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  • 2019 Proton Persona facelift launched – fr RM42,600

    In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton / By / 2 comments

    The 2019 Proton Persona facelift has just been launched here at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, nearly two months after Proton released the first set of official photos. As before, four variants are on offer, starting with the Standard MT (RM42,600), Standard CVT (RM44,600), Executive CVT (RM49,600), and Premium CVT (RM54,600). Mind you, prices are lower by RM5,000 compared to the 2016 launch, so there’s that.

    According to Proton, there’s approximately 303 changes done to the Persona, so let’s dive straight into it. The exterior revisions are pretty significant – it now features a new sweeping chrome trim up front that spans across the entire width of the car. Proton calls this the “Ethereal Bow” design, which wraps under the grille. Of course, the new grille also features the familiar “Infinite Weave” pattern we first saw on the X70 SUV.

    The headlights are carried over from before, but only the Executive and Premium models get LED daytime running lights (in place of the fog lamps). Follow-me-home lights are also available on the two, however the latter is the only one to get auto headlamps. Further down, the lower grille appears slimmer, with larger air intakes. A slim gloss black strip ties it all nicely together.

    At the rear, it gets a revised bumper with a slim chrome strip, plus a new rear bootlid garnish with the Proton script. This, plus the shark fin antenna, are standard across all models. A new set of nicer-looking silver 15-inch (same size as before) multi-spoke alloy wheels (Premium gets a two-tone finish) complete the look – the new design also fills up the arches better. Features such as electric door mirrors with auto fold, as well as remote boot release are unique to the Executive and Premium only.

    The existing selection of six colours have all been dropped. Instead, only five colours will be offered – Jet Grey, Snow White, Ruby Red, Rosewood Maroon and Armour Silver, and all colours are from Geely’s colour palette, except Ruby Red which is a Proton hue.

    Inside, the Persona black and beige colour scheme is retained. There’s a new part-leather upholstery, auto up/down for driver’s side window (previously only auto down; Executive and Premium only), and like the Iriz facelift, the Persona has a new instrument cluster with cleaner dials and a large colour multi-info display (Executive and Premium only).

    For kit, Standard and Executive models get urethane steering wheel (Executive is still urethane, but comes with multifunction controls), although items like LCD multi-info display, double-DIN audio head unit with Bluetooth connectivity, two front speakers, and fabric upholstery are for Standard models only. On the plus side, all models get three USB ports – one for data transfer, and two at the rear section of the centre console for charging mobile devices.

    As for the Executive model, it gets the new seven-inch touchscreen head unit with Bluetooth and smartphone pairing functions, as well as four speakers. The top Premium model is the only one to get the same “Hi Proton” voice control function as the X70 (minus a few commands for some of the vehicle features), as well as internet connectivity via a built-in eSIM, which Proton says is a first for the segment.

    Additional features that are bundled with the advanced head unit include online music streaming and online navigation. Of course, this comes with a five-year data package (1GB monthly), as per the X70.

    Elsewhere, the Executive and Premium both share keyless entry with push-start, and part leather part fabric seats (with 60:40 split fold; the Standard models don’t have split folding feature). Also, the Premium is the only model to get the new frameless rear view mirror and new X70 gearknob (complete with a leather boot).

    Under the bonnet, the same 1.6 litre VVT four-cylinder petrol engine is unchanged from before. It produces 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, paired to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. Proton says that the CVT has been recalibrated to reduce fuel consumption by three to four percent, and changes have also been made to achieve improved braking performance and refinement.

    Lastly, safety. The bones are unchanged, so all models get a five-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating. Dual SRS airbags are standard (only the Premium gets six airbags), as are rear seat Isofix with top tether anchorage, ABS with EBD, ESC, Brake Assist, Traction Control System, Hill Hold Assist, and dual front and rear parking sensors. The Executive and Premium add on reverse camera with dynamic lines.


    The above applies to both the Persona and Iriz facelift models

    To recap, prices start from RM42,600 to RM54,600 (OTR sans insurance), and included in the price is a five-year 150,000 km mileage warranty. Also, Proton is offering a service package (free labour for three service visits), two-year free road tax for the first 1,000 customers, as well as low financing rate of 2.93% per annum for both the Persona and Iriz.

