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Latest Stories

• JPJ says claims made in a viral post stating a physical road tax is still mandatory untrue, police report lodged

  In Local News / By Anthony Lim / 22 September 2023 7:54 pm 13 comments

  

  

  The road transport department (JPJ) has filed a police report over a post made on Facebook by a user claiming that a physical road tax (lesen kenderaan motor, or LKM) is still mandatory.

  In the post, the person stated that the claim of a physical LKM no longer being necessary was a lie, and that a physical copy was needed. The post went viral, prompting the department to take action.

  In a statement, the department clarified that the statement made in the post was untrue and was misleading the public. It said that a police report was made in Putrajaya so that an investigation can be carried out against the owner of the Facebook account involved. It added this was being done to prevent the sharing of incorrect and misleading statements in the future.

  On February 10, transport minister Anthony Loke announced the switch to digital for the road tax as well as the driving licence, and as such, it was no longer mandatory to display the road tax sticker on a vehicle, as all related JPJ-issued documents were now in the system.

  Loke said the switch to digital licences would save JPJ RM96 million a year in printing costs, and the move would also reduce traffic in JPJ offices by around 80%, allowing for other transactions to be carried out in quicker fashion.

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• 2024 Toyota GR86 40th Anniversary Limited for Japan – 200 units, from RM121k; AEB added to 6MT variants

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 22 September 2023 5:47 pm 9 comments

  

  To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Toyota Corolla AE86, which was launched back in 1983, the Japanese carmaker has released a special version of the GR86 called the 40th Anniversary Limited. Only 200 units will be offered in Japan, and customers there will need to go through a lottery system for a chance to buy one.

  The GR86 40th Anniversary Limited is based on the existing RZ grade and comes in just two colours: Spark Red or Crystal White Pearl. Both options are paired with special decals that hark bark to the red/black and white/black two-tone theme of the AE86.

  

  The interior door trims also come with a ‘Since 1983 40th’ embroidery to remind occupants they are in something special, with the script also applied to the floor mats. The retail price of the commemorative model is 3.822 million yen (RM120,882) for the six-speed manual version, while the six-speed automatic costs more at 3.92 million yen (RM123,982).

  The regular GR86 also gets a number of updates, starting with standard fitment of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite, which now includes autonomous emergency braking, on manual transmission variants (previously automatic only).

  

  

  

  Other revisions include optional blind spot monitoring for the lower SZ grade (it is standard on the higher RZ grade) and optimised VSC control for better driving stability and safety performance. Toyota also changed the electronic throttle output characteristics for improved controllability and now offers Brembo brakes as well as Sachs dampers as an option for SZ grades and higher – these come as standard on the 40th Anniversary Limited.

  The SZ grade of the GR86 is priced at 3.153 million yen (RM99,722) for the manual and 3.251 million yen (RM102,790) for the automatic, while the RZ is 3.476 million yen (RM109,912) for the manual and 3.574 million yen (RM113,010) for the automatic.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Parallel import Audi owners in Malaysia urged to sign up for Audi Recognition Plan to be notified of recalls

  In Audi, Cars, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 22 September 2023 5:01 pm / 1 comment

  

  If you own a parallel import Audi, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) is encouraging you to register your vehicle in the Audi Recognition Plan and utilise the myAudiWorld app (iOS, Android, Huawei). According to Deenan Nadar, PHSAM’s director of aftersales and network development, this is to ensure owners are notified of recalls and service actions related to safety, while providing them with benefits.

  At a Q&A session during a recent media drive event, Deenan was asked about the Audi Recognition Plan that allowed owners of parallel import Audis to get their vehicles serviced at official service centres. “This is really to support the customers because from the grey importers, the car is purchased without [official] warranty or support from the manufacturer. What we have now is when the car comes in, we do a detailed 133-point check free of charge to check the condition of the car,” said Deenan.

  “The car then comes into our programme and the VIN of the vehicle is added to the system. The benefit to the customer is if the grey import is not registered with Audi, and there is a recall campaign, especially a safety campaign, it will not be known if this car is affected or not,” he continued.

  

  “So, it is to the customers’ benefit to make sure they take their vehicles to an Audi dealer and get onto the Audi Recognition Plan. The car will be registered in Audi’s system and if there are any campaigns, recall campaigns or service action, only then will the VIN be recognised,” he added. All parallel import Audi models, including diesel-powered ones, can be part of the Audi Recognition Plan.

