as tentative specifications on a price list provided on the Renault Malaysia website, both variants drive the front wheels and pack a 52 kWh battery, with the Zen R110 variant getting a 110 PS/225 Nm electric motor and a WLTP-rated battery range of 395 km, while the more powerful Intens R135 gets a 135 PS/245 Nm motor which drops its range slightly to 386 km.

    Charging times for the 2022 Renault Zoe are three hours from 0-100% at 22 kW AC via a Type 2 connection, while charging at 7.4 kW via a Type 2 connection will take 9.5 hours. Meanwhile, using a DC 50 kW facility with a CCS2 connection will enable a 0-80% state of charge in 70 minutes.

    To maximise range, the Zoe is equipped with a B-mode for greater energy recuperation and to enable one-pedal driving. There is also an eco-meter to show to driver when the car is consuming or recovering energy, while an Eco mode helps to improve energy consumption by taking control of features which may consume more energy. The climate control also has a pre-conditioning feature to pre-set the cabin temperature before occupant get on board.

    Exterior equipment for the 2022 Zoe in Malaysia include Pure Vision full-LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs on both variants, which are complemented by dynamic turn signals. Rolling stock on both variants is a set of 16-inch alloy wheels, shod in tyres measuring 195/55. The units are of a single-tone finish on the Zen R110, while the Intens R135 gets a diamond-cut finish.

    For interior kit, the 2022 Zoe for Malaysia gets as standard a 10-inch customisable driver instrument panel, and an Easy Link seven-inch touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Device connectivity includes Bluetooth, two USB ports and an auxiliary audio connection, while audio output is via a six-speaker setup.

    The higher trim variant that is the Intens R135 adds offline navigation capability and rear seat USB charging ports, automatic climate control, an electrochromic rear view mirror, and a reverse camera.

    Electrically adjustable mirrors on the base Zen R110 gains power folding on the Intens R135, which also gets front and rear parking sensors whereas the base variant gets rear sensors only. In terms of interior trim, the Zen R110 gets black fabric upholstery, while the Intens R135 gains a black leather-cloth combination.

    For safety, both variants of the 2022 Zoe get as standard lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive high beam, stability control, traction control, ABS, brake assist, and hill start assist. Both variants also get four airbags (dual front and dual side units), while the Intens R135 variant adds blind spot warning.

    The 2022 Renault Zoe in Malaysia is available in Black and Solid White for the Zen R110 variant, and in Black, Blue, Purple or Red for the Intens R135 variant.



    GALLERY: 2022 Renault Zoe


     
 
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Last Updated 11 Aug 2022