    That’s not all – Proton is also throwing in an insurance package which includes coverage for all drivers at no extra cost, flood relief allowance of up to RM1,000, Key Care Cover (up to RM1,000), agreed value coverage (up to 12 years), as well as insurance for policy holder (up to RM15,000).

    You may read our first impressions review of the updated Proton Persona here. Also, we’ve prepared a spec-by-spec list of all four variants, plus a video review of the Persona Premium CVT, below.

    Proton Persona 1.6 Standard MT – RM42,600
    Gets as standard:

    Mechanicals

    • 1.6 litre VVT four-cylinder engine
    • 1,597 cc naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol
    • 107 hp at 5,750 rpm, 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm
    • Five-speed manual gearbox
    • ECO Drive Assist light
    • MacPherson strut front suspension, torsion beam rear
    • Ventilated front disc brakes, rear drums

    Exterior

    • Reflector halogen headlights
    • 15-inch alloy wheels
    • Shark fin antenna
    • Bootlid spoiler
    • Proton lettering on the bootlid
    • Unpainted side mirrors and door handles
    • Body-coloured B-pillars

    Interior

    • Manual air-conditioning
    • Fabric upholstery
    • Height adjustable driver’s seat
    • Urethane steering wheel
    • LCD multi-info display
    • Double-DIN radio/CD player with Bluetooth and USB connectivity
    • Two speakers
    • Two rear USB ports – 1.5 A and 2.1 A outputs
    • 510-litre boot with 14-inch space saver spare tyre

    Safety

    • Dual airbags
    • ABS with EBD and brake assist
    • Stability control
    • Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors
    • Electronic Stability Control
    • Traction Control System
    • Hill Hold Assist
    • Front and rear parking sensors

    Proton Persona 1.6 Standard CVT – RM44,600

    Adds on:

    Mechanicals

    • Punch CVT

    Proton Persona 1.6 Executive CVT – RM49,600


    Adds on:

    Exterior

    • LED daytime running lights
    • Keyless entry

    Interior

    • Push-button start
    • Part-leather upholstery
    • Urethane multifunction steering wheel
    • Colour multi-info display
    • Auto down/up driver’s side window
    • Seven-inch infotainment touchscreen
    • Four speakers
    • Reverse camera with dynamic guide lines

    Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT – RM54,600


    Adds on:

    Exterior

    • Automatic headlights
    • Blacked-out B-pillars
    • Two-tone 15-inch multi-spoke alloy

    Interior

    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls
    • Leather-wrapped gearknob with boot
    • Frameless rear-view mirror
    • 4G internet with five-year data package (1GB monthly)
    • ‘Hi Proton’ voice command, online navigation, online music streaming

    Safety

    • Six airbags (front, side, curtain)

    Browse full specification and equipment of all Proton Persona variants on CarBase.my.

    GALLERY: 2019 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium















    GALLERY: 2019 Proton Persona 1.6 Executive






     

  • 2019 Proton Iriz facelift launched – from RM36,700

    In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Proton / By / 2 comments

    Hello everyone! We’re at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre where Proton has just launched the facelifted Iriz hatch and Persona sedan. Here, we’re concentrating on the Iriz, which receives a multitude of new features and improvements – amounting to a total of 367 changes – wrapped in a fairly substantial redesign.

    We’ll start with the one piece of information you’ve all been waiting for, and that’s the price. In a surprise turn of events, the new Iriz range kicks off around RM3,700 cheaper than before – despite the addition of around RM1,400 worth of upgrades and added kit, according to Proton – at RM36,700 for the 1.3 Standard MT, rising to RM39,700 (down RM1.1k) for the CVT version and RM44,700 (down RM1.7k) for the 1.3 Executive CVT.

    The facelift sees the reintroduction of the RM46,700 1.6 Executive CVT variant, which was discontinued in 2016, while the range-topping 1.6 Premium CVT goes for RM50,700 (down RM4.1k). All prices are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of an unchanged five-year/150,000 km warranty.