  Deenan added that sending a parallel import Audi to an official dealer will also ensure the vehicle is worked on by staff trained to Audi standards and only genuine parts are used – these come with a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. Additionally, vehicles that pass inspection – known as Audi Condition Check (ACC) will also qualify for Audi Plus+ that provides discounts on maintenance service. Other benefits and features of the myAudiWorld app will also be available to such customers.

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• JPJ seizes more than 100 vehicles operated by foreigners in KL, Penang and Melaka, in Ops PEWA

  In Local News / By Anthony Lim / 22 September 2023 4:43 pm 7 comments

  

  Earlier this week, the road transport department (JPJ) carried out a series of road inspections in three states to weed out foreign nationals riding or driving vehicles without valid licences. Operasi Pemandu Warga Asing (PEWA) saw road checks being conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Melaka.

  The blitz netted quite a haul. In Kuala Lumpur, the department issued 280 summonses for various offences during its inspection, which took place around Jalan Tasik Tambahan in Ampang, as Bernama reports.

  Out of that number, 114 summonses were issued to foreigners for not having a driving licence, 32 summonses for vehicles without insurance cover, while 68 vehicles were seized, comprising 64 motorcycles, two cars and two lorries.

  According to KL JPJ deputy director Erick Jusiang, the inspection found that most of the seized vehicles belonged to locals driven by foreigners. “I advise locals not to rent or allow foreigners to drive their vehicles because a summons will be issued to the driver and owner and the vehicle will be confiscated under Section 64 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he said.

  

  

  

  He added that 49 foreigners from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Pakistan and Indonesia were also arrested in the operation for not having valid travel documents and overstaying in the country. The individuals were taken to the immigration department office in Kuala Lumpur for further action.

  In Melaka, an inspection carried out at Taman Peruna Sungai Udang, saw 21 vehicles being seized, consisting of 19 motorcycles and two cars. The department said that all the seized vehicles either had expired road tax or were being driven by individuals without a valid licence.

  Meanwhile, in Penang, the Ops PEWA inspection carried out in Bulatan Seberang Jaya saw the seizure of 26 motorcycles and a car, with the cases all involving foreign nationals. As was the case with those in Melaka, all the seized vehicles either had expired road tax or were being driven by individuals without a valid licence.

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• 2024 Range Rover Velar facelift now in Malaysia – three P250 variants open for booking, from RM638,800

  In Cars, Land Rover, Local News / By Danny Tan / 22 September 2023 4:09 pm 8 comments

  

  The 2024 Range Rover Velar facelift is now in Malaysia and Jaguar Land Rover has opened order books for the lightly revised SUV. We’ll get three variants of the updated L560 – the P250 Dynamic SE (M and H specs) and the P250 Dynamic HSE (L spec), with RRP starting from RM638,800.

  You’ve got to know the original Velar well to spot the changes immediately, but they are there, starting from the new grille insert that mimics the pattern seen on the latest Range Rover. Flanking it are new Pixel LED headlamps with jewel-like effect daytime running lights, while the rear receives a revised taillight signature and tweaked lower apron.

  Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey are new colour options. There are also two new wheel designs – the H and L get 22-inch 10-spoke Style 1075 items in gloss dark grey with contrast diamond turned finish or full gloss black. The M spec gets 20-inch Style 1089 rims in 10-spoke gloss black.

  

  The super minimalist cabin features the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system with its 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen, and drivers can also command the car with voice AI. Wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless device charging and over-the-air updates are available.

  While the dashboard appears even more ’empty’ than before, Land Rover assures that virtual buttons for the climate, seating and audio volume are always visible at each side of the screen via new sidebars, featuring multi-functional sliding controls. Terrain Response modes can also be accessed this way.

  One interesting feature is Active Road Noise Cancellation. The system calculates an audio signal to replay over the cabin’s Meridian speakers to reduce the decibel level inside the car. With this, Land Rover claims the quietest cabin in its class for road noise. Hearing low-frequency noise for extended periods can cause fatigue, so the system helps in this aspect too.

  

  

  

  

  Dash is even more minimalist now, but virtual buttons are always visible either side of the screen

  Other comfort features include Cabin Air Purification Plus, configurable cabin lighting with 30 colours (both are for L spec). Also for H/L specs are Adaptive Dynamics. Last but not least is the Technology Pack, which includes a head-up display, 3D surround camera system, park assist and wade sensing.