    With that out of the way, let’s continue to the most striking change – the exterior design. The entire front end has been given a revamp, with the Iriz now sporting the Persona’s reflector halogen headlights (projectors previously), joined together by a full-width chrome strip. This strip has what Proton calls an “Ethereal Bow” design, with a scalloped centre section that goes under the badge.

    Elsewhere, the upper grille gets a subtle Infinite Weave pattern that was first introduced on the X70 SUV, while the lower grille is now much smaller, flanked by larger fake air intakes (with LED daytime running lights on all but the base Standard variant). The front lip spoiler is finished in matte black with a chrome strip.

    Moving to the rear of the car, there’s now a gloss black strip that joins the tail lights, complete with the Proton script that replaces the shield-shaped badge. The bumper gets a larger diffuser with the same chrome trim as the front, framed by fake air vents. New 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels on the Executive and Premium models (the latter also gets a black roof) complete the look.

    Inside, the changes are fewer but no less significant, with the addition of black headlining and – on the Premium variant – a frameless rear-view mirror and a black-and-silver gearknob from the X70. There’s also a redesigned instrument cluster with clearer, more legible silver-ringed dials and a colour multi-info display on the Executive and Premium models.

    These variants also gain a new infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen – a version of the Geely’s Global Key User Interface (GKUI) found on the X70, developed in partnership with Chinese tech company ECARX. The Premium model gets 4G connectivity (1GB free per month for five years) that adds the “Hi Proton” voice control, online music streaming and live navigation data, plus a WiFi hotspot for your devices.

    In terms of equipment, the 1.3 Standard model now has a shark fin antenna, a rear wiper and front parking sensors, joining a kit list that includes 14-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, fabric seats, a Bluetooth-enabled 2-DIN radio/CD head unit, twin rear USB ports, two speakers and reverse sensors.

    The 1.3 Executive variant adds automatic headlights and an auto up/down driver’s side window – items that were removed during the 2016 product update – along with keyless entry, push-button start, a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines and four speakers. The 1.6 litre version gains auto-folding door mirrors, another reinstated feature.

    Safety kit remains unchanged, with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, hill start assist and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors being standard fare. Only the Premium model gains side and curtain airbags for a total of six airbags, and autonomous emergency braking is still nowhere to be found.

    Also unchanged are the engines, which consist of two VVT naturally-aspirated petrol engines. The 1.3 litre version produces 95 PS at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the 1.6 litre unit bumps those figures to 109 PS and 150 Nm.

    An improved CVT – which has been worked on to improve response and fuel efficiency, combining its learnings with Geely’s – is fitted across the range, with the Standard model also getting the option of a five-speed manual gearbox. Changes have also been made to enhance braking performance, improve build quality and reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

    Here’s the variant breakdown in detail:

    2019 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard MT – RM36,700
    Gets as standard:

    Mechanicals

    • 1.3 litre VVT DOHC engine
    • 1,332 cc naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol
    • 95 PS at 5,750 rpm, 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm
    • Five-speed manual
    • MacPherson struts (front), torsion beam (rear)
    • Ventilated brake discs (front), drums (rear)

    Exterior

    • Halogen reflector headlights
    • LED rear combination tail lights
    • 14-inch alloy wheels with 175/65-section tyres
    • Power-adjustable door mirrors
    • Shark fin antenna
    • Rear wiper

    Interior

    • Urethane steering wheel
    • LCD multi-info display
    • Power windows with driver’s side auto down
    • Black fabric seats with manual adjustment
    • 60:40 split-folding rear seats
    • Manual air-conditioning
    • 2-DIN radio/CD player with Bluetooth connectivity
    • Two speakers
    • One front USB port, two rear

    Safety

    • Dual airbags
    • ABS with EBD and brake assist
    • Stability control
    • Traction control
    • Hill start assist
    • Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors
    • Front and rear parking sensors

    2019 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT – RM39,700
    Adds on:

    Mechanicals

    • CVT

    Exterior

    • Tailgate spoiler

    2019 Proton Iriz 1.3 Executive CVT – RM44,700
    Adds on:

    Exterior

    • Automatic headlights with follow-me-home function
    • LED daytime running lights
    • 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55-section tyres
    • Keyless entry