  We’re getting P250 cars, which means a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 PS and 365 Nm. This base petrol option doesn’t get the new mild hybrid system, unlike the P340 and P400, but a straightforward petrol-only setup may not be a bad thing. By the way, this facelift sees the introduction of the P400e plug-in hybrid version with total system output of 404 PS/640 Nm and EV range of 64 km.

  “The L560 Range Rover Velar epitomises a marriage of luxury and innovation. Its sophisticated design, advanced features, and electrified performance reaffirm our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to our discerning customers,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD of retail and distribution at Sime Darby Motors Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau.

  

  

  New grille design (left) vs original insert (right)

  “With the New Range Rover Velar, we are excited to offer a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury and cutting-edge technology. It represents a new era of elegance and refinement, captivating automotive enthusiasts with its timeless appeal,” added Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia.

  To view and experience the latest Range Rover Velar first-hand, pay Jaguar Land Rover’s showroom at Sime Darby Motors City, Ara Damansara a visit. Also, from now till September 24, Jaguar Land Rover will be having a showcase at Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), and the new Velar will be there too.

  GALLERY: 2024 Range Rover Velar official images

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Proton X90 launched in 3 export markets: Mauritius (fr RM155k), Brunei (fr RM120k), South Africa (fr RM139k)

  In Cars, International News, Proton / By Anthony Lim / 22 September 2023 1:16 pm 14 comments

  

  Proton has begun exports of its X90, with the SUV making its debut last month in three export markets, namely Mauritius, South Africa and Brunei. The X90 made its debut in Mauritius on August 4 at the Le Salon de L’ Automobile, SVICC, Pailles, and is priced from 1,475,000 rupees (RM155,000) for that market.

  In South Africa, the SUV was introduced at the Festival of Motoring at the Kyalami Grand Pri35000x Circuit on August 25-27. Like in Malaysia, four variants are offered, with prices ranging from 559,000 rand (RM138,500) for the base 1.5 TGDi Standard all the way up to ZAR679,900 (RM168,500) for the range-topping Flagship.

  The X90 was launched at the end of last month in Brunei, the range there also made up of four variants. Pricing starts from 35,000 Brunei dollars (RM120,000) for the Standard to BND42,000 (RM144,000) for the Flagship.

  The company also reported that its sales in Brunei had its best ever performance in August, with vehicle
  sales hitting the three-figure mark for the first time, as 100 units were registered.

  

  

  Despite a challenging year for its export business due to economic conditions, the national automaker said it remained focused in growing its presence in its current export markets, as it was an integral part of its long-term goals.

  Proton’s director of international sales, Steven Xu, said that the debut of the X90 in these markets just three months after its Malaysian debut signaled that intent.

  “We view this as an investment in our future, as we position ourselves to take advantage of improved market conditions in the future,” he said. He added that the company was continuing to explore opportunities in other markets, with groundwork underway in Fiji, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Iraq, among others.

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• PJ Half Marathon 2023 – road closures this Sun, 24/9

  In Local News / By Danny Tan / 22 September 2023 11:56 am / 0 comment

  

  

  Click to enlarge

  The annual PJ Half Marathon is happening this Sunday, September 24. While MBPJ is yet to officially announce road closures in the city, the route maps for the race are out, and we can see for ourselves that the longer distances – the signature 21 km HM and the extended 30 km race – cover the Petaling Jaya city centre and surrounding sections.

  Expect some areas, such as the loop around PJ State, to be fully closed to traffic. Some of the main thoroughfares in city might be shared between runners and vehicles. Take note and follow the instructions of the crew/police/MBPJ officers at junctions.

  The race village is at Laman MBPJ, in front of Dewan Sivik MBPJ along Jalan Yong Shook Lin, and the flag off time for the 30 km race is 4am. Non-runners who know PJ well, look at the map, locate the landmarks and imagine driving the route in your car. Now imagine covering the same distance on foot, pounding the pavement for a few hours. Many will be doing the same again the following Sunday at KLSCM. Runners are a crazy bunch indeed.