    Interior

    • Push-button start
    • TFT LCD colour multi-info display
    • Driver’s side auto up/down window with anti-pinch
    • Seven-inch touchscreen head unit with smartphone connectivity
    • Four speakers
    • Reverse camera with dynamic guidelines

    2019 Proton Iriz 1.6 Executive CVT – RM46,700

    Adds on:

    Mechanicals

    • 1.6 litre VVT DOHC engine
    • 1,597 cc naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol
    • 109 PS at 5,750 rpm, 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm

    Exterior

    • Auto-folding door mirrors

    2019 Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT – RM50,700

    Adds on:

    Exterior

    • Black roof

    Interior

    • Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
    • Leather-wrapped gearknob with silver trim
    • Part-leather upholstery
    • Frameless rear-view mirror
    • Built-in 4G connectivity with WiFi hotspot
    • Voice control, music streaming, live navigation data

    Safety

    • Six airbags (front, side, curtain)

    To sweeten the deal, Proton is throwing in a few extra goodies, including free labour for the first three scheduled services, financing interest rates starting from 2.93% per annum and two years’ free road tax (the latter for the first 1,000 customers).

    The company is also offering benefits in terms of insurance coverage, such as a waiver of betterment for up to 10 years, agreed value coverage for up to 12 years, key care coverage of up to RM1,000, a flood relief allowance of up to RM1,000, personal accident coverage for policyholders and insured drivers of up to RM15,000 and coverage for all drivers at no extra cost.

    As for colours, the existing Ruby Red paint joins a new colour palette that includes the Ocean Blue hero colour, Snow White, Armour Silver and Jet Grey – the last three hues are lifted from the X70. You can read our first drive review and browse full specifications and equipment on CarBase.my.

    GALLERY: 2019 Proton Persona 1.6 Executive CVT










    GALLERY: 2019 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT









     

  • Citroen C3 Aircross launched in Malaysia – RM116k

    In Cars, Citroën, Local News / By / 2 comments

    Following its preview at the end of last year, the Citroen C3 Aircross has now officially made its Malaysian debut. Available in a single variant, at a price of RM115,888 on-the-road excluding insurance, it enters the B-segment SUV class alongside its French compatriots, the Peugeot 2008 and the Renault Captur, which are already present in the Malaysian market.

    The C3 Aircross, which measures in at 4.15 metres long, 2.0 metres wide and 1.64 metres tall, with a 2.6 metre-long wheelbase, has the same powertrain as that seen at its preview last November.

    The unit in question is a 1.2 litre three-cylinder PureTech turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 112 PS at 5,500 rpm and 205 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.3 l/100 km on the NEDC cycle.

    Thus equipped, the C3 Aircross manages the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10.4 second and a top speed of 200 km/h. Safety equipment for the car comprises electronic stability programming, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and ABS, as well as six airbags. A rear view camera and rear parking sensor aids manoeuvres in tight quarters.

    Inside, the B-segment crossover seats five, and the rear accommodation features a tilt-and-side rear bench with 60:40 split folding. Boot space is 410 litres with the rear seats in place, or 520 litres with the rear seats adjusted to the front and the two-step boot floor lowered. For child seats, there are two Isofix anchor points for the outer rear seats.

    Interior equipment also includes keyless entry and push-button start, a multi-function steering wheel, fabric-upholstered seats, auto air-conditioning, programmable cruise control and speed limiter, a seven-inch Touch-drive interface with Mirror Link, navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Device connection points include a pair of 12-volt sockets and one USB port.

    For the exterior, the kit list includes halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights at the front end, with 3D-effect tail lamps at the rear and 17-inch ‘4ever’ two-tone alloy wheels comprising the exterior equipment.

    Four exterior colours are available for the C3 Aircross – Soft Sand, Natural White, Passion Red and Breathing Blue. The red and blue paint schemes are paired with gloss black accents on the side mirror caps, headlamps surrounds and roof rails, while Soft Sand and Natural White has orange paint applied to the aforementioned exterior items.

    Citroen distributor Naza Euro Motors is offering a three-year free service package for the first 100 units of the Citroen C3 Aircross SUV purchased, as part of its celebration of the French marque’s 100th anniversary. As standard, the C3 Aircross is covered by a five-year, 120,000 km warranty, with 24-hour roadside assistance and one-year access to the SkyLounge at Subang Skypark.



















     

  • SPIED: 992-gen Porsche 911 Targa on road and ‘Ring

    In Cars, Porsche, Spyshots / By / / 0 comment

    The Porsche 911 nameplate spawns a plethora of variants across each life-cycle, and the 992-generation model is no different in this respect. Here, we have spy images of the forthcoming Targa, identifiable by its metal-finish roll-over bar and rear windscreen in contrast with the more open structure of the 911 Cabriolet.

    Technical details for the 992-generation Targa have yet to be released, though the preceding 991 and 997 generations have employed all-wheel drive for the open-air two-door. Powertrain for such a configuration is already in place for the latest Neunelfer, where the Carrera 4S receives the latest iteration of the 3.0 litre flat-six biturbo producing 450 PS at 6,500 rpm and 530 Nm of torque from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.

    From the daylight opening downwards, the 992-generation Targa appears production ready, with camouflage tape applied to where the ‘Porsche’ script is located on other variants already launched. Its bumpers at the front and rear appear identical to those on the aforementioned 992s (save for quad tailpipes on the red car seen here – also a production item), while brakes on both cars here appear to be ceramic units.

    After the 992 Targa makes its debut, the launch 4S model can be expected to be followed up at some point with a GTS variant, which, if current form is followed, should feature further aesthetic variations to go with its even greater performance. Not that the latest generation is exactly lacking in straight-line performance, with the Carrera 4S Cabriolet clocking 3.8 seconds to 100 km/h and a 304 km/h top end.











     

  • REVIEW: Honda CB1100RS vs BMW R nineT vs Ducati Scrambler vs Kawasaki Z900RS vs Triumph Bonneville

    In Bike Reviews, Bikes, BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Honda Motorcycles, Kawasaki, Triumph / By / / 1 comment

    Alright, we get it, retro motorcycles are flavour of the month in the Malaysian motorcycle market at the moment with the call and price of nostalgia appealing to many riders, especially those who have taken care of life’s necessities and the fixed deposit has matured. So, in a momentary lapse of reason, the author had the idea of gathering retro bikes in the litre-class, available for sale in Malaysia via the official distributors, and seeing what was what.

    We gathered together, for the first paultan.org Retro Bike Rumble, the 2019 Honda CB1100RS, the BMW Motorrad R nineT Racer, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport, the Kawasaki Z900RS and the Triumph T120 Black. This became an exercise in easier said than done and the logistics involved in doing so were… well… somewhat difficult.

    In this particular case, where comparison is being made in terms of design style rather than the basis of, say, outright performance, the main criteria became ‘does the bike look like it came from the 60s, 70s or 80s?’ The selection available to us did indeed cover the decades in question, all updated with technology from this millennium and reliability we take for granted.

    But, is a modern motorcycle dressed in retro clothes all that it is cracked up to be? Many, including the author, are oftentimes guilty of looking at the past through rose tinted glasses and saying things like, “they don’t make them like they used to,” and “get off my lawn!”

    Anyone who’s ridden a 90/90-19 Dunlop TT100 front tyre in the rain with brake pads made from wood – ok, they weren’t made from wood, it just felt that way – will recall some of their scariest riding moments, ever, and if you don’t, you’re weren’t riding fast enough. That being that, we set out to see if a modern retro bike would deliver fun, nostalgia and value for money, in that order.

    Read the 2019 paultan.org Retro Bike Rumble after the jump.

     

  • Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) launched – produces new Subaru Forester for Malaysian market

    In Cars, International News, Subaru / By / 15 comments

    TC Manufacturing and Assembly Thailand (TCMA TH), a subsidiary of Singapore-based, Hong Kong-listed Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL), together with Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries), has officially launched TCIL’s first assembly facility in Thailand.

    The facility, which covers around 100,000 square metres in the Ladkrabang Industrial Estate, is operated by a joint venture company – Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Limited, or TCSAT – with TCMA TH owning a majority share of 74.9%, while Subaru Corporation holds the remaining 25.1%.