  If you’re in the crazy club, take note of the parking areas, water station and prayer areas along the route. Race pack collection is ongoing at Level 4, Jaya Shopping Centre (11am to 8pm today) and you can also go there tomorrow from 10am to 6pm. Good luck and may you PB. Route maps for the HM, 10K and fun run are below.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• JPJ says it has not issued any notice of conducting a large-scale operation to check on vehicles in October

  In Local News / By Anthony Lim / 22 September 2023 10:37 am 21 comments

  

  

  

  The road transport department (JPJ) says that it has not issued any notice that it will be conducting a large-scale operation in October to check vehicles for illegal modifications and excessive tinting. This comes following viral posts on social media and messages circulating through mobile chats claiming that it was set to do so.

  In a post on its official Facebook page, the department said it was aware of the posts and messages, but stressed that it has not issued any such notice as reported in these posts.

  The department advised the public not to trust unverified information received online and to contact the nearest JPJ office for more accurate information, should that be required.

  Earlier this year, the department had to issue a disclaimer regarding the sale of registration numbers through a supposedly official account on the TikTok platform, stating that the social media account in question was fake.

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• Get free GoValet at GoCar Garage with purchases of TotalEnergies Quartz service packages, until Oct 31

  In Advertorial, Sales & Promotions / By Harvinder Sidhu / 22 September 2023 10:19 am

  

  Health is paramount, and the same can be said for the health of our vehicles. The wellbeing of our rides can be challenging to upkeep, particularly with hectic schedules, and a servicing programme that helps make the process easier is certainly valuable.

  Enter GoCar Garage, that has now partnered with TotalEnergies. GoCar Garage brings the TotalEnergies Quartz and Rubia service package that is offered with the GoValet pick-up and drop-off service that is available in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor.

  Customers who book a TotalEnergies Quartz service package appointment at GoCar Garage will get to enjoy the GoValet pick-up or drop-off service, free of charge, up to a distance limit of the first 10 km for pick-ups and the first 10 km for drop-offs.

  Three service packages are on offer with the GoCar Garage TotalEnergies Quartz and Rubia range of packages; the first is the Fully Synthetic Oil Change Package, which uses a 4L pack of Total Quartz 9000 5W-40 fully synthetic engine lubricant, priced at RM328. For vehicles requiring more than the four litres of lube in the pack, a RM91 per litre surchange applies for this product.

  

  

  

  

  Next is the Semi-Synthetic Oil Change Package, which uses a 4L pack of Total Quartz 7000 10W-40 semi-synthetic engine lubricant, at RM198. When more than the four-litre quantity is required, a RM57 per litre surcharge applies.

  Rounding up the trio of oil service packages is the Semi-Synthetic Oil Change Package for diesel-powered vehicles, which brings a 5L pack of Total Rubia TIR 7400 10W-40 engine lubricant, at RM198. A RM50 per litre surcharge applies if more than the five-litre quantity is required by the vehicle. All three service packages include labour costs, an oil filter and a drain plug washer free of charge.

  As mentioned, you’ll get to enjoy these service packages with the complimentary GoValet pick-up and drop-off service if you book within the Klang Valley, Penang or Johor regions. Find your preferred GoCar Garage by clicking here, and find out more through the GoCar Garage website, here.

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• New MRT feeder bus routes for Puchong, SK, Cheras

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Danny Tan / 22 September 2023 9:35 am / 0 comment

  

  

  Click to enlarge

  Good news for those in Puchong, Seri Kembangan and Cheras. Rapid KL has announced two new MRT feeder bus routes and the trial run for T545 and T569 will start next Monday, September 25.

  Bus T545 connects the MRT Putrajaya Line station of Putra Permai to the LRT Puchong Perdana station, and it also stops at the Terminal Puchong Utama. The route has stops at Taman Puchong Utama 12, Taman Puchong Utama 10, SK Puchong Utama 1, Puchong Utama Court 2, Lakeview Homes, Lakehaven Homes, Tasik Prima 3, Vista Millennium, the Puchong Perdana mosque and Puchong Indah flats, among other stops.

  Meanwhile, bus T569 connects the MRT Kajang Line station of Batu 11 Cheras to the MRT Putrajaya Line station of Serdang Jaya. There are many stops along the route at areas such as Cheras Selatan, Balakong, Mines, South City Plaza, Seri Kembangan and Taming Jaya – see the image above for the full list.

  Both new routes are from 6am to 11.30 pm, with a frequency of 15 minutes. The fare is RM1. Starts next Monday if you want to try it out to get to the train stations.

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