    Located in the Ladkrabang Industrial Estate, and occupying around 100,000 square metres, TCSAT is Subaru Corporation’s third factory in the world after its Gunma site in Japan and Subaru of Indiana Automotive in the United States. The facility was built with an initial investment of five billion baht.

    The plant utilises high-performance robotics at several stages of assembly, including paint application on vehicles, key welding points of the car body and sealer application for glass components. Strict quality control and correction processes are also enforced throughout the assembly process, with regular production audits by Subaru Corporation and random internal inspections. There’s also a purpose-built test track on site for vehicle testing.

    A majority of the components like body panels are brought in from Japan, but others are sourced from local and international vendors. According to the company, to comply with the ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement, 40% of the components (by value) are sourced from within the region.

    The fifth-generation Subaru Forester is the first model to be assembled at TCSAT, with the unit #1 rolling off the assembly line on August 15, 2018. Production of left-hand drive vehicles has already started here, with right-hand drive cars set to roll off the assembly lines from May this year. The cars made here are for distribution in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia through the Motor Image Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL – the company believes trade agreements in ASEAN will back this initiative.

    From a Malaysian context, the previous-generation Forester was assembled under contract at Tan Chong Motor Assemblies in Segambut, which currently makes the XV for local and export markets. With TCSAT up and running, the latest Forester could arrive as a fully-imported model from Thailand when it is launched here. It was previously reported that both Thailand and Malaysia facilities will run in parallel to serve the region, but the model split has yet to be announced.

    As the first plant outside Japan to produce Subaru cars in Asia, TCSAT has the potential to hit a capacity of 100,000 units yearly to meet demand across Southeast Asia, although it will only output around 6,000 Foresters in its first year of operation. The plant is capable of producing up to four different models, and there’s room for expansion within the area if needed.

    “This is truly a milestone for us, to be able to build Subaru cars ourselves in Thailand. From distribution, dealerships and aftersales, we are now also manufacturing Subaru cars,” said Glenn Tan, deputy chairman and managing direction of TCIL.

    “This strategic long-term move will allow us to better manage our supply chain, widen our product line-up, localise better and be less dependent on supply from Japan. We will be better able to respond and meet consumer demand for Subaru vehicles in the region, and perhaps even beyond the region in the future,” he added.




     

  • Government planning expansion of AWAS cameras

    In Local News / By / 6 comments

    The government says it plans to increase the number of Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) cameras, specifically added at accident-prone locations in order to improve road safety and reduce the accident rate, Bernama reports.

    The proposal for the growth in camera numbers is at the review stage, and the government is also reassessing the locations of the cameras for better effectiveness by updating their list of accident-prone areas based on the latest data. Currently, 45 AWAS cameras are in operation nationwide. Of the 45 cameras, 29 are used for monitoring speed limit offences, while the remaining 16 are for traffic light regulation.

    “Additional cameras will be installed. The installation costs and camera operations will only be determined when they are installed,” deputy transport minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar said in response to a question regarding the cost of purchase, installation and maintenance of the AWAS cameras, and how much in fines have been collected so far.

    The government had collected RM5,726,400 from 163,986 summonses issued between September 1, 2018 and April 17 this year, the former date being the commencement of AWAS enforcement.

    To recap, AWAS will police for two offences – running the red light and speeding. A traffic light offence carries the penalty of four demerit points for private passenger vehicles and motorcycles, and six demerit points for buses and goods delivery vehicles.

    Meanwhile, exceeding the posted speed limit by between one km/h to 25 km/h carry two points and four points respectively, while speeding offences of 25 km/h to 40 km/h above the posted limit will carry a penalty of three points and five points respectively. Finally, offences more than 40 km/h above the posted limit carry four points and six points respectively.

     

  • Government may remove price cap on RON 95 petrol when targeted fuel subsidy scheme is introduced

    In Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices / By / 42 comments

    The government may remove the price cap on RON 95 petrol once the targeted fuel subsidy scheme comes into effect. According to domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, no decision has been made as yet, but Putrajaya is exploring the available options, The Star reports.

    “We have two options. We could remove the cap once the targeted subsidies come into effect, or we could maintain it. The Cabinet has not decided on this yet. We will also have to decide on whether the targeted subsidies will be based on the current capped price, or on a float pricing system,” he said.

    Following the introduction of the weekly fuel price float system at the start of the year, it was announced in February that the retail price of RON 95 petrol would remain capped at RM2.08 per litre even if the market price of crude pushed the pump price beyond that level.

    The targeted fuel subsidy – meant for the bottom 40 (B40) low-income group – was announced by finance minister Lim Guan Eng in Budget 2019, and is expected to be introduced sometime in the middle of the year.

    The scheme will offer a subsidy of 30 sen per litre up to 100 litres a month for cars with an engine capacity of 1,500 cc and below, while motorcycles with engines below 125cc will get 40 litres of RON 95 a month at the same rate.

    Earlier this month, the government said that the subsidy, which is expected to be limited to cost of living allowance (BSH) recipients, will likely be banked in directly into the accounts of those eligible each month.

    Saifuddin reiterated that the ministry plans to use the BSH to finalise the number of those eligible for the aid. “We are keen on using this method, among other methods that have been proposed. If the Cabinet agrees that this method is best, we can immediately start disbursing the funds to recipients at the end of each month,” he said.

    He added that the ministry was awaiting the updated BSH database before the scheme can proceed, but said it should be ready very soon. “They are currently cleaning up the data and are at the final stages. We want to ensure the data is credible – the deserving must be included and those who do not deserve assistance must be removed,” he said.

     

  • Touch ‘n Go PayDirect now on available on LDP

    In Local News / By / 8 comments

    Touch ‘n Go has announced that its PayDirect system is now available on the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP). This brings the number of highways that are PayDirect-enabled to 11, with five more due to be added in the near future.

    Just to recap, PayDirect allows users to link up to three Touch n’ Go cards to their eWallet app. Once linked, the toll fare will automatically be deducted from the eWallet whenever a linked card is used at a toll booth (either by tapping it on a reader or by using a SmartTAG), without any deductions on the physical card itself.

    If the eWallet has insufficient funds, only then will the fare be deducted from the physical card’s balance. However you can preserve the balance on the card if you enable the auto-reload feature in the eWallet. Reloading the eWallet is done through the phone app via credit or debit card, online banking or TNG Reload PINs with no additional fees.

    With LDP now added to the list, the next highways to adopt PayDirect would be the Besraya Experessway (BESRAYA), Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK), New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS) and Western KL Traffic Dispersal System (SPRINT).

    Besides the LDP, PayDirect is currently available on Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA), the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE), Kajang Dispersal Link Experessway (SILK), Maju Expressway (MEX), Lebuhraya Grand Sepadu (GRANDSEPADU), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR) and Cheras-Kajang Highway (GRANDSAGA).

     

  • SPIED: BMW 4 Series Convertible – top-down testing

    In BMW, Cars, Spyshots / By / / 0 comment

    Once again, our spy photgraphers have captured the upcoming BMW 4 Series Convertible out and about running road tests, and here, it has been spotted with its top down. Given that this latest batch of images see the car in sun-seeking mode, it should be mentioned that this forthcoming G22-generation car uses a fabric soft-top, replacing the folding metal roof of old.

    The 4 Series coupe and convertible models have historically been two-door versions of its contemporary 3 Series before it adopted the new identifying numeral, and as such this G22-generation car will draw heavily from the Cluster Architecture (CLAR)-based G20 3 Series, and will therefore have plenty that is fundamentally similar.

    This will include drivetrain and the front half of the cabin and body, and therefore likely to share most, if not all of the G20’s mechanicals. This should comprise the 2.0 litre turbo four petrol in 184 hp/300 Nm and 258 hp/400 Nm forms, while a possible ‘M440i’ could use the firm’s 374 hp/500 Nm turbo straight six, until the eventual M4 successor.

    Bodywork on the G22 is still largely concealed, though on this occasion we can see that this particular development vehicle sports a rear bumper that conceals the exhaust outlets. The latter continues to be the one-per-side layout we’ve seen on the G22 mules previously, which appears to confirm that all versions will use this exhaust outlet layout, and no longer denote four-cylinder models from six-pot versions.


     
 

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Last Updated 20 Apr 2019



 

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